EP0905729B1 - Front panel for electrical apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to the dressing that it It is usual to have on the front of any electrical equipment.

As is known, such a covering comprises, usually, a plate, in the general shape of a frame, which is intended to be brought forward on a support forming a housing for the mechanism of electrical equipment concerned, namely that, in the case of built-in electrical equipment, this support either directly a wall or any other surface of this type, or that, in the case of electrical equipment to be projected on such a device wall or on such a surface, this support is a housing which is itself report on this wall or on this surface.

By its central opening, the plate leaves a free access to an organ center on which depends the use of the mechanism of the underlying electrical equipment.

When this switchgear is a switch, this switchgear central is for example a tilting mounted operating finger.

But it can also be a barrel, for a key drive.

For another type of electrical equipment, the central body work is obviously of another type.

Thus, from one electrical device to another, the central body may have a different configuration.

The present invention is aimed more particularly at the case where, for satisfy such different configurations for the central organ of the electrical equipment, it is planned to dispose, annularly, around this central organ, between the latter and the plate, a peripheral organ, commonly called hubcap, shaped frame, as described in US-A-3236990.

To this day, when, voluntarily or involuntarily, this hubcap is subjected to a frontal mechanical shock, he transmits it in full to mechanism, at the risk of a crippling deterioration of it.

The present invention generally relates to a provision to avoid this inconvenience, and thus to save the mechanism of electrical equipment.

More precisely, it relates to a covering for apparatus electrical type including a plate, generally shaped frame, which is intended to be brought forward on a support forming a housing for the mechanism of the electrical equipment concerned, with, in the central opening this plate, on the one hand, a central organ, on which depends the use of this mechanism, and, on the other hand, a hubcap, which extends annularly around the central body, between the latter and the plate, this covering being in a manner characterized in that said hubcap is made of metal or material reinforced by a reinforcement, and in that, between the hubcap and the plate, are provided support means, which, in particular, intervene substantially perpendicular to the plate.

Thus, any frontal impact exerted on the hubcap is transmitted to the support of the assembly by the plate, without repercussion on the mechanism of the apparatus electric.

In other words, with respect to such a frontal impact, the covering according to the invention advantageously hinders the mechanism of the electrical equipment, and it is thus advantageously protected.

Preferably, the central organ presents itself at least locally an appendage, which protrudes laterally, and by which it is inserted between the hubcap and the plate.

For example, when this central body is a maneuvering finger mounted tilting, it comprises, in diametrically opposed positions, one with respect to the other, two appendages, aligned with each other, materialize its axis of tilting, and which are inserted between the hubcap and the plate.

Thus, any frontal shock of which this central organ could itself be the object is also transmitted to the support of the whole by the plate, without repercussion on the mechanism of the electrical equipment.

This is thus completely protected from a possible frontal impact.

Finally, when, for sealing reasons, seals are provided, in particular between the hubcap and the plate, these seals also advantageously serve as dampers during such eventual frontal shock.

la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un habillage suivant l'invention, représenté en place sur un support ;

la figure 2 en est, avec un arrachement local, une vue en perspective éclatée ;

la figure 3 en est, à échelle supérieure, une vue partielle en coupe transversale, suivant la ligne III-III de la figure 1 ;

la figure 4 est, à l'échelle de la figure 3, et suivant la flèche IV de la figure 2, une vue de dessus de la plaque que comporte cet habillage ;

la figure 5 est, à la même échelle, et suivant la flèche V de la figure 2, une vue de côté de l'organe central commandant l'appareillage électrique concerné ;

la figure 6 est une vue en coupe transversale de cet organe central, suivant la ligne VI-VI de la figure 5 ;

la figure 7 est, à l'échelle de la figure 3, et suivant la flèche VII de la figure 2, une vue de côté de l'enjoliveur que comporte l'habillage suivant l'invention ;

la figure 8 est une vue de dessous de cet enjoliveur, suivant la flèche VIII de la figure 7 ;

la figure 9 est, suivant la ligne IX-IX de la figure 2, une vue en coupe transversale d'un joint d'étanchéité que comporte également l'habillage suivant l'invention ;

la figure 10 reprend, à échelle supérieure, le détail de la figure 9 repéré par un encart X sur cette figure 9.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, by way of example, with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cladding according to the invention, shown in place on a support;

Figure 2 is, with a local cutaway, an exploded perspective view;

Figure 3 is a larger scale, a partial cross-sectional view along the line III-III of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is, to the scale of Figure 3, and along the arrow IV of Figure 2, a top view of the plate that includes this dressing;

Figure 5 is, on the same scale, and along the arrow V of Figure 2, a side view of the central body controlling the electrical equipment concerned;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of this central member along the line VI-VI of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is, to the scale of Figure 3, and along the arrow VII of Figure 2, a side view of the hubcap that includes the dressing according to the invention;

Figure 8 is a bottom view of the hubcap, along the arrow VIII of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is, along the line IX-IX of Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of a seal that also includes the dressing according to the invention;

FIG. 10 shows, on a larger scale, the detail of FIG. 9 indicated by an inset X in this FIG.

As illustrated in these figures, and in a manner known per se, the dressing 10 according to the invention comprises a plate 11, in the general shape of a frame, which is intended to be brought forward on a support 12 forming a housing 13 for the mechanism 14 of the electrical equipment 15 concerned, with, in the central opening 16 of this plate 11, on the one hand, an organ central station 18, on which the use of this mechanism 14 depends, and, on the other hand, a hubcap 19, which extends annularly around the central member 18, between this one and the plate 11.

In the embodiment shown, the support 12 is supposed, by way of example, to be a wall, in which electrical equipment 15, or, more precisely, its mechanism 14, must be embedded.

In the housing 13 excavated for this purpose in this support 12 intervenes, therefore, in a usual manner, a mounting box 20, and it is this which more precisely ensures the housing, and the fixing, of the mechanism 14.

The corresponding provisions being well known by themselves, and not falling within the scope of the present invention, they will not be described in more detail here.

In the embodiment shown, the electrical equipment 15 is also supposed to be, for example, a switch, with, for central organ 18 controlling its mechanism 14, a maneuvering finger tilting mounted.

This electrical equipment 15 does not fall within the scope of this invention, it will not be described in detail here, especially as regards its mechanism 14.

It will suffice to indicate that, in the embodiment shown, the central member 18 has, peripherally, a contour globally quadrangular.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the central organ 18 has a rectangular outline, with rounded angles, but, instead of being rectilinear, its longitudinal edges are slightly convex.

In the embodiment shown, the plate 11 has, itself, peripherally, a globally quadrangular outline, and more precisely square, with rounded corners.

Its central opening 16 has a rectangular outline, with straight edges and rounded corners.

The embellisher 19, which is in the form of a frame, and which is complementary to both the plate 11 and the central organ 18, has, therefore, in the form of shown embodiment, a rectangular outline with straight edges along its outer periphery, and a rectangular outline with longitudinal edges concave along its inner periphery.

In the embodiment shown, the plate 11 is otherwise overall flat, although its front surface 22, that is to say its surface upper, may for example be more or less curved or curved.

But in any event, the support 12 to which it must be applied being plane, its lower surface 23 is itself generally flat.

For its attachment to the support 12, the plate 11 comprises, in each of its corner areas, for the passage of any means of attachment, by example for the passage of a screw 24, as shown, a bore 25.

Preferably, and this is the case in the embodiment shown, this piercing 25 takes place at the bottom of a well 26 likely to be occulted in frontage, that is to say level with the facade surface 22 of the plate 11, by a cover 27.

Preferentially, also, and as represented, the portion 28 of this cover 27 is notched, so that it is difficult to extract.

According to the invention, between the hubcap 19 and the plate 11, are provided support means 30, which, in particular, intervene substantially perpendicular to the plate 11, that is to say substantially perpendicular to the plane along which it extends, and from which it follows that any frontal impact exerted on the hubcap 19 is transmitted to the support 12 of the whole by the plate 11.

In the embodiment more particularly shown in outline continuous in the figures, these bearing means 30 comprise, on the plate 11, a rim 31, which borders the central opening 16 of this plate 11 on a at least part of its periphery, and on which the hubcap 19 carries, at least locally, from the front, either directly or indirectly.

Preferably, and this is the case in the embodiment shown, the flange 31 which borders the central opening 16 of the plate 11 extends over the entire periphery of it.

For example, and as shown, this flange 31 is recessed by compared to the front surface 22 of the plate 11, and the hubcap 19 is therefore at least partly embedded in this plate 11.

In the embodiment shown, and for reasons which will emerge from the following, the transverse sides 32 of the rim 31 have a width greater than that of its longitudinal sides 33.

Preferably, and this is the case in the embodiment shown, the hubcap 19 bears directly on the rim 31 of the plate 11.

In the embodiment shown, it bears only locally, from place in place, on this rim 31, with the support of legs 34 which each individually, protrude from its lower surface in each of its corner areas.

In the embodiment shown, between the hubcap 19 and the 11 are provided with centering means for positioning precise of this hubcap 19 on this plate 11.

For example, and as shown, these centering means comprise at least two pegs 35 which protrude from the lower surface of the hubcap 19, each cooperating individually in interlocking with housing 36 provided for this purpose on the flange 31 of the plate 11.

In the embodiment shown, four pins 35 are thus provided in rectangle, at a rate of two per transverse side 32 of the flange 31.

Preferably, and this is the case in the embodiment represented, between the hubcap 19 and the plate 11, are further provided means of indexing, for a privileged orientation, in one direction or in the other, of this hubcap 19 on this plate 11.

For example, and as shown, these indexing means comprise at least one peg 38, projecting from the lower surface of the hubcap 19, cooperates in interlocking with a housing 39 provided in correspondence to this effect on the rim 31 of the plate 11, and, more precisely, on one of the sides transverse 32 of this rim 31, between two pins 35.

Finally, in the embodiment shown, between the hubcap 19 and the plate 11, is inserted a seal 40.

In the embodiment shown, this seal 40 extends continuously under the central organ 18, marrying more or less the shape of it, while being applied, by its peripheral edge 41, against the flange 31 of the plate 11.

In the corner areas of this peripheral edge 41, the seal 40 has notches 42, for the passage of the legs 34 of the hubcap 19.

In this peripheral edge 41, it has, in addition, holes 43, for the passage of the pins 35 of the hubcap 19, and, in positions diametrically opposite one another, two holes 44, for the passage of the pin 38 of this hubcap 19.

But, of course, following the orientation of the hubcap 19, only one of these holes 44 is used.

Preferably, and this is the case in the embodiment represented, the central organ 18 presents itself, at least locally, a Appendix 45, which protrudes laterally on one of its sides, and by which it is inserted between the hubcap 19 and the plate 11, so that, in the event that he himself would be the object of a frontal shock, this frontal shock is also transmitted to the support 12 of the assembly by the plate 11.

The central member 18 is a pivoted operating finger the embodiment shown, it comprises, in practice, in this form embodiment, in diametrically opposite positions with respect to one another, two appendages 45, which, aligned with each other, each have hollow on their lower surface, a groove 46 with a rounded transverse profile, and in correspondence, the flange 31 of the plate 11 has, locally, in projecting on its upper surface, two ribs 47 with rounded transverse profile complementary to the previous one.

In the embodiment shown, the appendages 45 of the organ central 18 extend parallel to its longitudinal edges, and they are generally curved, like round tiles.

Together, the ribs 47 of the plate 11 protrude on the sides transverse 32 of its rim 31, in the middle zone thereof, and this is one of the reasons why these transverse sides 32 have a width greater than that of the longitudinal sides 33 with which they alternate.

For crossing the ribs 47 of the rim 31 of the plate 11, the peripheral edge 41 of the seal 40 is itself globally tuile, and thus closes, locally, in alignment with each other, on its sides transverse, two vaults 48.

Similarly, the hubcap 19 has on the lower surface of each transverse sides, in the median zone of these, on the one hand, the along its inner periphery, an indentation 49, with a rounded transverse profile, by which it caps the corresponding appendage 45 of the central organ 18, and on the other hand, along its outer periphery, beyond the notch 49, a notch 50, rounded transverse profile, whose amplitude is smaller than that of the notch 49, and by which it caps the corresponding rib 47 of the plate 11 beyond the appendage 45 of the central organ 18.

In the embodiment shown, the peripheral edge 41 of the seal 40, also forms, also, locally, protruding on its upper surface, four bosses 51, which, arranged in a rectangle, are intended to damp the tilting of the actuating finger formed by the organ central 18.

Finally, in the embodiment shown, the seal 40 has, in its central zone, at least one knock-out cap 52, for the passage of the coach, not visible in the figures, that the central body 18 usually projecting on its lower surface to act on the mechanism 14 of the electrical equipment 15.

Preferably, and this is the case in the embodiment shown, two knockouts 52 are provided, which are arranged in diametrically opposite each other, and only one of which is used according to the orientation of the central member 18, and therefore of the hubcap 19, relative to the plate 11.

Preferably, and this is the case in the embodiment shown, the hubcap 19 is secured to the plate 11 and thus forms with this one a unitary subassembly whose assembly is in practice carried out in workshop.

In the embodiment shown, for the joining of the hubcap 19 to the plate 11, screws 53 pass through the rear edge 31 of the plate 11, by means of holes 54 provided for this purpose in the zones angle of this flange 31, and these screws 53 are in screwed engagement with wells 55 provided in correspondence to this effect on the hubcap 19, and, more specifically, on the lower surface of the legs 34 thereof.

Because the central member 18 is inserted by appendices 45 between the hubcap 19 and the plate 11, it belongs by construction to the same subassembly that this hubcap 19 and this plate 11.

The placement, in situ, of the covering 10 according to the invention on the support 12 is advantageously facilitated.

In addition, the screws 53 intervening from the rear, the hubcap 19 is indémontable from the front, and so is the central organ 18.

It is therefore impossible to access the mechanism 14 of the apparatus electrical 15 without prior deposit of the plate 11.

In the embodiment shown, a seal 56 is provided between the plate 11 and the support 12, to oppose, together with the seal 40, any penetration of moisture into the housing 13 in which the mechanism 14 of the electrical equipment 15 intervenes.

Preferably, this seal 56 is glued under the plate 11 while along the periphery of it, to participate in the same subset that this plate 11.

In its corner areas, the seal 56 has holes 57 for the passage of the screws 24 ensuring the attachment of the assembly to the support 12.

In the embodiment shown, this seal 56 is less partially engaged in a housing 58 provided for this purpose in hollow on the lower surface of the plate 11.

In any case, it is at least partly crushed when setting this plate 11 to the support 12.

The hubcap 19 is made of metal or plastic duly reinforced by a frame, and, for example, by a fiber reinforcement.

It may be the same for the plate 11 and / or the central member 18.

But, in any case, the plate 11 cash advantageously all possible frontal impact which may be subject to the hubcap 19 and / or the body central 18, thus sparing the mechanism 14 underlying the apparatus concerned.

It is also just as well able to cash a possible shock more or less oblique.

According to an alternative embodiment schematically in broken lines on the 3, the support means 30 provided between the hubcap 19 and the plate 11 comprise, on the hubcap 19, a flange 59 through which this hubcap 19 overflows, at least locally, on the plate 11.

This rim 59 can intervene jointly with the rim 31 of the plate 11 or in substitution therefor.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the forms of described and represented, but includes any variant of execution and / or combination of their various elements.

In particular, instead of wearing directly on the plate, as more particularly described or shown, the hubcap can also just as well wear indirectly on this plate, through a any intermediate part, the essential point being that, with regard to a possible frontal shock or more or less oblique, the plate obstructs between him and the mechanism of the underlying electrical equipment.

In addition, the field of application of the invention is not limited to that only switches, but on the contrary extends to that of any other types of electrical equipment, and, for example, current.

Finally, instead of being embedded in a wall, electrical equipment concerned may also be arranged projecting on such a wall, the support on which the corresponding covering must be attached, being then formed by a housing itself duly reported on this wall.

Claims (15)

1. Cover for an electrical apparatus, of the type comprising a plate (11), in the general form of a frame which is designed to be mounted from the front on a support (12) forming a housing (13) for the mechanism (14) of the electrical apparatus (15) concerned, with, in the central opening (16) of this plate (11), on the one hand a central element (18), on which the use of this mechanism (14) depends, and, on the other hand a trim (19), which extends in an annular fashion around the central element (18), between this element and the plate (11), characterized in that said trim (19) is made of metal or synthetic material reinforced with an armature, and in that, between the trim (19) and the plate (11), support means (30) are provided, which, in particular, intervene substantially perpendicularly to the plate (11).
2. Cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the support means (30) provided between the trim (19) and the plate (11) comprise, on the plate (11), a flange (31) which borders the central opening (16) of this plate (11) over at least one part of its periphery, and on which the trim (19) rests, at least locally from the front, either directly or indirectly.
3. Cover according to claim 2, characterized in that the flange (31) which borders the central opening (16) of the plate (11) extends over all of the periphery of the latter.
4. Cover according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the flange (31) which borders the central opening (16) of the plate (11) lies set back relative to the surface of the face (22) of the latter.
5. Cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that centering means (35, 46) are provided between the trim (19) and the plate (11).
6. Cover according to claims 2 to 5, taken collectively, characterized in that the centering means (35, 36) provided between the trim (19) and the plate (11) comprise at least two pins (35), which, projecting from the lower surface of the trim (19), each individually cooperate with housings (36) correspondingly provided for this purpose on the flange (31) of the plate (11).
7. Cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that indexing means (3 8, 39) are provided between the trim (19) and the plate (11).
8. Cover according to claims 2 and 7 taken collectively, characterized in that the indexing means (38, 39) provided between the trim (19) and the plate (11) comprise at least one pin (38), which, projecting from the lower surface of the trim (19), cooperate with a housing (39) correspondingly provided for this purpose on the flange (31) of the plate (11).
9. Cover according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a sealing device (40) is inserted between the trim (19) and the plate (11).
10. Cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the trim (19) is integral with the plate (11) and thus forms a unitary sub-assembly with the latter.
11. Cover according to claims 2 and 10, taken collectively, characterized in that for the attachment of the trim (19) to the plate (11), screws (53) pass from the back through the flange (31) of the plate (11), by means of holes (54) provided for this purpose in the latter, and these screws (53) are engaged by screwing into shafts (55) correspondingly provided on the trim (19).
12. Cover according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the central element (18) has at least locally an appendage (45) which projects laterally and by means of which it is inserted between the trim (19) and the plate (11).
13. Cover according to claims 2 and 12, taken collectively, characterized in that, the central element (18) being a operation finger mounted pivotably, it comprises, in diametrically opposite positions relative to each other, two appendages (45) which, aligned with one another, each have, sunk in their lower surface, a groove (46) with a rounded transverse profile and, correspondingly, the flange (31) of the plate (11) has, locally projecting from its upper surface, two ribs (47) with a rounded transverse profile.
14. Cover according to claims 9 and 13 taken collectively, characterized in that the sealing device (40) inserted between the trim (19) and the plate (11) extends continuously beneath the central element (18).
15. Cover according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a sealing device (56) is glued beneath the plate (11) along all of the periphery of the latter.

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