EP4078641A1

EP4078641A1 - Mechanism for an electrical switch, electrical assembly and electrical switch thereof

Info

Publication number: EP4078641A1
Application number: EP20815876.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Luc Chaumeny
Original assignee: Legrand SNC; Legrand France SA
Current assignee: Legrand SNC; Legrand France SA
Priority date: 2019-12-20
Filing date: 2020-12-03
Publication date: 2022-10-26
Also published as: CN114830279A; FR3105564B1; WO2021122040A1; FR3105564A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism (100) for an electrical switch, comprising: - a base (110), - a driver (126) mounted so as to tilt in the base (110; 210) between two positions for bringing a movable contact element (124A) into contact or out of contact with a fixed contact element (132), - a compressible element (150) which is movable between two configurations, including an inactive configuration wherein it is inactive relative to the driver (126), for leaving the driver (126) free to assume either of the two positions, and an active configuration wherein it is received between a bearing surface of the base (110) and the driver and forced against the driver (126), for returning the driver (126) to a stable position among the two positions, - a retaining element (160) for maintaining the compressible element (150) in the inactive configuration, the compressible element (150) being, in the active configuration, free from any cooperation with the retaining element (160) and movable along a movement axis (T1) between the bearing surface and the driver, and cooperating, in the inactive configuration, with the retaining element (160) so as to block said movement. According to the invention, the retaining element (160) is attached to the base (110).

Description

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

Description

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

It relates more particularly to a mechanism for an electrical switch comprising:

- a pedestal,

- a driver mounted tilting in the base between two positions to put in contact or out of contact a movable contact element with a fixed contact element,

- a compressible element movable between two configurations, including an inactive configuration in which it is inactive with respect to the trainer, to leave the trainer free to take one or the other of said two positions, and a configuration active in which it is received between a support surface of the base and the trainer and forced against the trainer, to recall the trainer to a stable position among said two positions,

a retaining element for maintaining the compressible element in said inactive configuration, said compressible element being, in said active configuration, free of any cooperation with the retaining element and movable along a displacement axis between said bearing surface and the driver, and cooperating, in said inactive configuration, with said retaining element so as to block this mobility.

Such a mechanism for an electrical switch is known, in particular from document FR3060197 belonging to the applicants. However, in this mechanism, the retaining element consists of a dedicated additional part which can move relative to the rest of the base. The presence of this additional part increases the complexity of the electrical switch, in particular in terms of manufacture and use, and also increases its size.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a new mechanism for an electrical switch of simplified structure and operation and having a reduced bulk.

More particularly, according to the invention, a mechanism is proposed as described in the introduction, in which said retaining element is fixed on the base. Thus, advantageously according to the invention, the retaining element consists of a fixed non-moving part. It is integrated into the base so as not to cause any increase in the overall size of the base.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the mechanism according to the invention, taken individually or in any technically possible combination, are as follows:

- the retaining element is formed with said base;

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

- the retaining element comprises a retaining surface of a wall of the base and the compressible element comprises a complementary gripping surface adapted to bear on the retaining surface of the wall of the base to block the compressible element in said inactive configuration;

- Said retaining element comprises a recess or a window in a wall of the base partially delimited by said retaining surface;

- Said compressible element comprises a compression spring and a cap housing this spring, said cap comprising said complementary hooking surface;

- Said complementary hooking surface belongs to at least one fixed pin which extends from a side wall of the cap, towards the outside thereof;

the cap performs a rotational movement to switch from one of said active and inactive configurations to the other configuration;

- Said complementary hooking surface belongs to a hooking tooth which extends from a clipping tab cut out in a side wall of said cap, towards the outside thereof;

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

- The compressible element is housed in a housing of the base located under said driver and delimited by a side wall which comprises said retaining element;

a front wall of the driver located above the compressible element comprises a through opening giving access to said compressible element from a front side of said mechanism for an electrical switch; the compressible element comprises a compression spring and a cap housing this compression spring and the cap performs a rotational movement to switch from one of said active and inactive configurations to the other configuration, a head of this cap being provided a slot for receiving one end of a tool and the through opening of the front wall of the driver having a shape adapted to limit a rotational movement of the end of the tool to a predetermined angle .

The invention also relates to an electrical switching assembly for an electrical switch, comprising a mechanism as described above and a control key associated with the driver of this mechanism.

The invention also relates to an electrical switch comprising such an electrical switching assembly and a housing or a recessing frame at least partially accommodating said mechanism.

Finally, the invention relates to a sealed electrical switch, in which there is provided a cover which seals off the casing or the mounting frame housing the mechanism as described above, each control button belonging to said cover.

The description which will follow with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented.

In the accompanying drawings:

- Figure 1 is a schematic front perspective view of a first embodiment of a double mechanism for an electrical switch according to the invention,

- figure 2 is a schematic exploded front perspective view of the double mechanism for an electric switch of figure 1, in which the coaches are omitted,

- Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the double mechanism of Figure 1,

- Figure 4 is a schematic profile view of the double mechanism of Figure 1 during a first step of implementing a mechanism to switch from rocker operation to push button operation,

- Figure 5 is a schematic view similar to that of Figure 4, during a second step of implementing a mechanism to switch from rocker operation to push button operation, - Figure 6 is a schematic view similar to that of Figure 4, during a third step of implementing a mechanism to switch from rocker operation to push button operation,

- Figure 7 is a schematic view similar to that of Figure 4, during a fourth step of implementing a mechanism to switch from rocker operation to push button operation,

- Figure 8 is a schematic profile view of Figure 1 with a mechanism arranged to operate as a rocker and a mechanism designed to operate as a push button,

- Figure 9 is a schematic sectional view along the plane A-A of Figure 8,

- Figure 10 is a schematic sectional view along the plane B-B of Figure 8,

- Figure 11 is a schematic front perspective view of the double mechanism of Figure 1 mounted in a housing intended to be disposed projecting on a mounting wall,

- Figure 12 is a schematic front perspective view of a second embodiment of the double mechanism for an electric switch according to the invention,

- Figure 13 is a schematic exploded front perspective view of the double mechanism of Figure 12, in which the coaches are omitted,

- Figure 14 is a schematic profile view of the double mechanism of Figure 12 with a mechanism designed to operate as a rocker and a mechanism designed to operate as a push button,

- Figure 15 is a schematic sectional view along the plane C-C of Figure 14,

- Figure 16 is a schematic sectional view along the plane D-D of Figure 14.

As a preliminary, it will be noted that, from one figure to another, the identical or similar elements of the different embodiments of the invention will be referenced by the same reference signs and will not be described each time.

In the description, the terms “front” and “rear” will be used with respect to the direction of the user's gaze towards the wall wall on which the electrical switch comprising the mechanism according to the invention is attached. So when the power switch will be installed in a room, the front will designate the side facing the inside of the room and the rear will designate the side facing away, towards the outside of the room, that is ie towards the inside of the wall wall. The front side is also the one facing the user. There is shown in Figures 1 to 16 two possible embodiments of a double mechanism 100; 200 for an electrical switch according to the invention.

The double mechanism has two mechanisms 100; 200 according to the invention.

Each mechanism according to the invention can be of any type, actuated externally by a control key (not shown). It can be a switch or a two-way switch.

The electrical switch shown here comprises a housing 20 (FIG. 11) which houses the mechanism 100; 200. This housing 20 is intended to be attached to a wall wall, in a projecting mounting. As a variant, the electrical switch can also include a recessing frame intended to be attached to an electrical box embedded in the wall wall. It also includes a control key (not shown) adapted to actuate a trainer 126; 226 (Figures 1, 2 and 14-16) of the mechanism 100; 200.

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

In addition, advantageously, the electrical switch shown in the figures is a sealed switch in which there is provided a cover (not shown) to which each control button belongs and which tightly closes the housing 20 or the mounting frame accommodating each. mechanism 100; 200.

Remarkably, here, it is provided with a single base 110; 210 (Figures 1, 9, 10, 12, 15 and 16) for two mechanisms 100; 200. This base 110; 210 houses all the electrical connection terminals 130; 230 and receives the two coaches 126; 226 (Figures 2, 9, 13, 15) of the two mechanisms 100; 200.

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

The base 110; 210 forms an insulating envelope, made for example of molded plastic.

This base 110; 210 has a generally parallelepipedal shape with a front wall 111A; 211A and a rear wall 111B; 211B opposite. The front and rear walls are connected by side walls 111C, 111D; 211C, 211D (Figures 2 and 13). The base 110; 210 is here formed by the assembly of two parts: a front part 110A; 210A and a rear part 110B; 210B (Figures 2 and 13).

The rear part 110B; 210B of the base 110; 210 has several internal walls 112; 212 (Figures 2 and 13) which rise from the rear wall 111B; 211B towards the front wall 111A; 211A and delimit housings isolated from each other and adapted to receive the electrical connection terminals 130; 230 (figures 1 and 12).

Advantageously, the base 110; 210 here comprises six housings, isolated from each other, to accommodate three or six electrical connection terminals depending on whether it is a single mechanism or a double mechanism. The base 110; 210 is therefore advantageously the same whether the electrical switch comprises a control key or two control keys.

Here, the mechanism 100; 200 is equipped with six electrical connection terminals 130; 230, three electrical connection terminals forming a first electrical circuit of a mechanism and three other electrical connection terminals forming a second electrical circuit of another mechanism, independent of the first electrical circuit (Figures 2 and 13).

The front part 110A; 210A of the base 110; 210 closes the rear part 110B at the front; 210B so as to retain the electrically conductive parts housed in the base 110; 210, in particular the electrical connection terminals 130; 230 to be connected to the local electrical network.

The front part 110A; 210A of the base 110; 210 further comprises at least one access conduit 114; 214 (Figures 1, 2, 3 and 13) which allows access to one of said electrical connection terminals 130; 230 housed in the base 110; 210. The front part 110A; 210A of the base preferably comprises one or two access conduits giving access to each connection terminal 130; 230 housed in the base 110; 210.

Each access conduit 114; 214 is delimited by an internal face which opens onto an orifice in the front face of the front wall 111A; 211A of the base 110; 210. Each access conduit 114; 214 is adapted to the passage of a stripped end of an electric wire for its electrical connection with the electrical connection terminal 130; 230 corresponding.

The base 110; 210 further comprises here at its four corners mounting elements (Figures 1, 2, 3, 12 and 13) for its mounting in the housing 20 projecting (reported in turn on the wall). Preferably, these mounting elements allow mounting of the base 110, 210 in the housing 20 in at least two orientations perpendicular to each other.

When mounted in the housing 20, the base 110; 210 is intended to rest on a support plane PS (Figure 1) located at the rear of said base.

These mounting elements are here in the form of mounting brackets 113; 213 extending laterally, to the four corners of the pedestal 110; 210 (figure 3). They extend more precisely in a plane parallel to said support plane PS (Figures 1 and 12). This support plan PS is generally parallel to the front walls 111A; 211A and rear 111B; 211B of the base 110; 210.

Here, the four mounting brackets 113; 213 have a central symmetry with respect to a center of the base 110; 210. They extend in a diagonal direction of the base 110; 210 and are equidistant from each other. Each mounting tab 113; 213 includes a hole for a fixing screw (Figures 1 and 12).

Each mounting tab 113; 213 is adapted to be placed against the front end of a receiving barrel 21 rising from a bottom wall of the housing 20 so as to make the orifice of each mounting tab 113 coincide; 213 with a central orifice of the corresponding receiving barrel 21 (FIG. 11). Each mounting tab 113; 213 is then fixed to the corresponding receiving barrel 21 by screwing each fixing screw.

The ends of the receiving barrels 21 of the housing 20 here materialize the support plane PS defined above (FIG. 11).

As a variant, the mounting elements may comprise an apparatus support in the form of a frame surrounding the base. This equipment support can be made integral with the base or be a separate part of the base on which the base is attached. The equipment support and the base in this case comprise reciprocal assembly means.

As a further variant, the base comprises, for example, resilient latching tabs intended to cooperate by latching with complementary parts of the housing or of the mounting frame.

The electrical connection terminals 130; 230 are for example automatic connection terminals.

As shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 13, each electrical connection terminal 130; 230 is produced by cutting and forming a metal strip. Each electrical connection terminal 130; 230 has a cage 130A; 230A, against which extends a leaf spring 130B; 230B.

Each cage 130A; 230A conductive here presents two flat areas interconnected by a bridge. An opening made in this bridge allows the passage of the stripped end of an electric wire. A free end of the leaf spring 130B; 230B points to a contact zone formed by the inner face of a part of the cage 130A; 230A while the other end of the leaf spring 130B; 230B is pressed against the cage 130A; 230A by side folds 130C; 230C of this cage (Figures 2 and 13). For its electrical connection to one of the electrical connection terminals 130; 230, the stripped end of an electric wire (not shown) coming from the power supply network, is introduced, via the access conduit 114; 214 provided in the front part 110A; 210A of the base 110; 210 of mechanism 100; 200, in cage 130A; 230A of said terminal, so that the conductive stripped core of said electric wire is wedged between the inner face of said cage 130A; 230A and the free end of said leaf spring 130B; 230B.

The leaf spring 130B; 230B 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 stripped 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 unintentionally (the wedging force exerted by the leaf spring must resist a force normalized traction exerted on the electric wire).

To extract the electric wires from the electric connection terminals 130; 230, it is provided, in a manner known per se, strollers (not shown) maneuverable through openings 131; 231 (Figures 1, 2, 3 and 13) formed in the front part 110A; 210A of the base 110; 210 of mechanism 100; 200 to push on an operating part of said leaf springs 130B; 230B of said electrical connection terminals 130; 230 in order to separate said leaf springs 130B; 230B of the electric wires. These electric wires free from the grip of the leaf springs 130B; 230B can be easily pulled out of mechanism 100; 200.

In a conventional manner to define an electrical circuit, each control key is associated, via each driver 126; 226, with three electrical connection terminals 130; 230. Among the three electrical connection terminals, in the examples shown here, two electrical connection terminals 130; 230 include a fixed contact element.

More precisely, here, the cage 130A; 230A of two electrical connection terminals 130; 230 is extended by an end part provided with a fixed contact grain 132; 232 (figures 2 and 13).

The third electrical connection terminal 130; 230 is for its part connected, by a conductive plate, to a yoke 123; 223 fixed on which is pivotally mounted a movable part, called brush 124; 224, received in this cope 123; 223 (figures 2, 9, 10 and 13, 15, 16).

This screed 123; 223 is in the form of a profile whose section has a V shape. This profile extends substantially parallel to the support plane PS (Figures 1, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16) located at the rear of said base 110; 210. Its longitudinal axis defines a pivot axis Al; B1 for broom 124; 224 (figures 1, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16).

Each broom 124; 224 is in the form of an L-shaped plate, one branch of which is received by its edge in the yoke 123; 223 so as to establish electrical contact and the other branch carries at its free end a movable contact grain 124A; 224A (Figures 2 and 13).

Thanks to the displacement of each trainer 126; 226, each brush 124; 224 is adapted to pivot about said pivot axis A1; B1 between two extreme positions, to bring into contact or out of contact a movable contact element, here in the form of the movable contact grain 124A; 224A carried by the broom 124; 224, with at least one fixed contact grain 132; 232 carried by one of said fixed contact elements of said electrical connection terminals 130; 230 (figures 9, 10, 15, 16).

Each coach 126; 226 is associated with a single control, therefore with a single electrical circuit.

Each coach 126; 226 is here mounted so as to pivot about a tilting axis on the base 110; 210 in order to move the brush 124; 224 corresponding between its two extreme positions.

It is for example mounted to tilt by means of two journals formed on the driver 126; 226 and respectively engaged in two orifices 126A; 226A corresponding formed in the base 110; 210 so as to define a tilting axis A2; B2 for coach 126; 226 (figures 2 and 13). This tilt axis A2; B2 is substantially parallel to the pivot axis Al; B1 of the broom 124; 224 partner.

Here, each coach 126; 226 is adapted to move the brush 124; 224 corresponding between a first extreme position making it possible to bring the movable contact grain 124A into contact; 224A with a contact grain 132; 232 fixed and another extreme position in which the contact grain 124A; Mobile 224A is brought into contact with another contact grain 132; 232 sets.

As a variant, each driver could be adapted to move the corresponding brush between a position making it possible to bring the mobile contact grain into contact with a fixed contact grain and another position in which the mobile contact grain is put out of contact with this grain. fixed contact.

Each coach 126; 226 is an insulating part, made for example of plastic material by molding. Each coach 126; 226 includes a front wall 128; 228 which extends on either side of its tilting axis A2; B2 at the front of the base 110; 210. It is extended towards the rear by a tubular element 127; 227 (figures 9, 10, 15 and 16).

The width of the front wall 128; 228 of each trainer 126; 226 has here a standard width called “a module”.

As a variant, the driver may have a width equal to twice the standard width, or a width known as “two modules”.

The tubular element 127; 227 is integral with the trainer 126; 226 (here integrated with the trainer 126; 226) and extends backwards from the trainer 126; 226, at the level of the tilting axis, perpendicular to the latter, and through an opening made for this purpose in the front part 110A; 210A of the base 110; 210, between the internal walls 112; 212 of the rear part 110B; 210B of the base 110; 210 (figures 9, 10, 15 and 16).

It is also provided, in a conventional manner, resilient tilting means 129; 229 (Figures 2, 9, 10 and 13, 15, 16) of each brush 124; 224. These elastic tilting means 129; 229 conventionally include a spring mounted in tubular member 127; 227 associated with the broom 124; 224 and capable, after crossing a hard point, to urge the brush 124; 224 in the direction of one or the other of its extreme positions as a function of the position of the coach 126; 226.

For this, the branch of each broom 124; 224 received in cope 123; 223 present, on its edge opposite the edge in contact with the yoke 123; 223, a relief 125; 225 on which the spring forming the elastic tilting means 129; 229 is mounted (Figures 2 and 13). The movement of each trainer 126; 226 drives the movement of the spring, which drives the movement of the brush 124; 224 correspondent.

Thus, by operating a key (not shown) integral with each driver 126; 226, the user controls the tilting of each trainer 126; 226 towards one of its positions, which causes the tilting of the elastic tilting means 129; 229, and therefore of the broom 124; 224 associated, so as to put in contact or out of contact the movable contact element 124A; 224A with the fixed contact element 132; 232. The two positions of each trainer 126; 226 correspond to the two extreme positions of the brush 124; 224.

The movement of each trainer 126; 226 thus drives the movement of the spring, which drives the movement of the brush 124; 224 so as to allow rapid and precise tilting of the brush 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 trainer in the case of a single control or two different trainers in the case of a double control. A single universal base can therefore be manufactured to adapt to a single control or double control configuration of the electrical switch according to the invention.

The base 110; 210 shape, for each mechanism 100; 200, a well 115; 215 for receiving a compressible element 150; 250 (figures 2, 13). This well 115; 215 is here delimited at least partially by a cylindrical wall. It forms a housing to accommodate said compressible element 150; 250 which is located under the front wall 128; 228 of trainer 126; 226, that is to say at the rear of it.

The compressible element 150; 250 here includes a spring 152; 252 and a cap 154; 254 slidably mounted relative to the well 115; 215 along the axis of compression of the spring 152; 252 (figures 2 and 13).

The cap 154; 254 has a body 154A; 254A, cylindrical in shape and a head 155; 255. The body 154A; 254A of the cap 154; 254 is here mainly formed by a cylindrical side wall. The end of the body 154A; 254A opposite the head 155; 255 is open. The body 154A; 254A is hollow, so as to be able to accommodate the spring 152; 252. The latter is received in compression between a bearing surface of the base 110; 210, here the bottom of well 115; 215 of the base 110; 210, and the head 155; 255 of the cap 154; 254.

The compressible element 150; 250 of each mechanism 100; 200 is mobile between two configurations, including an inactive configuration in which it is inactive with respect to the trainer 126; 226, to leave coach 126; 226 free to take either of said two positions of this driver (Figures 9 and 16), and an active configuration in which it is received between the bearing surface of the base 110; 210 and trainer 126; 226, and coerced against coach 126; 226, to recall trainer 126; 226 to a stable position among said two positions of the driver (Figures 10 and 15).

Each mechanism 100; 200 further includes a retainer 160; 260 to hold the compressible element 150; 250 in said inactive configuration.

Thus, in said active configuration, said compressible element 150; 250 is free of any cooperation with the retainer 160; 260 and movable along a displacement axis Tl; T2 (Figures 2 and 13) extending between said bearing surface and the driver 126; 226 (Figs. 10 and 15), while, in said inactive configuration, it cooperates with said retainer 160; 260 so as to block this movement (Figure 9 and 16). The axis of displacement Tl; T2 is confused here with the longitudinal axis of the well 115; 215 which houses the compressible element 150; 250 and extends along the longitudinal axis of the cap 154; 254 and spring 152; 252.

During the movement of the compressible element 150; 250, the cap 154; 254 is moved in translation along this axis of movement T1; T2.

Remarkably, the retainer 160; 260 is fixed on the base 110; 210. It is not mobile on the base 110; 210: no part of the retaining element is adapted to move relative to the rest of the base 110; 210.

Preferably, the retainer 160; 260 has just been formed with said base 110; 210.

This is for example a rigid non-deformable element of the base 110; 210. It is integrated into the base 110; 210 so as not to cause any increase in the dimensions of the base.

More specifically, the retainer 160; 260 has a retaining surface 160A; 260A of a wall of the base 110; 210 and the compressible element 150; 250 has a complementary gripping surface 150A; 250A adapted to rest on the retaining surface 160A; 260A of the wall of the base 110, 210 to block the compressible element 150; 250 in said inactive configuration (Figures 2-10, 13, 15 and 16).

In the first and second embodiments shown in Figures 1-11 and 12-16, the retainer 160; 260 comprises at least one window formed in the base 110; 210. It is more precisely a window formed in the cylindrical wall delimiting the well 115; 215 for receiving the compressible element 150; 250. This window is partially delimited by said retaining surface 160A; 260A. It is disposed on the side of the bottom of the receiving well 115, that is to say at the rear of the well (FIGS. 2-10, 13, 15 and 16).

In the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 11, the cap 154 of the compressible element 150 exhibits a complex rotational and translational movement to go from the active configuration to the inactive configuration and vice versa.

The complementary gripping surface 150A of the compressible element 150 is located for example on two pins 151 which extend radially from the outer face of the cylindrical side wall forming the body 154A of the cap 154. Each pin 151 s' extends near the free end of this cylindrical side wall opposite the head 155 (Figures 2-10, 13, 15 and 16). Each pin 151 is fixed and rigid, non-deformable. Two diametrically opposed pawns 151 are provided here. These two pins 151 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cap 154. A part of the complementary attachment surface 150A is located on each pin 151. The retaining element 160 then also comprises two windows opposite and symmetrical with respect to the axis of displacement Tl of the compressible element 150. Each pin 151 cooperates with one of these two windows. Each window includes a portion of the retaining surface 160A.

The cylindrical wall delimiting the receiving well 115 further comprises, in correspondence with each pin 151 of the cap 154, a longitudinal slot F which opens onto said window. Each slot F extends parallel to the axis of movement T1 of the compressible element 150. It accommodates the corresponding pin 151 of the cap 154 during its translational movement to pass from the active configuration to the inactive configuration and vice versa.

Thus, in the inactive configuration, each pin 151 of the compressible element 150 cooperates with an edge of the window comprising the retaining surface 160A to limit the translation of the cap 154 towards the front. The spring 152 remains compressed between the bottom of the receiving well 115 and the head 155 of the cap 154.

The complementary gripping surface 150A of the pins 151 and the retaining surface 160A of the retaining element 160 each comprise at least one part which extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement T1. Thus, by the action of the spring 152, the complementary gripping surface 150A of the pins 151 is pressed against the retaining surface 160A of the windows forming the retaining element 160.

The compressible element 150 is then retained behind the driver 126, in the well 115, by the cooperation of the complementary gripping surface 150A of the pins 151 and of the retaining surface 160A (FIG. 9).

In this inactive configuration, the body 154A of the cap 154 is housed in the well 115. Only the head 155 of the cap 154 is disposed above the well 115. Each pin 151 is housed in the corresponding window of the retaining element 160. The head 155 of the cap 154 is located at a distance from the rear face of the front wall 128 of the driver 126, whatever the position of the latter. The compressible element is thus free from any cooperation with the trainer 126.

Here, the cylindrical wall of the well 115 further comprises a rib 167, which protrudes from the retaining surface 160A, into the window forming the retaining member 160 (Figures 1, 5 and 8).

Each pin 151 then comprises a complementary groove 157 extending from the complementary gripping surface, adapted to receive the rib 167 (FIGS. 1, 5 and 8).

Here the rib 167 is located near the slot F, on the front part of the contour of the window between the retaining surface and the slot F. The whole of the rib 167 and the complementary groove 157 form lateral locking means of the compressible element 150. Indeed, the cooperation of the rib 167 and the complementary groove 157 prevents any rotational movement of the cap 154 in the well 115 when the compressible element 150 is in its inactive configuration (figure 4)

As a variant, it is obviously conceivable that the rib is carried by the pin and that the groove is carried by the cylindrical wall of the well.

The dimension of the window along the axis of movement T1 is large enough that the pin 151 can be moved back into the window, towards the rear, so as to disengage the cooperation of the rib 167 and the groove 157. Furthermore, the width of the slot F allows the passage of the pin 151 (Figure 5).

A rotational movement of the cap 154 makes it possible to bring each pin 151 in the axis of the corresponding slot F (FIG. 6). The pin 151 is then free to slide in the slot F. The spring 152 relaxes and presses the head 155 of the cap 154 against the rear face of the front wall 128 of the driver 126 (FIG. 7).

The slots F guide the translational movement of the cap 154 of the compressible element 150 along the axis of movement T1. The compressible element 150 is then in its active configuration (FIG. 10).

Preferably, the front wall 128 of the driver 126 located at the front of the compressible element 150, that is to say above the compressible element 150 when the latter is placed on a horizontal support. , comprises a through opening 170 providing access to said compressible member 150 from a front side of said switch mechanism 100 (FIG. 3).

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

Preferably, the shape of the through opening 170 (FIG. 3) is adapted to guide the rotation of the screwdriver over 45 °. The passage of the compressible element 150 from one configuration to the other is then carried out by a quarter turn.

An embodiment has been described here in which two diametrically opposed pins are provided. These two pins ensure satisfactory robustness of the cap 154 and avoid the clamping of the cap 154 in the well 115 when the spring 152 is in compression. As a variant, it is possible to envisage a similar embodiment in which the cap has only one pin.

In the second embodiment of Figures 12 to 16, the complementary hooking surface 250A of the compressible element 250 belongs to a hooking tooth 251 which extends from a clipping tab 256 cut in said wall. cylindrical side forming the body 250A of said cap 254, towards the outside thereof (FIG. 13).

This hooking tooth 251 is located at the rear of the cap 254. The corresponding window in the cylindrical wall delimiting the well 215 is located near the bottom of the well 215 (FIG. 12).

Thus, in the inactive configuration, a front face of the hooking tooth 251 of the cap 254 of the compressible element 250, which forms said complementary hooking surface 250A, cooperates with the edge of this window to limit the translation of the cap. 254 forward. The spring 252 is compressed between the bottom of the receiving well 215 and the head 255 of the cap 254.

The complementary gripping surface 250A of the gripping tooth 251 and the retaining surface 260A extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement T1. Thus, the complementary gripping surface 250A of the gripping tooth 251 is pressed against the retaining surface 260A of the window forming the retaining element 260 by the action of the spring 252.

The compressible element 250 is retained behind the driver 226, in the receiving well 215 by the cooperation of the complementary gripping surface 250A of the gripping tooth 251 and the retaining surface 260A (FIG. 16). It is clipped onto the window forming the retaining element 260.

The head 255 of the cap 254 is then free of any cooperation with the driver 226 (FIG. 16).

Using the tip of a tool, such as a screwdriver, it is possible to press the clip 256 through the window in the cylindrical wall of the well 215 forming the retainer 260. This doing so, the clipping tab 256 bends towards the inside of the cap 254 so as to release the hooking tooth 251 from its cooperation with the window formed in the cylindrical wall of the well 215.

The spring 252 then relaxes and pushes the cap 254 back towards the driver 226. The head 255 of the cap 254 is pressed against the rear face of the front wall 228 of the driver 226 and recalls the driver to a single position. among the two possible positions for the trainer 226. The compressible element 250 is then in its active configuration (FIG. 15). As a variant, the retaining element may include a recess in this cylindrical wall partially delimited by said retaining surface.

In practice, when using the mechanism 100; 200 according to the invention, the user can change the compressible element from its active configuration to its inactive configuration and vice versa, in a simple and rapid manner, which allows a change from a reciprocating operation to a rocker. to push-button operation and vice versa.

When the compressible element 150; 250 is in its inactive position, it is compressed so that the body 154A; 254A of its cap 154; 254 is housed in well 115; 215. Head 155; 255 of the cap 154; 254 stays away from trainer 126; 226. Coach 126; 226 is then free to take either of its two positions. The switch provided with the mechanism 100; 200 then operates back and forth toggle. In the inactive configuration of the compressible element, the two positions of the driver 126; 226 are stable positions.

When the compressible element 150; 250 is released from its cooperation with the retainer 160; 260, spring 152; 252 can then expand until the head 155; 255 of the cap 154; 254 comes into contact with the rear face of the front wall 128; 228 of trainer 126; 226.

In this active configuration, it constantly recalls trainer 126; 226 towards one of its two positions. Coach 126; 226 can then take the other position only temporarily, when the user exerts on the control key a sufficient force to compress the spring 152; 252 and tilt the trainer 126; 226. The switch provided with the mechanism 100; 200 then operates as a push button.

In the active configuration of the compressible element 150; 250, only the position to which the coach 126 is recalled; 226 is a stable position.

The stiffness characteristics of the compressible element 150; 250, that is to say here precisely those of the spring 152; 252, are such that compressible element 150; 250 (here the head 155; 255) then exerts, via the cap 154; 254, sufficient force on the trainer 126; 226 to maintain it in only one of its two positions, except when a user exercises on the trainer 126; 226 a force opposite to that generated by the compressible element 150; 250.

Spring 152; 252 is for example here a coil spring with an internal diameter of 2.1 millimeter (mm), an external diameter of 3 mm and a height of 13 mm. It is obtained for example with a wire 0.45 mm in diameter, with a total number of turns equal to 13.

In the case of the first embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, to change the switch provided with the mechanism 100 from a toggle reciprocating operation to a push-button operation, the user performs the following steps. These are visible on the left part of the mechanism of Figures 4 to 7. The right part of the mechanism of these figures here remains in use in rocking reciprocation.

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

Upon actuation of the key of the corresponding switch, this key communicates a rocking movement to the driver 126. This rocking movement causes, as previously described, the movement of the brush 124 of the corresponding mechanism 100 between a first contact position wherein the movable contact kernel is in contact with the fixed contact kernel of one of the fixed electrical connection terminals and a second contact position in which the movable contact kernel is in contact with the fixed contact kernel of the 'other fixed electrical connection terminal.

To switch to push-button type use, the user inserts the tip of a screwdriver 1 into the through opening 170 made in the front wall 128 of the driver, and inserts this tip into the slot 155A of the head 155 of the cap 154. Thanks to this screwdriver tip, the user pushes the compressible element towards the bottom of the well 115. The cap of the compressible element 150 performs a translational movement from the front to the rear, until that the free edge of the cap 154 reaches the bottom of the well 115 (Figure 5).

Then, the user rotates the cap 154 by performing a screwing or unscrewing movement using the screwdriver (Figure 6) through the through opening 170.

When the user releases the pressure exerted on the screwdriver to keep the spring 152 of the compressible element 150 compressed, each pin 151 of the compressible element 150 slides in the corresponding slot F. The cap 154 is pushed back towards the driver 126. The head 155 comes into contact with the driver 126. The action of the compressible element 150 on the driver 126 constantly pushes the driver 126 back into one. of its two positions as long as the compressible element is in the active configuration.

Consequently, when the control key is actuated, the driver 126 only switches to the other position for the time that the user remains on the control key. The movable contact grain is also tilted against the fixed contact grain corresponding to this other position of the trainer while the user acts on the control key. The spring 152 of the compressible element 150 then pushes the driver again towards the return position (FIG. 7). To return to reciprocating operation, the user inserts the tip of the screwdriver 1 through the through opening 170 made in the front wall 128 of the driver, in the slot 155A of the head 155 of the cap. 154. Thanks to this screwdriver tip, the user pushes the compressible element towards the bottom of the well 115. The cap of the compressible element 150 performs a translational movement from the front to the rear, until that the free edge of the cap 154 reaches the bottom of the well 115 (Figure 5). The pawn 151 slides in the slot F.

Then, the user rotates the cap 154 by performing an unscrewing or screwing movement using the screwdriver (Figure 6) through the through opening 170.

When the user releases the pressure exerted on the screwdriver to keep the spring 152 of the compressible element 150 compressed, each pin 151 of the compressible element 150 slides in the corresponding window and the complementary gripping surface of the pins is s' press against the retaining surface 160 of the base. The compressible element 150 is kept compressed in its inactive position.

In the case of the second embodiment, to change the switch from a two-way rocker operation to a push button operation, the user performs the following steps.

The user presses the clip 256 of the cap 254 with the tip of a tool, for example a screwdriver, through the window forming the retaining element 260 of the cylindrical wall delimiting the well 215 of the base 210.

This clipping tab 256 flexes and releases the compressible element from its cooperation with the retaining element of the base.

The spring 252 relaxes, and the cap 254 is pushed back towards the driver 226. The head 255 comes into contact with the driver 226. The action of the compressible element 250 on the driver 226 constantly pushes back the driver. driver 226 in one of its two positions as long as the compressible element is in the active configuration, as described with reference to the first embodiment.

To return to reciprocating operation, the user inserts the tip of a screwdriver 1 through the through opening 270 (Figures 15, 16) made in the front wall 228 of the driver, and presses on the head 255 of the compressible element to depress the compressible element 250 towards the bottom of the well 215. The cap 254 of the compressible element 250 performs a translational movement from the front to the rear, until that the free edge of the cap 254 reaches the bottom of the well 215. The clipping tab 256 engages on the retaining surface of the window provided for this purpose in the cylindrical wall of the well 255. The surface complementary hook of the ratchet tooth 251 comes to rest against the retaining surface of the base. The compressible element 250 is kept compressed in its inactive position.

Thanks to the invention, a switch is provided which can easily switch from rocker operation to push-button operation, without an additional part being necessary, and without certain parts of the switch being separated from it ( which implies a risk of loss) and in a particularly compact manner.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the various figures, but those skilled in the art will know how to make any variant in accordance with their spirit.

Claims

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

- a base (110; 210),

- a driver (126; 226) mounted to tilt in the base (110; 210) between two positions to bring into contact or out of contact a movable contact element (124A; 224A) with a fixed contact element (132; 232),

- a compressible element (150; 250) movable between two configurations, including an inactive configuration in which it is inactive vis-à-vis the driver (126; 226), to leave the driver (126; 226) free to take either of said two positions, and an active configuration in which it is received between a bearing surface of the base (110; 210) and the driver (126; 226) and constrained against the driver ( 126; 226), to recall the driver (126; 226) to a stable position among said two positions,

- a retaining element (160; 260) for maintaining the compressible element (150; 250) in said inactive configuration, said compressible element (150; 250) being, in said active configuration, free of any cooperation with the element of retained (160; 260) and movable along a displacement axis (T1, T2) between said bearing surface and the driver (126; 226), and cooperating, in said inactive configuration, with said retaining element (160; 260) so as to block this mobility, characterized in that said retaining element (160; 260) is fixed on the base (110; 210).

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

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

4. Mechanism (100; 200) according to 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 gripping surface (150A; 250A) adapted to bear on the retaining surface of the wall of the base (110; 210) to block the compressible element (150 ; 250) in said inactive configuration.

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

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

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

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

9. Mechanism (200) according to claim 6, wherein said complementary hooking surface (250A) belongs to a hooking tooth (251) which extends from a clipping tab (256) cut in a side wall of said cap (254), towards the outside thereof.

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

11. Mechanism (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressible element (150; 250) is housed in a housing of the base (110; 210) located under said driver (126; 226) and delimited by a side wall which includes said retainer (160; 260).

12. Mechanism (100; 200) according to the preceding claim, wherein a front wall

(128; 228) of the driver (126; 226) located above the compressible member (150; 250) includes a through opening (170; 270) providing access to said compressible member (150; 250) from one side front of said electric switch mechanism.

13. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the compressible element (150) comprises a compression spring (152) and a cap (154) housing this compression spring (152) and the cap (154) performs a rotational movement to pass from one of said active and inactive configurations to the other configuration, a head (155) of this cap being provided with a slot (155A) for accommodating one end of a tool and the The through opening (170) of the front wall (128) of the driver (126) has a shape adapted to limit a rotational movement of the end of the tool to a predetermined angle.

14. Electrical switching assembly for an electrical switch, comprising a mechanism (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims and a control key associated with the driver of this mechanism.

15. An electrical switch comprising an electrical switching assembly according to the preceding claim and a housing or a recessing frame at least partially housing said mechanism (100; 200).

16. Electrical switch according to claim 15, this electrical switch being sealed, in which there is provided a cover which sealingly closes the casing or the mounting frame housing the mechanism (100; 200) according to one of claims 1. to 13, each control key belonging to said hubcap.