WO2014186833A1

WO2014186833A1 - Batten holder, connector, system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2014186833A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000544
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth Basil GRANS BURY
Original assignee: Schneider Electric (Australia) Pty Limited
Priority date: 2013-05-23
Filing date: 2014-05-23
Publication date: 2014-11-27
Also published as: AU2014271197A8; TW201511615A; AU2014271197A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a batten holder with a connector module electrically connected to the switched terminal of the batten holder. The connector module allows control of a light source connected to the batten holder. The batten holder and the corresponding light source comprises multiple switched and non-switched terminals. In some embodiments, the connector module allows wireless control from a remote location. Also disclosed are a range of connector modules allowing control functionality according to different protocols, including C-BUS, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi. A building with rooms and areas fitted with the batten holder system is also described.

Description

BATTEN HOLDER, CONNECTOR, SYSTEM AND METHOD

ΡΚΙΟΚί^'ϊΎ

The present application claims priority from:

Australia Provisional Patent Application No. 2013901849 titled "Batten Holder. Connector, System and Method" filed on 23 Mm 2013; and

Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 201390 850 titled "Electrical Connector, System and Method" filed on 23 May 2013.

The entire content of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE The following publications are referred to in the present application:

PCT/AUO3/0Q365 entitled "Improved Dimmer Circuit Arrangement";

PCT/AljO3/0O366 entitled "Dimmer Circuit with Improved inductive Load";

PCT/AUO3/00364 entitled "Dimmer Circuit with Improved Ripple Control";

PCT/AU2006/001883 entitled "Current Zero Crossing Detector in A Dimmer Circuit";

PCT/AU20G6/001 882 entitled "Load Detector For A Dimmer":

PCT/AU2006 OO1 881 entitled "A Universal Dimmer" ;

PCT/AU200S/001398 entitled "Improved Start-Up Detection in a Dimmer Circuit";

PCT/AU2O08/0Q1399 entitled "Dimmer Circuit With Overcurrent Detection";

PCT/AU2008/ 01 00 entitled 'Overcurrent Protection in a Dimmer Circuit*; and

Australian Provisional Patent Application No 201 1 041 51 entitled "Dimmable Light Emitting

Diode Load Driver with Bypass Current",

Co-pending Australian Provisional Patent Application entitled "Electrical Connector, System and Method".

The entire content of each of these documents is hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to batten holders, for lights. BACKGROUND

Batten holders are devices thai allow connection of a light source such as an incandescent light bulb or compact fluorescent f ight, to a power supply such as from the mains or supply. Batten holders provide for the connection of the electrical conductors of the mains or supply wiring to terminals of the batten holder, and provide for a means of connecting the light source to the batten holder in such a way that the light source contacts electrical terminals of the batten holder to receive electrical power from the connected electrical conductors from the mains or supply source, thus allowing the light source to generate light.:

Batten holders also provide for a means of coanecting a user s witch to the light source to allow control of the light source by a user to turn the light source on and off, and in some cases, to allow other control of the light source such as dimming.

Figure ! shows a conventional wiring arrangement of a batten holder 50 comprising four terminals, being an active terminal 51 , a switched active terminal 53, an earth terminal 52 and a neutral terminal 54. The switched active terminal 53 is electrically connected to a first bulb terminal 201 of light source 200 (being in this example, a light bulb) and the neutral terminal 54 is electrically connected to second bulb terminal 202 of light source 200, to provide electrical power to energize filament 203 to generate light as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

Batten holder 50 is connected to electrical conductor 300 which is connected to a mains or supply power of for example, about 240V running at .about 50Hz. It will be appreciated that this may vary from country to country. Electrical conductor 300 comprises an active conductor 310, an earth conductor 31 1 and a neutral conductor 3 12. The active conductor 310 is connected to active terminal 51 and then loops off to a first terminal of user switch 60. A second terminal of user switch 60 is then connected to the switched active terminal 53 of batten holder 50 via switched active conductor 3 13. The active conductor 3 0 also loops back from the active terminal 51 back to electrical conductor 300. Earth conductor 31 1 is connected to earth terminal 52 and loops back to electrical conductor 300, while neutral conductor 312 connects to neutral terminal 54 and loops back to electrical conductor 300. hi practice, when a user turns user switch 60 on and off, switched active conductor 3 13 applies appropriate signals to switched active terminal 53 to turn light source 200 on and off. IP the event that a user wishes to provide further control functionality to the light source (e.g. dimming), it is necessary to significantly re-wire the arrangement to connect a controller at the user switch and to re-wire the connections between the controller, the light source and the batten holder. SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a batten holder arrangement for receiving a light source, comprising:

a batten holder comprising: a switched terminal for receiving a switched signal; a non- switched terminal for receiving a non-switched signal; a light source switched terminal for electrically connecting the light source to the switched terminal; a light source non-switched terminal for electrically connecting the tight source to the non-switched terminal; and a light source retainer for receiving and retaining the light source in contact with the light source switched terminal and the light source non-switched terminal; and a connector module comprising a switch between a first connector module terminal and a second connector module terminal, the second connector module terminal being in electrical and physical contact with the switched terminal of the batten holder.

In one embodiment, the connector module further comprises a switch controller for controlling the switch.

In one form, the connector module further comprises connector module control input for receiving control input signals for controlling the switch controller. m one form, the connector module control input comprises a first input terminal and a second input terminal for connection to a user switch.

In one form, the connector module input comprises a wireless receiver for receiving a wireless control signal. in one form,_, the switch controller is a C-BUS controller, in one form, the switch controller is a dimming circuit. In one form, the switc controller is a Zigbee controller. In one form, the switch controller is a Wi-Fi controller. in one form, the connector module comprises functional circuitry providing the switch, the switch controller and the connector module control input, the functional circuitry being mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). In one form, the second connector module terminal is provided by a portion of the PCB for connection to the switched terminal of the batten holder.

In one form, the batten holder farther comprises a third terminal and the first connector module of the connector module is provided by a second portion of the PCB for connection to the third terminal of the batten .

In one form, the third terminal of the batten holder is an active termmai, the switched terminal of the batten holder is a switched actsve terminal, and the non-switched active terminal of the batten holder is a neutral terminal.

In one form, the connector module comprises a third connection module terminal provided by a third portion of the PCB for connection to the neutral terminal of the batten holder.

In one form, the batten holder comprises a fourth terminal being an earth termmai,

In a second aspect, there is provided a batten holder for receiving a. l ight source, the batten holder comprising: a first terminal for receiving a first conductor; a second terminal for receiving a second conductor; a third terminal for receiving a third conductor; a light source first terminal for contacting the light source; a light source second terminal for contacting the light source; and a l ight source retainer for receiving and retaining the light source in contact with the light source first terminal and the light source second terminal; wherein the first terminal, the second terminal and the third terminal are disposed substantially in-line with each other. In one form, the batten holder further comprises a fourth terminal for recei ving a fourth conductor.

In one form, the fourth terminal is substantially in-line with the first terminal, the second terminal and the third terminal.

In one form, the first terminal is an active terminal, the second terminal is a switched active terminal, the third terminal is a neutral terminal, the fourth terminal is an earth terminal, the first conductor is an active conductor, the second conductor is a switched active conductor, the third conductor is a neutral conductor, the fourth conductor is an earth conductor, the first light source terminal is a switched active terminal and the second light source terminal is a neutral terminal. According to a third aspect, there is provided a connector module for connection to a batten holder comprising at least a switched terminal and a non-switched terminal, the connector module comprising a switch between a first connector module terminal and a second connector module terminal the second connector module terminal being adapted to make electrical and physical contact with the switched terminal of the batten holder.

In one form, the connector module further comprises a switch controller for controlling the switch,

In one form, the connector module further comprises a connector module control input for receiving control input signals for controlling the switch controller.

In one form, the connector module control input comprises a first input terminal and a second input terminal for connection to a user switch, in one form, the connector module input comprises a wireless receiver for receiving a wireless control signal. in one form, the switch controller is a C-BUS controller. In one form, the switch controller is a dimming circuit. In one form, the switch controller is a Zigbee controller. In one form, the switch controller is a Wi-Fi controller. in one form, the connector module comprises functional circuitry providing the switch, the switch controller and the connector module control input, the functional circuitry being mounted to a printed circuit board {PCB}. In one form., the second connector module terminal is provided by a portion of the PCB fo connection to the switched^■terminal of the batten holder.

In one form, the first connector module terminal of the connector module is provided by a second portion of the PCB for connection to a third terminal of the batten holder.

In one form, the connector module comprises a third connector module terminal provided by a third. portion of the PCB for connection to a neutral terminal of the batten holder. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a building comprising at least one batten holder arrangement according to the first aspect.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method^' of converting a batten holder into a controllabl batten holder, th method comprising connecting a connector module according to the third aspect to the batten holder.

In one form, the ste of connecting the connector module to the batten holder comprises placing into physical and electrical contact at least the second connector module terminal with a switched terminal of the batten holder.

In one form, the step of connecting the connector module to the batten holder further comprises placing into physical and electrical contact the first and third connector module terminals to respective non-switched and third terminals of the batten holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the various aspects described herein will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 - shows a conventional wiring arrangement of a batten holder;

Figure 2 - shows a general embodiment of one aspect of a batten holder arrangement;

Figure 3 - shows the batten holder arrangement of Figure 2 connected to an electrical conductor;

Figure 4 - shows another embodiment of a connector module with switch controller;

Figure 5 - shows another embodiment of a connector module with a control input;

Figure 6 - shows another embodiment of the connector module of Figure 5;

Figure 7 ~ shows another embodiment of the control module of Figure 2;

Figure 8 - shows the connector module of Figure 7 connected to a batten holder;

Figure 9 - shows the batten holder arrangement of Figure 8 connected to an electrical conductor; Figure 10 - shows another embodiment of the batten holder arran gement connected to an electrical conductor;

Figure 1 1 - shows the batten holder arrangement of Figure 10 also connected to a user switch; Figure 12A - shows one example of a batten holder;

Figure 128 - shows another example of a batten holder as described herein;

Figure 13 A - shows an embodiment of a connector module with two terminals;

Figure 13B - shows another embodiment of a connector module with two terminals;

Figure 1 C ~ shows another embodiment of a connector module with three terminals;

Figure DD - shows another embodi ment of a connector module with three terminals:

Figure 13E - shows another embodiment of a connector module with one terminal;

Figure 13F - shows anothe embodiment of a connector module with two terminals;

Figure 1 G - shows another embodiment of a connector module with three terminals

Figure 1_.4A - shows a specific embodiment of a batten bolder arrangement;

Figure 1.4B - shows the arrangement of Figure 1 A from a different angle;

Figure 1 5 A— shows another embodiment of a batten holder arrangement- Figure 15B— shows the arrangement of Figure i 5 A from the rear;

Figure 16 - sho ws another embodiment of a batten holder arrangement;

Figure 17 A - sho ws another embodiment of a batten holder arrangement;

Figure ΠΒ - shows the arrangement of Figure 17 A from the rear;

Figure I SA - shows a plan view of a connector module in the form of a current sensor and reporter; Figure 1 SB ~ shows a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 18A;

Figure 19A - shows a plan view of a connector module as a Zigbee radio controlled single channel relay module;

Figure 19B— shows a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 1 A; Figure 20A - shows a plan view of a connector module in the form of a dimmer module with single channel relay and MOSFET for dimming;

Figure 20B - shows a perspective view of the connector module of Figure- 20 A; Figure 21 A - shows a plan view of a connector module in the form of a single channel relay; Figure 21B - shows, a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 21 A; and Figure 22 - shows a building to which the various aspects described herein may he applied. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 2 shows a general embodiment of one aspect described herein to facilitate the provision of control functionality to a batten holder. Shown in Figure 2 is a batten holder arrangement 500 comprising a batten holder 100 and a connector module 400. In this broad embodiment, batten holder 100 comprises a switched terminal 110, a non-switched terminal 120, a light source switched terminal 150 in electrical connection with switched terminal 1 10 and a light source non-switched terminal 1.60 in electrical connection with non-switched terminal 120. Batten holder 100 also has a li ht source retainer, shown generally as element 1 70.

In orse embodiment, light source retainer 170 is a screw arrangement for receiving a reciprocal screw arrangement on the light source (not shown). In another embodiment, tight source retainer 0 is a bayonet arrangement for receiving retaining pins on the light source. In another embodiment, light source retainer 170 is a spring arrangement for receiving and retaining the light source (not shown), in one embodiment,, light source retainer ! 70 retains the light source to the batten holder as well as keeps corresponding terminals of the light source in contact with the light source switched terminal 1 50 and the light source non-switched terminal 160.

Connector module 400 comprises a switch 410, a first connector module terminal 420 conneeted to one side of switch 410 and a second connector module terminal 430 connected to the other side of switch 410, Accordingly, switch 410 is disposed between first connector module terminal 420 and second connector module terminal 430, As can be seen in Figure 2, second connector module terminal 430 is in electrical and physical contact with the switched terminal 1 1 0 of batten holder 100.

It will be appreciated that switch 410 may be any suitable switch as required for the purpose, as will be understood by the person skilled in the art. in one embodiment, switch 160 is a mechanical switch. In another embodiment,, switch 160 is a relay. In another embodiment, switch 160 is a semiconductor switch such as a Silicon Controiled Rectifier (SCR), thyrtstor, triae, transistor, bipolar junction transistor (BIT), Field Effect Transistor (FET), Junction Gate Field Effect Transistor (JFET), Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (M.ESFET), Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect

Transistor (MOSFET), Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), Organic Field Effect Transistor (OFET) or any other suitable switching device. It will also be appreciated that switch 160 in some embodiments, is provided by multiple switching elements to provide the desired switching function.

Figure 3 shows the batten holder arrangement 500 connected to electrical conductor 600. In this embodiment, electrical conductor 600 comprises a first conductor 610 and a second conductor 620. First conductor 610 is connected to first connector module terminal 410 and then loops back to electrical: conductor 600. Second conductor 620 is connected to non-switched terminal 120 of light batten, 100 and then loops back to electrical conductor 600. As can be seen in Figure 3, switch 410 will operate to switch the signal received from first conductor 610 and apply this switched signal to switched conductor 1 10 via second connector module terminal 430, Thus, the light source (not shown) is controlled in accordance with the switching of switch 410 as will be described in more detail below.

In one embodiment, first conductor 610 is an active conductor and first connector module terminal 410 is ari active terminal and second conductor 620 is a neutral conductor and non-switched terminal 120 is & neutral terminal in another embodiment. Fust conductor 610 is a neutral conductor and first connector module terminal 410 is a neutral terminal and second conductor 620 is an active conductor and non-switched terminal 120 is an active terminal.

It will be appreciated that in this arrangement, the provision of a connector module 410 directly connected to light batten .100, facilitates the implementation of control to the light source.

In a further embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, connector module 400 comprises a switch controller 440 to control the switching of switch 10. In one embodiment, Switch controller 440 is a C-BUS controller for controlling switch 410 in accordance with a control protocol provided by the Applicant of the present application under the name C-BUS. Together, the switch 410 and switch controller 440 are in this embodiment, referred to as a C-BUS connector module. ί^η another embodiment, the switch controller 440 is circuitry which controls switch 410 to perform a dimming, function to control the brightness of the Sight source. Together, the circuitry of switch controller 440 and switch 410 form a dimmer circuit. Examples of dimmer circuits are described in PCT/AU03/0Q365 entitled "Improved Dimme Circuit Arrangement"; PCT/AU03/00366 entitled "Dimmer Circuit with improved Inductive Load'^*; PCT/Al 03 00364 entitled "Dimmer Circuit with improved Ripple Control"; PCT/AU2006/001883 entitled "Current Zero Crossing Detector in A Dimmer Circuit"; FCT/AU2OO6/003882 entitled "Load Detector For A Dimmer":

PCT/AU2006/0G1 SSI entitled "A Universal Dimmer"/ ; PCT/AU2008/001398 entitled "improved Start-Up Detection in a Dimmer Circuit"; PCT/AU2008/0013 9 entitled "Dimmer Circuit With Overcurrent Detection"; PCT/AU200S/001 00 entitled "Qverourrent Protection in a Dimmer Circuit"; and Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2011 04151 entitled "Dimmabie Light Emitting Diode Load Driver with Bypass Current", all previously incorporated by reference in their entirety . Together, the switch 410 and switch controller 440 are in this embodiment, referred to as a dimmer connector module. In a further embodiment, switch controller 440 controls switch 410 in acoordance with a

communications protocol known as Zigbee, based on an IEEE 802 standard. Together, the switch 410 and switch controller 440 are in this embodiment, referred to as a Zigbee connector module.

In a further embodiment, switch controller 440 controls switch 410 in accordance with control signals received from Wi-Fi network. Together, the switch 410 and switch controller 440 are in this embodiment, referred to as a Wi-Fi connector module.

In another embodiment, illustrated in Figure 5, connecto module 400 further comprises a connector module control input 450 fo receiving control input from externa! to connector module 400. In one embodiment, the connector module control input is provided by two control input terminals 451 and 452 as shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the control signals could come from a user switch 60 connected by wire to the control input terminals 451 , 452. In this embodiment, user switch 60 could be a simple mechanical on-off switch, or a rotary switch for providing dimming signals, or an electronic switch on a digital touch screen.

In another embodiment, connector module control input 450 is a wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals from a. remote source, including each of the user switches 60 described above, when fitted with a. wireless transmitter, and including control signals from a remote control device operable by a user. In a further aspect described herein and as shown in Figure 7, connector module 400 is configured so that first connector module terminal 420 is located next to second connector module terminal 430 suc that each connector module terminal 420, 430 can engage with a corresponding terminal of the batten holder 100. Figure S shows batten holder arrangement 500 comprising batten holder 100 with switched term in ai 110, non-switched terminal 120 and in this embodiment, third terminal 130. As previously described, light source switched terminal 150 and light source non-switched terminal i 60 are connected to respective terminals.

In this embodiment, third terminal 130 is an active terminal, switched terminal 150 is a switched active terminal and non-switched terminal 120 is a neutral terminal. As can be seen, switch 410 is between first connector module terminal 420 and second connector module terminal 430 of connector module 400. In this embodiment first connector module terminal is in electrical and physical contact with third terminal. 130 and second connector module terminal 430 is in electrical and physica contact with the switched terminal 3 10. Figure 9 shows the arrangement of Figure 8 in a wired configuration with electrical conductor 600, connected to a mains or supply source. First conductor 61 is in this embodiment, connected; to third terminal 130 of batten holder 1 00, and then bops back to conductor 600 to complete the circui t. First connector module terminal 420 is in electrical and physical connection with third terminal 130.

Accordingly, the electrical signal on first conductor 610 is applied to the first connector module terminal 420 and thus applied to one end of switch 41 . The other end of switch 41 0 is connected to first connector module terminal 420 which is in electrical and physical contact with switched terminal 110 of batten holder 100. Light source switched terminal 150 is in contact with switched terminal 1 10, thus providing a switched signal to the light source (not shown) in accordance with the switching of switch 140 as previously described. Non-switched terminal 120 is connected to second conductor 620 of electrical conductor 600 which then loops back to electrical conductor 600 io complete the circuit. Non-switched terminal 120 is connected to light source non-switched terminal 160 to apply the electrical signal conducted by second conductor 620 to the light source (not shown).

In one embodiment, first conductor 610 is an active conductor and third terminal 130 and first connector module terminal 420 are active terminals, and second conductor 620 is a neutral conductor and non-switched terminal 120 is a neutral terminal, in another embodiment, first conductor 610 is a neutral conductor and third terminal 30 and first connector module terminal 420 are neutral terminals, and second conductor 620 is an active conductor and non-switched terminal 120 is an active terminal. Figure 10 shows the arrangement of Figure 9 but with an additional third conductor 630. In one embodiment third conductor 130 is an earth conductor and connector module 400 has a fourth terminal 140, being an earth terminal. In this embodiment, connector module. 400 also has a third connector module terminal 460 which is in electrical and physical contact with non-swttche terminal 120. In One embodiment, non-switched terminal 120 is a neutral terminal. In another embodiment, non- switched terminal 120 is an active terminal, i some embodiments, fourth terminal 140, being the earth terminal, is not present, AH other connections are as described above with reference to Figure 9.

Figure 1 1 shows the arrangement of Figure 10 with user switch 60 connected to the connector module control input 45Q (in this embodiment shown as control input terminals 451 and 452). Control signals provided by user switch 60 (such as "on" or "off signals or dimming signals if user switch 60 is a rotary switch or variable digital switch) are applied to control input terminals 451 , 452 which apply these control signals to switch controller 440. which in turn controls the operation of switch 410 as previously described.

Compari ng this arrangement with the arrangement of Figure 1 , it can be sec: ; that the wiring of batten holder 100 is essentially unchanged, with the exception of providing the control signals to the connector module with switch wires 61, 62. Essentially, then the various aspects of the batten holder arrangement and connector module provide for control functionality to a batten holder sim ly by, in one aspect, inserting terminals of a connector module into the corresponding terminals of the batten holder and connecting the control or switch wires 6! , 62 to the connector module control input 4S0. In some embodiments, where connector module control input 450 is a wireless receiver, then no wired connections need be made at all and it is simply a matter of plugging in connector module 400 to light batten 100, The type of control desired can be selected by selecting the type of connector module as previously described and further described in more detail below,

Figure 12A shows a representative top view of the light batten 100, showing the configuration of the switched 1 10. non-switched 120, third 130 and fourth 1.40 terminals of the light batten 100 in one example of a light batten 100 suitable for use with the connector module 100. Figure .126 shows another embodiment of a suitable light batten 100, in which all terminals are in substantially the same line.

Figures 13A to 13G show various possible embodiments of connector module 400 for use with batten holder 100, depending on the configuration of batten holder 1.00, example of which are described with reference to Figures I 2A and I 2B. Figure- 13A shows an example configuration of connector module 400 as described with reference to Figures 2 to 6 for example. This arrangement can be used with any batten holder 100 with at least a switched terminal 1 10 (as shown for example in Figures 12A and 12B) simply by physically and electrically connecting second connector module terminal 430 to switched terminal 1 10 of batten holder 100. This connection can be done by any suitable means including inserting second connector module terminal 430 into switched terminal 1 10, or via a magnetic connection, or via second connector module terminal 430 sl iding over switched terminal 110 or any other means of connection.

In the arrangement of Figure 13 A, first conductor 6 0 is then connected to first connector module 420 by any suitable means, including tying, welding, soldering, crimping, clamping and/or winding. The connector module 400 shown in Figure 13B is as described with reference to Figures 7, 8 and 9 for example, in which first connector module terminal 420 and second connector module terminal 430 are disposed side by side to connect with corresponding third terminal 130 and switched terminal 1 10 of batten holder 1 0, This connector module configuration can be used with a batten holder as shown in Figure 12B or if the terminals were rearranged, could be used with the batten holder of Figure 12 A. Figure 13C shows another embodiment in which connector module 100 has three terminals, being first connector module terminal 420, second connector module terminal 430 and third connector module terminal 460, all on the same face. These terminals are disposed so as to connect with respective third terminal 130, switched terminal I 10 and non-switched terminal 120 of batten holder 100 as described with reference to Figures 10 and 1 1 for example, using a batten holder as shown in Figure 12 A, Figure 13D shows a connector module 400 with first connector module terminal 420, second connector module terminal 430 and third connector module terminal 460, all substantially aligned. These terminals are disposed so as to connect with respective third terminal \ 3(5, switched terminal 1 10 and non-switched terminal 120 of batten holder 1 00 as described with reference to Figures I i) and 1 1 for example, using a batten holder as shown in Figure 12B. It will be appreciated that while the casing (if any) of the connector modules in Figures ί 3 A to 13D is shown as a generic cuboid or box shap for illustrative purposes only, any suitable casing {if any} shape may be used- Figure 13 E shows another embodiment, in which connector module 400 is provided as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) module on which functional components (including terminals, switches and electronic circuitry) are mounted. As can be seen, the PCB is shaped to as to provide a base for the connector module terminals, in Figure 13E, the PCB is shaped to provide a base lor second connector module 430, which would be provided by mounting. an electrically-conductive material to the terminal base and .connected to one end of a switch (e.g. relay) mounted to the PCB for connection to the switched terminal 1 10 of batten holder 100 (not shown) in this view as previousl described. f igure 13 F shows connector module 400 with provision for two terminals, being first connector module terminal 420 and second connector module terminal 430 for connection with respective third terminal 130 and switched terminal 1 10 of batten holder 100 (not shown).

Figure 13G shows connector module 400 with provision for three terminals, being first connector module terminal 420, second connector module terminal 430 and third connector module terminal 460, all substantially aligned. These terminals are disposed so as to connect with respective third terminal 1,30, switched terminal i 10 and non-switched terminal. 120 of batten holder 1 00 as described with reference to Figures 10 and 1 1 for example, using a batten holder as shown in Figure 12B.

Figure 14 A shows one specific erabodimeni of a batten holder arrangement 500. Shown there is batten holder 100 and connector module 400, which. in this embodiment, comprises wires for connection to switch 410 and" first connector module terminal 420 and second connector module terminal 430. In this view, batten holder arrangement 500 is also shown connected to electrical conductor 600 comprising first conductor 610, second conductor 620 and third conductor 630. Switch 410 in one embodiment, is a switch installed in a wall in a room for user activation. The switch 410 would be connected to the connector module via these wires.

Figure 4B shows the arrangement of Figure 1.4A from a different angle, in which the terminals of batten holder 100 are also visible. Shown there is connector module 400 which in this embodiment comprises switch 410 with first connector module terminal 420 connected to third terminal 130, and second connector module terminal 430 connected to switched terminal 1 10, with switch 410 therebetween. A lso shown in this view is first conductor 610 of electrical conductor 600 connected to third terminal 130,. second conductor i>20 connected to non-switched terminal 120 and third conductor 630 connected to fourth tenrvmai 140. in this embodiment; the batten holder terminals are scre terminals and the connection to the connector module terminals and the conductors is achieved by inserting the connector module terminals and conductors into the batten holder terminals and screwing the screws in to thereby retain the batten holder terminals and conductors^' in secure physical and electrical connection.

Also visible in this vie are light source switched terminal 150 and light source non-switched terminal 160 which in use, make electrical contact, with the tight source (not shown). In this embodiment, first conductor 610 is an active conductor, second conductor 620 is a neutral conductor and third conductor 630 is an earth conductor. In other embodiments, first conductor 610 is a neutral conductor and second conductor 620 is an active conductor.

Figure 15A shows another embodiment of a batten holder arrangement 300 in which connector module 400 is a dimmer circuit module as previously described with reference to Figure 4. In this embodiment, connector module 400 is provided as a PCB substrate as described with reference to Figure 13G, with three terminals 420, 430 and 460, and the other functional components mounted to the PCB, in this embodiment, the switch controller controls switch relay 410 and control signals are provided by input to connector module control input 450 in this example provided as a terminal block, Figure 1 SB shows the arrangement of Figure 15A from the rear, in which the terminals of batten holder 100 are also visible. Shown t ere is connector module 400 with first connector module terminal 420 connected to third .terminal 130, and second connector module terminal connected to switched terminal 110. In this arrangement, third connector module 460 is also shown connected to non- switched terminal 120. In this view, the connector module terminals are not clearly visible as they are inserted within the batten holder terminals. Also shown in this view is first conductor 610 of electrical conductor 600 connected to third terminal 130, second conductor 620 connected lo non-switched terminal 120 and third conductor 630 connected to fourth terminal 140. In this embodiment, the batten holder terminals are screw terminals and the connection to the connector module terminals and the conductors is achieved by inserting the connector module terminals and conductors into the batten holder terminals and screwing the screws in to thereby retain the batten holder terminals and conductors in secure physical and electrical connection.

In this embodiment, first conductor 610 is an active conductor, second conductor 620 is a neutral conductor and third conductor 630 is an earth conductor. In other embodiments, first conductor 610 is a neutral conductor and second conductor 620 is an active conductor, Figure 1 shows another embodiment of a batten holder arrangement 500 in which connector module 400 is a relay module: as previously described with reference to Figure 4. In this embodiment, connector module 400 is provided as a PCB substrate as described with reference to Figure 13G₍ with three terminals 420, 430 and 460, and the other functional components mounted to the PCB. In this embodiment, the switch controller controls switch relay 410 and control signals are provided by input to connector module control input 450 in this example provided as a terminal block.

The rear view of the arrangement of Figure 16 is as shown in and described with reference to Figure 15 above. Figure 17A shows another embodiment of a batten holder arrangement 500 in which connecter module 400 is a Zigbee controller module as previously described with reference to Figure 4. In this embodiment, connector module 400 is provided as a PCB substrate as described with reference to Figure! 1G, with three terminals 420, 430 and 460, and the other functional components mounted to the PCB. In this embodiment, the switch controller controls switch relay 410 and control signals are provided by input to connector module control input 450 which in this example is provided as an antenna to receive wireless signals.

Figure Γ7Β shows the arrangement of Figure 17A from the rear, in which the terminals of batten holder 100 are also visible. Shown there is connector module 400 with first connector module terminal 420 connected to third terminal 130, and second connector module terminal -connected to switched terminal H Q, In this arrangement, third connector module 460 is also shown connected- to non- switched terminal 120. in this view, the. connector module terminals are not clearly visible as they are inserted within the batten holder terminals. Also shown in this view is first conductor 610 of electrical conductor 600 connected to third terminal 1 0, second conductor 620 connected to non-switched terminal 120 and third conductor 630 connected to fourth terminal 140. In this embodiment, the batten holder terminals are screw terminals and the connection to the connector module terminals and the conductors is achieved by inserting the connector module terminal and conductors into the batten holde terminals and screwing the screws in to thereby retain the batten holder terminals and conductors i secure physical and electrical connection. In this embodiment, first conductor 610 is an active conductor, second conductor 620 is a neutral conductor and third conductor 630 is an earth conductor. In other embodiments, first conductor 610 is a neutral conductor and second conductor 620 is an active conductor.

Figures I SA, 1 SB, 19A, 198, 20A, 20B, 21 A and 2 IB show further examples of connector modules 400 that could be used in the various aspects described herein. Figure 18 A shows a plan view of a connector module 400 in the form of a monitor module, The monitor module 400 includes a current transformer toroid 4?G_i to sense, current being drawn by the load to which batten holder 100 is connected. Supporting- circuitry allows the sensed dat to be stored arid/or reported to a remote receiver, in another embodiment, monitor module 400 raises an alert if the current drawn exceeds a preset threshold, indicating a fault in the load or surrounding wiring or circuitry. In this embodiment the various components are mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) as previousl described. Also seen in this view are first, second and third connector module terminals 420, 430 and 460.

As previously described, it will be appreciated that there are many ways of connecting the terminals of the connector module 400 to the respective terminals of batten holder 100, In one embodiment, the connection is made using screw terminals- in another embodiment, the connection is made by friction fit terminals. In another embodiment, the connection is made by spring terminals. In another embodiment, the connection is made by soldering or welding. In another embodiment, the connection is made by plug and socket connections. Any other suitable connection means may be used as will be Understood by the person skilled in the art.

Figure 18B is a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 18 A,

Figure 19A shows a plan view of connector module 400 in the form of a single channel relay module controlled by a controller operating under the communication protocol known as Zigbee (Zigbee controller). In this embodiment, the components are mounted to the PCB, including an antenna providing connector module control input 450 which provides for radio control from a remote location as well as other data reception and transmission.

Figure 19B is a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 19 A,

Figure 20A shows a plan view of a connector module 400 in the form of a dimmer module, including a single channel relay module and a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSPET) for the dimming function.

Figure 20B is a perspective view of the connector module of Figure 20A.

Figure 21 A shows a plan view of a connector module 400 in the form of a single channel relay, with Figure 21 B being a perspective view.

Figure 22 illustrates an example of applying the various aspects described herein to a domestic dwelling 700 with multiple rooms or spaces including 71.0, 720, 730, 740 and 750. Each of these rooms or spaces has one or more electrical loads such as light sources turned on and off by a user switch 60, usually in the same or nearby room or space, in room or space 750, there are 4 light sources being controlled by user switch 60 at the entrance to that space.

If the owners of dwelling 700 decided that they wanted to introduce a home automation system such as a C-BUS automatio system, or use other automation devices and protocols, it has in the past, been necessary to rewire the entire dwelling to connect all light sources and user switches 60 to a central control box. This rewiring is very labour-intensive and expensive, and currently poses a significant barrier to a home, dwelling or building owner to install such a system. According to one aspect, the various aspects described herein can be used to advantage to significantly simplify the retro-fit and installation of a home or building automation system. In one example, it is possible to convert room 710 simply by connecting connector module 400 to the existing batten holder 100 to provide batten holder arrangement 500 as described previously. For example, for the light source in room 710, an installer would simply insert connector module 400 into respective batten holder terminals and connect any control wires 61 , 62 from user switch 60 to the connector module control input as previously described. In cases where user switch 60 is a wireless device, this wire connection step is not even necessary, and it is simply a matter of connecting or inserting connector module 400 to or into the terminals of the batten holder. The type of connector module selected would be selected according to the type of automation system required, thus providing a controllable light source without having to rewire the entire house,

A further advantage of the various aspects descr ibed is that the type of system can be easily changed or upgraded as technology changes, simply by replacing the connector module with a ne connector module of the desired type. A furthe advantage still is that the system is flexible in that it allows one or several rooms or spaces to be upgraded to an automation system without the entire house .or dwelling being upgraded..

The various aspects described herein can also be used in conjunction with the various aspects described in a co-pending Australian Provisional Patent Application entitled "Electrical Connector, System and Method", previously incorporated by reference, Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise,, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer o group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

The reference: to an prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an

acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein, it will be appreciated that, the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable o.f numerous rearrangements, -modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

]: . A batten holder arrangement for receiving a light source, comprising:

a batten holder comprising:

a switched terminal for receiving a switched signal:

a non-switched terminal for receiving a non-switched signal;

a light source switched terminal for electrically connecting the light source to the switched terminal;

a light source non-switched terminal for electrically connecting the light source to the non-switched terminal; and

a light source retainer for receiving and retaining the light source in contact with the light source switched terminal and the light source non-switched terminal; and

a connector module comprising a switch between a first connector module terminal and a second connector module terminal, the second connector module terminal being in electricai and physical contact with the switched terminal of the batten holder,

2. A batten holder arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the connector module further

comprises a switch controller for controlling the switch.

3. A batten holder arrangement as claimed in claim 2 wherein the connector module further

comprises a connector module control input for receiving control input signals for controlling the switch controller.

4. A batten holder arrangement as claimed in claim 3 wherein the connector module control input comprises a first input terminal and a second input terminal for connection to a user switch.

5. A batten holder arrangement as claimed in claim 3 wherein the connector module input comprises a wireless receiver for receiving a wireless control signal.

6. A batten: holder arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the switch controller is a C-BUS- controller.

7. A batten holder arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the switch controller is a dimming circuit

8. A batten holder arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the switch controller is a Zigbee controller.

9. A batten holder arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the switch controller is a Wi-Fi controller.

10. A batten holder arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the connector module comprises functional circuitry providing the switch, the switch controller and the connector module control input, the functional circuitry being mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). l ί . A batten holder arrangement as claimed in claim 10 wherein the second connector module

terminal is provided by a portion of the PCB for connection to the switched terminal of the batten holder.

12, A batten holder arrangement as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein the batten holder further ^'comprises a third terminal and the first connector module of the connector module is provided by a second portion of the PCB for connection to the third terminal of the batten.

13. A batten holder arrangement as claimed in claim 12 wherein the third tenninal of the batten holder is an active terminal, the switched terminal of the batten holder is a switched active terminal, and the non-switched active terminal of the batten holder is a neutral terminal.

14. A batten holder arrangement as claimed m claim 13 wherein the connector module comprises a third connection module terminal provided fay a third portion of the PCB for connection to the neutral terminal of the batten holder.

15, A batten holder arrangement as claimed in claim 14 wherein the batten holder comprises a fourth terminal being an earth terminal.

16, A batten holder for receiving a light source, the batten holder comprising: a first terminal for receiving a first conductor;

a second terminal for receiving a second conductor;

a third terminal for receiving a third conductor:

a light source first terminal for contacting the light source;

a light source second terminal for contacting the light source; and

a light source retainer for receiving and retaining the light source in contact with the light source first terminal and the light source second terminal; wherein

the first terminal, the second terminal and the third terminal are disposed substantially in-line with each other.

17. A batten holder as claimed in clai 16 further comprising a fourth terminal for receiving a fourth conductor,

18. A batten holder as claimed in claim 17 wherein the fourth terminal is substantially in-line with the first terminal, the second terminal and the third terminal

19. A batten holder as claimed in any one of claims 16 or 1 7 wherein the first terminal is an active terminal, the second terminal is a switched active terminal, the third terminal is a neutral terminal, the fourth terminal is an earth terminal, the first conductor is an active conductor, the second conductor is a switched active conductor, the third conductor is a neutral conductor, the fourt conductor is an earth conductor, the first Eight source terminal is a switched active terminal and the second light source terminal is a neutral terminal

20. A connector module for connection to a batten holder comprising at least a switched terminal and a non-switched terminal, the connector module comprising a switch between a first connector module termina and a second connector module terminal, the second connector module terminal being adapted to make electrical and physical contact with the switched terminal of the batten holder.

21. A connector module as claimed in claim 20 wherein the connector module further comprises a Switch controller for controlling tlie switch.

22. A connector module as claimed in claim 21 wherein the connector module further comprises a connector module control input for receiving control input signals for controlling the switch controller.

23. A connector module as claimed m claim 22 wherein the connector module control input comprises a first input terminal and a second input terminal for connection to a user switch,

24. A. connector module as claimed in claim 23 wherein the connector module input comprises a wireless receiver for receiving a wireless control signal.

25. A connector module as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein the switch controller is a C- BUS controller.

26. A connector module as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein the switch controller is a dimming circuit.

27 , A connector module as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein the switch controller is a Zigbee controller.

28. A connector module as claimed in any one of claims 2 i t 24 wherein the switch controller is a Wi-Fi controller,

29. A connector module as claimed m any one of claims 20 to 28 wherein the connector module comprises functional circuitry providing the switch, the switch controller and the connector module contfal input, the functional circuitry being mounted to a printed circuit board (PCS).

30. A connector module as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second connector module terminal is provided by a portion of the PCB for connection to the switched terminal of the batten holde r.

3 1 . A connector module as claimed in claim 30 wherein the first connector module terminal of the connector module is provided by a second portion of the PCB for connection: to a third terminal, of the batten holder.

32. A connector module as claimed in claim 31 wherein the connector module comprises a third connecto module terminal provided by a third portion of the PCB for connection to a neutral terminal of the batten holder.

33. A. building comprising at least one batten holder arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.

4. A method of converting a batten holder into a controllable batten holder, the method comprising connecting a connector module as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 32 to the batten holder.

5. A raethod as claimed in claim 34 wherein the step of connecting a connector module to the batten holder comprises placing into physical and electrical contact at least the second connector module terminal with a switched terminal of the batten holder.

6. A method as claimed in claim 35 wherein the step of connecting a connector module to the batten holder further comprises placing into physical and electrical contact the first and third connector module terminals to respective non-switched and third terminals of the batten holder.