GB2589050A

GB2589050A - A plug

Info

Publication number: GB2589050A
Application number: GB1908704.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jackson Steven
Original assignee: Luen Yick Electrical Mfg Co Ltd
Current assignee: Luen Yick Electrical Mfg Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-18
Filing date: 2019-06-18
Publication date: 2021-05-26
Also published as: GB201908704D0

Abstract

A plug for coupling an electrical device to a power source. The plug includes a housing 14a 14b, a connection point 16, one or more connector pins 18a, 18b, 18c for connecting the plug to a power source, a receiver 12 configured to communicate via a wireless connection with a remote device for controlling operation of the plug; and a switch mechanism 13 for coupling and/or decoupling an electrical connection between the electrical device and the power source for enabling or disabling operation of the electrical device in dependence on one or more signals received by the receiver 12. At least the receiver 12, the switch mechanism 13 and the connection point 16 are secured within the housing 14.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1908704.8 RTM Date:26 November 2019 The following terms are registered they occur in this document: trade marks and should be read as such wherever Screw drives: Torq, Ton, External Hex, Double Hex, 12-spline flange, point, Tr-wing, Tr-groove Ton Security Ton, Polydrive, Hex_ Security Robertson, Double-square, Triple-square, Tri- Wireless communication methods: wave Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WiFi, Zigbee, Z-Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo A Plug

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a plug, and in particular to a smart plug which may be controlled remotely via a wireless connection.

Background to the Invention

"Smart" electrical devices are becoming increasingly common. For example, heating controls, lights, cameras, kitchen appliances, etc. have all been provided with "smart" capabilities. That is, they are configured such that they may be controlled remotely over a wireless connection (e.g. WiFi) from a remote device such as a smartphone or the like.

Typically, such electrical devices have built in wireless transceivers operable to communicate over a wireless connection either directly with the remote device or indirectly, for example via a "hub" which may in turn communicate with the remote device. For electrical devices which do not have such built in capabilities, adaptors have been provided which may be fitted to the electrical device to provide the ability to turn the electrical device on or off remotely. Such adaptors conventionally take the form of plug adapters into which a plug of the electrical device may be connected before connecting the adapter to a mains power source.

It has been found that smart electrical devices, and the use of non-smart electrical devices with adapters can lead to better control over energy usage associated with those devices. For example, the ability to control operation of the electrical devices remotely has allowed for better control over when the devices may be used. This may be advantageous where there is a need to restrict the use of the devices -e.g. a parent/guardian wanting to restrict use of an electrical device by a child, or for a company wanting central control over use of electrical equipment, for example, outside of working hours.

However, for non-smart electrical devices which are used in conjunction with adapters, the added benefit is lost in instances where the adapter is removed (intentionally or otherwise) to bypass any restriction placed on the usage of the electrical device.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a plug for use with an electrical device which can be used to control use of the electrical device remotely without the need for an adapter.

It is therefore an aim of an embodiment or embodiments of the invention to overcome or at least partially mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided plug for coupling an electrical device to a power source, the plug comprising: a housing for one or more components of the plug; a connection point for directly connecting one or more wires of the electrical device with the plug; one or more connector pins for connecting the plug to the power source; a receiver configured to communicate via a wireless connection with a remote device for controlling operation of the plug; and a switch mechanism for coupling and/or decoupling an electrical connection between the electrical device and the power source for enabling or disabling operation of the electrical device; wherein the switch mechanism is configured to couple and/or decouple the electrical connection between the electrical device and the power source in dependence on one or more signals received by the receiver; and at least the receiver, the switch mechanism and the connection point are secured within the housing.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a plug which may be directly wired with the electrical device. The provision of the receiver within the plug allows for the operation of the electrical device to be controlled remotely via the remote device. Further, providing the receiver, switch mechanism and connection point within the secured housing reduces the likelihood of a user (intentionally or otherwise) altering the operational use of the plug, for example to bypass any restriction placed on the usage of the electrical device.

In embodiments, the housing defines a volume in which internal components of the plug are housed. The housing may comprise a first housing section and a second housing section The housing may be secured by one or more fasteners. In embodiments, the one or more fasteners may be configured to secure a first housing section of the housing and a second housing section of the housing.

The one or more fasteners may be configured such that specific tooling is required to secure or release the fastener(s). For example, in some embodiments the one or more fasteners may comprise a screw including a specific drive design. The specific drive design may require the use of a corresponding screwdriver to turn the screw. Advantageously, using one or more fasteners which include a specific drive design, for example less common drive designs, may provide a "tamper-proof' way to secure the housing, thereby reducing the possibility of a user accessing the internal components of the plug.

The one or more fasteners may comprise a screw having a cruciform drive, which may be a Torq-set drive, for example. The one or more fasteners may comprise a screw having an external polygon drive, which may be a Square, Hex, Pent or 12-point drive, for example The one or more fasteners may comprise a screw having an internal polygon drive, which may include a Tr-angle, Double-square, Robertson, Triple-square, Hex socket, 12-spline flange, Security hex or Double hex drive, for example. The one or more fasteners may comprise a Hexalobular drive, which may be a Torx, External Torx, Security Torx, Line head or Polydrive drive, for example.

In presently preferred embodiments the one or more fasteners comprise a screw having a three-pointed type drive, which may comprise a Tr-point, Tr-wing or Tr-groove drive, for example.

In some embodiments, the plug may comprise one or more processors (e.g. an electronic processor) for controlling operation of one or more components of the plug -e.g. the receiver and/or the switch mechanism. For example, the one or more processors may be configured to evaluate signals received by the receiver. The one or more processors may be configured to cause output of a control signal for controlling operation of the switch mechanism. The one or more processors may be configured to cause output of a control signal for controlling the operation of the switch mechanism in dependence on signals received by the receiver.

The plug may be programmable. For example, one or more processors of the plug may be programmable. In embodiments the plug may be programmable such that operation of the switch mechanism is controlled in accordance with one or more instructions. The one or more instructions may comprise instructions for controlling operation of the switch mechanism in dependence on a given condition, such as a given time or time

period, for example.

The plug may comprise a memory device for storing the one or more instructions. The memory device may be accessible by the one or more processors. For example, the one or more processors may be configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein so as to control operation of the switch mechanism for controlling the operational state of the electrical device.

Alternatively, one or more instructions for controlling operation of the plug may be stored remotely, e.g. on a web or cloud server. In such embodiments, the receiver may be configured to receive signals from a remote device for controlling operation of the plug in accordance with the one or more remotely stored instructions.

The connection point may comprise a terminal or terminals for coupling one or more wires of the electrical device to the plug. The terminal(s) may comprise a copper terminal The plug may comprise a meter arrangement configured in use to monitor one or more parameters indicative of energy consumption of the electrical device For example, the meter arrangement may be configured to monitor a level of current flow through the plug indicative of an energy consumption of the electrical device. In embodiments, the meter arrangement may be configured to monitor a power consumption of the device.

In embodiments, the one or more parameters indicative of an energy consumption of the electrical device may be indicative of a particular operating mode of the electrical device.

The receiver may be configured to receive signals from the remote device directly from the remote device. In such embodiments the wireless connection comprises a direct wireless connection between the receiver and the remote device. In other embodiments, the receiver may be configured to receive signals from the remote device indirectly, e.g. via an intermediary such as a router or similar.

In some embodiments the receiver comprises a transceiver operable to send and receive communication signals. For example, in some embodiments the plug may be configured to transmit communication signals indicative of the operational state of the plug and/or the electrical device to the remote device. The operational state of the plug may include the position of the switch mechanism (e.g. open/closed) thereby providing an indication of whether operation of the electrical device is enabled or disabled.

In embodiments, the operational state of the electrical device may comprise information as to whether the electrical device is in use or not. The plug may be configured to transmit communication signals indicative of a level of energy consumption of the electrical device.

The receiver may be configured to communicate with a remote device via one or more wireless communication methods, which may include any one or more of Bluetooth (TM), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WiFi, a cellular network (e.g. 3G, 4G, LTE, etc.), Zigbee, Z-Wave and the like.

The switch mechanism may comprise an electrical switch operable to open or close in dependence on one or more signals received by the receiver of the plug. In embodiments, the switch mechanism may be configured to be in an open or closed state in the absence of receipt of a corresponding signal by the receiver of the plug Accordingly, the switch mechanism may be configured such that operation of the electrical device is either enabled or disabled unless the receiver receives a signal indicative of a request to change the operational state of the electrical device.

In embodiments, the electrical switch may comprise a solenoid switch The remote device may comprise a mobile phone, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer or a smartwatch, for example. In such embodiments, the plug, via the receiver, may be configured to receive a signal indicative of a user input at the remote device relating to the operation of the plug and/or the remote device.

In some embodiments the remote device comprises a sensor or sensor arrangement In such embodiments, the plug, via the receiver, may be configured to receive a signal indicative of a parameter measured by the sensor or sensor arrangement. The switch mechanism may be configured to couple and/or decouple the electrical connection between the electrical device and the power source in dependence on the measured parameter. For example, the sensor or sensor arrangement may be configured to monitor an ambient light level, and the plug may be configured to switch an associated light on or off in dependence on the monitored light level. The sensor or sensor arrangement may be configured to monitor a temperature level, and the plug may be configured to switch an associated heater or air conditioning unit on or off in dependence on the monitored temperature.

The connector pins may comprise any conventional configuration, as will be appreciated, and may comprise 1, 2, 3 or more pins.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an electrical device operatively coupled to the plug of any preceding aspect of the invention.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising the plug or an electrical device of a preceding aspect of the invention and a remote device.

The remote device may comprise a mobile phone, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer or a smartwatch, for example. In such embodiments, the plug, via the receiver, may be configured to receive a signal indicative of a user input at the remote device relating to the operation of the plug and/or the remote device In some embodiments the remote device comprises a sensor or sensor arrangement. In such embodiments, the plug, via the receiver, may be configured to receive a signal indicative of a parameter measured by the sensor or sensor arrangement. The switch mechanism may be configured to couple and/or decouple the electrical connection between the electrical device and the power source in dependence on the measured parameter. For example, the sensor or sensor arrangement may be configured to monitor an ambient light level, and the plug may be configured to switch an associated light on or off in dependence on the monitored light level. The sensor or sensor arrangement may be configured to monitor a temperature level, and the plug may be configured to switch an associated heater or air conditioning unit on or off in dependence on the monitored temperature.

In embodiments, the remote device is configured to output a control signal to the receiver of the plug for controlling operation of the plug. For example, the remote device may be configured to cause output of a control signal for controlling operation of the switch mechanism of the plug.

The remote device may comprise one or more processors (e.g. an electronic processor) for controlling operation of the remote device. For example, the one or more processors may be configured to evaluate signals received from a transceiver of the plug. The one or more processors may be configured to evaluate signals received from the transceiver of the plug and compose an output for informing a user of the remote device of the operational state of the plug and/or the electrical device.

The one or more processors may be configured to cause output of a control signal to the receiver of the plug for controlling operation of the plug For example, the one or more processors may be configured to cause output of a control signal for controlling operation of the switch mechanism of the plug.

In some embodiments the remote device may comprise a user interface such as an application ("app") through which a user may interact with and control operation of the plug. For example, the user interface may provide a user with the option to input one or more instructions for controlling operation of the plug to thereby control operation of the electrical device accordingly. The one or more instructions may be stored in a location accessible by the remote device, e.g. in a memory of the remote device or remotely. The remote device may be configured to output one or more control signal for controlling the plug and/or electrical device in accordance with the stored instructions, for example, upon satisfaction of a given condition, which may be a time or time period.

The user interface may provide a user with information relating to the operational state of the plug. For example, in embodiments where the plug comprises a transceiver, the user interface may provide a user with information relating to the operational state of the plug as interpreted from signal(s) received from the transceiver of the plug. In embodiments, the user interface may allow the user to input one or more instructions for controlling the electrical device in dependence on the operational state of the plug The user interface may be a visual interface, and may be configured to receive instructions from a user via the user interacting with the visual interface -e.g. through selection of icons on a touchscreen, or via one or more input devices such as a button, computer mouse, keyboard, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface may be configured to receive voice commands from a user for controlling operation of the plug in accordance with one or more spoken commands of a user.

The receiver of the plug and the remote device may be configured to communicate directly, for example via a wireless connection comprising a direct wireless connection between the receiver and the remote device. In other embodiments, the receiver of the plug arid the remote device may be configured to communicate indirectly, e.g. via an intermediary such as a router or similar.

The receiver of the plug and the remote device may be configured to communicate via one or more wireless communication methods, which may include any one or more of Bluetooth (TM), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WiFi, a cellular network (e.g. 3G, 46, LTE, etc.), Zigbee, Z-Wave and the like.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling operation of an electrical device using a plug in accordance with any preceding aspect of the invention, the method comprising: providing a plug in accordance with any preceding aspect of the invention operably connected to the electrical device; and outputting a control signal to the receiver of the plug, the control signal comprising one or more instructions for controlling operation of the switch mechanism to couple or decouple an electrical connection between the electrical device and a power source.

In this way, the method may provide a means to remotely enable or disable operation of the electrical device.

In embodiments, the method comprises receiving a user request at the remote device. The request may be received via a user interface of the remote device. The method may comprise outputting the control signal in dependence on receipt of the user request.

In embodiments, the method comprises monitoring operation of the plug and/or the electrical device 20. In such embodiments, the method may additionally comprise outputting a communication signal over a wireless connection to the remote device relating to the operational state of the plug and/or the electrical device. The operational state of the plug may include information relating to the position of the switch mechanism (e.g. whether it is open or closed) thereby providing an indication of whether operation of the electrical device is enabled or disabled. The operational state of the electrical device may comprise information as to whether the electrical device in use or not. Furthermore, the operational state of the electrical device can include information indicative of a level of energy consumption of the electrical device. The method may further comprise outputting information relating to the operational state of the plug and/or the electrical device to a user.

In embodiments, the method may comprise programming the plug to control operation of the switch mechanism (and hence enable or disable operation of the electrical device) in accordance with one or more instructions. The one or more instructions may be input by a user, for example via a user interface of the remote device. The method may comprise outputting a control signal to the plug to control operation of the switch mechanism.

The method may comprise storing the instructions in the remote device, e.g. in a memory means of the remote device. In such embodiments the method may comprise outputting a control signal each time the switch mechanism is required to open or close in accordance with the user's request. Alternatively, instructions may be stored by the plug, e.g. in a memory means associated with the plug. In such embodiments, method may comprise outputting a single control signal (or set of control signals) for programming the plug/storing the one or more instructions in a memory means of the plug.

Within the scope of the claims it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination.

Detailed Description of the Invention l0

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plug in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the plug shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the plug of the preceding Figures in use in an embodiment of a system of the present invention; Figures 4-7 are a series of flowcharts illustrating the operational use of the present invention.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the Figures. It relates to a plug 10 for coupling an electrical device 20 to a power source. The plug 10 comprises a receiver 12 configured to communicate via a wireless connection 24 with a remote device 22 for controlling operation of the plug 10 (in turn controlling operation of the electrical device 20 as described herein).

The plug 10 includes a housing 14 for one or more components of the plug 10. The components include a connection point in the form of copper terminals 16 for directly connecting one or more wires of the electrical device 20 with the plug 10 and connector pins 18a, 18b, 18c for connecting the plug 10 to the power source. The plug additionally includes a switch mechanism 13 for coupling and/or decoupling an electrical connection between the electrical device 20 and the power source for powering operation of the electrical device 20. In this way, the plug 10 may control operation of the electrical device 20.

As is described herein, the housing 14 encloses at least the receiver 12, the switch mechanism 13 and the copper terminals 16 and is secured such that the enclosed components 12, 13, 16 of the plug 10 are inaccessible. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment the housing 14 is secured using tamper-proof connection means in the form of a screw 40 having a three-pointed screw drive. In this way, the components secured within the housing 14 are inaccessible without specific tooling. This reduces the likelihood of a user (intentionally or otherwise) altering the operational use of the Ii plug 10, for example to bypass any restriction placed on the usage of the electrical device 20 The housing 14 additionally includes an aperture 26 therein which in embodiments can be used to interact with circuitry contained within the housing 14, e.g. to act on a switch or button to transfer the plug 10 into an operational mode where it may be paired with the remote device 22 over the wireless connection 24. Such pairing techniques are known in the art so will not be described in detail here.

Figure 2 is an exploded view illustrating the components of the plug 10.

As shown, the plug 10 is generally defined by a housing 14 formed of a first housing section 14a, a second housing section 14b and a cover 38. When secured together using screw 40, the first housing section 14a, second housing section 14b and cover 38 define a volume in which the internal components of the plug 10 are housed. Specifically, and as will be described herein, components of the plug 10 are each secured with respect to each other via internal connection means including screws 31, 33 and 39. Subsequently, cover 38 is secured in position with respect to the first and second housing sections I 4a, 14b using screw 40 enclosing the components of the plug 10.

The receiver 12 is provided on a circuit board 28 which may additionally comprise control circuitry as will be appreciated. For example, the circuit board 28 can additionally include electronic components including one or more processors.

Receiver 12 is configured to receive signals from the remote device 22 either directly from the remote device 20 or indirectly via an intermediary such as a router or the like. In the illustrated embodiment the receiver 12 is configured to communicate with the remote device 22 via WiFi, however other wireless communication methods may be used as an alternative or in addition to WiFi. For example, the receiver 12 may additionally or alternatively be configured to communicate with the remote device 22 via any one or more of Bluetooth (TM), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), a cellular network (e.g. 30, 4G, LTE, etc.), Zigbee, and Z-Wave.

Further, the receiver 12 comprises a transceiver operable to transmit communication signals as well as receive signals from the remote device 22. Specifically, the receiver 12 is configured to transmit communication signals to the remote device 22 which may be indicative of the operational state of the plug 10 and/or the electrical device 20. For instance, the operational state of the plug 10 can include the position of the switch mechanism 13 (e.g. open/closed). In this way, the receiver 12 is able to provide an indication to the remote device 22 of whether operation of the electrical device 20 is enabled or disabled based on the position of the switch mechanism 13.

Switch mechanism 13 is additionally provided with circuit board 28. The switch mechanism 13 comprises an electrical switch operable to open or close in dependence on one or more signals received by the receiver 12 of the plug 10. In use, the switch mechanism 13 can be in an open or closed state in the absence of receipt of a corresponding signal by the receiver 12 of the plug 10. Accordingly, the switch mechanism 13 may be configured such that operation of the electrical device 20 is either enabled or disabled unless the receiver 12 receives a signal indicative of a request to change the operational state of the electrical device 20.

A bracket 30 is provided for securing components of the plug 10 in position, for example to secure the second housing section 14b in position using screws 31. The second housing section 14b is additionally provided with screws 33 for securing the second housing section 14b to the first housing section 14a.

In use, connector pins 18a, 18b, 18c project through an aperture (not shown) in the second housing section 14b for subsequent coupling with a socket of a power source.

In the illustrated embodiment, a fuse 34 is provided in a fuse holder 36 and interacts, in use, with fuse contact terminal 35.

A retainer 41 is provided for holding one or more wires of the electrical device 20 in position coupled to the copper terminals 16. The retainer is itself held in position via screws 39 which fix the retainer 41 to the second housing section 14b.

The operational use of the plug 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 3-7.

Figure 3 is a schematic overview of a system 100 in accordance with the invention and shows plug 10 in operable communication with remote device 22 over wireless connection 24 The plug 10 is shown wired to electrical device 20 via cable 42 which includes one or more wires for electrically coupling the electrical device 20 to a power source (not shown) using plug 10.

In a first example, as illustrated by method 200 in the flowchart of Figure 4, the electrical device 20 is initially coupled (in step 202) to the power source and its operation is enabled. That is, the switch mechanism 13 of the plug 10 is closed meaning that an electrical connection between the electrical device 20 and the power source is provided allowing for the electrical device 20 to be powered. In such instances, the plug 10 may be used to remotely disable operation of the electrical device 20. Specifically, a user may input a request (in step 204) at remote device 22 (e.g. via a user interface of the remote device -not shown) to remotely disable operation of the electrical device 20. The remote device 22 may interpret that request and output a control signal (in step 206) to the plug 10 for controlling operation of the plug 10, and hence the electrical device 20, in accordance with the user request. Specifically, the control signal is sent via wireless connection 24 and is received at the receiver 12 of the plug 10. In response to receiving the control signal, the plug 10 may power operation of the switch (in step 208) mechanism 13 to open the switch mechanism 13 to decouple the electrical connection between the electrical device 20 and the power source, thereby disabling operation of the electrical device 20. The switch mechanism 13 may remain in this state until the receiver 12 receives a further control signal -e.g. for enabling operation of the electrical device 20 as described below.

In a second example, as illustrated by method 300 in the flowchart of Figure 5, the electrical device 20 is initially decoupled (in step 302) from the power source and its operation is disabled. That is, the switch mechanism 13 of the plug 10 is open meaning that no electrical connection is provided between the electrical device 20 and the power source. In such instances, the plug 10 may be used to remotely enable operation of the electrical device 20. Specifically, a user may input a request (in step 304) at remote device 22 (e.g. via a user interface of the remote device -not shown) to remotely enable operation of the electrical device 20. The remote device 22 may interpret that request and output a control signal (in step 306) to the plug 10 for controlling operation of the plug 10, and hence the electrical device 20, in accordance with the user request.

Specifically, the control signal is sent via wireless connection 24 and is received at the receiver 12 of the plug 10. In response to receiving the control signal, the plug 10 may power operation of the switch mechanism 13 (in step 308) to close the switch mechanism 13 to provide an electrical connection between the electrical device 20 and the power source, thereby enabling operation of the electrical device 20. The switch mechanism 13 may remain in this state until the receiver 12 receives a further control signal -e.g. for disabling operation of the electrical device 20 as described above.

In a third example, as illustrated by method 400 in the flowchart of Figure 6, the plug 10 is provided coupled to a corresponding socket associated with a power source and, in step 402, monitors operation of the plug 10 and/or the electrical device 20, for example using a meter arrangement as described herein. In step 404, the plug 10 via the receiver 12 (here a transceiver) outputs communication signals over wireless connection 24 to the remote device 22 relating to the operational state of the plug 10 and/or the electrical device. The operational state of the plug 10 can include information relating to the position of the switch mechanism 13 (e.g. whether it is open or closed) thereby providing an indication of whether operation of the electrical device is enabled or disabled. The operational state of the electrical device 20 may comprise information as to whether the electrical device 20 is in use or not. Furthermore, the operational state of the electrical device can include information indicative of a level of energy consumption of the electrical device 20 (as is described herein). The remote device 22, via a user interface (not shown), subsequently outputs this information to a user fin step 406).

In a fourth example, as illustrated by method 500 in the flowchart of Figure 7, the remote device 22 is used to program the plug 10 to control operation of the switch mechanism 13 of the plug 10 (and hence enable or disable operation of the electrical device 20) in accordance with one or more instructions which are input by a user (in step 502) via a user interface of the remote device 22. For example, a user may request that operation of the electrical device 20 be restricted to a certain time period. The remote device 22 may interpret such a request and subsequently output a control signal to the plug 10 for controlling operation of the switch mechanism 13 such that it is closed during that time period and open outside of that time period. In a first variant, the instructions are stored (in step 504) by the remote device 22, and the remote device 22

IS

(in step 506) outputs a control signal each time the switch mechanism 13 is required to open or close (as per step 508) in accordance with the user's request. Alternatively, in a second variant, the instructions are stored by the plug (in step 510) and the remote device 22 sends only a single control signal (or set of control signals) for programming the plug 10. Subsequently, control circuity (e.g. one or more electronic processors) of the plug 10 control operation of the switch mechanism 13 (in step 512) in accordance with the user request without requiring receipt of further control signals from the remote device 22 at the receiver 12.

Although not shown explicitly in the Figures, the plug 10 may additionally include a meter arrangement configured to monitor one or more parameters indicative of energy consumption of the electrical device 20. In embodiments, the meter arrangement of the plug 10 is configured to monitor a level of current flow through the plug 10 indicative of an energy consumption of the electrical device 20. In embodiments, the meter arrangement may be configured to monitor a power consumption of the electrical device 20. As discussed herein, the plug 10 may be configured to transmit communication signals to the remote device 22 relating to the energy consumption of the electrical device 20 as monitored by the meter arrangement.

Although described herein as a remote device 22 in the form a user operable device such as a smartphone or tablet computer, in embodiments the remote device may additionally (e.g. a smartphone having built in capabilities) or alternatively (e.g. a dedicated arrangement) comprise a sensor or sensor arrangement. For example, the plug 10, via the receiver 12, may be configured to receive a signal indicative of a parameter measured by the sensor or sensor arrangement. The switch mechanism 13 may be configured to couple and/or decouple the electrical connection between the electrical device 20 and the power source in dependence on the measured parameter. For example, the sensor or sensor arrangement may be configured to monitor an ambient light level, and the plug 10 may be configured to automatically switch an associated light on or off in dependence on the monitored light level. The sensor or sensor arrangement may be configured to monitor a temperature level, and the plug 10 may be configured to switch an associated heater or air conditioning unit on or off in dependence on the monitored temperature.

In the illustrated embodiments, plug 10 is shown to be directly communicable with the remote device 22 over wireless connection 24. However, it will be appreciated that the connection between the plug 10 and the remote device 22 may be indirect, for example via an intermediary such as a hub or router.

Although shown herein as screws having a three-pointed screw drive, the screws 40 may comprise alternative connection means as will be appreciated. For example, the alternative connection means may comprise screws having a different screw drive, such as a cruciform drive, an external polygon drive, an internal polygon drive, or a Hexalobular drive, for example.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

I. A plug for coupling an electrical device to a power source, the plug comprising: a housing for one or more components of the plug; a connection point for directly connecting one or more wires of the electrical device with the plug; one or more connector pins for connecting the plug to the power source; a receiver configured to communicate via a wireless connection with a remote device for controlling operation of the plug; and a switch mechanism for coupling and/or decoupling an electrical connection between the electrical device and the power source for enabling or disabling operation of the electrical device, wherein the switch mechanism is configured to couple and/or decouple the electrical connection between the electrical device and the power source in dependence on one or more signals received by the receiver; and wherein at least the receiver, the switch mechanism and the connection point are secured within the housing A plug as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a first housing section and a second housing section secured by one or more fasteners.
A plug as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise a screw including a three-pointed drive design.
A plug as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plug is programmable such that operation of the switch mechanism may be controlled in accordance with one or more instructions.
A plug as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more instnictions comprise instructions for controlling operation of the switch mechanism in dependence on a given condition. 2. 4.
6. A plug as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a meter arrangement configured in use to monitor one or more parameters indicative of energy consumption of the electrical device.
7. A plug as claimed in claim 6, wherein the meter arrangement is configured to monitor a level of current flow through the plug indicative of an energy consumption of the electrical device.
8. A plug as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the receiver comprises a transceiver operable to send and receive communication signals.
9. A plug as claimed in claim 8, configured to transmit communication signals indicative of the operational state of the plug and/or the electrical device to the remote device
10. A plug as claimed in claim 9, wherein the operational state of the plug includes the position of the switch mechanism.
11. A plug as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the operational state of the electrical device comprises information as to whether the electrical device is in use or not
12. A plug as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the receiver is configured to communicate with the remote device via one or more wireless communication methods comprising any one or more of: Bluetooth (TM), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WiFi, a cellular network, Zigbee, and Z-Wave.
13 A plug as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the switch mechanism comprises an electrical switch operable to open or close in dependence on one or more signals received by the receiver of the plug.
14. A plug as claimed in claim 13, wherein the electrical switch comprises a solenoid switch.
15. A plug as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the remote device comprises a mobile phone, a tablet computer or a smartwatch, and the plug, via the receiver, is configured to receive a signal indicative of a user input at the remote device relating to the operation of the plug and/or the remote device.
16 A plug as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the remote device comprises a sensor or sensor arrangement, and the plug, via the receiver, is configured to receive a signal indicative of a parameter measured by the sensor or sensor arrangement, wherein the switch mechanism is configured to couple and/or decouple the electrical connection between the electrical device and the power source in dependence on the measured parameter.
17. An electrical device operatively coupled to the plug of any preceding claim.
18. A system comprising the plug of any of claims 1 to 16 or the electrical device of claim 17 and a remote device.
19 A system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the remote device is configured to output a control signal to the receiver of the plug for controlling operation of the plug.
A system as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the remote device comprises a user interface through which a user may interact with and control operation of the plug
21. A system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the user interface provides a user with the option to input one or more instructions for controlling operation of the plug.
22. A system as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the user interface provides a user with information relating to the operational state of the plug.
23. A system as claimed in any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the user interface comprises a visual interface configured to receive instructions from a user via the user interacting with the visual interface; and/or wherein the user interface is configured to receive voice commands from a user for controlling operation of the plug in accordance with one or more spoken commands of a user.
24. A method of controlling operation of an electrical device using a plug of any of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising: providing a plug as claimed in any of claims Ito 16 operably connected to the electrical device; and outputting a control signal to the receiver of the plug, the control signal comprising one or more instructions for controlling operation of the switch mechanism to couple or decouple an electrical connection between the electrical device and a power source.