Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a socket. More particularly, the invention relates to a socket for use with an electrical plug.

Background

Electrical plug sockets are used to provide power to a variety of appliances, both commercial and domestic. As technology is developing, it is advantageous to provide "smarter" electrical components/devices. This includes electrical plug sockets. Electrical plug sockets are known which comprise additional electrical components as well as the components required to connect an electrical plug to a mains supply.

A "smart" electrical socket may mean that electrical components, such as a circuit board is included as part of the socket. Generally, conventional sockets are of a predefined size and shape. It is not normally desirable to increase the size of a socket for various reasons. Once electrical wiring in a building is in place to connect mains power supply to the sockets, it is often easier and cheaper to keep the wiring in the same place. If a new socket is used to replace an old one, it is generally cheaper and more efficient to position the new socket in the same location. Space is often already allocated for a socket, and this space is generally not variable unless for example, the whole back box is replaced with a larger version. Furthermore, a user may prefer to keep a socket size as small as possible because it may be considered unpleasant to look at. Thus, it is not desirable to make electrical sockets bigger.

The socket can only generally be reduced in size to a certain extent. There may be constraints defining the space available within the back box of a socket, as governed by standards which are different in each country. A socket will generally have to comply with the relevant dimensional constraints for the country in which the socket is to be used. The socket must be large enough for the pins of a plug to enter the socket. The space inside the socket is limited by the space taken up by the pins and the pin terminals meaning that there is limited space inside a socket in which l electrical components may be positioned. This means that there is a limit on how many additional electrical components can be included inside a socket and therefore, what additional functionality the socket is capable of.

Providing a socket with a remote controlled switch may be desirable such that the socket can be turned on or off remotely. However, this requires additional electronic components which can not readily fit inside a socket, especially without increasing the size of the housing, e.g. the back box. Thus, the components of known remote controlled switches are generally provided outside a socket.

It may also be desirable to provide a device which can interact with electrical components in a socket, for example, via a radio signal to/from an internal electrical component in the socket. This may not be possible using known sockets, because signals can not reliably be transmitted and/or received from/to the socket and there may not be enough space for the electrical components required.

Furthermore, there is benefit in being able to determine whether or not an electrical plug is inserted into the socket without having to check the socket.

Therefore, there is need for a socket which may provide additional electrical components within the socket and/or a way of determining if a plug is inserted in the socket. This is preferably done in a space-efficient manner that does not require the installation of a deeper back box and/or extending out from the surface of the wall/socket.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a socket for use with an electrical plug. The socket may comprise a first component comprising at least two openings. The socket may further comprise at least two pin terminals, wherein each pin terminal corresponds to a corresponding one of the openings. The socket may further comprise a second component configured to support the pin terminals. The socket may further comprise a first circuit board positioned between the first component and the second component. A passageway may extend between each opening and the corresponding pin terminal. The distance between the pin terminals and the front of the socket is determined by the fixed length of the pins of a plug. For example, by British standards, the minimum distance between the front of the socket plate, i.e. the fascia, to the first point of contact with a live part (voltage carrying part), i.e. a terminal, is 9.6 mm. Providing a first circuit board between the first component and the second

component allows electrical components and circuitry to be included in a space which was previously unused. This is beneficial in allowing the socket to be made smaller and/or including additional electrical components in the socket to increase functionality.

As described below, the socket may optionally comprise a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module configured to detect a signal transmitted from a radio- frequency identification (RFID) tag.

According to the present invention, there is additionally or alternatively provided a socket for use with an electrical plug comprising: a first component comprising at least two openings; at least two pin terminals, wherein each pin terminal corresponds to a corresponding one of the openings; a second component configured to support the pin terminals; and a radio-frequency identification module configured to detect a signal transmitted from a radio-frequency identification tag; wherein a passageway extends between each opening and the corresponding pin terminal.

This may allow an RFID module to be provided in a socket which identifies if an RFID tag is present near the RFID module, i.e. within a certain range. For example, a plug may be provided with an RFID tag and an RFID module in the socket may detect the presence of the tag, or possibly, identify if a particular tag (i.e. a particular plug) is present. This may be beneficial as it may allow a user to identify which plug is used in a socket without having to physically check the socket, i.e. this could be checked remotely.

The socket may optionally comprise a first circuit board positioned between the first component and the second component as described above.

When the first circuit board and the RFID module are provided in the socket, the first circuit board may comprise the RFID module. This may be beneficial in that the RFID module is provided near the front of the socket and thus, near to where an RFID tag may be present. This means that the RFID module can be positioned to reliably detect the presence of an RFID tag.

Preferably, the second component comprises a circuit board. This means that the second component can provide various functions such as supporting the pin terminals as well as providing additional circuit board space. This is beneficial because it reduces the number of additional components and thus material that is needed to manufacture the socket which in turn reduces the cost of the socket 1 .

Preferably, the first circuit board has a through-hole through which the passageways extend. This advantageously allows the first circuit board to be located across the width and height of the socket as it does not get in the way of the passageways provided for the pins of a plug to pass through. The first circuit board can be as large as the space available inside the socket (i.e. may be similar in size to the first component) and this is beneficial because it allows more circuitry and electrical connections to be provided in the socket.

Preferably, the first component forms a fascia of the socket. The fascia may otherwise be referred to as a socket-outlet plate. Preferably, the second component is a moulding which is positioned within the socket and is configured to support the pin terminals in a predefined position in the socket. The second component may be further configured to support the first circuit board. These features advantageously keep specific components of the socket in predefined positions. It is preferable for the second component to support the pin terminal, and/or the first circuit board because this allows the socket to be easily put together and taken apart. These components may be assembled as a sub-assembly. The pin terminals and/or first circuit board etc. can be mounted on the second component, which can be placed in the socket then covered by the first component. Thus, if any problems arise, the second component may be easily removed and the relevant part of the socket can be inspected and repaired or replaced.

Preferably, the socket comprises a third circuit board. This would be advantageous in that it would allow further electrical components and circuitry to be provided in the socket. This may mean that the socket can have additional functionality which was not previously possible without providing additional external components in the socket, i.e. extending forward from the socket and/or including components in an external plug.

Preferably, the first circuit board may be positioned between the first component and the second component on a first side of the second component, and the third circuit board is positioned on a second side of the second component, opposite the first side. This is advantageous because a different amount of space may be available for each circuit board. The space in the socket is partially limited by the space needed for plug pins. The different spaces either side of the second component can be used for different components. For example, there may be space available for bulkier components on the further (third) circuit board which may not fit on the (first) circuit board.

The socket may preferably comprise a remote control switch. The remote control switch may be configured to receive a signal from a remote control and to switch the socket from an on-state to an off-state and vice versa depending on the signal received. Remote control switches are advantageous in that they allow a user to control an electrical plug socket remotely. This is beneficial because a user can turn a plug socket off remotely, for example, if they realise they have accidentally left a device plugged in which may be dangerous, e.g. an iron, or if they simply want to reduce the amount of electricity used by a device. Alternatively, the user can turn a plug socket on remotely, for example, if they want a device to be turned on and working in their absence. However, it is difficult to provide a remote switch with known plug sockets due to the limited space normally provided.

The remote control switch may comprise at least one actuator. The actuator can be used to turn a plug socket for a specific plug to an on-state or an off-state as desired. The second component or the third circuit board may be configured to support the at least one actuator. The remote control switch may comprise electrical components configured to power the actuator of the remote control switch and which may be positioned on the second circuit board or the third circuit board. It can be difficult to arrange a socket to include all the components of the remote control switch. Having the arrangement described above allows additional electrical components, the actuators and the circuitry to be included which would not otherwise be able to fit. Thus, the electrical plug socket can comprise a remote control switch without necessarily needing a larger socket or additional external components.

The socket optionally comprises a housing. At least the first circuit board and the second component may be arranged inside the housing. The housing may be the outer casing of the socket e.g. comprising a back box. The housing may protect the internal features and components and provide a barrier which prevents users directly contacting the electrical supply. The housing may be adapted to be fitted to or in a wall or surface, or to form a unit at the end of an extension lead. This can make it easier to position and fit the socket. The housing may be configured to support the second component and/or the third circuit board. The housing may be configured to support features within the socket to keep them in a predefined position. This allows the socket to be configured such that a space is provided between the first component and the second component in which the first circuit board is positioned and means that the socket may be more easily assembled and taken apart. The first component may form at least part of the housing and/or the first component may be attached to the housing.

Preferably, the socket comprises an electrically conductive bar which is preferably substantially flat. The housing or the second component may be configured to support the electrically conductive bar. The housing may be used to support the electrically conductive bar to keep it out of the way of other components. The electrically conductive bar can be used to ground at least one of the pin terminals. It is known to provide such bars in conventional sockets. Providing an electrically conductive bar which is substantially flat means that the amount of space taken up by the electrically conductive bar may be reduced and may allow for more room for the other components in the socket and in particular the components of the electrical circuit board(s).

Preferably, the second component is configured to support at least one safety mechanism to restrict access to at least one pin terminal. Generally, sockets include a form of safety mechanism to prevent users from inserting objects into the socket and getting electrocuted. Providing the safety mechanism on the second component allows more space for the circuit board(s) to be provided. The socket may comprise three pin terminals, wherein a first pin terminal is an earth pin terminal, a second pin terminal is a live pin terminal and a third pin terminal is a neutral pin terminal. The mechanical safety mechanism may be movable relative to the three pin terminals and may be configured to restrict access to the live pin terminal and the neutral pin terminal.

The second component may be non-integral with the first component. This provides the advantage that the socket can be more easily taken apart, for example to inspect, repair and/or replace a part of the socket. In particular, having the first component as non-integral with the second component means that parts mounted on (i.e. supported by) the second component can be more easily accessed.

The socket may comprise three or more openings and three or more corresponding pin terminals and the socket may further comprise a passageway extending between each opening and the corresponding pin terminal.

According to the present invention, there is additionally or alternatively provided a socket for use with an electrical plug comprising: a first component comprising two openings; two pin terminals, wherein each pin terminal corresponds to a

corresponding one of the openings; a mechanical safety mechanism configured to restrict access to at least one pin terminal through its corresponding opening; and a sensor unit configured to determine if an electrical plug is inserted into the socket based on the position of the mechanical safety mechanism. This means that the socket may be advantageously used to determine if a plug is inserted in the socket without having to inspect the socket.

Preferably, the mechanical safety mechanism is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein access to the at least one pin terminal is restricted when the mechanical safety mechanism is in the first position and access to the at least one pin terminal is not restricted when the mechanical safety mechanism is in the second position. Preferably, the sensor unit is configured to detect if the mechanical safety mechanism is in the first position and/or the second position.

According to the present invention, there is additionally or alternatively provided a electrical plug for use with a socket, wherein the electrical plug comprises a radio- frequency identification tag configured to emit a signal. This is advantageous in that the RFID tag can be detected by the socket and the RFID tag can be used to identify the electric plug.

The electrical plug may comprise a plug body and pins protruding from a surface of the plug body, wherein the RFID tag is attached to the surface of the plug body having pins protruding therefrom using an adhesive. This is advantageous in that it allows the RFID tag to be easily attached and removed from the electrical plug as desired by the user.

The electrical plug may comprise a plug body and pins protruding from a surface of the plug body, and wherein the radio-frequency identification tag is integral to the plug body. This may be beneficial for providing the electrical plug with a more permanent tag to identify the plug which cannot be changed or removed.

The RFID tag may have a thickness of less than or equal to 1.5 mm, and preferably less than or equal to 1 mm. This is beneficial because the RFID tag is to be positioned on the surface of the electrical plug having pins protruding therefrom. It is important that the pins are of a certain length such that they can make the required connections when in a plug socket. Therefore, it is preferable that the RFID tag does not get in the way and prevent the pins of the electrical plug being properly inserted into the socket.

According to the present invention, there is additionally or alternatively a plug cover configured to be positioned on a surface of an electrical plug having pins protruding therefrom, wherein the plug cover comprises through-holes which are positioned to receive the pins of the electrical plug, and the cover comprises a radio-frequency identification tag configured to emit a signal. This is beneficial in that the cover may be used as a label to identify the plug.

The plug cover may have a thickness of less than or equal to 1 .5 mm, and preferably less than or equal to 1 mm. This is beneficial because the plug cover is to be positioned on the surface of the electrical plug having pins protruding therefrom. It is important that the pins are of a certain length such that they can make the required connections when in a plug socket. Therefore, it is preferable that the plug cover does not get in the way and prevent the pins of the electrical plug being properly inserted into the socket. The RFID tag may comprise coils wound in a plane of the plug cover. This is advantageous in that the plug cover can be relatively flat and/or thin (optionally having the thickness described above such that the plug cover does not get in the way of the plug being used in a plug socket.

The RFID tag may be positioned in the middle of the plug cover. This may be beneficial in providing the RFID tag in a known location which can correspond to the location of an RFID module. Preferably, the RFID tag is positioned at least approximately 5 mm from the through-holes in the plug cover. This is beneficial in that it reduces the possibility of the signal from the RFID tag interfering or being interfered with by the varying current passing through the pins of the plug when in use.

The plug cover may not protrude from the edge of the surface of the electrical plug when positioned on the surface of the electrical plug. This means that the plug cover may beneficially be hidden when the electrical plug is inserted into the plug socket. This also means that the plug cover will not protrude when the plug is plugged into a socket such that the plug cover can not obscure other features of the socket, such as any switches.

The through-holes of the plug cover may be configured to receive pins of one of the following types of electrical plug: i) BS1363-5:2008; ii) NEMA 1 -15; iii) NEMA 5-15; iv) NEMA 5-20; v) CEE 7/4; vi) CEE 7/7; vii) CEE 7/16; or viii) BS 546.

According to the present invention, there is additionally or alternatively a plug cover provided with an electrical plug.

Brief Description of the Figures

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 depicts a front view of a socket according to the present invention and a plug which can be inserted into the socket;

Figure 2 depicts an exploded view of a cross-section through A-A of the socket depicted in figure 1 ; Figure 3 depicts the cross-section through A-A of the socket depicted in figure 1 , wherein an electrical plug is inserted into the socket;

Figure 4 depicts an exploded view of a socket according to the present invention;

Figures 5A-H depict a mechanical safety mechanism in different positions with examples of different sensor units.

Figure 6 depicts an additional circuit board;

Figure 7 depicts a front part of the socket and the first circuit board

Figure 8 depicts the first circuit board;

Figures 9A and 9B depict an RFID tag on an electrical plug; and Figures 10A and 10B depict a plug cover.

The same references are used for similar features throughout the drawings. The features shown in the figures are not necessarily to scale and the size or

arrangements depicted are not limiting. It will be understood that the figures include optional features which are not essential to the invention. Furthermore, not all of the features of the socket are depicted on each figure and the figures may only show a few of the components relevant for a describing a particular feature.

Detailed description of the invention

As described above, there are limitations relating to the size of a socket. Generally, it is preferable to avoid increasing the external size of a socket as it may be considered unpleasant to look at and take up space. Furthermore, electrical sockets sometimes have to be replaced, which often limits the size of the replacement socket to a similar size to the socket being replaced. Increasing the size of a hole used for a pre-existing socket, and in particular a back box, in a wall can be expensive, time- consuming and inconvenient, especially if the socket is provided in a brick wall.

Additionally, the size within a socket is limited to allow space for the pins of a plug to be inserted to connect to a mains power supply.

It is acknowledged that as technology develops, it is difficult to adapt known sockets to include the required electrical circuits and components to improve functionality of the socket without drastically altering the size of the socket (either internally in the wall and/or externally) or requiring additional components to be fixed to the outside of the socket. The present invention aims to increase the amount of space available for electrical components and circuitry included in a socket without necessarily increasing the socket size, as well as providing other advantages.

The present invention can be used to supply power in a similar way to known conventional electrical plug sockets and can be used with a variety of apparatus and devices. A known socket may comprise a fascia with openings for the pins of a plug and pin terminals connected to a back side of the fascia. In known sockets, the pin terminals which contact the pins of a plug are generally attached or formed on the rear side of the fascia. This is generally done because it is cost efficient as there is no need to have an extra part for the pin terminals. The rear casing can generally be used to hold contacts and a front fascia to cover everything because it is cheap and simple. If adapting a known socket to include an electrical circuit board, there may be space behind the pin terminals for a circuit board to be positioned. However, this may use additional components, such as a structure behind the fascia that connects to the circuit board behind the terminals, and even if a circuit board is provided in this space, there is generally not enough space to include all the electrical components including the additional components which may be required, for example, to provide a socket with a remote control switch. Although the problem may not be as much of an issue for a socket using a tact switch, which may also be called a click button, there may still be limitations in providing enough space for a circuit board into known tack switch sockets. Furthermore, because the circuit board is positioned behind various other components, a signal may not be reliably transmitted from, or received by, a circuit board positioned in the socket behind the terminals. This makes it difficult to provide a socket which can interact via signals, such as radio signals, with a component external to the socket. As will be described, this can be achieved by the present invention.

Additionally, in known sockets, relays may be used for the actual making and breaking of a live connection in the socket. However, as space is limited, miniature relays are used that in some cases are not up to the job of thousands of actuations at high power levels. Due to the small internal components the relays are under high thermal stress and therefore, have a high failure rate. The relays may be used due to limited space. However, using power switch components in a remote controllable switch as described below (which may be several times bigger in size and are more robust) can reduce the occurrence of, or prevent, switch failure. Thus, the additional space provided by the present invention allows the use of more reliable switches, i.e. remote controllable switches, and means that relay switches do not have to be used.

Figure 1 illustrates a socket 1 in accordance with the present invention. The socket 1 is for use with an electrical plug 100. As would be generally understood, the electrical plug 100 can be inserted into the socket 1 to draw electrical power from a mains power supply. The socket 1 may comprise a switch 2, which allows the power supplied to the electrical plug 100 to be turned on or off. The switch 2 may optionally be a rocker switch i.e. a conventional bi-stable switch, such as one found in conventionally known sockets, or a push button.

As depicted in figure 1 , the socket 1 comprises a first component 5. The first component 5 may form a fascia of the socket. The fascia may be a surface formed across a front of the socket 1 . The first component 5 could be in two parts, comprising an internal component with screw fixings and a cosmetic fascia across the front, which may be used to hide internal components such as screw fixings. The first component 5 may be positioned next to a body 106 of the electrical plug 100 when the electrical plug 100 is inserted into the socket 1 . The view of the socket 1 in Figure 1 is the front of the socket 1 , which is the portion of the socket 1 which electrical plug 100 is inserted into and which comprises the fascia. Generally, the back of the socket 1 will be fixed to or in a wall or surface to connect the socket 1 to a mains supply. The back of socket 1 may be, or may be fixed to, a standard back box which is optionally mounted in or on a wall.

The socket depicted in Figure 1 is a double socket for use with standard plugs used in the UK. Figure 1 depicts a standard plug 100 used in the UK, having 3 pins.

Thus, the socket 1 of Figure 1 can be used by two plugs at the same time. Each portion of the plug which is configured to receive a plug may be referred to as a plug socket unit or plug socket outlet. Thus, the plug socket unit may comprise all the features used in a single plug socket. The socket 1 of Figure 1 has two plug socket units, one on the left and one on the right. As depicted, the first component 5 comprises six openings 10a-f. The openings 10a- f each allow a respective pin of the plug 100 to pass through. For example, if only one plug 100 is used in the socket (e.g. the right plug socket unit) at one time, pin 101 may pass through opening 10a, pin 102 may pass through opening 10b and pin 103 may pass through opening 10c. The socket 1 comprises pin terminals, wherein each pin terminal corresponds to a corresponding one of the openings. The pins 101 , 102, 103 of the plug 100 may pass through the respective openings 10a-c to contact pin terminals within the socket 1 . The pin terminals can be connected to a main power supply, for example via electrical wiring. Thus, when the plug is inserted in the socket 1 , it can draw power from the mains power supply through the socket 1 via the contact with the pin terminals.

The socket 1 further comprises a second component 15 shown in Figure 2. The second component 15 is configured to support the pin terminals. The second component 15 may be a moulding positioned within the socket 1 . The second component 15 may be specifically moulded to support the pin terminal in a

predefined position within the socket 1 . The shape of the second component 15 may be varied but is generally configured such that different parts of the socket 1 may be supported by it. Each pin terminal corresponds to an opening 10a-f. There may be a one to one relationship between the openings 10a-f and the pin terminals. The openings 10a-f and the pin terminals being corresponding may means that a pin of a plug may pass through one of the openings 10a-f and contact the respective pin terminal. Figures 2 and 3 depicts a cross section through A-A of Figure 1 . The cross section is through opening 10a and depicts a corresponding pin terminal 20a. The further pin terminals 20a-f are partially depicted in Figure 4 which shows an exploded view of the socket 1 .

The socket 1 comprises passageways which extend between each of the openings 10a-f and the corresponding pin terminal 20a-f. For example, as depicted in Figure 2 a passageway 25a is depicted which extends between the opening 10a and the pin terminal 20a. The passageway may be defined as a space connecting an opening 10a-f to a respective pin terminal 20a-f, and further as the space through which a pin of an electrical plug 100 may pass. Providing a passageway between the opening 10a-f and the pin terminal 20a-f provides a path through which a pin of plug 100 can move to contact the pin terminal 20a-f and connect to a mains power supply. At least one of the passageways 25a-25f may optionally be surrounded at least in part by a shield. The passageways 25a-25f may each have corresponding shields. A shield 26a for passageway 25a is shown in Figure 2 which is exemplary of shields provided around other passageways. As depicted in Figure 2, the shield may be attached to the first component 5, more specifically, the shield 26a may be attached to a back face of the first component 5. Although the shield is shown in Figure 2 as being attached to the first component 5, the shield may be integral with the first component 5 and may be a protrusion from the first component 5. Each of the shields may be provided around the edge of the respective passageways 25a-25f to prevent other components from being in contact with a pin when an electrical plug 100 is inserted in the socket. As shown in Figure 3, the shield 26a may extend and pass through an opening in the first circuit board 30. Thus, the shield may provide a useful barrier between the first circuit board 30 and the pin of the electrical plug 100. Shield 26a is shown in Figures 2 and 3 but may be applied to other drawings, or may not be provided with other features shown in these Figures.

The socket 1 further comprises a first circuit board 30. The first circuit board 30 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). As depicted in Figure 2, the first circuit board 30 is positioned between the first component 5 and the second component 15. Thus, the first circuit board 30 may be arranged between the openings 10a-f and the pin terminals 20a-f. Providing the first circuit board 30 between the first component 10 and the second component 15 means that the first circuit board 30 may be nearly the same size, (e.g. in terms of width and height) as the first component 5.

The second component 15 may be configured to support the first circuit board 30. For example, the second component 15 may be moulded to comprise a recess in which the first circuit board 30 can be placed. The recess may comprise mounting positions which are in contact with the first circuit board 30 when in place.

Alternatively, the second component 15 may be moulded to include raised portions, e.g. protrusions 80 such as those depicted in Figure 4, to contact the first circuit board 30. This may be beneficial because it allows space between the second component 15 and the first circuit board 30 in which other components may be placed, for example, at least one safety mechanism may be provided between the second component 15 and the first circuit board 30. A removable fixing may be provided through at least the first circuit board 30 and the second component 15 to keep the first circuit board 30 in place relative to the second component. For example, a screw may be used to fix the first circuit board 30 to the second component 15.

Alternatively, the first circuit board 30 could be supported by the first component 5, e.g. the first circuit board 30 could be mounted directly to the first component 5. It is preferred to use the second component 15 to support the first circuit board 30 for ease of assembly.

In conventional electrical plug sockets, the pin terminals are generally connected directly to the inside of the rear component of a socket, or could possible be provided on the back side of the front component of a socket. This means that a circuit board cannot be positioned anywhere that obstructs the pins, e.g. could not be placed between the front component and the pin terminals. This means that the placement of a circuit board in a socket is limited to being behind the pin terminals, or potentially, if the socket is configured for use with two plugs the circuit board could be placed between, and in line with, the sets of pin terminals corresponding to each plug. Therefore, the space provided for a circuit board in conventional plugs is quite limited.

However, because the second component 15 is configured to support the pin terminals 20a-f, this means that the second component 15 can be provided with a gap between the first component 5 and the second component 15. Thus, a first circuit board 30 can be positioned between the first component 5 and the second component 15 which means that more space is provided for the first circuit board 30 and it can extend across the socket 1 . Thus, the first circuit board 30 could extend substantially across the width and height of the socket 1 . The width and height being the lengths of the socket 1 in the X and Y direction respectively shown in Figure 1 . The first circuit board 30 may be smaller than the area of the socket 1 , depending on how much further circuit board space is required. Depending on the location of the first circuit board 30, through-holes as required may be provided. The first circuit board may be supported by the second component 15 or the first component 5 as described.

The distance between the outward surface of the socket 1 (i.e. the front surface of the first component) and the pin terminals 20a-f is pre-defined as it depends on the standard pin length used for a plug. Therefore, this pre-defined length is limited and has to be adhered to. Providing the second component 15 supporting the terminals 20a-f and positioning a first circuit board 30 between the first component 5 and the second component 15 means that a space can be utilised which was previously wasted. This means that a socket 1 requiring some form of electrical components (for purposes other than to provide power to the plug from the mains power supply) may even be able to be reduced in size, which may be preferable to a user. This may be particularly desirable in a domestic building where the socket may stick out of the wall and may be unpleasant to look at.

Preferably, the second component 30 supports and/or comprises a second circuit board 17. The second circuit board 17 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The second circuit board 17 may be provided across substantially the entire second component 30. This is depicted in Figure 4. The second component 30 may be formed by a circuit board such that the second component 30 is the second circuit board 17. This is beneficial because it reduces the number of components needed in a socket and may provide enough circuit board space such that further circuit boards are not required. Having the second component 15 as a circuit board has the same advantages as already described. Additionally, it may be advantageous to provide the second component as or comprising a second circuit board 17 because other components may usefully be provided on this additional circuit board, especially for example the RFID module 40 as described later.

Given that the second component may comprise or be formed by a circuit board, it may not be necessary to provide the first circuit board between the first and second components. Thus a socket could be provided in which there is no first circuit board and the second component is formed by or comprises a circuit board. This may be space efficient and reduce costs.

The second component 15 may comprise conductive tracks. For example, as shown in Figure 4, a conductive track 21f may be used to connect the pin terminal 20f to a pin contact 22f. A similar conductive track 21 c is shown from pin terminal 20c connecting to the contact 22c. Additional conductive tracks 21 e and 21 b are shown which connect pin terminals 20e and 20b respectively to the remote control switch. Providing conductive tracks in the second component 15 means that the tracks can be shallow and space saving thus improving space efficiency within the socket 1 . The conductive tracks may be metal tracks and may be inlaid into the second component 15. This can be done whether or not the second component 15 comprises or is formed as a second circuit board 17 as described above.

Figure 3 shows the same cross-section of the socket 1 as in figure 2. Figure 3 is similar to figure 2 except that the view of the socket 1 in figure 3 is not exploded and in figure 3, plug 100 is depicted in use. As depicted in figure 3, the plug 100 comprises pin 101 which is inserted into the socket 1 . This shows plug 100 when the socket 1 is in use. The socket is considered to be in use when the plug 100 is fully inserted, irrespective of whether or not the switch 2 is turned on or off. In use, the pin 101 passes through the opening 10a of the first component 5 and through the passageway 25a. The pin terminal 20a of the second component 15 is configured to contact the pin 101 when the socket 1 is in use.

Preferably, the first circuit board 30 has a through-hole 35a through which the passageway 25 extends. In this way, the first circuit board 30 may extend across the socket 1 and may be positioned across a large area within the socket 1 without getting in the way of the pins of the plug 100. The first circuit board 30 may therefore, have a large surface on which electrical circuits and electrical components can be provided. The through-hole 35a may be otherwise referred to as an opening in the first circuit board 30. The through-hole 35a is not limited in size or shape. Preferably, the through-hole 35a corresponds to, and matches the shape of, each of the passageways (and/or openings 10a-f), as is indicated from figure 3. Having the shape matched may mean that the first circuit board 30 is as large as possible and keeps the gap between the first circuit board 30 and the passageway 25 to a minimum to reduce wasted space. Thus, there may be multiple through-holes in the first circuit board 30, optionally, with a through-hole being provided to correspond to each opening 10a-f (and passageway). Alternatively, the first circuit board 30 may comprise a larger through-hole to correspond to multiple openings 10-1 Of (and passageways). Alternatively, the first circuit board 30 may be smaller such that through-holes are not required and/or may be shaped around the pins such that through-holes are not required. In addition, to provide space for even more electrical components and circuits, the socket 1 preferably comprises a third circuit board 45. The third circuit board 45 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). This third circuit board 45 is depicted in figures 2 to 4. Electrical components on the third circuit board 45 uses pre-defined space within the socket which is required to allow enough space for the pins of a plug. This can be seen by the space around the pin terminal 20a in figure 3. The first circuit board 30 is positioned between the first component 5 and the second component 15 and may be positioned on a first side of the second component 15. The third circuit board 45 may be positioned on a second side of the second component 15, opposite the first side. Thus, a circuit board can be provided on either side of the second component 15. Therefore, the arrangement of the socket 1 in accordance with the invention allows for additional electrical components to be positioned in the socket on either side of the pin terminals than may be fitted into a conventional pug socket. The third circuit board 45 may be supported by, e.g. attached to, and optionally, fixed to, the second component 15.

The first circuit 30, second component 15 and third circuit 45 can optionally be assembled as a sub-assembly. This sub-assembly can then be provided in housing 50. Assembling the socket 1 in this way is easier, but the sub-assembly could also be assembled, e.g. attached, to the first component 5.

Providing a circuit board on other side of the second component 15 can be advantageous because there is a different amount of space on either side of the second component 15 and different electrical components for the circuit boards can be positioned on either circuit board depending on how much space is needed by the electrical component. In particular, the third circuit board 45 may have additional space for the electrical components due to the space required for the pin terminals as depicted in Figure 3. Therefore, electrical components, and in particular, larger electrical components, could be placed in the space depicted in Figure 3 between the second component 15 and the third circuit board 45.

Additionally, providing the third circuit board 45 means that components can be provided on any of the circuit boards to use the space inside the socket 1 more efficiently. For example, the metal contacts from the second component 15 may be routed to the third circuit board 45 and may be soldered to the third circuit board 45. This provides improved space efficiency. Additionally, electrical components which may use additional and/or larger cables may be provided together to reduce the additional and/or larger cables (if used) from being positioned throughout the socket 1 and which might otherwise take up space connecting to the circuit board 30. This also provides improved space efficiency.

A conventional socket does not necessarily require a circuit board in order to provide power to a plug. The first circuit board 30 and/or third circuit board 45 are configured to provide additional functionality above that of a simple socket. Thus, although the socket is configured to connect the pin terminals 20a-f to a mains power supply, the additional electrical components on the first circuit board 30 and/or the third circuit board 45 are not configured to simply connect a plug to a power supply.

The socket 1 may further comprise a remote control switch 65 which is depicted in figure 4. The remote-control switch may comprise an electro-mechanical

mechanism and/or may control a switch such as a bi-stable rocker switch. Other types of remote control switch may alternatively be used, such as a tact switch. The remote control switch 65 may be configured to receive a signal from a remote control and to switch the socket from an on-state to an off-state and vice versa depending on the signal received. Providing the second circuit board 17 and/or the third circuit board 45 may be particularly beneficial if trying to provide additional functionality for the socket 1 , for example, if providing the remote control switch 65. A user may remotely send a signal to the remote control switch 65 using a remote control to control whether or not power is provided to a particular socket plug unit. This allows a user to switch the power supply to a particular plug (i.e. in a socket plug unit) on or off remotely.

The remote control switch 65 may comprise actuators 66 as shown in figure 4. As the socket depicted in figure 4 is a double socket, two actuators 66 are depicted, one for each socket plug unit. One actuator 66 may be provided per socket plug unit, and optionally, only one of two socket plug units in a double socket may comprise a remote control switch 65. The second component 15 may be configured to support the actuators 66 as depicted in Figure 4. Alternatively, the third circuit board 45 may be configured to support the actuators 66. The remote control switch 65 may further comprise electrical components 67 configured to power the remote control switch 65. Additionally or alternatively, the conductive tracks 21 e and 21 c can be used to power the remote control switch 65. The electrical components 67 may be positioned on the third circuit board 45 as the arrangement inside the socket 1 allows for these electrical components 67 to be positioned here even though they may be relatively bulky compared to other electrical components/circuits.

The arrangement of the present invention allows additional circuit board space that would not otherwise be included. This means that the electrical components 67 needed for the remote control switch 65 can be more easily included, possibly without increasing the size of the socket 1 , or reducing or avoiding having external components. Part of the remote control switch 65, i.e. the actuators 66, is depicted in figure 4 as part of, or mounted on the second component 15. The actuators may be provided elsewhere, and optionally connected, or as part of the third circuit board 45, the back of the first component 5 and optionally external to the socket 1 . The electrical components 67 may optionally be provided on the second circuit board 17 if provided.

As depicted in figures 2 to 4, the second component 15 may be non-integral with the first component 5. Thus, the second component 15 may be separate from the first component 5 and formed of a different piece than the first component 5. When the socket 1 is being assembled, the second component 15 may be easily placed into position within the housing 50. The second component 15 may be attached in some way to the first component 5. Providing the first component 5 separately from the second component 15 means that the parts of the socket, e.g. those supported by the second compartment 15, may be more easily accessed.

To protect components of the socket 1 and prevent access to the electrical components of the socket 1 including the mains power supply, the socket 1 may comprise a housing 50. At least the first circuit board 30 and the second component 15 may be arranged inside the housing 50. The housing 50 may form an outer casing of the socket 1 as depicted in figure 3. The housing 50 may be adapted to be fitted to or in a wall or surface. The housing 50 may be adapted to form a unit at the end of an extension lead. The extension lead may comprise the unit at one end, a plug for insertion into a socket at the other end and a cable connecting the plug to the unit. Thus, the socket, may be a tabletop version of the socket 1 , where the socket 1 is equipped with a long lead/cable. In this case, the housing may not be fitted to a fixed surface or wall. Either way, the housing 50 may have structural integrity such that it maintains its shape, for example, the housing 50 may be moulded. The housing may comprise various holes through which fixing means, e.g. screws can be used to attach it to or in a wall or surface. The type and dimensions of the fixing means may be limited by the relevant standards depending on the country in which the plug is to be used. The housing may preferably comprise at least one power supply opening 70 through which wires 75 connecting to the mains power supply can pass.

The housing 50 may be configured to support the second component 15, for example, the second component 15 may be connected or attached to the housing 50 to keep the second component 15 in place. The housing 50 may be moulded to comprise a recess in which the second component 15 can be placed. Alternatively, the housing 50 may be moulded to include at least one raised portion and/or protrusion to contact and support the second component 15. For example, a protrusion 85 is depicted in figure 4. The housing 50 may comprise multiple protrusions 85 and/or raised portions to support the second component 15. Thus, the second component 15 may be effectively sandwiched or clamped between the first component 5 and the housing 50. The multiple raised portions and/or

protrusions may be spaced out across the third circuit board 45. This may be beneficial in preventing or reducing the second component 15 from flexing.

Optionally, a removable fixing may be provided through at least the housing 50 and the second component 15 to keep the second component 15 in place relative to the housing 50. The second component 15 may be attached to the housing 50 by means of a removable fixing. For example, at least one screw may be used to attach the second component 15 to the housing 50, e.g. through a screw hole in the second component 15. Avoiding attaching the second component 15 to the first component 5 and/or the housing 50 means that can be easier to take the socket 1 apart and replace components/pieces as and when necessary.

The housing 50 may be configured to support the third circuit board 45, for example, the third circuit board 45 may be connected or attached to the housing 50 to keep the third circuit board 45 in place. The housing 50 may be moulded to comprise a recess in which the third circuit board 45 can be placed. Alternatively, the housing 50 may be moulded to include at least one raised portion and/or protrusion to contact the third circuit board 45. For example, raised portions 90 are depicted in figure 4. The housing 50 may comprise multiple raised portions 90 and/or protrusions to support the third circuit board 45. The multiple raised portions and/or protrusions may be spaced out across the third circuit board 45. This may be beneficial in preventing or reducing the third circuit board 45 from flexing, for example if force is transferred from components such as the actuator mechanism which is part of the remote control switch on the third circuit board 45. A removable fixing may be provided through at least the housing 50 and the third circuit board 45 to keep the third circuit board 45 in place relative to the housing 50. For example, at least one screw may be used to attach the third circuit board 45 to the housing 50 through a screw hole in the third circuit board 45.

Optionally, the first component 5 may form at least part of the housing 50.

Additionally, or alternatively, the first component 5 may be attached to the housing 50. The first component 5 is attached to the housing 50 when in use. A removable fixing may be provided through at least the housing 50 and the first component 5 to keep the first component 5 in place relative to the housing 50. For example, at least one screw may be used to attach the first component 5 to the housing 50 through a screw hole in the first component 5 and the second component 15.

Optionally, the socket 1 may comprise a sensing device configured to measure the usage of a plug in a plug socket unit. For example, the socket 1 may comprise a sensing device configured to measure the amount of current drawn by a plug inserted in the plug socket unit. The sensing device may be configured to measure and monitor the current. A current sensing device 23 is shown in Figure 4. The current sensing device 23 may comprise a measuring portion 23a in contact with the conductive track 21 c and a monitoring unit 23b configured to monitor the sensed current and optionally transmit the measured current. The measuring portion 23a and the monitoring unit 23b may be connected to each other, e.g. via a wire or cable. The measuring portion 23a and the monitoring unit 23b could be provided as one integral unit.

The measuring portion 23a may comprise any suitable current sensor. The sensing device may be configured to transmit a signal representing the measured current and/or power. More particularly, the monitoring unit 23b may be configured to transmit the measured current via any appropriate signal, for example, the signal could be any one of WiFi, Zigbee, RFID and Bluetooth, or any other suitable signal.

As shown, the current sensing device 23 may be connected to conductive track 21 c via the measuring portion 23a. The measuring portion 23a may be connected to any component of the socket which allows measurement of the current passing to a plug in that plug socket unit. Thus, although the sensing device is shown as being positioned on the second circuit board 17, it could be positioned elsewhere. The current sensing device 23 may be positioned to detect the current and/or power between the live connection to the socket, e.g. out to the wall via wires 75, and the live contact for the plug socket, e.g. pin terminal 20f, or the remote controlled switch 65 (if provided). The current sensing device may be placed as shown with the measuring portion 23a being connected to conductive track 21 c. However, the measuring portion 23a may be connected to a different part of the socket, e.g. to the electrical connection to the remote controlled switch 65.

The measuring portion 23a may be any suitable sensor. The measuring portion 23a may comprise a resistor and a current sensing integrated circuit. The measuring portion may therefore be connected to any part of a conductive track in the socket 1 as described above. Alternatively, a different type of sensor may be used. The measuring portion 23a may not be connected to a conductive part of the socket. For example, the measuring portion 23a may comprise an electromagnetic sensor which may be positioned adjacent or near to a conductive portion of the socket 1 to detect the current and/or power.

The monitoring unit 23b may comprise circuitry on at least one of the previously described circuit boards. The monitoring unit 23b may comprise circuitry on two circuit boards, e.g. the first circuit board 30 and the second circuit board 17. The monitoring unit 23b may preferably have components and/or circuitry for transmitting the signal on a circuit board which is nearer to the front of the socket, e.g. the first circuit board 30. For example, the monitoring unit 23b may be at least partially located on the first circuit board (if provided) so that the signal is transmitted from near the fascia 5 to reliably emit the signal from the socket 1 . Alternatively, the monitoring unit 23b may transmit information about the measured current and/or power to a separate circuit/component already provided in the socket 1 . Thus, the monitoring unit 23b may transmit the signal to this other

circuit/component within the socket 1 , e.g. the first circuit board 30, which may then send a signal external to the socket 1. The signal could be any appropriate signal, for example, the signal could be any one of WiFi, Zigbee, RFID and Bluetooth.

The sensing device may additionally be configured to measure and monitor the voltage of the plug socket unit. The sensing device may use the measured current and voltage to determine the power used by a plug in the plug socket unit. A separate sensing device (in addition to the current sensing device described above) could be provided to measure the voltage to determine the power used by a plug in the plug socket unit.

A further current sensing device 23 is shown for the other plug socket unit of figure 4 as shown with measuring portion 23c in contact with conductive track 21 f. A sensor could be provided with each plug socket unit, for example, as shown in Figure 4. If a plug socket comprises multiple socket units, only one, or some of the plug socket units may comprise such a sensing device.

Information relating to the measured current and/or voltage may be presented to a user. The information may additionally or alternatively include the determined power usage. For example, the socket 1 may include a display (not shown) which presents the current and/or voltage and/or power information to the user. Additionally or alternatively, the user may have an app on a digital device configured to receive the information and display the information to the user. Additionally or alternatively, the user may be able to obtain the information by logging onto an online system via a network such as the internet. Additionally or alternatively, the user may simply be presented with some form of notification, e.g. a flashing light on the socket 1 , if the current and/or power is above a predetermined value, or above a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time.

Measuring the current and/or power is advantageous in that the user find out about the usage of a plug in a socket. This means that the user may more easily

determine if there is a problem with the plug (or device attached to the plug) or the socket. Measuring the current and/or power means that a user can be notified if there is a problem which means that the user can take action to address the issue. Additionally, measuring the current and/or power allows a user to track the usage of the socket and thus, make more informed decision about device usage which may lead to environmental benefits. Measuring the current and/or power means that the user can see if the plug is in use and can identify if a device is being powered. This means that the user can identify is sockets are being used when not expected and can take appropriate action, e.g. to turn a device off via a remote controlled switch.

Most sockets do not have a fuse and rely on the fuse in the plug, or ultimately, the circuit breaker or fuse of the ring main circuit (this is usually rated at 30 Amps, which should be acceptable for a combined total of two plug socket units but is over the limit for a single socket unit). However, socket units are generally rated at 13 Amps and if a 30 Amp load (or anything higher than a certain value, e.g. a 15 Amp load) is applied to the socket unit, the socket unit might catch fire. The use of the current sensing device means that it is possible to measure the current drawn by any appliance plugged into each socket unit. The current can be measured for each plug plugged into a socket, so that the load on each individual socket unit can be measured. This is particularly beneficial because the socket could be controlled to turn off the power if more than a 13 Amp load (or any other predetermined current limit) is sensed as being drawn through the plug by an appliance, in real time. This can, potentially, serve as a very important and beneficial safety feature.

The socket may therefore be configured to prevent power being supplied to a plug in the socket when the measured current and/or power reaches a predetermined value. The socket may be configured to specifically prevent power from being supplied to a particular plug plugged into a specific plug socket unit. The socket may be

configured to prevent power being supplied in various different ways. For example, the sensing device, preferably the monitoring unit, is configured to determine if the current and/or power is above a predetermined value. When the current and/or power is above the predetermined value, the sensing device may be configured to transmit a signal indication that the current and/or power is higher than the

predetermined value. The signal may be sent to an automatic switch configured to interrupt the current flow to the plug (e.g. a circuit breaker within the socket, not shown) or to the remote controlled switch (if provided) so that the socket can stop the current from being supplied to the plug and thus prevent power being supplied to that plug. Additionally or alternatively, the user might be notified as described above.

The socket 1 may comprise at least one mechanical safety mechanism 60 to restrict access to at least one pin terminal 20a-f. The second component 15 may be configured to support the at least one mechanical safety mechanism 60. The safety mechanism 60 may come in a variety of forms. The safety mechanism 60

corresponds to at least one of the pin terminals, and may correspond to a set of pin terminals used by one socket plug unit, e.g. pin terminals 10a-c. It is advantageous that the safety mechanism 60 is mounted on the second component 15 as this allows for space in the socket 1 for other components. Additionally, the safety mechanism 60 being mounted on the second component 15 allows the first circuit board 30 to be mounted very closely to the inside of the first component, which is beneficial for RFID and/or radio signals. The first circuit board 30 can also be used to retain the shutter in place, i.e. to 'sandwich' the shutter.

The socket depicted in the figures is for use with a typical plug which is common in the UK. In such a socket, there is a set of openings and pin terminals corresponding to each plug, i.e. openings 10a-c and pin terminals 20a-c correspond to one socket plug unit and openings 10d-f and pin terminals 20d-f correspond to another socket plug unit. In the UK, the plug 100 comprises three pins and the socket comprises at least one socket plug unit (i.e. a set of three openings, three pin terminals and three passageways corresponding to each pin of the plug). In the example depicted in the figures, the three pin terminals have different functions. The first pin terminal 20a is an earth pin terminal, which is configured to ground the pin and is a safety

precaution. The second pin terminal 20b is a live pin terminal connected to a live wire and carries current to the plug 100. The third pin terminal 20c is a neutral pin connected to a neutral wire and carries current away from the plug 100. In order to make the socket safe, it is necessary to restrict access to the second and third pin terminals 20b-c.

An exemplary safety mechanism 60 is depicted in Figures 2 to 5F. The mechanical safety mechanism 60 is movable relative to the three pin terminals 20a-c. As shown, the safety mechanisms 60 may each comprise a base portion 61 , a spring 62 and a safety mechanism opening corresponding to at least an opening. Safety mechanism opening 63a is depicted on the right safety mechanism and 63b on the left safety mechanism. The base portion 61 may have a sloped portion 61 a. One safety mechanism 60 is depicted for each plug socket unit.

The right safety mechanism of Figure 4 will be described for reference only but can equally apply to the left safety mechanism. The base portion 61 comprises safety mechanism opening 63a which corresponds to the opening 10a. The safety mechanism opening 63is configured to be the same size or larger than the passageway 25a in cross section. As described in relation to the right hand plug socket unit in figure 4, the base portion 61 may be configured such that when no plug is inserted, a part of the base portion is aligned with openings 10b and 10c of the first component 5 and pin terminals 20b and 20c of the second component 15. In other words, the base portion 61 covers the openings, e.g. 10b and 10c when no plug is inserted. This means that the base portion 61 is configured to restrict access to the respective passageways 25b and 25c to prevent a user placing an electrically conductive item in the plug and getting electrocuted. The safety mechanism is shown in more detail in the restrictive position in Figures 5A, 5C and 5E and 5G. The safety mechanism is shown in more detail in the position which allows access to the terminals in Figures 5B, 5D, 5F and 5H.

In the UK, the top pin 101 of the plug 100 is longer than the other two pins 102 and 103. When a plug is not inserted in the socket 1 , the spring 62 is in a relaxed position (compared to when the base portion is moved) and the base portion 61 is positioned such that the base portion 61 covers the pin terminals 20b and 2c. The sloped portion 61 a is positioned in the passageway 25a. When the plug is inserted into the socket 1 the top pin 101 of the plug 100 will push against the sloped portion 61 a. The pin 101 pushes along the sloped portion 61 a which causes the base portion 61 to be pushed upwards (substantially parallel to the second component) and which extends the spring 62. As the base portion 61 is moved, the part of the base portion covering the passageways 25b and 25c moves out of the way of these passageways, i.e. the base portion 61 slides out of the way to reveal the respective terminals 20b and 20c. As the base portion 61 is no longer blocking passageways 20b-c of the two lower pins 102 and 103, all three pins 101 -103 of the plug 100 can be pushed into the socket 1 and contact the respective pin terminals 20a-c. Figure 3 depicts a plug 100 inserted into a socket 1 wherein the base portion 61 has been raised as described. When the plug 100 is removed, the spring 62 returns to its original length and the base portion 61 is pulled back down to block the

passageways 25b-c.

The base portion 61 could optionally comprise openings corresponding to the other passageways and would be configured to be the same size or larger than the relevant passageways in cross section. In this case, these openings would be aligned with the passageways 25b and 25c to allow the lower pins to be pushed into the socket 1 when the mechanical safety mechanism is moved to allow access. The spring 62 described above is generally under some tension even when in the relatively relaxed position in order to keep the shutter in position and stop movement even when no pin of an electrical plug 100 is inserted. Although, the spring 62 is described as extending due to the movement of the base portion 61 when a pin is inserted, the spring may be attached in a different way to the second component is and may instead be compressed to allow the movement of the mechanical safety mechanism described above.

The mechanical safety mechanism may be used to determine whether or not an electrical plug 100 is inserted into the socket 1 . This may be used as part of the socket 1 with any or all of the features described above or a socket without all these features and is described in further detail below.

This exemplary safety mechanism is specific to the type of plug used in the UK, and other types of safety mechanism for the same type of plug may be used, or other safety mechanisms for different types of plug in slightly different socket

arrangements may alternatively be used. The second compartment 15 may be configured to support a different type of safety mechanism.

The socket 1 may comprise an electrically conductive bar 55 which may be substantially flat. The electrically conductive bar 55 may be otherwise referred to as a bus bar. The electrically conductive bar 55 may be arranged to fit around the safety mechanism 60 (if present) and the pin terminals 20a-f. For example, as depicted in figure 4, the electrically conductive bar 55 may be substantially flat and arranged substantially around the outside of the second component 15. This is advantageous as it means that the electrically conductive bar 55 takes up minimal space to allow for electrical components related to the circuit board(s). The second component 15 may be configured to support the electrically conductive bar 55.

Alternatively, the housing 50 may be configured to support the electrically conductive bar 55. For example, the second component 15 or housing 50 may comprise a recess in which the electrically conductive bar 55 can be positioned. The housing 50 may comprise a recess in which the second component 15 and the bus bar 55 can be placed. This electrically conductive bar 55 may be provided along the back of this socket 1 , inside the housing 50. This may be beneficial in helping the electrically conductive bar 55 out of the way of other components. In this case, the electrically conductive bar may not be flat, but may be shaped to best fit around the inside of the socket 1 .

As described above, providing the first circuit board 30 between the first component 5 and the second component 15 means that the first circuit board 30 is positioned relatively near the front of the socket 1 . This can be particularly useful if the first circuit board 30 comprises any components which require a signal to be

transmitted/received from within the socket 1 or to/from a component external to the socket 1 . Signals passed to or from the first circuit board 30 may have a limited range and/or be of a limited strength. The location of the first circuit board 30 near the front of the socket 1 may allow the first circuit board 30 to transmit and/or receive signals which may not be as reliably transmitted and/or received if the first circuit board 30 is located further back in the socket 1 . This could include different types of signal, for example, the signal could be any one of WiFi, Zigbee, RFID and

Bluetooth, or any other suitable signal. An example may include receiving a signal from a component of a plug 100. This may optionally include the plug 100

comprising some form of signal emitter.

The socket 1 may optionally comprise a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module configured to detect a signal transmitted from a radio-frequency identification tag. The RFID tag 105 may comprise a unique identifier. The RFID tag 105 may additionally include information about the plug 100, such as regulatory information. As will be described below, the RIFD tag 105 may be integral to the plug 100 and may be formed as part of the plug 100. The RFID tag 105 may be mounted on the plug 100. For example, the RFID tag 105 may be attached to the plug 100 using adhesive, similar to a sticker. The RFID tag 105 may be provided as part of a plug cover. The radio-frequency identification tag (RFID tag) 105 is described below as an example of a signal emitter and could be replaced with another type of signal emitter (such as an emitter configured to emit any of the signals described above).

Similarly, the radio-frequency identification (RFID) module is described below as an example of a signal detector and could be replaced with another type of signal detector suitable for use with the signal being detected.

The RFID module 40 may be positioned in various different places within the socket 1 . Optionally, the first circuit board 30 may comprise the RFID module 40. However, the RFID module 40 may be provided in other parts of the socket, such as on other circuits boards, and thus, it is not necessary to provide the first circuit board 30 positioned between the first component and the second component when also providing the RFID module 40. The RFID module 40 is depicted on Figures 2-4, but is most clearly shown on the exploded view of the socket in Figure 4.

The RFID module 40 may comprise an RFID reader 40b which comprises circuitry. The RFID module 40 may comprise electrical coils 40a which can otherwise be referred to as an RFID antenna. The electrical coils 40a may be provided around any or all of the passageways 25a-f for example, as shown in Figure 4. The coils 40a may be provided around a single passageway 25a, for example as shown on the right hand side of the first circuit board 30 in figure 4. The coils 40a of the RFID module 40 may be provided in any shape around or/in the passageways 25a-f. The coils 40a may be provided within the passageways 25a-f, for example as shown on the left-hand side of the first circuit board 30 in Figure 4. The coils 40a may be provided in the centre of the passageways 35a-c corresponding to a single plug. This is shown on the left hand side of the first circuit board 30 in Figure 4.

Although the RFID module 40 is shown on the first circuit board 30 in figures 2-4, the RFID module 40 may be located in other places in the socket 1 in combination with the other features shown in any of these figures. For example, the RFID module 40 may be located on other circuit boards. Other circuit boards may be provided to allow other functionalities which may be used instead or as well as the first circuit board 30. This same advantages relating to the location of the first circuit board 30 may apply to other circuit boards which may beneficially be located near the front of the socket 1 , or which require large amount of circuit which would not fit on previously used circuit boards. The RFID module 40 may be provided on a separate circuit board, such as a relatively small circuit board, which may be an additional circuit board 95 as shown in Figure 6. The small circuit board may be approximately 10 cm in width and approximately 1 .5 cm in height. The additional circuit board 95 could be positioned anywhere within the socket 1 that allows effective transmission and detection of the RFID signal. The additional circuit board 95 shown in figure 6 could feature a smaller RFID antenna (coils 40a) positioned directly in the centre of the pins.

The shield 26a-f described above may sit within the through-holes 35a-f of the first circuit board 30. The shield 26a-f may be integral to the first component 5. In other words, the first component 5 may comprise walls which may act as a shield and sit inside the through-holes 35a-f of the first circuit board 30 in order to shield the first circuit board 30 from direct contact with the pins 101 , 102, 103 of the plug 100. This is shown in Figure 7. It will be noted that the height of the first circuit board 30 in figure 7 is less than previously depicted. The first circuit board 30 may be shaped as described above or as shown in Figure 7. Thus, the first circuit board 30 may not cover all of the passageways 25a-f and may only have through-holes 35a-f for some of the 101 , 102, 103 of the plug 100. This is also shown in figure 8. For example only, the first circuit board 30 when used in a double socket (which can receive two plugs as shown in Figures 1 -4) may have dimensions of approximately -12-13 cm in width and approximately 3-4 cm in height. A corresponding circuit board in a single socket (not shown) may be of a similar height but a reduced width, e.g.

approximately 7-8 cm long. The first circuit board 30 (and the other circuit boards) may be of any appropriate size to fit within the socket and house the desired components/circuits.

Additionally or alternatively, an electrical plug 100 for use with a socket 1 may be provided. The electrical plug 100 may comprise a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag 105 configured to emit a signal, as depicted in Figures 9A and 9B. As already described, this is beneficial in that the plug can be identified by the RFID tag. The RFID tag 105 may otherwise be referred to as an RFID label. The RFID tag 105 may be of any appropriate dimensions to be attached to a surface of the electrical plug 100 facing the socket 1 in use. For example, the RFID tag may be

approximately 2 cm x 0.5 cm. Ideally, the RFID tag may be positioned in the middle of the surface of the plug. Preferably, there would be approximately 5 mm clearance around the RFID tag and the pins 101 , 102, 103 of the plug 100. Preferably, the size and shape of the RFID tag 105 is designed to fit directly to a removable fuse cover if included on the plug 100. This is shown in Figure 9B.

The electrical plug 100 may comprise the RFID tag 105 in various different ways. The electrical plug 100 may comprise a plug body 106 and pins 101 , 102, 103 protruding from a surface of the plug body 106, as depicted in Figure 9A. The RFID tag 105 may be attached to the surface of the plug body 106 having pins 101 , 102, 103 protruding therefrom using an adhesive. In other words, the RFID tag 105 may be provided in the form of a sticker which is attached to the surface of the electrical plug 100. Any type of adhesive may be used. This may be beneficial because the RFID tag can be added to pre-existing plugs on devices already being used in order to label the devices. Additionally, the RFID tag 105 could be removed if desirable. Alternatively, the RFID tag 105 may be integral to the plug body. Thus, the RFID tag 105 may be formed as part of the plug body 106, and/or the RFID tag 105 may be positioned within the plug body 106. This may be beneficial in that the RFID tag 105 cannot easily be removed from the electrical plug 100 or destroyed.

The RFID tag 105 may have a thickness of less than or equal to 1 .5 mm, and preferably less than or equal to 1 mm. It is preferable that the RFID tag is as thin as possible so that it does not interfere with the pins 101 , 102, 103 of the electrical plug 100 connecting with the terminals in the socket.

Additionally or alternatively, a plug cover 1 10 is provided as depicted in Figures 10A and 10B. The plug cover 1 10 may be configured to be positioned on a surface of an electrical plug 100 having pins 101 , 102, 103 protruding therefrom, wherein the plug cover 1 10 comprises through-holes which are positioned to receive the pins 101 , 102, 103 of the electrical plug 100. The plug cover 1 10 may be held in place on the plug by friction between the pins 101 , 102, 103 of the plug and the plug cover 1 10. Thus, there may be a kind of clamping effect between the plug cover 1 10 and the pins of the plug. In other words, the plug cover 1 10 may be retained on the plug 100 without requiring use of an adhesive. Optionally, the plug cover 1 10 may be attached to the plug 100 in some way in addition or as an alternative to the clamping force provided by the friction between the plug cover 1 10 and the pins 101 , 102, 103. For example, the plug cover may be attached to the plug using a magnet, adhesive, a latch, a clasp, a popper fastener or some other fastening means. The plug cover 1 10 does not need to enclose at least a part of a plug. Instead, the plug cover 1 10 may be provided on a surface of the electrical plug 100. Thus, the plug cover 1 10 may cover as least a part of a surface of the electrical plug 100. The plug cover 1 10 may otherwise be referred to as a plug layer, plug sheet or plug covering.

The plug cover 1 10 comprises an RFID tag 105 configured to emit a signal. Thus, the plug cover 1 10 could be provided as an alternative to the RFID tag 105 being attached to or part of the electrical plug 100 as described above. The plug cover 1 10 may be particularly advantageous in that it can be manufactured entirely separately from the electrical plug 100. Additionally, the plug cover 1 10 can be used to ensure that the RFID tag 105 is located in a preferred position of the plug and can be easily removed and attached to different plugs if desired.

Ideally, the plug cover would be the same in principle to a cardboard plug cover that sometimes come with a plug showing the wiring instructions. Preferably, the plug cover would contain the RFID tag 105 and be fitted over the plug pins 101 , 102, 103 of an appliance by the user. The shape of the plug cover could be a universal one- size fits all approach in order to best suit any variation in plug shape; for example, Dyson and Dualit both use circular plugs so a sleeve following a conventional plug shape may not be aesthetically or dimensionally ideal.

The position of the RFID tag 105 within the plug cover 1 10 or on the plug 100 may relate directly to the position of the coils 40a on the RFID module 40. One benefit of the plug cover 1 10 is that it constrains the position of where the RFID tag 105 is applied to ensure it aligns with the corresponding coils 40a of the RFID module 40. Preferably, the plug cover 1 10 would be of a semi-rigid, opaque, durable material such as a thin plastic substrate, the construction of which encapsulating/laminating the RFID inlay thereby protecting it from damage. However, this is not necessary and other materials may be used.

The plug cover 1 10 may have a thickness of less than or equal to 1.5 mm, and preferably less than or equal to 1 mm. It is preferable that the plug cover 1 10 is as thin as possible so that it does not interfere with the pins 101 , 102, 103 of the electrical plug 100 connecting with the terminals in the socket 1 . The RFID tag 105 described above may comprises coils which may be wound in a plane of the plug cover 1 10. This may be beneficial in keeping the plug cover 1 10 relatively flat. In other words, the coils being wound in the plane of the plug cover 1 10 may mean that the plug cover 1 10 can be of a preferred thickness as described above.

The RFID tag 105 may be positioned in the middle of the plug cover 100. This may be beneficial in that the specific location of the RFID tag is known and can be kept out of the way of the 101 , 102, 103 of the electrical plug 100. The RFID tag 105 may be positioned at least approximately 5 mm from the through-holes in the plug cover 1 10. This is beneficial in reducing any interaction between the signal from the RFID tag 105 and the pins 101 , 102, 103 of the electrical plug 100. Preferably, the RFID tag 105 is located approximately equidistant from the through-holes of the plug cover 1 10.

Preferably, the plug cover 1 10 does not protrude from the edge of the surface of the electrical plug 100 when positioned on the surface of the electrical plug 100. In other words, the plug cover 1 10 is smaller than the surface of the electrical plug 100. The shape of the plug cover 1 10 may be predetermined based on the through-holes in the plug cover 1 10. The shape of the plug cover 1 10 could be circular or may be a quadrilateral.

The through-holes of the plug cover 1 10 are configured to receive pins of one of the following types of electrical plug: i) BS1363-5:2008; ii) NEMA 1 -15; iii) NEMA 5-15; iv) NEMA 5-20; v) CEE 7/4; vi) CEE 7/7; vii) CEE 7/16; or viii) BS 546. In other words, the shape of the plug cover 1 10 and/or the through-holes of the plug cover 1 10 may be shaped for use with at least any of the types of plug listed. This list is intended to be an indication of the types of plug that the plug cover 1 10 can be used with but is not limiting and the plug cover 1 10 may be adapted for use with other types of plug. This list indicates some of the different types of plug which can be used in different countries. The position of the through-holes of the plug cover 1 10 may vary depending on the type of plug for which the plug cover 1 10 should be used.

Additionally, the position of the RFID tag 105 in or on the plug cover may slightly vary depending on the type of plug. Additionally, to avoid the plug cover 1 10 from protruding from the side of the electrical plug 106 when plugged into a socket 100, the plug cover 1 10 may be of a slightly different shape depending on the type of plug.

The plug cover 1 10 described may optionally be provided with an electrical plug 100. For example, the electrical plug 1 10 may be provided with a plug cover 1 10 already in place, or may be provided with the plug cover 1 10, e.g. as part of a kit and/or to be positioned on the plug 100.

Providing a plug 100 with an RFID tag 105 or a plug cover 1 10 as describe above may be beneficial in that the plug 100 can be identified by the RFID module 40 in the socket 1 . This can be particularly useful if used in combination with a remote control switch 65 as it can allow a user to remotely identify which plug is inserted into a socket 1 (and more specifically, into which plug socket unit) and thus identify which appliance/device the plug is attached to. Based on this, the user may be may be provided (e.g. via a computer program or app) with information associated to that particular plug, e.g. relating to the power consumption, and the user is able to remotely decide and control the socket 1 to turn the appliance/device on or off using the remote control switch 65.

In further detail, the use of an RFID tag 105 on the plug 100 or plug cover 1 10 means that appliances can be automatically identified by the socket 1 when a plug 100 is inserted. There are several advantages to this.

1 . Conventionally amongst competitor smart products, socket-outlets themselves are named by the user based on what they decide to use that socket for. A user might for example name a socket in the bedroom as 'lamp' because they intend to use that one solely for their bedside lamp. If for example a user unplugs the lamp and replaces it with an iPhone charger then the name of the socket-outlet would remain the same; it would still report 'lamp' on the smartphone app even though this is no longer the case. Naming socket-outlets themselves has no means of accurately reporting what is actually plugged into it.

2. Naming a socket is also limited by not being able to determine whether the socket is even occupied. The socket named 'lamp' could also be empty with no appliance plugged in. This means you could be unknowingly and pointlessly turning on an empty socket— even though the app is telling you that you have turned on the lamp. The advantage of providing of such an RFID tag 105 on a plug or plug cover 1 10 is that it allows individual labelling the plug which can be read by the socket 1 . This may be achieved using 13.46 MHz NFC as follows: in further detail to the RFID module 40 and tag 105 described above, the RFID module 40 (or another suitable signal receiver module) may be assembled to the inside of the first component 5 so that it is close to the front of the socket 1 . The RFID module may have a 13.56MHz NFC antenna positioned on a circuit board in close proximity to the plug pin disposition for reading of an RFID tag 105.

Additionally, when using the plug cover 1 10, it would be possible to brand the plug cover 1 10 if desirable.

Additionally or alternatively, a socket may be provided which can determine whether or not a plug is inserted into the socket. This socket may have features which can be used in combination with any of the above described features but may not require all the features, such as the circuit boards which are located in the various positions described above. In further detail, the socket 1 , for use with an electrical plug, may comprise a first component comprising two openings and two pin terminals, wherein each pin terminal corresponds to a corresponding one of the openings. The socket 1 may further comprise a mechanical safety mechanism configured to restrict access to at least one pin terminal through its corresponding opening. The mechanical safety mechanism may be the same as the mechanical safety mechanism described above. The socket further comprises a sensor unit configured to determine if an electrical plug is inserted into the socket based on the position of the mechanical safety mechanism.

The mechanical safety mechanism may be configured to move between a first position and a second position. The first position may be the position detected in Figures 5A, 5C, 5F and 5G and the second position may be the position depicted in Figures 5B, 5D, 5E and 5H. The first position and the second position may be the end points of the range of movement available to the mechanical safety mechanism. Access to the at least one pin terminal may be restricted when the mechanical safety mechanism is in the first position and access to the at least one pin terminal is not restricted when the mechanical safety mechanism is in the second position. The first position and the second position are used here for reference only and are

interchangeable. As the mechanical safety mechanism moves between the first position and the second position depending on the whether a plug is inserted, the position of the mechanical safety mechanism can be detected and used to establish if an electrical plug has been inserted. The sensor unit may be configured to detect if the mechanical safety mechanism is in the first position and/or the second position.

The mechanical safety mechanism may comprise a base portion 61 as described above. The base portion 61 may be configured to affect a sensor unit 57 when in the first and/or second position. This may be done in a variety of different ways and the sensor units may comprise or be formed of different types of sensor.

For example, the sensor unit 57 may comprise a radiation sensor, e.g. an optical sensor. In this example, the sensor unit 57 may comprise an emitter 57a configured to emit radiation and a receiver 57b configured to detect radiation emitted by the emitter 57a. When the mechanical safety mechanism is in the first position with the base portion 61 restricting access to the pin terminals as shown in Figure 5a, the radiation emitted by the emitter 57a is not received by the receive 57b. However, when the mechanical safety mechanism is moved to allow access to the terminal as shown in Figure 5b, the radiation may be reflected by the base portion such that it is received by the receiver 57b. Thus, the base portion may comprise or be formed of a reflective material (which is not shown).

In another example, the sensor unit 57 may be magnetic, or electromagnetic. For example, the sensor unit 57 may comprise a magnetic sensor 57c. The base portion 61 of the mechanical safety mechanism may comprise a magnet 57d, as depicted in Figures 5c and 5d. When the mechanical safety mechanism is moved into the position which allows access to the pin terminals as shown in Figure 5d, the magnet 57d provided on the base portion 61 is moved closer to the magnetic sensor 57c and the interaction between the magnet 57d and the magnetic sensor 57c allows the position of the base portion 61 can be determined.

In another example, the sensor unit 57 may comprise a force sensor. For example, as shown in Figures 5e and 5f, a force sensor 57e may be provided. The sensor unit 57 may further optionally comprise a compressible portion 57f, such as a spring which may be moved by the base portion 61 when the mechanical safety mechanism is moved into position to allow access to the terminals as depicted in Figure 5f. The force sensor 57e may be calibrated to determine the compression of the spring such that the position of the base portion can be determined. Instead of a compressible portion, an extendable portion could be used with a force sensor in a similar way.

In another example, as depicted in Figures 5g and 5h, the sensor unit may detect contact between mechanical safety mechanism and the sensor unit. For example, the sensing unit 57 may comprise a contact sensor 57g.

The examples of different types of sensor unit/sensors are not exhaustive and other types of sensor may be used. The sensor units described above may comprise and/or may be connected to further circuitry. The above described examples and sensors may be used in slightly different ways, e.g. with different positions with respect to the mechanical safety mechanism to those described above and shown in the figures.

As described, the first component may comprise two openings (or could comprise more). If two openings are provided, the safety mechanism may restrict access to both terminals corresponding to the openings. In an example, the mechanical safety mechanism will have two sloped surfaces and both pins will be used to grant access to the live terminals. The mechanical safety mechanism may restrict access to whichever number of terminals is appropriate depending on the number of openings provided. The mechanical safety mechanism may not restrict access to all of the terminals.

A WiFi module may be provided in addition to or as part of any of the circuit boards described above. The WiFi module may be provided as a separate circuit board which is mounted onto any of the circuit boards described above. It is beneficial to generate the WiFi module separately and then attach it to one of the above described circuit boards to keep regulatory costs down.

The socket 1 may further comprise at least one type of connector, for example, the socket 1 may comprise at least one USB port. The connector may be electrically connected to the first circuit board 30, the third circuit board 45 if present and/or an additional circuit board.

The switch 2 is described above and is depicted in figure 1 , however, not all sockets comprise at least one physical switch 2 and it is not an essential feature. However, it is preferred so that manual means of turning the specific plug socket on or off is provided.

As depicted in Figures 1 -4 and as described, the socket 1 is a double socket. Thus, the socket 1 is configured with two sets of openings and two sets of pin terminals, etc., i.e. two plug socket units. This means that two plugs may be used in the socket 1 at the same time. The socket 1 may be configured for any number of plugs to be inserted at the same time. The socket 1 may be a single socket, and may only comprise a single plug socket unit to allow a single plug to be inserted. The socket may be configured to allow additional plugs to be inserted (i.e. may comprise additional plug socket units) and may be configured for use with 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more plugs at any one time. The socket may be provided as part of an extension lead. It will be understood that the same arrangement described above can be arranged for use with any number of plugs and the same advantages as described above will still apply.

In the figures, the first component 5 is shown as a front facing component with sides for attaching to housing 50. The first component 5 may not have sides, for example, the first component 5 may be substantially flat. Alternatively, the first component 5 may form substantially all the sides of the socket 1 . As such, the first component 5 may form most of the casing of the socket 1 and the housing 50 may only comprise a back board to connect to or in a wall or surface. The socket 1 is formed by the first component 5, the first circuit board 30 and the second component 15, and these components may be positioned within or attached to pre-existing housing. This means that pre-existing socket attachments to a mains supply may be retrofitted with a socket 1 in accordance with the present invention.

The socket 1 described above and depicted in the drawings show a double socket for use with a standard GB, three-pinned plug. However, the socket 1 of the present invention could be configured for use with alternative types of plug. Thus, the socket may comprise different numbers of openings, passageways, terminals and adapted safety mechanisms corresponding to each plug, although most commonly, the number of openings per plug is two or three. The first component may only comprise two openings, the socket may comprise two pin terminal and two passageways between each respective opening and corresponding pin terminal. Alternatively, there may be additional openings, terminals and passageways. The socket 1 may be configured for use with a plug having more than two pins, (e.g. three pins) then each of the components and circuit boards may also be configured to receive a plug with more than two pins. For example, the first component and second component may have three openings as shown in the figures, or even more if necessary.

Optionally, at least one of the circuit boards provided may have three openings as shown in the figures. It is most common that the plug may have two or three pins and thus, the components described above may be configured to receive two or three pins of a plug, e.g. have two or three openings respectively.

The at least one opening 10 may have any shape. The at least one opening 10 and the corresponding features (i.e. the passageway 25, the pin terminal 20a-f and the through-holes 35) may all be of any shape depending on the shape of the pin to be used with the plug. Each of these corresponding features may be the same shape, or they could be different.

It will be understood that the advantages described above are for the socket depicted. However, sockets used for different types and shape of plugs in different countries have similar constraints but may be of a slightly different shape. For example, a socket in the US tends to be deeper but narrower than the standard shape of a socket in the UK. However, as similar constraints apply, the problems and advantages are the same as described above even for different shapes of socket.

The first, second and/or third circuit boards may in fact comprise multiple smaller circuit boards. For example, the circuit board may comprise multiple separate circuit boards, optionally arranged substantially in a plane. Similarly, the third circuit board 45 may comprise multiple separate circuit boards, optionally arranged substantially in a plane. Additionally, alternative circuit boards may be provided to allow other functionalities which may be used instead or as well as the above described circuit boards. This same advantages relating to the location of the first circuit board 30 may apply to other circuit boards which may beneficially be located near the front of the socket 1 , or which require large amount of circuit which would not fit on previously used circuit boards. Additionally, the shape of the circuit boards is not limiting. The circuit boards 30, 45 are shown in the figures as generally rectangular. This is to depict the largest space within the socket 1 being taken up by the circuit boards 30, 45. However, this is not necessarily the case.

It is noted that some, and not all of the optional and even preferable features may be used in conjunction with each other. It is not necessary to include all of the features depicted in the figures and only some may be included.