WO2024256933A1 - Boîtier arrière électrique - Google Patents

Boîtier arrière électrique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024256933A1
WO2024256933A1 PCT/IB2024/055576 IB2024055576W WO2024256933A1 WO 2024256933 A1 WO2024256933 A1 WO 2024256933A1 IB 2024055576 W IB2024055576 W IB 2024055576W WO 2024256933 A1 WO2024256933 A1 WO 2024256933A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
back box
wall
box
plasterboard
flange
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.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/IB2024/055576
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Burke
Ben Johnson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2024256933A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024256933A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • H02G3/12—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes for flush mounting
    • H02G3/123—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes for flush mounting in thin walls
    • 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
    • H02G3/12—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes for flush mounting
    • 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
    • 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
    • H02G3/081—Bases, casings or covers
    • 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
    • H02G3/28—Installations of cables, lines, or separate protective tubing therefor in conduits or ducts pre-established in walls, ceilings or floors
    • H02G3/281—Installations of cables, lines, or separate protective tubing therefor in conduits or ducts pre-established in walls, ceilings or floors in ceilings

Definitions

  • the invention relates to electrical boxes designed to be fixed into a wall or ceiling, and more specifically, but not exclusively, dry lining boxes intended for use with plasterboard walls.
  • plasterboard also known as drywall
  • the plasterboard may be installed on to a brick wall, or mounted to a wooden or metal frame to create interior rooms in the building.
  • These buildings require electrical switches and sockets to be installed in the plasterboard wall, and so need a back box (hereinafter called a box) fixed to the wall to contain the electrical cables.
  • a face plate can then be fastened to the front surface of the box and provide a user interface.
  • Boxes are currently fixed to the plasterboard wall using features of the box itself.
  • the front surface of the box comprises a flange to limit the depth to which the box can travel into the plasterboard.
  • known boxes also comprise two flaps, known as lugs or wings, which sit behind the plasterboard when the box is installed.
  • the flaps are mounted to the box in such a way that they can be folded inwards to aid installation and are slidable in the depth dimension of the box.
  • the flaps generally comprise a threaded hole so that, once the face plate is tightened into place using screws which engage with the threaded hole, the flaps are pulled against the rear side of the plasterboard, the plasterboard thereby being clamped securely between the flaps and the flange.
  • Known boxes may not be suitable for these thicker boards because the flap can only slide a set distance in the depth direction to accommodate the board. As a result, deeper boxes are available which help to overcome this problem, however these require more space behind the plasterboard than is often available.
  • This problem in practice, generally leads to installers using the shallower boxes, and either (i) modifying the box, or more commonly (ii) modifying the plasterboard by cutting a notch to accommodate the flap. These modifications may lead to safety concerns in the fire rating of the plasterboard, and also installers using power tools for extended periods of time. Further, the modifications take time to make, and even a small amount of time is important when fitting large numbers of boxes in a building.
  • Figure l is a side view of an electrical back box
  • Figure 2 is a front view of the box
  • Figure 3 is a partial view of the box showing a translatable screw hole
  • Figure 4a is a partial view showing an alternative translatable screw hole
  • Figure 4b is a partial view showing the alternative translatable screw hole from a rear view.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 illustrate a box 10 intended to be installed by being pushed into a hole created in a plasterboard wall (not shown).
  • the box 10 comprises four walls 11, a base 12, and a flange 14.
  • a face plate (not shown) is fitted to cover the box 10 and provide a user interactable feature, such as a switch, socket, or button.
  • the four walls 11 of the box 10 preferably taper from the flange end 14 to the base end 12, i.e., the distance between the top and bottom walls 11, and/or the two side walls 11 may be reduced at the base 12 compared to the flange 14.
  • the tapering of the walls 11 increases friction between the walls 11 of the box 10 and the cut-out in the plasterboard. Such increased friction makes the box 10 fit more securely the further it is pushed in, and thus reduces the likelihood of it falling out of the plasterboard wall.
  • the flange 14 to abut the plasterboard wall and limit the penetration of the box into said wall.
  • the flange 14 is illustrated as extending the whole way around the opening created by the four walls 11. Although this is preferable, less of the perimeter comprising a flange 14 would also be acceptable as it would still serve its purpose of limiting penetration.
  • projections 16 On an exterior of the walls 11 of the box 10, i.e., the surface configured to engage the plasterboard, there are provided a plurality of projections 16.
  • the projections 16 increase (or further increase, in embodiments comprising tapered walls 11) the mechanical grip the box 10 has on the plasterboard.
  • projections 16 featuring on only one wall 11, there are preferably projections 16 on two opposing walls 11, and more preferably on all four. Any number of projections 16 may be used, and the exact number will depend on many factors such as the size of the box (an aerial socket box being much smaller than a double socket box, for example), and the width of each projection.
  • a single projection 16 may span substantially the whole width of the wall 11, the width defined as the dimension parallel with the flange 14.
  • several projections 16 may be used, spaced across the width, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the projections 16 may be the same height along their length, or may be taller at the flange 14 end of the box than the base 12 end.
  • the projections 16 preferably extend substantially the whole depth of the box 10, the depth defined as the dimension extending from the flange 14 to the base 12.
  • a projection 16 extending the substantially the whole depth of the box 10 is usable on a greater number of plasterboard thicknesses, and also increases security by increasing the mechanical engagement with the plasterboard.
  • Each projection 16 may be in the form of a plain blade, or may be barbed to help prevent the box 10 falling out of the plasterboard wall.
  • the projections 16 are more preferably in the form of saw-toothed projections 16 as shown clearly in Figure 1.
  • the saw-toothed projection 16 may be orientated such that the side of the tooth substantially perpendicular to the walls 11 face the flange 14 end of the box 10. To increase engagement with the plasterboard, the saw-toothed projection 16 may increase in width towards the flange end 14.
  • the box 10 In use, the box 10 is simply pushed into a hole in the wall, the hole preferably being dimensioned approximately the same size as the base 12. As the box 10 is pushed into the wall, its walls 11 deform slightly. However, the box 10 is resilient and the spring force of the material produces a force opposite that imparted by the wall, the box 10 attempting to adopt its natural shape and size. This spring force, coupled with the projections 16, increases mechanical grip of the box 10 by forcing the projections 16 into the bore of the hole in the wall as well as anchoring it from behind the wall.
  • the base of the box 10 preferably includes a knockout section (not shown) that can be pushed to create a hole so as to allow electrical cables to be passed through.
  • Knockout sections may also be provided on the walls 11 of the box 10. In some embodiments, the knockout sections may be concentric circles to allow a user to choose the diameter of the hole they wish to create. A larger diameter hole may be required, for example, if the cables are of a greater thickness, or if a higher number of cables are to be passed through the hole.
  • the cables are wired into a face plate to establish an electrical connection between, for example, a switch and a light bulb.
  • Face plates may connect to the box 10 using screws. The screws pass through the face plate and engage with threaded holes 18a, 18b on or connected to the box 10.
  • the threaded hole 18a may be provided by using a threaded insert, which may be push-fitted into the box 10. The position of the threaded hole 18a is fixed relative to the box 10. It will be appreciated that threaded inserts are not essential but are preferred to simplify manufacturing and to create a longer lasting product compared with forming the threads in the box 10.
  • the threaded hole 18b may be vertically moveable in order to allow the face plate to be mounted level even if the box 10 has been installed at a slight angle, which is frequently the case in practice.
  • a moveable threaded hole 18b can be implemented using the system shown in Figure 3.
  • the interior wall 11 of the box 10 has clips 20 dimensioned to accept arms 22 of a moving nut 24.
  • the clips 20 are spring biased into a position which does not allow the moving nut 24 to fall out and are round ended to ensure security.
  • the moving nut 24 is constrained and can only move in the vertical direction.
  • the threaded hole 18b is also moveable vertically and allows for face plate adjustment.
  • FIG. 4a and 4b Another system for allowing the threaded hole 18b to move vertically is illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b.
  • This alternative system comprises a body 26 having arms 28.
  • the arms 28 serve to prevent the body 26 from passing through the hole 30 in the wall 11.
  • the outer side of the wall 11 comprises a slot 32 in which curved legs 34 of the system engage and allow a sliding motion.
  • both threaded holes may be moveable. Conversely, to enable a cheaper manufacturing cost both threaded holes may be fixed.
  • All components of the box can be made from any material which offers some resilience, complies with local regulations and is known in the art.
  • Such materials include Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), urea formaldehyde, or a polycarbonate.
  • PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
  • ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
  • urea formaldehyde or a polycarbonate.
  • the box has only one wall, which may be circular in cross section.
  • the projections 16 are described as preferably extending substantially the whole depth of the box. It will be appreciated that the invention lies in the inclusion of the projections 16, and not their exact size. It is within the scope of the present invention to provide projections that extend, for example, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or more of the depth of the box 10.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Connection Or Junction Boxes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention divulgue un boîtier arrière électrique destiné à être inséré dans un trou dans une paroi de plaque de plâtre. Le boîtier arrière comprend une base avec au moins une paroi s'étendant à partir de celle-ci pour loger des câbles électriques. La ou les parois définissent une ouverture opposée à la base. Le boîtier arrière comprend en outre une bride s'étendant au moins partiellement autour de l'ouverture pour venir en butée contre la paroi de plaque de plâtre et limiter la pénétration de ladite paroi de plaque de plâtre. La ou les parois sont élastiques, et au moins l'une des parois comprend au moins une saillie pour saisir un alésage du trou dans la paroi de plaque de plâtre.
PCT/IB2024/055576 2023-06-14 2024-06-07 Boîtier arrière électrique Pending WO2024256933A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2308877.6A GB2630956B (en) 2023-06-14 2023-06-14 Electrical back box
GB2308877.6 2023-06-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024256933A1 true WO2024256933A1 (fr) 2024-12-19

Family

ID=87291467

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2024/055576 Pending WO2024256933A1 (fr) 2023-06-14 2024-06-07 Boîtier arrière électrique

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2630956B (fr)
WO (1) WO2024256933A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6291768B1 (en) * 1995-01-12 2001-09-18 Reiker Enterprises Of Northwest Florida, Inc. Electrical boxes with auxiliary supports for carrying fixtures
US7586039B1 (en) * 2008-01-09 2009-09-08 Arlington Industries, Inc. Hole saw electrical box for direct mounting of electrical fixtures or devices to a wall
NL2006687C2 (nl) * 2011-04-29 2012-10-30 Abb Bv Gebouw met een installatiedoos.
EP2936636B1 (fr) * 2012-12-20 2018-07-18 Legrand France Boite electrique d'encastrement a fixation automatique sur une paroi
EP3886279A1 (fr) * 2020-03-25 2021-09-29 Hendrik Daniel Ensemble de fixation à un composant

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2211364B (en) * 1987-10-20 1991-09-11 Ega Ltd Holder for electrical component (dry lining box)
GB2451936B (en) * 2007-08-15 2012-04-11 Schneider Electric Ltd Mounting box for electrical wiring accessories and assemblies and installations including such mounting box
BRPI1103720E2 (pt) * 2011-11-11 2015-11-10 Torniplast Artefatos Plásticos Ltda caixa para tomada
US10508445B2 (en) * 2016-11-07 2019-12-17 Carl H Voellmecke, III Housing apparatus for installation of ceiling or wall-mounted electrical appliances

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6291768B1 (en) * 1995-01-12 2001-09-18 Reiker Enterprises Of Northwest Florida, Inc. Electrical boxes with auxiliary supports for carrying fixtures
US7586039B1 (en) * 2008-01-09 2009-09-08 Arlington Industries, Inc. Hole saw electrical box for direct mounting of electrical fixtures or devices to a wall
NL2006687C2 (nl) * 2011-04-29 2012-10-30 Abb Bv Gebouw met een installatiedoos.
EP2936636B1 (fr) * 2012-12-20 2018-07-18 Legrand France Boite electrique d'encastrement a fixation automatique sur une paroi
EP3886279A1 (fr) * 2020-03-25 2021-09-29 Hendrik Daniel Ensemble de fixation à un composant

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2630956B (en) 2025-07-23
GB202308877D0 (en) 2023-07-26
GB2630956A (en) 2024-12-18

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