GB2416629A

GB2416629A - Junction box having integral routing connections

Info

Publication number: GB2416629A
Application number: GB0416459A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Neil Mountain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-23
Filing date: 2004-07-23
Publication date: 2006-02-01
Also published as: GB0416459D0

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical junction box, 1, incorporating an integrated router, 2, that replaces the need for specific internal connections within the junction box, typically, although not exclusively, for lighting circuits within domestic or commercial properties. The internal circuitry of the router removes the need for complicated routing for single, two or three way lighting circuits, etc. The external cables may be held in place by screws 3 or conection may be made using insulation displacement connectors [see figure 2].

Description

1 2416629

ROUTED JUNCTION BOX

Junction boxes are an integral part of many electrical circuits, especially lighting circuits.

Typically they contain screw down connectors that enable 2 or more cables to be connected to form a circuit. For junction box lighting systems for example, four wires are connected at a junction box, in a manor that allows a light to be switched on and off from a light switch, whilst allowing current to pass uninterrupted through the junction box to the next light. For two and three way switches, the complexity of the wiring is even more complex and often off-putting to the majority of nonelectricians. The purpose of this invention is to simplify the wiring of such circuits by incorporating the majority of wiring connections within the junction box.

The invention relates to a routed junction box, which, as part of the box, has an integrated router that removes the complexity of the wiring circuit for the user. Instead of worrying about internal connections within the junction box, the user simply attaches the necessary cables to the junction box, either using traditional screw down connectors, or using "lance type" connectors. By integrating the routing into the junction box, only one cable to the light, cables to each of the switches and the lighting circuit IN/OUT is required. This is considerably simpler than traditional loop in or junction box systems.

The integrated router may be formed from pressed copper plate, or similar conducting material, to connect to the corresponding wire terminal. For more complex routing, where cross over of connections is unavoidable, either 2 routers, insulated laminations or composite (conducting/non-conducting) routers may be appropriate.

Although suitable for use by professionals, it is intended that these routed junction boxes be aimed at the keen DlY'er, interested in relatively simple household wiring installations.

The following, although not exhaustive or fully inclusive, are situations where the use of routed junction boxes may be suitable: Single switched lights 2 way lighting 3 way lighting multiple switched lighting Lighting controlled extractor fans For the purpose of the following drawings, a relatively simple one way lighting circuit is shown for ease of reference.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows an example of a possible routed junction box using traditional screw wiring attachments/contacts. The junction box, 1, incorporating an internal router, 2, has the necessary cables attached, in this case for a one way switched lighting circuit. The connections shown within the router are indicative only, for illustrative purposes. The cables, on this figure, are shown with traditional screw in wiring connections, 3. Earthing of the box and circuit can be achieved by separate wiring, an earthing lamination within the router, or in this case, incorporating an earth surround, 4, to the router.

Figure 2 shows a similar routed junction box, in this case incorporating "lance type" connections to attach and contact with the wiring. These lance type connectors may be screw down, as shown in the figure, or push down/snap fit.

Figure 3 attempts to indicate a possible configuration of the router, in this case consisting of a composite laminated router that works by separating the polarities of the circuit on different laminations, separated, in this case, by a non-conducting insulation layer, 7. Earthing is achieved by a conducting earthing circuit, 8, in this case around the outside of the router.

The principle for more complicated 2 way, 3 way or other circuits is the same. By incorporating internal switches or other components into the router, the complexity and versatility of the junction box circuit can be greater improved.

Claims

ClAIMS 1. A routed junction box incorporating an integral router, to

achieve the necessary electrical connections within the junction box for the purpose it is required.
2. A routed junction box incorporating an integral router, as claimed in claim 1, utilising a single plate, multiple plates, laminated plates or composite (conducting/ non-conducting) plates to form an integral router.
3. A routed junction box incorporating an integral router, as claimed in claims 1 or 2, utilising traditional screw down terminals to achieve attachment of the individual wires/cables.
4. A routed junction box incorporating an integral router, as claimed in claims 1 or 2, utilising "push fit" or "lance type" connectors to achieve attachment of the individual wires/cables.
5. A routed junction box incorporating an integral router, as claimed in claim 4 utilising a push fit or lance type connector that attaches to a running cable and provides a means of forming a lighting junction without the need to cut the main lighting circuit.
6. A routed junction box incorporating an integral router, as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, incorporating internal switches of other electronic components to increase the versatility of the wiring circuitry capable of achieving with the routed junction box.
7. A routed junction box incorporating an integral router as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings or description.