GB2613030A

GB2613030A - An electrical switching device

Info

Publication number: GB2613030A
Application number: GB2116855.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Dallison Neil
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-11-23
Filing date: 2021-11-23
Publication date: 2023-05-24
Also published as: GB202116855D0

Abstract

An electrical switch 199 comprises a transparent/translucent baseplate 2 which supports one or more control means 7 connected to an electric circuit and is mechanically fastened onto an electrical backbox 3 by screws 6. A faceplate 1 formed of a transparent/translucent material covers the screws and comprises reversible attachment means for attachment to the baseplate. An illumination portion 4 is located behind the baseplate and provides illumination through the baseplate. The illumination portion may comprise a light-emitting diode (LED) ring 8. The faceplate may comprise a decorative pattern. The faceplate may comprise a plurality of studs (12, figure 4) which are received in a plurality of mating sockets 11 in the baseplate (or vice-versa) to form a friction fit. The control means may comprise a displaceable switch, such as a dimmer switch, and a displaceable dimmer controller or knob 100. The LED ring may be activated or deactivated by pushing the knob. A user may select a design or shape of faceplate that fits their décor. A user may also swap the control knob to a preferred colour or shape (figures 6a and 6b).

Description

AN ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical switching device, such as but not limited to light switches.

Background

Many people are keen to improve their domestic and other environments.

It is desirable therefore to have options to change decorative and functional elements in built environments, safely and repeatably.

Prior Art

US 2007 0 053 173 (FAUNCE) discloses a night lighting system, comprising: a wall plate having at least one switch receiving slot. The switch receiving slot is capable of receiving a switch. At least one lens assembly is disposed on the wall plate.

EP 1 727 170 (BELET et al) discloses an electrical appliance which has a cover plate surrounding a control button, and an illuminating unit illuminating peripheral edge of the cover plate.

EP 1 467 387 (ETTLIN et al) discloses an illuminated switch for domestic electrical installation with a light source that illuminates a front plate directly or via a light guide and an arrangement for directing light from above at an angle to the plate. The device has at least one switch actuation element.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrical switching device comprising a transparent or translucent baseplate supporting one or more control means which are connected to an electrical circuit, a fastening means is arranged for mechanical fastening of the baseplate onto an electrical backbox; a faceplate is adapted to cover the fastening means, and an illumination portion is located between the fastening means and the baseplate and is arranged to provide illumination through the baseplate; and wherein the faceplate is formed from a translucent or transparent material and is provided with a reversible attachment means for connection to the baseplate.

In some embodiments the device comprises a patterned translucent faceplate for 10 location between the baseplate and a viewer. In this way the faceplate provides a means of providing a more interesting, personal and interchangeable pattern, or illumination style.

In some embodiments the faceplate is arranged to friction fit over the baseplate.

Advantageously therefore the faceplate provides an easily removed and replaced pattern or style. It may be envisaged that in order to displace the friction fitting a tool may be required for example so as to prise the faceplate away from an underlying wall surface, which may also allow the faceplate to be removed and replaced only by adults, ensuring safety of the device. For example the faceplate may comprise a notch in an edge, for receipt of a fingernail or screwdriver.

In some embodiments the control means comprises a displaceable switch, for example a simple activation rocker switch as known in the art. In other embodiments the control 25 means may comprise a socket.

In some embodiments the control means comprises a displaceable dimmer switch, so as to allow greater control.

In some embodiments the device comprises a light emitting diode ring. The light emitting diode ring may be located behind the baseplate so as to provide the illumination portion. In other embodiments the device may comprise one or more light emitting diodes, which may be behind a lens, diffuser plate or similar, so as to diffuse the light In some embodiments the faceplate includes a plurality of studs, and the baseplate comprises a plurality of mating sockets. This may provide a friction, interference or tolerance fit and/or may limit rotation and ensure correct placement in use.

In some embodiments the baseplate includes a plurality of studs, and the faceplate comprises a plurality of mating sockets. This may provide a friction, interference or tolerance fit and/or may limit rotation and ensure correct placement in use.

The device of the present invention thereby advantageously provides a domestic light switch with an integrated nightlight designed for people of all ages, and ensuring customisation with safety, so as to provide a custom and interchangeable nightlight for any interior, that is easy to install on any standard electrical light switch backbox, for example in the UK.

In some embodiments the control means comprises a displaceable part in use, for example comprising a friction fit; so as to enable customisation of the control means with a preferred knob for example.

It may be envisaged that the device enables to fit the device to a backbox 20 semipermanently and subsequently choose from a range of faceplates to fit their interior decoration and also choose a different shaped knob, which may be envisaged to be particularly appealing to children.

In further embodiments a phototransistor may be provided and connected to the 25 electrical circuit for disabling of the illumination except when the room is dark. The illumination portion provides an eye catching signal so that a person can more readily locate the light switch in the dark.

It may be envisaged that the illumination portion may be controlled by the control means, being arranged to activate and deactivate with switching of the electrical circuit. In other embodiments it may be envisaged that the illumination portion may be controlled separately to the control means, either for example by pushing on the control means, other different action to standard usage of the control means, or a separate switch, button, dial or control.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figures 2 show isometric views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 show isometric views of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device 15 shown in Figure 1 Figures 5 shows exploded isometric views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 3; and Figures 6 show isometric views of embodiments of knobs for the control means for the embodiments of the device shown in Figures 1 and 3.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 there is provided an electrical switching device generally comprising a transparent or translucent baseplate 2 supporting one or more electrical control means 7, electrical wiring 5 for connection of the flow control means to an electrical circuit, a fastening means 6 arranged for mechanical fastening of the baseplate onto an electrical backbox 3, a faceplate 1 adapted to cover the fastening means, and an illumination portion 4, wherein the illumination portion 4 is located between the fastening means 5 and the baseplate 2 and is arranged to provide illumination through the baseplate, the faceplate 1 formed in a translucent or transparent material and provided with a reversible attachment means to the baseplate.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the baseplate and the faceplate are provided by circular plates, wherein the faceplate is adapted to friction fit over the baseplate. The baseplate is transparent and stands away from the wall, having side edges, such that warm orange light shines through the transparent edges.

The faceplate has four protrusions 12 which fit tightly with four holes 11 in the baseplate when the faceplate is pushed onto the baseplate with a push fit. This ensures that the faceplate can be replaced with ease, whilst also being strong enough so a child is unable to take it off.

The control means comprises a dimmer dial 7 and a displaceable knob 100 which in some embodiments can be screwed onto the dimmer dial for extra security. It may be envisaged that the user is enabled to activate and deactivate the illumination portion by pushing the dimmer dial. In other embodiments a separate control means may be provided to activate and deactivate the illumination portion separately to the control means.

The embodiments are both shown with standard sized single gang backboxes 3 and the baseplate and faceplates differ but both embodiments can easily be switched as the fixtures are identical and located in the same positions, wherein the fastening means 6 comprise two countersunk M4 screws to fix the baseplate to a standard UK electrical backbox.

In use the user simply screws the transparent baseplate onto the standard UK 25 electrical backbox, before pushing the faceplate onto it. As the fixtures are identical it is simple to switch from the square baseplate 22 and faceplate 21 as shown in Figure 3 to the circular baseplate 2 and faceplate 1 as shown in Figure 1.

The faceplate replacement ease also allows customisation to allow a user to choose a 30 design of faceplate, as well as shape, that fits their decor.

The embodiments also allow the user to change the control means' knob, colour and shape, as pictured in Figures 6 as comprising without limitation a star, moon, heart, letters and numbers.

The embodiments include the following: Standard UK electrical backbox 3 installed or installable in a wall or surface or structure as known in the art, supporting a plastic electronics housing 5 with a custom (printed circuit board) PCB contains a dimmer dial base, smart chip and a transformer. A plastic LED ring housing 9 is welded to the front of the electronic housing and supports a standard COB (Chip-on-Board) LED 43mm diameter standard ring 8 that emits a warm orange glow behind a front transparent cover plate 10 over the ring.

In front of this LED is a clear plastic baseplate 2, injection moulded from a clear plastic.

M4 25mm countersunk screws 6 passing through holes 77 in the baseplate to fix the baseplate to the backbox and an injection moulded faceplate 1, with a custom translucent print on front face and four 12 studs on the back to secure it to mating holes 11 on the baseplate front provides a cover over the screws 6.

A displaceable standard bell-shaped knob with other knob options include a heart, star, letters and numbers is connected to the control means.

It may be envisaged that the present invention may comprise apparatus 199 including 20 the backbox, as shown in Figure 1.

The pictured embodiments thereby comprise a customisable dimmer switch with an integrated LED ring that shines through a translucent backplate and lights up a custom printed semi-translucent faceplate, wherein it may be envisaged that the faceplate may 25 be available in a range of customisable designs.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1 An electrical switching device comprising a transparent or translucent baseplate supporting one or more control means which are connected to an electrical circuit, a fastening means is arranged for mechanical fastening of the baseplate onto an electrical backbox; a faceplate is adapted to cover the fastening means, and an illumination portion is located between the fastening means and the baseplate and is arranged to provide illumination through the baseplate; and wherein the faceplate is formed from a translucent or transparent material and is provided with a reversible attachment means for connection to the baseplate.
2. A device according to claim 1 comprising a patterned translucent faceplate in front of the baseplate.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the faceplate is arranged to friction fit over the baseplate.
4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the control means comprises a displaceable switch.
5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the control means comprises a displaceable dimmer controller, such as a knob.
6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the illumination portion comprises a light emitting diode ring
7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the faceplate includes a plurality of studs, and the baseplate comprises a plurality of mating sockets.
8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the baseplate includes a plurality of studs, and the faceplate comprises a plurality of mating sockets.