Patent ID: 12237624

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to make the structure and characteristics as well as the effectiveness of the present invention to be further understood and recognized, the detailed description of the present invention is provided as follows along with embodiments and accompanying figures.

The present invention provides a safety device for socket, which comprises a switching circuit, a control module, and a detection module. The switching circuit is coupled between a supply main and an internal transmission structure of a socket. The detection module detects if a plug is inserted into the socket and outputs a detection signal. The control module controls the turning-on or cutoff of the switching circuit according to the detection signal for controlling if the power source from the supply main will be supplied by the socket. When the plug is not inserted into the socket, the control module controls the switching circuit to cut off for not supplying the power source by the socket. After the plug is inserted into the socket, the control module controls the switching circuit to turn on. In other words, the power source will not be supplied to the plug unless the plug is confirmed to be inserted into the socket. Thereby, the sparks can be avoided.

Please refer toFIG.1, which shows a schematic diagram of not supplying the power source according the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the safety device1of socket is illustrated. The safety device1is applied to a socket. A plug can be inserted into the socket. The plug includes an external transmission structure3. The safety device1comprises a switching circuit20, a control module30, and a detection module. According to the present embodiment, the external transmission structure3includes a first electrical transmission member4and a second electrical transmission member5disposed separately and both being metal members. According to an embodiment of the present embodiment, the switching circuit20can be a relay.

Please refer toFIG.1again and toFIG.2, which shows a schematic diagram of supplying the power source according the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figures, according to the present embodiment, the socket includes an internal transmission structure10coupled to the switching circuit20. The switching circuit20is coupled to a supply main2. Namely, the switching circuit20is located between the supply main2and the internal transmission structure10. The control module30is coupled to the switching circuit20and transmits a control signal32to the switching circuit20for controlling its turning-on or cutoff. According to the present embodiment, the detection module includes a trigger, which can be a sensor40coupled to the control module30and outputs a detection signal42. One end of the sensor40is a contact41located in the internal transmission structure10. According to the present embodiment, the sensor40can be a metal object.

The internal transmission structure10includes a first electrical transmission member12and a second electrical transmission member14, both being metal objects in a clip shape for clipping the first electrical transmission member4and the second electrical transmission members5of the external transmission structure3of the plug. One end of the first electrical transmission member12is coupled to the switching circuit20. Namely, the switching circuit20is coupled between the first electrical transmission member12and a live wire of the supply main2. One end of the second electrical transmission member14is coupled to a neutral wire of the supply main2. Nonetheless. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment. Alternatively, the second electrical transmission member14is coupled to the switching circuit20. Namely, the switching circuit20is coupled between the neutral wire of the supply main2and the second electrical transmission member14; the first electrical transmission member12is coupled to the live wire of the supply main2. According to the present embodiment, the first electrical transmission member4of the external transmission structure3is inserted to the first electrical transmission member12of the internal transmission structure10. The second electrical transmission member5of the external transmission structure3is inserted to the second electrical transmission member14of the internal transmission structure10for transmitting power.

Please refer toFIG.1andFIG.2again, and toFIG.3A to3CandFIG.13.FIG.3A to3Cshow schematic diagrams of the mechanism according the first embodiment of the present invention;FIG.13shows a first flowchart according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figures, according to the present embodiment, one of or both the first electrical transmission member12and the second electrical transmission member14includes a spacing recess122,142, respectively. The spacing recess122is used for spacing the contact41of the sensor40and the first electrical transmission member12. Nonetheless, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. The spacing recess142can space the contact41of the sensor40and the second electrical transmission member14. In the following, the mechanism of the first electrical transmission member4and the first electrical transmission member12will be illustrated.

The switching circuit20is cut off before the first electrical transmission member4is inserted. In other words, the transmission path between the supply main2and the first electrical transmission member12is not connected. The power source from the supply main2will not be transmitted to the first electrical transmission member12, so that the socket does not supply the power source. After the first electrical transmission member4is inserted into and contacts the first electrical transmission member12, the first electrical transmission member4continues to move and contact the contact41of the sensor40so that the sensor40outputs the detection signal42to the control module30. After the control module30receives the detection signal42, it transmits the control signal32to the switching circuit20according to the detection signal42for controlling the switching circuit20to turn on. Namely, the transmission path between the first electrical transmission member12and the supply main2is connected and power source from the supply main2is transmitted to the internal transmission structure10. Since the power source from the supply main2is transmitted to the internal transmission structure10after the external transmission structure3of the plug is confirmed to be inserted into the internal transmission structure10of the socket, the damages due to the sparks generated at the instant when the plug is inserted into the socket can be avoided. The spacing recess122isolates the contact41from contacting the first electrical transmission member12so that the sensor40will not misidentify the first electrical transmission member12for the first electrical transmission member4. In addition, when the first electrical transmission member4continues to move but not contacting the contact41of the sensor40, namely, when the plug is not inserted into the socket completely, switching circuit20still will not be turned on. Thereby, the electric shocks owing to people's contact on the external transmission structure3will be prevented.

When the first electrical transmission member4should be withdrawn from the socket, the first electrical transmission member4moves in the first electrical transmission member12. Then the first electrical transmission member4will leave away from the sensor40and not contacting the sensor40. At this time, the control module30outputs the control signal32to the switching circuit20according to the detecting signal42of the sensor40for controlling the switching circuit20to cut off. By driving the internal transmission structure10to be disconnected from the power source, the damages on the socket de to the sparks generate when the plug is withdrawn can be avoided. Besides, when the first electrical transmission member4is withdrawn and not contacting the sensor40, if the plug is not moved away from the socket completely, the switching circuit20is still not turned on. Thereby, the electric shocks caused by contacting the exposed part of the first electrical transmission member4can be prevented.

Please refer again toFIG.13. As shown in the figure, according to the present embodiment, the sensor40is used to detect if the external transmission structure3(the plug) has been inserted into the internal transmission structure10(the socket). If so, the control module30controls the switching circuit20to turn on according to the detection signal for enabling the internal transmission structure10to supply the power source. If not, the sensor40continues detecting. The sensor40can further detect if the external transmission structure3(the plug) has been withdrawn from the internal transmission structure10(the socket). If so, the control module30controls the switching circuit20to cut off according to the detection signal for enabling the internal transmission structure10not to supply the power source. If not, the sensor40continues detecting.

Please refer toFIG.4, which shows a schematic diagram of the anomaly detection module according the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, according to the present embodiment, the present invention further comprises an anomaly detection module and a transmission module70. The anomaly detection module includes an electrical detection module50and a temperature sensing module60. The electrical detection module50is coupled to the supply main2, the switching circuit20, and the control module30. The electrical detection module50measures the electrical characteristics, for example, the current or the power, of the external transmission structure3and the internal transmission structure10when they contact for detecting if the status of the internal transmission structure10is abnormal and transmitting a measurement signal52to the control module30. The control module30receives the measurement signal52and judges if the electrical status of the internal transmission structure10is abnormal. The temperature sensing module60is coupled to the control module30. It senses the temperature of the internal transmission structure10and outputs a temperature signal62to the control module30. The control module30receives the temperature signal62for judging if the temperature of the internal transmission structure10is abnormal. The above measurement signal52and the temperature signal62form a detection signal. The transmission module70is coupled to the control module30, which judges if over-loading or over-temperature condition occurs in the internal transmission structure10according to the measurement signal52and/or the temperature signal62. If the control module30judges according to the measurement signal52and/or the temperature signal62that the condition of the internal transmission structure10is abnormal, it set an anomaly flag and generates a warning signal72. Then the transmission module70transmits the warning signal72to notify the monitor of the abnormal condition in the socket. The anomaly flag can be set to a register of the control module30. According to the present embodiment, the warning signal72can be a wireless signal or a wired signal capable of being transmitted to a remote mobile device or server. In addition, the sensor40can detect if the plug is inserted into the socket. When the plug is withdrawn from the socket, the control module30transmits the warning signal72to the monitor for providing the usage status of the socket and preventing movement or stealth of the electronic device coupled to the plug. For example, when the plug of the electronic device is withdrawn by others, an alarm will be submitted.

Please refer toFIG.4again and toFIG.14, which shows a second flowchart according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the sensor40detects if the external transmission structure3is inserted into the internal transmission structure10. If so, the control module30first checks if the anomaly flag is present. If the anomaly flag is not present, the control module30controls the switching circuit20to turn on for enabling the internal transmission structure10to supply the power source. The electrical detection module50and the temperature sensing module60detects the condition of the internal transmission structure10. If exceeding the default values, it means that the status of the internal transmission structure10is abnormal. Then the control module30set the anomaly flag and transmitting the warning signal72, which indicates occurrence of the over-temperature or over-loading condition, through the transmission module70. Besides, the control module30controls the switching circuit20to cut off for driving the internal transmission structure10not to supply the power source.

When the control module30detects presence of the anomaly flag and the sensor40detects withdrawal of the external transmission structure3from the internal transmission structure10, the control module30clears the anomaly flag and transmits the warning signal72via through the transmission module70for warning that the plug has been withdrawn from the socket. Moreover, the control module30controls the switching circuit20to cut off for driving the internal transmission structure10not to supply the power source. Besides, when the control module30detects presence of the anomaly flag and the sensor40detects that the external transmission structure3has not been withdrawn from the internal transmission structure10, the electrical detection module50and the temperature sensing module60continue detecting the status of the internal transmission structure10.

While inserting the plug into the socket, the external transmission structure3first moves towards the internal transmission structure10before contacting the sensor40. Then the control module30controls the switching circuit20to turn on according to the detection signal42of the sensor40. After the external transmission structure3is confirmed to contact the internal transmission structure10, the power source of the supply main2is supplied to the internal transmission structure10. While withdrawing the external transmission structure3from the internal transmission structure, the external transmission structure3is first disconnected from the sensor40. The control module30controls the switching circuit20to cut off according to the detection signal. Then the power source will not be supplied before confirming disconnection of the external transmission structure3from the internal transmission structure10.

Please refer toFIG.5andFIG.6, which show schematic diagrams of not supplying the power source and supplying the power source, respectively, according the second embodiment of the present invention. According to the present embodiment, the trigger of the detection module can be a button90coupled to the control module30. The button90is disposed on an inner wall128of the internal transmission structure10. According to the present embodiment, the button90is disposed on the inner wall128of the first electrical transmission member12. The location of the inner wall128corresponds to one end of the external transmission structure3. In other words, the inner wall128is perpendicular to the moving path of the first electrical transmission member4. When the button90is pressed by the first electrical transmission member4, a detection signal92will be transmitted. When the button90is not pressed, it recovers to the original condition and no detection signal92will be transmitted. The other components and the connection according to the present embodiment are identical to those according to the first embodiment as described above. Hence, the details will not be described again.

Please refer toFIG.5andFIG.6again, and toFIG.7A to7B, which show schematic diagrams of the mechanism according the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figures, before the first electrical transmission member4is inserted into the first electrical transmission member12, the switching circuit20is cut off, cutting off the transmission path between the supply main2and the first electrical transmission member12. After the first electrical transmission member4is inserted into and contacts the first electrical transmission member12, the first electrical transmission member4continues moving to the button90, and presses and moves the button90. After the button90is moved, the detection signal92is transmitted to the control module30. After the control module30receives the detection signal92, the control signal32is transmitted to the switching circuit20for controlling the switching circuit20to turn on. The power source from the supply main2is transmitted to the first electrical transmission member12. Namely, the power source is transmitted to the internal transmission structure10. In addition, if the first electrical transmission member4is inserted into the first electrical transmission member12but not pressing or moving the button90, it means that the plug is not completely inserted into the socket. Then the control module30still controls the switching circuit20not to turn on for avoiding electric shock on people touching the exposed portion of the external transmission structure3.

If the first electrical transmission member4needs to be withdrawn from the first electrical transmission member12, the first electrical transmission member4moves outwards from the first electrical transmission member12. First, the first transmission member4does not contact the button90. At this moment, the control module30transmits the control signal32to the switching circuit20for controlling the switching circuit20to cut off and enabling the internal transmission structure10not to supply the power source. In addition, when the first electrical transmission member4has not completely withdrawn from the first electrical transmission member12, since the first electrical transmission member4has released the button90, the first electrical transmission member4will not transmit the power source. Thereby, the electric shocks caused by contacting the exposed part of the first electrical transmission member4can be prevented.

Please refer toFIG.8, which shows a schematic diagram of the anomaly detection module according the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, according to the present embodiment, the present invention further comprises the electrical detection module50, the temperature sensing module60, and the transmission module70. The operation and connection are identical to those according to the first embodiment as described above. Hence, the details will not be described again.

Please refer toFIG.9andFIG.10, which shows schematic diagrams of not supplying the power source according the third embodiment of the present invention;FIG.10shows a schematic diagram of not supplying the power source and supplying the power source, respectively, according the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figures, the detection module80according to the present embodiment includes a light-emitting device82and a photosensor84disposed opposing to each other and at the internal transmission structure10. The photosensor84faces the light-emitting device82. The light-emitting device82emits the light L to the photosensor84. The photosensor84senses the light L and outputs the detection signal842. The other components and the connection according to the present embodiment are identical to those according to the first embodiment as described above. Hence, the details will not be described again.

Please refer toFIG.9andFIG.10again and toFIG.11A to11B, which show schematic diagrams of the mechanism according the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figures, the first electrical transmission member12includes a first hole124and a second hole126. The light-emitting device82is disposed in the first hole124; the photosensor84is disposed in the second hole126. The light L emitted from the light-emitting device82passes through the first hole124and the second hole126and reaches the photosensor84, which senses the light L.

The control module30controls the switching circuit20to cut off before the first electrical transmission member4is inserted into the first electrical transmission member12. In other words, the transmission path between the supply main2and the first electrical transmission member12will be cut off. After the first electrical transmission member4is inserted into and contacts the first electrical transmission member12, the first electrical transmission member4moves to the first hole124of the first electrical transmission member12. The first electrical transmission member4blocks the light L. After the first electrical transmission member4blocks the light L, the photosensor84transmits a detection signal842to the control module30. This detection signal842represents that no light L is detected. After the control module30receives the detection signal842, it transmits the control signal to the switching circuit20for controlling the switching circuit to turn on and enabling the power source from the supply main2is transmitted to the first electrical transmission member12. Namely, the internal transmission structure10starts to supply the power source. Thereby, the sparks generated when the plug is inserted into the socket can be avoided and thus preventing damages and carbon accumulation in the socket. By reducing carbon accumulation in the socket, the heat generated while the socket is supplying power can be lowered. In addition, when the first electrical transmission member4moves but not reaching the first hole124of the first electrical transmission member12, since the plug has not completely inserted into the socket, the switching circuit20is still not turned on. Thereby, the electric shocks caused by contacting the exposed part of the first electrical transmission member4can be prevented.

When the first electrical transmission member4needs to be withdrawn from the first electrical transmission member12, the first electrical transmission member4moves away from the first electrical transmission member12and then leaves the first hole124. The photosensor84receives the light L and transmits the detection signal842. Then this detection signal842represent detection of the light L. At this moment, the control module30transmits the control signal32according to the detection signal842to the switching circuit20for controlling the switching circuit20to cut off and driving the first electrical transmission member12and the internal transmission structure10not to supply the power source. Furthermore, when the first electrical transmission member4has not completely left the first electrical transmission member12, because the first electrical transmission member4has left the first hole124, the switching circuit20will be cut off. Thereby, the electric shocks caused by contacting the exposed part of the first electrical transmission member4can be prevented.

Please refer toFIG.12, which shows a schematic diagram of the anomaly detection module according the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, according to the present embodiment, the present invention further comprises the electrical detection module50, the temperature sensing module60, and the transmission module70. The operation and connection are identical to those according to the first embodiment as described above. Hence, the details will not be described again.

Please refer toFIG.15A to15Cand toFIG.17.FIG.15A to15Cshow schematic diagrams of the mechanism according the fourth embodiment of the present invention;FIG.17shows a third flowchart according to the embodiment of the present invention. According to the present embodiment, an electronic device2is connected to the plug, which includes the external transmission structure3described above. The electronic device2further includes a switch6for starting or stopping the electronic device2. When the switch6is closed, the power circuitry of the electronic device2is turned on for receiving the power source for operations. Contrarily, when the switch6is cut off, the power circuitry of the electronic device2is cut off, disabling the electronic device2to receive the power source. As shown inFIG.15AandFIG.17, the switching circuit20is cut off before the external transmission structure3of the electronic device2is inserted into the internal transmission structure10of the socket, and hence disabling the internal transmission structure10to supply the power source. According to the present embodiment, the switching circuit20can be a relay.

According to the present embodiment, the detection module includes an electrical circuitry detection module35and an electrical detection module50. The electrical circuitry detection module35is coupled to the control module30, the internal transmission structure10, and the live wire L of the supply main2. When the plug of the electronic device2is inserted into the plug, namely, when the external transmission structure3is inserted into the internal transmission structure10, the electrical circuitry detection module35detects the turning-on or cutoff status of the electrical circuitry, for example, the power circuitry, of the electronic device2and outputs a detection signal37for indicating if the electronic device is turned on. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical circuitry detection module35detects if non-negligible voltage or impedance exists in the electronic device2. The present invention is not limited to detecting non-negligible voltage or impedance. If no non-negligible voltage or impedance exists, it means that the electrical circuitry of the electronic device2is cut off. The control module30controls the switching circuit20to turn on or cut off according to the detection signal of the electrical circuitry detection module35. When the electrical circuitry is turned on, as shown inFIG.15B, it means that the external transmission structure3of the plug in inserted into the internal transmission structure10of the socket. Then the control module30controls the switching circuit20to turn on. When the electrical circuitry is cut off, it means that the external transmission structure3of the plug is not inserted into the internal transmission structure10(as shown inFIG.15A) or the switch6of the electronic device2is open (as shown inFIG.15C). Then the control module30controls the switching circuit20to cut off. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical circuitry detection module35is parallel with the switching circuit20.

Furthermore, when the external transmission structure3contacts the internal transmission structure10and the power source is transmitted to the electronic device2, the electrical detection module50detects the electrical characteristics of the internal transmission structure10, namely, the electrical status of the internal transmission structure10such as current or power, for judging if the plug of the electronic device2has been withdrawn from the socket and generating the detection signal52to the control module30. When the internal transmission structure10has transmitted power source to the external transmission structure3for supplying the power source to the electronic device2, the electronic device2starts to operate and hence the electrical detection module50will detect current and electrical power. If the electrical detection module50has not detected current or electrical power consumption, it means that the electronic device2stops operating or the plug has been withdrawn from the socket, meaning that the socket need not to supply the power source. The control module30controls the switching circuit20to cut off according to the detection signal52of the electrical detection module50. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the detection signal52also acts as the detection signal provided to the control module30. In addition, when the internal transmission structure10has transmitted the power source to the external transmission structure3and hence supplying the power source to the electronic device2, if no electrical characteristic, such as current or electrical power, is detected, it means that the electronic device2is not operating. The electrical detection module50will continue detecting for a predetermined time. If the electrical detection module50continues to detect no electrical characteristic within the predetermined time, it means that the internal transmission structure10does not transmit power source within the predetermined time. At this time, the control module30judges that the electronic device2is not operating or has been withdrawn from the socket and hence controls the switching circuit20to cut off. Them the electrical circuitry detection module35re-detect of the electrical circuitry of the electronic device2is turned on. According to the present embodiment, the predetermined time can be set according to user's requirements. For example, the predetermined time can be, but not limited to, 50 seconds, 30 minutes, 2 hours, or 4 days.

Please refer toFIG.16, which shows a schematic diagram of the anomaly detection module according the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, according to the present embodiment, the present invention further comprises the temperature sensing module60and the transmission module70. The operation and connection are identical to those according to the first embodiment as described above. Hence, the details will not be described again. As shown inFIG.17, when the over-loading or over-temperature condition occurs at the internal transmission structure10of the socket, the transmission module70will submit the warning signal.

Accordingly, the present invention conforms to the legal requirements owing to its novelty, nonobviousness, and utility. However, the foregoing description is only embodiments of the present invention, not used to limit the scope and range of the present invention. Those equivalent changes or modifications made according to the shape, structure, feature, or spirit described in the claims of the present invention are included in the appended claims of the present invention.