Regulating system for assembling electrical module unit and electrical device having said system

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustment system for assembling an electrical module unit (4) insertable into a wall (5), comprising: an aesthetic cover (1) fixable to the unit (4) by means of a support frame (3) of said unit (4); an adjustment element (2) mounted to be fixed to the aesthetics cover (1) and against the wall (5), the adjustment element being configured to allow a relative elastic movement between the aesthetics cover (1) and the wall (5) in a direction perpendicular to the wall (5) wherein the adjustment element (2) comprises at least one support segment (2.3) for supporting on the wall (5), said segment being attached to at least one elastic element (2.1), wherein the aesthetics cover (1) has an outer wall (1.1) which is arranged at least partially around the adjustment element (2) such that it laterally abuts at least a portion of the support section (2.3) when elastically moved.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The field of application of the present invention is in the field of assembly of aesthetic covers for electrical module units (such as sockets or switches) to be inserted into a wall, and where the aesthetic cover may be misaligned due to poor finishing of the wall or electrical components mounted in the wall. Background Art

[0002] It is common in the market to couple an aesthetic cover (commonly called a trim or housing) on top of an electrical module unit to provide a better impression or appearance. The aesthetic cover is generally a flat or uniform, easily cleanable surface, which has different colors to be selected according to preference or the environment.

[0003] The electrical module unit is installed in a recess in a wall through which a cable passes, where a device box, usually made of plastic or metal, is placed to serve as a base, and the electrical module unit to be used (such as a socket) is introduced into this base. They generally have a support frame, usually made of metal or plastic, which is screwed to the wall or the device box to serve as a base for fixing the aesthetic cover. In the case of multiple electrical module units, the support frame can be common to several units or individual.

[0004] Thus, the aesthetic cover provides an opportunity to cover the irregularities of the wall and different mounting elements, giving a neat and uniform impression of the product. However, due to defects in the elements or the wall, there are irregularities in the fit of the electrical device, which are not always solved by the various known aesthetic covers.

[0005] Usually, these are minor misalignments, but by placing an aesthetic cover with a more uniform finish, the defects are highlighted, making them more visible and apparent. The support frame has holes into which the anchors on the rear of the aesthetic cover are fixed, thus establishing a holding force. For example, if the support frame is not placed completely parallel to the wall, it may not fit properly, or a gap may be created between the aesthetic cover and the wall.

[0006] In the case of modular elements, for example, when three electrical module units are mounted together, there may be a fitting error. For example, there may be a gap between two aesthetic masks, or they may be at different heights. There may also be an error related to the wall, such as a height misalignment between the aesthetic covers. One solution is to use a common frame for all electrical module units, but this may make insertion difficult due to misalignment between the electrical units or the support frames themselves.

[0007] WO2019145815 discloses an adjustment system according to the preamble of claim 1. This document discloses an adjustment system that includes a decorative cover and an adjustment element surrounding the decorative cover. The adjustment element has a structure and an elastic element that allow the decorative cover to float relative to the wall during assembly. However, a disadvantage of this system is that since the adjustment element is a floating element, it is not very stable.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an adjustment system for assembling an electrical module unit that overcomes the above disadvantages of the prior art, in which the assembly of the decorative cover is ensured in a stable and safe manner. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is an adjustment system for assembling an electrical module unit that can be inserted into a wall. The adjustment system includes: a decorative cover that can be fixed to the electrical module unit by means of a support frame of the electrical module unit; and an adjustment element that is mounted to be fixed to the decorative cover and abuts against the wall. The adjustment system is configured to allow relative elastic movement between the decorative cover and the wall in a direction perpendicular to the wall, wherein the adjustment element includes at least one support segment for supporting on the wall, the segment being attached to at least one elastic element, and wherein the decorative cover has an outer wall that at least partially surrounds the adjustment element, such that when the decorative cover moves elastically, the outer wall laterally abuts at least a portion of the support segment.

[0010] Therefore, the adjustment element is trapped between the decorative cover and the support frame, wherein the support segment contacts the outer wall, such that the decorative cover is fixed to the support frame and is also fixed by the segment. At least one support segment contacts the outer wall of the decorative cover, making the fixing more stable.

[0011] The outer wall also provides guidance in the movement of the decorative cover during assembly by establishing a lateral abutment that prevents lateral movement of the segment from exceeding a limit.

[0012] The adjustment element has at least one elastic element that is in the form of an extension from the support segment of the adjustment element to the decorative cover. Preferably, there are four elastic elements that are positioned near each corner of the decorative cover to provide stability, but any number of such elastic elements having various shapes may be present.

[0013] Optionally, there may be only one elastic element starting from the support segment. The elastic element may have a circular shape at its end, which provides uniform support on the inner surface of the decorative cover. The inner side of the decorative cover is the side facing the support frame and is not visible once the decorative cover is fixed to the support frame.

[0014] The adjusting element consists of at least one support segment that provides support on the wall. The support segment abuts against the wall in the assembled position, and an elastic element arranged on the support segment elastically pushes the aesthetic cover perpendicular to the wall, and the holding force between the aesthetic cover and the support frame remains stable. This allows for the correct fit between the functional frame and the wall and the fixation to the support frame.

[0015] Optionally, it can consist of different support segments, for example in the form of straight segments or corners. These segments can be configured to have a square or rectangular shape, or any other geometric configuration. Optionally, these segments can also be elastic.

[0016] The adjusting element is arranged by means of the support segment to at least partially surround the support frame of the electrical module unit. The adjusting element is supported on the wall and covered by the aesthetic cover, especially at least partially surrounded by the outer wall. This outer wall of the aesthetic mask is arranged perpendicular to the wall or obliquely and can surround the entire perimeter of the adjusting element.

[0017] It can be envisaged that the aesthetic cover will consist of a single piece with an aesthetic outer finish. This finish can have embossing or color, or in any other way. Optionally, the aesthetic cover can be made of two parts, namely a cover frame to which the adjusting element is fixed and a cover covering arranged on the cover frame. Both parts have their respective fixing means, for example by means of elastic interlocking or by means of glue.

[0018] This allows the cover covering to be made of a real material such as wood or stone. It is not feasible to manufacture the aesthetic cover in some materials, so manufacturing it in two parts overcomes this drawback. In addition, it can be adapted to different designs, for example, by different materials, and also allows aesthetic versatility.

[0019] The outer wall provides a lateral abutment that prevents the support segment from moving laterally and fixes it when in contact. When the aesthetic cover is placed on the support frame, the distance from the aesthetic cover to the wall decreases. When the aesthetic cover is anchored to the support frame, due to the force of the elastic element, the support segment on the wall can move laterally. The outer wall establishes this abutment, thus allowing the segment to have double support on the outer wall of the aesthetic cover on the one hand and on the wall on the other hand. The elastic element can thus correctly apply force to the aesthetic cover.

[0020] The elastic element can be fixed to the aesthetic cover. Preferably, the fixing elements for fixing the elastic element to the aesthetic cover are located at its ends. The fixing is carried out in the pre-assembled position, that is, before the aesthetic cover is placed on the support frame. These fixing elements can, for example, be by means of mechanical attachment (such as riveting) or by means of elastic attachment (such as clamping). These fixing elements allow the attachment of the aesthetic cover and the adjusting element such that they form a single piece.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the resilient element may have more than one fixing element for fixing to the aesthetic cover. The fixing elements may be distributed along the resilient element, thereby allowing a stronger attachment between the adjustment element and the aesthetic cover.

[0022] The aesthetic cover may also have an inner abutment for supporting the segments, which inner abutment is constituted by an inner wall that prevents lateral movement into the adjustment element. This provides greater stability in the fixing of the aesthetic cover relative to the electrical module unit and better guidance of the adjustment element relative to the aesthetic cover.

[0023] Furthermore, the addition of the inner wall prevents the support segments from colliding with the support frame surrounded by the support segments. The inner wall is part of the inner face of the aesthetic cover and is located between the support frame and the support segments of the adjustment element.

[0024] It is conceivable that the inner wall may be continuous and parallel to the outer wall, or may be formed in segments. Preferably, the inner wall will be perpendicular to the wall, thereby providing better guidance in a direction perpendicular to the wall.

[0025] The support segments may completely surround the support frame. For example, for a square support frame, the support segments may be attached by the corners they form. This establishes an attachment that compensates for the stress exerted on the support segments by the resilient element, meaning that the movement is not individual for each support segment but for the whole. Optionally, the attachment may be elastic, thereby allowing a certain degree of freedom of movement between the support segments.

[0026] Optionally, the segments may be separate, with each segment being fixed to the aesthetic cover by fixing resilient elements. In this way, when the aesthetic cover is placed on the support frame, each support segment may be movable so as to abut against the outer wall and the wall.

[0027] Generally, the resilient element may be of any shape, for example in the form of an arcuate strip.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the adjustment element may have only two parallel support segments surrounding the support frame. Parallel is to be understood as meaning that each support segment is located on one side of the support frame. The support segments at least partially surround the support frame.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the aesthetic cover is placed on the support frame, the resilient element may laterally move each support segment. With the aid of the outer wall, the aesthetic cover serves as an abutment, thereby allowing the support segments to abut against the wall and on the outer wall, such that the resilient element bends and performs its function.

[0030] In this embodiment, the adjusting element may not have two sides and may consist only of two straight and parallel support segments. To complete the contour of the adjusting element, the support segments may have lateral engagement elements located at the ends of each support segment. Lateral support segments may be fixed to these lateral engagement elements, where the lateral support segments form an attachment between the two parallel support segments. The lateral support segments are external parts, which may have the same dimensions as the support segments or may be larger and form the sides of an aesthetic cover. Optionally, elastic elements may attach the two different support segments to each other.

[0031] According to the above embodiment, the elastic element may start from one support segment and end in a different support segment. The fixing element of the elastic element attaching the different support segments is preferably in the middle of the elastic element. Optionally, all the support segments may be directly disconnected from each other and connected only by one or more elastic elements.

[0032] Preferably, the elastic elements attaching the support segments are between the parallel segments, but may also be between consecutive segments. This embodiment also allows for a single elastic element between two parallel support segments, where the elastic element starts from one support segment, bifurcates into two to surround an opening of the aesthetic cover, and ends in the parallel support segments.

[0033] In the case of a two-piece cover, preferably, the outer wall and / or the inner wall are arranged on the cover frame. Optionally, the outer wall and / or the inner wall may also be at least partially in the cover covering.

[0034] In the case of an electrical device with a plurality of electrical module units, the aesthetic cover may be a common single piece. This means that the aesthetic cover may cover all the electrical module units, and the adjusting element may be coupled to its rear part to overcome possible misalignments relative to the wall that may occur.

[0035] Thus, the electrical device may include a plurality of electrical module units having at least one adjustment system. The electrical device may have a plurality of aesthetic covers for the respective support frames of the electrical module units. For the correct mating between different aesthetic covers, the support frames must be aligned.

[0036] Optionally, the support frames are arranged adjacent to each other and fixed laterally. This allows reducing the risk of large misalignments (such as overlaps) that cannot be overcome by the aesthetic cover. The support frames may be fixed to each other by an elastic or interlocking fit by means of engagement elements. The engagement elements are arranged on the perimeter of the support frames and correspond to the engagement elements of adjacent support frames.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the perimeter of the support frame has two corresponding attachment means. In this way, the engagement elements on one side correspond to the engagement elements on the parallel side, allowing for the continuous attachment of an infinite number of support frames.

[0038] For all these reasons, the present invention solves the problems posed in the prior art in a comprehensive manner, overcoming the drawbacks of the known solutions. The cooperation achieved by the adjustment element against the wall and at least one support segment against the outer edge of the aesthetic cover gives stability to the assembly that was not previously achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1a A decomposition view of an embodiment of an electrical module unit in which an adjustment system is arranged is shown.

[0040] Figure 1b A decomposition view of an embodiment of an electrical module unit in which an adjustment system is arranged is shown.

[0041] Figure 2 A decomposition view of an embodiment of a device of two electrical module units each having an adjustment system is shown.

[0042] Figure 3 A perspective view of a device of an electrical module unit and an adjustment system is shown.

[0043] Figure 4 A perspective view of the inner face of the adjustment system in a pre-assembled position is shown.

[0044] Figure 5 A cross-section of the adjustment element in an assembled position between the aesthetic cover and the support frame is shown.

[0045] Figure 6 An embodiment of an adjustment system with an aesthetic cover is shown in two parts.

[0046] Figure 7 An embodiment in which two support frames are leveled for elastic connection to each other is shown.

[0047] Figure 8 An embodiment in which two support frames are leveled for interlocking connection to each other is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The attached drawings correspond to non - restrictive, practical exemplary embodiments, and there may be shape variations as long as their essence remains unchanged. The adjustment system includes an aesthetic cover (1) and an adjustment element (2), which are arranged in an electrical module unit (4) that can be inserted into a wall (5) and includes a support frame (3). At least one elastic element (2.1) and a support segment (2.3) are included in the adjustment element (2), and allow relative elastic movement between the aesthetic cover (1) and the wall (5). The outer wall (1.1) of the aesthetic cover (1) serves as a lateral abutment for at least one support segment (2.3).

[0049] An exemplary embodiment can be seen in Figure 1, where the electrical module unit (4) is shown with a support frame (3), which in this case includes a socket. The figure does not imply any limitation as it can be a switch, a cap, or any other electrical element that can be placed.

[0050] The exploded view also shows the adjustment system including the adjustment element (2) and the aesthetic cover (1). The aesthetic cover (1) can be fixed to the support frame (3) in such a way that it allows the adjustment element (2) to remain between them.

[0051] In this embodiment, the adjustment element (2) has four straight support segments (2.3) that form an abutment against the frame, all in one piece. The elastic elements (2.1) in the form of cantilever extensions are located in the areas near the corners. The elastic elements (2.1) project from the support segments (2.3) towards the inner face of the aesthetic cover (1). These elastic elements (2.1) have fixing elements (2.2) at their ends to be fixed to the aesthetic cover (1). The form of fixation shown is by elastic fit, but it can be done in different ways, such as by mechanical attachment using, for example, rivets.

[0052] Since the elastic elements (2.1) are cantilevered and the part is made of plastic material, the elastic elements (2.1) have a certain flexibility, which allows a separating force to be applied between the segment (2.3) abutting against the wall (5), and at least one support segment (2.3) abutting against the outer wall (1.1), and the aesthetic cover (1) anchored to the support frame (3). Thus, the final assembled position of the adjustment element (2) exerts a force perpendicular to the wall (5) on each elastic element (2.1), and the force can be different on each elastic element.

[0053] Furthermore, the elastic element (2.1) exerts a force in a direction parallel to the wall (5) between the adjustment element (2) abutting against the wall (5) and the aesthetic cover (1), such that the outer wall (1.1) serves as a limit for the elastic movement. This allows for the lateral support of the support section (2.3) relative to the aesthetic cover (1), where the outer wall (1.1) is the outer lateral abutment or the inner wall (1.3) is the inner lateral abutment.

[0054] In Figure 1b In an alternative embodiment shown, the adjustment element (2) consists of two parallel and opposite support sections (2.3), each on one side of the support frame (3). The two support sections (2.3) are connected by two parallel elastic elements (2.1), which start at one support section (2.3) and end in the parallel support section (2.3). The two elastic elements (2.1) are arranged on both sides of the center of the electrical module unit (4). The fixing element (2.2) is located at the center of the elastic element (2.1). In this case, the elastic element (2.1) is in the form of an arcuate strip. The elastic element (2.1) bends against the support frame (3) under the pressure of the aesthetic cover (1).

[0055] The outer edge (1.1) serves as a support for the support section (2.3) since the elastic element (2.1) can space the support sections (2.3) apart from each other when placing the aesthetic cover (1). The outer wall (1.1) serves as an abutment such that when the elastic element (2.1) bends, the support section (2.3) abuts against the wall (5) and the outer wall (1.1). A stable bending support of the elastic element (2.1) is obtained with this dual support.

[0056] The profile of the adjustment element (2) can be completed by the placement of the lateral support section (2.6), which is fixed at the end of the support section (2.3) by an attachment device (2.5). In this way, the fixation of the support section (2.3) and the lateral support section (2.6) provides stability. The lateral support section (2.6) can be rigid or elastic. The lateral support section (2.6) can be the same as the support section (2.3), or they can be larger and cover the sides of the aesthetic cover (1).

[0057] Figure 2An example of modularity is shown by two aesthetic covers (1) on two consecutive support frames (3), the support frames (3) being hidden by the adjustment system. Each aesthetic cover (1) has its own adjustment element (2), each adjustment element being fixed to each aesthetic cover (1) by its own fixing means (2.2). Considering that the aesthetic covers (1) in this embodiment have no sides, they are covered at the ends of the device by means of lateral support segments (2.6), which are fixed to the corresponding support segments (2.3) by attachment means (2.5).

[0058] In Figure 3 the final appearance of the device in the assembled position can be seen, such that only the aesthetic covers (1) on the electrical module units (4) and, in this embodiment, the lateral support segments (2.6) are visible from the outside. Thus, the segments (2.3) of the adjustment element (2) will be hidden between the aesthetic cover (1) and the wall (5).

[0059] If the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in which the adjustment element (2) is completely surrounded by the outer wall (1.1), is used for the device, only the aesthetic covers (1) will be visible.

[0060] Figure 4 The adjustment system of shows the adjustment element (2) and the aesthetic cover (1) in the pre-assembled position. This figure shows the fixing element (2.2) attaching the elastic element (2.1) to the aesthetic cover (1), in this case by means of an elastic fitting device. Additionally, a plurality of anchors (1.5) can be seen, which hold the aesthetic cover (1) together with the support frame (3). During assembly, a certain amount of clearance is allowed in the anchors (1.5) such that the elastic element (2.1) can move elastically in a controlled manner.

[0061] In this figure, the inner wall (1.3) in the aesthetic cover (1) can also be seen, which serves as an inner abutment for possible lateral movement between the support segment (2.3) and the aesthetic cover (1). In this embodiment, the shape of this inner wall (1.3) is discontinuous by means of different wall portions. Additionally, these walls can have openings (1.31) into which protrusions of the support segment (2.3) can be introduced to establish an abutment at the distance between the support segment (2.3) and the inner face of the aesthetic cover (1). Thus, the maximum limit of outward adjustment is established, which allows the two elements to remain attached to each other in a stable manner.

[0062] Figure 5Shows a cross-section of a device consisting of a support frame (3) and an adjustment system, which in turn consists of an adjustment element (2) and an aesthetic cover (1). The cross-section is in the assembled position, i.e., the elastic element (2.1) is in the pressure position exerting a reaction force on the aesthetic cover (1). Furthermore, as can be seen, the aesthetic cover (1) is anchored to the support frame (3) by means of an anchor (1.5).

[0063] Figure 6 Corresponds to an embodiment of the aesthetic cover (1) in two parts. The cover frame (1.01) is part of the aesthetic cover (1) to which the adjustment element (2) is fixed and which serves as a base. The cover covering (1.02) is the outermost part of the aesthetic cover (1), which can be made of any material and have any aesthetic finish. In this figure, the cover frame (1.01) has two outer walls (1.1), while the cover covering (1.02) has two additional outer walls (1.1).

[0064] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Corresponds to two embodiments in which the support frames (3) are fixed adjacent to each other. Preferably, each support frame (3) has two engaging elements (3.1) on each side. In the case of tongue-and-groove engaging elements (3.1), preferably, a protruding part and a recessed part are arranged on each side, repeated in the same order on all sides. This allows for the continuous placement of the support frames (3) because the engaging elements (3.1) are complementary on each side.

[0065] Figure 7 Shows the elastic mating engaging element (3.1). In the first step, the support frame (3) is placed and screwed into the guide (3.4), which allows a certain degree of rotation of the support frame during fixation. Subsequently, a second support frame (3) is introduced onto the inserted screw. When adjusting the position of the second support frame (3) on the first support frame, it is done through the engaging elements (3.1), which allows a single position by ensuring the correct positioning of both through elastic mating. This prevents possible movement or sliding that may occur when tightening the final fixing means of the support frame (3) to fix it to a wall or a device box.

[0066] Figure 8 An alternative embodiment has interlocking engaging elements (3.1), which allow slight rotation in the last step for assembling the support frame (3). The engaging element (3.1) has at least one inclined surface, which is fixed by rotation and establishes face-to-face contact, thus preventing respective movement. This fixing method prevents vertical movement and allows the surfaces of the support frames to be coplanar.

Claims

1. An adjustment system for assembling an electrical module unit (4) that can be inserted into a wall (5), the adjustment system comprising: Aesthetic cover (1) which can be fixed to the electrical module unit (4) by means of the support frame (3) of the unit (4). Adjusting element (2) which is mounted to be fixed to the aesthetic cover (1) and abuts against a wall (5), the adjusting element being configured to allow relative elastic movement between the aesthetic cover (1) and the wall (5) in a direction perpendicular to the wall (5), wherein the adjusting element (2) includes at least one support segment (2.3) for supporting on the wall (5), the segment being attached to at least one elastic element (2.1). It is characterized in that the aesthetic cover (1) has an outer wall (1.1) which is at least partially arranged around the adjusting element (2), such that at least a part of the outer wall laterally abuts against the support segment (2.3) when the aesthetic cover moves elastically.

2. The system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The elastic element (2.1) is fixed to the aesthetic cover (1).

3. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The aesthetic cover (1) includes an inner wall (1.3) which is at least partially surrounded by the adjusting element, such that at least a part of the inner wall laterally abuts against the support segment (2.3) when the aesthetic cover moves elastically.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support segment (2.3) forms a abutment frame arranged around the support frame (3).

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, There are two support segments (2.3) which are parallel to the support frame (3) and arranged around the support frame (3).

6. The system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The system includes at least one lateral support segment (2.6) which can be laterally fixed to the support segment (2.3).

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support segments (2.3) are directly connected to each other by means of elastic elements (2.1).

8. An electrical device, which comprises at least one electrical module unit (4), characterized in that, The electrical device includes an adjustment system according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. The electrical device according to claim 8, which comprises a plurality of module units (4), characterized in that, The support frames (3) of the respective module units (4) are arranged adjacent to each other and are laterally fixed.

10. The electrical device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The support frames (3) are fixed to each other by means of an elastic or interlocking fit by means of a joining element (3.1).

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