GB2537805A

GB2537805A - An automatic light switch controller

Info

Publication number: GB2537805A
Application number: GB1503666.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dakri Naiem
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-04
Filing date: 2015-03-04
Publication date: 2016-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-04
Also published as: GB201503666D0; GB2537805B

Abstract

An automatic light switch controller 1 comprises a housing 4 operable to be removably retained against the face plate of a light switch, at least one linearly translating carriage 9 mounted in the housing having an engagement member 12 for engaging the light switch, at least one actuator for translating the carriage to cause the engagement member to actuate the light switch, and a controller configured to operate the actuator. The mounting 3 comprises a frame provided with ribs (27, figure 5) projecting inwardly to be received between the wall and the rear surface of the face plate, and a cradle (29, figure 5) to receive the light switch controller. The engagement member may be a wheel, and its position in the carriage may be configurable. The wheel may be retained between distal ends of neighbouring fingers 10 provided in the carriage. The wheel may comprise a disc and axle parts, which may be removably retained in grooves provided in each finger. The fingers may be partially resilient and deflect into the housing when the wheel engages the light switch. The switch controller may comprise a plurality of wheels or a plurality of carriages, each provided with at least one engagement member.

Description

An automatic light switch controller The present application relates to an automatic light switch controller, an associated mounting and a method of installing an automatic light switch controller.

Known light switches comprise a face plate provided with at least one rocker switch protruding from the face plate. The light switch is connected to one or more lights (or other electrical items) to allow a user to manually turn the light(s) on or off, by pressing the corresponding end of the front engagement (operational) surface of the rocker switch, and thus changing the light switch between its two positions/states ("on" and "off"). A known light switch is shown in Figure 4.

Where automatic control of a light(s) is required, it is known the replace the light switch with an automatic control unit, comprising a timer which activates a relay or similar device to turn the light(s) on or off at predetermined times or in response to a predetermined event (e.g. dusk, detection of movement, etc.). Such automatic control units can form part of a home security system, since lights can be programmed to operate when the home owner is away, giving the impression that the property is occupied.

Traditional light switches and automatic control units are mutually exclusive. Control units are cumbersome and not aesthetically pleasing. Since they are hardwired into the lighting circuit, the associated lights can then only be controlled by the unit. Manual control, overriding the automatic element, does not offer a good user experience. As a result, automatic control units will normally be connected to an auxiliary lighting arrangement which does not form part of the everyday domestic lighting provision. It is not possible to control the domestic lighting without removing the conventional (functional and aesthetically pleasing) light switch and replacing it with a (cumbersome and ugly) automatic control unit. This is not practical when there is only an occasional desire for the lighting to be automatically controlled (for example, when on vacation).

Automatic control units are expensive, both in terms of the product cost and also the labour needed to install them. Moreover, they introduce further electrical components into the lighting circuit -for example a relay switch component -which may adversely affect the lighting circuit. Still further, automatic control units which are electrically integrated into a lighting circuit often do not function correctly, if at all, if the lighting circuit includes florescent,CFL and/or LED bulbs. With such energy-saving bulbs becoming more popular, there is a need for an alternative to known automatic control units.

US5,719,632 discloses a retrofit light switch controller, designed for US-style light switches including a protruding toggle switch member. The switch member is received in an aperture in an actuating plate of the controller, as shown in figure 2 of US5,719,362.

However, this known arrangement does not function with UK and European-style light switches which, rather than a toggle member, comprise a switch member (toggle switch) having a front engagement surface facing substantially away from the face plate of the light switch.

The present invention seeks to address the above problems.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an automatic light switch controller, comprising: a housing operable to be removably retained against the face plate of a light switch, the light switch having a switch member at least partially protruding through the face plate and movable between a first and second position, the switch member having a front engagement surface facing substantially away from the face plate of the light switch; at least one linearly translatable carriage mounted in the housing, the carriage provided with at least one engagement member for engagement with the light switch; at least one actuator operable to translate the carriage with respect to the housing to cause the engagement member to engage with the front engagement surface of the switch member, thereby moving it from one of the first and second positions to the other position; and a controller configured to operate the actuator.

Preferably, the automatic light switch controller further comprises a mounting removably securable to the face plate of the light switch, the housing being retainable on to the mounting.

Preferably, the mounting comprises a cradle to receive a lower part of the housing.

Preferably, the rear surface of the housing comprises at least one rib to be retained between the face plate of the light switch and the surface on which the light switch is mounted.

Preferably, the engagement member is a wheel.

Preferably, the position of the at least one wheel on the carriage is configurable.

Preferably, the carriage comprises a plurality of fingers, and the at least one wheel is retained between the distal ends of two neighbouring fingers.

Preferably, the wheel comprises a disc with first and second axle parts extending from the centre of either side of the disc, and each finger comprises a groove arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the finger, each groove to removably retain a respective axle part therein.

Preferably, the fingers are at least partially resilient, allowing deflection into the housing when the at least one wheel contacts the front engagement surface of the switch member.

Preferably, the automatic light switch controller comprises a plurality of wheels.

Preferably, the housing includes at least one recess in which to store unused wheels.

Preferably, the automatic light switch controller comprises a plurality of carriages, each provided with at least one engagement member to engage with a corresponding one of a plurality of switch members of the light switch.

Preferably, the automatic light switch controller further comprises a programmable timer associated with the controller.

Preferably, the housing provides a user interlace to configure the timer.

Preferably, the actuator comprises a motor assembly.

Preferably, the mounting comprises a frame, provided with ribs projecting inwardly to engage behind the face plate of a light switch, the front of the frame provided with a cradle.

The present invention further provides a mounting for an automatic light switch controller, wherein the mounting comprises a frame provided with ribs projecting inwardly to be received between the wall and the rear surface of the face plate of a light switch, the front of the frame provided with a cradle to receive an automatic light switch controller therein to retain the light controller against the face plate, such that an engagement member provided on a linearly translatable carriage of the controller is arranged for engagement with the front engagement surface of the switch member of the light switch.

The present invention further provides a method of installing an automatic light switch controller to an existing light switch, the light switch having a switch member at least partially protruding through a face plate and movable between first and second positions, the switch member having a front engagement surface facing substantially away from the face plate of the light switch, the method comprising: at least partially unsecuring the face plate of the light switch from the adjacent mounting surface; providing a mounting comprising a frame provided with ribs projecting inwardly into the frame, and the front of the frame provided with a cradle; sliding the ribs of the mounting between the rear surface of the face plate and the mounting surface; resecuring the face plate of the light switch to the mounting surface so as to clamp the mounting therebetween; providing an automatic light switch controller according to claim 1; inserting the automatic light switch controller into the cradle of the mounting.

The present invention further provides a method of installing an automatic light switch controller to an existing light switch, the light switch having a switch member at least partially protruding through a face plate and movable between first and second positions, the switch member having a front engagement surface facing substantially away from the face plate of the light switch, the method comprising: providing an automatic light switch controller comprising: a housing; at least one linearly translatable carriage mounted in the housing, the carriage provided with at least one engagement member; at least one actuator operable to translate the carriage with respect to the housing; and a controller configured to operate the actuator; and removably retaining the housing against the face plate of the light switch such that engagement member is arranged for engagement with the front engagement surface of the switch member of the light switch to move it from one of the first and second positions to the other position Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 illustrates an automatic light switch controller and mounting embodying the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates the rear of the housing of an automatic light switch controller embodying the present invention; Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of a part of figure 2; Figure 4 illustrates a conventional light switch; Figure 5 illustrates a mounting embodying the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates the installation of the mounting of figure 5 to the light switch of figure 4; Figure 7 illustrates the mounting of figure 5 secured to the light switch of figure 4; and Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the automatic light switch controller and the mounting of figure 1.

Figure 1 illustrates an automatic light switch controller assembly 1, comprising an automatic light switch controller 2 retained in a mounting 3. The automatic light switch controller 2 comprises a housing 4. The housing 4 comprises a user interface 5 (comprising buttons) and a user display 6.

With reference to figure 2, the housing 4 comprises a rear surface 7 in which is provided a window 8 at the lower part of the rear surface 7 of the housing 4. The automatic light switch controller 2 further comprises a linearly translatable carriage 9 mounted in the housing 4, such that at least a part of the carriage 9 is arranged within the window 8. The lower part of the carriage 9 is provided with a plurality of fingers 10, illustrated in more detail in figure 3. The distal (lower) end of each of the fingers 10 is provided with a groove 11. Preferably, the fingers 10 are at least partially resilient with respect to the carriage 9, so that they can flex relative to the carriage 9.

The carriage 9 is provided with at least one rotatable wheel 12, each wheel 12 being retainable between the distal ends of two neighbouring fingers 10. As shown in figure 3, each wheel 12 comprises a disc 13 with first 14a and second 14b axle parts extending from the centre of either side of the disc 13. The respective axle parts 14a, 14b are receivable in the groove 11 of a respective finger 10 arranged either side of the wheel 12. Preferably, the grooves 11 and axle parts 14a, 14b are configured such that the wheel 12 is removably retained within the grooves 11, for example with a "snap fit". When the axle parts 14a, 14b are received in the groove 11, the disc 13 is rotatable about an axis passing through the axle parts 14a, 14b.

With reference to figures 2 and 3, it will be noted that there are six fingers 10, allowing for five positions in which a wheel 12, or wheels 12, may be retained. The arrangement of wheels 12 depends on the configuration of the light switch with which the arrangement is used. The configuration illustrated is for use with a two-gang light switch, as shown in figure 4. As a result, the wheels 12 are provided in the second and fourth positions between the fingers 10. When used with a single-gang light switch, only one wheel 12 is needed, in the third position. When the arrangement is used with a three gang light switch, three wheels are used, in the first, third and fifth positions.

The rear surface 7 of the housing 4 comprises a plurality of holes 15, in which unused wheels 12 (more specifically the axle parts) may be stored.

It will be noted from figure 2 that the carriage 9 is recessed slightly within the window 8 of the housing 4 -i.e. spaced back from the plane of the rear surface 7. However, the wheels 12 are preferably sized such that at least a part of the disc 13 of the wheel 12 protrudes beyond the plane of the rear surface 7 of the housing 4.

In use, the housing 4 is removably retainable against the face plate of a light switch.

A light switch 20 with which the automatic light switch controller 2 may be used is shown in figure 4. The light switch 20 comprises two rocker switches 22 at least partially protruding through a face plate 21. Each of the rocker switches 22 is moveable between a first and second position. In a first position, a first end 23A of the rocker switch 22 is substantially flush with the surface of the face place 21, and the second end 23B of the rocker switch 22 protrudes from the face plate 21. In a second position, the first end 23A of the rocker switch 22 protrudes from the surface of the face plate 21, and the second end 23B of the rocker switch 22 is substantially flush with the surface of the face plate 21. This is an entirely conventional arrangement. In some known light switches, the centre of the rocker switch 22 (between the first 23A and the second 23B ends of the rocker switch 22) is also substantially flush with the surface of the face plate 21, or it may always protrude slightly therefrom.

When the automatic light switch controller 2 of the present invention is retained against the face plate 21 of the light switch 20, the at least one rotatable wheel 12 is arranged so as to engage the rocker switch, or the adjacent surface of the face plate 21 (depending on the position of the carriage 9).

The automatic light switch controller 2 further comprises at least one actuator (not shown) which is operable to translate the carriage 9 with respect to the housing 4 to cause the at least one wheel 12 to engage with the rocker switch 22. Translation of the carriage 9 causes the wheel 12 to apply a force to the rocker switch 22, thus moving it from a first position to a second position, or vice versa. Accordingly, moving the carriage 9 between a first and second position is configured so as to simultaneously move the rocker switch 22 from the corresponding first position to a second position. As the carriage 9 translates, the outer surface of the discs 13 of the wheel 12 engage with the surface of the face plate and/or rocker switch 22, and the wheels 12 may rotate. It will be appreciated that rotation is not essential.

In one embodiment, the arrangement is configured such that when the automatic light switch controller 2 is retained against the light switch 20, the at least partially resilient fingers 10 are forced to bend slightly when the wheels 12 contact the face plate 21 and/or rocker switch 22 as they ride over the apex of the rocker between the on and off position. The resiliency of the fingers 10 then causes a reactionary force which ensures adequate contact between the wheels 12 and the face plate 21 or rocker switch 22. This also avoids any mechanical play (rattling) in use and ensures substantially silent operation. Additionally or alternatively, the resiliency can accommodate for the varying thickness of the switch base plate 21 and the height/ apex (between 23a and 23b) of the rocker switch.

The automatic light switch controller 2 further comprises a controller (not showing) configured to operate the actuator. The user interface 5 may be used to provide input to the controller, and the status of the controller may be relayed to the user through the user display 6. The controller, user interface 5 and display 6 may substantially correspond to that of an existing and known timing unit.

The actuator may comprise a motor assembly, for example a linear motor. A rotary motor may also be used, with a corresponding mechanism to convert the rotary motion into a linear motion. It will be appreciated that various forms of actuator may be adopted.

Figure 5 illustrates a mounting 23 embodying the present invention. The mounting 3 comprises a frame 26 provided with ribs 27 projecting inwardly from the frame 26. In the arrangement shown, ribs 27 are provided on three of the four surfaces of the frame 26. Alternatively, rather than the ribs 27 extending substantially along an entire surface of the frame 26, they may be provided only at intervals. The mounting 3 further comprises a front plate 28 which defines a cradle 29 therein, sized to receive a lower part of the housing 4 of the automatic light switch controller 2.

Figure 6 illustrates the installation of the mounting 3 to a light switch 20.

Initially, the face plate 21 of the existing light switch 20 is secured to the mounting surface. In order to install the mounting of the present invention, the face plate 21 must be at least partially unsecured from the mounting surface, for example, by rotating the screws provided. As a result, a slight gap is formed between the rear surface of the face plate 21 and the mounting surface.

Next, when this gap is formed (visible in figure 6), the mounting 3 is arranged vertically above the loosened light switch 20. The mounting 3 can then be slid down the mounting surface, such that the ribs 27 are received in the gap between the face plate 21 of the light switch 20 and the mounting surface.

The mounting 3 continues to be slid downwards until the top surface of the face plate 21 engages with the top surface of the frame 26 of the mounting 3. See figure 7.

At this point, the face plate 21 of the light switch 20 may then be re-secured to the mounting surface, by tightening the screws, so as to clamp the mounting in place.

Finally, the automatic light switch controller 2 is then inserted into the cradle 29, so as to retain the automatic light switch controller 2 against the light switch 20. The assembled automatic light switch controller 2 and mounting 3 is illustrated in figure 1.

In the embodiments shown in figures 2 and 3, there is only a single carriage 9. When installed against a two gang light switch, the user can configure the wheels 12 so as to control one or both of the rocker switches 22 of the light switch 20. If no wheel 12 is provided adjacent one of the rocker switches 22, then translation of the carriage 9 will not affect that rocker switch 22.

In another embodiment, not shown, there may be more than one translatable carriage 9, each provided with at least one wheel 12 to engage with a corresponding one of a plurality of rocker switches 22 on the light switch 20.

In the embodiments illustrated, a wheel is used to engage with the front engagement surface of the rocker switch. The claimed invention is operable to function with switch members other than those of rocker switches. For example, some light switches comprise a "dimmer" arrangement, wherein the switch member of the dimmer switch comprises a rotatable barrel protruding from the face plate. Rotation of the barrel increases or decreases the light level. The dimmer switch is actuated between the "on" and "off" position by depressing the barrel relative to the front face of the dimmer switch.

An automatic light switch controller embodying the present invention is also operable to actuate a dimmer switch arrangement such as that described above. The automatic light switch controller of the present invention is operable to work with any light switch having a switch member at least partially protruding through the face plate and moveable between a first and second position wherein the switch member has a front engagement surface facing substantially away from the face plate of the light switch. Both the traditional light switch illustrated in figure 4 and the dimmer switch described above share these common features. By comparison, the US-style toggle switch described earlier does not have a front engagement surface facing substantially away from the face plate of the light switch. Instead, the toggle switch discloses two adjacent, sideways-facing, engagement surfaces.

In the embodiment illustrated, there is provided a plurality of fingers 10, and a single wheel 12 is receivable between two neighbouring fingers. The position of the wheel can be changed so as to align it with a switch member, by moving it to between two other neighbouring fingers 10.

In another embodiment, not shown, a wheel may be provided on an elongated axle member which extends across the width of the carriage. The position of the wheel can be moved by sliding it relative to the axle, so as to align it with a switch member. Multiple wheels may be provided on the axle. The axle is held at either end by a projection (such as a finger 10) extending from the carriage.

Although the embodiments illustrated and described above disclose the use of a rotatable wheel, any other form of engagement member may be used. For example, the engagement member may comprise a protrusion which is operable to engage with the front engagement surface of the switch member. For example, the engagement member may comprise an ellipsoidal or oval shaped member for engagement with the switch member.

When the engagement member is a rotatable wheel, the wheel preferably rotates in use, such that there is no or little relative movement between the surface of the rocker switch and the circumferential surface of the wheel. In other embodiments, the wheel may not rotate, and will instead 'slide' with respect to the front engagement surface of the switch member. Preferably, the surface of the wheel is made of, or provided with, a low friction material, such as PTFE.

In the embodiments illustrated, the housing is operable to be removably retained against the face place of the light switch by the use of an additional mounting. The mounting is removably securable to the face plate of the light switch; and the housing is then retainable in the mounting. In one embodiment, the mounting comprises a cradle to receive a lower part of the housing.

In an alternative embodiment, the housing of the automatic light switch controller may be mountable directly on to the face plate of the existing light switch. In one embodiment, the rear surface of the housing comprises at least one rib, similar to that of the mounting shown in figure 5. Accordingly, as with the mounting of figure 5, the at least one rib is arranged to be retained between the face plate of the light switch and the surface on which the light switch is mounted.

In the two-part arrangement comprising both the housing and a separate mounting, the use of the cradle 29, illustrated in figure 5, is not essential. In another embodiment, an inside surface of the frame may comprise a rail which is receivable in a track provided on the sides of the housing. The opposite arrangement is also possible. The housing may then be secured to the mounting by aligning the rails with the track and then sliding the two parts relative to one another. The cradle 29 is advantageous since it is substantially "self-locating", thus making installation easier, but is not essential.

With reference to figure 7, which illustrates the mounting with a cradle, it will be appreciated that when the housing of the automatic light switch controller is removed, the light switch may still be operated manually by the user as normal. With an embodiment of the mounting without a cradle 29, the mounting may be very discreet and not interfere substantially with either the normal manual operation or the general appearance of the assembly. In such embodiments, it is feasible that a user could keep the mounting in place at all times, even when the automatic light switch controller is not installed.

The term "light switch" has been used consistently herein, since the conventional switch to which we have referred is commonly used to operate lighting. It will be appreciated that the switch could also be (and often is) used to operate other, non-lighting, electrical items, such as heating systems, entertainment equipment, outdoor water features etc. It will be appreciated that the present invention is equally applicable to such situations, and the connection of the "light switch" to a lighting arrangement is not essential.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An automatic light switch controller, comprising: a housing operable to be removably retained against the face plate of a light switch, the light switch having a switch member at least partially protruding through the face plate and movable between a first and second position, the switch member having a front engagement surface facing substantially away from the face plate of the light switch; at least one linearly translatable carriage mounted in the housing, the carriage provided with at least one engagement member for engagement with the light switch; at least one actuator operable to translate the carriage with respect to the housing to cause the engagement member to engage with the front engagement surface of the switch member, thereby moving it from one of the first and second positions to the other position; and a controller configured to operate the actuator.
2. An automatic light switch controller according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting removably securable to the face plate of the light switch, the housing being retainable on to the mounting.
3. An automatic light switch controller according to claim 2, wherein the mounting comprises a cradle to receive a lower part of the housing.
4. An automatic light switch controller according to claim 1, wherein the rear surface of the housing comprises at least one rib to be retained between the face plate of the light switch and the surface on which the light switch is mounted.
5. An automatic light switch controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement member is a wheel.
6. An automatic light switch controller according to claim 5, wherein the position of the at least one wheel on the carriage is configurable.
7. An automatic light switch controller according to any of claims 5 and 6, wherein the carriage comprises a plurality of fingers, and the at least one wheel is retained between the distal ends of two neighbouring fingers.
8. An automatic light switch controller according to claim 7, wherein the wheel comprises a disc with first and second axle parts extending from the centre of either side of the disc, and each finger comprises a groove arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the finger, each groove to removably retain a respective axle part therein.
9. An automatic light switch controller according to any of claims 7 and 8, wherein the fingers are at least partially resilient, allowing deflection into the housing when the at least one wheel contacts the front engagement surface of the switch member.
10. An automatic light switch controller according to any of claims 5 to 9, comprising a plurality of wheels.
11. An automatic light switch controller according to claim 10, wherein the housing includes at least one recess in which to store unused wheels.
12. An automatic light switch controller according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of carriages, each provided with at least one engagement member to engage with a corresponding one of a plurality of switch members of the light switch.
13. An automatic light switch controller according to any preceding claim, further comprising a programmable timer associated with the controller.
14. An automatic light switch controller according to claim 13, wherein the housing provides a user interface to configure the timer.
15. An automatic light switch controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator comprises a motor assembly.
16. An automatic light switch controller according to claim 2, wherein the mounting comprises a frame, provided with ribs projecting inwardly to engage behind the face plate of a light switch, the front of the frame provided with a cradle.
17. A mounting for an automatic light switch controller, wherein the mounting comprises a frame provided with ribs projecting inwardly to be received between the wall and the rear surface of the face plate of a light switch, the front of the frame provided with a cradle to receive an automatic light switch controller therein to retain the light controller against the face plate, such that an engagement member provided on a linearly translatable carriage of the controller is arranged for engagement with the front engagement surface of the switch member of the light switch.
18. A method of installing an automatic light switch controller to an existing light switch, the light switch having a switch member at least partially protruding through a face plate and movable between first and second positions, the switch member having a front engagement surface facing substantially away from the face plate of the light switch, the method comprising: at least partially unsecuring the face plate of the light switch from the adjacent mounting surface; providing a mounting comprising a frame provided with ribs projecting inwardly into the frame, and the front of the frame provided with a cradle; sliding the ribs of the mounting between the rear surface of the face plate and the mounting surface; resecuring the face plate of the light switch to the mounting surface so as to clamp the mounting therebetween; providing an automatic light switch controller according to claim 1; inserting the automatic light switch controller into the cradle of the mounting.
19. A method of installing an automatic light switch controller to an existing light switch, the light switch having a switch member at least partially protruding through a face plate and movable between first and second positions, the switch member having a front engagement surface facing substantially away from the face plate of the light switch, the method comprising: providing an automatic light switch controller comprising: a housing; at least one linearly translatable carriage mounted in the housing, the carriage provided with at least one engagement member; at least one actuator operable to translate the carriage with respect to the housing; and a controller configured to operate the actuator; and removably retaining the housing against the face plate of the light switch such that engagement member is arranged for engagement with the front engagement surface of the switch member of the light switch to move it from one of the first and second positions to the other position
20. Any novel matter or combination thereof herein described.