GB2562468B

GB2562468B - Socket

Info

Publication number: GB2562468B
Application number: GB1707351.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cleaver David
Original assignee: Luceco PLC
Current assignee: Luceco PLC
Priority date: 2017-05-08
Filing date: 2017-05-08
Publication date: 2019-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-08
Also published as: GB201707351D0; WO2018206926A1; GB2562468A

Description

Socket

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electrical sockets with added functionality. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electrical socket with integral wireless signal booster functionality.

Background

It is more and more common to provide local area networking (an internet connection) by way of a wireless internet access point, gateway, or “router”. Wireless signals are also referred to as “WiFi” (RTM), which a commonly accepted but unofficial abbreviation for the expression “wireless fidelity”. Conventionally, an internet connection point may be in the vicinity of a traditional telephone outlet or cable outlet, which also dictates the location of the wireless local area networking (WLAN) access point. A problem with wireless access points is that the signal strength decreases with distance and may also be attenuated by solid objects or building walls. To address this problem, the wireless signal may be amplified by so-called wireless (or WiFi) extenders, WiFi repeaters, or WiFi boosters. Such devices may receive a wireless signal and amplify this before re-transmitting the signal wirelessly, or may be configured to use a wired connection (which may be an existing live electrical wiring) to relay a signal from a wired internet access point to an extension point from where the signal is transmitted wirelessly. The expressions extender, repeater and booster may be regarded as synonymous for practical purposes and are used with reference to an increased range in which a wireless signal of sufficient strength can be received.

Furthermore, conventional routers rarely comprise more than four wired data connection points. As it is increasingly common for a household to own multiple devices requiring internet access, it is a further advantage of wireless local area networking multiple devices that these may connect to an access point without using one of the few wired connections.

Where electrical wiring is used to relay data signals to an amplifier, this conveniently allows the amplifier to be integrated with an electrical plug (herein referred to as “plug type amplifier”) so that an electrical outlet may be used as power source for the amplifier. However, plug-type amplifiers usually require a direct connection with the electrical line carrying a data signal and are not recommended for use with extension cords, which means plug-type amplifiers need to be plugged directly into a wall socket.

Wall sockets are usually provided as single outlet or dual outlet. In the case of single outlets, a plug-type amplifier uses what is often the only outlet in a part of a wall. In the case of dual sockets, a plug-type amplifier may, due to its size, cover a neighbouring socket. If the wall socket is required for another task, the plug-type amplifier has to be removed from the socket and is thereby inactivated.

Plug-type amplifiers with integral electrical sockets address the problem to some extent. A plug-type amplifier with an integral electrical socket may be connected directly to a data-carrying electric line while providing an additional socket for a temporarily required device. However, such plug-type amplifiers are often bulky in order to accommodate the required antenna size, socket geometry and electrical isolation, and have an unfavourable weight distribution, and so are easily accidentally unplugged when it a temporarily required device (e.g., a vacuum cleaner) is removed. For instance, what can happen is that instead of unplugging the temporary device from the plug-type amplifier, the plug-type amplifier is accidentally moved together with the temporary device. Due to such problems it is often preferable to use wireless router boxes as extenders.

The present invention seeks to provide additional options for amplifying or extending the range of a wireless signal without the afore-mentioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal extender as defined in claim 1.

The signal extender is to be installed on an electrical outlet box to be provided and comprises an outlet cover for the electrical outlet box. The outlet cover comprises an antenna suitable for the transmission of wireless data signals.

In some embodiments, the signal extender comprises a signal transceiver arrangement suitable for receiving a data signal, and the antenna is configured for wirelessly transmitting the data signal.

In some embodiments, the outlet cover comprises an external side and provides electrical insulation between the external side and the outlet box when the outlet cover is installed on the electrical outlet box, and wherein the antenna is electrically insulated from the external side.

By “outlet box”, the electrical terminal in or on a wall is meant that is connected to live wiring to electrical sockets and which is intended to be covered by a wall cover plate to prevent accidental exposure to the live wiring.

By “outlet cover”, in the context of an outlet box, the external socket plate is meant that, when mounted to the outlet box, is the externally-facing, and typically externally accessible, part of the outlet box. The outlet cover (commonly also referred to as socket cover or wall cover) includes plug holes of the electrical socket, and is otherwise electrically insulated so that contact with an external surface of the outlet cover does not electrically connect to the live wiring inside the outlet box, in order to prevent unintended electrical contact from the outside with the components inside the electrical socket. It is understood that the “external” side of the outlet cover is the side facing, when installed, away from the wall. The “internal” side of the outlet cover is the side facing, when installed, towards the outlet box. The internal side defines the boundaries of a cavity containing socket components.

The number of sockets may differ, but an outlet plate will typically accommodate one or two electrical plugs (eg, a so-called “1-gang” socket or “2-gang” socket), and sometimes more plugs. An outlet plate may comprise a switch associated with a socket to turn the socket on or off.

When installed, the outlet cover is mounted to an outlet box with the electrical socket, or to a wall, in a manner not intended for tool-less removal, ie usually fixed by way of screws or a clip arrangement. The outlet cover may be fixed to the wall directly or, typically, to the outlet box of the electrical socket that itself is fixed in the wall or a plastic wall box. This may be recessed or mounted on a wall. The tool-reliant removal is one of the distinctions of an outlet cover over a plug-type device, because a plugtype device is intended for removing (unplugging) by hand, without the use of tools.

Conventional thinking is that wireless aerials need to be provided away from a socket, as would be the case with a plug-type device, in order to avoid interference with wiring inside the wall. It was a surprising discovery of the applicant that an outlet cover with integral aerial for wireless signal amplification/extension works sufficiently well in practice. This allows a wireless signal extending functionality provided without requiring a plug-type amplifier. This avoids occupying an electrical outlet. The antenna is, for practical purposes, covered by the outlet cover and thus on the inside (the side facing the outlet box) of the outlet cover. This further ensures that the antenna and any associated circuitry can be powered by the electrical supply while being electrically insulated from the external side by the outlet cover.

The invention allows a wireless signal extension functionality to be integrated with wall-mounted sockets. In particular, in the United Kingdom, the prevalent socket depths include “25 mm” or “35 mm” depth, usually for “25 mm” or “35 mm” deep metal boxes, respectively. Other outlet box types, eg 16 mm, 45 mm or 47 mm are also used, but for plug sockets 25 mm is a common depth suitable to accommodate plug pins. It would be a challenge to provide aerials with sufficient amplifying strength if these are located in a 25 mm box, because such a box, particularly if made from metal, provides significant attenuation, and so the location in the outlet cover addresses this challenge.

In accordance with the invention, the signal extender comprises an antenna cover panel on the external side of the outlet cover, and at least a portion of the antenna is located behind the antenna cover panel.

Outlet covers are made to specific structural requirements to prevent accidental breaking, le, the surface plates of the outlet cover must be sufficiently thick. What is “sufficiently thick” will depend on circumstances including the material of which the outlet cover is made, but for a given thickness, it is undesirable to further reduce the thickness of the surface plate, as would be required, for instance, in order to increase a cavity size behind the outlet cover that would otherwise allow a larger antenna to be accommodated or that would otherwise allow an antenna to be positioned further from the wall, behind the outlet cover.

The present inventor has appreciated that the cavity behind, or inside, the outlet cover that defines the space available for an internally located antenna can be increased by adding an antenna cover panel on an external surface of the outlet cover. The antenna cover panel (which may be provided in the form of a cage or of a canopy) increases the space behind the outlet cover to better accommodate at least a portion of the antenna. This allows the antenna cover panel to be designed with higher strength and thereby avoids the problem otherwise present if the surface plate of the outlet cover, or a part of the surface plate, was made thinner.

In accordance with the invention, the antenna cover panel is provided as an attachable component and the outlet cover comprises a receptacle for receiving the antenna cover panel.

By “attachable component”, in relation to the antenna cover panel, it is meant that the antenna cover panel is attachable to the outlet cover. An antenna cover panel provided in the form of an attachable component facilitates the assembly of the outlet cover during manufacture. This also provides additional options for re-designing the outlet cover in the case of a new antenna design. For instance, a first antenna cover panel may be designed to be as small as necessary for a given first antenna design. With developments in antenna design being anticipated during the lifetime of a product, a given second antenna design may be much smaller. While the second antenna design may fit into the first antenna cover panel without requiring a product re-design, the second antenna would also fit into a smaller, second antenna cover panel. As such, it is possible to replace the antenna cover panel design without having to redesign the outlet cover if a product re-design is desired.

In embodiments, the antenna cover panel comprises a different material composition than the outlet cover.

An attachable antenna cover panel system provides the opportunity of designing the antenna cover panel from a different material. The different material may be a material of greater mechanical strength than the outlet cover, and as such a thinner wall thickness may be tolerated to provide the same level of structural rigidity as the outlet cover. The different material may be a material exhibiting less strong attenuation of electromagnetic radiation. This reduces any interference with the antenna function. The different material may a material exhibiting a combination of several of the aforementioned properties, for instance, it may comprise a structurally stronger material that also attenuates less.

In embodiments, the antenna cover panel comprises a configuration impeding tool-less removal from the external side of the outlet cover, thereby to prevent removal of the antenna cover panel when the outlet cover is mounted to an outlet box or a wall.

The ability to allow disassembly, ie non-destructive removal of a replaceable antenna cover panel permitting reassembly, may be a feature of the outlet cover with antenna cover panel. The antenna cover panel may be configured for removal with suitable tools. For instance, the antenna cover panel may be clipped onto the outlet cover such that tool-less removal from the external side is practically impossible. The antenna cover panel may be configured to permit tool-less removal when the wall-facing side of the outlet cover is accessible. For instance, the antenna cover panel may comprise two clips that can be squeezed manually to release the clip engagement of the antenna cover panel on the outlet cover, which clips are however only accessible from the inside, ie when the outlet cover is not mounted to the outlet box.

This allows an antenna cover panel to be replaced when the outlet cover is removed from a wall, but provides a mechanism hindering removal of the antenna cover panel when the outlet cover is mounted on the wall.

The antenna cover panel may comprise bevelled edges at the contact lines with the outlet cover to reduce gripping surfaces.

In embodiments, the signal extender comprises a plurality of antenna cover panels thereby to be able to accommodate a plurality of antenna elements.

Antennas may be provided in the form of multiple antenna elements. A single antenna cover panel may be provided to accommodate multiple antenna elements. Likewise, multiple cover panels may be provided to each accommodate one or more antenna elements. A plurality of cover panels may be spaced apart on the outlet cover. This allows the available space of the outlet cover to be used more efficiently. Spaced apart cover panels and antenna elements reduce difficulties with positioning an antenna between other components such as sockets and/or socket switches.

In embodiments, the signal extender comprises an input system to allow the antenna to be paired with a wireless local area networking (WLAN) access point.

In embodiments, the input system comprises a button in the outlet cover.

This allows setting the signal extender into a setup mode, or pairing mode, in which the signal extender can be paired with another data connection point. This may be necessary, for instance, in order to ensure pairing with the correct data connection point, and/or to enter access codes (passwords) to ensure any connection is authorised.

It will be understood that the input system is not configured to operate the electrical sockets and so is distinguished from any socket switches. A socket plate of the signal extender can therefore be characterised by the presence of an input system, such as a button, in addition to one or more socket switches. The signal extender may, thus, have more switches and buttons than electrical sockets.

In embodiments, at least a portion of the outlet cover overlying the antenna is provided with apertures.

In embodiments, the antenna cover panel is provided with apertures.

The apertures may be dimensioned so small so as to maintain the insulating function of the outlet cover, ie they are so small as to prevent any access into the outlet. The apertures further reduce the amount of material covering the antenna. This reduces the attenuation of an antenna signal.

In embodiments, the signal extender comprises one or more wired data connection sockets.

In embodiments, the signal extender comprises one or more USB sockets.

The signal extender may comprise data sockets such as a RJ-45 socket or a USB socket. One or more USB sockets may provide a charging functionality.

Description of the Figures

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 2 shows an isometric exploded view of Figure 1 to show selected components in more detail.

Description

Figure 1 shows an exemplary two-gang socket plate 10 constituting and outlet cover for installation onto an outlet box (outlet box not shown). It will be understood that removal of the socket plate 10 from an outlet box is tool-reliant, and as such the socket plate 10 is not intended for tool-less removal from the outlet box when installed in a wall. The socket plate 10 is made of an electrically insulating material and comprises a first electrical socket 12 and a second electrical socket 14, each including three pin apertures 12a, 12b, 12c and 14a, 14b, 14c. Each electrical socket is switched. The first electrical socket 12 is controlled by a first socket switch 16 and the second electrical socket 14 is controlled by a second socket switch 18. The internal components of the sockets and switches are not shown. A socket layout with three pin apertures and a socket switch is representative for UK socket plates. Other socket layouts may be used in different regions of the world.

The socket plate 10 comprises an external surface 20 with a top surface 22 and a circumferential side surface 24. In the orientation of Figure 1, only the top 24a and one lateral side surface 24b of the side surface 24 are visible. The socket plate 10 provides electrical insulation between the external surface 20 and any current-carrying components inside an electrical socket box.

Between the sockets 12, 14, a USB socket 26 is provided suitable for charging USB devices without requiring a USB adapter for an electrical socket. The first electrical socket 12 is provided on the left side of the socket plate 10 (“left” in the reading orientation of Figure 1), the right electrical socket 14 is provided on the right side of the socket plate 10, and the USB adapter 26 is located centrally on the socket plate 10. However, the sockets may be located and oriented differently.

In the top edge of the socket plate (“top” in the reading orientation of Figure 1), there are shown the external surfaces of two antenna cover panels 30 constituting a plurality of antenna cover panels. Each antenna cover panel 30 is bevelled towards the contact line with the socket plate 10 by way of a plurality of chamfers 32. Each antenna cover panel comprises a plurality (here: six) slits 34 constituting an aperture. The slits are so thin that they inhibit manual access to the inside of the socket, while reducing the amount of material above the antenna. Although not necessarily present in every embodiment of the invention, such apertures in the antenna cover panel further reduce attenuation of antenna signals.

Turning to Figure 2, this shows the socket plate 10 with the antenna cover panels 30 and two antenna elements 40 as an isometric exploded view. The two antenna elements 40 are part of an antenna assembly constituting an antenna. Apart from being displayed in exploded configuration, Figure 2 corresponds to Figure 1 and so the same reference numerals are used for the same type of components.

With the antenna cover panels 30 removed, two apertures 28 are visible in the socket plate 10. Each aperture 28 has an edge 38 constituting a receptacle for an antenna cover panel 30. Each antenna cover panel 30 comprises two clips 36 (only one clip 36 of each antenna cover panel 30 is visible in the orientation of Figure 2). The clips 36 are configured to engage with the edge 38 of the apertures 28 to thereby fix the antenna cover panels 30 to the socket cover 10. It can be imagined that an antenna cover panel 30 may be easily removed when the clips 36 can be accessed from the internal side of the socket plate 10, whereas an antenna cover panel 30 may not readily be removed from the external side of the socket plate 10 (ie when presented as shown in Figure 1). This is because the clips 36 cannot be accessed from the external side. Furthermore, the chamfers 32 make it more difficult to obtain a good grip from the outside on the clips 36 even with a tool such as a screwdriver, further impeding removal of the antenna cover panel 30. The geometry of the antenna cover panel 30 provides a silhouette that prevents accidental catching.

The edge 38 of each aperture 28 comprises a seating edge for an antenna 40. Each antenna element 40 may be located on its respective seating edge. The seating edge is constituted by a portion of the surface wall of the socket cover 10 and so each antenna element 40 is positioned further away from the wall than would otherwise be possible without reducing the thickness of the surface wall.

Each antenna element 40 comprises two protruding tabs that geometrically correspond to a recess on the seating edge to help locate and keep each antenna element 40 in place on the socket cover 10.

Each antenna cover panel 30 is mounted over its corresponding antenna element 40 and provides a protective barrier despite the antenna element 40 being positioned further from the wall, because the inside of the antenna cover panel 30 provides an additional cavity space. Thereby, the antenna cover panel 30 forms a component of the outlet cover (constituted by the socket cover 10) and the inside of the antenna cover panel 30 constitutes an internal side of the outlet cover, such that each antenna element 40, and the antenna assembly as a whole, is electrically isolated from the external side of the outlet cover.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the main part of each antenna strip (ie of the antenna elements 40) is located on an externally-facing side of the external surface 20 and so practically outside the socket cover 10, were it not covered by the antenna cover panel 30. In the particular configuration shown, the additional cavity space for the antenna corresponds approximately to the thickness of the top surface 22 of the socket cover 10. To provide an illustrative example, the thickness of the top surface 22 may be in the region of 2-3 mm. As such, the antenna elements 40 are only in the region of about 2-3 mm further away from the wall than would be the case if no aperture 28 was provided in the external surface 20 of the socket plate 10. However, this additional spacing from the wall provides a significant improvement in antenna performance (see Table 1 below). By way of the additional spacing, the antenna may be located 8-9 mm from a wall, instead of 5-6 mm. The improvement is particularly beneficial for commonly used 25 mm metal box sockets, ie for a box depth often dictated by the existing wall into which a socket is intended to be installed. This avoids having to chisel out deeper sockets. It is also believed that the more distal position allowed by positioning the antenna with an antenna cover panel increases the angular spread of the antenna signal and therefore further improves the extender/repeater function.

The socket cover 10 comprises a button 42 constituting an input system that allows the signal extender to be paired with an internet connection point. The button 42 may be used to switch the signal extender into a setup mode in which the desired internet connection point can be identified and any access codes can be entered. The setup mode may be accessed by a different device, eg another computer.

The socket cover 10 comprises two sockets 12, 14, and three switches and/or buttons, namely the first socket switch 16, the second socket switch 18 and the button 42. As such, the socket cover 10 comprises more switches and/or buttons than sockets.

The provision of an antenna integrated with an outlet cover provides wireless data connectivity similar to external, plug-type repeaters. This was tested in a setup comprising embodiments of the invention (examples 1 and 2) and commercially available external repeaters (comparison 1, 2, 3 and 4). In the setup, a repeater of the invention and commercially available external repeaters were positioned behind a wall. The download speed through the wall was measured by a portable download speed measuring device at two positions. Position 1 was 8 metres away from the repeater behind the wall. Position 2 was 20 metres away from the repeater behind the wall. Table 1 below shows download speeds in Mbps achieved by a portable download speed device at position 1 and position 2. Embodiment 1 is a device with 6 mm wide antenna bands fitted into an outlet cover for a metal outlet box, without antenna cover panel. Embodiment 2 is a device corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, with an 8 mm wide antenna bands positioned inside an antenna cover panel of an outlet socket mounted on a metal outlet box. Comparisons 1 to 4 were made with commercially available, external repeaters. Other parameters were the same as far as practically possible. Each value in Table 1 below is an average of 3 separate measurements. In addition, the average value of the comparisons 1 to 4 is provided as a single figure for first-level comparison with the example values.

Table 1: download speeds of embodiments of the invention compared to commercially available repeaters.

Table 1 shows that Example 1 achieves download speeds close to, but somewhat below the average of comparison 1 to 4. This is surprising finding because it indicates that an antenna inside a cover plate achieves levels that are acceptable in practice, even if the performance is somewhat below the comparison data. Example 2 achieves download speeds similar to the average of comparisons 1 to 4, and exceeding some of the individual comparison values. This shows that the addition of an antenna cover panel to position the antenna elements further from the wall further improves the performance, to levels observed in the comparison data.

Table 1 is included herein to indicate that the provision of a repeater functionality integrated with an outlet cover achieves similar download speeds as plug-type repeaters. Furthermore, the use of an antenna cover panel to accommodate a larger antenna than would otherwise be possible and/or to be able to position the antenna further from the electrical outlet box further improves the download speeds to levels observed with plug-type repeaters.

In the embodiment described above, the antenna comprises an antenna assembly with two antenna elements 40. This allows components to be spaced apart to make better use of the space available in the outlet cover. However, the antenna assembly may comprise any number (one or more) of antennas and each antenna may comprise any number (more than one) of antenna elements. For instance, different antennas may be operated at different WiFi frequencies. The outlet cover may comprise any number (more than one) of corresponding antenna cover panels. Likewise, antenna elements of different antennas may be located (combined) under one antenna cover panel. For instance, the outlet cover may comprise a first antenna for a first frequency and a second antenna for a second frequency. Each of the two antennas may comprise a first antenna element and a second antenna element. The first antenna elements of the first antenna and of the second antenna may be located under a first antenna cover plate. The second antenna element of the first antenna may be located under a second antenna cover plate. The second antenna element of the second antenna may be located under a third cover plate. Thereby the use of the space available on the socket cover can be optimised for different antenna assemblies.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A signal extender to be installed on an electrical outlet box to be provided, the signal extender comprising: an outlet cover for the electrical outlet box, wherein the outlet cover is externally accessible and comprises an antenna suitable for the transmission of wireless data signals, wherein the antenna comprises a plurality of antenna elements; and wherein the signal extender comprises, on an external surface of the outlet cover, a plurality of antenna cover panels, each accommodating one of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein at least a portion of the antenna is located behind one of the antenna cover panels; and wherein the plurality of antenna cover panels are provided as attachable components, and wherein the outlet cover comprises a receptacle for receiving the antenna cover panel.

2. The signal extender in accordance with claim 1, comprising a signal transceiver arrangement suitable for receiving a data signal, and wherein the antenna is configured for wirelessly transmitting the data signal.

3. The signal extender in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, the outlet cover providing electrical insulation between the external side of the outlet cover and the outlet box when the outlet cover is installed on the electrical outlet box, and wherein the antenna is electrically insulated from the external side.

4. The signal extender in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna cover panel comprises a different material composition than the outlet cover.

5. The signal extender in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna cover panel comprises a configuration impeding tool-less removal from the external side of the outlet cover, thereby to prevent removal of the antenna cover panel when the outlet cover is mounted to an outlet box or to a wall.

6. The signal extender in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, comprising an input system to allow the antenna to be paired with a wireless local area networking (WLAN) access point.

7. The signal extender in accordance with claim 6, wherein the input system comprises a button on the outlet cover.

8. The signal extender in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the outlet cover overlying the antenna is provided with apertures.

9. The signal extender in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna cover panel is provided with apertures.

10. The signal extender in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more wired data connection sockets.

11. The signal extender in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more USB sockets.