LEVELER FOR ELECTRICAL SWITCHING SYSTEM

Abstract

Leveler (1) for an electrical switching system, the system comprising a switching mechanism (3) which is provided with holes (27) for fastening, the leveler (1) being characterized in that it is an essentially flat body with an essentially four-sided polygonal shape and is provided with: - a first face (6); - a second face (7), opposite the first face (6); - a main through opening (13) passing through the first face and the second face (6, 7) and configured to receive at least the switching mechanism (3); - a plurality of protrusions (10) projecting from the first face (6), where each protrusion (10) is intended to fit, by form fit, into respective holes (27) of the switching mechanism (3).

Description

LEVELER FOR ELECTRICAL SWITCHING SYSTEM Technical field The present invention falls within the technological field of adjustment or leveling elements for embedded devices or mechanisms, such as an electrical switching system. State of the art Electrical switching systems, hereinafter referred to as the system, comprise a key or push button, a frame, a switching mechanism, and a flush-mounting box. The frame is configured to house the key and, in turn, to connect with the switching mechanism. On the one hand, proper alignment of the frame with the switching mechanism is of particular importance; for example, concentric alignment between the two. This prevents malfunction or wear of the switch when the key is pressed while it is attached to the frame. Furthermore, proper alignment of these parts provides a neat and aesthetically pleasing finish to the installation, which is an intangible quality attribute. On the other hand, it is important that the system is flush or level with the wall, ceiling, or floor after installation. This is important for safety reasons, to prevent unwanted objects from entering through any gaps, and for the integrity of the system, to prevent accidental snagging and breakage. To achieve proper alignment between the frame and the corresponding switching mechanism, and to ensure the systems are flush, or level, the installer currently first manually aligns and levels the system components and then secures them using adjustable screws. This process can require several adjustments and readjustments, increasing installation time and potentially resulting in some misalignment between the frame and mechanism, as well as an uneven surface. On the other hand, there are currently no solutions for leveling these systems on installation surfaces with imperfections, depressions, or high roughness caused by finishes such as textured paint. In these cases, leveling the systems with respect to the installation surface requires manual adjustment by an installer and subsequent securing using, for example, adjustable screws. Again, this process is time-consuming and can produce imprecise results. Therefore, the need remains for an improved electrical switching system that allows for reduced installation time and increased accuracy of alignment between frames and corresponding mechanisms, as well as system leveling. Summary description of the invention To provide the aforementioned functionalities, the present invention describes a leveler for an electrical switching system as disclosed in the claims. In one embodiment of the leveler for an electrical switching system, the system comprises a switching mechanism provided with mounting holes, while the leveler comprises an essentially flat body with an essentially four-sided polygonal shape. Furthermore, the leveler is provided with a first face and a second face, opposite the first face. The leveler also comprises a main through-opening through the first and second faces, where the main opening is configured to receive at least one switching mechanism. In addition, the leveler comprises a plurality of protrusions projecting from the first face, where each protrusion is designed to fit, by form fit, into respective holes of the switching mechanism. By providing a leveler with protrusions, this allows these protrusions to fit into the holes of the switching mechanism, thus achieving the advantage of quick and accurate alignment between the leveler and the switching mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of protrusions specifically comprises two protrusions, each arranged at opposite ends of one of the diagonals of the polygonal body. With this arrangement, the alignment of the switching mechanism is precise and straightforward. In another embodiment, each protrusion has the shape of a solid of revolution. Advantageously, this protrusion shape allows for a quick and precise fit with the corresponding hole. In another embodiment, the electrical switching system comprises a frame provided with alignment ribs. In this regard, the leveler further comprises two or more protrusions, each arranged on the edges of the first face and projecting from said first face, where each protrusion comprises a groove intended to receive the respective rib of the frame. Therefore, when the system is installed and a peripheral portion of the leveler rests on an installation surface, for example, a wall, the leveler acts as a continuous platform that allows for quick and precise leveling of the switching mechanism and the frame intended to be mounted on the leveler. Furthermore, by providing a leveler with grooves along its edges, the frame ribs can fit into these grooves, achieving the advantage of quick and precise alignment between the leveler and the frame. If a switching mechanism is already coupled with the leveler, coupling the frame to the leveler leads to correct alignment between the frame and the switching mechanism, achieving, for example, concentric alignment between the two. In another embodiment, each groove and each rib extends longitudinally / linearly. This type of extension is advantageous in terms of manufacturing and allows for simple, quick, and precise fitting of the parts. In another embodiment, each protrusion is shaped like a section of a solid of revolution that defines a concave face turned towards the first face. The concave faces of the protrusions act as sliding surfaces so that the switching mechanism slides and centers itself over the leveler, thus directing the fit between protrusion and hole quickly and accurately. In another embodiment, the leveler is made from plastic. In another embodiment, the leveler comprises two or more keyhole-shaped first holes distributed on the front face. Each first hole is configured to receive a screw used to fix the system components to a recessed box in a wall. In another embodiment, the leveler further comprises two or more second circularly shaped holes distributed on the first face, where each second hole is configured to align with a respective circularly shaped hole of the switching mechanism, which is provided to receive a screw. The circular shape of the secondary holes and the holes themselves is configured to receive screws such that, when inserted, there is minimal play between the secondary holes and the screw. In this way, the switching mechanism and the leveler are kept aligned by the screw passing through the respective secondary hole and its corresponding hole, and the respective secondary hole and its corresponding hole act as a guide for the screw towards a respective secondary fixing, for example, a bushing. In another embodiment, the main opening of the leveler is configured to receive two or more switching mechanisms. Advantageously, this leveler configuration allows two or more switching mechanisms to be quickly and accurately aligned with a single leveler, and, in turn, ensures that the switching mechanisms are correctly positioned relative to each other. Thus, when the leveler is installed on a rough or uneven mounting surface, and its peripheral region rests on that surface, the leveler acts as a continuous support onto which to attach the frames and switching mechanisms. This ensures that adjacent frames and switching mechanisms are substantially level with each other quickly and accurately. In other words, the leveling process is accelerated with respect to the mounting surface, and the leveling accuracy is improved. Another embodiment of the invention discloses an electrical switching system comprising a leveler as described above. Furthermore, the system comprises a frame of essentially four-sided polygonal shape. The frame, in turn, comprises first side walls, a central opening surrounded by the first side walls, and two or more ribs projecting from an inner face of the first side walls. side walls. Each rib is configured to insert into the respective groove of the leveler protrusion, so that the frame is aligned with said leveler. In another embodiment, the frame further comprises a flange with an essentially polygonal shape, wherein the flange is provided with a second front face and a second rear face, opposite the second front face. By providing this flange, when the frame ribs are engaged with the slots of the leveler, the second front face acts as a stop to prevent the leveler from passing through the central opening of the frame. In another embodiment, the electrical switching system comprises a leveler according to any of the designs described so far. Furthermore, the system comprises a switching mechanism consisting of a block and a flat frame attached to the block. The frame comprises a first front face, a first rear face opposite the first front face, and holes. Each protrusion is designed to fit, by form fitting, into a respective hole of the switching mechanism. In another embodiment, the switching mechanism further comprises two or more third holes, shaped like a keyhole, distributed along the frame, where each third hole is configured to align with a first hole to receive a screw. The keyhole shape of each first and third hole is configured so that at least a portion of each first and third hole is designed to receive a screw. This allows the first and third holes to not exactly overlap. Brief description of the figures The above and other advantages and features will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered illustrative and not limiting, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of an example implementation of an electrical switching system. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a leveler of the invention. Figure 3 is a plan view of a switching mechanism coupled with a leveler. Figure 4 is a plan view of a frame and the frame coupled with a leveler. Figure 5 is an elevation view of a level mounted against a rough wall. Figure 6 is an elevation view of two coupled switching mechanisms against a rough wall. List of references 1. Leveler 2. Marco 3. Switching mechanism 4. Box 5. Key 6. First side 7. Second side 8. First hole 9. Second hole 10. Protuberance 11. Highlight 12. Slot 13. Main opening 14. Border 15. First side wall 16. Inner face 17. Flange 18. Second front side 19. Second back side 20. Nerve 21. Central opening 22. Block 23. Frame 24. First front face 25. First back side 26. Third hole 27. Hole 28. Back first base 29. Second side wall 30. First anterior opening 31. First restraint 32. Second restraint 33. Accommodation space 34. Wall 35. Second anterior opening 36. Second back base 37. Side edges 38. Embedment space 39. Concave face Detailed description of implementation examples The following detailed description presents specific details in the form of examples to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. As shown in Figure 1, the present invention provides a level (1) with an essentially four-sided polygonal shape, preferably rectangular or square. In the exemplary embodiment, the level (1) of Figure 1 is square. The level (1) comprises a first face (6), a second face (7) opposite the first face (6), and a main opening (13) surrounded by the first and second faces (6, 7). Extending from the first face (6) are two protrusions (10) aligned along a main diagonal of the polygonal shape, square in the illustrated example, and from the middle of each edge (14) of the first face (1) extends a projection (11), where each projection (11) is provided with a groove (12). Additionally, each projection (11) is shaped like a section of a solid of revolution defining a concave face (39) facing the first face (6). Likewise, four first holes (8) are arranged through the first and second faces (6, 7), where each first hole (8) is positioned at a midpoint on each side that forms the square shape of the leveler (1). Preferably, the first holes (8) are keyhole-shaped. Additionally, two second holes (9) are arranged through the first and second faces (6, 7), where the two second holes (9) are aligned according to a main diagonal of the polygonal shape, square in the illustrated example, of the leveler (1). Preferably, the second holes (9) are circular in shape. Additionally, the system comprises a switching mechanism (3) provided with a four-sided polygonal frame (23), preferably square or rectangular, as shown in Figure 1, and a block (22). The frame (23) comprises a first front face (24) and a second rear face (25), opposite the first front face (24). Four third holes (26) are arranged through the first front and rear faces (24, 25), where each third hole (26) is positioned at a midpoint on each side that forms the square shape of the frame (23). Preferably, the third holes (8) are keyhole-shaped. Additionally, passing through the first front and back faces (24, 25) are four holes (27), where two holes (27) are aligned along a main diagonal of the square shape of the frame (23), and where the other two holes (27) are aligned along another main diagonal of the square shape of the frame (23).Preferably, the holes (27) have a circular shape. Additionally, the system comprises a frame (2) provided with four first side walls (15) arranged to define a polygonal shape, preferably rectangular or square, as shown in Figure 1. The first side walls (15) define an inner face (16) and delimit a central opening (21). Extending from the inner face (15) is a square flange (17) provided with a second front face (18) and a second rear face (19), opposite the second front face (18). This flange (19) is intended to act as a stop to prevent the leveler (1) from passing through the central opening (21) of the frame (2). In order to install the switching system shown in Figure 1, the installer first fits a box (4) into a recess (38) made in a wall (34). The installer inserts the box (4) through a second square front opening (35) in the wall (34) that provides access to the recess (38), so that a first rear base (28) of the box (4) rests against and is secured against a second rear base of the recess (38). The box (4) defines four second side walls (29) which are parallel to four side sides (37) of the recess (38), and a first square front opening (30) of the box (4) faces outwards. On the other hand, the four second side walls (29) and the first rear base (28) form a housing space (33) configured to house the switching mechanism block (22) (3). Next, the installer couples the switching mechanism (3) with the leveler (1) using The two protrusions (10) are fitted to the corresponding holes (27) so that the first rear face (25) faces the first face (6) of the leveler (1), and the switching mechanism (3) is concentrically aligned with the leveler (1). To facilitate the engagement of the two protrusions (10) with the corresponding holes (27), the concave faces (39) of the raised sections (11) act as sliding surfaces, allowing the switching mechanism (3) to slide and center itself on the leveler, thus guiding the engagement between protrusion (10) and hole (27) quickly and precisely. This can be done quickly and accurately.Next, the installer attaches the frame (2) to the leveler (1) by fitting the four grooves (12) to the corresponding four ribs (20) so that the second rear face (19) is turned towards the first face (6) of the leveler (1) and the frame (2) is concentrically aligned with the leveler (1) and therefore also with the switching mechanism (3). Next, the installer places the leveler against the wall (34) over the second front opening (35), aligning the sides of the leveler (1) with the second front opening (25). With one hand, he holds the frame (2) to keep it aligned with the switching mechanism (3) using the leveler (1), and with the other hand, he inserts four screws, each screw passing through a third hole (26) and a first hole (8) until it reaches a respective first fastening (31) contained in the housing (4), for example, a bushing. The keyhole shape is configured so that at least a portion of each first hole (8) and each corresponding third hole (26) is arranged to receive a screw.Alternatively, before inserting screws through the third holes (26) and the first holes (8), the installer can insert screws through each hole (27) that does not have a protrusion (10) and is aligned with a second hole (9). This option has the advantage that the circular shape is configured to receive screws such that, when the respective screw is inserted, there is minimal clearance between the second holes (9) and the holes (27) and the screw. In this way, the switching mechanism (3) and the leveler (1) are held in place where the screw passes through the second hole (9) and the hole (27), and the screw is guided by the channel formed by the second hole and the hole (27) to a respective second fixing, for example, a bushing.By pressing the frame (2) to maintain alignment between the frame (2) and the switching mechanism (3), the installer tightens each respective screw, which advances in its respective sleeve, until the head of each screw makes contact with the front face (18) of the flange (17), thus securing the frame (2), the switching mechanism (3), and the leveler (1) to the housing (4). In other embodiments, the second fastenings (32) of the housing (4) can also be used to secure the frame (2), the switching mechanism (3), and the leveler (1) to the housing (4). Finally, the installer can attach the key (5) to the switching mechanism (3) to make the electrical switching system operational. The leveler (1) therefore has the dual function of aligning the frame (2) and the switching mechanism (3) with each other and acting as a continuous platform to improve the leveling of the entire system with respect to the wall (34). That is, it levels the frame (2) and the switching mechanism (3) so that they fit more snugly against the wall (34) even when the wall (34) has roughness, such as textured paint, or depressions. Figure 2 shows a rectangular leveler (1), the long side of which is twice the length of the short side, and where the main opening (13) is configured to receive two square frame (23) switching mechanisms (3) or one rectangular frame (23) switching mechanism (3). The first face (6) comprises four protrusions (10), two protrusions (10) located at two opposite corners and two other protrusions (10) located at essentially half a distance along respective long sides, on opposite sides. Additionally, in this embodiment, the leveler (1) comprises four protrusions (11) with their respective grooves (12). Two grooves (12) are arranged on each short side at a midpoint from the short side, and two other grooves (12) are arranged on each long side at a midpoint from the long side. The leveler (1) further comprises six first holes (8) and four second holes (9) arranged periodically or at regular intervals along the first face.When two switching mechanisms (3) and two frames (2) corresponding to this leveler (1) are coupled, by providing a continuous platform (see figure 5), the leveling between adjacent switching mechanisms (3) and frames (2) is very precise since they rest on the same leveler (1). On the contrary, if they did not rest on the leveler (1), there could be leveling mismatches between them and the wall, particularly when the wall has roughness (see figure 6), such as a textured finish, or if it has depressions. Figure 4 shows a square frame (2) coupled to a square leveler (1). The coupling is achieved by the form fitting of the ribs (20) with the slots (12). Figure 5 shows the leveler (1) resting against a wall (34) with a rough surface. The leveler (1) acts as a continuous platform over these imperfections, improving the leveling of the frame assembly (2 - switching mechanism (3)). On the other hand, Figure 6 shows two frames (23) of two switching mechanisms (3) supported on a wall (34) with a rough installation surface. As can be seen, there is a significant difference in height between the adjacent frames (23).

Claims

1. Leveler (1) for an electrical switching system, the system comprising a switching mechanism (3) which is provided with holes (27) for fastening, the leveler (1) being characterized in that it is an essentially flat body with an essentially four-sided polygonal shape and is provided with: - a first face (6); - a second face (7), opposite the first face (6); - a main through opening (13) passing through the first face and the second face (6, 7) and configured to receive at least the switching mechanism (3); - a plurality of protrusions (10) projecting from the first face (6), where each protrusion (10) is intended to fit, by form fit, into respective holes (27) of the switching mechanism (3).

2. Leveler (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions (10) comprises two protrusions (10) each arranged at opposite ends of a diagonal of the polygonal shape of the body.

3. Leveler (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each protrusion (10) has the shape of a solid of revolution.

4. Leveler (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical switching system comprises a frame (2) provided with ribs (20) for alignment, and wherein said leveler (1) further comprises two or more projections (11) each arranged on edges (14) of the first face (6) projecting from said first face (6), wherein each projection (11) comprises a groove (12) intended to receive the respective rib (20) of the frame (2).

5. Leveler (1) according to claim 4, wherein each groove (12) and each rib (20) extend longitudinally.

6. Leveler (1) according to any of claims 4 and 5, wherein each protrusion (11) has the form of a section of a solid of revolution defining a concave face (39) facing the first face (6). 7.Leveler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the leveler (1) is made of plastic.

8. Leveler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising two or more first keyhole-shaped holes (8) arranged on the first face (6).

9. Leveler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising two or more second circular holes (9) arranged on the first face (6), wherein each second hole (9) is configured to align with a respective circular hole (27) of the switching mechanism (3), which is provided for receiving a screw.

10. Leveler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the main opening (13) is configured to receive two or more switching mechanisms (3). 11.An electrical switching system, characterized in that it comprises: - a leveler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; - a frame (2) of essentially polygonal four-sided shape comprising: first side walls (15); a central opening (21) surrounded by the first side walls (15); and two or more ribs (20) projecting from an inner face (16) of the first side walls (15), wherein each rib (20) is configured to be inserted into the respective groove (12) of the projection (11) of the leveler (1), so that the frame (2) is aligned with said leveler (1). 12.An electrical switching system, characterized in that it comprises: - a leveler (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; - a switching mechanism (3) comprising: a block (22); a flat frame (23) attached to the block (22), wherein the frame (23) comprises: - a first front face (24); - a first rear face (25), opposite the first front face (24); - a plurality of through holes (27), wherein each protrusion (10) is intended to fit, by form fit, into a respective hole (27) of the plurality of holes of the switching mechanism (3). 13.Electrical switching system according to claim 12, wherein claim 12 depends on claim 8, wherein the switching mechanism (3) further comprises: - two or more third holes (26), shaped like a keyhole, distributed in the frame (23), wherein each third hole (26) is configured to align with a first hole (8) of the leveler (1) to receive a screw.