ELECTRICAL COVER AND SWITCH INCLUDING SUCH A COVER

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover plate for a sealed electrical switch, this cover plate comprising a flexible sealing membrane (162) and a rigid front wall (140) having at least one window (160) in which extends a rigid plate (165) intended to be moved under the action of a pressure force exerted on said rigid plate, said rigid plate being connected to the edge of the window by means of a portion (162A) of the flexible sealing membrane. According to the invention, said portion of the flexible sealing membrane forms a bellows (163) which extends exclusively between the entire edge of said rigid plate and the entire edge of said window such that said portion of the flexible sealing membrane only closes the space left free between the rigid plate and the edge of the window to close said window.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of electrical switches.

[0002] It relates more particularly to a cover plate of a sealed electrical switch, this cover plate comprising a flexible sealing membrane and a rigid front wall comprising at least one window in which extends a rigid plate intended to be moved under the action of a pressure force exerted on said rigid plate, said rigid plate being connected to the edge of the window by means of a part of the flexible sealing membrane.

[0003] A sealed electrical switch typically comprises a housing and a sealed cover forming an internal volume within which a switchgear mechanism is positioned. The electrical switch includes control means for the switchgear mechanism located outside the internal volume of the housing. These control means actuate the switchgear mechanism through the sealed cover.

[0004] To ensure the electrical switch is watertight, the cover is fitted with a sealing membrane that covers the switchgear mechanism.

[0005] Currently, two configurations for actuation of the switchgear mechanism through this sealing membrane are known.

[0006] In one configuration, the sealing membrane has openings that allow control elements to pass through it and be directly fitted onto the switchgear mechanism. Adjusting the openings in the sealing membrane around the control elements ensures the electrical switch is watertight and provides a mechanical connection between these control elements and the switchgear mechanism.

[0007] However, improper insertion of the control elements through the openings in the sealing membrane can lead to tears in this membrane (and thus impair the sealing) or a poor mechanical connection between the control means and the switchgear mechanism (then causing unstable operation of the electrical switch).

[0008] In a second configuration, the sealing membrane is not perforated and completely covers the switchgear mechanism. The switchgear mechanism is actuated by deforming this sealing membrane using the control means.

[0009] However, this configuration leads to friction between the plastics forming the control means, the sealing membrane, and the switchgear mechanism. This friction hinders the operation of the various components of the electrical switch. Furthermore, it accelerates the wear of the sealing membrane and can eventually cause it to rupture.

[0010] The aim of the present invention is therefore to propose a cover for a sealed electrical switch, in which the control means of the electrical switch actuate the equipment mechanism without acting directly on the sealing membrane which covers said mechanism in order to simultaneously guarantee reliable actuation of the mechanism and a permanent sealing of the electrical switch.

[0011] More specifically, the invention proposes a hubcap conforming to claim 1.

[0012] Thus, advantageously according to the invention, the cover plate comprises a rigid plate and openings filled by the flexible sealing membrane. This cover plate is completely closed and therefore watertight. The switching mechanism is actuated by the movement of the rigid plate. The sealing membrane is therefore not punctured and is thus not directly subjected to the stresses exerted on the switching mechanism to ensure the operation of the watertight electrical switch. The integrity of the flexible sealing membrane is therefore preserved during the operation of the electrical switch. The watertightness of the electrical switch is thus guaranteed throughout its use.

[0013] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the hubcap according to the invention, taken individually or according to all technically possible combinations, are described in claims 2 to 10.

[0014] The invention also relates to an electrical switch according to claims 11 to 13.

[0015] The description that follows, with regard to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

[0016] Regarding the attached drawings: there figure 1 is a schematic perspective view assembled from an electrical switch comprising an electrical box and a cover plate according to the invention, the figure 2 is a schematic front view in exploded perspective of the electrical switch of the figure 1 , there figure 3 is a schematic rear view in exploded perspective of the electrical switch of the figure 1 , there figure 4 is a schematic front perspective view of a rigid front wall of a bezel intended to be integrated into an electrical switch according to the invention, the figure 5is a partial schematic front perspective view of the rigid front wall of the hubcap figure 4 , there figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along plane BB of the figure 4 of the rigid front wall of a wheel trim figure 4 , there figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along plane AA of the figure 4 of the rigid front wall of a wheel trim figure 4 , and the figure 8 is a partial schematic diagram of the electrical switch according to the invention.

[0017] In the following description, the terms "front" and "back" will be used in relation to the direction from which a person's gaze falls upon the described element. The front of the element refers to the side facing the person viewing it, while the back refers to the side facing the support to which the element is attached. Thus, when a 100-volt electrical switch is installed in a room, the front refers to the side facing the inside of the room, and the back refers to the side facing away from the room, towards the outside.

[0018] The terms "inside" and "outside" will be used in reference to the electrical switch 100 itself, to designate respectively the side of an element facing towards the center of the electrical switch and the side of an element facing outwards from this switch.

[0019] On the figures 1 to 3A waterproof electrical switch 100 according to the invention is shown. This electrical switch 100 can be of any type, operated externally by at least one control button 150.

[0020] It could be a single switch, a double switch, or a two-way switch. But the invention relates to any type of electrical switch.

[0021] The embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 3 corresponds to a single-touch electrical switch, in the sense that a single control button on a trim ring can operate a drive to open or close a single electrical circuit of a motor.

[0022] The electrical switch 100 shown on the figures 1 to 3includes, on the one hand, a motor 110 provided with a base 112 housing electrical connection terminals (not shown) to be connected to the local electrical network according to the operating mode of the electrical switch, and, on the other hand, a trim ring 130 (which gives its function to the electrical switch).

[0023] Here, the motor 110 is housed in an electrical box 10 intended to be surface-mounted on a wall. According to an alternative (not shown), it could be mounted on a recessed frame intended to be mounted on a recessed box embedded in an opening in said wall.

[0024] The trim ring 130, which will be described in more detail later, seals the front of the electrical box 10 or the mounting frame in which the base 112 of the motor 110, equipped with a drive 120, is mounted ( figures 2 And 3). It carries the control button 150 adapted to act on the drive 120 of the motor 110 to control the opening and closing of the electrical circuits of the electrical switch 100. Alternatively, the motor could be equipped with several drives, the associated cover could then carry several control buttons adapted to act on the different drives.

[0025] The base 112 of the motor 110 is in the form of an insulating casing. This insulating casing can be made from a single piece of molded plastic. The base 112 has an overall parallelepiped shape.

[0026] Since the electrical box 10 is not part of the present invention, it will not be described in detail here. Essentially, as shown by the figures 1 to 3The electrical box 10 comprises a body 15 which here has a generally parallelepiped shape. It could have a different shape, for example cylindrical.

[0027] This body 15 includes a side wall 16 which is closed at the rear by a bottom wall 11 ( figures 2 And 3 ). The side wall 16 and the bottom wall 11 define a receiving housing adapted to receive the motor 110. This receiving housing is open at the front to allow access to the motor 110 brought into said housing.

[0028] As shown by figures 1 to 3The body 15 is in practice made up of two main distinct parts: a rear part 12 referred to hereafter as the "support plate 12" and a front part 17 referred to hereafter as the "frame 17". The support plate 12 is designed to be fixed to the partition or wall and to support the motor 110, while the frame 17 has a function of protecting this motor 110 and supporting interface means (in particular a trim piece 130) allowing the user to interact with the motor 110.

[0029] Alternatively, the body could be made in one piece.

[0030] As shown by figures 1 to 3 , the support plate 12 includes the bottom wall 11 bordered by a side wall 13 which rises from the bottom wall 11, substantially perpendicular to the latter.

[0031] To allow the mounting of the motor 110 in the electrical box 10, the bottom wall 11 of the support plate 12 has uprights 200 ( figure 2 These uprights 200 extend forward from the back wall 11 within the receiving housing. They extend perpendicularly to it. The uprights 200 include, in particular, mounting means for a base 112 of the motor 110. These mounting means are, for example, snap-fit ​​means that receive additional snap-fit ​​means 121 provided on the base 112 of the motor 110. These mounting means on the uprights 200 then allow, when mounting the motor 110 in the electrical box 10, the base 112 of the motor 110 to be positioned in the electrical box 10 at a predetermined distance from the back wall 11 of the support plate 12 so as to leave a free space for easily placing the electrical connection wires.

[0032] Furthermore, as the figures 2 And 3 The frame 17 is formed by the snap-fit ​​assembly of a sleeve formed by a side wall 18 and a riser 19. This side wall 18 of the frame 17 is designed to be snapped onto the side wall 13 of the support plate 12 to extend in line with it so as to form the side wall 16 of the body 15. A sealing gasket (not shown here) is positioned between the support plate 12 and the frame 17 to ensure a watertight assembly between the support plate 12 and the frame 17.

[0033] As shown by figures 1 to 3 , the side wall 18 of the frame 17 and the side wall 13 of the support plate 12 are shaped to receive at least one cable gland 50. Here, the electrical box 10 includes two cable glands 50.

[0034] As shown by figures 2 And 3Each cable gland 50 comprises a support plate 52 with an inner peripheral edge that defines an opening 50A for the passage of an electrical cable or an ICTA-type electrical conduit or an IRL-type tube. Each cable gland 50 also includes a flexible, perforable sealing element 54, at least partially overmolded onto the support plate 52, which closes said opening 50A and is adapted to allow passage of the electrical cable or the IRL-type tube or the ICTA-type electrical conduit.

[0035] Furthermore, here, the frame 17 is designed to receive the trim 130. For this purpose, it includes, on a front part of the side wall 18, mounting holes 30A for the trim 130. These holes 30A are adapted to receive elements allowing the trim 130 to be mounted on the frame 17. These (not visible) mounting elements are, for example, quarter-turn elements, which can be operated from the front face of the trim 130.

[0036] Here, the base 112 of the motor 110 has six housings (not shown), isolated from each other, to accommodate three or six electrical connection terminals depending on whether it is a single-touch electrical switch ( figures 1 to 3 ) or a double-button electrical switch (not shown). Therefore, the 112 base is the same whether the electrical switch has one or two control buttons.

[0037] In the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures 1 to 3 The 110 engine is equipped with three electrical connection terminals (only two electrical connection terminals are visible on the figure 2 forming an electrical circuit. The electrical connection terminals here are automatic connection terminals.

[0038] For its electrical connection to one of the electrical connection terminals housed in one of the said housings of the base 112, the bare end of an electrical wire (not shown) coming from the power supply network is inserted, via an access opening 125 ( figure 2 ) provided on a lateral part of the base 112, inside the electrical connection terminal.

[0039] As shown by figure 2Here, a pair of access openings 125 are provided per electrical connection terminal. In each pair of access openings 125, one of the access openings 125 provides access, from outside the motor 110, to a housing for the power supply of an electrical connection terminal housed in this housing, while the other access opening is used for a possible branch connection of the electrical connection terminal.

[0040] Typically, the 120 drive unit is associated with a single control and therefore a single electrical circuit. Thus, in the example shown on the figure 2 , the driver 120 of the motor 110, operated by a single control key 150, causes the opening and closing of a single electrical circuit.

[0041] According to an unrepresented variant, the motor may include two drives operated by two control buttons causing the opening and closing of two electrical circuits.

[0042] The trainer 120 is mounted movable to pivot about a tilting axis (not shown) relative to the base 112 of the motor 110. It extends on either side of its tilting axis at the front of the base 112.

[0043] In a classic way, as the figure 2 The trainer 120 comprises, at the front, an upper part 123 and, at the rear, a tubular element (not visible in the figures). The trainer 120 is preferably made from a single piece of molded plastic material.

[0044] The upper part 123 of each trainer 120 is mounted at the front of the base 112, by means of trunnions (not visible) engaged in bearings (not shown) of the base 112, so as to partially close the base 112 at the front, the tubular element of the trainer 120 extending inside said base 112.

[0045] The width of the upper part 123 of the trainer 120 depends on the type of control (single or double) of the electrical switch 100.

[0046] Considering a standard width referred to as "one module", in the case of a single key command as represented on the figures 2 And 3 The 120 trainer has a width equal to twice the standard width, or a width described as "two modules". In this case, the 120 trainer has an asymmetrical shape with a single tubular element at the slots of the base 112 equipped with the three electrical connection terminals, but not at the empty slots of the base 112.

[0047] Alternatively, in the case of a double-button control (not shown), two trainers are provided, each trainer having a width of one module (and each trainer having its own tubular element).

[0048] The present invention relates more particularly to the arrangement of the trim ring 130 of the electrical switch 100 which, advantageously, allows the driver 120 of the motor 110 to be tilted while ensuring the durable sealing of the electrical switch 100.

[0049] The 130 hubcap is shown more specifically on the figures 4 to 7 .

[0050] The trim ring 130 has a rigid front wall 140 on which the control button 150 and a flexible sealing membrane 162 are mounted.

[0051] The rigid front panel 140 has a shape adapted to the front opening of the electrical box 10 for surface mounting, so that it closes this front opening. Alternatively, the rigid front panel can have a shape adapted to the front opening of the frame for flush mounting, to close the front opening.

[0052] The rigid front panel 140 thus forms a cover which closes the front of the electrical switch 100 by attaching to the surface-mounted electrical box 10 or to the recessed frame by means of fixing elements (not shown) inserted through holes 149 ( figure 2 ) pierced for example in opposite lateral branches of the rigid front wall 140.

[0053] The rigid front wall 140 equipped with the flexible sealing membrane 162 is placed above the driver 120. It isolates the motor 110 equipped with its driver 120 from the outside, to protect it from dust or liquids that could damage it.

[0054] Here, the rigid front wall 140 carries tilting means 147 aligned along the same median axis L, used for the tilting mounting of the control button 150 of the trim ring 130. More particularly, these tilting means 147 are in the form of uprights extending forward and intended to receive by fitting additional mounting means 157 of the control button 150.

[0055] For this purpose, the control button 150 has, on a rear face 159 of a user's finger support wall 155, uprights 157 extending rearward and whose free end has a shape complementary to the free end of the tilting means 147 of the rigid front wall 140 of the trim 130 in order to allow their assembly. When the assembly is complete, the control button 150 is able to tilt around the median axis L forming the tilting axis ( Figures 4 and 5 ) between two stable positions.

[0056] Alternatively, the control button could be of the push-button type, the means of receiving the control button on the rigid front wall therefore being adapted to a "push-push" type switch.

[0057] The width of each control key 150 depends on the type of control (single or double) of the electrical switch 100. Here, it is a single-key control ( figures 1 to 3 The trim ring 130 therefore includes a single control button 150 which is two modules wide. It is associated with the drive 120 of the motor 110.

[0058] According to an unshown variant, in the case of a dual-button control, the trim would comprise two independent control buttons, juxtaposed along the median axis L, each having a width of one module. Each control button would be associated with a drive.

[0059] The control key 150, operated by a user, is adapted to act on the driver 120 through said rigid front wall 140 to tilt it between two extreme positions in order to open or close the electrical circuit of motor 110.

[0060] For this, as the figures 2 to 5 The rigid front wall 140 of the trim 130 includes at least one window 160. Here, the rigid front wall 140 of the trim 130 includes two windows 160. The control button 150 is therefore adapted to act on the driver 120 through the window 160 of the rigid front wall 140 of the trim 130.

[0061] According to the invention, the two windows 160 are positioned along two parallel axes Z1, Z2 (see Figures 4 and 5 ) perpendicular to the median axis L.

[0062] As shown by Figures 4 and 5, each window 160 has an elongated shape defined by a longitudinal axis, here the Z1, Z2 axis, and a transverse axis, here the median axis L. Here, each window 160 is elliptical in shape but it could, alternatively, be rectangular in shape.

[0063] As depicted on the figures 2 to 5 A rigid plate 165 extends inside each window 160. According to the invention, this rigid plate 165 is designed to be moved by the pressure force exerted by the control button 150 in order to act on the drive 120 (by being pressed against it). Thus, it is through the movement of the rigid plate 165 that the drive 120 is tilted by the control button 150 through the rigid front panel 140.

[0064] Each rigid plate 165 is positioned at the center of its associated window 160 along the Z1, Z2 axis and the median axis L. The two rigid plates 165 are positioned parallel to each other along the Z1, Z2 axes. Each rigid plate 165 has an elongated shape along the Z1, Z2 axis, for example, elliptical here. More specifically, as shown by the figures 2 to 5 , each rigid plate 165 and the associated window 160 have oblong concentric shapes.

[0065] Advantageously, according to the invention, as shown more particularly by Figures 5 And 7 Each rigid plate 165 is connected to the edge of the associated window 160 by means of a hinge. This hinge connects the two longitudinal sides, i.e. here aligned with the Z1, Z2 axis, of the edge of each rigid plate 165 to two longitudinal sides (also aligned here with the Z1, Z2 axis) of the edge of the associated window 160.

[0066] This joint allows each rigid plate 165 to move within each window 160 under the action of the pressure force exerted by the control key 150.

[0067] More specifically here, each joint is formed by two tabs 166 aligned along the transverse axis of the window, that is to say here along the median axis L ( figure 5 ). Thus, one tongue 166 of the joint extends from one longitudinal side of the rigid plate 165 considered to one longitudinal side of the associated window 160 while the other tongue 166 of the joint extends from the other longitudinal side of the rigid plate 165 considered to the other longitudinal side of the associated window 160.

[0068] As shown by Figures 5 And 7 , each tab 166 has a wave shape, one end of which is connected to the edge of the window 160 and the other end is connected to the edge of the associated rigid plate 165.

[0069] As shown in particular by figure 7 The end of each tab 166 connected to the edge of the window 160 is located in a first plane P1. The other end of each tab 166, connected to the edge of the rigid plate 165, is located in a second plane P2.

[0070] This is advantageous here, as the figure 7 , considering the direction orthogonal to the rigid plate 165 and directed from front to back (i.e. in the opposite direction to the z-axis defined on the figure 7), the second plane P2 is located below the first plane P1. The end of each tab 166 connected to the edge of the rigid plate 165 is therefore set back, towards the rear, relative to the end of each tab 166 connected to the edge of the associated window 160. Thus, the front face 165A of each rigid plate 165 is offset towards the rear relative to the front face 140A of the rigid front wall 140. In other words, as shown by the Figures 5 And 7Each rigid plate 165 is not aligned with the rigid front panel 140 but is offset towards the rear. Each joint composed of the two flexible tabs therefore forms a stepped hinge for the movement of the associated rigid plate 165. This stepped hinge allows rotational movement (around the y-axis shown in the figures) and translational movement (along the x-axis) of the rigid plate 165 within the window 160 when a pressure force is applied to it by the control button 150.

[0071] Here, each rigid plate 165 and the associated tabs 166 are made by molding, in one piece with the rigid front wall 140. The assembly formed by the rigid plate 165, the associated tabs 166 and the rigid front wall 140 is for example made of molded plastic material.

[0072] Advantageously according to the invention, in order to guarantee the sealing of the electrical switch 100, in each window 160, the available open space between the associated rigid plate 165 and the edge of the window 160 is completely sealed by a part 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162.

[0073] Thus, as the figure 4 , thanks to part 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 and each rigid plate 165, each window 160 is completely closed, making it possible to guarantee the sealing of the electrical switch 100 by isolating the motor 110 from dust and liquids.

[0074] As shown by figures 4 , 6 and 7 , another part 162B of the flexible sealing membrane 162 extends into the open space defined in auxiliary windows 170 (these windows not being part of the core of the invention, they are not described in more detail here).

[0075] In each window 160, part 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 is made by overmolding a flexible material around the rigid plate 165.

[0076] According to the invention, as shown by the figures 4 And 7 , the part of the flexible sealing membrane 162 connecting each rigid plate 165 to the edge of the associated window 160 covers the front face of the tabs 166 connecting said rigid plate 165 to the corresponding window 160.

[0077] Advantageously, according to the invention, portion 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162, which closes the gap between each rigid plate 165 and the edge of the associated window 160, forms a bellows 163. Each bellows 163 extends exclusively between the entire edge of the rigid plate 165 and the entire edge of the associated window 160. In this way, only the gap between each rigid plate 165 and the associated window 160 is closed by said portion 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 in order to close the corresponding window 160.

[0078] As is particularly illustrated on the figures 4 , 6 and 7 Each bellows 163 has a wave shape. This wave shape is similar to that of the tabs 166 forming the articulation connecting the edges of the rigid plate 165 to the edges of the window 160.

[0079] The wave shape of part 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 allows to increase its flexibility by increasing the surface area of ​​flexible sealing membrane 162 between each rigid plate 165 and the edge of the corresponding window 160.

[0080] Thus, when each rigid plate 165 is moved under the action of a pressure force exerted by the control button 150, the shape of the bellows 163 of the part 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 is adapted to absorb the pressure generated by the movement of the rigid plate 165. The associated part 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 is therefore not directly subjected to the stresses exerted by the movement of the rigid plate 165 and ensures the sealing of the electrical switch 100.

[0081] It should be noted that, on the figure 6, the flexible sealing membrane 162 extends beyond the wave shape constituting the bellows 163. As described previously, this additional part corresponds to the part of the flexible sealing membrane extending into the open space defined in the annex windows 170.

[0082] The pressure force causing the displacement of each rigid plate 165 associated with each window 160 is generated by the pressure of a user's finger on the support wall 155 of the control button 150 ( figure 2 ).

[0083] As shown by figure 3 , the rear face 159 of the support wall 155 carries the uprights 157 previously described as well as at least two studs 152. These studs 152 are in pairs aligned on the same longitudinal axis (not shown) orthogonal to the median axis L (forming the tilting axis of the control button 150) and arranged on either side of the median axis L.

[0084] As also shown by the figure 3 Each pad 152 extends substantially perpendicularly to the rear face 159 and has an elongated shape with a rounded free end. The pads 152 are formed as a single piece with the control button 150.

[0085] In the case of a 100 single-touch electrical switch ( figure 3 ), the rear face 159 of the control key 150 includes four studs 152, aligned two by two along two parallel longitudinal axes (not shown) perpendicular to the median axis L.

[0086] In the case of a double-button electrical switch (not shown), the rear face of each control button includes a pair of two pads aligned along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the median axis L.

[0087] When the control key 150 is switched, the pads 152 are intended to bear against each rigid plate 165 of the window 160 in order to move them.

[0088] For this purpose, preferably, the height of each stud 152 is determined so that the end of one stud 152 is positioned away from the rigid plate 165 when the control button 150 is flipped into a first position, while the end of the other stud 152 rests on the rigid plate 165. Advantageously, the studs 152 do not exert tension on the rigid plates 165, in order, for example, to avoid breaking the part 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 connecting each rigid plate 165 to the edge of the associated window 160, and thus to guarantee the long-term sealing of the electrical switch 100.

[0089] In the case of a 100 single-touch electrical switch ( figures 1 to 3The 152 lugs simultaneously move the two rigid plates 165 of the two windows 160 of the rigid front panel 140 of the trim 130. The movement of these two rigid plates 165 is therefore not independent. The two rigid plates 165 are thus both moved simultaneously in a similar manner.

[0090] Alternatively, in the case of a double-button switch (not shown), the movement of each rigid plate 165 is done independently of each other.

[0091] As depicted on the figure 3The support wall 155 of the control button 150 is bordered externally by a lip 158 extending rearward. Two opposing regions of this lip 158 are defined, positioned on the longitudinal axis carrying the studs 152, close to this axis. The height of the lip 158 in these two opposing regions is determined so that, when the control button 150 is in one of the two stable positions, the lip 158 rests against the front face of the rigid front wall 140 of the trim piece 130.

[0092] The rim 158 can present this height consistently around the entire perimeter of the control key 150 (and not only in the two opposite regions previously defined).

[0093] Advantageously, the rigid plate 165 is moved to act on the driver 120, located at the right of said rigid plate 165, in order to tilt it to allow the opening or closing of the electrical circuit of the motor 110.

[0094] For this purpose, the upper part 123 of the trainer 120 is positioned opposite each rigid plate 165, so that, when moved, the rigid plate 165 is pressed against the trainer 120 (causing it to tilt).

[0095] There figure 8 represents, in a schematic diagram, a control button 150 of the bezel 130 of the electrical switch 100 in an intermediate switching state: previously, the control button 150 was in a stable state, switched to the right side, and it is now, for example, switched to the left side. On the figure 8, the trainer 120 is in a stable position tilted also to the right side and the associated rigid plate 165 is substantially opposite the trainer 120.

[0096] When the control key 150 is flipped to the left side (as schematically shown on the figure 8 The left end of this part is brought closer to the rigid front wall 140 of the trim 130. The contacts 152 located on the left side are then brought into contact with the rigid plates 165 (here simultaneously because it is a single-touch electrical switch). They then exert a pressure force on each rigid plate 165, causing them to move.

[0097] The displacement of each rigid plate 165 is broken down into two parts. First, the contact of a stud 152 with the associated rigid plate 165 causes it to rotate around the y-axis. The left end of each rigid plate 165 is thus tilted backward (in the direction opposite to the z-axis) in a rotational movement. Thanks to the stepped hinge formed by the articulation of the two tabs 166 and the flexibility generated by the bellows 163, which forms part 162A of the flexible sealing membrane connecting each rigid plate 165 to the edge of the associated window 160, each rigid plate 165 also undergoes a translational movement along the x-axis. The combination of rotational and translational movements presses the rigid plate 165 against the driver 120, causing the driver 120 to tilt into its other stable state, here on the left side.The relative arrangement of the rigid plates 165 and the driver 120 is such that there is no significant friction between these elements for proper functioning of the assembly.

[0098] It is then understood that the pressing of a user's finger on the control key 150 causes the control key 150 to tilt around the median axis L, from a stable state, for example tilted to the right, to another stable state, tilted to the left, and the movement of one or more rigid plates 165 by the pressing of a stud 152 provided on the rear face 159 of said control key 150. This rigid plate 165, by moving, causes the driver 120, the upper part 123 of which is located opposite the rigid plate(s) 165, to tilt, and, in so doing, opens or closes the electrical circuit of the motor 110.

[0099] Thanks to the rigid plates 165 which, by their movement, cause the driver 120 to tilt, the integrity of part 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 closing said windows 160 of the rigid front wall 140 of the trim 130 is preserved, because this membrane is not directly stressed during the operation of the electrical switch 100. The flexible sealing membrane 162 then perfectly performs its insulating role over time and follows the movement of the rigid plates 165.

[0100] Advantageously, when moving the rigid plates 165, the sealing of the electrical switch 100 is guaranteed because part 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 is sufficiently flexible, thanks to its bellows shape, to adapt to the movements of the rigid plate 165.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented in the various figures, but a person skilled in the art will be able to make any variation in accordance with their spirit.

Claims

1. Bezel (130) of a sealed electrical switch (100), said bezel (130) comprising a flexible sealing membrane (162) and a rigid front wall (140) comprising at least one window (160) in which extends a rigid plate (165) intended to be moved under the action of a pressure force exerted on said rigid plate (165), said rigid plate (165) being connected to the edge of the window (160) by means of a portion (162A) of the flexible sealing membrane (162), characterized in that said part (162A) of the flexible sealing membrane (162) forms a bellows (163) which extends exclusively between the entire edge of said rigid plate (165) and the entire edge of said window (160) so that said part (162A) of the flexible sealing membrane (162) only closes the space left free between the rigid plate (165) and the edge of the window (160) to close said window (160).

2. Trim (130) according to claim 1, wherein the window (160) having an elongated shape defined by a longitudinal axis (Z1, Z2) and a transverse axis (L), the rigid plate (165) is positioned in the center of said window (160) along said longitudinal axis (Z1, Z2) and said transverse axis (L).

3. Trim (130) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the rigid plate (165) is connected to the edge of the window (160) by means of a joint connecting two longitudinal sides of the edge of said rigid plate (165) to two longitudinal sides of the edge of said window (160).

4. Trim (130) according to claims 2 and 3, wherein, considering a direction orthogonal to the rigid plate (165) directed from the front to the rear of the trim (130), said articulation is formed by two tabs (166) aligned along said transverse axis (L) of said window (160), each tab (166) having a wave shape, one end of which connected to the edge of the window (160) is located in a first plane (P1) and the other end of which connected to the edge of said rigid plate (165) is located in a second plane (P2), positioned below said first plane (P1) along said orthogonal direction, so that the front face (165A) of the rigid plate (165) is offset towards the rear with respect to the front face (140A) of the rigid front wall (140).

5. Trim (130) according to claim 4, wherein the rigid plate (165) and said tabs (166) are made in one piece with a portion of the rigid front wall (140).

6. Trim (130) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein said part (162A) of the flexible sealing membrane (162) covers the front face of said tabs (166).

7. Trim (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rigid plate (165) and the associated window (160) have oblong concentric shapes.

8. Trim (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which there is provided at least one control button (150) having on the rear face (159) of a support wall (155) of a user's finger at least two studs (152) intended to bear against the rigid plate (165) to move it.

9. Trim (130) according to claim 8, in which the rigid front wall (140) carries means for tilting the control button (150) between two stable positions.

10. Trim (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the flexible sealing membrane (162) is made by overmolding a flexible material around the rigid plate (165).

11. Electric switch (100) comprising a motor (110) provided with a drive (120) and a cover (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said drive (120) being positioned opposite said rigid plate (165) of the cover (130) so that, during its movement, the rigid plate (165) is pressed against the drive (120).

12. Electrical switch (100) according to claim 11, in which the motor (110) comprises a base attached in arrangements of an electrical box (10) for surface mounting on a wall.

13. Electrical switch (100) according to claim 11, wherein the motor (110) comprises a base attached in arrangements of a frame for mounting in a recessed opening.