Control device for controlling a home automation device

Abstract

A control device for controlling home automation equipment. A control device (100) is provided with: a first member (101); a second component (102) assembled to the first component (101) to form a housing (103) including an internal accommodation space (104); and an electronic control module (105) at least partially positioned in the accommodation space (104) and assembled to the second component (102). The second component (102) comprises an assembly unit (116) configured to: cooperate with the electronic control module (105) to ensure that the electronic control module (105) is assembled to the second component (102); cooperating with the first component (101) to ensure that the first component (101) is assembled to the second component (102); and locking the assembly of the electronic control module (105) to the second component (102).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field of the invention relates to remote control, for example for controlling electromechanical actuators for controlling sunscreens or shading screens, or more generally for controlling home automation devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a preferably remote control device for sending and / or receiving remote control commands for such home automation devices. Background Art

[0002] To control actuators, such as electromechanical actuators for sun or sun screens, it is known to use a control device comprising a cover enclosed by a front panel to form a housing that accommodates an electronic control module. The electronic control module should preferably remain positioned within the housing. Therefore, it is appropriate to assemble the electronic control module within the housing and assemble the cover and front panel together to form the housing.

[0003] The housing thus ensures protection of the electronic control module, in particular protection of the fragile electronic components included in the electronic control module.

[0004] Generally speaking, a control device for controlling a home automation device should be able to be accommodated at least partially in a small space, for example in a flush-mounted box in a wall or ceiling.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to limit the size of the mechanical components that allow the above assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a control device which allows an electronic control module to be easily assembled in an adapted receiving space. Furthermore, the control device is preferably robust, efficient and economical.

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to a control device comprising:

[0008] The first component;

[0009] a second component to which the first component is assembled to form a housing including an internal accommodation space;

[0010] an electronic control module, at least partially positioned in the receiving space and assembled to the second component, the electronic control module comprising a support and at least one switch coupled to the support;

[0011] The second component includes an assembly unit, the assembly unit being configured as follows:

[0012] Cooperating with the electronic control module to ensure that the electronic control module is assembled to the second component;

[0013] Cooperate with the first component to ensure that the first component is assembled to the second component;

[0014] causing the mating of the assembly unit with the first component to result in the assembly of the electronic control module to the second component being locked;

[0015] One of the first component and the second component is a cover component, and the other of the first component and the second component is a front panel.

[0016] This allows the use of an assembly unit to mount two separate parts (the first component and the electronic control module) relative to the second component, thereby reducing the size of the mechanical means for forming the housing and securing the electronic control module within the housing. Furthermore, once the first and second components are assembled to form the housing, the electronic control module can be retained in place within the housing. Furthermore, the cover element is particularly hollow, providing sufficient depth to accommodate the electronic control module; the front panel can thus at least partially serve as a cover to close the cover element, for example, to obtain the aforementioned housing.

[0017] The control device may also include one or more of the following features.

[0018] According to a feature of the control device, the assembly unit allows ensuring the assembly of the electronic control module to the second component by clamping, and allows ensuring the assembly of the first component to the second component by clamping.

[0019] Clamping is particularly suitable in view of the ease with which assembly can be performed and the reversible operation can be performed if disassembly of the control device is required.

[0020] Preferably, the assembly unit is configured such that the clamping assembly allows limiting the functional clearances of the assembly of the first component to the second component and the functional clearances of the assembly of the electronic control module to the second component. Thus, despite the use of clamping installation / assembly, the functional clearances are still limited.

[0021] According to a feature of the control device, the assembly unit comprises at least one clamping member comprising:

[0022] ·main body;

[0023] A first retaining element, disposed on a first side of the main body, wherein the electronic control module is clamped by the first retaining element;

[0024] a second retaining element disposed on a second side of the body opposite to the first side, the first component being clamped by the second retaining element;

[0025] The first component resists deformation of the at least one clamping member in an unfastening direction that allows the electronic control module to be unfastened relative to the first retaining element of the at least one clamping member.

[0026] Thus, the clamping of the first component to the second component allows locking the clamping of the electronic control module to the second component and thus locking the assembly of the electronic control module to the second component. This locking also allows, in particular, limiting the functional play of the clamped assembly.

[0027] According to a feature of the control device, the first retaining element and the second retaining element of the at least one clamping member are offset along the body of the at least one clamping member.

[0028] This offset can leave the corresponding portion of the body between the first retaining element and the second retaining element to facilitate the disengagement of the first component and the second component by deformation of the at least one clamping member (such as its body) while ensuring that the second component remains clamped to the electronic control module and at the same time allowing functional clearance to be limited for clamping the electronic control module to the second component and functional clearance for clamping the first component and the second component together.

[0029] According to a feature of the control device, the first component includes a support surface, and the second retaining element of the at least one clamping member is pushed against the support surface, so that the at least one clamping member is pushed in a direction opposite to the unlocking direction, which allows the electronic control module to be unlocked relative to the first retaining element of the at least one clamping member.

[0030] This pressing allows to ensure effective locking of the assembly unit to the electronic control module.

[0031] According to a feature of the control device, one of the first component and the second component includes an unlocking opening, which is arranged to reach a portion of the at least one clamping member located in the first component and is configured to allow the first component to be unlocked relative to the at least one clamping member when a pressing force is applied to the portion through the unlocking opening.

[0032] This allows for the disassembly of the second component and the first component, which subsequently permits the disassembly of the second component and the electronic control module. This has the advantage of, in particular, allowing the control device to be repaired in the event of a malfunction of the electronic control module and / or the separation of the various components of the control device at the end of its useful life in the context of recycling.

[0033] According to the features of the control device, the unlocking opening is arranged through the wall of the cover or through the front panel.

[0034] Both solutions advantageously allow the passage of a long tool, such as a screwdriver, to exert the desired pressing force on the portion of the at least one clamping member.

[0035] According to a feature of the control device, the assembly unit comprises two clamping members which are arranged at a distance from each other and such that, when the electronic control module is assembled to the second component, the same edge of the face of the support facing towards the bottom of the cover is clamped to the first retaining element of each of the two clamping members.

[0036] This allows a satisfactory clamping to be achieved.

[0037] According to a feature of the control device, the second component comprises a wall at least partially delimiting a location for receiving the support, in which location the support is positioned when the electronic control module and the second component are assembled.

[0038] This wall of the second component allows for proper positioning of the electronic control module in order to retain it within the control device. Furthermore, this wall of the second component can center the first component relative to the second component over its periphery. The wall of the second component can also advantageously allow for proper positioning of the electronic control module, for example by cooperating with indexing and error-proofing studs used for mounting / assembling the support, in particular to the second component.

[0039] According to the characteristics of the control device, the control device includes:

[0040] A passageway, disposed in one of the first component and the second component;

[0041] A control assembly mounted on the one of the first and second components including the access opening, the control assembly being adapted to receive a pressing force that allows the control assembly to apply pressure to the at least one switch through the access opening.

[0042] Thereby, the control assembly forms a control interface, eg a control interface which is directly or indirectly accessible to a user of the control device, thereby forming a manual control device.

[0043] Other advantages and features will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description given by way of non-limiting examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings listed below.

[0045] Figure 1 A perspective view of a control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A control device in which part of the control assembly has been removed.

[0047] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 A control unit in which the control components have been removed.

[0048] Figure 4 Shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a control device in which an electronic control module is mounted, the portion being formed as a plate-shaped front panel.

[0049] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 , where no control device is usually installed in the portion of the electronic control module.

[0050] Figure 6 A perspective view of the electronic control module is shown.

[0051] Figure 7 Shown in cross-section Figure 1 A control device, the cross section being taken between two clamping members belonging to a portion of the control device on which the electronic control module is mounted.

[0052] Figure 8 Shown in cross-section Figure 1 A control device, the section being taken through one of the two clamping members belonging to the part of the control device on which the electronic control module is mounted.

[0053] Figure 9 A perspective view of another part of the control device is shown, which part forms the cover and is intended to be assembled to a panel.

[0054] Figure 10 A perspective view of a variant embodiment of the plate of the first embodiment is shown, the plate being turned toward its face facing the cover when the cover and the plate are assembled.

[0055] Figure 11 A perspective view of a second embodiment of a control device is shown.

[0056] Figure 12 Shown in cross-section Figure 11 A control device, the section being taken through one of the two clamping members belonging to the part of the control device on which the electronic control module is mounted.

[0057] Figure 13 Shown Figure 11 A partially exploded view of the control device, wherein Figure 11 The two parts that were assembled and formed the housing are disassembled.

[0058] In these drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements. To facilitate understanding of the drawings, the elements shown in the various figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The present invention relates to a control device 100 , in particular for controlling / operating an actuator, or more generally for controlling / operating a home automation device. Thus, the home automation device may be an actuator.

[0060] Figures 1 to 9 As required, all or part of the control device 100 is shown, which is a manual control device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figures 11 to 13 A control device 100 according to a second embodiment is shown. In particular, Figures 11 to 12 The control device 100 is a control device 100 configured to receive a control command and operate a home automation device according to the received control command.

[0062] Generally, the control device 100 includes a first component 101 and a second component 102. The first component 101 is assembled to the second component 102 to form a housing 103 ( Figure 7 、 8 and 12), that is, the accommodating space 104 is located in the shell 103.

[0063] The control device 100 includes an electronic control module 105 ( Figure 4 、 6 , 7, 8, 12 and 13), which are at least partially positioned in the accommodation space 104 and assembled to the second component 102. The electronic control module 105 includes a support 106 and at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c coupled to the support 106.

[0064] The support 106 may be a printed circuit (also known as PCB, short for printed circuit board in English).

[0065] The at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c may be fixed to the support 106, for example by welding, so as to be electrically connected to conductive tracks comprised by the support 106.

[0066] The support 106 may comprise a first face 108 and a second face 109 opposite to each other according to a thickness of the support 106, said thickness being defined in particular by a side edge 110 of the support 106 connecting the first face 108 and the second face 109 opposite to each other ( Figure 4 、 6 , 7, 8, 12 and 13).

[0067] One or more components may be mounted on the first face 108 and / or the second face 109 of the support 106, such as Figure 4 、6 , 12 and 13 , wherein the components are mounted on a first surface 108 and a second surface 109 of a support 106 .

[0068] Preferably, said at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c is mounted on the first face 108 of the support 106 and forms a component as described above.

[0069] One of the first component 101 and the second component 102 is a cover 111 , and the other of the first component 101 and the second component 102 is a front panel 112 .

[0070] According to a first embodiment, the front panel 112 is at least a portion of a plate, in other words a supporting plate, which notably comprises a unit for attachment or mounting to a frame, for example a wall.

[0071] According to the second embodiment, the front panel 112 is a cover.

[0072] In the context of the first and second embodiments, the first component 101 is a cover 111 and the second component is a front panel 112. Of course, this is not restrictive, and the electronic control module 105 can also be assembled to the cover 111, whereby the cover 111 would form the second component 102 and the front panel 112 would form the first component 101.

[0073] A "cover" particularly refers to a hollow element for protecting an object (e.g., at least a portion of the electronic control module 105 located in the accommodation space 104). The cover 111 forms a portion of the housing 103, and its volume may be defined by a bottom 113 of the cover 111 and side walls 114 of the cover 111 extending from the bottom 113 (e.g., formed by four side surfaces connected to each other).

[0074] When the first and second components 101, 102 are assembled, at least a portion of the front panel 112 may form a cover for the housing 103. Figure 7 As can be seen in FIG, the central portion of the front panel 112 forms a cover, while Figure 11 In the embodiment, the front panel 112 constitutes a cover.

[0075] In particular, the electronic control module 105 is at least partially arranged in the housing 103. When the first component 101 and the second component 102 are assembled, the receiving space 104 is a space surrounded by walls on each side, which are the walls of the housing 103, including the bottom 113, the side walls 114 and at least one part / portion of the front panel 112, whereby the receiving space 104 is in a "closed" state. The receiving space 104 is considered to be closed because the housing 103 prevents the electronic control module 105 from being removed from the housing 103; however, the housing 103 may of course include one or more openings, for example for allowing access to the receiving space 104 to activate the at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c, and / or for mounting the control assembly 115 on the front panel 112 ( Figure 1 、 7 and 8), and / or for allowing the first component 101 and the second component 102 to be disassembled when they are clamped to each other (as shown below), and / or for connecting the electronic control module 105 to a power source.

[0076] For example, the support member 106 of the electronic control module 105 is entirely housed in the housing 103. The electronic control module 105 may also be entirely housed in the housing 103.

[0077] like Figure 1 、 7 As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the control device 100 may include a control component 115 mounted on (i.e., assembled on) the front panel 112. The function of the control component 115 is to present a control interface to the user, so that the user can activate the at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c, for example, by applying a pressing force F1, F2, F3 on the control interface (i.e., the control component 115) by the user.

[0078] A “user” is understood to mean any person who may interact with the control device 100 , in particular by applying pressure to the control element 105 , for example with a finger.

[0079] It has been described above that the first component 101 and the second component 102 are assembled. For this purpose, the second component 102 includes an assembly unit 116, which is configured to:

[0080] Cooperating with the electronic control module 105 to ensure that the electronic control module 105 is assembled to the second component 102;

[0081] Cooperate with the first component 101 to ensure that the first component 101 is assembled to the second component 102;

[0082] The mating of the assembly unit 116 with the first component 101 results in the assembly of the electronic control module 105 to the second component 102 being locked;

[0083] These assembly units 116 therefore have a dual function, allowing a better integration of the control device 100 .

[0084] Preferably, the locking is such as to tend to ensure that the electronic control module 105 is retained (preferably without play) to the second component 102 ; for example by the second component 102 exerting a clamping force on the electronic control module 105 .

[0085] The front panel 112 may include a base 134. The base 134 serves in particular as a pedestal from which the assembly unit 116 may extend in whole or in part and / or from which a unit allowing, for example, the control assembly 115 to be mounted to the front panel 112 is formed.

[0086] Preferably, the assembly unit 116 ensures the clamping of the electronic control module 105 and the second component 102 on the one hand, and ensures that the first component 101 and the second component 102 are clamped together on the other hand, so as to facilitate the assembly of the control device 100 (i.e., obtaining the electronic control module 105 assembled to the second component 102 and obtaining the first component 101 assembled to the second component 102).

[0087] In other words, the assembly unit 116 may allow ensuring the assembly of the electronic control module 105 to the second component 102 by clamping, and the assembly of the first component 101 to the second component 102 by clamping.

[0088] The assembly of the first component 101 and the second component 102 may be reversible, thereby allowing the housing 103 to be opened, for example, to repair or recover the electronic control module 105 .

[0089] The assembly of the electronic control module 105 and the second component 102 may be reversible, such as to repair or recycle the electronic control module 105 .

[0090] This reversibility of assembly is particularly allowed, for example, due to the clamping permitted by the assembly unit 116 and due to a suitable configuration of the control device 100 allowing a corresponding disengagement to be performed.

[0091] The electronic control module 105 is assembled to the second component 102 by clamping, in particular by clamping the support 106 to the assembly unit 116 , which limits the impact of this assembly on the useful surface of the support 106 , that is, the surface receiving the component parts.

[0092] It is necessary to make the above-mentioned clamping effective while limiting the space used to implement them within the housing 103.

[0093] To meet this need, assembly unit 116 may include at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, comprising a body 118a, 118b, a first retaining element 119a, 119b disposed on a first side 120a, 120b of body 118a, 118b, and a second retaining element 121a, 121b disposed on a second side 122a, 122b of body 118a, 118b, opposite first side 120a, 120b. In this case, first component 101 is clamped to second retaining element 119a, 119b of at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, thereby enabling assembly of first component 101 and second component 102. In this case, electronic control module 105 is clamped to first retaining element 119a, 119b of at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, thereby enabling assembly of electronic control module 105 to second component 102. In particular, the first component 101 resists deformation of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, and more particularly of its body 118a, 118b, in an unbending direction that allows unbending the electronic control module 105 relative to the first retaining element 119a, 119b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b. Figure 4 、 5 , 8 and 13 are particularly obvious.

[0094] The first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b more particularly form two opposing clamps together with the associated body 118a, 118b, the retaining elements each protruding in a convex manner from the body 118a, 118b.

[0095] The body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b is in particular elongated and may be made in one piece with the rest of the second component 102.

[0096] Preferably, in particular Figure 4 、 8 As shown in Figures 1, 12 and 13, the support 106 is clamped to the first holding element 119a, 119b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b.

[0097] In particular, when the first component 101 and the second component 102 are assembled, the second retaining element 121a, 121b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b engages in a recess 126a, 126b of the first component 101, for example a blind hole ( Figure 8 、 9 and 12).

[0098] In other words, the first component 101 can include recesses 126a, 126b, also referred to as attachment recesses, into which the second retaining element 121a, 121b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b is at least partially introduced to ensure that the first component 101 is clamped to the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b and to prevent the second component 102 from being disassembled relative to the first component 101.

[0099] The assembly unit 116 may include one or more clamping members 117a, 117b. In the case where the assembly unit 116 includes multiple clamping members 117a, 117b (e.g., two), all contents described with respect to the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b may apply to each clamping member 117a, 117b.

[0100] For example, the assembly unit 116 preferably includes two clamping members 117a, 117b, which are arranged at a certain distance from each other and so that when the electronic control module 105 is assembled to the second component 102, the same edge 127 (e.g., the second face 109 of the support 106) of the face facing the bottom 113 of the cover 111 is fixed to the second component 102. Figure 4 、 6 13) is clamped to a first retaining element 119a, 119b of each of the two clamping members 117a, 117b. This allows for particularly suitable retention of the electronic control module 105 relative to the second component 102. Consequently, the face of the support 106 facing the bottom 113 of the cover 111 comprises a plurality of edges (e.g., four so-called side edges) connected to one another in order to define the peripheral contour of said face of the support 106 facing the bottom 113 of the cover 111.

[0101] Regarding the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, its first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b may be arranged at different heights to facilitate clamping the first component 101 to the second component 102 when the electronic control module 105 is clamped to the second component 102.

[0102] In other words, the first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b may be offset along the body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, e.g. Figure 4 and 13Thus, a segment, ie a portion, of the body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b may have elasticity suitable for allowing the first component 101 to be detached relative to the second retaining element 121a, 121b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b.

[0103] Furthermore, when the first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b are offset along the body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, this allows a slant line to be obtained between the first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b, passing through these first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b, thereby eliminating a gap. This elimination of a gap, in particular by the pressure exerted on the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, allows the first retaining elements 119a, 119b thereof to be pressed against the electronic control module 105, so that when the first component 101 and the second component 102 are assembled, a clamping force is applied to the electronic control module 105 by the second component 102, thereby obtaining locking. In particular, the first component 101 assembled to the second component 102 thereby applies a force, such as a pressing force, to the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, which tends to push the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b in such a direction that the first retaining element 119a, 119b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b is pressed against the electronic control module 105 (in particular, against the support 106), with the result that the gap between the first retaining element 119a, 119b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b and the electronic control module 105 (and more particularly its support 106) is eliminated or reduced.

[0104] Alternatively, and in a manner not shown in the figures, the first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b of the at least one retaining member 117a, 117b may be arranged at the same level, i.e. separated by a portion of the body 118a, 118b of the at least one retaining member 117a, 117b which separates the first and second opposite sides 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b in the direction of thickness measurement of the body 118a, 118b. In this case, it is necessary to provide a functional gap in the assembly between the first retaining element 119a, 119b of the at least one retaining member 117a, 117b and the electronic control module 105 in order to allow the first component 101 to be disengaged relative to the second retaining element 121a, 121b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b.

[0105] The first component 101 may include support surfaces 123a, 123b ( Figure 8 、 9 and 12), the second retaining element 121a, 121b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b can be pushed onto the supporting surfaces 123a, 123b, so that the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b (more specifically, its main body 118a, 118b) is pushed in a direction opposite to the disengaging direction, and the disengaging direction allows the electronic control module 105 to be disengaged relative to the first retaining element 119a, 119b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b.

[0106] This allows the electronic control module 105 to be retained on the second component 102, for example by ensuring that the first retaining element 119a, 119b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b and / or the body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b clamps the electronic control module 105 (in particular its support 106), thereby causing the electronic control module 105 to be pressed towards the second component 102 (thereby allowing locking to be achieved by means of a clamping force of the electronic control module 105 exerted by the second component 102 when the first component 101 and the second component 102 are assembled).

[0107] For example, the bearing surfaces 123a, 123b are defined by the bottoms of the corresponding blind holes mentioned above, which receive the second retaining element 121a, 121b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b when the first component 101 is clamped to the second retaining element 121a, 121b (see, for example, Figure 8 and Figure 12 ).

[0108] Preferably, when the first component 101 is assembled to the second component 102, the main body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b is deformed in a direction opposite to the disengagement direction, which allows the electronic control module 105 to be disengaged relative to the first retaining element 119a, 119b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b; this deformation is particularly elastic deformation, so that when the push is no longer applied, the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b returns to its original shape (i.e., not deformed).

[0109] The possibility of disassembling the first component 101 and the second component 102 has already been mentioned above. To this end, one of the first component 101 and the second component 102 can include an unlocking opening 124a, 124b (in particular one for each clamping member 117a, 117b), which is arranged to reach a portion 125a, 125b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b located in the first component 101 (in particular in the receiving space 104 or the housing 103). Thus, the portions 125a, 125b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b are arranged to allow the first component 101 to be disengaged relative to the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b and thereby to be disengaged relative to the second retaining element 121a, 121b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, for example by allowing the second retaining element 121a, 121b to be removed from the associated recess 126a, 126b, when a pressing force is exerted on the portions 125a, 125b via the unlocking openings 124a, 124b.

[0110] For example, the unlocking openings 124a, 124b are arranged through the wall of the cover 111 (for example, through the side wall 114 of the cover 111, in particular through the portion of the side wall 114 of the cover 111 facing the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b) or through the front panel 112.

[0111] Specifically, each unlocking opening 124a, 124b allows passage of an adapter tool for applying a force to the corresponding portion 125a, 125b of the corresponding clamping member 117a, 117b.

[0112] Figures 1 to 3 , 9 and 11 show exactly two unlocking openings 124a, 124b arranged through the cover 111 to allow access to portions 125a, 125b of two different clamping members 117a, 117b, respectively.

[0113] In the case where the unlocking openings 124a, 124b are arranged to pass through the front panel 112, they can be set at the main body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, so that an inserted tool, such as a screwdriver, can be inserted along the main body 118a, 118b to the parts 125a, 125b, and in particular to the second retaining elements 121a, 121b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b. Figure 10 This solution is particularly illustrated by showing a specific implementation of the front panel 112, in particular a plate-shaped one.

[0114] It should be noted that the design in which the unlocking openings 124a, 124b are arranged through the wall of the cover 111 is preferred because this simplifies the design of the control device 100, it allows strengthening the front panel 112 (because fewer openings are required at the front panel 112), and it allows avoiding the possibility of inadvertently unlocking the cover 111 or the electronic control module 105 without removing the front panel 112.

[0115] If there are two unlocking openings 124a, 124b, a force must be applied simultaneously to the portions 125a, 125b of the two clamping members 117a, 117b in order to release the first component 101 from the second component 102. Therefore, it is entirely possible to use a special tool that allows the portions 125a, 125b of the clamping members 117a, 117b to be pressed simultaneously, for example, by means of two rods that are offset and movably connected to each other. This special tool can then take the shape of a fork that allows the two clamping members 117a, 117b to be pressed simultaneously through the two unlocking openings 124a, 124b. The special tool can also include at least one stop that limits the deformation of the two clamping members 117a, 117b to prevent them from breaking.

[0116] To ensure proper positioning of the electronic control module 105, the second component 102 may include a wall 128 that at least partially defines a location 129 ( Figure 5 and Figure 10 When the electronic control module 105 (and more specifically its support 106) is assembled with the second component 102, the support 106 is positioned at the location 129, and in particular at the location 129 (e.g., on top of the wall 128 of the second component 102, opposite the base 134 from which the wall 128 of the second component 102 extends).

[0117] In particular, the wall 128 of the second part 102 allows forming, in whole or in part, a spacer which keeps the support 106 at a certain distance relative to the base 134. This allows accommodating a component mounted on the first face 108 of the support 106 in the volume at least partially delimited by the wall 128 of the second part 102 and the base 134, while preventing this component from resting on the base 134 / on the front panel 112.

[0118] The spacer may comprise a bearing surface on which the support 106 may rest; for this purpose, the wall 128 of the second component 102 may take the form of a rib in the form of a closed or open or discontinuous ring on the surface of the base 134. Thus, the support 106 may come into contact with the wall 128 of the second component 102 (in particular with the bearing surface) and be held against / relative to the wall 128 of the second component 102 (or the bearing surface) in particular by means of the force exerted on the support 106 by the first retaining element 119a, 119b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b.

[0119] The top of the wall 128 of the second part 102 allows, for example, to receive support from the periphery of the support 106, in order to position the support 106 flat and to hold the support 106 in a suitable manner by means of the assembly unit 116. The wall 128 of the second part 102 also allows, when assembling the control device 100, the cover 111 to be guided in the direction in which the wall 128 of the second part 102 can be inserted into the cover 111, while extending along its side wall 114. The wall 128 of the second part 102 also allows the control device 100 to be provided with better resistance to drops: this has the effect of reinforcing the fixation between the cover 111 and the front panel 112 / plate.

[0120] Preferably, the second component 102 may include studs 130a, 130b, 130c, which have both a guiding function and an error-proofing function, i.e., these studs 130a, 130b, 130c may participate in retaining the electronic control module 105 to prevent it from moving in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the support 106 and / or facilitate its assembly to the second component 102 by ensuring that it is positioned in an appropriate manner at position 129.

[0121] The studs 130a, 130b, 130c may protrude from the wall 128 of the second component 102, in particular at the top of the wall 128 of the second component 102, for example Figure 5 and 10 shown.

[0122] The support 106 may include recesses, such as notches 131a, 131b, 131c ( Figure 6 ). Thus, when the second component 102 and the electronic control module 105 are assembled, the studs 130a, 130b, 130c can each be engaged in one of the empty slots. To ensure a foolproof function, the studs 130a, 130b, 130c and the empty slots can have such dimensions that only a single pair consisting of one stud and one empty slot is compatible for coupling the one stud and the one empty slot.

[0123] Advantageously, the second component 102 includes a retaining element 132, such as a flange or shoulder, which cooperates with the electronic control module 105, and more specifically with the support 106, to retain the electronic control module 105 to the second component 102 via the assembly unit 116 coupled to the electronic control module 105 (i.e., when the assembly unit 116 cooperates with the electronic control module 105 to ensure assembly of the electronic control module 105 to the second component 102).

[0124] The retaining element 132 in particular projects from the wall 128 of the second component 102 above the location 129 and in particular to the top of this wall 128 of the second component 102. The retaining element 132 allows the electronic control module 105 to be assembled to the second component 102 in the following manner:

[0125] The portion 133 of the first edge of the support 106 ( Figure 6 and 7 ) (opposite the edge 127 forming the second edge 127 of the support) is positioned, for example by sliding, under the collar 132 and preferably in contact with the top of the wall 128 of the second component 102, this positioning being carried out obliquely with respect to the position 129, so that the second edge 127 of the support 106, opposite the first edge 127 of the support 106, is kept at a distance from the assembly unit 116 and the position 129;

[0126] The second edge 127 of the support 106 is then brought closer to the assembly unit 116 so as to engage (i.e., clamp) the second retaining elements 121 a, 121 b, which then cooperate with at least the retaining element 132 and the wall 128 of the second component 102 to retain the electronic control module 105 relative to the second component 102, preferably without any room for movement of the support 106 relative to the second component 102.

[0127] The wall 128 of the second component 102 is particularly configured to be inserted into the interior volume of the first component 101 along the side wall 114 of the cover 111. In particular, the wall 128 of the second component 102 extends along a portion of the side wall 14 of the cover 111. This allows for resistance to lateral movement of the second component 102 relative to the first component 101 parallel to the plane of the support 106 and advantageously facilitates the mounting of the first component 101 to the second component 102 when manufacturing the control device 100.

[0128] Typically, the body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b may provide elasticity to the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b to allow deformation thereof (particularly deformation of the body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b) to clamp the electronic control module 105 on the one hand and the first component 101 on the other hand.

[0129] For example, in Figure 4 、 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the main body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b extends laterally, in particular substantially orthogonally, from a base 134 of the front panel 112. The base 134 is in the shape of a plate, for example.

[0130] As Figure 4 and 5 An alternative implementation scheme, such as Figure 10 As shown in the example in , the body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b includes a first portion 135a, 135b defined by a portion of the base 134 and a second portion 135c, 135d continuous with the first portion 135a, 135b of the body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, which extends laterally relative to the base 134 of the front panel 112, in particular extends in a substantially orthogonal manner. To this end, the front panel 112 may include a groove 136a, 136b for the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b, which is arranged to pass through the base 134, that is, the base 134 of the front panel 112. The groove 136a, 136b may be U-shaped. If necessary, the bottom of the U may define the unlocking opening 124a, 124b. If the bottom of the U does not allow a suitable tool to pass through, the unlocking opening 124a, 124b will be as shown. Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment is formed through the side wall 114 of the cover 111 .

[0131] like Figure 10 This alternative solution shown allows for increasing the elasticity of the body 118a, 118b of the at least one clamping member 117a, 117b by making it more easily deformable. However, it turns out that such increased elasticity is not necessary, since this would impair the pressing of the first retaining elements 119a, 119b on the support 106, with the result that undesirable play could occur in the retention of the electronic control module 105 relative to the front panel 112.

[0132] It has been mentioned above that the control device 100 may include a control component 115. In this case, the control device 100 includes:

[0133] • passage openings 137a, 137b, 137c, arranged in one of the first component 101 and the second component 102;

[0134] a control assembly 115 mounted on one of the first and second components 101, 102 including the passage openings 137a, 137b, 137c, the control assembly 115 configured to receive a pressing force F1, F2, F3 that allows the control assembly 115 to apply pressure to the at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c through the passage openings 137a, 137b, 137c.

[0135] Preferably, the front panel 112 includes access openings 137a, 137b, 137c.

[0136] The electronic control module 105 may include a plurality of switches 107a, 107b, 107c, each of which is independently actuatable by the control assembly 115. In this case, as many access openings 137a, 137b, 137c may be arranged in one of the first component 101 and the second component 102 to allow each switch 107a, 107b, 107c to be individually reached by the control assembly 115 through the corresponding access opening 137a, 137b, 137c.

[0137] The control component 115 can take different forms. For example, Figure 1 、 7 As shown in FIG8 , the control assembly 115 may include a base 138 fixed to the front panel 112, for example, fixed to fixing holes 139a, 139b, 139c, 139d arranged through the front panel 112 (in FIG8 ). Figure 2 and 3 ). The base 138 is specifically mounted on a first side 142 of the front panel 112 opposite a second side 143 of the front panel 112, and the assembly unit 116 extends at least partially at the second side 143. The control assembly 115 may include a button 140, which is configured to be actuated by a user and is mounted on the base 138.

[0138] like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the control assembly 115 may include an intermediate assembly 141 disposed below the button 140. The intermediate assembly 141 is mounted on the first surface 142 of the front panel 112, preferably independently of the mounting of the base 138 on the front panel 112. The function of the intermediate assembly 141 is to transmit the pressing force F1, F2, F3 applied to the button 140 to the at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c when the button 140 cannot directly contact the at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c.

[0139] The switches 107a, 107b, 107c can be changed between an activated state and an inactivated state, respectively. To switch from the inactivated state to the activated state, the corresponding switch 107a, 107b, 107c can receive a mechanical activation pressure from a pressing force applied by a user to the control device 100, or can be electronically activated, for example, by receiving a corresponding activation signal.

[0140] Of course, if the button 140 is shaped to be suitable for contacting the at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c through the passage opening 137a, 137b, 137c, the intermediate component 141 is not necessary.

[0141] According to a specific embodiment, the electronic control module 105 may include three switches 107a, 107b, 107c (referred to as the first switch 107a, the second switch 107b and the third switch 107c, respectively) mounted on the first face 108 of the support 106. Figure 6 and Figure 7 (see in the ).

[0142] When the control device 100 includes the control assembly 115, the button 140 may include a first pressing area 140a, a second pressing area 140b and a third pressing area 140c, each pressing area being configured to receive a pressing force F1, F2, F3 to be transmitted to a corresponding one of the first switch 107a, the second switch 107b and the third switch 107c to activate it.

[0143] The first pressing area 140a and the third pressing area 140c are specifically configured to be pressed along the button 140. Figure 1 The illustrated rotation of the pivot axis A1 changes between a stable inactive position and an unstable active position in a push-button manner, and the second pressing area 140b is specifically configured to change between the stable inactive position and the unstable active position in a push-button manner by translating toward the base 138. Thus:

[0144] In the stable inactive position of the first pressing region 140 a , the first pressing region 140 a is not pressed (no force F1 is applied), thereby causing the first switch 107 a to be inactive;

[0145] In the unstable activation position of the first pressing area 140a, the first pressing area 140a is pushed (applied force F1), thereby causing the control component 115 to press (mechanical activation pressure) on the first switch 107c, causing it to be in the activated state;

[0146] In the stable inactive position of the third pressing region 140 c , the third pressing region 140 c is not pressed (no force F3 is applied), thereby causing the third switch 107 c to be in an inactive state;

[0147] In the unstable activation position of the third pressing area 140 c, the third pressing area 140 c is pushed (applied force F3 ), thereby causing the control component 115 to press (mechanical activation pressure) on the third switch 107 c, placing it in an activated state;

[0148] In the stable inactive position of the second pressing region 140 b , the second pressing region 140 b is not pressed (no force F2 is applied), thereby causing the second switch 107 c to be inactive;

[0149] In the unstable activation position of the second pressing area 140b, the second pressing area 140c is pushed (applied force F2), thereby causing the control component 115 to press (mechanical activation pressure) on the second switch 107b, thereby activating it.

[0150] A return mechanism may be provided to continuously push the first to third pressing areas 140a, 140b, 140c toward their stable inactive positions. For example, at least one elastic ring 150 (in the center) may be placed between the base 138 and the button 140. Figure 7 and 8 ) allows the first pressing area 140a and the third pressing area 140c to remain in a stable inactive position when no forces F1 and F3 are applied.

[0151] A position is said to be unstable if it is only occupied when the switch 107 a , 107 b , 107 c in question is activated (ie pressed) by a corresponding pressing force F1 , F2 , F3 on the button 140 .

[0152] In the case of an intermediate component 141, the intermediate component may include two parts, namely a first part 144a and a second part 144b. Figure 2 and 3In the embodiment, the front panel 112 includes two ears (also called protrusions) 145a, 145b, each of which is provided with a clamping element 146a, 146b, for example in the form of a pin, on which the first part 144a is clamped to allow relative rotational movement between the first part 144a and the front panel 112. In this way, the second part 114b can be clamped on the first part 144a in a similar manner to allow rotational movement between the first part 144a and the second part 144b. The clamping of the second part 144b can be carried out by means of clips 147a, 147b of the first part 144b, which on one side cooperate with the corresponding clamping element 146a, 146b and on the other side cooperate with a clamping portion 148a, 148b belonging to the second part 144b. Thus, reference numeral 146a denotes a pin carried by an ear 145a facing another ear 145b which in turn carries another pin denoted by reference numeral 146b. The ears 145a, 145b are projections on the first face 142 of the front panel 112 facing away from the support 106.

[0153] For example, to activate the first switch 107a, the first part 144a is configured to receive a press from the button 140 when the user applies a pressing force F1 on the first pressing area 140a of the button 140. This then causes the first part 144a to pivot along the pivot axis A2 ( Figure 2 ) rotates so that the first pressing pin 148a ( ) belonging to the first part 144a and passing through the passage opening 137a referred to as the first passage opening Figure 7 ) presses on the first switch 107a.

[0154] For example, to activate the second switch 107b, one of the first part 144a and the second part 144b of the intermediate component 141 ( Figure 2 The second portion 144b of the intermediate component 141 in the embodiment includes a portion 149 including a deformable portion. When the user applies a pressing force F2 to the second pressing region 140b of the button 140, the portion 149 is able to receive the pressing force from the button 140, and due to the elastic deformation of its deformable portion, the portion 149 is able to be pressed via the second pressing pin 148b ( Figure 7 ) The pressing is transmitted to the second switch 107b through a passage opening 137b (referred to as a “second passage opening 137b”) arranged through the front panel 112.

[0155] For example, to activate the third switch 107c, the second part 144b is configured to receive a press from the button 140 when the user applies a pressing force F3 on the third pressing area 140c of the button 140. This subsequently causes the second part 144b to rotate along the pivot axis A2, causing a third pressing pin 148c belonging to the second part 144b and passing through a passage opening 137c (referred to as a "third passage opening") disposed through the front panel 112 to press on the third switch 107c.

[0156] Usually, "clamping or being clamped" refers to coupling with the help of a clamp. Then, unhooking is equivalent to unhooking the clamp.

[0157] The electronic control module 105 is used to receive instructions from the user and control home automation devices, especially actuators.

[0158] User commands can correspond to the following operations:

[0159] manual operation (pressing force on the control element 115 ), generating a control command via the control element 115 for operating a home automation device associated with the control device 100 and located at a certain distance therefrom;

[0160] Electronic operation by receiving control commands (e.g., generated by an application on a smartphone or a control component separate from the control device 100).

[0161] For example, a manual operation on the at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c, in particular a manual operation corresponding to a transition from its inactive state to its active state, allows the manual action performed by the user to be electronically recorded at the control component 115 in order to generate a control command for the home automation device.

[0162] For example, electronic operations on the at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c, in particular electronic operations corresponding to the transition from its inactive state to its active state, are generated by the control device 100 receiving a control command, thereby resulting in appropriate control of the home automation device.

[0163] For the sake of simplicity of example, in this specification, a home automation device, such as an actuator or an electromechanical actuator, is considered to be a device that allows a movable screen (such as a roller blind or a canvas blind) to be rolled up or unfolded around a rotation axis coupled to the home automation device. The control command sent by the control device 100 or received as appropriate can be at least one signal representing a user command selected from the following: lowering or unfolding the movable screen (i.e., unfolding it around the rotation axis); raising or folding the movable screen (i.e., rolling it up around the rotation axis); and stopping the movement of the movable screen (i.e., stopping an ongoing user command, such as lowering or raising the movable screen).

[0164] Home automation equipment may include motors and electronic cards, which may include, as required:

[0165] a receiving unit for receiving control commands from the associated control device 100 and a control unit for controlling the motor according to the received control commands (in the case of the first embodiment, the electronic control module 105 may include a device required to transmit the control commands to the receiving unit, for example, by wireless or wired means);

[0166] An input device connected to the at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c, for operating the home automation device according to the control command received by the control device 100 (the case related to the second embodiment).

[0167] In the case where the control device 100 is a manual control device 100 , the generated control command to be transmitted to the home automation device may be manual mechanical activation of the corresponding at least one switch 107 a , 107 b , 107 c .

[0168] The control device 100 is Figure 11 In the case of the type shown, the control device 100 may include a receiving unit for receiving control commands and may include units required for operating the home automation device, such as an output connected to the home automation device by wire.

[0169] For example, a user command to lower a movable screen (the movable screen is a roller blind) may result in blocking the outside of an opening such as a window (blocking configuration), a user command to raise the roller blind may result in the roller blind retracting into the box to allow a maximum amount of external light to pass through the opening (retracted configuration), and a user command to stop the roller blind allows the roller blind to partially block the outside of the opening.

[0170] For example, for a system comprising a control device 100 equipped with a control assembly 115 and a home automation device formed by an actuator of the movable screen type:

[0171] A pressing force F1 on the first pressing area 140a allows activation of the first switch 107a, thereby causing the movable screen to be lowered;

[0172] A pressing force F3 on the third pressing area 140c allows the third switch 107c to be activated, thereby causing the movable screen to rise;

[0173] • A pressing force F2 on the second pressing area 140b allows activation of the second switch 107b, thereby causing the movement of the movable screen to stop as desired.

[0174] Figure 9 The cover member 111 can be used independently in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0175] From the above description, it can be seen that the control device 100 can be assembled simply, efficiently and quickly. To this end, the manufacturing method of the control device 100 may include the following steps:

[0176] a) providing an electronic control module 105, a first component 101 and a second component 102;

[0177] b) assembling the electronic control module 105 to the second component 102 by the assembly unit 116;

[0178] c) After step b), the assembly unit 116 is at least partially inserted into the first component 101 , thereby assembling the first component 101 to the second component 102 and locking the assembly of the electronic control module 105 to the second component 105 .

[0179] The advantage of this assembly method is that it can be implemented without the need for tools that cooperate with the assembly unit 116, because steps b) and c) are achieved by simple fitting.

[0180] The control device 100 described above has industrial applicability at least in the field of home automation.

Claims

1. A control device (100), comprising: A first component (101); A second component (102), to which the first component (101) is assembled to form a housing (103) including an internal accommodation space (104); an electronic control module (105) at least partially positioned in the accommodation space (104) and assembled to the second component (102), the electronic control module (105) comprising a support (106) and at least one switch (107) coupled to the support (106); The second component (102) includes an assembly unit (116), wherein the assembly unit (116) is configured to: Cooperating with the electronic control module (105) to ensure that the electronic control module (105) is assembled to the second component (102); Cooperating with the first component (101) to ensure that the first component (101) is assembled to the second component (102); causing the mating of the assembly unit (116) with the first component (101) to result in the assembly of the electronic control module (105) to the second component (102) being locked; One of the first component (101) and the second component (102) is a cover component (111), and the other of the first component (101) and the second component (102) is a front panel (112), characterized in that the assembly unit (116) includes at least one clamping member (117a, 117b), which includes: Main body (118a, 118b); A first retaining element (119a, 119b) is provided on a first side (120a, 120b) of the main body (118a, 118b), and the electronic control module (105) is clamped by the first retaining element (119a, 119b); a second retaining element (121a, 121b) provided on a second side (122a, 122b) of the body (118a, 118b) opposite to the first side (120a, 120b), the first component (101) being clamped by the second retaining element (121a, 121b); The first component (101) resists deformation of the at least one clamping member (117a, 117b) in an unfastening direction, which is a direction that allows the electronic control module (105) to be unfastened relative to the first retaining element (119a, 119b) of the at least one clamping member (117a, 117b).

2. The control device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second retaining elements (119a, 119b, 121a, 121b) of the at least one clamping member (117a, 117b) are offset along a body (118a, 118b) of the at least one clamping member (117a, 117b).

3. The control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The first component (101) includes a support surface (123a, 123b), and the second retaining element (121a, 121b) of the at least one clamping member (117a, 117b) is pushed on the support surface (123a, 123b), so that the at least one clamping member (117a, 117b) is pushed in a direction opposite to an unfastening direction, which is a direction allowing the electronic control module (105) to be unfastened relative to the first retaining element (119a, 119b) of the at least one clamping member (117a, 117b).

4. The control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: One of the first component (101) and the second component (102) includes an unlocking opening (124a, 124b), which is arranged to reach a portion (125a, 125b) of the at least one clamping member (117a, 117b) located in the first component (101) and is configured to allow the first component (101) to be unlocked relative to the at least one clamping member (117a, 117b) when a pressing force is applied to the portion (125a, 125b) through the unlocking opening (124a, 124b).

5. The control device (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The unlocking openings (124a, 124b) are arranged through the wall of the cover (111) or through the front panel (112).

6. The control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The assembly unit (116) comprises two clamping members (117a, 117b) which are arranged at a distance from each other, and when the electronic control module (105) is assembled to the second component (102), the same edge (127) of the surface of the support (106) facing the bottom (113) of the cover (111) is clamped to the first retaining element (119a, 119b) of each of the two clamping members (117a, 117b).

7. The control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The second component (102) includes a wall (128) that at least partially defines a location (129) for receiving the support (106), the support (106) being positioned at the location (129) when the electronic control module (105) and the second component (102) are assembled.

8. The control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a passage opening (137a, 137b, 137c) arranged in one of the first component (101) and the second component (102); a control assembly (115) mounted on the one of the first component (101) and the second component (102) that includes the passage opening (137a, 137b, 137c), the control assembly (115) being adapted to receive a pressing force (F1, F2, F3) that allows the control assembly (115) to apply pressure to the at least one switch (107a, 107b, 107c) through the passage opening (137a, 137b, 137c).

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