FR2692715A1 - Protective cover for protecting communal electrical switch against vandalism - has metal box to enclose switch having aperture covered by thin flexible stainless steel sheet fixed to inside of box before switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The cover is constituted by a metal plate which pressed to form an external part (1) for fixing to the wall and a central part for forming a box around the surround (8) of the switch. The stainless steel sheet (3) is fixed across an aperture (6) in the front face but is not connected mechanically to the switch. A vertical cut in the external part ends at a cut in the wall of the central part to take electrical wiring. The box is slightly greater than 9 cm in diameter or width and 1.5 cm in projection so as to take most forms of switch. The external part is defined by an edge which extends beyond the width of the central part and extends above and below to allow for fixing. USE/ADVANTAGE - Light switches, electrical signal switches. Simple design, reduced cost, quick replacement, less damage by quick-setting glue.

Description

The present invention relates to a device intended for protection in

  areas of public access to electrical switches for remote control of lighting or signal sources

silent or audible.

  The switches are usually made of plastic, designed

  fragile and often the object of acts of vandalism or manipulation

  nuisance pills, such as breakage, willful inflammation

  keep silent by lighters or matches, tearing, theft or coifiication in permanent lighting by the introduction of a foreign element between the moving part of the switch, allowing the

  control of electricity, and the fixed part of it.

  Said switches can be of simple design, rocker, or else conceived in the form of push-button or push-button assembled on spring system which act on the lighting by means of timed timers They can be embedded in the partition and housed in a box

  usually made of plastic and fixed in this box by

  medial of screws or claw systems.

  The plastic cover plate called in the text the "cover", that is to say the visible part of these switches,

  can be narrow or wide, usually square or narrow

  gular and not more than 9 cm side.

  They can also be arranged on the wall, on the wall.

  sound, when this one, if it is designed for example in concrete,

  does not allow the installation of the mechanism.

  Damage caused by vandalism presents a risk of electric shock to users due to the deletion

  electrical insulation In addition, permanent ignition wedging

  do not suppose an unnecessary increase in electricity consumption

  tricity and causes the "sticking" and the putting out of use of

  -30 timers most often modular and electronic design

  that Finally the replacement of the broken manual control by

  vandalism is costly to the community.

  For this reason anti-vandalism devices have been proposed These are:

  either metal protections added to the interrup-

  teurs of classic design, to be built-in, which enclose the cover of the switch and become one with it, either switches whose intrinsic design is designed to resist certain forms of vandalism 2 - The protections reported on a recessed switch of classic design, are usually made up of several

  elements integral with the switch cover and function

  operating under the push of a hand, mechanically, by means of springs. These devices may be subject to removal by

  -vandalism of the protection-switch assembly.

  Thus, a leverage effect exerted using a tool

  conch between the metal protection and the wall drives,

  with the tearing of said protection, the tearing of the in-

  breaker which is one with it This tearing is further facilitated due to the proximity of the fixing holes for the screws of the device on the partition, the edge of the main hole reserved therein, generally of O 60 m / m and in which is housed

the switch mechanism.

  -The switches meanwhile, whose very design is designed to resist vandalism, are of two kinds either electromechanical design or electronic design

  These switches are actually pushbuttons intended

  born on the remote control of light timers This remote control

  Mande consisting of a visible circular button which is pressed with a finger to light, can be vandalized by wedging in permanent ignition by means of a simple drop

  glue called "instant effect" like "LOCTITE" placed in-

  be the button and the cylinder that receives it.

  In the case of switches of electronic design designed so that the ignition, even in the event of permanent jamming, is triggered automatically after a certain time, the fragility of the electronic system itself does not prevent

  put out of use when the switch, in the classic case

  that of vandalism, is hit with a heavy tool, like

a hammer for example.

  In all cases, these two types of switches, independent

  especially the expensive initial cost, suppose, in case of vanda-

  lism by wedging or by the effect of violent blows, charges

important repairs.

  Finally, in the current state of the art, whether

  added metal protections or safety switches

  anti-vandalism, these devices or apparatus do not

  only attempt or are related to the timers and 3 -

  are not designed to also protect a standard switch

sique says "rocking".

  Indeed, the movement of the mobile part of these devices is

  done, when they are arranged on a partition, along an axis ho-

  rizontal by displacement of a plane parallel to another plane. This movement is detrimental to that of a simple switch rocker, which supposes a displacement along two oblique planes depending on whether the electrical control rocker is engaged or triggered. The present invention provides a solution to all of the problems posed by the various cases of vandalism on all types of switch and thanks to the simplicity of its design.

  can significantly reduce the cost of this type of protection.

  It consists of a device to protect against acts of vandalism an electrical switch installed in a public access area, or to be protected, characterized in that it consists of a metal plate comprising: -on the one hand, a external part (1) forming a base, intended to be fixed to the wall

  -and, on the other hand, a central part (4) forming a box, desti-

  born to be placed in front of the switch cover (8), envelop-

  pant this one and without any connection with him, such

  so that its plane is shifted forward relative to the par-

  external tie and provided with an opening (6) behind which

  a thin stainless steel fabric (3) is loosely stretched

  between the switch handle and the user.

  By way of illustration, drawings are attached, which represent

  tent respectively: Fig 1 Fig. Fig 2 bis Fig 3 Fig 4 Fig 5 External view of the metal plate with horizontal rectangular opening Internal view of the metal plate with horizontal rectangular opening Internal view of the metal plate with vertical rectangular opening Sectional view of the metal plate placed in front of a switch recessed view in elevation of a recessed switch with wide frame with representation of the position of the protective plate with horizontal rectangular opening view in elevation of a recessed switch with narrow cover arranged next to a relief with representation of the position of the protection plate with horizontal rectangular opening 4 - Fig 6 Internal view of the metal plate with circular opening Fia 7 Internal view of the metal plate with square opening Fig 8 Perspective view of the metal plate intended for a surface-mounted switch and comprising a vertical rectangular opening Fig 9 Sectional view of the metal plate placed in front of a built-in switch The device according to the invention is composed, with reference to these drawings, of a metal plate (1) (Fig 1 and Fig 8) having in its center a deep-drawn part (4) variable (Fig 3 and Fig 9) intended to receive all or part of a switch depending on whether it is embedded in a wall (Fig 3) or simply arranged as a surface on said wall (Fig 9)

  In the most frequent case, the interruption of the

  tor, the depth and the width of the pressed part (4) are provided so that they allow the adaptation of the

  device to most switch covers (8) present-

  marketed and whose external dimensions represent

  or of diameter generally tries at most 9 cm on the side O aeepa Wsseur maximum

1.5 cm.

  According to another embodiment (Fig 8 and Fig 9) the raised part (9) of the plate relative to the surface of the wall follows the shape of the whole of a switch (13) arranged in

  projection on said wall This projection is at most 9 cm.

  The plate (1) comprises in the flat part which comes to be applied on the wall, around the projecting part (8) of the switch when the latter is recessed and around the projecting part (13) (Fig 8 ) when it is projecting, a flange (11) which can be as small as possible to allow easy installation of the device covering

  said switch, without being hindered by any relief

  conch (10) which can be located near the switch, such as a wooden molding for example, the available width of the wall being generally greater than that of the switch

  and in any case never less than the width of the said interrup-

  tor. -5- According to a particular embodiment, not illustrated here, the flange (11) may possibly be eliminated, the only metallic thickness remaining that of the part (9) of the device in return and perpendicular to the plane of the front face, comprising the opening (6) This opening (6) being provided on the surface of the central part (4) parallel to the plane of the wall, either centered on the on the midline of the plane of the box part (4), or

  offset from it, allows the user to locate

  diat the position of the finger support point for the operation

of the switch.

  According to particular embodiments,

  a The opening (6) will have an elongated rectangular shape

  horizontally whose long side will have a dimension included

  between 4.5 cm and 7.5 cm and the short side has a dimension

  taken between 1.5 cm and 2 cm to allow easy operation of push buttons with large covers (8) (Fig 4) or narrow covers (8) (Fig 5), even if a relief (10) is located near the switch leaving little wall space available between the switch and the said relief and may thus interfere

  or prevent the installation of any other device.

  b The opening (6) in another embodiment will have a rectangular shape arranged vertically (Fig 2a) to

  allow the operation of pushbuttons or interrup-

  lever lever known as "wide" especially when tipping

  of it is done along a horizontal axis.

  c The opening (6) may also have the shape of a circular hole or a square, with a diameter or side of between 1.5 cm and 3 cm, which allows the operation of all types of centered or joystick switches

vertical or horizontal tilting.

  Figures 1, 2, 2 bis, 4, 5 and 8 illustrate the advantages of a rectangular opening, long but narrow, insofar as it allows to easily operate any small switch handle which would be shifted

  compared to a generally central location but position-

  born on the center line, horizontal or vertical passing through

the center of the said switch.

  o - A thin stainless steel cloth (3) fixed securely in front of the opening, on the invisible internal face and hollow of the

  central part (4) serves as protection for the switch.

  Its dimensions are roughly those of the bottom of the said-

  stamped part. It is fixed by welding or gluing, at at least 4 points (7) sufficiently distant from the edge of the opening (6) and arranged as close as possible to the angles formed by the edges (9) and (14) and in the bottom of the hollow part (4) and in a plane distant at most 0.5 cm from the switch This ensures constant elasticity to the fabric (3) which

  allows 5 therefore, when maneuvering all kinds of joysticks

  breakers, whether push-in plungers or rocker knobs, widely displaced in one plane

oblique.

  The fabric (3) thus fixed on the non-visible internal face of the plate (4) is positioned, during the installation of the device, in a manner close or flush with the

  push button or rocker lever.

  This characteristic is important since, during the maneuver, the slight depression due to the low amplitude of the movement of the fabric which immediately comes into abutment on the switch, does not cause a notable deformation of 1-a

  said canvas and therefore a possible tear thereof.

  What is more, its flat shape, without roughness and its rigidity does not

  also does not allow it to be grasped using a metal clamp.

than for example.

  Furthermore, the narrowness of the opening, as said above, leaves few fields for vandals to manipulate the said

canvas.

  The fineness of the weft of the fabric (3) is calculated so that it comprises at least 82 threads per inch, or 2.54 cm, for a nominal vacuum of 0.2 m / m and a thread of steel

  stainless steel 0.14 m / m in diameter, these dimensions can be reduced

  if you increase the number of threads to the inch, or 2.54 cm.

  7 - The characteristics of this canvas are important because they allow, on the one hand to prevent the penetration of sharp tools or that of liquid adhesives called "instant effect"

  LOCTITE type which can put the interrupter permanently out of use

  on the other hand, to obtain sufficient transparency to allow the visibility of a light point when

the switch is provided.

  The canvas (3) also acts as a firebreak against the switch, when trying to ignite it using

  by any means such as lighters or matches.

  Finally, the metal plate (1) (Fig 1 or Fig 8) includes for its attachment to the wall at least 4 holes (2) located at

  its ends, intended to receive screws with special impressions

  ciales {17) operated by an adequate tool to avoid any untimely disassembly These holes are located at a minimum distance of 3 cm from the edge of the tro> made in the wall to receive the body (12) of a built-in switch Indeed, this embedding hole is generally oversized in masonry at the time of construction of the building or having an often exploded edge, generating a fragile area, represents a discomfort for the fixing of the device on the

  wall Thus, fixing holes located in the metal plate

  tall, but too close to the center of the dispo-

  risk of locating the ankles, intended to receive

  the fixing screws, at the very edge of the mounting hole,

  thus inoperative fixing said plate which may

  therefore be torn off quite easily.

  Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the presence in the outer part (1) forming a base, of a notch (15) communicating with another notch (16) located in its extension and on the horizontal part (14) of the housing box of a surface-mounted switch These notches can be placed either

  on the upper part of the base, or on the lower part

  of the said base, or on both They allow the device to be fixed on a switch arranged in

  applies to a wall, the electric cable (18) of which is

  also installed on the wall, generally under plastic sheath,

  able to supply the switch from above or from below.

Claims (6)

- CLAIMS -   1 / Device to protect an electrical switch from vandalism in a public access area, or   to protect, characterized in that it consists of a plate   that metallic comprising: on the one hand, an external part (1) forming a base, intended to be fixed to the wall on the other hand, a central part (4) forming a box, intended   to be placed in front of the switch cover (8), envelop-   pant it and without any connection with it, so that its plane is offset forward relative to the external part and provided with an opening (6) behind which is fixed a stainless steel cloth thin (3) stretched flexibly, so as to be placed between the lever of the switch and the user.   2 / Device according to claim I / characterized in that -on the one hand, the central part (4) forming a box has an internal volume slightly greater than the volume of the projecting part of a switch having a maximum dimension of 9 cm side or diameter and a sail lie (8) maximum of 1.5 cm when it is built in, and a safil-ie (13) maximum of   9 cm when placed on the wall -   on the other hand, the external part is defined by a flange (11)   of a width dimension at least equal to the external width   horizontal rior of the central part forming a box, for the sides (9) intended to be placed vertically and one dimension in width, for the sides (14) respectively upper and lower such that it allows the fixing of   the said external part on the wall.   3 / Device according to claim 1 / for interrup-   tor placed on the surface, characterized in that the external part (1) forming a base and intended to be fixed to the wall   has a vertical notch (15) - high and / or low   along and ending with a notch of the same width (16) made in the horizontal side (14) top and / or bottom of the   central part (4) for the passage of the electric wire.   9 - 4 / Device according to claim 1 / characterized in that the opening (6) is rectangular and that it has a small side equal to or less than a third of the long side with a minimum of 1.5 cm and a maximum of 2 cm and in that finally it is either centered on the median line of the plane of the box part (4), or offset with respect to it, the largest side being arranged either horizontally or vertically. / Device according to claim 1 / characterized in that the opening is circular or square with a diameter   or one side between 1.5 cm and 3 cm.   6 / Device according to any one of claims   previous, characterized in that the thin stainless steel fabric (3) of a dimension substantially greater than that of the opening reserved in the central part of the plate is fixed to the bottom inside said central part on a surface roughly equivalent to that at the bottom of part (4) and in a plane   located at a maximum distance of 0.5 cm from the remote control breaker.   7 / Device according to claims 1 / and 6 / previous-   teeth characterized in that the fabric (3) is fixed in at least 4 points (7), either by welding or by gluing, sufficiently distant from the edges of the opening, as close as possible to the angles formed by the edges (9 ) and (14), in order to keep the elasticity necessary for it during various operations of pressing on the switch, in particular when it is a large rocker switch whose amplitude of the movement is important.   8 / Device according to claims 1 /, 6 / and 7 /   previous characterized in that the stainless steel cloth (3) is   produced in a fine frame, with smooth surface, of a nominal vacuum   nal equal to or less than 0.2 m / m with a stainless steel wire of diameter equal to or less than 0.14 m / m which, while retaining   sufficient transparency for the visibility of the light point   neux of the switch when it is provided, resists the penetration either of a steel point whose race will be stopped by the switch itself on which it will then come to rest, or of an adhesive liquid with "instant effect" and by its absebce of roughness prevents its grip using metal pliers.   - 9 / Device according to claim 1 / previous characterized in that the metal plate (1) is provided   at least 4 holes (2) for fixing it, sufficient   are far from the edge of the recess in the interior.   tor, at least 3 cm from it, to avoid the risk of tearing and intended to receive screws (17) with heads provided with a specific imprint, the operation of which does not   can only be ensured by a corresponding tool.