CN114830279A - Mechanism for an electrical switch, associated electrical assembly and electrical switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism (100) for an electrical switch, comprising: -a base (110); -a drive member (126) pivotably mounted in the base (110; 210) between two positions such that the movable contact element (124A) is in or out of contact with the fixed contact element (132); -a compressible element (150) movable between two configurations, including an inactive configuration in which it is in an inactive condition with respect to the driver (126) to enable the driver (126) to be freely positioned in one of said two positions, and an inactive configuration in which it is received between the support surface of the base (110) and the driver (126) and constrained by the driver to return the driver (126) to a stable one of said two positions; -a retaining element (160) for retaining the compressible element (150) in an inactive configuration, in which the compressible element (150) does not have any engagement with the retaining element (160) and can move along the axis of movement (T1) between said bearing surface and the driver, in which inactive configuration the compressible element (150) cooperates with the retaining element (160) to block such movability. According to the invention, the holding element (160) is connected to the base (110).

Description

Mechanism for an electrical switch, associated electrical assembly and electrical switch

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to the field of electrical switches.

More specifically, the invention relates to a mechanism for an electrical switch, comprising:

-a base;

a drive mounted to flip (oscillate) in the base between two positions to bring the movable contact element into and out of contact with the fixed contact element;

-a compressible element movable between two configurations, said configurations comprising an inactive configuration in which the compressible element is in an inactive condition relative to the drive member such that the drive member can freely assume either of said two positions, and an active configuration in which the compressible element is received between the support surface of the base and the drive member and forces the drive member to return the drive member to a stable one of said two positions;

-a retaining element for retaining the compressible element in said inactive configuration, in which it is free from any engagement with the retaining element and can move along the axis of displacement between said bearing surface and the driver, and in which it cooperates with said retaining element so as to block (latch, block) such movability.

Background

Such a mechanism for an electrical switch is known in particular from document FR3060197 of the applicant. However, in this mechanism, the retaining element consists of an additional part, which is dedicated to the rest of the base and can move with respect to the rest of the base. The presence of additional components increases the complexity of the electrical switch-particularly in terms of the method of manufacture and use-and also increases its clutter.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a novel construction for an electrical switch, which has a simplified construction and mode of operation and a reduced level of clutter.

More specifically, according to the invention, a mechanism is proposed as described in the introduction, wherein the holding element is fixed to the base.

Advantageously, therefore, according to the invention, the holding element consists of a non-movable fixed part. It is integrated in the base in such a way that it does not increase the overall clutter of the base.

Other non-limiting and advantageous technical features of the mechanism according to the invention-which can be applied separately or combined in a technically possible way-are the following:

-a holding element is formed with the base;

the retaining element is a non-deformable rigid element of the base;

-the retaining element comprises a retaining surface of the wall of the base and the compressible element comprises a complementary catch (hooking) surface adapted to abut against the retaining surface of the wall of the base to block the compressible element in said inactive configuration;

-the retaining element comprises a recessed portion or window in the wall of the base, locally delimited by the retaining surface;

-the compressible element comprises a compression spring and a cap housing the compression spring, the cap comprising the complementary latching surface;

said complementary locking surface belongs to at least one fixed pin extending from the side wall of the cap towards the outside of the cap;

-the cap undergoes a rotational movement to pass from one to the other of said active and inactive configurations;

-said complementary locking surfaces belong to locking teeth extending from clamping jaws cut in the lateral wall of said cap towards the outside of said cap;

-the cap of the compressible element performs a translational movement to pass from one of said active and inactive configurations to the other;

-the compressible element is received in a cavity of the base, which cavity is located below the driver and is delimited by a side wall comprising the retaining element;

the front wall of the driver above the compressible element comprises a through opening through which the compressible element can be accessed from the front side of the mechanism for an electrical switch;

the compressible element comprises a compression spring and a cap housing the compression spring, the cap being subjected to a rotational movement to pass from one of said active and inactive configurations to the other, the head of the cap being provided with a slit for receiving the end of the tool, the through opening of the front wall of the driver having a shape adapted to limit the rotational movement of the end of the tool at a predetermined angle.

The invention also relates to an electrical switch assembly for an electrical switch, comprising a mechanism as described above and a control touch plate associated with a drive of the mechanism.

The invention also relates to an electrical switch comprising such an electrical switch assembly and a housing or flush-mounted frame at least partially accommodating the mechanism.

Finally, the invention relates to a sealed electrical switch, in which a decorative plate is provided, which closes in a sealed manner a housing or an insert frame for accommodating the above-mentioned mechanism, to which decorative plate each control contact belongs.

Drawings

The following description, given as a non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, will make apparent what the invention consists of and how it may be carried out.

In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a front perspective schematic view of a first embodiment of a dual mechanism for an electrical switch according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front exploded perspective schematic view of the dual mechanism for the electrical switch of FIG. 1 with the drive member omitted;

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the dual mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the dual mechanism of FIG. 1 during a first implementation step of transitioning one mechanism from a flip operation to a push button operation;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 4 during a second implementation step of transitioning a mechanism from a flip operation to a push button operation;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 4 during a third implementation step of transitioning a mechanism from a flip operation to a push button operation;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 4 during a fourth implementation step of transitioning a mechanism from a flip operation to a push button operation;

FIG. 8 is a side schematic view of the dual mechanism of FIG. 1, wherein one mechanism is arranged for a flip operation and one mechanism is arranged for a push button operation;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view taken along plane A-A of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view taken along plane B-B of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective schematic view of the dual mechanism of FIG. 1 mounted to a housing intended to be disposed proud of a mounting wall;

fig. 12 is a front perspective schematic view of a second embodiment of a dual mechanism for an electrical switch in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front exploded perspective schematic view of the dual mechanism for the electrical switch of FIG. 12 with the drive member omitted;

FIG. 14 is a side schematic view of the dual mechanism of FIG. 12, wherein one mechanism is arranged for a flip-flop operation and one mechanism is arranged for a push-button operation;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view taken along plane C-C of FIG. 14;

fig. 16 is a schematic view taken along plane D-D of fig. 14.

Detailed Description

As a precondition, it should be noted that the same or similar elements of the different embodiments of the invention shown in each drawing will be marked with the same reference numerals and will not be described each time.

In the description described below, the terms "front" and "rear" are used with respect to the direction of the line of sight of the user looking at the wall to which the electrical switch comprising the mechanism according to the invention is attached. Thus, when the electrical switch is installed in a room, "front" means the side facing the inside of the room and "rear" means the opposite side, facing the outside of the room, i.e. towards the inside of the wall. The front side is also the side facing the user.

Fig. 1 to 16 show a dual mechanism 100 for an electrical switch according to the present invention; 200.

The dual mechanism comprises two mechanisms 100 according to the invention; 200.

each mechanism according to the invention can be of any type, externally actuated by a control touch plate (not shown). It may be a circuit breaker or a two-way switch.

The electrical switch shown here comprises a casing (box, case) 20 (see fig. 11) which houses the mechanism 100; 200. the housing 20 is intended to be attached to a wall in a protruding mount. In a variant, the electrical switch may also comprise a flush frame intended to be attached to the electrical housing embedded in the wall. It also comprises a mechanism suitable for actuating said mechanism 100; 200 of the drive member 126; 226 (see fig. 1, 2 and 14 to 16) is provided with a control pad (not shown).

A mechanism 100 for an electrical switch; 200 are connected to the grid in order to supply it with electricity.

In addition, advantageously, the electrical switches shown in the figures are sealed switches, in which the decorative plate (not shown) to which each control pad belongs encloses in a sealed manner the mechanisms 100; 200, or a flush mount frame.

It should be noted that here the electrical switch is equipped for both mechanisms 100; 200 of a single base 110; 210 (see fig. 1, 9, 10, 12, 15, and 16). The base 110; 210 house all the electrical connection terminals 130; 230 and receives the two mechanisms 100; 200 of the two driving members 126; 226 (see fig. 2, 9, 13, 15).

Of course, according to a variant not shown, the base can also be designed to receive a single drive belonging to the mechanism.

A base 110; 210 form an insulating enclosure made of, for example, a molded plastic material.

A base 110; 210 has a generally parallelepiped shape and has a front wall 111A; 211A and an opposite rear wall 111B; 211B. The front and rear walls are defined by side walls 111C, 111D; 211C, 211D are connected (see fig. 2 and 13). Here, the base 110; 210 are assembled from two parts: a front portion 110A; 210A and a rear portion 110B; 210B (see fig. 2 and 13).

A base 110; the rear portion 110B of 210; 210B includes a plurality of inner walls 112; 212 (see fig. 2 and 13), which extend from the rear wall 111B; 211B begin toward the front wall 111A; 211A rise and define spaced apart electrical connection terminals 130 adapted to receive the electrical connection terminals; 230 (see figures 1 and 12).

Advantageously, here, the base 110; 210 include six cavities spaced from one another for receiving three or six electrical connection terminals-depending on whether it is a unitary or dual mechanism. Thus, advantageously, the base 110; 210 are identical to the electrical switch comprising one control pad or two control pads.

Here, the mechanism 100; 200 are equipped with six electrical connection terminals 130; three of the electrical connection terminals form a first circuit of the mechanism and the other three electrical connection terminals form a second circuit of the other mechanism, which second circuit is independent of the first circuit (see fig. 2 and 13), 230.

A base 110; 210, front portion 110A; 210A front closed back portion 110B; 210B to be constrained to be received by the base 110; 210, in particular the electrical connection terminal 130 to the local electrical network; 230.

a base 110; 210, front portion 110A; 210A further includes at least one aperture for allowing access to the base 110; electrical connection terminals 130 in 210; 230, access channel 114 of one of the channels; 214 (see fig. 1, 2, 3, and 13). Preferably, a base 110; 210, front portion 110A; 210A includes one or two access channels through which access (access, manipulation) is received by the base 110; 210 each electrically connecting a terminal 130; 230.

each access channel 114; 214 from the base 110; front wall 111A of 210; 211A is defined by the interior surface of the aperture of the front surface. Each access channel 114; 214 adapted for the passage of the stripped end of the wire for connection with a corresponding electrical connection terminal 130; 230 make electrical connections.

Here, the base 110; 210 also comprise mounting elements (see figures 1, 2, 3, 12 and 13) at its four corners for mounting it in a protruding housing 20 which is itself attached to a wall. Preferably, these mounting elements allow for the base 110; 210 are mounted in the housing 20 in at least two directions perpendicular to each other.

When the base 110; 210 are mounted in the housing 20, the base 110; 210 are intended to abut against a support plane PS (see fig. 1) located at the rear of the base.

Here, the mounting elements are mounting claws (tabs) 113; 213 in the form of a base 110; 210 extend laterally at four corners (see fig. 3). More specifically, they extend along a plane parallel to said support plane PS (see fig. 1 and 12). The support plane PS is generally parallel to the base 110; front wall 111A of 210; 211A and a rear wall 111B; 211B.

Here, four mounting claws 113; 213 relative to the base 110; 210 are in a centrosymmetric relationship. They are along the base 110; 210 extend diagonally and are equidistant from each other. Each of the mounting claws 113; 213 each include an aperture for passage of a set screw (see fig. 1 and 12).

Each mounting claw 113; 213 is adapted to abut against the front end of the receiving cylinder (well) 21 rising from the bottom wall of the housing 20, with each mounting claw 113; the aperture of 213 coincides with the central aperture of the corresponding receiving cylinder 21 (see fig. 11). Each of the mounting claws 113; 213 are thus fixed to the respective receiving cylinder 21 by tightening each fixing screw.

The end of the receiving cylinder 21 of the housing 20 here represents the above-defined bearing plane PS (see fig. 11).

In a variant, the mounting element may comprise an equipment support in the form of a frame surrounding the base. The equipment support may be integral with the base or may be a different component from the base-the base is attached to the equipment support. In this case, the equipment support and the base comprise complementary assembly means.

Also in a variant, the base comprises, for example, elastic snap-in claws intended to cooperate by means of a snap-in with complementary parts of the casing or of the flush-mounted frame.

An electrical connection terminal 130; 230 are, for example, automatic connection terminals.

More particularly, as shown in fig. 2 and 13, each electrical connection terminal 130; 230 are made by cutting and shaping of a metal strip. Each electrical connection terminal 130; 230 includes a bracket 130A; 230A, and against the bracket 130A; 230A extending plate spring 130B; 230B.

Here, each of the conductive brackets 130A; 230A have two planar regions connected to each other by a bridge. An opening provided in the bridging portion allows the stripped end of the wire to pass through. A plate spring 130B; 230B are directed by the bracket 130A; 230A, and the plate spring 130B; 230B through the bracket 130A; 230A, lateral fold 130C; 230C against the bracket 130A; 230A (see fig. 2 and 13).

For electrical connection with the electrical terminals 130; 230, the stripped end of a wire (not shown) originating from the power supply grid is electrically connected via a cable provided at the mechanism 100; 200, a base 110; 210 front portion 110A; access channel 114 in 210A; 214 into the holder 130A of the electrical connection terminal; 230A, so that the bare wire core of the electric wire is clamped in the bracket 130A; 230A and the plate spring 130B; 230B.

A plate spring 130B; 230B are pre-stressed so that under the action of the wire inserted in the bracket, the leaf springs leave the contact areas and exert sufficient pressure on the bare metal core of the wire to establish good contact between the electrical terminal and the metal core of the wire, while preventing the wire from being accidentally pulled out of the bracket manually (the clamping force exerted by the leaf springs must be sufficient to resist the standard pulling force exerted on the wire).

To connect the electrical wires from the electrical connection terminals 130; 230, provided, in a per se known manner, with an operable push plate (not shown) which passes through the mechanism 100; 200, a base 110; 210, front portion 110A; 210A; 231 (see fig. 1, 2, 3 and 13) for pushing the electrical connection terminals 130; 230 of the plate spring 130B; 230B, thereby connecting the plate spring 130B; 230B are separated from the wires. The plate spring 130B can be released without difficulty; 230B from the mechanism 100; and (200) pulling out.

Typically, to define the circuit, each control pad is coupled to the control unit by means of each actuator 126; 226 and three electrical connection terminals 130; 230 are associated. Of the three electrical connection terminals, as in the example shown here, two electrical connection terminals 130; 230 include fixed contact elements.

More specifically, here, two electrical connection terminals 130; 230, bracket 130A; 230A is provided with fixed contacts 132; 232 (see fig. 2 and 13) are extended.

A third electrical connection terminal 130; 230 with a conductive foil and a fixed clamp 123; 223 connected, referred to as brushes 124; 224 is pivotally mounted to the clamp 123; 223, and is supported by clamps 123; 223 (see fig. 2, 9, 10 and 13, 15, 16).

A clamp plate 123; 223 is a section bar having a V-shaped cross section. The profile is substantially parallel to the base 110; the support plane PS (see fig. 1, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16) at the rear of 210 extends. Its longitudinal axis is a brush 124; 224 define a pivot axis a 1; b1 (see fig. 1, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16).

Each brush 124; 224 is an L-shaped sheet, one branch of which is flanked by clamps 123; 223 for establishing electrical contact, the other branch of which carries at the free end a movable contact point 124A; 224A (see fig. 2 and 13).

With each driver 126; 226, each brush 124; 224 is adapted to pivot about said pivot axis a 1; b1 pivots between two extreme positions for the movable contact element-here by the brush 124; 224, movable contact point 124A; 224A — and is formed by the electrical connection terminal 130; 230, at least one fixed contact point 132 carried by said fixed element; 232 into or out of contact (see fig. 9, 10, 15, 16).

Each of the drivers 126; 226 are associated with a single control device and thus a single circuit.

Here, the drive member 126; 226 at base 110; 210 are mounted for pivotal movement about a trip axis such that the brushes 124; 224 are displaced between their two extreme positions.

For example, it is mounted pivotably by means of two trunnions formed at the drive member 126; 226, and are respectively engaged with the base 110; 210, two respective apertures 126A formed therein; 226A, thereby being the driver 126; 226 defines a flip axis a 2; b2 (see fig. 2 and 13). A flip axis a 2; b2 is substantially parallel to the associated brush 124; 224 pivot axis a 1; B1.

here, each driver 126; 226 are adapted to engage the respective brush 124; 224 between a first extreme position, in which the movable contact point 124A; 224A and fixed contact 132; 232 contact, in the other extreme position, movable contact point 124A; 224A with another fixed contact 132; 232 are in contact.

In a variant, each driver may be adapted to displace the respective brush between one position in which the movable contact point is in contact with the fixed contact point and another position in which the movable contact point is out of contact with the fixed contact point.

Each of the drivers 126; 226 are insulating components, for example made of molded plastic material.

Each of the drivers 126; 226 includes a front wall 128; 228 at the base 110; the flip axis a2 at the front of 210; b2 extends on both sides. It is passed through the tubular element 127; 227 are elongated toward the rear (see fig. 9, 10, 15 and 16).

Here, each driver 126; a front wall 128 of 226; 228 have a standard width referred to as "one module".

In a variant, the width of the drive member may be equal to twice the standard width, or the width of what is referred to as "two modules".

A tubular member 127; 227 and a driving member 126; 226 are integral (here, form a single part with the drive 126; 226), extending from the drive 126 at the tumble axis; 226 initially perpendicular to the drive member 126; 226 extend toward the rear and are located at the base 110; the rear portion 110B of 210; 210B; 212 are provided for this purpose in the base 110; 210, front portion 110A; 210A (see fig. 9, 10, 15 and 16).

It is also provided in a conventional manner for each brush 124; 224, the elastic overturning device 129; 229 (see figures 2, 9, 10 and 13, 15, 16). Typically, the resilient flipping means 129; 229 comprises a spring mounted to the brush 124; 224 associated tubular elements 127; 227, and adapted to be actuated in response to the driver 126 after the hard spot has been crossed; 226 drive the brush 124 toward one or the other extreme position; 224.

for this purpose, the clamps 123; 223 of each brush 124; 224 with the clamps 123; 223 have a convex portion 125 on the opposite side to the side contacted; 225, forming the resilient flip 129; 229 of a spring is mounted on the raised portion 125; 225 (see fig. 2 and 13). Each of the drivers 126; 226 drives movement of the spring, thereby driving the corresponding brush 124; 224.

Thus, by operation of each drive member 126; 226, a touch pad (not shown) coupled together, the user controlling each actuator 126; 226 toward one of their positions, so as to actuate the elastic overturning means 129; 229 flip over and drive the associated brush 124; 224 are flipped over so that the movable contact element 124A; 224A and the fixed contact element 132; 232 into or out of contact. Each of the drivers 126; 226 and the brushes 124; 224 correspond to the two extreme positions.

Thus, each driver 126; 226 drives movement of the spring, which drives the brush 124; 224, such that the brushes 124; 224 are quickly and accurately flipped between the two extreme positions while avoiding arcing.

In this case, the mounting device can be designed as a single-part control device, in which case the mounting device can accommodate a single drive element, and as a double-part control device, in which case the mounting device can accommodate two different drive elements. Thus, it is possible to manufacture a single universal base suitable for either the unitary control configuration or the dual control configuration of the electrical switch according to the invention.

For each mechanism 100; 200, a base 110; 210 forming a compressible member 150; 250, receiving cylinder 115; 215 (see fig. 2, 13). Here, the receiving cylinder 115; 215 are at least partially defined by cylindrical walls. It is formed to accommodate said compressible element 150; 250, said compressible member 150; 250 are located on the drive member 126; 226 is below the front wall, i.e. at the rear of said front wall.

Here, the compressible element 150; 250 includes a spring 152; 252 and relative to the receiving canister 115; 215 along the spring 152; 252, a cap 154 with a compression axis slidably mounted; 254 (see fig. 2 and 13).

A cap 154; 254 has a cylindrical body 154A; 254A and a head 155; 255. here, the cap 154; 254; 254A are formed primarily by cylindrical sidewalls. A main body 154A; 254A and head 155; 255 are open at opposite ends. A main body 154A; 254A is hollow for receiving the spring 152; 252. the spring is compressively received in the base 110; 210-here base 110; 210, receiving cylinder 115; 215-and cap 154; 254, and a head 155; 255, respectively.

Each of the mechanisms 100; 200 of the compressible member 150; 250 is movable between two configurations, one being an inactive configuration in which it is moved relative to the drive member 126; 226 are inactive, such that the actuators 126; 226 are freely positioned in one of said two positions of the drive member (see fig. 9 and 16); another configuration is an active configuration in which it is received in the base 110; 210 and drive member 126; 226, and driven member 126; 226 to constrain the driver 126; 226 return to a stable position of said two positions of the drive member (see figures 10 and 15).

In addition, each mechanism 100; 200 includes a retaining element 160; 260 for coupling the compressible member 150; 250 remain in the inactive configuration.

Thus, in the active configuration, the compressible element 150; 250 is not associated with the retaining element 160; 260 and may be engaged with the driver 126 along the bearing surface; 226 (see fig. 10 and 15) and a displacement axis T1 extending therebetween; t2 (see fig. 2 and 13) moves. In the inactive configuration, the compressible element 150; 250 and the retaining element 160; 260 to cooperate to lock out the displacement (see fig. 9 and 16). Here, the displacement axis T1; t2 and receiving compressible member 150; 250, receiving cylinder 115; 215, and along the cap 154; 254 and spring 152; 252 extends along a longitudinal axis.

At the compressible member 150; 250, during displacement, the cap 154; 254 along displacement axis T1; t2 translation.

Notably, the retaining element 160; 260 is fixed to the base 110; 210. it may not be on the base 110; 210, moving: no portion of the retaining element is adapted to be relative to the base 110; the remainder of 210 is displaced.

Preferably, the retaining element 160; 260 and the base 110; 210 are formed together.

A holding member 160; 260 is, for example, the base 110; 210 is provided, and a non-deformable rigid element of 210. It does not add a base 110; 210 size integrated into base 110; 210.

more specifically, the holding member 160; 260 includes a base 110; 210, a retaining surface 160A of the wall; 260A, and a compressible member 150; 250 include complementary latch (hooking) surfaces 150A; 250A, the latch surface being adapted to abut the base 110; 210, a retaining surface 160A of the wall; 260A to connect the compressible member 150; 250 are blocked in the inactive configuration (see fig. 2-10, 13, 15 and 16).

In the first and second embodiments shown in fig. 1 to 11 and 12 to 16, the holding element 160; 260 includes a base 110; 210. More specifically, the window is disposed to define the compressible member 150; 250, receiving cylinder 115; 215 in the cylindrical wall. The window is defined by the retaining surface 160A; 260A are locally defined. It is provided in the receiving cylinder 115; 215, i.e. at the rear of the receiving cylinder (see fig. 2 to 10, 13, 15 and 16).

In the first embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 11, the cap 154 of the compressible element 150 has a complex roto-translational movement for the transition from the active configuration to the inactive configuration or vice versa.

The complementary catch surfaces 150A of the compressible element 150 are located, for example, on two pins 151 extending radially from the outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the body 154A forming the cap 154. Each pin 151 extends near a free end of the cylindrical sidewall opposite the head 155 (see fig. 2-10, 13, 15 and 16). Each pin 151 is fixed, rigid and non-deformable. Here, two diametrically opposed pins 151 are provided. The two pins 151 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cap 154. A portion of the complementary locking surface 150A is located on each pin 151.

The retaining element 160 also includes two windows that are opposite and symmetrical with respect to the displacement axis T1 of the compressible element 150. Each pin 151 engages one of the two windows. Each window includes a portion of the retaining surface 160A.

The cylindrical wall delimiting the receiving cylinder 115 also comprises, in correspondence with each pin 151 of the cap 154, a longitudinal slit F leading to said window. Each slit F extends parallel to the displacement axis T1 of the compressible member 150. During the translational movement of the cap 154, it receives the corresponding pin 151 of the cap 154 to pass from the active configuration to the inactive configuration or vice versa.

Thus, in the inactive configuration, each pin 151 of the compressible element 150 cooperates with an edge of the window including the retaining surface 160A for limiting translation of the cap 154 toward the front. The spring 152 is held in compression between the receiving canister 115 and the head 155 of the cap 154.

The complementary locking surface 150A of the pin 151 and the retaining surface 160A of the retaining element 160 each comprise at least one portion extending in a plane perpendicular to the displacement axis T1. Thus, under the action of the spring 152, the complementary locking surface 150A of the pin 151 abuts against the retaining surface 160A forming said window of the retaining element 160.

The compressible element 150 is retained at the rear of the driver 126, in the receiving cylinder 115, by the cooperation between the complementary catch surface 150A of the pin 151 and the retaining surface 160A (see fig. 9).

In the inactive configuration, the body 154A of the cap 154 is received in the receptacle 115. Only the head 155 of the cap 154 is disposed over the receptacle 115. Each pin 151 is received in a corresponding window of the retaining element 160. Regardless of the position of the driver 126, the head 155 of the cap 154 is spaced a distance from the rear surface of the front wall 128 of the driver 126. Thus, the compressible element 150 does not make any engagement with the driver 126.

Here, the cylindrical wall of the receiving cylinder 115 also comprises a rib 167 which, starting from the retaining surface 160A, extends convexly in the window forming the retaining element 160 (see fig. 1, 5 and 8).

Each pin 151 includes a complementary recess 157 extending from a complementary locking surface and adapted to receive the rib 167 (see fig. 1, 5 and 8).

Here, the rib 167 is close to the slit F and is located at a front portion of the outline of the window between the holding surface and the slit F.

The integral formation of the rib 167 and the complementary recess 157 provides a lateral blocking means for the compressible member 150. Indeed, when the compressible element 150 is in the inactive configuration (see fig. 4), the engagement between the rib 167 and the complementary recess 157 inhibits any rotational movement of the cap 154 in the receptacle 115.

In a variant, it is obviously conceivable for the ribs to be carried by the pins and for the grooves to be carried by the cylindrical wall of the receiving cylinder.

The dimension of the window along the displacement axis T1 is large enough so that the pin 151 can be retracted back into the window toward the rear, thereby disengaging the rib 167 from the recess 157. In addition, the width of the slit F allows the passage of the pin 151 (see fig. 5).

The rotational movement of the cap 154 may bring each pin 151 into the axis of the corresponding slot F (see fig. 6). The pin 151 is thus free to slide in the slit F. The spring 152 relaxes and presses the head 155 of the cap 154 against the rear surface of the front wall 128 of the driver 126 (see fig. 7).

The slit F guides the translational movement of the cap 154 of the compressible element 150 along the displacement axis T1. The compressible element 150 is thus in its active configuration (see fig. 10).

Preferably, the front wall 128 of the actuating member 126 is located in front of the compressible element 150, that is to say above the compressible element 150 when the compressible element 150 is placed on a horizontal support, and this front wall 128 comprises a through opening 170 through which the compressible element 150 can be accessed from the front side of the mechanism 100 for electrical switches (see fig. 3).

As shown in fig. 3, the head 155 of the cap 154 is equipped with a slit 155A for receiving the end of a tool, such as a screwdriver, for rotational control. The opening 170 through the front wall 128 of the driver 126 has a shape adapted to limit rotational movement of the end of the tool at a predetermined angle.

Preferably, the through opening 170 (see fig. 3) is shaped to guide the screwdriver at an angle of 45 °. The transition of compressible element 150 from one configuration to another is thus achieved by a quarter turn.

Here, we have explained an embodiment in which two pins are provided, diametrically opposite. These two pins ensure satisfactory robustness of the cap 154 and avoid clamping of the cap 154 in the receiving cylinder 115 when the spring 152 is in a compressed state.

In a variant, a similar embodiment can be envisaged in which the cap comprises only a single pin.

In a second embodiment, shown in fig. 12 to 16, the complementary locking surfaces 250A of the compressible element 250 belong to locking teeth 251 that extend towards the outside of said cap 254 starting from clamping jaws 256 cut in said cylindrical side wall of the body 250A forming said cap 254 (see fig. 13).

The latch teeth 251 are located at the rear of the cap 254. The corresponding window defining the cylindrical wall of the receiving cylinder 215 is near the bottom of the receiving cylinder 215 (see fig. 12).

Thus, in the inactive configuration, the front surface of the locking teeth 251 of the cap 254 of the compressible element 250 forming said complementary locking surface 250A cooperates with the side of the window for limiting the translation of the cap 254 towards the front. The spring 252 is in compression between the bottom of the receiving cylinder 215 and the head 255 of the cap 254.

The complementary locking surface 250A and the retaining surface 260A of the locking tooth 251 extend in a plane perpendicular to the displacement axis T2. Thus, under the action of the spring 252, the complementary latching surfaces 250A of the latching teeth 251 abut against the retaining surfaces 260A forming the windows of the retaining elements 260.

Compressible member 250 is retained to the rear of driver 226 and within receiving cylinder 215 by the mating of complementary latch surfaces 250A of latch teeth 251 and retaining surfaces 260A (see fig. 16). Compressible member 250 is clamped against a window forming retaining member 260.

The head 255 of the cap 254 thus does not make any engagement with the driver 226 (see fig. 16).

The clamping claw 256 can be pressed through a window of the cylindrical wall of the receiving cylinder 215 forming the holding element 260 by means of the tip of a tool, for example a screwdriver. In this way, the clamping jaws 256 flex inwardly toward the cap 254 to release the latch teeth 251 from their engagement with the windows provided in the cylindrical wall of the receiving cylinder 215.

The spring 252 thus relaxes and urges the cap 254 toward the driver 226. The head 255 of the cap 254 abuts the rear surface of the front wall 228 of the driver 226 and returns the driver 226 to only one of the two possible positions of the driver 226. Compressible member 250 is thus in its active configuration (see fig. 15).

In a variant, the retaining element may comprise a recessed portion of cylindrical wall partially delimited by said retaining surface.

Indeed, when the mechanism 100 according to the invention is used; 200, a user may simply and quickly transition the compressible member from its active configuration to its inactive configuration or vice versa, which transition allows for a transition from a reciprocal flip-over operation to a push-button operation or vice versa.

When the compressible member 150; 250 in its inactive position, it is compressed so that its cap 154; 254; 254A is received in the receiving canister 115; 215. a cap 154; 254, and a head 155; 255 and the driver 126; 226 are maintained at a distance. A drive member 126; 226 are freely positioned in one of its two positions. Is equipped with a mechanism 100; the electrical switch of 200 thus performs a reciprocal flipping operation. In the inactive configuration of the compressible element, the driver 126; 226 are stable positions.

When the compressible member 150; 250 is moved from its position with retaining member 160; 260 is released from engagement, the spring 152; 252 may be extended until the cap 154; 254, and a head 155; 255 and the driver 126; 226 are in contact with the rear surface of the front wall.

In the active configuration, it continues to move the driving member 126; 226 return to one of its two positions. When the user exerts sufficient force on the control pad to compress spring 152; 252 and the driver 126 is flipped; 226, the driver 126; 226 can thus only be temporarily in other positions. Is equipped with a mechanism 100; the electrical switch of 200 thus performs a push button operation.

At the compressible member 150; 250, only the driver 126; 226 is a stable position.

A compressible member 150; 250 — more specifically here spring 152; 252 — is characterized by the compressible member 150; 250 (here, heads 155; 255) pass through cap 154; 254 on the driver 126; 226 to hold it in a single one of its two positions unless the user is at the actuator 126; 226 with the compressible member 150; 250, to produce a force opposing the force produced.

Here, the spring 152; 252 is, for example, a coil spring and has an inner diameter of 2.1 millimeters (mm), an outer diameter of 3mm, and a height of 13 mm. It is obtained, for example, by means of a wire having a diameter of 0.45mm, the total number of turns being equal to 13.

In the case of the first embodiment, with reference to fig. 4 to 7, in order to transition the electrical switch equipped with the mechanism 100 from the reciprocal flip operation to the push-button operation, the user performs the following steps. These steps can be seen visually in the left-hand part of the mechanism of figures 4 to 7. Here, the right-hand portion of the mechanism of these figures remains in reciprocal flip-flop operation.

As shown in FIG. 4, here, the compressible member 150 is initially in an inactive configuration. Here, both mechanisms 100 are shown in this inactive configuration.

When the control touch plate of the corresponding electrical switch is actuated, the touch plate transmits a flipping motion to the driver 126. As described above, this flipping motion drives the brush 124 of the corresponding mechanism 100 to move between a first contact position, in which the movable contact point comes into contact with the fixed contact point of one of the fixed electrical connection terminals, and a second contact position, in which the movable contact point comes into contact with the fixed contact point of the other fixed electrical connection terminal.

To transition to the push button operation, the user inserts the tip of the screwdriver 1 into a through opening 170 provided in the front wall 128 of the driver and inserts the tip into the slit 155A of the head 155 of the cap 154. With the aid of the tip of the screwdriver, the user penetrates the compressible element towards the bottom of the receiving cylinder 115. The cap of the compressible element 150 undergoes a translational movement from the front towards the rear until the free edge of the cap 154 reaches the bottom of the receiving cylinder 115 (see fig. 5).

The user then performs a screwing or unscrewing operation through the through opening 170 with the aid of a screwdriver (see fig. 6), thereby pivoting the cap 154.

When the user releases the pressure on the screwdriver holding the spring 152 of the compressible member 150 in the compressed state, each pin 151 of the compressible member 150 slides into the corresponding slot F. The cap 154 is pushed towards the driver 126. The head 155 makes contact with the driver 126. The action of the compressible element 150 on the driver 126 continues to push the driver 126 towards one of its two positions as long as the compressible element is in the active configuration.

Thus, when the control pad is actuated, the driver 126 is only flipped to another position for the time that the user is maintained acting on the control pad. The movable contact point is also turned towards the corresponding fixed contact point of the other position during the time the user acts on the control pad. The spring 152 of the compressible member 150 then urges the driver member back toward the return position (see fig. 7).

To resume reciprocal operation, the user inserts the tip of the screwdriver 1 through the through opening 170 provided in the front wall 128 of the driver into the slit 155A of the head 155 of the cap 154. By means of the tip of the screwdriver, the user penetrates the compressible element towards the bottom of the receiving cylinder 115. The cap of the compressible element 150 undergoes a translational movement from the front towards the rear until the free edge of the cap 154 reaches the bottom of the receiving cylinder 115 (see fig. 5). The pin 151 slides to the slit F.

The user then performs a loosening or tightening operation with a screwdriver (see fig. 6) through the through opening 170, causing the cap 154 to pivot.

When the user releases the pressure on the screwdriver holding the spring 152 of the compressible member 150 in the compressed state, each pin 151 of the compressible member 150 slides into a corresponding window, with the complementary catch surface of the pin abutting the retaining surface 160 of the base. Compressible member 150 maintains a compressed state in its inactive configuration.

In the case of the second embodiment, in order to transition the electrical switch from the flip-to-back operation to the push-button operation, the user performs the following steps.

The user presses the clamping jaws 256 of the cap 254 through the window of the retaining element 260 forming the cylindrical wall of the receiving cylinder 215 delimiting the base 210 by means of the tip of a tool, for example a screwdriver.

The clamping jaws 256 flex and release the compressible member from its engagement with the retaining member of the base.

The spring 252 relaxes and the cap 254 is urged toward the driver 226. Head 255 is in contact with driver 226. As described with reference to the first embodiment, the action of compressible element 250 on driver 226 continues to urge driver 226 towards one of its two positions as long as the compressible element is in the active configuration.

To resume reciprocal operation, the user inserts the tip of the screwdriver 1 through a through opening 270 (see fig. 15 and 16) provided in the front wall 228 of the driver, pressing the head 255 of the compressible element to penetrate the compressible element 250 towards the bottom of the receiving cylinder 215. The cap 254 of the compressible element 250 undergoes translational movement from the front towards the rear until the free edge of the cap 254 reaches the bottom of the receiving cylinder 215. The clamping jaws 256 snap onto a retaining surface of a window provided for this purpose in the cylindrical wall of the receiving cylinder 215. The complementary latching surfaces of the latch teeth 251 abut the retaining surface of the base. Compressible element 250 maintains a compressed state in its inactive configuration.

The invention provides an electrical switch which can be easily changed from a toggle operation to a push-button operation without additional components, and parts of the electrical switch are not separated from the electrical switch (separation may cause a loss risk), and the electrical switch is compact.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the different figures, but a person skilled in the art will understand how to make any modifications according to the spirit of the invention.

Claims (16)

1. Mechanism (100; 200) for an electrical switch, comprising:

-a base (110; 210);

-an actuator (126; 226) mounted in the base (110; 210) to be able to be overturned between two positions in order to bring the movable contact element (124A; 224A) into and out of contact with the fixed contact element (132; 232);

-a compressible element (150; 250) movable between an inactive configuration in which it is in an inactive condition with respect to the drive member (126; 226) so that the drive member (126; 226) is freely positioned in one of said two positions, and an active configuration in which it is received between the support surface of the base (110; 210) and the drive member (126; 226) and forces said drive member to return the drive member (126; 226) to a stable one of said two positions;

-a retaining element (160; 260) for retaining a compressible element (150; 250) in the inactive configuration, in which the compressible element (150; 250) is free from any cooperation with the retaining element (160; 260) and is movable along a displacement axis (T1; T2) between the bearing surface and the driver (126; 226), in which inactive configuration the compressible element cooperates with the retaining element (160; 260) so as to block such movability;

characterized in that the holding element (160; 260) is fixed to the base (110; 210).

2. Mechanism (100; 200) according to claim 1, wherein the holding element (160; 260) is formed together with the base (110; 210).

3. Mechanism (100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the retaining element (160; 260) is a non-deformable rigid element of the base (110; 210).

4. Mechanism (100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining element (160; 260) comprises a retaining surface (160A; 260A) of a wall of the base (110; 210) and the compressible element (150; 250) comprises a complementary catch surface (150A; 250A) adapted to abut against the retaining surface of the wall of the base (110; 210) to lock the compressible element (150; 250) in the inactive configuration.

5. Mechanism (100; 200) according to claim 4, wherein the retaining element (160; 260) comprises a recessed portion or window of the wall of the base (110; 210) locally delimited by the retaining surface (160A; 260A).

6. Mechanism (100; 200) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the compressible element (150; 250) comprises a compression spring (152; 252) and a cap (154; 254) housing the compression spring (152; 252), the cap (154; 254) comprising the complementary latching surface (150A; 250A).

7. Mechanism (100) according to claim 6, wherein the complementary locking surface (150A) belongs to at least one fixed pin (151) extending from a side wall of the cap (154) towards the outside thereof.

8. Mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the cap (154) performs a rotational movement to transition from one of the active configuration and the inactive configuration to the other.

9. Mechanism (200) according to claim 6, wherein the complementary locking surfaces (250A) belong to locking teeth (251) extending towards the outside of the cap starting from clamping jaws (256) cut in the lateral wall of the cap (254).

10. Mechanism (100; 200) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the cap (154; 254) performs a translational movement to transition from one of the active configuration and the inactive configuration to the other.

11. Mechanism (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressible element (150; 250) is housed in a cavity of the base (110; 210) located below the drive member (126; 226) and delimited by a side wall comprising the retaining element (160; 260).

12. Mechanism (100; 200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the front wall (128; 228) of the driver (126; 226) located above the compressible element (150; 250) comprises a through opening (170; 270) through which the compressible element (150; 250) is accessible from the front side of the mechanism for electrical switches.

13. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the compressible element (150) comprises a compression spring (152) and a cap (154) housing the compression spring (152), the cap (154) performing a rotational movement to pass from one of the active configuration and the inactive configuration to the other, a head (155) of the cap being equipped with a slit (155A) for receiving a tool end, the through opening (170) of the front wall (128) of the driver (126) having a shape adapted to limit the tool end to a rotational movement at a predetermined angle.

14. Electrical switch assembly for an electrical switch, comprising a mechanism (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims and a control touch plate associated with a drive of the mechanism.

15. Electrical switch comprising an electrical switch assembly according to the preceding claim and a housing or a flush-mounted frame at least partially housing the mechanism (100; 200).

16. Electrical switch according to claim 15, which is sealed, wherein a decorative plate is provided which closes in a sealed manner a housing or a flush-mounted frame for accommodating a mechanism (100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, to which decorative plate the respective control contact belongs.

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