EP3840002B1 - Trim and electrical switch comprising such a trim - Google Patents

Description

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

It relates more particularly to a cover for a waterproof electrical switch, this cover comprising a rigid front wall and a flexible sealing membrane.

A waterproof electrical switch generally comprises a housing and a waterproof cover forming an internal volume in which a switchgear mechanism is positioned. The electrical switch comprises means for controlling the switchgear mechanism positioned outside the internal volume of the housing. The control means actuate the equipment mechanism through the waterproof cover.

In order to guarantee the tightness of the electrical switch, the cover is fitted with a sealing membrane which covers the switchgear mechanism.

Currently, two configurations for actuating the equipment mechanism through this sealing membrane are known.

According to a first configuration, as described for example in the document EP1253609 , the sealing membrane has openings allowing control elements to pass through it to fit directly onto the equipment mechanism. The adjustment of the openings of the sealing membrane around the control elements makes it possible to guarantee the tightness of the electrical switch as well as a mechanical connection between these control means and the switchgear mechanism. JPH10302575A discloses a cover of an electrical switch according to the preamble of claim 1.

However, incorrect introduction of the control elements through the openings in the sealing membrane can lead to tears in this membrane (and therefore impair the seal) or to a poor mechanical connection between the control means and the equipment mechanism. (causing unstable operation of the electrical switch).

According to a second configuration, the sealing membrane is not pierced and completely covers the equipment mechanism. The device mechanism is actuated by the deformation of this sealing membrane by the control means.

However, this configuration causes friction between the plastic materials forming the control means, the sealing membrane and the equipment mechanism. This friction hinders the operation of the various elements of the electrical switch. In addition, they accelerate the wear of the waterproofing membrane and can cause this membrane to rupture in the long term.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to propose a cover for a waterproof electrical switch, in which the control means of the electrical switch actuate the switchgear mechanism without acting directly on the sealing membrane which covers said mechanism in order to guarantee simultaneously reliable actuation of the mechanism and long-lasting sealing of the electrical switch.

More particularly, according to the invention we propose a hubcap according to claim 1.

Thus, advantageously according to the invention, the hubcap comprises a rigid part, a flexible part and openings filled by the sealing membrane. This hubcap is completely closed and therefore waterproof. The device mechanism is actuated here by the deformation of the flexible lamellas. The sealing membrane is therefore not pierced and is therefore not directly subject to the stresses exerted on the switchgear mechanism to ensure the operation of the sealed electrical switch.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the hubcap according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are described in claims 2 to 14.

The invention also relates to an electrical switch according to claims 15 to 17.

The description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un commutateur électrique selon un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique en perspective assemblée du commutateur électrique de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe selon le plan A-A de la figure 2 du commutateur électrique de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un commutateur électrique selon un deuxième exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 5 est une vue schématique en perspective assemblée du commutateur électrique de la figure 4,
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe selon le plan B-B de la figure 5 du commutateur électrique de la figure 4,
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique avant d'une paroi frontale rigide d'un enjoliveur destiné à être intégré dans un commutateur électrique conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 8 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une partie du commutateur électrique conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 9 est une vue en perspective d'une plaquette destinée à être logée dans la plaque principale de l'enjoliveur du commutateur électrique conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 10 est une vue en coupe selon le plan C-C de la paroi frontale rigide de la figure 7,
• la figure 11 est une vue en perspective éclatée du commutateur électrique conforme à l'invention comprenant un boîtier destiné à être rapporté en saillie sur une paroi murale, et
• la figure 12 est une vue en perspective éclatée du commutateur électrique conforme à l'invention comprenant un cadre destiné à être monté sur une boîte d'encastrement encastrée dans une ouverture de la paroi murale.

On the attached drawings:

• there figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical switch according to a first example of implementation of the invention,
• there figure 2 is an assembled schematic perspective view of the electrical switch of the figure 1 ,
• there Figure 3 is a sectional view according to plan AA of the figure 2 of the electrical switch of the figure 1 ,
• there figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical switch according to a second example of implementation of the invention,
• there figure 5 is an assembled schematic perspective view of the electrical switch of the figure 4 ,
• there Figure 6 is a sectional view according to plan BB of the figure 5 of the electrical switch of the Figure 4 ,
• there Figure 7 is a schematic front view of a rigid front wall of a hubcap intended to be integrated into an electrical switch according to the invention,
• there figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the electrical switch according to the invention,
• there Figure 9 is a perspective view of a plate intended to be housed in the main plate of the trim of the electrical switch according to the invention,
• there Figure 10 is a sectional view along the plane CC of the rigid front wall of the figure 7 ,
• there Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical switch according to the invention comprising a housing intended to be projected onto a wall wall, and
• there Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical switch according to the invention comprising a frame intended to be mounted on a flush-mounting box recessed in an opening in the wall wall.

Preliminarily, it will be noted that from one figure to another, the identical elements of the different embodiments of the electrical switch according to the invention will, as far as possible, be referenced by the same reference signs and will not be described. Everytime.

THE figures 1 to 10 represent two different embodiments of an electrical switch 100; 200 waterproof according to the invention.

This electrical switch 100; 200 can be of any type, actuated externally by at least one control key 150; 250.

It can be a single switch, a double switch or a two-way switch.

But the invention relates to any type of electrical switch.

The first embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 3 corresponds to a single-touch electrical switch, in the sense that a single control button on a hubcap makes it possible to activate a driver to open or close a single electrical circuit of a motor.

The second embodiment shown on the figures 4 to 6 corresponds to a double-touch electrical switch in the sense that two different keys on a hubcap make it possible to independently operate two drives to respectively open or close two different electrical circuits of a motor.

The term “motor” is used, in this description, to define an equipment mechanism. In the field of electrical equipment, the motor of electrical equipment includes conventionally all the electrical elements of this electrical equipment (for example electrical connection terminals) and the driver.

According to a variant shown on the Figure 11 , each electrical switch 200 comprises a housing 10 intended to be projecting onto a wall wall. This housing 10 not being part of the invention, it will not be described in detail here. Essentially, as shown in Figure 11 , it has a generally parallelepiped shape open at the front. It comprises a bottom wall 11 from which a side wall 12 rises. This housing 10 is intended to house a motor 210 of the electrical switch 200. A hubcap 230, which will be described in more detail later, closes in a watertight manner. the front of the housing 10.

According to another variant shown on the Figure 12 , each electrical switch 200 comprises a recessing frame 20 intended to be mounted on a recessing box 25 recessed in a recessing opening of said wall wall. This embedding frame 20 not being part of the invention, it will not be described in detail. Essentially, as shown in Figure 12 , it comprises a side wall 21 which delimits a reception opening 22 of the motor 210 of the electrical switch 200. This mounting frame 20 includes means for mounting in the mounting box 25. The trim 230 includes means for assembly 235 intended to cooperate with complementary receiving means 23 provided on the embedding frame 20. The trim 230 thus attached to the embedding frame 20 allows the production of a waterproof electrical switch 200.

The electrical switch 100; 200 is connected to the electrical network for its power supply.

In the remainder of the text, the terms "front" and "rear" will be used in relation to the direction of gaze of a user towards the wall on or in which this electrical switch 100 is attached; 200. Thus, when the electrical switch 100; 200 will be installed in the room, the front will designate the side facing the inside of the room, and the back will designate the side facing the opposite, towards the outside of the room. More generally, the front of the electrical switch 100; 200 will designate the side facing the person looking at it and the rear will designate the side facing the receiving support of the electrical switch 100; 200.

Each electrical switch 100; 200 represented on the figures 1 to 6 comprises, on the one hand, the motor 110; 210 provided with a base 112; 212 housing electrical connection terminals 114; 214 to be connected to the local electrical network according to the operating mode of the electrical switch, and, on the other hand, the hubcap 130; 230 (which gives its function to the electrical switch).

Whatever the embodiment shown, the base 112; 212 is in the form of an insulating envelope. This insulating envelope can be made in one piece from molded plastic material.

As shown in the figures 1 , 2 , 4 And 5 , the base 112; 212, which generally has a parallelepiped shape, has uprights 101 at its four corners; 201 for its mounting in the protruding housing 10 or in the recessed frame. Each amount 101; 201 carries a tooth 102; 202 intended to hang on the edge of a housing (not shown) provided on a pillar projecting from the bottom of the projecting housing 10 or on the edge of a window provided on a pillar (not shown) extending to the rear of the mounting frame 20.

The hubcap 130; 230, which will be described in more detail later, seals the front of the projecting housing 10 or the mounting frame 20 in which the base 112 is mounted; 212 of engine 110; 210, equipped with one or more coaches 120; 220 ( figures 2, 3 , 5 and 6 ). It carries the control key(s) 150; 250 adapted to act on the trainer(s) 120; 220 of engine 110; 210 to control the opening and closing of the electrical contacts of the electrical switch 100; 200.

Advantageously, the base 112; 212 of engine 110; 210 here has six housings 103; 203, isolated from each other, to accommodate three or six electrical connection terminals depending on whether it is a single-touch electrical switch ( figure 1 ) or a double-touch electrical switch ( Figure 4 ). The base 112; 212 is therefore the same whether the electrical switch includes one control key or two control keys.

According to the first embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 3 , the motor 110 is equipped with three electrical connection terminals 114 forming an electrical circuit. According to the second embodiment shown on the figures 4 to 6 , the motor 210 is equipped with six electrical connection terminals 214, three electrical connection terminals are connected to a first electrical circuit and three other electrical connection terminals are connected to a second electrical circuit independent of the first electrical circuit.

The electrical connection terminals 114; 214 here are automatic connection terminals.

Classically, as shown more particularly by figures 3 And 6 , each electrical connection terminal 114; 214 is made in one piece by cutting and forming a metal strip. As shown on the figures 3 And 6 , each electrical connection terminal 114; 214 includes a cage 114a; 214a, generally forming a cylindrical sleeve, inside which extends a leaf spring 114b; 214b. A free end of the leaf spring 114b; 214b points to a contact zone formed by the interior face of a part of the wall cylindrical of the cage 114a; 214a while the other end of the leaf spring 114b; 214b is linked by an elbow, forming a pivot hinge, to another part 114c; 214c of the cylindrical wall of the cage 114; 214.

For its electrical connection to one of the electrical connection terminals 114; 214 housed in one of said housings of the base 112; 212, the stripped end of an electric wire (not shown) coming from the power supply network, is introduced via an opening provided at the bottom of the base 112; 212, inside cage 114; 214 of said terminal so that the stripped conductive core of said electric wire is trapped between the cylindrical wall of cage 114a; 214a and the free end of the leaf spring 114b; 214b ( figures 3 And 6 ). The leaf spring 114b; 214b is prestressed so that under the action of the electric wire introduced into said cage, it moves away from said contact zone and it exerts sufficient pressure on the bare metal core of said electric wire in order to establish good electrical contact between the electrical connection terminal and the metal core of the electrical wire while preventing the electrical wire from being manually pulled out of the cage in an unintentional manner (the jamming force exerted by the leaf spring must resist a force standard traction exerted on the electric wire).

To extract the electrical wires from the electrical connection terminals 114; 214, strollers 115 are provided, in a manner known per se; 215 (visible on the figures 1 to 6 ) maneuverable through openings in the base 112; 212 to push on a maneuvering part 114d; 214d of said leaf springs 114b; 214b of said electrical connection terminals 114; 214 in order to separate said leaf springs 114b; 214b electrical wires. These electrical wires free from the grip of the leaf springs 114b; 214b can be easily pulled out of the base 112; 212 of engine 110; 210.

Conventionally to define an electrical circuit, each command is associated with three electrical connection terminals 114; 214. Among the three electrical connection terminals, in the examples shown here, parts 114c; 214c of the cylindrical wall of the cages 114a; 214a of two electrical connection terminals 114; 214 are connected via conductive tabs 117; 217 to a fixed contact grain 116; 216.

As shown in the figures 3 And 6 , part 114c; 214c of the cylindrical wall of the cage 114a; 214a of the third electrical connection terminal 114; 214 is connected to a yoke 113; 213 fixed on which a brush 118 is pivotally mounted; 218 of which a slice is received in this screed 113; 213.

This screed 113; 213 is in the form of a metal profile whose section has an overall V shape. This profile extends substantially parallel to a PS support plane located at the rear of said base 112; 212. Its longitudinal axis defines a pivot axis A1, B1 for the blade 118; 218 ( figures 3 And 6 ).

The broom 118; 218 is in the form of an L-shaped metal plate, one branch of which is received by its edge in the yoke 113; 213 so as to establish electrical contact and the other branch carries at its free end a movable contact grain 119; 219.

Thanks to the movement of a coach 120; 220, the broom 118; 218 is pivoted around said pivot axis A1; B1 between two extreme positions, to put the contact grain 119 in contact or out of contact; 219 mobile carried by the broom 118; 218, with at least one fixed contact grain 116; 216 carried by one of the conductive tabs 117; 217 of said electrical connection terminals 114; 214.

In the embodiments shown on the figures 1 to 6 , each coach 120; 220 of engine 110; 210 is adapted to switch between two stable positions corresponding to two stable positions of each blade 118; 218.

But, according to another embodiment, not shown, it could be provided that each driver has a single stable position (for a push-push type switch), each tilting movement of the driver causing the brush to tilt between its two stable positions. It would be enough to provide inside the motor base an elastic element permanently acting on the trainer to return it to its stable position.

A trainer 120; 220 is in fact associated with a single control and therefore with a single electrical circuit.

On the example shown on the figures 4 to 6 , two drivers 220 of the motor 210, actuated by two control keys 250 cause the opening and closing of two electrical circuits, while in the example shown on the figures 1 to 5 , a single driver 120 of the motor 110, actuated by a single control key 150, causes the opening and closing of a single electrical circuit.

Each coach 120; 220 is here mounted movable to pivot around a tilting axis (not shown) relative to the base 112; 212 of engine 110; 210 in order to move the broom 118; 218 between two positions.

Each coach 120; 220 is adapted to move the brush 118; 218 enters a position allowing the contact grain 119 to be brought into contact; 219 mobile with a contact grain 116; 216 fixed and another position in which the contact grain 119; 219 mobile is brought into contact with another contact grain 116; 216 fixed.

Alternatively, the coach 120; 220 could be adapted to move the broom 118; 218 enters a position allowing the contact grain 119 to be brought into contact; 219 mobile with a contact grain 116; 216 fixed and another position in which the contact grain 119; 219 mobile is put out of contact with this contact grain 116; 216 fixed.

Each coach 120; 220 extends on either side of its tilting axis at the front of the base 112; 212.

Classically, as shown in the figures 1 , 3 , 4 And 6 , each coach 120; 220 comprises, at the front, an upper part 121; 221 and, at the rear, a tubular element 226 (shown only on the Figure 6 ).

The width of the upper part 121; 221 of coach 120; 220 depends on the type of control (single or double) of the electrical switch 100; 200.

Considering a standard width called “one module” in the case of a single-touch command ( figures 1 to 3 ), the driver 120 has a width equal to twice the standard width, or a width known as “two modules” (while moving a single blade 118).

In the case of a double-touch command ( figures 4 to 6 ), two coaches 220 are provided, each coach 220 having a width of one module (each coach 220 moves a broom 218).

As shown in the Figure 6 , the tubular element 226 extends rearward, orthogonal to a rear face of the upper part 121; 221 from each coach 120; 220.

The Coach 120; 220 is preferably made in one piece of molded plastic material.

The upper part 121; 221 from each coach 120; 220 is mounted at the front of the base 112; 212, thanks to pins (not visible) engaged in bearings (not shown) of the base 112; 212, so as to partially close the base 112; 212 at the front, the tubular element 226 of each driver 120; 220 extending inside said base 112; 212.

Also conventionally, elastic means for tilting each blade 118 are provided; 218. These elastic tilting means comprise a spring mounted in the tubular element 226 of each driver 120; 220, capable, after crossing a hard point, of requesting each brush 118; 218 in the direction of one or other of its extreme positions depending on the position of the coach 120; 220.

For this, each coach 120; 220 has at the free end of its tubular element 226 a fork shape intended to straddle a transverse part of the brush 118; 218 corresponding. The broom branch 118; 218 received in chapter 113; 213 present, on its edge opposite the edge in contact with the yoke 113; 213, a relief on which the dedicated spring is mounted.

In the case of a single touch command ( figure 1 to 3 ), the driver 120 has an asymmetrical shape with the presence of a single tubular element to the right of the housings 103 of the base 112 equipped with the three electrical connection terminals 114 but not at the level of the empty housings of the base 112.

The movement of the coach 120; 220 thus causes the movement of the spring, which causes the movement of the brush 118; 218 so as to allow rapid and precise tilting of the blade 118; 218 between the two extreme positions while avoiding the formation of electric arcs.

Advantageously here, the same base therefore has mounting means making it possible to accommodate a single driver in the case of a single control or two different coaches in the case of a double control. A single universal base can therefore be manufactured to adapt the motor to a single control or double control configuration of the electrical switch according to the invention.

The present invention relates more particularly to the arrangement of the hubcap 130; 230 of electrical switch 100; 200 which, advantageously, allows the trainer 120 to tilt; 220 of engine 110; 210 while guaranteeing the durable sealing of the electrical switch 100; 200.

The hubcap 130; 230 is represented more particularly on the figures 7 to 10 .

As shown on the figures 7 and 8 , more particularly, the hubcap 130; 230 comprises a rigid front wall 140 and a flexible sealing membrane 162.

The rigid front wall 140 has a shape adapted to the front opening of the housing 10 for surface mounting ( Figure 11 ) or the mounting frame 20 for flush-mounting ( Figure 12 ), so that it closes this front opening.

The rigid front wall 140 therefore forms a cover which closes the electrical switch 100 at the front; 200 by attaching to the housing 10 projection ( Figure 11 ) or the mounting frame 20 ( figure 12 ) by means of fixing elements (not shown) introduced through orifices 149 drilled at the corners of the rigid front wall 140.

The rigid front wall 140 is placed above each trainer 120; 220. It isolates the motor 110 from the outside; 210 equipped with its trainer(s) 120; 220, to protect it from dust or liquids which could damage it.

The rigid front wall 140 carries, on its front face, a series of bearings 147, 148 whose axes are aligned along the same central axis L, used for pivoting mounting of the control key(s) 150; 250 from hubcap 130; 230 (see figures 1 And 4 ).

More particularly, each control key 150; 250 includes journals 157; 257 to engage in the bearings 147, 148 for its assembly on the rigid front wall 140 of the hubcap 130; 230. Each control key 150; 250 is then able to tilt around the median axis L forming the tilting axis (visible on the figure 2 , 4 And 8 ) between two stable positions.

As shown in the figures 3 And 6 , when each control key 150; 250 is tilted into one or other of the stable positions, it extends in length generally along an axis X; X ₁ orthogonal to the median axis L and forming an angle of inclination α with the rigid front wall 140 of the hubcap 130; 230. In practice, this angle of inclination α is of the order of 5 degrees.

The width of each control key 150; 250 depends on the type of control (single or double) of the electrical switch 100; 200. In the case of a single touch command ( figures 1 to 3 ), the hubcap 130 includes a single control key 150 which has a width of two modules. It is associated with a driver 120 of the motor 110 which moves a single brush 118.

In the case of a double-touch command ( figures 4 to 6 ), the electrical switch 200 comprises two independent control keys 250, juxtaposed along the central axis L, each having a width of one module. Each control key 250 is associated with a driver 220 of the motor 210, and each driver 220 moves a brush 218.

Each control key 150; 250, actuated by a user, is adapted to act on each trainer 120; 220 through said rigid front wall 140 to make it switch between its two extreme positions in order to open or close the electrical motor contacts 110; 210.

For this, as shown in particular by Figure 7 , the rigid front wall 140 of the hubcap 130; 230 here includes two pairs A, B of windows 160.

The two pairs A, B of windows 160 are positioned along two parallel axes Z1, Z2 (see Figure 7 ) perpendicular to the median axis L. For each pair A, B, the windows 160 are positioned on one of the two axes Z1, Z2, on either side of said median axis L (see figures 7 and 8 ).

As shown in the figures 7, 8 And 9 , each window 160 has an elongated shape along one of the two axes Z1, Z2. Here, each window 160 is of elliptical shape but it could, alternatively, be of free form.

For a pair A, B of windows 160, the elongated parts of each window 160 are therefore aligned on the same axis Z1, Z2. In the example shown on the Figure 7 , the elongated parts of the windows 160 of pair A are aligned along axis Z1, while the elongated parts of windows 160 of pair B are aligned along axis Z2.

As shown on the figures 7 and 8 , each window 160 of a pair A, B of windows 160 is partially closed by a flexible slat 165. Each flexible slat 165 extends from one edge to another of each window 160, along the axis of alignment of the elongated parts of windows 160. According to the example shown in the Figure 7 , each flexible slat 165 of the pair A of windows 160 is aligned along the axis Z1, while each flexible slat 165 of the pair B of windows 160 is aligned along the axis Z2.

In order to guarantee the tightness of the electrical switch 100; 200, in each window 160, the open space available between the edges of the window 160 and the free edges of the flexible slat 165 is completely closed by the flexible sealing membrane 162.

So, as shown in Figure 7 , thanks to the flexible sealing membrane 162 and the flexible strip 165, each window 160 is completely closed to guarantee the tightness of the electrical switch 100; 200 by isolating the motor 110; 210 dust and liquids.

In each window 160, this flexible sealing membrane 162 is produced by overmolding a flexible material around the flexible strip 165.

As shown more particularly by the figures 1 , 4 And 9 , according to the embodiments shown, the rigid front wall 140 is made in several parts: it comprises a main plate 142 provided with two pairs of openings 145, respectively aligned along the two parallel axes Z1, Z2 (see figures 1 , 4 And 7 ) and plates 167 attached and fixed in these openings 145.

Each window 160 is formed on a plate 167 ( figures 1 , 4 And 9 ) attached to an opening 145 of the main plate 142 of the rigid front wall 140. The openings 145 are positioned on either side of the central axis L. The openings 145 have a rectangular shape and the plates 167 have a contour external adapted to the internal contour of said openings 145 so that they completely close the openings 145 in which they are attached.

Each plate 167 is fixed in each opening 145 by being fitted, welded or force-fitted into it.

Of course, according to a variant not shown, each window could be formed directly in the rigid front wall of the hubcap.

Thus, here, the flexible strips 165 and the plates 167 are made by molding, in a single piece of plastic material. This plastic material is for example polypropylene (PP) of the metalocene type, or polypropylene loaded with 10 or 15% glass fibers, or polyamide (of the PA66 ST801 or PA6 0865000000 type) or even polyamide loaded with 10 or 15 % in glass fibers.

In order to be able to be deformed without breaking, each flexible strip 165 has a thickness thinner than that of the corresponding plate 167, thus ensuring its flexibility.

According to the invention, each flexible strip 165 is adapted to deform to take two stable states: a rest state and a deformed state under the action of a pressure force exerted by the or one of the control keys 150; 250.

The deformation of each flexible strip 165 without damage to the electrical switch 100; 200 is possible because each flexible slat 165 has two ends connected to the edge of the window 160 associated by a junction forming a hinge 166. As shown in the figures 3 , 6 And 10 , this junction forming a hinge 166 is constituted by a thinning of material at the level of the connection between the ends of the flexible slat 165 and the edge of the window 160. The junction forming a hinge 166 makes it possible to guarantee bistability, in the two stable states introduced previously, of each flexible slat 165. In fact, it plays the role of a weak point to allow the material constituting the flexible slat 165 and the edge of the window 160 to pass from one stable state to another without deteriorating or becoming to break up.

As visible on the figures 3 , 6 And 10 , advantageously, each flexible strip 165 has a curved profile, in the shape of an arc of a circle, relative to a mean plane P. One of the two stable states, in this case the rest state, corresponds to the case where the flexible strip 165 extends above the mean plane P. The other stable state, here the deformed state, corresponds to the case where the flexible strip 165 extends below the mean plane P. This curved profile of each flexible strip 165 makes it possible to prestress said flexible strip 165 and subsequently facilitate its deformation.

The pressure force causing the deformation of one of the flexible slats 165 associated with a pair A, B of windows 160 is generated by pressing a user's finger on a control key 150; 250.

Indeed, as shown by the figures 3 And 6 , each control key 150; 250 includes a support wall 155; 255 of a user's finger. The support wall 155; 255 includes a rear face 159; 259 from which at least two studs 152 extend; 252. The plots 152; 252 are two by two aligned on the same longitudinal axis (not shown) orthogonal to the median axis L (forming the tilting axis of each control key 150; 250) and arranged on either side of the axis median L.

As can be seen on the figures 3 And 6 , the free end of each stud 152; 252 is narrower than the base of each stud 152; 252. The free end of each stud 152; 252 is rounded in shape. The plots 152; 252 are formed in one piece with the control key 150; 250 corresponding.

In the case of a single-touch electrical switch 100, the rear face 159 of the control button 150 comprises four pads 152, aligned two by two along two longitudinal parallel axes (not shown) perpendicular to the median axis L.

In the case of a double-key electrical switch 200, the rear face 259 of each control key 250 comprises a pair of two pads 152 aligned along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the median axis L.

When switching each control key 150; 250, pads 152; 252 are intended to rest on the flexible slats 165 of a pair A, B of windows 160 to deform them.

For this, in a preferential manner, as shown in the figures 3 And 6 , the height of each stud 152; 252 is determined so that the end of a pad 152; 252 is placed at a distance from the flexible strip 165 of a window 160 of the pair A, B extending below the mean plane P and that the end of the other stud 152; 252 rests on the flexible strip 165 of the other window 160 of the pair A, B extending above the mean plane P. Advantageously, the studs 152; 252 do not exert tension on the flexible strips 165, for example so as not to break the flexible sealing membrane 162, and therefore to guarantee the tightness of the electrical switch 100 over time; 200.

In the case of a single-touch electrical switch 100 ( figures 1 to 3 ), the studs 152 simultaneously deform the two flexible slats 165 of the two windows 160 arranged on the same side of the median axis L. The deformation of these two flexible slats 165 therefore does not take place independently. The two deformed flexible slats 165 are both in a deformed state while the two other flexible slats 165 of the two other windows 160 arranged on the other side of the central axis L are both in a rest state.

In the case of a double-touch electrical switch 200 ( figures 4 to 6 ), one of the pads 252 of a control key 250 deforms one of the flexible slats 165 of a window 160 of the associated pair A, B, while the other flexible slat 165 of the other window 160 of the couple A, B is not distorted. Considering a pair A, B, the states of the two flexible strips 165 of this pair are not independent (if one flexible strip is in a deformed state, the other is in a rest state). On the other hand, from one pair A, B to the other, the states of the flexible strips 165 are independent. As shown on the figures 3 And 6 , the support wall 155; 255 of each control key 150; 250 is bordered externally by a rim 158; 258 which extends towards the rear. We define two opposite regions of this rim 158; 258 positioned on the longitudinal axis carrying the studs 152; 252, near this axis. The height of the rim 158; 258 in these two opposite regions is determined so that, when the control key 150; 250 is in one of the two stable positions, the rim 158; 258 bears on the front face of the rigid front wall 140 of the hubcap 130; 230.

The ledge 158; 258 can present this height constantly all around the control key 150; 250 (and not only in the two opposite regions previously defined).

Advantageously, the flexible strips 165 deform to act on each driver 120; 220, located to the right of said flexible strips 165, in order to tilt it to allow the movement of the blade 118; 218.

For this, as shown by figures 1 , 3 , 4 And 6 , each coach 120; 220 comprises at least two projecting parts 122; 222 directed towards the front intended to allow its actuation. These projecting parts 122; 222 are aligned along a longitudinal axis (not shown) orthogonal to the median axis L. These projecting parts 122; 222 are arranged opposite the flexible slats 165 of a pair A, B of windows 160 so that when a flexible slat 165 is deformed, it acts on one of the projecting parts 122; 222 of coach 120; 220 corresponding. These projecting parts 122; 222 have a free end of rounded shape.

In the case of a single-touch electrical switch 100 ( figures 1 And 3 ), the upper part 121 of the single driver 120 comprises four projecting parts 122 arranged opposite the four flexible slats 165 of the windows 160 of the hubcap 130. They are aligned two by two along two longitudinal parallel axes (not shown) .

In the case of a double-touch electrical switch 200 ( figures 4 And 6 ), the upper part 221 of each driver 220 comprises a pair of projecting parts 122 aligned along a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the median axis L and arranged opposite the two flexible slats 165 of a pair A, B of windows 160 of the hubcap 230.

Preferably, the height of the projecting parts 122; 222 is determined so that the end of a projecting part 122; 222 is placed at a distance from the flexible slat 165 of the pair A, B of windows 160 extending above the mean plane P and that the end of the other projecting part 122; 222 rests on the flexible strip 165 extending below the mean plane P.

Also advantageously, the projecting parts 122: 222 do not exert tension on the flexible strips 165.

THE figures 3 And 6 represent a control key 150; 250 from hubcap 130; 230 of electrical switch 100; 200 in stable condition, tilted to the left side. This stable state corresponds to a stable state of the trainer 120; 220 of engine 110; 210, located to the right of the control key 150; 250 below the windows 160 of the rigid front wall 140 of the hubcap 130; 230.

In this stable state, the left end of said control key 150; 250 is brought as close as possible to the rigid front wall 140 of the hubcap 130; 230, said control key 150; 250 forming an angle α of the order of 5 degrees with the front face of the rigid front wall 140. The flexible slat 165 on the right of a pair A, B of windows 160 maintains the control key 150; 250 in its stable position tilted to the left side thanks to the support of the stud 152; 252 on the right on this flexible strip 165. Maintaining the flexible strip 165 on the right on the stud 152; 252 on the right also allows the left portion of the rim 158 to be supported; 258 of control key 150; 250 on the rigid front wall 140. The free end of the stud 152; 252 on the left is, as can be seen on the figures 3 And 6 , at a distance from the flexible slat 165 on the left of the corresponding pair A, B of windows 160 which is in its deformed state. This helps avoid observing a hyperstatic situation. All the elements of the electrical switch 100; 200 is in a stable configuration.

Symmetrically, when the control key is tilted to the right side (configuration not shown), the right end thereof is brought closer to the rigid front wall of the hubcap, said control key forming an angle of the order of 5 degrees with the front face of the rigid front wall. The left flexible strip maintains the control key in its stable position tilted to the right side thanks to the support of the left stud on this flexible strip. Maintaining the left flexible slat on the left stud also allows the right portion of the edge to be supported on the rigid front wall. The free end of the right stud is at a distance from the right flexible strip which is in its deformed state. This helps avoid observing a hyperstatic situation.

We then understand that pressing a user's finger on a control key 150; 250 causes the control key 150 to toggle; 250 around the median axis L, from a stable state, for example tilted to the left side, to another stable state, tilted to the right side, and the deformation of one or two flexible tongues 165 of a couple or two pairs A, B of windows 160 by the support of the stud(s) 152; 252 provided on the rear face of said key order 150; 250. This or these flexible tabs 165 cause, by deforming, the tilting of the driver 120; 220 including the projecting part(s) 122; 222 are located to the right of said flexible tab(s) 165, and, in doing so, the opening or closing of the electrical contacts of the motor 110; 210.

Thanks to the flexible tongues 165 which, through their deformation, cause the coach 120 to tilt; 220, the integrity of the flexible sealing membrane 162 closing said windows 160 of the rigid front wall 140 of the hubcap 130 is preserved; 230, because this membrane is not directly acted upon during the operation of the electrical switch 100; 200. The flexible sealing membrane 162 then plays its insulating role perfectly over time and follows the movement of the flexible tabs 165 which curve above and below the average plane P.

Advantageously, during the deformation of the flexible strips 165, the sealing of the electrical switch 100; 200 is guaranteed because the flexible sealing membrane 162 is sufficiently flexible to adapt to the deformations of the flexible strip 165.

Claims (17)

1. A trim (130; 230) of a sealed electrical switch (100; 200), this trim (130; 230) comprising a rigid front wall (140) and a flexible sealing membrane (162), said rigid front wall (140) comprising at least one pair (A, B) of windows (160), characterised in that each of the two windows (160) of said pair (A, B) is partially closed by a flexible strip (165) which is adapted to deform to take two stable states, namely a rest state and a deformed state under the action of a pressure force exerted on said flexible strip (165), said flexible sealing membrane (162) closing the open space existing between the edges of each window (160) and the edges of each flexible strip (165) so that each window (160) is completely closed.
2. The trim (130; 230) according to claim 1, wherein the two flexible strips (165) of a pair (A, B) of windows (160) extend along a same longitudinal axis (Z1, Z2).
3. The trim (130; 230) according to claims 1 and 2, wherein each flexible strip (165) has two ends that are connected to the edge of the window (160) via a hinge-forming joint (166).
4. The trim (130; 230) according to claim 3, wherein each flexible strip (165) is of one piece with a part of the rigid front wall (140), the hinge-forming joint (166) being formed by a thinning of material.
5. The trim (130; 230) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each flexible strip (165) has a curved profile relative to a mean plane (P) of each window (160), so that in one of the two stable states, each flexible strip (165) extends above said mean plane (P) and in the other of the two stable states, each flexible strip (165) extends below said mean plane (P).
6. The trim (130; 230) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flexible sealing membrane (162) is made by overmoulding a flexible material around each flexible strip (165).
7. The trim (130; 230) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one control button (150; 250) is provided, comprising, on the rear face (159; 259) of a bearing wall (155; 255) of a finger of a user, at least two studs (152) intended to bear on the at least two flexible strips (165) in order to deform them, the rigid front wall (140) carrying means for tilting the control button (150; 250) between two stable positions, each stable position corresponding to the rest state of one of the two flexible strips (165) of a pair (A, B) of windows (160) and to the deformed state of the other flexible strip (165) of said pair (A, B) of windows (160).
8. The trim (130; 230) according to claims 5 and 7, wherein the height of each stud (152) is determined so that the end of one stud (152) is placed at a distance from each flexible strip (165) extending below said mean plane (P) while the end of the other stud (152) rests on each flexible strip (165) extending above said mean plane (P).
9. The trim (130; 230) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, a pair of studs (152) of each control button (150; 250) being arranged on the same axis, the bearing wall (155; 255) of each control button (150; 250) is bordered on the outside by a rim (158; 258) extending rearwards which, in at least two opposite regions, on either side of the said studs (152) of the pair of studs, close to the said axis, has a height determined so that, in each stable state of the control button (150; 250), a part of the rim (158; 258) comes to bear against the rigid front wall (140) under the action of the flexible strip (165) extending above the mean plane (P).
10. The trim (130; 230) according to claim 9, wherein said rim (158; 258) presents a constant height over the entire periphery of each control button (150; 250).
11. The trim (130; 230) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the rigid front wall (140) is formed by assembling a main plate (142), comprising at least two openings (145) aligned along the same longitudinal axis (Z1, Z2), and at least two pads (167) housed in said openings (145), each pad (167) comprising one of said windows (160) partially closed by one of said flexible strips (165).
12. The trim (130; 230) of claim 11, wherein each pad (167) is welded to the main plate (142).
13. The trim (130; 230) according to claim 11, wherein each pad (167) is forcefully sleeved onto the main plate (142).
14. The trim (130; 230) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the flexible strips (165) and the edges of the windows (160) are made of a single part of plastic.
15. An electrical switch (100; 200) comprising a motor (110; 210) provided with a driver (120; 220) and a trim (130; 230) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, said driver (120; 220) comprising projecting parts (122; 222) positioned facing the flexible strips (165) of the trim (130; 230) and on the ends of which the flexible strips (165) come to bear in order to tilt the driver (120; 220) into two stable positions corresponding to the two stable positions of the control button (150; 250).
16. The electrical switch (100; 200) according to claim 15, wherein the motor (110; 210) comprises a base (112; 212) returned in arrangements of a casing (10) for the projecting mounting on a wall panel.
17. The electrical switch (100; 200) according to claim 15, wherein the motor (110; 210) includes a base (112; 212) fitted in arrangements of an installation frame (20) for mounting in an installation opening.

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