GB2443854A

GB2443854A - Remote actuation device

Info

Publication number: GB2443854A
Application number: GB0622901A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeremy Jenkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-11-16
Filing date: 2006-11-16
Publication date: 2008-05-21
Also published as: GB0622901D0

Abstract

An actuation device 101 for remotely controlling a wall mounted electrical switch 1. The device comprising: a frame 103 having gripping means for attaching the frame 103 to a body of the electrical switch; and an elongate shaft 105a, 105b having a contact portion 111a, 111b for operating the electrical switch 11a, 11b, wherein a portion of the elongate shaft 105a, 105b is slidably mounted in the frame 103 and arranged so that sliding movement of the shaft 105a, 105b causes the contact portion 111a, 111b to operate the electrical switch 11a, 11b. The actuation device may be configured so as to operate an electrical switch with either a rocker switch or a toggle switch. An end of the elongate shaft may be provided with a handle 113a, 113b. The actuation device 101 may further comprise motorized mans for moving the elongate shaft 105a, 105b to thereby operate the electrical switch 1. The actuation device 101 may further comprise a signal receiver for receiving remote control signals for operating the motorized means, and a remote control signal sender for generating and transmitting the remote control signals (such as infra red or radio frequency signals).

Description

Remote Actuation Device This invention relates to a remote actuation

device. More particularly, this invention relates to a remote actuation device for use with wall mounted electrical switches of the type typically found in a domestic environment.

Modern homes increasingly have a large number of wall mounted electrical switches for controlling lighting and portable appliances, etc. These switches are typically of a "rocker" design. The rocker is pivotally mounted in a faceplate, and a manual pressure is applied to the rocker on one side of the pivoting axis to "make" or "break" the electrical connection. The rocker sometimes has distinct on and off surfaces provided at an angle to each other.

Older homes often have wall mounted switches of a "toggle" design. These swtches have a ever rotaLaby mounted in a facepiate. The lever can be manually swung between off and on positions to "make" or "break" the electrical connection. The travel of the lever between the off and on positions is usually about 90 .

The electrical switches may be provided at a convenient height on the wall, for example switches for operating fixed lighting. Other wall mounted switches are provided at a lower level as part of an electrical socket, i.e. switched sockets, and may control, for example, portable appliances that have been plugged into the sockets. These switched sockets are often provided at a low level to maintain a tidy and uncluttered appearance.

A problem associated with the conventional types of electrical switch described above is that, when mounted at a low level on the wall, it is necessary to bend down to operate them. This is a particular problem for switches that are frequently operated, for example for portable lamps, and/or for the elderly and infirm for whom bending down can be uncomfortable.

The above mentioned problem can be overcome by relocating the electrical switches to a more convenient location. However, the switches are usually flush mounted on the wall and this solution therefore involves considerable cost and inconvenience.

It is also known to substitute wall mounted electrical switches of the above types with electronic switches that operate in response to infra red or radio frequency remote signals. In this case, the conventional faceplate is replaced with a faceplate having a signal detector and switching electronics. In use, a handheld remote control signal sender generates and sends remote control signals that are detected by the signal detector for controlling the switch.

Although this arrangement provides for convenient operation, it is usually expensive to implement. Moreover, it is necessary for the switching electronics to be directly connected to high voltage components, with the associated safety issu.

According to the invention, there is provided an actuation device for remotely controlling a wall mounted electrical switch, the device comprising: a frame having gripping means for attaching the frame to a body of the electrical switch; and an elongate shaft having a contact portion for operating the electrical switch, wherein a portion of the elongate shaft is slidably mounted in the frame and arranged so that sliding movement of the shaft causes the contact portion to operate the electrical switch.

The invention thus provides a device for remotely controlling an inaccessible wall mounted electrical switch, which device may be inexpensive to manufacture and install, and easy and safe to install and use. The device essentially comprises two main components: a frame which grips to a body of the electrical switch; and an elongate shaft which is slidably mounted with respect to the frame and has a contact portion arranged to move against the electrical switch. In use, the elongate shaft is moved against the electrical switch, to manually turn it on and off.

Because the installation and use of the device does not require any electrical connections to be made to exposed mains voltage electrical conductors, many of the safety issues that are associated with known remote control switching devices are avoided.

The elongate shaft may be provided in varying lengths in order to accommodate various installation scenarios. In one embodiment, the shaft may be flexible and may be provided with discrete or continuous supports for installation along the wall. In this way, the electrical switch may be remotely operated from long distances.

The contact portion of the elongate shaft may comprise a projection having a curved or wedge shaped surface arranged for sliding contact with a rocker of a rocker switch, which is believed to be the most common type of wall mounted ectrica swftches. Aternaivey, [he contact portion may comprise a recess or aperture arranged for receiving a lever of a toggle switch. Contact portions adapted for operating other designs of electrical switch may be provided, and the various contact portions may be interchangeable.

The frame may comprise a rectangular aperture for gripping the outer edges of a faceplate of the electrical switch. In this case, the gripping portion of the frame may have an angled profile for providing an interference fit with the faceplate and/or may be lined with a resilient or friction material, such as a synthetic rubber.

Alternatively, where the electrical switch is provided as a switched socket, the frame may comprise a recess or aperture shaped for gripping a body of a standard plug. In another embodiment, the frame comprises a plug for the switched socket and the gripping is provided by the male connector pins of the plug.

The frame may comprise a conduit in which the elongate shaft is slidably mounted. The conduit may be arranged to contact the front surface of the body of the switch and, for this purpose, the conduit may have a flat surface.

The conduit may comprise adhesive means for attaching the conduit to the body of the switch and/or the wall. The adhesive means may, for example, be a self adhesive layer having a backing strip.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the conduit has a window, which faces away from the electrical switch. The elongate shaft is then provided with a visual indicator at a position along its length. In use, the visual indicator registers with the window when the electrical switch is in one of two operating positions. For example, a red indicator may be visible through the window when the switch is in the on position. The window and the indicator may be provided at the remote enas of the conduit and elongate shaft.

An end of the elongate shaft may be provided with a handle, for example a "T" or "0" shaped handle.

The frame and/or the elongate shaft may comprise stopping means for restricting the sliding travel of the elongate shaft. Means may also be provided for providing default positions of the elongate shaft so that the shaft tends to locate, or "snap" into these positions.

The elongate shaft may be arranged so that the contact portion cannot rotate about the axis of the elongate shaft. In this way, the orientation of the contact portion cannot be altered.

The actuation device may further comprise motorised means for moving the elongate shaft to thereby operate the electrical switch. Still further, the actuation device may further comprise: a signal receiver for receiving remote control signals for operating the motorised means; and a remote control signal sender for generating and sending the remote control signals. Such an embodiment may provide all the advantages of known remote control electrical switches, without the inconvenience and safety issues associated with substituting the whole electrical switch.

The device may be arranged for remotely controlling a plurality of electrical switches mounted in a unitary body, for example, a double switched socket. In this case, the device comprises a plurality of elongate shafts for controlling respective ones of the electrical switches.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a known switched socket assembly comprising an electrical switch; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a first actuation device according to the invention fitted to the switched socket assembiy shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is partial schematic side view of the actuation device shown in Figure 2, for use in explaining its operation; and Figure 4 is a schematic view of a second actuation device according to the invention.

The invention provides a device for remotely controlling an inaccessible wall mounted electrical switch. The device essentially comprises two main components: a frame which grips to a body of the electrical switch; and an elongate shaft which is slidably mounted with respect to the frame and has a contact portion arranged to move against the electrical switch. In use, the elongate shaft is moved against the electrical switch to manually turn it on and off.

Figure 1 shows a conventional wall mounted double switched socket assembly 1 of the type to which the invention may be applied. With reference to the Figure, the socket assembly comprises a body in the form of a faceplate 3, which is mounted to the wall (or a mounting box embedded in the wall) by fasteners 5. Although the faceplate 3 is generally described as being flush with the wall, its front surface is actually stepped about 10mm away from the wall, and the slightly angled sides 7 of the faceplate 3 can be seen in the Figure (with exaggerated size for clarity).

The front surface of the faceplate 3 is generally fiat and is provided with two mains voltage electrical sockets 9a, 9b. Each socket 9a, 9b is composed of three apertures for receiving each of a live, neutral and earth pin of a corresponding plug (not shown). The relative positioning of these apertures is standardised and will be well known to the skilled person. Each socket 9a, 9b is able to provide electrical power to a portable appliance.

For convenience and safety, each socket 9a, 9b is provided with an electrical switch ha, lib which is mounted in the faceplate 3 and which may be manually operated to control the supply of power to a connected appliance.

The eectrcai swtches ii a, 1 1 b are rocker switches each having a pivoted rocker. Front surfaces of the rockers project from the faceplate 3. In use, opposing ends of the rockers are manually pressed to pivot the rocker between on and off positions, to thereby control the supply of power. The design and construction of electrical rocker switches will be well known to the skilled person.

Figure 2 shows a first actuation device 101 according to the invention fitted to the wall mounted socket assembly 1 shown in Figure 1. The device 101 comprises three main components: a frame 103 for attachment to the socket assembly 1 and a pair of elongate shafts 105a, 105b for controlling the pair of electrical switches ha, lib.

The frame 103 is a moulded plastics component defining a rectangular aperture 107. The rectangular aperture is shaped to provide an interference fit with the sides 7 of the socket assembly 1, and for this purpose it is provided with a rubbery surface providing resilience and grip.

A pair of flexible conduits 109a, 109b is integrally moulded as part of, and is supported by, the frame 103. The frame maintains the proximal end portions of the conduits 109a, 109b directly in front of the socket assembly 1 such that they cover respective ones of the electrical switches ha, lib. The conduits 109a, 109b are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the rocker pivoting axes of the electrical switches ha, lib.

Portions of the conduits 109a, 109b that would otherwise face the electrical switches 11 a, 11 b are cut away so that the rockers of the electrical switches ha, lib are exposed to the interior of the conduits 109a, 109b. Remaining outer surfaces of the conduits 1 09a, 1 09b that face the socket assembly I are provided with self adhesive strips for attaching the flexible conduits 109a, 109b to the faceplate 3 of the socket assembly 1 and/or the wall.

The conduts I 09a, I 09b ar each approximately one metre iong. Distal end portions of the conduits 109a, 109b are provided with small windows 117a, 11 7b facing away from the wall.

The elongate shafts 105a, 105b are slidably mounted in respective ones of the conduits 109a, 109b. The shafts 105a, 105b are flexible and are arranged so that they cannot rotate inside the conduits 109a, 109b. The shafts 105a, 105b are slightly longer than the conduits 109a, 109b, so that their ends project from the distal ends of the conduits 1 09a, 1 09b.

The shafts 105a, 105b comprise contact surfaces lila, ilib for slidably contacting the rockers of the electrical switches 1 la, 11 b. The contact surfaces lila, ilib are provided adjacent the proximal end portions of the conduits 109a, 109b. The contact surfaces lila, hllb comprise wedge shaped surfaces, and will be described in more detail below.

The shafts 105a, 105b also comprise handles 113a, 113b for manually operating the device 101. The handles 113a, ll3b are provided at the ends of the shafts 1 05a, 1 05b that project from the distal end portions of the conduits 109a, 109b. The handles 113a, 113b allow a user to slide the shafts 105a, 105b within the conduits 109a, 109b to operate the electrical switches ha, lib.

The shafts 105a, 105b are provided with indicators 115a, 115b in the form of red coloured panels. The indicators liSa, 11 5b are provided on the shafts 105a, 105b such that they are only visible through the windows of the conduits 109a, 109b when the device 101 has been used to switch the electrical switches ha, libon.

The shafts 105a, 105b are also provided with minor protrusions (not shown) which limit their sliding movement to positions for turning the electrical switches ha, lib on and off, and positions therebetween.

5: use, he devke 101 is instaiied by attaching tne frame 103 over tne faceplate 3 of the switched socket assembly 1. At the same time, self adhesive strips are used to attach the conduits 109a, 109b to the front of the faceplate 3 and/or the wall.

Once installed, a user may use the handles I 13a, I 13b to remotely operate the electrical switches 11 a, 11 b. Remote operation of the switches 11 a, 11 b will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3, which is a partial side view of the actuation device shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 only shows one of the shafts 105a and one of the electrical switches ha, but operation of the other shaft 105b and electrical switch 105b is along the same principles.

As shown in Figure 3, the electrical switch 1 la is in the off position. To switch the switch ha to the on position, the user slides the shaft 105a down the conduit by pushing down on the handle 117a (not shown). This downwards movement causes the contact surface lila of the shaft 105a to slide downwards across the surface of the rocker of the switch 1 la. As the contact surface lila slides down across the rocker, it applies a lateral force on the lower portion of the rocker, which force causes the rocker to pivot about its pivoting axis. In this way, the rocker is moved to its on position.

When the shaft 105a is moved downwards to switch the electrical switch on, the indicator 115a (not shown) on the shaft 105a moves into registration with the window in the conduit 109a (not shown), to indicate to the user that the switch ha is in the on position. Thus, using the indicator, the user can verify that the switch 11 a is switched on without having direct access to the switch ha.

By using the device 101 to operate the switch 11 a remotely, the user may avoid having to bend down to directly operate the switch ha.

Figure 4 shows a second device 201 according to the invention. The device 201 is the same as the device shown in Figure 2, except that the frame 203 has a different design.

The second device 201 is designed for use with switched socket assemblies 205 having a flat faceplate with a very small depth. A frame having a rectangular aperture of the type shown in Figure 2 cannot provide sufficient grip on flat faceplates to apply a sufficient lateral force on the rocker switch.

Accordingly, the frame 203 of the second device 201 is provided with a pair of moulded plug shaped recesses for gripping onto plugs that have been inserted in the sockets of the switched socket assembly 205. The frame 203 is formed of a resilient material to accommodate slight variations in plug shapes and sizes. The frame 203 is provided with cut-outs so that it does not interfere with the cables extending from the plugs.

In use, the second device 201 is installed by pushing the frame 203 over at least one plug inserted in the switched socket assembly 205. The electrical switches 207a, 207b are operated in exactly the same way as described above with respect to the device 101 shown in Figure 2.

Two embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above.

However, the skilled person will appreciate that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the invention.

For example, the embodiments described above are intended for use with double switched socket assemblies of the type that are used in the United Kingdom. However, the invention may be used for any of the various switched socket assemblies used in other territories. The invention may also be used for single switched socket assemblies and wall switches, for example for controlling fixed lighting circuits. Essentially, the invention can be used in any situation where remote operation of a wall mounted electrical switch is desired.

In the embodiments described above, the electrical switches are toggle switches. However, the electrical switches may alternatively be toggle switches or other designs. For toggle switches, the contact surface defines a recess for receiving the lever.

In the embodiments described above, the conduits are approximately one meter long. However, the conduits may be longer or shorter than this.

Embodiments of the invention may comprise motorised means for moving the elongate shafts to thereby operate the electrical switch. The motorised means may comprise low voltage electric motors. Embodiments having motorised means may also comprise a signal receiver for receiving remote control signals for operating the motorised means, and a remote control signal sender for generating and sending the remote control signals. These embodiments provide the advantages associated with infra red and radio frequency remote control systems, but which can be installed without having to access exposed high voltage mains conductors.

The embodiments described above may be adapted for use in wet environments, in which there may be a risk of the conduit transferring water directly to the electrical switch and thereby presenting a safety issue. In such adaptations, the conduit is provided with seals or other means for preventing water from entering its distal end.

In the embodiments described above, the elongate shaft protrudes from the proximal end of the conduit during use. In other embodiments, the shaft may not protrude from the proximal end of the conduit.

Claims

Claims 1. An actuation device for remotely controlling a wall mounted

electrical switch, the device comprising: a frame having gripping means for attaching the frame to a body of the electrical switch; and an elongate shaft having a contact portion for operating the electrical switch, wherein a portion of the elongate shaft is slidably mounted in the frame and arranged so that sliding movement of the shaft causes the contact portion to operate the electrical switch.
2. An actuation device according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion comprises a projection arranged for sliding contact with a rocker of a rocker switch.
3. An actuation device according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion comprises a recess or aperture arranged for receiving a lever of a toggle switch.
4. An actuation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a rectangular aperture for gripping the outer edges of a faceplate of the electrical switch.
5. An actuation device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame comprises a recess or aperture for gripping a body of a plug.
6. An actuation device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame comprises a plug for connection with a socket of the wall mounted electrical switch.
7. An actuation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a conduit in which a portion of the elongate shaft is slidably mounted.
8. An actuation device according to claim 7, wherein the conduit has a window, and wherein the shaft is provided with a visual indicator at a position along its length such that the visual indicator is in registration with the window when the electrical switch is in one of two operating positions.
9. An actuation device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the conduit is arranged to contact the front surface of the body of the switch.
10. An actuation device according to claim 9, wherein the conduit has a flat surface for contacting the front surface of the body of the switch.

11. An actuation device according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the conduit comprises adhesive means for attaching the conduit to the body of the 1 C....L JI. -IL -11 1 VVII..,U I I IUILJI LI l V'VOII.
11. An actuation device according to any preceding claim, wherein an end of the elongate shaft is provided with a handle.
12. An actuation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame and/or the elongate shaft comprise stopping means for restricting the sliding travel of the elongate shaft.
13. An actuation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate shaft is arranged so that the contact portion cannot rotate about the axis of the elongate shaft.
14. An actuation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate shaft is a flexible elongate shaft.
15. An actuation device according to any preceding claim, further comprising motorised means for moving the elongate shaft to thereby operate the electrical switch.
16. An actuation device according to claim 15, further comprising: a signal receiver for receiving remote control signals for operating the motorised means; and a remote control signal sender for generating and sending the remote control signals.
17. An actuation device according to any preceding claim, for remotely controlling a plurality of electrical switches mounted in a unitary body, comprising a plurality of elongate shafts for controlling respective ones of the electrical switches.
18. An actuation device substantially as hereinbefore described and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.