Cover and electrical switch including such cover

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover for a sealed electrical switch, the cover comprising a flexible sealing film (162) and a rigid front wall (140), the rigid front wall comprising at least one window hole (160), a rigid sheet (165) extending in the window hole and intended to be displaced by pressure applied to the rigid sheet, the rigid sheet being connected to the edge of the window hole via a portion (162A) of the flexible sealing film. According to the invention, the portion of the flexible sealing film forms a corrugated portion (163), which extends only between the entire edge of the rigid sheet and the entire edge of the window hole, so that the portion of the flexible sealing film only blocks the free space left between the rigid sheet and the edge of the window hole to close the window hole.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a cover (decorative plate, panel) for a sealed electrical switch, which includes a flexible sealing membrane and a rigid front wall, the rigid front wall including at least one window hole, a rigid thin plate extending in the window hole and intended to be displaced due to pressure applied to the rigid thin plate, the rigid thin plate being connected to the edge of the window hole by a portion of the flexible sealing membrane. Background Art

[0003] A sealed electrical switch generally includes a housing and a sealing cover that form an internal volume in which a device mechanism is located. The electrical switch includes a control device for the device mechanism located outside the internal volume of the housing. The control device actuates the device mechanism through the sealing cover.

[0004] To ensure the tightness of the electrical switch, the cover is equipped with a sealing membrane covering the device mechanism.

[0005] Currently, two configurations of actuating the device mechanism through the sealing membrane are known.

[0006] According to a first configuration, the sealing membrane has an opening to allow the control element to pass therethrough and thus be directly embedded in the device mechanism. Adjusting the opening of the sealing membrane around the control element can not only ensure the sealing of the electrical switch, but also ensure the mechanical connection between the control device and the device mechanism.

[0007] However, improper insertion of the control element through the opening of the sealing membrane may tear the sealing membrane (and thereby compromise the seal), or result in a poor mechanical connection between the control and the device mechanism (thus resulting in unstable operation of the electrical switch).

[0008] According to a second configuration, the sealing membrane is not pierced and completely covers the device mechanism. The control device deforms the sealing membrane to actuate the device mechanism.

[0009] However, this configuration causes friction between the plastic materials forming the control device, the sealing membrane and the device mechanism. These frictions interfere with the operation of the various components of the electrical switch. In addition, they accelerate the wear of the sealing membrane and may cause the sealing membrane to break in the long term. Summary of the invention

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a cover for a sealed electrical switch, wherein a control device of the electrical switch actuates the device mechanism without directly acting on a sealing film covering the device mechanism, so as to simultaneously ensure reliable actuation of the device mechanism and durable sealing of the electrical switch.

[0011] More specifically, according to the present invention, a barrier cover as described in the introduction is proposed, wherein the portion of the flexible sealing film forms a corrugated portion (folded portion) which extends only between the entire edge of the rigid thin plate and the entire edge of the window hole, so that the portion of the flexible sealing film only blocks the free space left between the rigid thin plate and the edge of the window hole to close the window hole.

[0012] Thus, advantageously, according to the invention, the cover comprises a rigid sheet (platelet, sheet) and an opening filled by a flexible sealing membrane. The cover is completely closed and thus sealed. Here, the actuation of the device mechanism is accomplished by displacement of the rigid sheet. Thus, the sealing membrane is not pierced and is not directly subjected to stresses exerted on the device mechanism, thereby ensuring the operation of the sealed electrical switch.

[0013] Other non-limiting and advantageous technical features of the cover according to the invention are as follows, which features can be applied individually or combined with each other in a technically possible manner:

[0014] - the window opening has an elongated shape defined by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, the rigid sheet being positioned in the center of the window opening along said longitudinal axis and said transverse axis;

[0015] - a rigid sheet connected to the edge of the window opening by a hinge connecting two longitudinal sides of the edge of the rigid sheet to two longitudinal sides of the edge of the window opening;

[0016] - considering a direction oriented from the front of the cover towards the rear and orthogonal to the rigid sheet, the hinge is formed by two tongues aligned along the transverse axis of the window opening, each tongue being wavy and having one end connected to the edge of the window opening lying in a first plane and the other end connected to the edge of the rigid sheet lying in a second plane - the second plane being located below the first plane along the orthogonal direction, so that the front surface of the rigid sheet is offset rearwards relative to the front surface of the rigid front wall;

[0017] - said rigid sheet and said tongue form a single part with a portion of the rigid front wall;

[0018] - said portion of the flexible sealing film covers the front surface of said tongue;

[0019] - the rigid sheets and the associated window openings have a concentric oblong shape;

[0020] - provided with at least one control button comprising, on the rear face of the support wall for the user's fingers, at least two contact studs intended to come into contact with the rigid plate in order to displace it;

[0021] - a rigid front wall carries a flip-up device for a control button that flips between two stable positions;

[0022] - The flexible sealing membrane is made by overmolding a flexible material around a rigid sheet.

[0023] The invention also relates to an electrical switch comprising a prime mover (moteur) provided with a transmission member and a cover as described above, wherein the transmission member is positioned corresponding to the rigid thin plate of the cover so that when the rigid thin plate is displaced, the rigid thin plate presses on the transmission member.

[0024] According to a first embodiment, the prime mover comprises a base attached to an arrangement of an electrical box for protruding wall mounting. According to a second embodiment, the prime mover comprises a base attached to an arrangement of a frame for recessed mounting in an opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The description set out below is given as a non-limiting example and proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, through which it will become clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented.

[0026] In the attached picture:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic diagram of an assembly of an electrical switch including an electrical box and a cover according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front exploded perspective schematic diagram of an electrical switch;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A rear exploded perspective schematic diagram of an electrical switch;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic front perspective view of a rigid front wall of a cover intended to be integrated into an electrical switch according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial front perspective schematic diagram of a rigid front wall of a retaining cover;

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The rigid front wall of the cover is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of plane BB;

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The rigid front wall of the cover is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of plane AA;

[0034] Figure 8 is a partial schematic diagram of an electrical switch according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the following description, the terms "front" and "rear" are used relative to a person's line of sight toward the component being described. The front of a component refers to the side toward a person's line of sight, and the rear of a component refers to the side toward a support to which the component is attached. Thus, when the electrical switch 100 is mounted on a component, the front refers to the side toward the inside of the component, and the rear refers to the opposite side, i.e., the side toward the outside of the component.

[0036] The terms "inner" and "outer" are used with reference to the electrical switch 100 itself, referring to a side of the components toward the center of the electrical switch and a side of the components toward the exterior of the electrical switch, respectively.

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 1 shows a sealed electrical switch 100 according to the present invention. The electrical switch 100 may be of any type, which is actuated externally by at least one control button (touch pad) 150.

[0038] It can be a single-open switch, a double-open switch or a double-control switch. However, the present invention relates to all types of electrical switches.

[0039] Figures 1 to 3 The embodiment shown corresponds to a one-touch electrical switch, in the sense that a single control button of the cover can actuate a transmission element to open or close a single electrical circuit of the prime mover.

[0040] Figures 1 to 3 The electrical switch 100 shown comprises, on the one hand, a prime mover 110 having a base 112 which accommodates electrical connection terminals (not shown) for connection to a local power grid according to the operating mode of the electrical switch, and, on the other hand, a cover 130 (to enable the electrical switch to function).

[0041] Here, the prime mover 110 is housed in an electrical box 10 intended to be attached protruding from a wall. According to a variant not shown, it can be attached to a mounting (flush) frame intended to be mounted to a mounting box embedded in an opening in said wall.

[0042] The cover 130, which will be described in more detail later, seals the front of the mounting frame or electrical box 10 in which the base 112 of the prime mover 110 is mounted, the base being equipped with the transmission member 120 (see FIG. Figure 2 and 3 ). It carries a control button 150, which is suitable for acting on the transmission member 120 of the prime mover 110 to control the opening and closing of the circuit of the electrical switch 100. In a variant, the prime mover can be equipped with multiple transmission members, and the associated cover thus carries multiple control buttons suitable for acting on different transmission members.

[0043] The base 112 of the prime mover 110 is in the form of an insulating housing. The insulating housing may be a single component (integral component) molded from a plastic material. The base 112 is generally parallelepiped-shaped.

[0044] The electrical box 10 does not form part of the present invention and will not be described in further detail herein. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the electrical box 10 comprises a body 15, which is generally parallelepipedal in shape. It can be in a different shape, for example cylindrical.

[0045] The body 15 comprises a side wall 16 which is closed at the rear by the bottom wall 11 (see Figure 2 and 3 ). The side wall 16 and the bottom wall 11 define a cavity suitable for receiving a prime mover 110. The cavity is open at the front to allow access (operation) to the prime mover 110 attached in the cavity.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the body 15 is actually formed of two different main parts: a rear part 12, hereinafter referred to as a "plate support", and a front part 17, hereinafter referred to as a "frame 17". The plate support 12 is provided for fixing to a partition or a wall and supporting the prime mover 110; the frame 17 has the function of protecting the prime mover 110 and supporting the interface device (particularly the cover 130) to allow the user to interact with the prime mover 110.

[0047] In a variant, the body may be made from a single part.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the plate support comprises a bottom wall 11 delimited by side walls 13 rising from the bottom wall 11 and being substantially perpendicular thereto.

[0049] In order to be able to install the prime mover 110 into the electrical box 10, the bottom wall 11 of the plate support 12 carries a column 200 (see Figure 2 ). The columns 200 extend forward from the bottom wall 11 in the cavity. They extend perpendicularly to the bottom wall. In particular, the columns 200 include mounting means for the base 112 of the prime mover 110. The mounting means are, for example, snap-fit ​​means that receive complementary snap-fit ​​means 121 provided on the base 112 of the prime mover 110. When the prime mover 110 is installed in the electrical box 10, the snap-fit ​​means provided on the columns 200 can position the base 112 of the prime mover 110 in the electrical box 10 so that it is separated from the bottom wall 11 of the plate support 12 by a certain distance, thereby leaving free space for placing electrical connection wires.

[0050] In addition, if Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the frame 17 is formed by clamping the sleeve formed by the side wall 18 and the extension 19 together. The side wall 18 of the frame 17 is arranged to be attached to the side wall 13 of the plate support 12 by nesting, so as to extend in the extension of the side wall 13, thereby forming the side wall 16 of the body 15. A sealing joint (not shown here) is positioned between the plate support 12 and the frame 17 to ensure a sealed assembly between the plate support 12 and the frame 17.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the side walls 18 of the frame 17 and the side walls 13 of the plate-type support 12 are shaped to receive at least one cable tie 50. Here, the electrical box 10 comprises two cable tie 50.

[0052] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, each cable hoop plate 50 includes a support sheet 52 having an inner peripheral edge defining an opening 50A for passing a cable, an ICTA type electrical enclosure or an IRL tube. Each cable hoop plate 50 also includes a flexible and pierceable sealing element 54, which is at least partially overmolded on the support sheet 52, which blocks the opening 50A and is suitable for passing a cable, an IRL type tube or an ICTA type electrical sheath.

[0053] Here, too, the frame 17 is designed to receive the barrier 130. To this end, it comprises, in the front part of the side wall 18, an orifice 30A for fixing the barrier 130. Said orifice 30A is suitable for receiving elements that can mount the barrier 130 to the frame 17. These mounting elements (not shown) are elements that can be operated from the front face of the barrier 130 and, for example, turned a quarter.

[0054] Here, the base 112 of the prime mover 110 includes six independent chambers (not shown) to accommodate three or six electrical connection terminals - depending on whether it is a single-touch electrical switch (see Figures 1 to 3 ), or a double-touch electrical switch (not shown). Therefore, the base 112 is the same as an electrical switch and includes one or two control buttons.

[0055] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment of the invention shown, the prime mover 110 is equipped with three electrical connection terminals (at Figure 2 In the example, only two electrical connections are visible). These are automatic connection terminals.

[0056] In order to connect it electrically to the electrical connection terminals housed in said chamber of the base 112, the stripped ends of the electrical wires (not shown) originating from the power supply network are introduced through access openings 125 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) is introduced into the interior of the electrical connection terminal.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, each electrical connection terminal is provided with a pair of access openings 125. In each pair of access openings 125, one access opening 125 leads from the outside of the prime mover 110 to the chamber for powering the electrical connection terminal accommodated in the chamber, and the other access opening 125 is used for possible bridging of the electrical connection terminal.

[0058] Typically, the transmission 120 is associated with a single control device and thus a single circuit. Figure 2 In the example shown, the transmission 120 of the prime mover 110 , actuated by a single control button 150 , causes the opening and closing of a single electrical circuit.

[0059] According to a variant that is not shown, the prime mover may comprise two transmission members actuated by two control buttons, thus causing the opening and closing of two electrical circuits.

[0060] The transmission member 120 is mounted pivotably about a tilt axis (not shown) relative to the base 112 of the prime mover 110. It extends at the front of the base 112 on both sides of the tilt axis.

[0061] In the usual way, such as Figure 2 As shown, the transmission member 120 comprises an upper portion 123 at the front and a tubular element (not visible in the figure) at the rear. Preferably, the transmission member 120 is a single component molded from a plastic material.

[0062] The upper part 123 of each transmission member 120 is mounted in front of the base 112 by means of pins (not visible) engaged in a bracket (not shown) of the base 112, thereby partially closing the base 112 in the front, and the tubular element of the transmission member 120 extends inside the base 112.

[0063] The width of the upper portion 123 of the transmission member 120 depends on the control type (single-open or double-open) of the electrical switch 100 .

[0064] Considering the standard width called "a module", in Figure 2 and 3In the case of the one-touch control shown, the width of the transmission element 120 is equal to twice the standard width, or is referred to as having a width of "two modules". In this case, the transmission element 120 has an asymmetrical shape, it has a single tubular element, which is at the same level as the cavity of the base 112 where the three electrical connection terminals are arranged, but not at the same level as the empty cavity of the base 112.

[0065] In a variant, in the case of a two-touch control device (not shown), two transmissions are provided, each having the width of one module (and each comprising its own tubular element).

[0066] More particularly, the present invention relates to an arrangement of a cover 130 of an electrical switch 100 that advantageously allows a transmission member 120 of a prime mover 110 to flip while ensuring permanent sealing of the electrical switch 100 .

[0067] The blocking cover 130 is particularly Figures 4 to 7 Shown in.

[0068] The blocking cover 130 includes a rigid front wall 140 , on which a control button 150 and a flexible sealing membrane 162 are mounted.

[0069] The rigid front wall 140 has a shape suitable for the front opening of the electrical box 10 for protruding installation, so that it closes the front opening. In a variant, the rigid front wall can have a shape suitable for the front opening of the frame for embedded installation, for closing the front opening.

[0070] Thus, the rigid front wall 140 forms a cover which is provided by means of holes 149 (see Figure 2 ) is fixed to the protruding electrical box 10 or mounting frame to close the electrical switch 100 in the front.

[0071] A rigid front wall 140 equipped with a flexible sealing membrane 162 is located above the transmission member 120. It isolates the prime mover 110 equipped with the transmission member 120 from the outside to protect the prime mover 110 from being damaged by dust or liquid.

[0072] Here, the rigid front wall 140 carries flip means 147 aligned along the same median axis L for flipping the control button 150 of the cover 130. More specifically, the flip means 147 is in the form of a column extending toward the front and intended to nestly receive a complementary mounting means 157 of the control button 150.

[0073] To this end, the control button 150 has a column 157 extending toward the rear on the rear surface 159 of the user's finger support wall 155, and its free end is shaped complementary to the free end of the flip device 147 of the rigid front wall 140 of the cover 130 for assembly. When assembled, the control button 150 can be rotated around the middle axis L (see Figure 4 and 5 ) flips between two stable positions.

[0074] In a variant, the control keys may be in the form of pushbuttons, the receiving means for the control keys on the rigid front wall being therefore suitable for a “push-push” type switch.

[0075] The width of each control button 150 depends on the control type (single or double) of the electrical switch 100. Here, it is a single-touch control (see Figures 1 to 3 ), the cover 130 therefore comprises a single control button 150 having a width of two modules. It is associated with the transmission member 120 of the prime mover 110.

[0076] According to a variant not shown, in the case of a double-touch control, the cover comprises two independent control buttons, juxtaposed along the median axis L, each having a width of one module. Each control button is associated with a transmission element.

[0077] The control button 150 actuated by the user is suitable for acting on the transmission member 120 through the rigid front wall 140 to flip it between two extreme positions, thereby opening or closing the circuit of the prime mover 110.

[0078] For this reason, Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the rigid front wall 140 of the blocking cover 130 includes at least one window hole 160. Here, the rigid front wall 140 of the blocking cover 130 includes two window holes 160. Therefore, the control button 150 is suitable for acting on the transmission member 120 through the window hole 160 of the rigid front wall 140 of the blocking cover 130.

[0079] According to the present invention, the two window openings 160 are arranged along two parallel axes Z1 and Z2 (see Figure 4 and 5 ) positioning, these two parallel axes Z1 and Z2 are perpendicular to the middle axis L.

[0080] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, each window opening 160 has an elongated shape, which is defined by a longitudinal axis, here the axes Z1 , Z2 , and a transverse axis, here the median axis L. Here, each window opening 160 is oval, but in a variant it may also be rectangular.

[0081] like Figures 2 to 5As shown, the rigid thin plate 165 extends inside each window hole 160. According to the present invention, the rigid thin plate 165 is intended to be displaced by the pressure applied by the control button 150, thereby acting on the transmission member 120 (causing it to be pressed on the transmission member). Therefore, by means of the displacement of the rigid thin plate 165, the transmission member 120 is turned over by the control button 150 through the rigid front wall 140.

[0082] Each rigid thin plate 165 is positioned at the center of the associated window opening 160 along the axes Z1, Z2 and the intermediate axis L. The two rigid thin plates 165 are positioned parallel to the two axes Z1, Z2. Each rigid thin plate 165 has an elongated shape along the axes Z1, Z2, for example an elliptical shape in this case. More specifically, as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, each rigid sheet 165 and associated window opening 160 have concentric oblong shapes.

[0083] Advantageously, according to the invention, in particular in Figure 5 and 7 As shown in the figure, each rigid sheet 165 is connected to the edge of the window opening 160 by a hinge. The hinge connects the two longitudinal sides of the edge of each rigid sheet 165, here the sides aligned with the axes Z1, Z2, to the two longitudinal sides of the edge of the associated window opening 160 (here also the sides aligned with the axes Z1, Z2).

[0084] The hinge allows each rigid sheet 165 to be displaced in each window opening 160 due to the pressure applied by the control button 150 .

[0085] More specifically, each hinge is formed here by two tongues 166 aligned along the transverse axis of the window opening, here the median axis L (see FIG. Figure 5 ). Thus, one tongue 166 of the hinge extends from one longitudinal side of the rigid sheet 165 under consideration to one longitudinal side of the associated window opening 160, while the other tongue 166 of the hinge extends from the other longitudinal side of the rigid sheet 165 under consideration to the other longitudinal side of the associated window opening 160.

[0086] like Figure 5 and 7 As shown, each tongue 166 is wavy in shape, with one end connected to the edge of the window opening 160 and the other end connected to the edge of the associated rigid sheet 165 .

[0087] Especially Figure 7 As shown, one end of each tongue piece 166 connected to the edge of the window hole 160 is located in the first plane P1. The other end of each tongue piece 166 connected to the edge of the rigid sheet 165 is located in the second plane P2.

[0088] Advantageously, here, Figure 7 As shown, considering the direction oriented from front to back and orthogonal to the rigid sheet 165 (i.e., in the direction Figure 7 The second plane P2 is located below the first plane P1. Therefore, the end of each tongue 166 connected to the edge of the rigid thin plate 165 is retracted a certain distance backward relative to the end of each tongue 166 connected to the edge of the associated window hole 160. Therefore, the front surface 165A of each rigid thin plate 165 is offset backward relative to the front surface 140A of the rigid front wall 140. That is, Figure 5 and 7 As shown, each rigid sheet 165 is not aligned with the rigid front wall 140, but has a rearward offset relative to the rigid front wall. Therefore, each hinge consisting of two flexible tongues forms a stepped hinge for displacement of the associated rigid sheet 165. When the control button 150 exerts pressure on the rigid sheet 165, the stepped hinge allows the rigid sheet to rotate (around the axis y shown in the figure) and translate (along the axis x) in the window hole 160.

[0089] Here, each rigid sheet 165 and the associated tongue 166 form a single part by moulding with the rigid front wall 140. The assembly formed by the rigid sheet 165, the associated tongue 166 and the rigid front wall 140 is made, for example, by moulding a plastic material.

[0090] Advantageously, according to the invention, in order to ensure the tightness of the electrical switch 100 , in each window opening 160 , the free space between the associated rigid sheet 165 and the edge of the window opening 160 is completely blocked by a portion 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 .

[0091] Therefore, if Figure 4 As shown, each window hole 160 is completely closed due to the portion 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 and each rigid thin plate 165, thereby ensuring the sealing of the electrical switch 100 and isolating the prime mover 110 from dust and liquid.

[0092] like Figure 4 , 6 As shown in FIGS. 7 and 7 , another portion 162B of the flexible sealing membrane 162 extends within an open space defined by additional window openings 170 (these window openings do not constitute a core part of the present invention and are therefore not described in detail herein).

[0093] In each window opening 160 , a portion 162A of a flexible sealing membrane 162 is made by overmolding a flexible material around a rigid sheet 165 .

[0094] According to the present invention, Figure 4 and 7As shown, the portion of the flexible sealing film 162 connecting each rigid sheet 165 to the edge of the associated window opening 160 covers the front surface of the tongue 166 connecting the rigid sheet 165 to the corresponding window opening 160 .

[0095] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the portion 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 that blocks the open space between each rigid sheet 165 and the edge of the associated window opening 160 forms a corrugated portion 163. Each corrugated portion 163 extends only between the entire edge of the rigid sheet 165 and the entire edge of the associated window opening 160. In this way, only the free space between each rigid sheet 165 and the associated window opening 160 is blocked by the portion 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162, so as to close the corresponding window opening 160.

[0096] More specifically, if Figure 4 , 6 As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , each corrugated portion 163 is wavy. The wavy shape is similar to the wavy shape of the tongue 166 that forms the hinge portion that connects the edge of the rigid sheet 165 to the edge of the window opening 160.

[0097] The corrugation of the portion 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 increases its flexibility by increasing the area of ​​the flexible sealing membrane 162 between each rigid sheet 165 and the edge of the corresponding window opening 160 .

[0098] Therefore, when each rigid thin plate 165 is displaced by the pressure applied by the control button 150, the shape of the corrugated portion 163 of the portion 162A of the flexible sealing film 162 is suitable for absorbing the pressure generated by the displacement of the rigid thin plate 155. Therefore, the portion 162A of the associated flexible sealing film 162 is not directly subjected to the stress applied by the displacement of the rigid thin plate 165, and the sealing performance of the electrical switch 100 can be ensured.

[0099] It should be noted that Figure 6 In the embodiment, the flexible sealing film 162 extends beyond the waveform constituting the corrugated portion 163. As described above, the additional portion corresponds to the portion of the flexible sealing film extending in the open space defined by the additional window opening 170.

[0100] The pressure that causes displacement of each rigid sheet 165 associated with each window opening 160 is caused by the user's finger pressing the supporting wall 155 of the control button 150 (see Figure 2 ) is generated.

[0101] like Figure 3 As shown, the rear surface 159 of the support wall 155 carries the above-mentioned pillar 157 and at least two contact pillars 152. These contact pillars 152 are aligned in pairs on the same longitudinal axis (not shown) orthogonal to the middle axis L (forming the turning axis of the control button 150), and are arranged on both sides of the middle axis L.

[0102] Likewise Figure 3 As shown, each contact pin 152 extends substantially perpendicularly to the rear surface 159 and is elongated, with its free end being rounded. The contact pin 152 and the control button 150 form a single component.

[0103] In the single-touch electrical switch 100 (see Figure 3 ), the rear surface 159 of the control button 150 includes four contact columns 152, which are aligned in pairs along two parallel transverse axes (not shown) perpendicular to the middle axis L.

[0104] In the case of a double-touch electrical switch (not shown), the rear surface of each control button includes a pair of two contact posts aligned along a transverse axis perpendicular to the middle axis L.

[0105] When the control button 150 is turned over, the contact pins 152 are intended to abut against each rigid thin plate 165 of the window opening 160 to displace them.

[0106] To this end, preferably, the height of each contact column 152 is determined so that, when the control button 150 is flipped to the first position, the end of one contact column 152 is at a certain distance from the rigid thin plate 165, while the end of another contact column 152 abuts against the rigid thin plate 165. Advantageously, the contact column 152 does not exert tension on the rigid thin plate 165, so that, for example, the portion 162A of the flexible sealing film 162 connecting each rigid thin plate 165 to the edge of the associated window hole 160 is not damaged, and the sealing of the electrical switch 100 can be ensured.

[0107] In the single-touch electrical switch 100 (see Figures 1 to 3 ), the contact pin 152 causes the two rigid thin plates 165 of the two window holes 160 of the rigid front wall 140 of the blocking cover 130 to displace simultaneously. Therefore, the displacement of the two rigid thin plates 165 is not performed independently. The two rigid thin plates 165 are therefore displaced simultaneously in a similar manner.

[0108] In a variant, in the case of a double-touch electrical switch (not shown), the displacement of each rigid plate 165 is carried out independently of the others.

[0109] like Figure 3 As shown, the supporting wall 155 of the control button 150 is externally delimited by a rearwardly extending rim 158. The rim 158 is defined as two opposite regions, which are located on and adjacent to the longitudinal axis of the bearing contact column 152. The height of the rim 158 in these two opposite regions is determined so that when the control button 150 is in one of the two stable positions, the rim 158 abuts against the front surface of the rigid front wall 140 of the blocking cover 130.

[0110] The rim 158 may have a constant height over the entire circumference of the control key 150 (and not just in the two opposing regions as defined above).

[0111] Advantageously, the rigid plate 165 is displaced so as to act on the transmission member 120 at the same level as said rigid plate 165 , causing it to turn over and thereby opening or closing the circuit of the prime mover 110 .

[0112] To this end, the upper portion 123 of the transmission element 120 is positioned in relation to each rigid plate 165 so that when the upper portion 123 is displaced, this rigid plate 165 is pressed against the transmission element 120 (thus causing it to turn over).

[0113] Figure 8 The control button 150 of the cover 130 of the electrical switch 100 is shown in the form of a schematic diagram in an intermediate flipped state: previously, the control button 150 was in a stable state, flipped to the right, and now, for example, flipped to the left. Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the transmission member 120 is in a stable position also flipped to the right, and the associated rigid sheet 165 substantially faces the transmission member 120 .

[0114] When the control button 150 is flipped to the left (eg Figure 8 As shown in the schematic diagram, the left end of the control button is close to the rigid front wall 140 of the cover 130. The contact pins 152 located on the left side are thus in contact with the rigid thin plate 165 (because it is a single-touch electrical switch, it is in contact with it at the same time). These contact pins apply pressure on each rigid thin plate 165, thereby displacing the rigid thin plate 165.

[0115] The displacement performed by each rigid thin plate 165 is divided into two parts. First, the contact of the contact pin 152 on the associated rigid thin plate 165 drives the rigid thin plate to perform a rotational movement around the axis y. The left end of each rigid thin plate 165 is therefore flipped backward (in the direction opposite to the axis z) during the rotational movement. Due to the flexibility generated by the stepped hinge formed by the hinge formed by the two tongues 166 and the corrugated portion 163 of the portion 162A that connects each rigid thin plate 165 to the edge of the associated window hole 160, which forms a flexible sealing membrane, each rigid thin plate 165 also performs a translational movement along the axis x. The combination of rotational and translational movements presses the rigid thin plate 165 onto the transmission member 120, causing the transmission member 120 to flip to another stable state, here the left side. The relative arrangement of the rigid thin plate 165 and the transmission member 120 is such that there is no significant friction between these elements, resulting in good overall operation.

[0116] It should be understood that the pressing of the user's finger on the control button 150 drives the control button 150 to flip around the middle axis L, from a stable state, such as flipping to the right, to another stable state, such as flipping to the left, and drives one or more rigid thin plates 165 to move by abutting against the contact pillar 152 set on the rear surface 159 of the control button 150. While the rigid thin plate 165 is displaced, it causes the transmission member 120, whose upper part 123 is at the same level as the one or more rigid thin plates 165, to flip, which causes the circuit of the prime mover 110 to be opened or closed.

[0117] The rigid thin plate 165 that drives the transmission member 120 to flip through its own displacement ensures the integrity of the portion 162A of the flexible sealing film 162 of the window hole 160 that closes the rigid front wall 140 of the blocking cover 130, because the sealing film is not directly subjected to force during the operation of the electrical switch 100. The flexible sealing film 162 thus plays a perfect insulating role over time and moves with the rigid thin plate 165.

[0118] Advantageously, when the rigid thin plate 165 is displaced, the sealing of the electrical switch 100 is ensured because the portion 162A of the flexible sealing membrane 162 is flexible enough to adapt to the movement of the rigid thin plate 165 .

[0119] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the various drawings, and a person skilled in the art will understand how to make any modifications based on the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cover (130) for a sealed electrical switch (100), the cover (130) comprising a flexible sealing membrane (162) and a rigid front wall (140), the rigid front wall comprising at least one window hole (160) and a rigid thin plate (165), the window hole (160) having an elongated shape defined by a longitudinal axis (Z1, Z2) and a transverse axis (L), the rigid thin plate (165) being positioned at the center of the window hole (160) along the longitudinal axis (Z1, Z2) and the transverse axis (L), the rigid thin plate (165) being capable of being compressed by a pressure applied to the rigid thin plate (165). The rigid thin plate (165) is displaced under the action of a force, the rigid thin plate (165) is connected to the edge of the window hole (160) through a portion (162A) of the flexible sealing film (162), the portion (162A) of the flexible sealing film (162) forms a corrugated portion (163), and the corrugated portion only extends between the entire edge of the rigid thin plate (165) and the entire edge of the window hole (160), so that the portion (162A) of the flexible sealing film (162) only blocks the free space left between the rigid thin plate (165) and the edge of the window hole (160) to close the window hole (160), characterized in that The rigid thin plate (165) is connected to the edge of the window hole (160) by a hinge, and the hinge connects the two longitudinal sides of the edge of the rigid thin plate (165) to the two longitudinal sides of the edge of the window hole (160), and, considering the orthogonal direction oriented from the front of the baffle (130) toward the rear and orthogonal to the rigid thin plate (165), the hinge is formed by two tongues (166) aligned along the transverse axis (L) of the window hole (160), each tongue (166) is wavy, one end of which is connected to the edge of the window hole (160) is located in a first plane (P1), and the other end of which is connected to the edge of the rigid thin plate (165) is located in a second plane (P2) positioned below the first plane (P1) along the orthogonal direction, so that the front surface (165A) of the rigid thin plate (165) is offset backward relative to the front surface (140A) of the rigid front wall (140).

2. The blocking cover (130) according to claim 1, wherein: The rigid sheet (165) and the tongue (166) are formed as a single component with a portion of the rigid front wall (140).

3. The blocking cover (130) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The portion (162A) of the flexible sealing film (162) covers the front surface of the tongue (166).

4. The blocking cover (130) according to claim 1, wherein: The rigid sheet (165) and associated window opening (160) have concentric oblong shapes.

5. The blocking cover (130) according to claim 1, wherein: At least one control button (150) is provided, comprising, on a rear surface (159) of a support wall (155) for a user's finger, at least two contact studs (152) intended to abut against a rigid plate (165) in order to displace it.

6. The blocking cover (130) according to claim 5, wherein: The rigid front wall (140) carries a flipping device for flipping the control button (150) between two stable positions.

7. The blocking cover (130) according to claim 1, wherein: The flexible sealing membrane (162) is made by overmolding a flexible material around the rigid sheet (165).

8. An electrical switch (100), comprising a prime mover (110) provided with a transmission member (120) and a baffle (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmission member (120) is positioned relative to a rigid thin plate (165) of the baffle (130) so that when the rigid thin plate is displaced, the rigid thin plate (165) presses on the transmission member (120).

9. The electrical switch (100) of claim 8, wherein: The prime mover (110) includes a base that is attached to the electrical box (10) in an arrangement for protruding wall mounting.

10. The electrical switch (100) of claim 8, wherein: The prime mover (110) includes a base that is attached to the frame in an arrangement for recessed installation in the opening.

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