GB2630743A

GB2630743A - Electrical socket system

Info

Publication number: GB2630743A
Application number: GB2308319.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Savage Martin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-06-02
Filing date: 2023-06-02
Publication date: 2024-12-11
Also published as: GB202308319D0

Abstract

An electrical socket system 100 comprises a back box 200 suitable for installation into a wall. The back box 200 comprises cable entry points 212, 214, 216 for receiving live electrical cabling. A connector block 300 is coupled to the back box 200, the connector block 300 comprises a cable connection assembly for electrical connection to the live electrical cabling. A face plate 400 comprises one or more electrical sockets 420 for receiving a corresponding plug or connector. At least one connector (figure 3, 410) is provided for electrically coupling the cable connection assembly and the face plate 400 such that the connector (figure 3, 410) electrically couples the one or more electrical sockets 310 to the cable connection assembly. The cable connection assembly comprises electrical pathways (figure 5, 352, 354, 356) for electrical connection of the live electrical cabling to the at least one connector 310.

Description

ELECTRICAL SOCKET SYSTEM

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical socket system, in particular to a system that provides for easy installation.

Background of the Invention

Electrical sockets were initially developed in the early 20th century and broadly comprise an electrical box with one or more sockets for receiving corresponding plugs. The electrical box is then placed onto or within a wall and hard wired into existing electrical cabling.

The wiring of a building conventionally has two main stages, plus in many cases (depending on product selection) a 'finishing' stage (face plates etc.). In the first stage, known as the first fix, an electrician will run the required wiring through the building and fit pattress boxes (also known as back boxes, wall boxes, or work boxes) for sockets in the required locations, leaving wiring loose within the boxes, but capped to ensure safety.

After this first fix, required structural and finishing works are carried out on the building, such as plastering. There is a problem with other trades working around open back boxes with cables sitting in the back box which may become loose and impede the following trades in terms of quality, may require blanking infills and generally do not enable an efficient and clean management of these following trades.

Once this structural work is completed the electrician can return to carry out the second stage, known as the second fix, in order to complete the wiring work. This second fix is a required additional step, with the electrician often required to remove any plaster build up and/or damage in the pattress boxes that has occurred due to the structural work. The second fix can then be completed with the provision and fitting of consumer ready front plates which are required to be physically wired in to the wiring provided by the first fix and attached to the pattress boxes. Finally the completed electrical installation can be tested and certified.

There is a repeated issue again with a certified/tested second fix plate whereby 5 following trades carrying out snagging/making good to these second fix plates have to tape up and protect these as they are essentially a finished element. The cost/time and quality assurance implications associated within this work and the requirement to track/log and damage and issue out contra charges to associated trades. There is also the additional issue with tested sockets being livened up, along with lighting 10 which is required for the making good phases of previous trades and also the decorating stage. This can cause a problem in terms of risk for the electrical firm because at this intermediate stage, while tested, it is not handed over to the client. The final trades are essentially 'wet trades' and there is still a risk of liquid and dust ingress into a finished socket.

Additionally, whilst electrical sockets have in recent years begun to include additional electrical components and/or electrical connections, these are typically fixed or integrated into the socket front plate assembly, and can quickly become redundant and/or difficult to replace or upgrade. As new electrical products come into the market and varying USB type charging points etc. are developed manufacturers need to commit to a number of functionalities and the decision on where to install these needs to be taken at an early stage, often some months before completion of a project. This forces sometimes incorrect decisions to be made as once installed there as are significant costs to disconnect and re-install/test The present invention aims to at least ameliorate the above mentioned issues.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrical socket system, said system comprising: a back box for installation into a wall or pattress box, said back box comprising cable entry points for receiving live electrical cabling; a connector block coupled to the back box, said connector block comprising a cable connection assembly for electrical connection to the live electrical cabling and; a face plate, said face plate comprising one or more electrical sockets for receiving a corresponding plug or connector; and at least one connector for electrically coupling the cable connection assembly and the face plate such that the connector electrically couples the one or more electrical sockets to the cable connection assembly and wherein the cable connection assembly comprises electrical pathways for electrical connection of the live electrical cabling to the at least one connector.

The present system aids installation and testing during installation of electrical socket systems on construction sites. For example, the back box and the connector block may be initially installed as a first fix. The system may then be tested for electrical safety and a face plate installed into the connector that protects the electrical connections and allows for the finishing off of plastering/decorating etc. without the risk of ingress or damage to the sockets which would require additional testing. Once the desired finish is obtained, the blank face plate may be replaced with a face plate as described before a cover plate is added as a final finish. Such replacement may be performed without the need for further electrical testing, reducing the skill requirement or need to use a qualified electrician or tradesperson. Similarly, the face plate and cover plate may be updated to accommodate new functionality or an alternative finish.

It can be appreciated that the bespoke nature of the electrical elements within the face plate allows for integration of "smart" features, such as voice/app activation, power monitoring, or the like. Similarly audio/visual/data signals may be integrated with associated connectors. Monitoring services, such as audio or visual monitoring may also be integrated -this could allow for a hardwired security system that is easy to install or extend.

In embodiments the connector may comprise a receptacle and corresponding shaped connection pin and wherein one of the receptacle or connection pin is integrated with the connector block and the other one is integrated with the face plate.

The electrical pathways may comprise connection strips, each strip carrying a different rated electrical transmission line. The connection strips may be vertically separated within the connector block such that connection strips may overlap without interference between transmission lines.

The cable connection assembly may comprise signal pathways for connection of data signal cabling to the electrical socket connectors via at least one connector.

A cover plate may be provided for coupling to the face plate, said cover plate comprising a finished surface with voids located at the electrical sockets for receiving said plugs.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.

Brief description of Drawings

Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawing, in which: Figure 1 shows an assembled electrical socket system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a front exploded view of the electrical socket system of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a rear view of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a first cross-sectional view through the exploded view of Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a second cross-sectional view along a different axis of Figure 2; Figure 6 shows a third cross-sectional view along a different axis of Figure 2; Figure 7a shows a first cross-sectional view through the assembled view of Figure 1; Figure 7b shows a second cross-sectional view along a different axis of Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a partial skeleton view of the socket of Figure 1, with the front plate removed; Figure 9 shows the view of Figure 8, but with a connector block connected; Figures 10a and 10b show the back box; Figures 11 a and 11 b show the connector block; Figures 12a and 12b show the face plate; and Figure 13a and 13b show the cover plate.

It should be noted that the Figure is diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of the Figure have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar feature in modified and different embodiments.

Detailed Description

The examples given herein are focussed on a UK-style three prong domestic plug types; however, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that modifications may be made by which to encompass various plug designs and specifications of other jurisdictions. As such the invention is not considered limited by territorial design specifications or standards because the skilled person may simply refer to any such standards and make the modifications required using routine processes.

For ease of reference, orientation of the components is described relative to their position when fully installed in an aperture of a wall of a building. As such, front refers to a side of the components that faces out from the wall and back faces into the wall. There is no limitation implied by this orientation, but only to provide a more intuitive frame of reference.

Figure 1 shows an assembled electrical socket system 100. Said system 100 25 comprises one or more sockets 110 and switches 112 to electrically activate/deactivate said sockets.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the system 100. The system comprises a back box 200 for installation into a recess in a wall or other installation. It can be appreciated that the back box may be installed into a pattress box. The back box comprises cutaway sections at the top and bottom -this is contrary to typical back boxes which require 'knock out' sections, but may lead to issues during installation. The back box 200 comprises cable entry points 212, 214, 216 for receiving live electrical cabling. In the example shown, these may correspond to a live line entry point 212, Coupled to and sitting within the back box 200 is a connector block 300. The 5 connector block is coupled to the back box at screw points 220 in the back box 200 and corresponding points 302 in the connector block 300.

The connector block is configured to connect to a face plate 400 via a connector. The connector in the embodiment shown comprises receptacles 310 in the connector block that engage with correspondingly shaped pins or plugs in the underside of the face plate 400 as will be shown in greater detail below in Figure 3.

As shown in figure 3 the connector block 300 further comprises cable connection points 312, 314, 316 that can be secured by fixing screws through securement points 322, 324, 326. Figure 3 also shows the underside of the face plate 400, with the corresponding shaped plugs 410 that are received within the receptacles 310. Lugs 412, 414 and 416 are provided on the plugs. Each lug aids in providing a friction fit connection between the plugs 410 and receptacles 310. Each lug also comprises an electrical connection point 422, 424, 426 that is configured to be in electrical connection with the live electrical wires passing through entry points 312, 314 and 316 as will be described below.

The face plate 400 is further configured to engage with the connector block 300 using a snap fit at snap-fit locations 432 that align with corresponding locations 332.

The cover or finishing plate 500 has snap fit lugs that are configured to engage through the locations 432, 332 to secure the cover plate, face plate and connector block.

The face plate further comprises an electrical socket 420 for receiving a corresponding plug or connector. The electrical socket 420 is in electrical connection with the connection pin 410 such that the electrical connection points 422, 424, 426 are electrically connected to any installed electrical plug or connector. Whilst shown as an electrical plug socket, this may comprise data or other sockets -in this case reference to electrical may be considered to be data or other transmission lines.

Figure 4 shows a cross-section view of the exploded socket system. The receptacle 310 comprises female adaptors 332, 334, 336 that are in electrical connection with one of the live electrical lines that are secured at points 312, 314, 316. In the example shown, adaptor 332 corresponds to a live electrical line from point 312, adaptor 334 corresponds to a electrical ground line from point 314 and adaptor 336 corresponds to the electrical neutral line from point 316.

As shown, the electrical socket 420 comprises correspond line sockets 432, 434, 436 that correspond to the above electrical lines through electrical connections via pins 422, 424, 426 that engage with adaptors 332, 334 and 336 once the system is assembled.

Figure 5 shows a cable connection assembly within the connector block 300. The cable connection assembly comprises electrical pathways 352, 354, 356 that correspond to a transmission line. The electrical pathways provide electrical connections through the system and also provide electrical connections for the adaptors 332, 334, 336. The electrical pathways 352, 354, 356 are typically rigid connection strips that are vertically separated to allow overlap without interference through the use of vertical guideways 362, 364, 366.

Figure 6 shows further detail through an alternative cross-section. The ground electrical pathway 354 is shown with their corresponding connections 334, 424 and 434 to the connector block and face plate.

Figure 7 and Figure 8 both further show the electrical pathways and the vertical separation of each path. This allows the pathways to overlap without electrical interference or short circuits. It can be appreciated that additional pathways may be used for data transmission lines, such as lines for broadband signals, music signals, telephonic lines or the like.

Figure 8 shows the electrical pathways in the assembled device with the top of the front plate removed. For example, the live female connection point 432 is configured to receive a standard UK plug live pin. The connection point 432 is electrically 7 connected to a electrical lug 422 that is connected to live electrical cabling entering the box at point 212 via electrical pathway 452. It can be seen from this view how the electrical pathways allow for multiple electrical sockets.

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled system above the connection block 300. In addition to the features previously described, the fixing screw locations 312, 314, 316 are clearly shown that allow for securing of live electrical cabling entering the system through entry points 212, 214, 216. A recess 360 is shown that provides for an on-off switch mechanism located within the faceplate 400.

Figures 10a and 10b show the back box, Figures 11a and 11b show the connector block. Figures 12a and 12b show the face plate. Figures 13a and 13b show the cover plate.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of safety door systems, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An electrical socket system, said system comprising: a back box for installation into a wall or pattress box, said back box comprising cable entry points for receiving live electrical cabling; a connector block coupled to the back box, said connector block comprising a cable connection assembly for electrical connection to the live electrical cabling and; a face plate, said face plate comprising one or more electrical sockets for receiving a corresponding plug or connector; and at least one connector for electrically coupling the cable connection assembly and the face plate such that the connector electrically couples the one or more electrical sockets to the cable connection assembly wherein the cable connection assembly comprises electrical pathways for electrical connection of the live electrical cabling to the at least one connector.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a receptacle and corresponding shaped connection pin and wherein one of the receptacle or connection pin is integrated with the connector block and the other one is integrated with the face plate.
3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electrical pathways comprise connection strips, each strip carrying a different rated electrical transmission line.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the connection strips are vertically separated within the connector block such that connection strips may overlap without interference between transmission lines.
5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the cable connection assembly comprises signal pathways for connection of data signal cabling to the electrical socket connectors via at least one connector.
6. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a cover plate for coupling to the face plate, said cover plate comprising a finished surface with voids located at the electrical sockets for receiving said plugs.