Illuminating indicator lights for switching devices and switching devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a light-emitting indicator (100) for an electrical device, comprising a panel (110) and a cap (140), the front surface (110A) of the panel extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and supporting at least one light-emitting element (112), the cap covering the light-emitting element and having a front surface (140A) forming the front surface of the indicator. According to the invention, the light-emitting element is positioned adjacent to a lateral end edge of the panel, and the cap includes a bubble (141) above the light-emitting element, the bubble forming a protrusion on the front surface of the cap, and the outer surface (141A) of the bubble being convex, the bubble being adapted to guide a stream of light emitted by the light-emitting element through the cap along a main emission direction (X1), the main emission direction forming an angle (A) with the longitudinal axis having a value less than 60 degrees.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light indicator (light indicator, luminous indicator) for electrical equipment, comprising a panel having a front surface extending along a longitudinal axis and supporting at least one light-emitting element, and further comprising a cap covering the light-emitting element having a front surface that forms the front surface of the indicator.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a switching device including such an indicator light. Background Technology

[0003] An example of a light-emitting indicator of the above type is known in the applicant's document FR2998087, wherein a light-emitting element is placed at the center of a panel. This light-emitting element emits a light beam along a main direction perpendicular to the panel, and the light-emitting indicator directly illuminates the front surface of the surface element of the electrical device associated with the indicator through a small opening provided in the surface element of the electrical device. The illumination obtained by means of the light-emitting indicator is limited to a localized area of ​​the surface element of the electrical device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an indicator light that can illuminate most of the surface element of an electrical device.

[0005] More specifically, the present invention provides a light-emitting indicator as described in the technical field, wherein the light-emitting element is placed adjacent to the lateral end edge of the panel, the cap includes a blister above the light-emitting element, the blister forming a protrusion on the front surface of the cap, and the outer surface of the blister is convex, the blister being adapted to guide (direct) the light stream emitted by the light-emitting element through the cap along a main emission direction, the main emission direction forming an angle of less than 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis.

[0006] Other features of the luminous indicator light according to the present invention are as follows:

[0007] - The value of the angle is approximately 45 degrees;

[0008] - The blister of the cap has the form of a portion of an ellipsoid;

[0009] -The blister of the cap has the form of a portion of a sphere;

[0010] - The front surface of the panel supports two light-emitting elements, which are disposed at two opposite ends of the panel, each adjacent to the lateral end edge of the panel; the cap includes a bubble above each light-emitting element, the bubble forming a protrusion on the front surface of the cap and its front surface being convex, the two bubbles being adapted to guide two beams of light emitted by the two light-emitting elements through the cap along two opposite (opposite) main emission directions;

[0011] - The front surface of the panel supports a printed circuit board, and each light-emitting element is connected to the printed circuit board; two connecting pins and a base are provided, the base being located at the rear of the panel and including two sleeve portions, through which the two pins pass, the pins passing from one side of the panel to the other side, such that one end of each pin is electrically connected to the printed circuit board.

[0012] - The cap is molded over the panel.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a switching device comprising:

[0014] - A housing, including a front wall, through which the housing can be mounted on an equipment support;

[0015] - Equipment mechanisms housed within the enclosure;

[0016] - Control panel of the equipment mechanism;

[0017] - A decorative panel, which is attached to the front surface of the front wall of the housing and has an inner edge surrounding the control touch panel;

[0018] -The aforementioned indicator light, powered by the device mechanism, is located below the control touch panel and above the front surface of the front wall of the housing, such that its light-emitting element is placed close to the inner edge of the decorative panel.

[0019] According to an advantageous feature of the switching device of the invention, the control touch panel includes a portion called a reflective portion, which hangs over (protrudes above, is suspended above) a portion of the front surface of the decorative panel adjacent to the inner edge and is called a light-emitting portion. The reflective portion of the control touch panel has a rear surface adapted to reflect at least a portion of the light stream emitted by the indicator light to propagate (diffuse) it to the light-emitting portion of the front surface of the decorative panel.

[0020] Another advantageous feature of the switching device according to the invention is that the light-emitting portion of the front surface of the decorative panel is a recessed portion, the bottom of which is oriented toward the concave surface of the control touch plate.

[0021] Another advantageous feature of the switching device according to the invention is that the control touch panel includes a support wall (pressing wall) for a user's finger to press, the reflective portion belonging to the support wall; the control touch panel also includes a mounting wall extending perpendicularly to the support wall from a rear surface of the support wall, a portion of the mounting wall being located between the indicator light and the inner edge of the decorative panel, and the mounting wall being equipped with a window for a stream of light emitted by the indicator light to pass through in the direction of the rear surface of the reflective portion of the control touch panel.

[0022] Another advantageous feature of the switching device according to the invention is that the window is enclosed by a transparent glass sheet.

[0023] Finally, another advantageous feature of the switching device according to the invention is that the indicator light includes two light-emitting elements, and the control contact includes two reflective portions corresponding to the light-emitting elements. The control contact is pivotally (pivotibly, flipping) mounted on the housing such that in each of its pivotal positions, one reflective portion is raised above the front surface of the decorative panel to allow a stream of light emitted by one of the two light-emitting elements of the indicator light to escape, while the other reflective portion is lowered to the front surface of the decorative panel to prevent a stream of light emitted by the other of the two light-emitting elements of the indicator light from escaping. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The following description is given by way of non-limiting example and is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, through which it will become clear what the invention consists of and how it is implemented.

[0025] In the attached diagram:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the luminous indicator light according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Side view;

[0029] Figure 4 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view of plane BB in the middle;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Top view;

[0031] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the electrical components including the decorative panel, the switching device according to the invention, and the device support;

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 6A perspective view of a portion of the switching equipment;

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the switchgear;

[0034] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Top view;

[0035] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A sectional view of plane CC;

[0036] Figure 11 yes Figure 6 A side view of the control contact panel of the switching equipment;

[0037] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A perspective view from below. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following description, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined relative to the user's line of sight, with the front of the element of the present invention facing the user and the rear of the element facing away from the user.

[0039] Figures 1 to 5 A preferred embodiment of the luminous indicator light 100 according to the present invention is shown.

[0040] The indicator light 100 is intended to be installed in the enclosure 10 of the electrical equipment 1, such as... Figures 6 to 12 The switchgear shown.

[0041] The indicator light 100 has an elongated body that extends along the longitudinal axis X (see...). Figure 2 and 4 More specifically, it refers to a main body that is roughly rectangular in shape.

[0042] The main body of the indicator light 100 includes an electronic card (electronic circuit board) 150, a base 130, and a cap 140 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0043] The electronic card 150 includes a panel 110, a printed circuit board 111, and at least one light-emitting element 112 connected to the printed circuit board 111.

[0044] According to the embodiment shown, the electronic card 150 includes two light-emitting elements 112.

[0045] Panel 110 is made of an insulating material, such as laminated epoxy resin.

[0046] Panel 110 has a longitudinal axis X along the indicator body (see...) Figure 2 and 4The panel 110 is an elongated, slender shape. More specifically, the panel 110 is rectangular in shape, defined by two longitudinal edges 116B and two lateral end edges 116A (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0047] The panel 110 of the electronic card 150 includes a front surface 110A supporting the printed circuit board 111 (see...). Figure 2 and 4 ).

[0048] The printed circuit board 111 is, for example, in the form of a thin copper coating, which is etched by a chemical process to obtain lines (not shown) that terminate at rounded ends.

[0049] The lines on a printed circuit board can be covered with a layer of colored varnish to protect them from oxidation and potential short circuits.

[0050] Alternatively, the lines of the printed circuit board 111 may extend on the rear surface 110B of the panel 110, which is opposite to the front surface 110A of the panel 110.

[0051] The front surface 110A of the panel 110 also supports each light-emitting element 112, which is connected to a specific rounded end of a line on the printed circuit board 111.

[0052] More specifically, such as Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the electronic card 150 also includes various electronic components 113A, 113B that are electrically connected to a printed circuit board on the front surface 110A of the panel 110. These other components include two diodes 113A and four resistors 113B.

[0053] According to a prominent feature of the indicator light 100 conforming to the present invention, at least one light-emitting element 112 is placed adjacent to the lateral end edge 116A of the panel 110.

[0054] Here, two light-emitting elements 112 are disposed at two opposite ends of the panel 110, each adjacent to the lateral end edge 116A of the panel 110 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the main body of the indicator light 100 has a substantially symmetrical configuration along a plane of symmetry P perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. Each light-emitting element 112 is disposed adjacent to the lateral end edge of the panel 110, and next to each light-emitting element 112, facing the center of the panel, a diode 113A and two resistors 113B are disposed in sequence.

[0056] Each light-emitting element 112 is, for example, a light-emitting diode. It can also be any other light-emitting electronic component.

[0057] The indicator light 100 also includes two connection pins 120 that are electrically connected to the printed circuit board 111.

[0058] These two pins 120 protrude from the body of the indicator light 100. Each pin has a generally cylindrical shape and extends parallel to each other along a direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the body of the indicator light 100 (see...). Figure 1 , 3 and 4).

[0059] Especially Figure 2 As shown, advantageously, the connector pins 120 extend from one side of the panel 110 of the indicator light 100 to the other side, such that one end 121 of each pin 120 is electrically connected to a printed circuit board 111 disposed on the front surface 110A of the panel 110.

[0060] For this purpose, panel 110 includes at least two through openings 114 for receiving the pins 120 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0061] The end 121 of each pin 120 is exposed above or at least flush with the front surface 110A of the panel 110. Electrical contact between the traces of the printed circuit board 111 and each pin 120 can be easily established, for example, by soldering the said end 121 of the pin to the traces of the printed circuit board 111.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the base 130 of the main body of the indicator light 100 is located behind the panel 110 and includes two sleeve portions 131 through which the two connecting pins 120 pass.

[0063] The base 130 is shaped similarly to the panel 110. Here, the base 130 includes a rectangular planar portion 132 (see...). Figure 2 and 4 The front main surface 132A of the base abuts against the rear surface 110B of the panel 110 of the electronic card 150. The area of ​​the front main surface 132A of the base 130 is equal to or slightly smaller than the area of ​​the rear surface 110B of the panel 110.

[0064] The base 130 is electrically insulating. It is made of insulating plastic material, for example, by molding. The base can electrically insulate the panel 110 when the printed circuit board 111 includes conductive lines extending on the rear surface 110B of the panel 110.

[0065] The base 130 also includes four sleeve portions 131 (see Figure 2 Each of them allows 120 pins to be connected.

[0066] Each sleeve portion 131 has a through opening 133 from the planar portion 132 surrounding the base 130 (see...). Figure 2 The rear main surface 132B extends perpendicularly to the planar portion 132 of the base 130.

[0067] Each sleeve portion 131 includes a partially cylindrical wall that connects to a partially cylindrical wall of the sleeve portion adjacent to it in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the body of the indicator light 100 (see...). Figure 3 These sleeve portions 131 extend in pairs on planes P1 and P2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X. Figure 2 ).

[0068] Therefore, it is conceivable that the connection pins 120 can be positioned in different relative positions.

[0069] Therefore, the connector pins can be connected to different locations on the printed circuit board 111, that is, to different lines on the printed circuit board, and protrude from the base 130 through different pairs of sleeves 131.

[0070] For this purpose, four through openings 114 are provided in the panel 110, which are adapted to receive the pins. The four through openings 114 of the panel 110 are arranged opposite to the four sleeve portions of the base 130.

[0071] Specifically, it is therefore conceivable that pin 120 is aligned with the longitudinal axis X of the body of indicator light 100 along one of the two parallel planes P1 and P2 defined by the sleeve portion, such as... Figure 2 As shown. They can also be arranged along a plane that extends diagonally between the sleeve portion extending in one of the two planes P1 and P2 and the other plane P1 and P2.

[0072] The different positions of pin 120 within indicator light 100 allow the corresponding indicator light 100 to operate in different ways. Here, continuous illumination of indicator light 100 means it functions as an "illuminant" indicator, with the light-emitting element 112 continuously emitting a stream of light to illuminate the surface of the switching device. Depending on the other pin position, the indicator light can function as a "signal" indicator, illuminating only when the associated switching device is in the open position.

[0073] Each sleeve portion 131 of the base 130 includes an inner surface 134 with a misalignment portion 135 (see Figure 4 Each pin 120 includes a locally enlarged cross-section (not shown) near its end 121.

[0074] The enlarged section forms two circumferential support surfaces that extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis Y of pin 120.

[0075] The first support surface of the two support surfaces abuts against the misaligned portion 135 of the inner surface 134 of the sleeve portion 131, and the second support surface of the two support surfaces abuts against the rear surface 110B of the panel 110.

[0076] In this way, the retention of each pin 120 in the indicator light 100 is guaranteed, because any longitudinal movement of the pin (along the axis Y) is prevented in one direction by the first support surface of the pin 120 abutting against the misalignment portion 135 of the inner surface of the corresponding sleeve portion 131, and in the other direction by the second support surface abutting against the rear surface 110B of the panel 110.

[0077] In addition, any lateral movement of each pin 120 is also prevented by the retention of the pin 120 in the corresponding sleeve portion 131, the internal dimensions of which correspond to the external dimensions of the pin, except for the gap.

[0078] The cap 140 of the main body of the indicator light 100 covers the electronic card 150. More specifically, it covers the printed circuit board 111 and each light-emitting element 112 and other electronic components 113A, 113B supported by the front surface 110A of the panel 110 of the electronic card 150.

[0079] The cap 140 is an insulating shell made of a transparent or translucent material, such as a transparent polycarbonate-type thermoplastic material.

[0080] This ensures electrical insulation of the printed circuit board 111 extending on the front surface 110A of the panel 110, protects each light-emitting element 112, and also acts as a diffuser for the light flow emitted by each light-emitting element 112 of the indicator light 100.

[0081] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the cap 140 covers the front surface 110A and circumferential side edges 116 of the panel 110 of the indicator light 100. It has an overall cuboid shape, extending along the longitudinal axis X of the body of the indicator light 100, and has a front surface 140A forming the front surface of the indicator light 100, two parallel lateral end surfaces 146A, and two parallel longitudinal surfaces 146B. The lateral end surfaces 146A and longitudinal surfaces 146B form the rectangular outline 146 of the body of the indicator light 100.

[0082] Of particular notable, the cap 140 includes a bubble 141 above at least one light-emitting element 112, the bubble forming a protrusion on the front surface 140A of the cap 140, the outer surface 141A of which is convex. The bubble 141 is adapted to guide the light stream emitted by the light-emitting element 112 through the cap 140 along a main emission direction X1, which forms an angle A with the longitudinal axis X or even the front surface 110A of the panel 110 having a value of less than 60 degrees and preferably around 45 degrees (see [reference needed]). Figure 3 and 4 ).

[0083] according to Figures 1 to 5 In the preferred embodiment shown, the cap 140 includes a bubble 141 positioned above each light-emitting element 112 at each end of the panel 110. The bubble 141 forms a protrusion on the front surface 140A of the cap 140, and its front surface is convex. The two bubbles 141 are adapted to guide the light streams emitted by the two light-emitting elements 112 through the cap 140 along two opposite main emission directions X1, X2 (see...). Figure 4 Each of the main emission directions X1 and X2 forms an angle A with the longitudinal axis X, having a value of less than 60 degrees and preferably around 45 degrees.

[0084] More specifically, such as Figure 2 and 4 As shown, each blister 141 of the cap 140 is partially a convex thickening that constitutes the insulating outer shell of the cap. This thickening abuts the corresponding lateral end surface 146A of the cap 140. It has the shape of a portion of an ellipsoid. In a variation, it may have the shape of a portion of a sphere.

[0085] Each bubble 141 of the cap 140 allows for the formation of a beam of light, the axis of which is... Figure 4 The specific axis X1 or axis X2.

[0086] In an embodiment of the indicator light 100 according to the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the cap 140 is molded over the panel 110.

[0087] More specifically, here, the cap 140 is molded over a sub-assembly of the indicator light 100, which includes a panel 110 equipped with a printed circuit board 111 and each light-emitting element 112, a base 130, and an end 121 of a connecting pin 120, at which the enlarged cross-section is sandwiched between the panel 110 and the base 130.

[0088] The cap 140 more specifically covers the front surface 110A of the panel 110—which supports the printed circuit board 111, each light-emitting element 112 and other electronic components 113A, 113B, the side 116 of the panel 110, and the side 136 of the planar portion 132 of the base 130 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0089] The free edge 142 of the cap 140 is flush with the rear surface 132B of the planar portion 132 of the base 130 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0090] It should be noted that, advantageously, the side 136 of the planar portion 132 of the base 130 (see...) Figure 2 and 4 The base 130 includes four opposing surfaces 136A and 136B that connect the front main surface 132A of the receiving panel 110 to the rear main surface 132B of the base 130. The rear main surface 132B faces outward from the indicator light 100, and the sleeve portion 131 extends from it. The front main surface 132A and the rear main surface 132B of the base 130 are parallel.

[0091] Particularly advantageously, the side 136 of the planar portion 132 of the base 130 includes at least two opposing planes 136A that are inclined relative to the front main surface 132A and the rear main surface 132B of the base 130, such that the area of ​​the front main surface 132A of the base 130 is greater than the area of ​​the rear main surface 132B of the base 130.

[0092] Here, the four surfaces 136A, 136B of the side 136 of the base 130 are inclined in pairs as described above. Therefore, the front main surface 132A of the base 130 extends beyond the region located at the circumferential edge perpendicular to the rear main surface 132B of the base 130.

[0093] Thus, the cap 140 is molded over the side 136 of the base 130 using an undercut (reverse draft) process. Therefore, the cap 140 is securely held on the base 130.

[0094] In addition, after the cap 140 is overmolded onto the base 130, the panel 110 is sandwiched between the cap 140 and the base 130, thus effectively holding the two parts together.

[0095] In fact, when the molded plastic material covering the cap 140 cools, the plastic material shrinks slightly, that is, narrows slightly, which has the effect of securing the cap 140, panel 110 and base 130 of the indicator light together.

[0096] The plastic material forming the cap 140 shrinks upon cooling, causing the components, including the cap 140, panel 110, and base 130, to bend along the longitudinal direction of these parts. In other words, as the plastic material shrinks, the two ends of the indicator light 100 tend to bend toward each other in the direction of the cap 140, thereby causing the ends of the pins 120 to tend to separate from each other.

[0097] To avoid this phenomenon that could deform the indicator light 100, at least two thinner areas 143 are provided in the center of the cap 140 (see...). Figures 2 to 5 They extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the body of the indicator light 100.

[0098] Here, the thickness of the cap 140 is equivalent to the distance extending between the front surface 140A of the cap 140 facing the outside of the indicator light 100 and the front surface 110A of the panel 110.

[0099] Therefore, the height of the front surface 140A of the cap 140 relative to the front surface 110A of the panel 110 is not constant, because it includes two recesses in the central region and two protrusions 141 at both ends (see...). Figure 3 and 4 ).

[0100] In practice, to manufacture the indicator light 100, a base 130 is first molded on an injection molding machine. Then, a panel 110, equipped with pins 120, a printed circuit board 111, each light-emitting element 112, and other electronic components 113A, 113B, is placed on the base 130. This assembly is then placed in another mold on another injection molding machine, and plastic material forming a cap 140 is injected to overmold the cap 140 onto the assembly including the panel 110 and the base 130, as described above.

[0101] To hold the panel 110 on the base 130 during the molding of the cap 140, for example, five tapered pins are provided in the mold. These pins abut against the front surface 110A of the panel 110, ensuring it is flush against the base 130 during molding. These pins leave their imprints 145 in the cap 140 (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0102] Advantageously, the overall thickness of the indicator light 100 body obtained in this way is lower because no gap is left between the printed circuit board 111 and the cap 140. In addition, since there is no air between the printed circuit board 111 and the cap 140, the propagation of light by the cap 140 is improved.

[0103] Finally, the assembly between the different components of the indicator light is very secure, and there is no risk of separation. In particular, the risk of the cap 140 separating from the panel 110 and the base 130 is limited.

[0104] In both embodiments, the other end of each pin 120—the free end—protrudes from the base 130, thereby electrically connecting the indicator light 100 to the device mechanism of the switching device 1, such as... Figures 6 to 12 As shown.

[0105] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a single-position electrical assembly comprising a switch device 1, a device support 20, and a decorative panel 50 according to the invention. The switch device 1 is mounted in a central opening 21 of the device support, and the decorative panel 50 is attached to the front surface of the device support 20 around the switch device 1.

[0106] The device support 20 is entirely conventional and not within the scope of this invention. It will not be described in detail here. It is primarily in the form of a flat frame and is defined between an outer edge 24 and an inner flange 23. It has a square outer profile. The inner flange 23 defines a central opening 21 with a square profile. The device support 20 includes four through openings 25, one in each branch of the frame. These through openings 25 are in the shape of keyholes and are used to secure the device support 20 to a mounting box (not shown) by screws. The device support 20 also includes a snap-fit ​​slot 26 for snap-fit ​​engagement with teeth (not visible) provided on the rear surface of the trim panel 50.

[0107] Figure 6 The decorative panel 50 shown is an example that can be mounted on the device support 20 around the decorative panel 40 of the switchgear 1 to complete the finish of the electrical components. The decorative panel 50 is also not within the scope of this invention. It extends beyond the outer edge 24 of the device support 20 to cover its front surface, thereby abutting against a receiving wall (not shown). Here, it has a square outer profile 52 with rounded corners and a central opening 51 with a circular edge 51A. When the decorative panel 50 is attached to the device support 20 supporting the switchgear 1, the decorative panel 40 of the switchgear 1 is exposed in the central opening 51 of the decorative panel 50, the circular edge 51A of which runs along the circular outer flange 42 of the decorative panel 40, and the outer surface 50A of the decorative panel 50 extends flush with the front surface 40A of the decorative panel 40.

[0108] Switchgear 1 is a single-position device, which includes:

[0109] - Housing 10, which includes a front wall 13, adapted to mount the housing 10 on the equipment support 20 via the front wall 13;

[0110] - Equipment mechanisms housed within the enclosure 10;

[0111] - Control panel 30 of the equipment mechanism;

[0112] - Decorative panel 40, which is attached to the front surface 13A of the front wall 13 of the housing 10 and has an inner edge 41 surrounding the control touch panel 30;

[0113] - The aforementioned indicator light 100, powered by the device mechanism, is positioned below the control touch panel 30 and above the front surface 13A of the front wall 13 of the housing 10, with its light-emitting element 112 placed close to the inner edge 41 of the decorative panel 40 (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0114] Here, the housing 10 includes a bottom wall 19 and side walls 11, which define a parallelepiped-shaped interior space with an opening at the front (see...). Figure 7 ).

[0115] The front opening 16 of the box 10 is rectangular.

[0116] It is surrounded by a front wall 13 having a square outer profile 13C, and is adapted to close the square central opening 21 of the equipment support 20 (see...). Figure 6 and 7 ).

[0117] The housing 10 of the switchgear 1 includes a latching device that allows the housing 10 to hook onto the device support 20 when inserted through the central opening 21 of the device support 20. This latching device includes two cut-out claws on two opposite sides of the sidewall 11 of the housing 10, each claw equipped with a hook tooth 12. An internal flange 23 of the device support 20 engages between the rear surface 13B of the front wall 13 and the hook tooth 12 of the housing 10. The front wall 13 of the housing 10 thus closes the central opening 21 of the device support 20 and thus abuts against a protruding edge 22 of the device support 20 along the central opening 21.

[0118] like Figure 10 As shown, the device mechanism housed in the housing 10 includes a transmission (drive) 15 pivotally mounted on the housing 10. This transmission includes a support 15D that catches the pivoting portion of a movable brush BM, which abuts against a clamp (support) C and engages with a spring R housed in the support 15D. The transmission 15 is adapted to move the movable brush BM, which has contacts, between a closed position (where the contacts abut against a fixed contact (not shown)) and an open position (where the contacts move away from the fixed contact).

[0119] The device mechanism also includes electrical connection terminals (not visible in the figure) located at the bottom of the housing 10, which connect to the clamp and the fixed contacts. Here, for example, four electrical connection terminals are provided for connecting the switching mechanism. These electrical connection terminals are, for example, automatic connection terminals, such that each terminal can be operated by a disconnect lever that passes through an opening formed in the side wall 11 of the housing 10, thereby acting on the leaf spring of the corresponding terminal. Each disconnect lever includes a control handle 17 (see figure) that can be accessed (operated) by a user from outside the housing 10. Figure 6 , 7 and 10).

[0120] The transmission element 15 includes an upper portion in the form of a rocker arm, wherein two parallel side wings 15A carry teeth 15B for hooking the actuating touchpad 30. Pressing a finger on the control touchpad 30 can flip the transmission element 15, thereby moving the movable brush BM.

[0121] The main body of the indicator light 100 is housed in a cradle formed by the transmission member 15: it extends along the longitudinal direction of the cradle, between the side wings 15A of the cradle, and below the actuation contact plate 30. The pins 120 of the indicator light 100 pass through the opening 15C at the bottom of the cradle formed by the transmission member 15 and extend into the housing 10 to contact two of the four connection terminals of the device mechanism.

[0122] Indicator light 100 is fixedly installed in housing 10. In fact, as... Figure 10 As shown, the free end of the sleeve portion 131 of the base 130 of the main body of the indicator light 100 abuts against the fixed internal element 18 of the housing 10, and the free end of the pin 120 of the indicator light 100 is locked in the electrical connection terminal at the bottom of the housing 10.

[0123] like Figure 11 and 12 As shown, the control touch panel 30 includes a support wall 31 that is generally flat and pressable by the user's fingers. It has an elongated outer profile 31D, with its front surface 31A slightly bulging for finger pressing, and its flat rear surface 31B facing the housing 10 of the switching device 1.

[0124] The control touch panel 30 includes a mounting wall 32 that extends perpendicularly to the rear surface 31B of the support wall 31. The mounting wall 32 is located in the central region of the rear surface 31B of the support wall 31 and generally follows an elongated oval profile with two parallel longitudinal portions and two curved end portions (see...). Figure 11 and 12 ).

[0125] Mounting wall 32 includes slots 32C on the inner surfaces 32B of two parallel longitudinal portions (i.e., the surfaces facing the center of the rear surface 31B of support wall 31), and the teeth 15B of the cradle of transmission member 15 hook into these slots to connect control contact plate 30 to transmission member 15 of the device mechanism of switching equipment (see...). Figure 12 ).

[0126] Advantageously, a chamfer is provided on the free edge of the mounting wall 32 of the control touch plate 30, perpendicular to the slot 32C, so that the teeth 15B of the transmission member 15 can enter the slot 32C.

[0127] Mounting wall 32 includes a window 32A with a square outline in each of its two end portions.

[0128] Advantageously, the control touch panel 30 is a single component made of, for example, a thermoplastic polymer such as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer).

[0129] Each window 32A is enclosed by a transparent glass pane 33A.

[0130] These two glass panes 33A belong to a U-shaped strip 33. This strip 33 is attached to the rear surface 31B of the support wall 31 of the control touch panel 30. It is fitted (mounted) onto a tab 31E located at the center of the rear surface 31B, so that the tab fits snugly against the rear surface 31B, and extends on the inner surface 32B of the mounting wall 32, while simultaneously closing the window 32A (see...). Figure 10 , 11 and 12).

[0131] Advantageously, strip 33 is made of off-white polycarbonate.

[0132] Decorative panel 40 is a surface element attached to the front surface 13A of the front wall 13 of the housing 10 of the switchgear 1, surrounding the control touch panel 30. Here, it is in the form of a plate, having a circular outer flange 42 and a central opening 41A defined by an inner edge 41 following an elongated oval profile. Decorative panel 40 snaps into four snap teeth 14 (see [reference needed]) protruding from the front surface 13A of the front wall 13 of the housing 10. Figure 6 , 8 (9 and 10). For this purpose, the decorative panel 40 includes a snap-fit ​​groove (not visible in the figure) on the inner surface of its outer flange 42.

[0133] More specifically, such as Figure 10As shown, a decorative panel 40 is mounted on the front wall 13 of the housing 10 of the switchgear 1, and the inner edge 41 of the decorative panel 40 surrounds an indicator light 100 attached to a cradle in the transmission member 15. The light-emitting element 112 below the bulb 141 of the cap 140 of the indicator light 100 is located as close as possible to the inner edge 41 of the decorative panel 40, practically at the same level. The mounting wall 32 of a control contact 30, snap-fitted to the transmission member 15 of the device mechanism, passes through the central opening 41A of the decorative panel 40. The cross-section of the central opening 41A is adapted such that the mounting wall 32 of the control contact 30 is located as close as possible to the inner edge 41 of the decorative panel 40 surrounding it. A portion of the mounting wall 32 of the control contact 30 is placed directly between the indicator light 100 and the inner edge 41 of the decorative panel 40 (see...). Figure 10 More specifically, the end portion of the mounting wall 32 of the control touch panel 30 having the window 32A is located between the two ends of the indicator light 100 having the bubble 141 and the inner edge 41 of the decorative panel 40.

[0134] More specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, the support wall 31 of the control touch panel 30 includes a portion 31C called a reflective portion, which hangs over a portion 43 of the front surface 40A of the decorative panel 40 adjacent to the inner edge 41 and is called a light-emitting portion. The rear surface 31B of the reflective portion 31C of the control touch panel 30 is adapted to reflect at least a portion of the light stream emitted by the indicator light 100 to propagate it to the light-emitting portion 43 of the front surface 40A of the decorative panel 40.

[0135] Here, the indicator light 100 includes two light-emitting elements 112, the support wall 31 of the control touch panel 30 correspondingly includes two reflective portions 31C, and the front surface 40A of the decorative panel 40 includes two light-emitting portions 43, which are located perpendicular to the reflective portions 31C of the control touch panel 30. The reflective portions 31C are alternately suspended from the light-emitting portions 43 of the front surface 40A of the decorative panel 40 according to the swing position of the control touch panel 30.

[0136] More specifically, here, such as Figure 10As shown, in the swing position of the control touch panel 30, the reflective portion 31C of the support wall 31 of the control touch panel 30 located on the left side of the figure is lowered to the front surface 40A of the decorative panel 40. The mounting wall 32 of the control touch panel 30 extends into the housing 10, thereby preventing the light stream emitted by the corresponding light-emitting element 112 of the indicator light 100 from escaping. At the same time, the reflective portion 31C of the support wall 31 located on the right side of the figure is raised above the light-emitting portion 43 of the decorative panel 40. The window 32A, which is closed by the glass plate 33A of the mounting wall 32, is located between the indicator light 100 and the inner edge 41 of the decorative panel 40, so that the light stream emitted by the corresponding light-emitting element 112 of the indicator light 100 passes through the bubble 141 of the cap 140 and exits towards the outside of the switching device 1 along the main emission direction X1 through the window 33A. The light stream encounters the rear surface 31B of the reflective portion 31C of the support wall 31 of the control touch panel 30 in its path. It is reflected by the rear surface 31B along direction X'1 and propagated to the light-emitting portion 43 of the front surface 40A of the decorative panel 40.

[0137] If the control touch panel 30 has two stable swing positions, then in the other swing position of the control touch panel 30, Figure 10 The left and right sides shown are opposite.

[0138] In all cases, in the switch device 1, a single area of ​​the front surface 40A of the decorative panel 40 is illuminated by the indicator light 100 to indicate to the user the switch status of the device.

[0139] Thanks to this arrangement, the indicator light 100 illuminates most of the front surface 40A of the decorative panel 40, which is perpendicular to the control touch panel 30.

[0140] In addition, the mounting wall 32 of the control touch panel 30 completely surrounds the indicator light 100 and insulates the electronic and electrical parts of the switching device 1 from the outside so that the device complies with the currently effective safety standards.

[0141] Preferably, the light-emitting portion of the front surface 40A of the decorative panel 40 is a recessed portion 43, the bottom of which faces the recessed surface of the control touch panel 30. Each light-emitting portion 43 belongs to a groove adjacent to the entire inner edge 41 of the decorative panel 40.

[0142] The recessed portion 43 advantageously allows for centralized control of the light flow transmitted to the rear surface 31B of the support wall 31 of the touch panel 30, and increases the illumination of the area of ​​the front surface 40A of the decorative panel 40.

[0143] This invention is not limited to the detailed description provided, and various other modifications may be made to it.

[0144] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

[0145] An indicator light may have a single light-emitting element and a single bulb located at one end of the indicator light.

[0146] According to a variation of the indicator light (not shown), the pins can have slightly different geometries. More specifically, the pins may not have an enlarged cross-section, but instead have a head adapted to abut against the front surface of the panel. In this case, electrical contact between the pins and the traces on the printed circuit board can be made at the head of the pin. Lateral fixation of each pin is ensured by the sleeve portion of the base, and longitudinal fixation of each pin is ensured by a capping molding on the head of the pin, which, once the capping molding is complete, prevents any movement of the pin along its axis.

[0147] Alternatively, the cap can be secured to the base 230 via a snap-fit ​​or latching connection. The base and cap can thus together form a housing that encloses the panel.

Claims

1. A light-emitting indicator (100) for an electrical device, the light-emitting indicator comprising a panel (110) having a front surface (110A) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and supporting at least one light-emitting element (112), the light-emitting indicator further comprising a cap (140) covering the light-emitting element (112), the front surface (140A) of the cap (140) forming the front surface of the indicator (100), characterized in that, The light-emitting element (112) is placed adjacent to the lateral end edge (116A) of the panel (110); and the cap (140) includes a blister (141) above the light-emitting element (112), the blister forming a protrusion on the front surface (140A) of the cap (140), and the outer surface (141A) of the blister is convex, the blister (141) being adapted to guide the light stream emitted by the light-emitting element (112) through the cap (140) along the main emission direction (X1), the main emission direction forming an angle (A) with a value of less than 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis (X).

2. The indicator light (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The value of the angle (A) is 45 degrees.

3. The indicator light (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The blister (141) of the cap (140) has the shape of part of an ellipsoid.

4. The indicator light (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The blister (141) of the cap (140) has the shape of a part of a sphere.

5. The indicator light (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The front surface (110A) of the panel (110) supports two light-emitting elements (112), which are disposed at two opposite ends of the panel (110), each adjacent to the lateral end edge (116A) of the panel (110); and the cap (140) includes a blister (141) above each light-emitting element (112), the blister forming a protrusion on the front surface (140A) of the cap (140), and the front surface of the blister is convex, the two blister (141) being adapted to guide two beams of light emitted by the two light-emitting elements (112) through the cap (140) along two opposite main emission directions (X1, X2).

6. The indicator light (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The front surface (110A) of the panel (110) supports a printed circuit board (111), and each light-emitting element (112) is connected to the printed circuit board; and two connection pins (120) and a base (130) are provided, the base being disposed at the rear of the panel (110) and including two sleeve portions (131) through which the two pins (120) pass, the pins (120) passing from one side of the panel (110) to the other side, such that one end (121) of each pin (120) is electrically connected to the printed circuit board (111).

7. The indicator light (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The cap (140) is molded over the panel (110).

8. A switchgear (1), comprising: - Housing (10), the housing including a front wall (13) adapted to mount the housing on an equipment support via the front wall; - Equipment mechanism housed within the enclosure (10); - Control panel (30) of the equipment mechanism; - A decorative panel (40) is attached to the front surface (13A) of the front wall (13) of the housing and has an inner edge (41) surrounding the control touch panel (30). - The light-emitting indicator (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 2 is powered by the device mechanism, disposed below the control touch panel (30) and above the front surface (13A) of the front wall (13) of the housing (10), such that its light-emitting element (112) is placed close to the inner edge (41) of the decorative panel (40).

9. The switchgear (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The control touch panel (30) includes a reflective portion (31C) that hangs over a light-emitting portion (43) adjacent to the inner edge (41) of the front surface (40A) of the decorative panel (40). The reflective portion (31C) of the control touch panel (30) has a rear surface (31B) adapted to reflect at least a portion of the light stream emitted by the indicator light (100) to propagate the light stream to the light-emitting portion (43) of the front surface (40A) of the decorative panel (40).

10. The switching device (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The light-emitting portion (43) of the front surface (40A) of the decorative panel is a recessed portion, the bottom of which is oriented toward the concave surface of the control touch panel (30).

11. The switching device (1) according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein, The control touch panel (30) includes a support wall (31) for the user's finger to press, the reflective portion (31C) belonging to the support wall, and a mounting wall (32) extending perpendicularly from the rear surface (31B) of the support wall (31). A portion of the mounting wall (32) is located between the indicator light (100) and the inner edge (41) of the decorative panel (40), and is equipped with a window (32A) for allowing a stream of light emitted by the indicator light (100) to pass in the direction of the rear surface (31B) of the reflective portion (31C) of the control touch panel (30).

12. The switching device (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The window (32A) is closed by a transparent glass sheet (33A).

13. The switching device (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The indicator light (100) includes two light-emitting elements (112); the control touch panel (30) includes two reflective portions (31C) corresponding to the light-emitting elements (112), the control touch panel being pivotally mounted on the housing (10) such that in each of its pivot positions, one reflective portion (31C) is raised above the front surface (40A) of the decorative panel (40) to allow light streams emitted by one of the two light-emitting elements (112) of the indicator light (100) to be emitted, while the other reflective portion (31C) is lowered to the front surface (40A) of the decorative panel (40) to prevent light streams emitted by the other of the two light-emitting elements (112) of the indicator light (100) from being emitted.

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