GB2177856A - Face plate for an electrical fitting - Google Patents
Face plate for an electrical fitting Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2177856A GB2177856A GB08517841A GB8517841A GB2177856A GB 2177856 A GB2177856 A GB 2177856A GB 08517841 A GB08517841 A GB 08517841A GB 8517841 A GB8517841 A GB 8517841A GB 2177856 A GB2177856 A GB 2177856A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- face
- face plate
- rear surface
- fitting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphide Chemical compound [S-2] UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003513 alkali Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052797 bismuth Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N bismuth atom Chemical compound [Bi] JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- UQMZPFKLYHOJDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc;cadmium(2+);disulfide Chemical compound [S-2].[S-2].[Zn+2].[Cd+2] UQMZPFKLYHOJDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- DRDVZXDWVBGGMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc;sulfide Chemical class [S-2].[Zn+2] DRDVZXDWVBGGMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrochloric acid Chemical compound Cl VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 3
- 240000004282 Grewia occidentalis Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 copper-activated zinc sulphide Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003670 easy-to-clean Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012774 insulation material Substances 0.000 description 1
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052753 mercury Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009993 protective function Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
- H01R24/76—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure with sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
- H02G3/14—Fastening of cover or lid to box
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/717—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in light source
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2103/00—Two poles
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
Abstract
A face-plate for an electrical fitting, for example a wall-mounted switch or socket, comprises a sheet (1) of a transparent material having a reflective rear surface, and a light-emitting display that does not consume electrical power in the sheet. The display may comprise phosphorescent material in grooves (2) cut into the rear surface of the sheet; the grooves (2) may form a pattern or letters, fig. 3 (not shown). The plate can be attached to an electrical fitting by screws through holes (13), access to the fitting being through an aperture (11). <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Face plate for an electrical fitting
The present invention relates to face plates for electrical fittings, for example wall mounted switches and sockets.
Switch or plug/socketfacilites are often positioned in room corners, and cannot be located conveniently in the dark. A manufacturer has recently developed a switch structure having a night illuminating display function in order to allow users to find switch installation positions easily in dim rooms. However, this design has the light source installed on the switch body, thus increasing the difficulty of manufacturing the switches. It is also uneconomical in that it has to consume some electric power.
Furthermore, most conventional face plates for electrical fittings are made of plastic or other noninductive insulation materials. They may easily get stained and are then quite hard to clean, which may spoil the good appearance of a room. It is desirable to provide a face-plate without these defects.
The present invention provides a face-plate for an electrical fitting, for example a socket or switch, comprising a sheet of transparent material to fit onto the electrical fitting, a rear surface of the sheet being reflective so as to reflect light forwardly, and a light-emitting display that does not consume electrical power provided in the sheet at least partly in front of the reflective rear surface. The sheet may have an aperture or apertures shaped to fit over and allow access to the electrical fitting.
In a preferred form the light-emitting display comprises grooves cut into the transparent sheet from the rear surface and containing a phosphorescent substance, for example a copperactivated zinc sulphide, zinc-cadmium sulphide or bismuth activated earth-alkali sulphide.
The transparent sheet is preferably of a material that is non-stainable and easy to clean. A glass sheet with a mercury-coated mirror surface is suitable.
Protection for the sheet may be provided by flexible cushioning pads between sheet and fitting and around screws which may be used to fix the sheet in place. A coating of hydrochloric acid resistant paint may be added over the rear surface to help retain the phosphorescent substance and to protect the reflective surface from corrosion.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a front view of a second embodiment applied to an electrical socket.
Fig. 3 is a front view of a third embodiment applied to a switch.
Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the second embodiment.
Figs. 6 and 7 are front views of fourth and fifth embodiments applied to multiple electrical sockets.
Fig. 1 shows a light reflecting mirror sheet of a proper thickness (4 mm - 6 mm) which is cut into a required size to form a face plate (1). The four edges of the front surface of the face plate (1 ) are processed and ground to remove their acute angles, thus making it have a better three-dimensional appearance. One or more 4-corner upright apertures (11) are provided according to the specified size and on the face plate (1) to fit onto an appropriate electrical fitting. The one or more 4-corner apertures (11) are formed by a high frequency shock crusher to undertake the cutting required.The manufacturing procedures are: firstly the light reflecting mirror sheet is cut to the required size, and then a layer of a chemical protective film is coated on the back of said mirror sheet; besides, according to the specifications to be applied to the respective aperture to be cut, a mould is installed on the high frequency shock crusher. Based on the results gained from repeated tests, Nan Cross Steel is verified as the best choice for the material of said mould. After the mould is well installed, the aperture cutting work may be started. In manufacture, said mould has many sets of different specifications and models to allow the manufacture to select to meet their needs.
In addition to the said one or more apertures (11), the above-said face plate (1) is also provided with the slope-type screw holes (12), in each of which, a flexible bushing (13) is located. The said flexible bushings (13) match the respective screw holes (12) and also has a conically shaped head to just closely insert into the screw hole (12) respectively. Then a screw (14) is passed through the central hole in the flexible bushing (13) and will be used to install the positioning plates (not shown) of the fitting e.g.
switch or socket, and to join the face plate (1) as an integral body. Further, the screws (14) are also used to join a junction box preplanted in the wall for a screwing-up action, hereby making the face plate (1) and elements like the switch of this invention installed and positioned in a preset position on the wall as an integral body. Aflexible cushion (15) is pasted on the four rims on the back side of the face plate (1). During and after installation of the face plate (1), the flexible cushion (15) is located between the face plate (1) and the wall, thus providing vibration-proof and protective functions.
The illuminating display function comprises figured grooves (2) of appropriate depth cut at the selected positions on the back side of the face plate (1), a phosphorescent substance (fluorescent agent) which can absorb light energy is filled into the figured grooves (2). Suitable phosphorescent substances are, for example, those containing a copper-activated zinc sulphide, zinc-cadmium sulphide or bismuth activated earth-alkali sulphide.
Such materials are supplied for example by Riedelde Haen AG of Hannover, W. Germany and may have an afterglow time of 20 hours. Finally a coating of a hydrochloric acid-resistant paint is applied to the rear surface over the phosphorescent substance.
The paint serves to retain the phosphorescent substance in the grooves (2) and to protect the reflective coating on the rear surface from corrosion. Viewed from the front side of the face plate (1), the figured patterns and grooves (2) cut on the back side of the face plate (1) become relief patterns, and since the phosphorescent substance is filled into the grooves (2), they can reflect different coloured pattern in a relief form along with the colour of the fluorescent agent itself; further, the filled phosphorescent substance can absorb solar light energy at day time or the light energy dispersed by the lights or lamps used at night.When the light in a room becomes dim, it automatically radiates the light energy it has absorbed, thus constituting an electric power-free night lighting display device to allow the users to easily locate the position of the switch in order to operate the switch.
The cut depth of the cut figured patterns and grooves (2) on the back side of the above-said face plate (1) depends on the different thickness of the face plate (1) itself, for instance for a 4 mm-thick face plate (1), its cut figured patterns and grooves (2) are approximately 1 mm in depth. If they are too deep, this may adversely affect the strength of the face plate (1). Additionally, the cut position and size of such figured patterns and grooves (2) may be determined according to the size of the space left after the positions for the apertures (11) set on the face plate (1) are finalized. Said figured patterns and grooves (2) may be letters or other indicia (as shown in Fig. 3).
Since the currently used electrical fittings have a variety of specifications and models, the apertures (11) set on the face plate (1) of this invention also have a variety of corresponding specifications and constructions for the users to select optionally to meet their needs. Shown in Fig. 1 are the twoaperture type, and the single-aperture type is shown in Figs. 2 and 3 respectively. Fig. 6 illustrates a device have four-corner upright apertures to receive sockets or switches for installation and use; Fig. 7 shows the outside view of the design of a hexagonal face plate (1) of the present invention; this may also have four-corner upright apertures (11) and figured patterns and grooves (2) in a different specification and construction as above-mentioned. These electric power-free night illuminating display devices have structure and functions similar to those previously decribed above.
Claims (7)
1. A face-plate for an electrical fitting comprising a sheet of transparent or translucent material having front and rear surfaces, the sheet being at least partly reflective so as to reflect light forwardly and containing or carrying a light-emitting display that does not consume electrical power.
2. A face-plate according to claim 1 wherein the rear surface of said sheet has a mirror coating to render the sheet reflective.
3. A face-plate according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the light-emitting display comprises phosphorescent material in one or more grooves cut into the sheet from the rear surface.
4. A face-plate according to claim 3, wherein the phosphorescent substance contains a copperactivated zinc sulphide, a zinc-cadmium sulphide or a bismuth-activated earth-alkali sulphide.
5. A face-plate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sheet has at least one aperture to allow access to an electrical fitting.
6. A face-plate according to any preceding claim, having cushioning pads on the rear surface of the sheet.
7. A face-plate for an electrical fitting substantially as any such fitting herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08517841A GB2177856A (en) | 1985-07-15 | 1985-07-15 | Face plate for an electrical fitting |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08517841A GB2177856A (en) | 1985-07-15 | 1985-07-15 | Face plate for an electrical fitting |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8517841D0 GB8517841D0 (en) | 1985-08-21 |
| GB2177856A true GB2177856A (en) | 1987-01-28 |
Family
ID=10582312
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08517841A Withdrawn GB2177856A (en) | 1985-07-15 | 1985-07-15 | Face plate for an electrical fitting |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2177856A (en) |
Cited By (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0486947A1 (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1992-05-27 | A. Ahlstrom Corporation | A double wall socket |
| GB2298744A (en) * | 1995-03-07 | 1996-09-11 | Dan Chief Enterprise Co Ltd | A distinguishing socket wall plate |
| EP0748004A1 (en) * | 1995-05-29 | 1996-12-11 | Bticino S.P.A. | An electrical device for sectional structures to be mounted on walls, with a body which is transparent at the rear |
| GB2319667A (en) * | 1996-11-26 | 1998-05-27 | Nec Corp | Indicating the function of operating elements |
| GB2350231A (en) * | 1999-05-18 | 2000-11-22 | Timothy John Blower | Luminescent light switch |
| GB2352090A (en) * | 1999-07-12 | 2001-01-17 | Nicola Saks | Photoluminescent switch |
| GB2361358A (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2001-10-17 | Michael William Challis | Light switch |
| WO2011101101A2 (en) | 2010-02-18 | 2011-08-25 | Peha Elektro Gmbh & Co. Kg | Covering frame for installation devices |
| WO2017089837A1 (en) * | 2015-11-26 | 2017-06-01 | Saf-T-Glo Limited | Illumination apparatus |
| DE102016112760A1 (en) * | 2016-07-12 | 2018-01-18 | Günter Hopfe | Night light, in particular in the form of a frame for a switch or a signal or decorative element |
| DE102017115711A1 (en) | 2016-07-12 | 2018-01-18 | Günter Hopfe | Night light, in particular in the form of a frame for a switch or a signal or decorative element |
| DE202017104134U1 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2018-10-15 | Günter Hopfe | Night light, in particular in the form of a frame for a switch or a signal or decorative element |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1030951A (en) * | 1964-01-18 | 1966-05-25 | Saunders Roe & Nuclear Entpr | Improvements in or relating to self-luminous signs or patterns |
| GB1129981A (en) * | 1964-10-13 | 1968-10-09 | Saint Gobain Techn Nouvelles | Improvements in or relating to illuminated signs |
-
1985
- 1985-07-15 GB GB08517841A patent/GB2177856A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1030951A (en) * | 1964-01-18 | 1966-05-25 | Saunders Roe & Nuclear Entpr | Improvements in or relating to self-luminous signs or patterns |
| GB1129981A (en) * | 1964-10-13 | 1968-10-09 | Saint Gobain Techn Nouvelles | Improvements in or relating to illuminated signs |
Cited By (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0486947A1 (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1992-05-27 | A. Ahlstrom Corporation | A double wall socket |
| GB2298744A (en) * | 1995-03-07 | 1996-09-11 | Dan Chief Enterprise Co Ltd | A distinguishing socket wall plate |
| EP0748004A1 (en) * | 1995-05-29 | 1996-12-11 | Bticino S.P.A. | An electrical device for sectional structures to be mounted on walls, with a body which is transparent at the rear |
| GB2319667A (en) * | 1996-11-26 | 1998-05-27 | Nec Corp | Indicating the function of operating elements |
| GB2350231A (en) * | 1999-05-18 | 2000-11-22 | Timothy John Blower | Luminescent light switch |
| GB2352090A (en) * | 1999-07-12 | 2001-01-17 | Nicola Saks | Photoluminescent switch |
| GB2361358A (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2001-10-17 | Michael William Challis | Light switch |
| WO2011101101A2 (en) | 2010-02-18 | 2011-08-25 | Peha Elektro Gmbh & Co. Kg | Covering frame for installation devices |
| WO2011101101A3 (en) * | 2010-02-18 | 2012-02-09 | Peha Elektro Gmbh & Co. Kg | Covering frame for installation devices |
| WO2017089837A1 (en) * | 2015-11-26 | 2017-06-01 | Saf-T-Glo Limited | Illumination apparatus |
| GB2545094A (en) * | 2015-11-26 | 2017-06-07 | Saf-T-Glo Ltd | Illumination apparatus |
| US10543780B2 (en) | 2015-11-26 | 2020-01-28 | Saf-T-Glo Limited | Illumination apparatus |
| DE102016112760A1 (en) * | 2016-07-12 | 2018-01-18 | Günter Hopfe | Night light, in particular in the form of a frame for a switch or a signal or decorative element |
| DE102017115711A1 (en) | 2016-07-12 | 2018-01-18 | Günter Hopfe | Night light, in particular in the form of a frame for a switch or a signal or decorative element |
| DE202017104134U1 (en) | 2017-07-11 | 2018-10-15 | Günter Hopfe | Night light, in particular in the form of a frame for a switch or a signal or decorative element |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8517841D0 (en) | 1985-08-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |