EP4085498A1

EP4085498A1 - Connection module and modular group for electrical and/or home automation systems

Info

Publication number: EP4085498A1
Application number: EP20841782.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Massimo Castiglioni; Marco Marinoni; Roberto BRAGHINI
Original assignee: BTicino SpA
Current assignee: BTicino SpA
Priority date: 2019-12-30
Filing date: 2020-12-28
Publication date: 2022-11-09
Also published as: WO2021137130A1; IT201900025705A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular group for electrical and/or home automation systems, comprising: a support frame (2) with one or more engagement seats (7); a connection module (10b) fixed in a first seat of said one or more engagement seats (7); at least one of:. at least one actuator module (10a) fixed in at least one corresponding second seat of said one or more engagement seats (7) laterally adjacent to said first seat, the actuator module (10a) being laterally provided with at least one actuator module (15) first electrical contact element in electrical connection with at least one first electrical contact element (15) provided laterally on or in said connection module (10b);. a power supply and/or data connection bus (203) operatively connected to said connection module (10b) through at least one further first electrical contact element (37) provided on or in said connection module (10b). The invention further relates to the connection module (10b).

Description

"Connection module and modular group for electrical and/or home automation systems"

Applicant: Bticino S.p.A.

Inventors: Massimo Castiglioni, Marco Marinoni, Roberto Braghini

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of modular devices usually intended for wall mounting and, more specifically, it is directed to a connection module and modular group for electrical and/or home automation systems.

[0002] For the purposes of the present description, a modular electronic device for electrical and/or home automation systems generally means any means or electrical or electronic device generally belonging to electrical and/or home automation installations in civil buildings and similar and usually intended for mounting, e.g. built- in, to walls of such buildings alongside other modular electrical or electronic devices. The aforesaid definition includes, for example, switches, commutators and data and electrical sockets.

[0003] As is known, the aforesaid modular electronic devices are usually installed in the wall forming composite mounting structures, or groups of parts, generally including:

- a plurality of modular electronic devices;

- a box intended to be built into the wall; - a support frame fixable to the box, directly or by means of adapters, which are referred to as "mudrings" and adapted to support the plurality of modular electrical devices arranged mutually side-by-side; and

- a cover plate fixable to the support frame and adapted to conceal the support frame from sight.

[0004] The aforesaid groups of parts are often indicated with the expression "light points" or "control points". [0005] In the light points indicated above, some types of modular electronic devices, such as, for example, switches or switching devices, comprise an electronic control circuit, or at least an electronic component therein, which requires a power supply and/or a data signal for the operation thereof.

[0006] As for the power supply, the known modular electronic devices generally have connection terminals, which allow the device to be connected to the household power supply by means of electrical wires and they also have load connection terminals, which allow the modular device to be connected, by means of electrical wires, to a load apparatus to be controlled, for example, to a lighting assembly or apparatus, for example, comprising one or more lamps. If the modular devices have a circuit or an electronic component on board, which requires a power supply signal for operation, such power supply signal is generally taken inside the modular electronic device starting from the alternating voltage of the household power supply. Therefore, electrical devices and components, such as rectifiers, regulators, converters, etc. are generally required inside the modular electronic devices.

[0007] One drawback of the modular electronic devices of the known prior art described above is represented by the fact that the taking of the required power supply directly inside the single modular electronic devices starting from the alternating voltage of the power supply makes such devices costly and cumbersome.

[0008] Furthermore, it is particularly complex and burdensome to provide the single modular electronic devices with the option of receiving and/or transmitting a data signal for connecting such devices to a home automation or data network, as the single modular electronic devices must be individually wired to the home automation or data network.

[0009] Again, there are single devices, which are lit to be identified in the absence of lighting or in conditions of scarce lighting of an area. However, this increases energy consumption and creates a visual disturbance when scarce lighting is desired, instead, for example, in a cinema.

[0010] The present invention proposes to offer a solution, which is capable of overcoming, or at least partially reducing the drawbacks of the modular electronic devices mentioned above with reference to the known prior art. [0011] This and other objects are achieved by means of a modular electronic device for electrical and/or home automation systems as defined in the appended claim 1 in the more general form thereof, and in the dependent claims in some particular embodiments.

[0012] The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example, and therefore in no restrictive manner, in relation to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

- Fig.l shows an axonometric view of a control group comprising a support frame, a connection module and a plurality of actuator modules fixed to the support frame;

- Fig.2 shows a front elevation plane view of the control group in figure 1;

- Fig.3 shows an axonometric view of the control group in figure 1 from which an actuator module has been removed;

- Fig.4 shows an exploded axonometric view of a box built into a wall and the control group in figure 1 from which two actuator modules have been removed;

-Fig. 5 shows an exploded axonometric view of a light point comprising a cover plate, the control group in figure 1 from which two actuator modules have been removed and further comprising a plurality of user interface modules fixable to the cover plate;

-Fig. 6 shows an axonometric view of the cover plate in figure 5 to which the user interface modules shown in figure 5 are fixed;

-Fig. 7 shows an exploded axonometric view of one of the actuator modules in figure 1;

-Fig. 8 shows an exploded axonometric view of the connection module in figure 1;

-Fig. 9 shows an exploded axonometric view of the cover plate in figure 5, comprising a plate-like base body and a shared power supply and/or data bus;

-Fig. 10 shows an axonometric view of the plate-like base body and the shared bus in figure 9; -Fig. 11 shows a plane view of a rear face of an interface module in figure 5;

-Fig. 12 shows an exploded perspective view of the central interface module in Fig. 6.

[0013] In the accompanying drawings, equal or similar elements will be indicated with the same reference numerals.

[0014] As mentioned above, for the purposes of the present description, the expression "modular electronic device" generally means any means or modular electronic device generally belonging to electrical and/or home automation installations in civil buildings and similar and usually intended for mounting, e.g. built-in, on walls of such buildings alongside other modular electronic or electrical devices.

[0015] Thus, this definition includes, without limitation, switches, data or mains sockets, switching devices, electrical adjustment devices in general, thermostats, timers, buzzers, emergency lamps, e.g. removable lamps, displays.

[0016] Fig.l shows a control group for electrical and/or home automation systems, which is globally indicated with reference numeral 1.

[0017] The control group 1 comprises a support frame 2 (preferably single) intended to be fixed, in the example, by means of a pair of screws, which can be inserted into respective through holes 3, to an installation wall or to an electrical box 4, which can be built into the wall, shown only in figure 4. The control group 1 further comprises one or more actuator modules 10a adapted and configured to be fixed to the support frame 2. The control group 1 preferably comprises at least one connection module 10b adapted and configured to be fixed to the support frame

2.

[0018] Preferably, the support frame 2 has a frame-shaped base body, comprising four frame sides in twos parallel and opposite, which are preferably made of an electrically insulating material, e.g. hard plastic. Two of the above opposite frame sides are provided with snap fixing elements 5. Such snap fixing elements 5 comprise, for example, a plurality of coupling seats and allow a plurality of actuator modules 10a provided with conjugated snap fixing elements 6 to be fixed to the support frame 2. Said conjugated snap fixing elements 6 comprise, for example, coupling teeth for each actuator module 10a adapted to be engaged in the respective aforesaid coupling seats. As an alternative to the snap fixing elements 5,6, it is generally possible to comprise removable fixing means, which allow the actuator modules 10a to be removably coupled to the support frame 2.

[0019] The support frame 2 comprises a mounting window 7 in which one or more actuator modules 10a can be fixed. Preferably, the actuator modules 10a are fixable to the support frame 2 by means of the aforesaid conjugated snap fixing elements 6. One or more engagement seats for the actuator modules 10a are defined inside the mounting window 7.

[0020] Note that there is no limit to the number and type of actuator modules 10a, which can be fixed to the support frame 2, except for possible limits imposed by the modularity of the support frame 2. Such modularity can be obtained in an SD direction as in the figures or also additionally in the direction perpendicular thereto (although examples in such sense are not shown).

[0021] The support frame 2 comprises fixing elements to allow a cover plate 200 to be fixed to the support frame 2. For example, the fixing elements comprise a plurality of fixing channels or seats 8, preferably defined in the frame-shaped base body.

[0022] Preferably, one or more user interface modules 100a or one or more cover modules 100b can be mechanically coupled to the cover plate 200.

[0023] Preferably, the combination and/or association of at least one user interface module 100a with a respective actuator module 10a forms a modular electronic device 10a,100a for electrical and/or home automation systems. In particular, as will be explained in greater detail below, the user interface modules 100a allow a user to control an actuator module 10a operatively associated therewith. [0024] However, it should be noted that the teachings of the present description are not limited to composite modular electrical devices resulting from the combination of an actuator module 10a with a separate and operatively associated user interface module 100a, since they also apply to modular devices, which are not split into two separate or separable modules, provided that these devices require a power supply and/or data signal for the normal operation thereof. For example, the teachings of the present invention could also be applied to a push-button switch, as described in patent application W02017141089 A1 if, for example, such switch is provided with a push-button backlighting device (e.g. a LED), requiring a power supply signal for the operation thereof.

[0025] According to an embodiment, preferably, the control group 1 further comprises a connection module 10b adapted and configured to be fixed in an engagement seat defined in the support frame 7 and to supply at least one actuator module 10a with a power supply and/or data signal. Thus, note that in the particular example shown in the figures, the support frame 2 can house, in the engagement seats thereof, up to three modules, including two actuator modules 10a and a connection module 10b. Clearly, by increasing or decreasing the transversal dimensions of the mounting window 7 of the support frame 2, it is possible to increase the number of engagement seats in order to house a greater or smaller number of modules 10a, 10b. [0026] Purely by way of example and without thereby introducing any limit, a cover module 100b has been included for the cover plate 200 in the fixing seat corresponding to, i.e. arranged in front of, the connection module 10b. Preferably, a cover module 100b is a mechanical module exclusively having, or almost exclusively having, the aesthetic function of occupying a fixing seat of the cover plate 200, which is free and which is, for example, available to allow a user interface module 100a to be housed, for example, on the occasion of a future expansion of an electrical and/or home automation system or a variation in the configuration thereof.

[0027] Therefore, with reference to figure 5, it is clear from what has been presented thus far that a light point 50 comprises a support frame 2 (and possibly the box 4, which can be built into the wall), at least one actuator module 10a, a connection module 10b, a cover plate 200, at least one user interface module 100a and, optionally, a cover module 100b.

[0028] The actuator module 10a comprises a housing 11a,14a comprising the fixing elements 6 adapted and configured to fix the actuator module 10a to the support frame 2, which can be installed in the wall, so that the actuator module 10a is arranged on the, or in the support frame 2, in a first engagement seat.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the housing 11a, 14a is a support structure made of an electrically insulating material, e.g. a plastic material, such as ABS, for example, or polycarbonate, preferably having, and without limitation, approximately the shape of a parallelepiped. Preferably, the fixing elements 6 are arranged on two opposite side walls of the housing 11a,14a.

[0030] In the particular example shown in the figures, the housing 11a,14a comprises a main tubular portion 11a and a bottom portion 14a, which is removably coupled to the tubular portion 11a, e.g. coupled by means of snap coupling elements. In an alternative embodiment, the main tubular portion 11a and the bottom portion 14a could be obtained in a single piece. In any case, the main tubular portion 11a bears a tubular side wall 21a and the bottom portion 14a bears a bottom wall 24a.

[0031] The actuator module 10a further comprises a circuit or an electronic component 12a,13a, which is housed in the housing 11a,14a and adapted and configured to receive a power supply and/or data signal. In the particular example shown, without thereby introducing any limitation, the circuit or electronic component 12a,13a comprises a first printed circuit board 12a and a second printed circuit board 13a, which are mutually electrically connected, for example, by means of conjugated connectors 22,23, preferably multipolar connectors. In the example, each of the printed circuit boards 12a,13a comprises a plurality of electronic components. The circuit or electronic component 12a,13a depends on the specific function performed by the actuator module 10a (in general, varying and/or regulating the state of an electrical circuit, which is preferably external to the actuator module). In general, it comprises at least one circuit actuation device 25. Circuit actuation device 25 is to be understood as a device adapted to be controlled or actuated for varying and/or regulating the state of an electrical circuit, e.g. the state of an electrical load circuit, which is operatively connectable to the actuator module 10a. Varying and/or regulating the state of an electrical circuit, means, for example, establishing and/or interrupting at least one electrical contact or varying an operating parameter of an electrical circuit, e.g. the resistance or the capacity, e.g. for controlling an electrical load circuit operatively connected to the actuator module 10a. For example, if the actuator module 10a is a switch adapted to establish and interrupt at least one electrical connection between an alternating current power supply and a load circuit (represented by the electrical and/or home automation apparatus controlled by the actuator module), the circuit actuation device 25 comprises one or more electronically controlled switches, e.g. transistors or relays. If, on the other hand, the actuator module 10a is a dimmer, the aforesaid circuit actuation device 25 comprises at least one electronically controllable variable resistor. According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator module 10a comprises an electronic control unit 35, such as, for example, a microprocessor or a microcontroller, which is operatively connected to the circuit actuation device 25 to pilot it.

[0032] The actuator module 10a further comprises at least one wiring terminal Tl, T2, which is adapted and configured to operatively connect the actuator module 10a to the electrical and/or home automation apparatus, which is operatively connected thereto. In the particular example shown, the actuator module 10a comprises two bipolar wiring terminals T1,T2, one of which allows the actuator module 10a to be electrically connected to an alternating current electricity distribution network by means of electric wires, while the other allows the actuator module 10a to be electrically connected to the electrical and/or home automation apparatus, which is operatively associated therewith. For example, the aforesaid wiring terminals Tl, T2 comprise screw clamps or quick spring wiring clamps. [0033] The actuator module 10a comprises at least one first electrical contact element 15 adapted to receive a power supply and/or data signal. Note that for the purposes of the present description, the expression "receiving a signal" can also be interpreted in the broader sense of "transmitting a signal" or "providing a signal". [0034] According to an aspect of the invention, the first electrical contact element 15 is adapted and configured to interfere on abutment (direct physical contact) with a first conjugated electrical contact element 15 of a connection module 10b, or a further actuator module 10a, fixable to the support frame 2 in a second engagement seat, immediately adjacent to the aforesaid first engagement seat. Advantageously, in this way, for example, inside a light point 50 or a control group 1, an actuator module 10a receives a power supply and/or a data signal from an actuator module 10a or from an adjacent connection module 10b. For example, with reference to figure 2, by virtue of the provision of the electrical contact elements 15 the connection module 10b installed in the left side engagement seat provides a power supply and/or data signal to the actuator module 10a, which is adjacent thereto, installed in the central engagement seat, which, in turn, provides the power supply and/or data signal to the actuator module 10a, which is adjacent thereto, installed in the right side engagement seat. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the aforesaid power supply and/or data signal is a very low voltage signal, e.g. a SELV signal (Safety Extra Low Voltage).

[0035] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuator module 10a comprises a second electrical contact element 15 adapted and configured to interfere on abutment with a second conjugated electrical contact element 15 of a connection module 10b, or a further actuator module 10a, fixable to the support frame 2 in a third engagement seat, immediately adjacent to the aforesaid first engagement seat and arranged on the opposite side with respect to the second engagement seat. Conveniently, the second electrical contact element 15 is electrically connected to the first electrical contact element 15, e.g. the first and the second electrical contact elements 15 are mutually short-circuited.

[0036] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first electrical contact element 15 is an elastic element. In this way, it is possible to ensure a stable electrical contact between two adjacent actuator modules 10a or between an actuator module 10a and a connection module 10b adjacent thereto. Preferably, the first electrical contact element 15 forms, or comprises, an elastically deformable flap.

[0037] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first electrical contact element 15 projects outside the tubular side wall 21a. If there are comprised both the first and the second electrical contact elements 15, such electrical contact elements 15 both project, at least in part, outside the tubular side wall 21a, on opposite sides to each other.

[0038] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuator module 10a comprises an electrically conductive bridge 16, which electrically connects the first and the second electrical contact elements 15. Advantageously, the first and the second electrical contact elements 15 are arranged at opposite end portions of the electrically conductive bridge 16. [0039] Conveniently, the electrically conductive bridge 16 is made of a metal sheet, e.g. a sheet of sheared and bent steel. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first electrical contact element 15, the second electrical contact element 15 and the electrically conductive bridge 16, define an interconnection element, which is C shaped, or substantially C shaped and preferably made in a single piece.

[0040] Preferably, the housing 11a,14a comprises a front side opposite to the bottom wall 24a and the electrically conductive bridge 16 crosses the front side of the housing 11a,14a.

[0041] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuator module 10a comprises a front cover 18a of the housing 11a, 14, which is such as to constrain the electrically conductive bridge 16 to the housing 11a,14a. The front cover 18a is removably fixed, for example, to the housing 11a, 14a, e.g. by means of elastic fixing elements 19, e.g. elastic teeth 19, which are adapted to be snap engaged with respective engagement seats 29 comprised in the housing 11a, 14a, preferably on the tubular side wall 21a.

[0042] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the electrically conductive bridge 16 is therefore interposed and tightened between the front cover 18a and the housing 11a,14a. In the particular example shown in the figures, the electrically conductive bridge 16 is interposed between the printed circuit board 12a and the front cover 18a. In this way, the electrically conductive bridge 16 electrically contacts one or more electrical contact elements 36, preferably elastic contact elements, comprised on the printed circuit board 12a, providing the same with a power supply signal and/or data signal.

[0043] Note that in the particular example shown, the actuator module 10a comprises two electrically conductive interconnection bridge elements 15,16 each of which bears a pair of electrical contact elements 15 and an electrically conductive bridge 16 interposed therebetween. [0044] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuator module 10a comprises a plurality of electrical contact elements 15, which allow the actuator module 10a to receive a power supply and/or data signal. According to a preferred embodiment, the same electrical contact elements 15 allow the actuator module 10a to receive both a power supply signal and a data signal, or a signal, which is a power supply signal and a data signal at the same time. For example, two electrical contact elements 15 are sufficient to allow an actuator module 10a to receive a power supply and a data signal according to the Modbus protocol.

[0045] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuator module 10a comprises at least one optical signaling device 32. The actuator module 10a is adapted and configured to pilot the optical signaling device 32 for signaling a correct reception of the power supply and/or data signal. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the aforesaid actuator module is adapted and configured to switch on the aforesaid optical signaling device 32 for a limited period of time starting from when it starts to receive the power supply and/or data signal from an actuator module 10a or a connection module 10b adjacent thereto. Preferably, such limited period of time has a duration comprised in the range 0.3-2s, e.g. equal to Is or 0.5s. In this way, an installer can easily detect, in the installation step, whether an actuator module 10a is working properly and is electrically connected correctly to an actuator module 10a, or to a connection module 10b, adjacent thereto. According to an advantageous embodiment, the optical signaling device 32 is operatively connected to the electronic control group 35 to be piloted by the latter, for example, for switching on and off.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the optical signaling device 32 comprises a LED. In the particular embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the actuator module 10a comprises two LEDs 32, which are, for example, mounted to the printed circuit board 12 and which are preferably two surface mounting LEDs, i.e. two SMT LEDs. [0047] According to an embodiment, the front cover 18a of the housing 11a, 14a comprises a window 33, which allows visibility from outside the optical signaling device 32. In the particular example shown in the accompanying figures, the front cover 18a comprises two through openings 33 each of which allows visibility of the outside of a respective LED 32. For example, the through openings 33 overlap the LEDs 32 or they are crossed by the LEDs 32. [0048] According to an advantageous embodiment, when the actuator module 10a is installed in a light point 50 having a cover plate 200, the optical signaling device 32 is covered by the cover plate 200 so as not to be visible from outside the light point 50. In other words, the cover plate 200 serves as a screen covering the optical signal, for example, which is bright and visible, emitted by the optical signaling device 32.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuator module 10a comprises at least one manual control device 38, which is adapted and configured to provide the actuator module 10a with a manual control signal 38. The aforesaid manual control device 38 comprises, for example, a button, which is operatively connected to a switch, in particular to a microswitch. The aforesaid manual control device 8 allows a user to locally and directly control the actuator module 10a. In the particular embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the manual control device 38 comprises two buttons fixed to the first circuit board 12a. [0050] Figure 4 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a connection module 10b. Parts of the connection module 10b, which are very similar or identical to corresponding parts of the actuator module 10a are indicated in the figures with the same reference symbols. For the sake of brevity, in the following description of the connection module 10b the description of elements, which are very similar or identical to corresponding elements, which have already been described for the actuator module 10a will be omitted. The connection module 10b is so called because it allows an actuator module 10a to be connected to a power supply and/or data network.

[0051] In the example, the connection module 10b comprises a housing lib, 14b, preferably having, and without limitation, a main portion lib and a side cover 14b, which is removably associable with the main portion lib, for example, by means of snap fixing elements. The housing lib,14b comprises a tubular side wall 21b and a bottom wall 24b.

[0052] The connection module 10a further comprises a circuit or an electronic component 12b,13b housed in the housing lib, 14b and adapted and configured to supply an outputted power supply and/or data signal. in the particular example shown, without thereby introducing any limit, the circuit or electronic component 12b,13b comprises a first printed circuit board 12b and a second printed circuit board 13b, which are mutually electrically connected, e.g. by means of conjugated connectors 22,23. In the example, each of the printed circuit boards 12b,13b comprises a plurality of electronic components.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection module 10b comprises a connection terminal T3 through which the connection module 10b can receive a power supply and/or data signal on input. For example, said signal is both a power supply signal and a data signal, e.g. according to the Modbus protocol.

[0054] The connection module 10b comprises at least one first electrical contact element 15, which allows an adjacent actuator module 10a to be supplied with the power supply and/or data signal. In the particular example shown, the connection module 10b comprises at least one interconnection bridge element 15,16, which is identical, or similar to the one previously described for the actuator module 10a. In the particular example shown, the connection module 10b comprises two interconnection bridge elements 15,16. [0055] The at least one interconnection bridge element 15,16 electrically contacts one or more electrical contact elements 36, preferably elastic contact elements, which are comprised on the printed circuit board 12b, so as to be supplied with an outputted power supply and/or data signal provided by the connection module 10b.

[0056] Preferably, the housing lib,14b of the connection module 10b comprises a front side opposite to the bottom wall 24b and the electrically conductive bridge 16 crosses the front side of the housing lib,14b.

[0057] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuator module 10b comprises a front cover 18b of the housing lib, 14b, which is such as to constrain the electrically conductive bridge 16 to the housing lib,14b. The front cover 18b is removably fixed, for example, to the housing lib, 14b, for example, by means of elastic fixing elements 19, e.g. elastic teeth 19, which are adapted to be snap engaged with respective engagement seats 29 comprised in the housing lib, 14b, preferably on the tubular side wall 21b of the same.

[0058] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the electrically conductive bridge 16 is therefore interposed and tightened between the front cover 18b and the housing lib, 14b. In the particular example shown in the figures, the electrically conductive bridge 16 is interposed and tightened between the printed circuit board 12b and the front cover 18b. In this way, the electrically conductive bridge 16 electrically contacts one or more electrical contact elements 36, preferably elastic contact elements, comprised on the printed circuit board 12b, providing the same with a power supply and/or data signal.

[0059] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the connection module lib comprises further electrical contact elements 37, 37' (for supplying the power supply and/or data signal, directly or indirectly, to one or more user interface modules 100a. Conveniently, the aforesaid further electrical contact elements 37 are spring contact elements.

[0060] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the further electrical contact elements 37 allow the connection module 10b to be operatively connected to a shared power supply and/or data bus 203 of the light point 50, in particular of the cover plate 200, to which the user interface modules 100a can also be connected. [0061] In the particular example shown in the figures, the further electrical contact elements 37,37' are contact elements, which are accessible through the front cover 18b of the housing lib,14b. In particular, the further electrical contact elements 37,37' are accessible from, or through, respective through openings 34 defined in the front cover 18b. Preferably, the latter is made of an electrically insulating material, e.g. plastic.

[0062] By virtue of the provision of the aforesaid further electrical contact elements 37, 37' the connection module

10b can be operatively connected to one or more user interface modules 100a.

[0063] If the signal provided by the connection module 10b to the interface modules 100a is a data signal (or a power supply and data signal) it is possible to operatively connect one or more user interface modules 100a to respective actuator modules 10a. In this way, it is possible to control an actuator module 10a by means of a respective user interface module 100a. If the data communication protocol is a protocol based on a routing, as happens, for example, in the Modbus protocol, advantageously, it is then possible to release the position of the user interface modules 100a from the position of the actuator modules 10a. For example, the interface module 100a further to the right in figure 5 could control the actuator module 10a, which, in figure 2, occupies the central engagement seat of the support frame 2. Indeed, it is possible, again by means of routing, to operatively associate, with an actuator module 10a installed in a light point, an interface module 100a installed in another light point, in this case the communication between the two light points can be ensured by comprising a connection module 10b in each light point, so that the two connection modules are operatively connected to each other, both being connected, for example, to a home automation network. Furthermore, advantageously, it is possible to release the modularity of the cover plate 200 from the modularity of the support frame 2. For example, the support frame 2 could have a modularity equal to X wherein it is a whole positive number (in the example in the figures X=3) and the cover plate could have a modularity greater than X (e.g. equal to X+l or X+2), because it could also house interface modules 100a, which control actuator modules 10a installed in a different light point. Furthermore, a connection module 10b can be operatively connected to a control device, which is different from an actuator module 10a, e.g. to a remote control device installed in an electrical control panel of the electrical and/or home automation system.

[0064] Note that the aforesaid data signal can also allow a two-directional communication between a user interface module 100b and an associated actuator module 10a.

[0065] According to a general embodiment, the connection module 10b for electrical and/or home automation systems is fixable in the engagement seat 7 defined in a support frame 2 and comprises a housing with a first and a second side wall, as well as a front wall between said first and second side walls (front wall, which can also consist of an element locked between the two side walls), and power supply and/or data transmission T3 means. In addition to this, the connection module 10b further comprises one or more of at least one first electrical contact element 15 and at least one further first electrical contact element 37 (or with other names, one or more of at least one electrical contact element 15 of one type and at least one electrical contact element 37 of a further type, the two types preferably being different).

[0066] The first electrical contact element 15 is positioned on at least one of said first and a second side walls. It is configured and adapted to receive and/or supply a power supply and/or data signal from or to said power supply or data transmission T3 means, and it is also configured and adapted to supply and/or receive a power supply and/or data signal to or from at least one actuator module 10a, which can be installed in said support frame 2 and which is laterally connectable to the connection module 10b, through at least one first actuator module contact 15 corresponding to said first electrical contact element 15. [0067] The at least one further first electrical contact element 37 is positioned on said front wall, and adapted to receive and/or provide a power supply and/or data signal from or to the supply or data transmission T3 means; furthermore, it is configured and adapted to provide and/or receive a signal on or from a data connection or supply bus 203, operatively connectable to the connection module 10b through the further first electrical contact element 37.

[0068] According to an aspect of the present description, the connection module 10b comprises at least one first electrical contact element 15 and at least one further first electrical contact element 37, the at least one further first electrical contact element 37 being configured and adapted to receive, from said bus 203, an electrical or data signal and provide it to the at least one actuator module 10a.

[0069] According to an aspect of the present description, at least one first electrical contact element 15 and at least one second electrical contact element 15 are comprised in the connection module 10b, on opposite side walls. Preferably, the at least one first electrical contact element 15 and the at least one second electrical contact element 15 form at least one corresponding first pair of electrical contacts, which are electrically connected to each other by a bridge connection 16.

[0070] According to an aspect of the present description, a first and a second pair of electrical contacts 15, which are electrically connected to each other by a bridge connection 16, are provided in the connection module 10b, as can be seen in Figure 8.

[0071] According to an aspect of the present description, at least one further first electrical contact element 37 and at least one further second electrical contact element 37 are comprised in the connection module 10b, as is clear again from Figure 8.

[0072] According to an aspect of the present description, the at least one further first electrical contact element 37 and the at least one further second electrical contact element 37 are short-circuited (not shown) with the at least one first pair of electrical contact elements and with the at least one second pair of electrical contacts, respectively.

[0073] Advantageously, according to the present description, at least one further third electrical contact element 37' is present, configured and adapted to provide an additional voltage, preferably of 5V for the bus or for one or more microcontrollers.

[0074] According to an aspect of the present description, said first, second and third further electrical contact elements 37, 37' are provided on or in said front wall in an asymmetrical geometric configuration and thus the bus 203 in Fig. 10 shows corresponding areas 231, which are also asymmetrical, so that whatever the orientation of the connection module 10b, the contacts 37 are connectable to the bus by rotating it.

[0075] According to an aspect of the present description, the connection module 10b is operatively associated with one or more user interface modules 100b, which can be installed on or in said support frame 2 (Fig. 5 and 11).

[0076] According to an aspect of the present description, a modular electronic unit for electrical and/or home automation systems is provided, comprising the above-defined elements, particularly the support frame 2 with one or more engagement seats 7, the connection module 10b fixed in a first seat of the one or more engagement seats 7 and at least one from:

— at least one actuator module 10a fixed in at least one corresponding second seat of said one or more engagement seats 7, which is laterally adjacent to said first seat, the actuator module 10a being laterally provided with at least one actuator module first electrical contact element 15 in electrical connection with at least one first electrical contact element 15 provided laterally on, or in said connection module 10b, as defined above;

— a power supply and/or data connection bus 203 operatively connected to said connection module 10b through at least one further first electrical contact element 37 provided on, or in said connection module 10b, as defined above.

[0077] According to an aspect of the present description, the bus 203 is fixed, or integrated in a front plate installed on, or in said support frame 2, as in Figs. 5 and 10.

[0078] According to an aspect of the present description, said at least one actuator module 10a is configured to connect and power and/or electrically control one or more load devices.

[0079] According to an aspect of the present description, there is comprised at least one further actuator module 10a, fixed in at least one corresponding third seat of said one or more engagement seats 7 laterally adjacent to said second seat, the at least one further actuator module 10a being in lateral contact (in the flanking direction SD, for example) with the at least one actuator module 10a by corresponding actuator module contacts 15, as in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0080] According to an aspect of the present description, the connection module 10b and/or said actuator modules 10a are operatively associated with one or more user interface modules 100b or 100a installable on or in said support frame 2 for providing a power supply and/or electrical control signal to one or more load devices through (the T3 means in) said connection module 10b and/or through (the Tl, T2 means in) said actuator modules 10a. [0081] Thereby, the single connection module 10b can receive and/or provide voltage, data, controls directly or through the actuator modules 10a, being, for example, the only one wired in a home automation network, while the actuator modules are simply connected to the connection module 10b.

[0082] A particularly advantageous non-limiting embodiment of a cover plate 200 will now be described with reference to figures 5, 9 and 10.

[0083] The cover plate 200 comprises a plate-shaped base body 201 preferably made of an electrically insulating material. Preferably, the aforesaid plate-shaped base body

201 comprises first mechanical coupling elements 215, for example, coupling teeth, which are adapted and configured to removably couple a plurality of interface user modules 100a to the cover plate 200. The fist mechanical coupling elements 215 are such as to cooperate with respective conjugated mechanical coupling elements 115 comprised on the interface modules 110b. For example, if the first mechanical coupling elements 215 comprise coupling teeth, the conjugated coupling elements 115 comprise respective engagement seats inside which the coupling teeth can be inserted and retained.

[0084] The cover plate 200 further comprises second mechanical coupling elements 202 adapted and configured to removably couple the cover plate 200 to the support frame 2. For example, the second mechanical coupling elements

202 each comprise a flap adapted to be inserted into a respective channel 8 of the support frame 2 to be engaged inside the channel 8.

[0085] The cover plate 200 comprises a shared power supply and/or data bus 203 to which the user interface modules 100a are operatively connectable.

[0086] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the shared bus 203 forms, or comprises a printed circuit board, conveniently a double-face board, having a plurality of first bus connection elements 221 at least on a first face 220 intended to face the user interface modules 100a. Preferably, the first bus connection elements 221 are printed electrical contact areas or generally obtained on at least one of the two faces of the printed circuit board.

[0087] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the base body 201 of the cover plate 200 comprises a first face 211 intended to face towards the user interface modules 100a and a second face 212, opposite to the first face 211, facing towards the shared bus 203. The base body 201 comprises a plurality of through openings 213, which are provided to allow an electrical connection between the interface modules 100a and the shared bus 203. For example, the through openings 213 are arranged in front of the first connection elements of the bus 221.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the user interface modules 100b comprise bus connection elements 121 adapted and configured to be connected to respective first bus connection elements in order to connect the interface modules 100b to the bus. Preferably, the bus connection elements 121 are electrical contact elements, which project from a face of the interface modules 100b facing towards the cover plate 200. For example, the bus connection elements 121 comprise spring contact elements, such as, for example, elastic sheets or elastically loaded sliding pistons.

[0089] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the bus connection elements 121 of a user interface module 100a are such as to cross the base body 201 of the cover plate 200 to reach and contact the bus 203.

[0090] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the shared bus 203 comprises second bus connection elements 231, to allow at least one connection module 10b to connect to the shared bus 203 and, preferably through the module, one or more actuator modules 10a. [0091] Preferably, the second bus connection elements 231 are arranged on the face 230 of the printed circuit board opposite to the first face 220 on which the first bus connection elements 221 are arranged. Thus, the shared bus 203 comprises electrically conductive tracks, which mutually connect each of the first bus connection elements 221 to at least one respective second bus connection element 231.

[0092] With reference to figure 9, the cover plate 200 preferably comprises one or more spacer bars 205, each of which is adapted to be arranged between two user interface modules 100a or cover 100b, which are adjacent to each other. Preferably, the spacer bars are removably coupled to the base body 201. Thereby, it is possible to easily personalize or modify the aesthetics of the cover plate, by playing on the colors, finishings and materials of the spacer bars.

[0093] Preferably, the cover plate 100 comprises a frame 204, which surrounds the base body 201. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the aforesaid frame 204 is a compensation frame according to the teachings of the international patent application WO2019/145815A1. [0094] The actuation module or interface 100a preferably comprises a container body 101, 102, e.g. made of an electrically insulating material. Preferably, the container body 101,102 comprises a base 101 and a cover 102. [0095] The user interface module 100a is adapted and configured to be manually controlled by a user, in order to generate a control signal for controlling an actuator module associated with the user interface module. Preferably, the user interface module 100° comprises a haptic system, e.g. a tactile system, which is adapted to generate the aforesaid control signal. For example, the aforesaid system comprises at least one capacitive contact sensor adapted to provide an outputted electrical signal and a processing unit, such as, for example, a microprocessor or a microcontroller, which is operatively connected to the capacitive contact sensor and adapted to generate the control signal starting from the aforesaid electrical signal. The user interface module 100a can further comprise at least one electro-optical lighting device and/or an electronic display device, which allows the user interface module 100a to be identified in the dark and/or show the function served thereby.

[0096] In further detail, and also with reference to Fig. 12, the user interface module 100b or 100a for electrical and/or home automation systems comprises display means lOOaL, lOOal for displaying symbols. It is connectable to electronic control means configured to activate said display means lOOaL, lOOal for displaying symbols based on a signal obtained by a proximity sensor lOOaS (lOOaS denotes both the hole in the wall and the sensor behind it).

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the display means comprise one or more LED groups lOOaL (on a board 100a3 optionally coupled to a perforated plate 100a4), as well as a haptic wall lOOal, which is also see-through and therefore can be lit by the LEDs lOOaL. By pressing on the haptic wall at or close to a symbol, which is lit by the LEDs, the user can control a remote device, for example, as explained below.

[0098] The proximity sensor can be a contactless sensor. [0099] According to an aspect of the present invention, the proximity sensor lOOaS is included in the user interface module 100b,100a.

[00100] According to an aspect of the present invention, haptic detection means lOOal are included in the user interface module 100b,100a. Preferably, the user interface module 100b,100a is connectable to said electronic control means, which are configured to:

— activate said display means lOOaL, lOOal for displaying symbols and said haptic detection means based on a signal obtained by the proximity sensor lOOaS;

— emit a remote control signal based on the haptic detection of said haptic detection means.

[00101] According to a further different aspect of the present invention, the control means, which can also be integrated in the bus 203 described above, or microcontroller means or another control logic, are included in the user interface module 100b,100a.

[00102] For example, the proximity sensor lOOaS can detect the presence of a person or a robot at a distance of less than one meter e.g. at 50 cm, and activate the display means and the haptic detection means.

[00103] The invention is also directed to a group of modules, which functions with a proximity sensor. [00104] According to an aspect of the invention, the modular group for electrical and/or home automation systems, comprises:

— one (e.g. only) support frame 2 with one or more engagement seats 7;

— one or more control modules 10a,10b fixed in corresponding seats of said one or more engagement seats 7, which are preferably placed side-by-side along at least one flanking direction (SD);

— electronic control means connected to:

^■ at least one of said one or more control modules 10a,10b;

^■ one or more user interface modules 100b,100a;

^■ a proximity sensor lOOaS.

[00105] In the group, the electronic control means can be configured and adapted to activate or deactivate said one or more user interface modules 100b,100a based on a signal generated by said proximity sensor.

[00106] With regard to the proximity sensor lOOaS, it can be installed on the support frame 2, or it can be included in one of said one or more user interface modules 100b,100a.

[00107] According to an aspect of the invention, at least one of said one or more user interface modules 100b,100a comprises display means lOOaL, lOOal for displaying symbols configured to be activated or deactivated by said electronic control means based on a signal generated by said proximity sensor.

[00108] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least one of said one or more user interface modules 100b,100a comprises haptic detection means lOOal configured to be activated or deactivated by said electronic control means based on a signal generated by said proximity sensor.

[00109] The at least one of said one or more user interface modules 100b,100a can be the interface module as described above.

[00110] According to an aspect of the present invention, said electronic control means are configured and adapted to remotely send device control signals based on signals obtained by said haptic detection means lOOal.

[00111] According to an aspect of the invention, the electronic control means are connected to:

— at least one of said one or more control modules 10a,10b;

— one or more user interface modules 100b,100a; through a data connection and/or power supply bus 203 interposed between said one or more control modules 10a,10b and said one or more user interface modules 100b,100a. [00112] The control modules 10a and 10b can be the connection module or the actuator module according to the present description.

[00113] With this embodiment, the interface modules are only activated when the user is near, diminishing the visual disturbance and waste of energy.

[00114] Based on the above description, it is thus possible to understand how a modular electronic device of the type described above allows the aforesaid objects to be achieved with reference to the state of the prior art. [00115] In fact, by virtue of the fact of comprising an actuator module 10 having one or more electrical contact elements 15, as described above, in the aforesaid modular electronic device, it is possible to provide the modular electronic device with a power supply and/or data signal in a simple and reliable manner. By virtue of the particular user interfaces described above, it is possible to provide energy saving and a reduction in light noise in environments.

[00116] Notwithstanding the principle of the invention, embodiments and details may vary greatly with respect to what has been described and illustrated herein exclusively by way of non-limiting example without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connection module (10b) for electrical and/or home automation systems, the connection module being fixable in an engagement seat (7) defined in a support frame (2) and comprising a housing with a first and a second side wall, as well as a front wall between said first and second side walls, as well as power supply and/or data transmission means (T3); characterized in that it further comprises one or more of:

— at least one first electrical contact element (15) of connection module (10b);

^■ arranged on at least one of said first and second side walls, and

^■ configured and adapted to receive and/or provide a power supply and/or data signal from or to said power supply or data transmission means (T3); and

^■ configured and adapted to provide and/or receive a power supply and/or data signal to or from at least one actuator module (10a) installable in said support frame (2), the at least one connection module (10b) first electrical contact element (15) being configured to abut against at least one corresponding actuator module (10a) first electrical contact element (15) in a flanking direction (SD), which goes from said first to said second side wall;

— at least one further first electrical contact element (37) of connection module (10b): ^■ arranged on said front wall;

^■ adapted to receive and/or provide a power supply and/or data signal from or to said power supply or data transmission means (T3); and

^■ adapted to provide and/or receive a signal on or from a power supply or data connection bus (203) operably connectable to said connection module (10b) through said further first electrical contact element (37).

2. A connection module (10b) according to claim 1, wherein said connection module (10b) comprises at least one first electrical contact element (15) and at least one further first electrical contact element (37), said at least one further first electrical contact element (37) being configured and adapted to receive, from said bus (203), an electrical or data signal and to provide it to said at least one actuator module (10a).

3. A connection module (10b) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein there is comprised at least one first electrical contact element (15) and at least one second electrical contact element (15) on opposite side walls.

4. A connection module (10b) according to claim 3, wherein said at least one first electrical contact element (15) and at least one second electrical contact element (15) form at least one corresponding first pair of electrical contacts, which are electrically connected to each other by a bridge connection (16).

5 . A connection module (10b) according to claim 4, wherein a first and a second pair of electrical contacts are provided, which are electrically connected to each other by a bridge connection (16).

6. A connection module (10b) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein there is comprised at least one further first electrical contact element (37) and at least one further second electrical contact element (37).

7 . A connection module (10b) according to claim 6, wherein said at least one further first electrical contact element (37) and said at least one further second electrical contact element (37) are short-circuited with said at least one first pair of electrical contact elements and with said at least one second pair of electrical contacts, respectively.

8. A connection module (10b) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one further third electrical contact element (31') is present, configured and adapted to provide an additional voltage, preferably of 5V.

9. A connection module (10b) according to claim 8, wherein said first, second and third further electrical contact elements (37,37') are provided on or in said front wall in an asymmetrical geometrical configuration.

10. A connection module (10b) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein said connection module (10b) is operably associated with one or more user interface modules (100b), which can be installed on or in said support frame (2).

11. A connection module (10b) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connection module (10b):

— comprises power supply and data transmission (T3) means; and

— is configured and adapted to receive and/or provide a power supply and data signal from or to said power supply or data transmission means (T3); and wherein the further first electrical contact element (37):

— is adapted to receive and/or provide a power supply and/or data signal from or to said power supply or data transmission means (T3); and

— is adapted to provide and/or receive a signal on or from a data connection and power supply bus (203).

12. A modular group for electrical and/or home automation systems, comprising:

- a support frame (2) with one or more engagement seats (7) arranged in a line along at least one flanking direction (SD);

- a connection module (10b) fixed in a first seat of said one or more engagement seats (7), wherein the connection module (10b) comprises: — a housing with a first and a second side wall, and a front wall between said first and second side walls;

— power supply and/or data transmission (T3) means;

— one or more of:

^■ at least one first electrical contact element (15) of connection module arranged on at least one of said first and said second side walls;

^■ at least one further first electrical contact element (37) of connection module arranged on said front wall; wherein said at least one first electrical contact element (15) and said at least one further first electrical contact element (37) are adapted to receive and/or provide a power supply and/or data signal from or to said power supply or data transmission (T3) means; the modular group being characterized in that:

- said support frame (2) is the same for all of the one or more engagement seats (7);

- said first and said second side walls are defined along said at least one flanking direction (SD); and in that the modular group comprises at least one of:

- at least one actuator module (10a), configured to be controlled or actuated to vary and/or regulate the state of an electrical circuit, fixed in at least one corresponding second seat of said one or more engagement seats (7) laterally adjacent to said first seat, along said at least one flanking line (SD), the at least one actuator module (10a) being laterally provided with at least one first electrical contact element (15) of actuator module in electrical connection with the at least one first electrical contact element (15) of said connection module (10b), said electrical connection being configured to transmit a power supply and/or data signal;

— a power supply and/or data connection bus (203) operatively connected to said connection module (10b) through said further first electrical contact element (37) of connection module.

13. A group according to claim 12, wherein said bus (203) is fixed or integrated in a front plate installed on or in said support frame (2).

14. A group according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said at least one actuator module (10a) is configured to connect and power and/or electrically control one or more load devices .

15. A group according to one or more of claims 12 to 14, wherein at least one further actuator module (10a) is comprised, fixed to at least one corresponding third seat of said one or more engagement seats (7) laterally adjacent to said second seat, said at least one further actuator module (10a) being in lateral contact with said at least one actuator module (10a) through corresponding actuator module contacts (15).

16. A group according to one or more of claims 12 to

15, wherein said connection module (10b) and/or said actuator modules (10a) are operatively associated with one or more user interface modules (100b,100a) installable on or in said support frame (2) for providing a power supply and/or electrical control signal to one or more load devices through (T3) said connection module (10b) and/or through (Tl, T2) said actuator modules (10a).

17. A group according to one or more of claims 12 to

16, wherein said actuator module (10a) comprises a circuit actuation device (25) configured to be controlled or actuated for varying and/or regulating the state of an electrical circuit.

18. A group according to one or more of claims 12 to 16, wherein said actuator module (10a) is configured to vary and/or regulate the state of an electrical circuit, which is external to the actuator module.

19. A group according to one or more of claims 12 to

18, wherein the at least one first electrical contact element (15) of connection module (10b) is configured to abut against at least one corresponding actuator module (10a) first electrical contact element (15) in said flanking direction (SD).

20. A group according to one or more of claims 12 to

19, wherein said connection module (10b) is defined according to one or more of claims 2 to 11.

21 . A group according to one or more of claims 12 to

20, wherein there is comprised the at least one actuator module (10a), and the bus (203).