Combination decoration panel and electric and / or electronic switching device comprising decoration panel

Abstract

The invention relates to a combined trim panel (100) comprising: a front panel (110) defined between an outer peripheral edge (111) and an inner edge (112), the inner edge (112) defining a through-hole (A) having an axis (X); and a compensation frame (120) fitted on a rear surface (114) of the front panel, from which a resilient tongue (122) extends, the resilient tongue being attached to the compensation frame and resting on the rear surface of the front panel to allow the compensation frame to be in different positions relative to the rear surface of the front panel along said axis of the through hole. According to the invention, the trim panel comprises snap-fit means inserted directly between the resilient tongue and the front panel, the snap-fit means comprising an elongated opening (123) and snap pins (118) engaging through said elongated opening so as to hook the edge of the elongated opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to decorative panels for embedded electrical and / or electronic switching devices. Background Technology

[0002] Embedded electrical and / or electronic switching devices include one or more switching mechanisms with their bases mounted in a central opening of a switching device support / bracket. The switching device bracket is adapted to attach to an embedded recessed box in a concealed wall opening. The switching device bracket closes the front opening of the recessed box and rests on the front surface of the concealed wall. Such electrical and / or electronic switching devices include a decorative panel fitted around a functional front component of the switching mechanism extending from the front surface of the switching device bracket, covering the switching device bracket to improve the electrical safety and appearance of the components. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a decorative panel equipped with a compensation system that can absorb alignment defects / misalignment of switch device brackets relative to a concealed wall.

[0004] More specifically, the present invention relates to a combined concealed panel comprising a front panel defined between an outer peripheral edge and an inner edge, and a compensation frame fitted onto a rear surface of the front panel, the inner edge defining a through hole having an axis, a resilient tongue extending from the compensation frame, the resilient tongue being attached to the compensation frame and resting against the rear surface of the front panel to allow the compensation frame to be in different positions relative to the rear surface of the front panel along the axis of the through hole.

[0005] The present invention also relates to an electrical and / or electronic switching device comprising at least one switching mechanism mounted in a central opening of a switching device bracket, and a decorative panel of such a design mounted on the switching device bracket surrounding an operating portion of the switching mechanism.

[0006] Existing decorative panel compensation systems exist, but they use too many components, complicating manufacturing and increasing the cost of producing decorative panels.

[0007] Specifically, the aforementioned decorative panel is disclosed in document WO2019145815, in which the front panel and the compensation frame are simply stacked together. The two are not fixed to each other, and the compensation frame is held in place against the front panel by being sandwiched between the front panel and the switch device bracket on which the front panel is mounted.

[0008] Such decorative panels require the use of a switch device bracket for operation, and the switch device bracket then forms an integral part of the decorative panel.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a decorative panel with a compensation system that reduces the number of parts, facilitates manufacturing, and lowers manufacturing costs.

[0010] More specifically, according to the present invention, a decorative panel as defined above is provided, the decorative panel including a snap-fit ​​device directly inserted between a resilient tongue and a front panel, the snap-fit ​​device including an elongated / slender opening and a snap-fit ​​pin, the snap-fit ​​pin engaging through the elongated opening to hook the edge of the elongated opening.

[0011] Thanks to the snap-fit ​​mechanism, the front panel and compensation frame are easy to assemble, forming a functional monolithic unit independent of any other components. This functional monolithic unit is easy to handle, store, and transport.

[0012] Other features of the decorative panel according to the present invention are as follows: An elongated opening is provided on the elastic tongue, and the snap-fit ​​pin is provided on the front panel; An elongated opening extends through the portion of the elastic tongue near its free end, the elongated opening extending in a mid-plane parallel to the rear surface of the front panel, and the snap-fit ​​pin includes a body portion that extends from the rear surface of the front panel in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface. An elongated opening is provided on the front panel, and a snap-fit ​​pin is provided on the elastic tongue; The elongated opening extends in a mid-plane parallel to the rear surface of the front panel, and the snap-fit ​​pin includes a body that extends perpendicularly from a resilient tongue surface facing the rear surface of the front panel. The elongated opening has an oblong / elliptical or rectangular outline; Each snap-fit ​​pin has a T-shaped profile, wherein the body portion has a head at the top that protrudes from the body portion to both sides to form two overhanging surfaces of the body portion, the overhanging surfaces being adapted to span two parallel portions across the edge of one of the elongated openings; The two overhanging surfaces of each snap pin extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the main body, such that the two overhanging surfaces form a non-removable snap-fit ​​device for the snap pin at the edge of the corresponding elongated opening. Each snap-fit ​​pin has a front surface with a beveled face opposite the overhanging surface, which forms an engagement ramp through which the head passes through the corresponding elongated opening; Four elastic tongues are provided, which extend from the four inner corners of the compensation frame and are arranged in pairs along the two parallel sides of the compensation frame. Each elastic tongue has several bends between its base and free end attached to the compensation frame, providing the required elasticity to the elastic tongue, and such that the portion of the elastic tongue near the free end is in a plane parallel to and slightly offset forward relative to the plane defined by the front edge of the compensation frame. The outer peripheral edge of the front panel is a flange projecting from the rear surface of the front panel, which, together with the rear surface, defines a receiving seat. The external dimensions of the compensation frame are less than or equal to the dimensions of the receiving seat of the front panel within a certain tolerance range, such that the compensation frame is received within the receiving seat of the front panel along the outer peripheral edge of the front panel; and The front panel and the compensation frame are integrated components.

[0013] The present invention also proposes an embedded electrical and / or electronic switching device, comprising at least one switching mechanism mounted in a central opening of a switching device bracket, and a decorative panel according to the present invention, which is mounted on the switching device bracket around the operating portion of the switching mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The following description of the accompanying drawings is given by way of non-limiting example only and will help to understand the content of the invention and its implementation.

[0015] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 A front view of the electrical switching device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic exploded perspective view of the electrical switching device shown. Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic rear view of the decorative panel of the electrical switchgear shown; Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A magnified view of detail D shown, and Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A schematic rear view of the electrical switching device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] exist Figures 1 to 5 The diagram shows an electrical switching device 10 according to the present invention.

[0017] This is a switch, more precisely a two-way switch, but any type of electrical and / or electronic switching device, such as a single switch, power socket, telephone socket, internet socket, brightness adjuster, etc., may be provided according to other variations not shown.

[0018] like Figure 2 As better shown in the diagram, the electrical switchgear 10 includes a switchgear bracket 300, a switchgear mechanism 200 mounted in the switchgear bracket 300, and a decorative panel 100 mounted on the switchgear bracket 300 surrounding the operating portion of the switchgear mechanism 200.

[0019] The switchgear bracket 300 is a known type and will not be described in detail here.

[0020] Basically, the switchgear bracket 300 is a flat frame defined between an outer edge 301 and an inner edge 302. The inner edge 302 defines a central opening B. Here, both the outer edge 301 and the inner edge 302 adopt a square profile centered on the central opening B.

[0021] Naturally, the outer contour of the switch device bracket can be rectangular or circular, just like the contour of the central opening, which can be rectangular or circular.

[0022] The switch device bracket 300 has a front surface 300A and a rear surface 300B (see...) Figure 5 The thickness decreases between )

[0023] The switch device bracket 300 includes two elongated oval openings 305 located between two parallel sides, so that a fixing screw (not shown) can pass through a threaded hole / threaded tube for screwing into a concealed box (not shown).

[0024] In addition, the switch device bracket 300 includes four circular openings 304 arranged near the four corners of the central opening B. These circular openings 304 accommodate edges 304A for fastening the snap-fit ​​mechanism of the decorative panel 100.

[0025] Two flanges 303 are provided along the two parallel sides of the inner edge 302 of the switchgear bracket 300, extending towards the rear of the switchgear bracket 300, for fastening the base of the switchgear mechanism 200. For example... Figure 5 As better shown in the diagram, each flange 303 includes a free rear edge with a notch 303A.

[0026] The switch device bracket 300 may be made entirely of metal, or may include a metal core covered with an overmolded outer layer made of plastic material. The switch device bracket 300 may also be made of rigid plastic material.

[0027] The switching mechanism 200 is also conventional. Therefore, it will be briefly described.

[0028] The switching device mechanism 200 mainly includes a base 210, which forms an outer housing for accommodating the electrical components of the switching device mechanism 200. The base 210 is made of a rigid insulating material (e.g., a rigid plastic material).

[0029] Here, the base 210 forms two compartments, each containing a switching mechanism (not shown in the figure) with two electrical terminals for connecting electrical conductors from the power supply network.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, at the rear, the base 210 includes an input terminal for connecting the conductive core of an electrical conductor to an electrical terminal.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, at the front, the base 210 is enclosed by a decorative edge / trimmed frame 220 with a square outer contour, and two control buttons 230 are pivotally mounted on the trimmed frame 220. The two control buttons 230 are capable of actuating a switching mechanism contained in a compartment within the base 210. The control buttons 230 are positioned side-by-side at the front of the trimmed frame 220, not exceeding the outer contour of the trimmed frame 220.

[0032] The trimmed frame 220 protrudes from the base 210, thereby forming an outer peripheral flange around the sidewall of the base 210 at the front of the base 210.

[0033] The surface of the trimmed frame 220 corresponds to the surface of the central opening B of the switch device bracket 300 within a gap range. Therefore, when the switch device mechanism 200 is installed in the central opening B of the switch device bracket 300, the trimmed frame 220 fills the entire central opening B. The outer contour of the trimmed frame 220 defines the central opening B along the inner edge 302 of the switch device bracket 300.

[0034] Below the outer peripheral flange formed by the trimmed frame 220, the base 210 of the switching device mechanism 200 includes two pairs of snap-fit ​​teeth 211 on two opposing surfaces of the sidewall of the base.

[0035] The switching mechanism 200 is mounted from the front into the central opening B of the switching device bracket 300, such that the base 210 extends to the rear of the switching device bracket 300. The locking teeth 211 of the base 210 engage in slots 303A at the free rear edges of the two flanges 303 adjacent to the central opening B, and are supported on the front of the two flanges 303 by the outer peripheral flange formed by the trimmed frame 220. Therefore, the two flanges 303 of the switching device bracket 300 are clamped between the locking teeth 211 of the base 210 of the switching mechanism 200 and the trimmed frame 220, such that the switching mechanism 200 and the switching device bracket 300 are assembled together (see [link]). Figure 5 When the switch mechanism 200 is assembled to the switch bracket 300, the operating part of the switch mechanism 200, which consists of the trim frame 220 and two control buttons 230, protrudes from the front surface 300A of the switch bracket 300.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the decorative panel 100 is mounted on the front surface 300A of the switch device bracket 300 and is arranged around the trim frame 220 and control button 230 of the switch device mechanism 200.

[0037] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the decorative panel 100 is advantageously a combined panel including a front panel 110 and a compensation frame 120.

[0038] The front panel 110 is defined between an outer peripheral edge 111 and an inner edge 112, the inner edge 112 defining a through hole A with an axis X at its center.

[0039] Here, both the outer peripheral edge 111 and the inner edge 112 adopt a square outline and are centered on the axis X of the through hole A of the front panel 110.

[0040] The front panel 110 has a front surface 113 and a rear surface 114 forming the front surface of the electrical switch device 10.

[0041] The through-hole A is sized such that when the decorative panel 100 is fitted to the front surface 300A of the switch device bracket 300 supporting the switch device mechanism 200, the control button 230 of the switch device mechanism 200 passes through the through-hole A of the front panel 110 and is exposed on the front surface 113 of the front panel 110. The inner edge 112 of the front panel 110 surrounds the trim frame 220 and the control button 230 as closely as possible (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0042] The front surface 113 of the front panel 110 may have printed or adhesive decorations. The front panel 110 may be entirely colored or made of different aesthetic materials.

[0043] The outer peripheral edge 111 and inner edge 112 of the front panel 110 are both flanges projecting from the rear surface 114 of the front panel 110, and these flanges, together with the rear surface 114, define the hollow receptacle (see [link]). Figure 3 ).

[0044] The rear surface 114 of the front panel 110 has a cross-shaped reinforcing rib N, which is connected to the surface 112A of the inner edge 112 facing the outer peripheral edge 111 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0045] The rear surface 114 of the front panel 110 also has four cylindrical pins 115, 116, which engage in four circular openings 304 of the switch device bracket 300 for securing the decorative panel 100 to the switch device bracket 300 by snapping it on. Each pin 115, 116 is formed by two cylindrical wall portions 115, 116 with their concave surfaces facing each other. Each cylindrical wall portion 115, 116 includes a groove 115A, 116A near its free end 115B, 116B. The groove 115A, 116A is used to receive an edge 304A located inside the circular opening 304 of the switch device bracket 300 for fastening the pins 115, 116 in the circular opening 304 (see [link]). Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0046] A square compensation frame 120 is mounted on the rear surface 114 of the front panel 110. Four resilient tabs 122 attached to the compensation frame 120 extend from the four interior corners C of the compensation frame 120. The resilient tabs are arranged in pairs along two parallel sides of the compensation frame 120. Each resilient tab 122 has several bends 122C between its base 122A and free end 122B connected to the compensation frame 120, forming various hinges to provide the required elasticity to the resilient tab 122. These bends 122C cause the portion of the resilient tab 122 near its free end to lie within a plane P1 that is parallel to and slightly forward offset relative to the plane P defined by the front edge 121 of the compensation frame 120 (i.e., the edge facing the rear surface 114 of the front panel 110). Figure 2 ).

[0047] Therefore, the elastic tongue 122 of the compensation frame 120 is supported on the rear surface 114 of the front panel 110 and elastically deforms at the bend 122C to allow the compensation frame 120 to be in different positions relative to the rear surface 114 of the front panel 110 along the axis X of the through hole A.

[0048] like Figure 3As shown, the external dimensions of the compensation frame 120 are less than or equal to the dimensions of the rear housing of the front panel 110 within a certain gap / gap range, such that the compensation frame 120 is received in the rear housing of the front panel 110 along the inner surface 111A of the outer peripheral edge 111 of the front panel 110.

[0049] The elastic tongue 122 abuts against the flexible support of the inner surface 114 of the front panel 110, causing the compensation frame 120 to protrude toward the rear of the rear edge 111B of the outer peripheral edge 111 of the front panel 110 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown more specifically, the dimensions of the front panel 110 and the compensating frame 120 are larger than the dimensions of the switchgear support 300. Therefore, when the front panel 110 is snapped onto the switchgear support 300, the front panel 110 completely covers the front surface 300A of the switchgear support 300, and the compensating frame 120, housed in a hollow recess located at the rear of the front panel 110, surrounds the outer edge 301 of the switchgear support 300. When the switchgear support 300, which carries the switchgear mechanism 200, is fixed to the recessed box, the compensating frame 120 and the outer peripheral edge 111 of the front panel 110 are adapted to abut against the front surface of the recessed wall. The slight displacement of the compensating frame 120 relative to the front panel 110 caused by the elastic deformation of the elastic tongue 122 can correct alignment defects of the switchgear support 300 relative to the recessed wall, ensuring that the decorative panel 100 is perfectly supported on the recessed wall and guaranteeing the electrical safety and aesthetics of the components.

[0051] According to a prominent feature of the decorative panel 100, the decorative panel 100 includes snap-fit ​​devices that directly intervene between the resilient tongue 122 and the front panel 110. These snap-fit ​​devices include an elongated opening 123 and a snap-fit ​​pin 118, which passes through and engages with the elongated opening 123 to hook onto the edge 123A of the elongated opening 123 (see [link to product description]). Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0052] According to the example shown in the figure, an elongated opening 123 is provided on the resilient tongue 122, and a snap-fit ​​pin 118 is provided on the front panel 110. The elongated opening 123 extends through the portion of the resilient tongue 122 near its free end 122B, and extends in a mid-plane parallel to the rear surface 114 of the front panel 110. The snap-fit ​​pin 118 includes a body portion 118A that extends from the rear surface 114 of the front panel 110 in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface 114.

[0053] Here, the elongated opening 123 has an elongated oval profile, but in a variation, it can have a rectangular profile.

[0054] More specifically, each snap pin 118 has a T-shaped profile, with its main body 118A having a head 118B at the top, the head 118B protruding from the main body 118A to both sides to form two overhanging surfaces 118C of the main body 118A, the overhanging surfaces 118C being adapted to span two parallel portions of the edge 123A of one of the elongated openings 123.

[0055] Preferably, the two overhanging surfaces 118C of each snap pin 118 extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the main body 118A, thereby forming a non-detachable snap connection of the snap pin 118 on the edge 123A of the corresponding elongated opening 123.

[0056] Advantageously, the head 118B of each snap pin 118 has a front surface 118D with a sloping face opposite the overhanging surface 118C, which forms an engagement ramp through which the head 118B passes through the corresponding elongated opening 123.

[0057] To secure the compensation frame 120 to the front panel 110, the following operations are sufficient: pressing the end of each flexible tongue 122 against the head 118B of a snap-fit ​​pin 118 on the front panel 110, such that the front surface 118D of the head 118B elastically opens the parallel portion of the edge 123A of the elongated opening 123 of the elastic tongue 122 until the head 118B completely penetrates the elongated opening 123, and placing the overhanging surface 118C of the snap-fit ​​pin 118 above the parallel portion of the edge 123A of the elongated opening 123, so that the head 118B of the snap-fit ​​pin 118 hooks onto the edge 123A of the elongated opening 122 of the elastic tongue 122.

[0058] By snapping the compensation frame 120 (non-detachable) onto the rear surface 114 of the front panel 110, the decorative panel 100 forms a functional and structural monolithic component that is easy to handle, store, and transport. No other components are required to elastically press the compensation frame 120 against the front panel 110, while allowing slight relative movement between the compensation frame and the front panel.

[0059] The front panel 110 of the decorative panel 100 and the compensation frame 120 are advantageously integrated as a single unit. Both are molded from plastic material.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, and any variations may be provided according to its scope.

[0061] Specifically, in a variant not shown, the snap-fit ​​mechanism between the front panel and the resilient tongue of the compensation frame can be arranged in reverse. According to this variant, an elongated opening is provided in the front panel, and the snap-fit ​​pin is provided in the resilient tongue. Therefore, according to this variant, the elongated opening extends in a mid-plane parallel to the rear surface of the front panel, and the snap-fit ​​pin includes a body portion that extends perpendicularly from a resilient tongue surface facing the rear surface of the front panel.

Claims

1. A modular decorative panel (100), comprising: A front panel (110) defined between an outer peripheral edge (111) and an inner edge (112), the inner edge (112) defining a through hole (A) having an axis (X); and a compensation frame (120) fitted onto a rear surface (114) of the front panel (110), a resilient tongue (122) extending from the compensation frame (120), the resilient tongue being attached to the compensation frame (120) and resting against the rear surface (114) of the front panel (110) to allow the compensation frame (120) to... The combined decorative panel is located at different positions relative to the rear surface (114) of the front panel (110) along the axis (X) of the through hole (A), characterized in that the combined decorative panel includes a snap-fit ​​device that is directly inserted between the resilient tongue (122) and the front panel (110), and the snap-fit ​​device includes an elongated opening (123) and a snap-fit ​​pin (118) that engages through the elongated opening (123) to hook the edge (123A) of the elongated opening (123).

2. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 1, wherein, An elongated opening (123) is provided on the elastic tongue (122), and a snap-fit ​​pin (118) is provided on the front panel (110).

3. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 2, wherein, An elongated opening (123) extends through the portion of the elastic tongue (122) near its free end (122B), the elongated opening extending in a mid-plane parallel to the rear surface (114) of the front panel (110), and a snap-fit ​​pin (118) including a body portion (118A) extending from the rear surface (114) of the front panel (110) in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface.

4. The decorative panel according to claim 1, wherein, An elongated opening is provided on the front panel, and a snap-fit ​​pin is provided on the elastic tongue.

5. The decorative panel according to claim 4, wherein, An elongated opening extends in a mid-plane parallel to the rear surface of the front panel, and the snap-fit ​​pin includes a body portion that extends perpendicularly from a resilient tongue surface facing the rear surface of the front panel.

6. The decorative panel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The elongated opening (123) has an elongated oval or rectangular profile.

7. The decorative panel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each snap pin (118) has a T-shaped profile, including a body portion (118A) with a head (118B) at the top, the head protruding to both sides from the body portion (118A) to form two overhanging surfaces (118C) of the body portion (118A), the overhanging surfaces being adapted to span two parallel portions of an edge (123A) of one of the elongated openings (123).

8. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 7, wherein, The two overhanging surfaces (118C) of each snap pin (118) extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the main body (118A), such that the two overhanging surfaces form a non-removable snap-fit ​​device for the snap pin (118) on the edge (123A) of the corresponding elongated opening (123).

9. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The head (118B) of each snap pin (118) has a front surface (118D) with a sloping face opposite the overhanging surface (118C), the sloping face forming an engagement ramp through which the head (118B) passes through the corresponding elongated opening (123).

10. The decorative panel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Four elastic tongues (122) are provided, which extend from the four interior corners (C) of the compensation frame (120) and are arranged in pairs along the two parallel sides of the compensation frame (120). Each elastic tongue (122) has several bends (122C) located between the base (122A) and the free end (122B) attached to the compensation frame (120), thereby providing the elastic tongue (122) with the required elasticity, and such that the portion of the elastic tongue near the free end (122B) is in a plane (P1) parallel to the plane (P) defined by the front edge (121) of the compensation frame (120) and slightly forward offset relative to the plane (P).

11. The decorative panel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The outer peripheral edge (111) of the front panel (110) is a flange protruding from the rear surface (114) of the front panel (110), the flange together with the rear surface defining a receptacle, and the outer dimensions of the compensation frame (120) are less than or equal to the dimensions of the receptacle of the front panel (110) within a certain tolerance range, such that the compensation frame (120) is received in the receptacle of the front panel (110) along the outer peripheral edge (111) of the front panel (110).

12. The decorative panel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The front panel (110) and the compensation frame (120) are integral parts.

13. An embedded electrical and / or electronic switching device (10), comprising: At least one switch mechanism (200) is installed in the central opening (B) of the switch mechanism bracket (300), and a decorative panel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is mounted on the switch mechanism bracket (300) around the operating portion (230) of the switch mechanism (200).

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