Waterproof enclosure device for an electrical multi-socket box of equipment on a wall of a piece of furniture, equipped with a retractable cover.

Abstract

A watertight enclosure device for a power strip housing on the wall of a piece of furniture, equipped with a retractable cover. The invention relates to a watertight connection device between an electrical enclosure (1) and a flat cover (2) that is retractable via a mechanism (3) housed inside the enclosure (1). The cover (2) consists of an upper plate (5a), a lower plate (5c), and a sealing gasket (5b). The sealing gasket (5c) incorporates a first gasket body (6a) applied against the enclosure (1) at a distance from a second gasket body (6b) applied against the upper plate (5a), and a membrane (8) that extends under compression between the upper plate (5a) and the lower plate (5c). Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Watertight enclosure device for an electrical multi-socket box of equipment on the wall of a piece of furniture, equipped with a retractable cover. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of electrical sockets fitted to the side of a piece of furniture, such as a work surface—a table, desk, or workshop bench, for example—for connecting a device to be supplied with electrical power. More specifically, the invention relates to methods of providing a watertight enclosure for a box recessed inside the side of a piece of furniture, which houses one or more electrical sockets and includes a retractable cover for closing the box. Prior art

[0002] It is common to equip a piece of furniture with one or more recessed boxes that house one or more electrical outlets. The box is installed inside a recess in a wall of the furniture, such as, for example, a worktop. The outlet(s) housed inside the box may be electrical outlets delivering power and / or delivering control signals, such as pin-type electrical outlets and / or USB ports, for example.

[0003] It is known to organize the enclosure according to two alternative positions, based on selectively operated actions on the enclosure by an individual. According to the enclosure closure position, the enclosure is locked in a position preventing access to the socket(s) it houses. According to the alternative enclosure opening position, access to the electrical socket(s) by an individual is permitted.

[0004] According to a specific method, the housing is moved from its closed position to its open position by a person applying pressure to a push button. The push button is elastically movable on the housing and accessible from outside the unit. When the push button is pressed by a person, a mechanism inside the housing causes the housing to move from its closed position to its open position.

[0005] Reference may be made in this regard to documents US2002127897 (SHARPLES STANLEY) and FR3022699 (SOCIETE FINANCIERE VERON SOFIVE). According to document US2002127897, the housing in the closed position is retracted inside a compartment in a wall of a piece of furniture. In the open position, the housing partially emerges from said wall, providing access to connection components linked to a socket located inside the housing.

[0006] The present invention refers more specifically to document FR3022699, according to which the housing contains at least one socket, and preferably more specifically a multi-socket. The housing provides, within its internal volume, recesses for the respective sockets, which are distributed on either side of a central axis of extension of the housing.

[0007] The housing comprises a peripheral wall for fitting into the recess of the wall of a piece of furniture in which it is housed, such as, for example, a worktop, a side panel of the furniture, or even an internal partition of the furniture. The peripheral wall of the housing incorporates at its upper end a flange for bearing against the wall of the furniture housing the housing.

[0008] The enclosure is equipped with a generally flat cover for closing the enclosure when it is in the closed position. The upper end of the enclosure's peripheral wall provides a receiving chamber for the cover inside the enclosure. This chamber is open to the outside of the enclosure, providing an opening from the enclosure to its external environment. When the enclosure is closed, the cover, in its extended plane, is positioned at the opening of the enclosure, flush with the upper surface of its collar. The cover is thus accessible from outside the wall of the cabinet housing the enclosure, allowing a person to move it to the position where the opening of the enclosure is clear, thereby providing access to the socket(s) located inside the enclosure.

[0009] According to another feature of the housing described in document FR3022699, the cover forms part of an activation push button for a cover operating mechanism, which extends inside the housing coaxially with the housing's extension axis. The cover is movably mounted on the housing between the housing's closing and opening stations, along a mobility axis coaxial with the housing's extension axis and therefore with the extension axis of the operating mechanism.

[0010] More specifically, the cover is movably mounted on the housing between a closed position (when the housing is closed) and an open position (when the housing is open). The cover is movable along its axis of mobility, both pivotally and axially, between its closed and open positions. In the closed position, the cover seals the opening of the housing. In the open position, the cover is pulled out of the housing along its axis of mobility, oriented perpendicular to its closed position to provide access to the sockets located inside the housing.

[0011] As a result of pressure exerted in the central area on the lid by an individual, the activation of the mechanism causes the lid to move along its axis of mobility from its closed position to its open position, providing The individual – through the opening in the housing – has access to the sockets located inside the housing. To move the cover from its open position to its closed position, the individual manually maneuvers the cover along its axis of mobility in reverse by pivoting and translating, the cover being then held in the closed position by the mechanism.

[0012] To this end, the mechanism synthetically comprises a spring and rotating toothed members cooperating with each other, including an activation shaft for the mechanism via which the cover is moved from its closed position to its open position and vice versa. The cover incorporates a pusher, which, by pushing against the activation shaft, causes: -) on the one hand, the activation of the mechanism causing a movement of the lid from its closed position to its open position, as a result of the release of the spring and the rotational cooperation between the toothed parts, and -) on the other hand, a reverse maneuver of the mechanism by an individual causing a displacement of the lid from its release position to its closed position, as a result of a compression of the spring and a reverse rotation of the cooperating notched parts rotating with each other.

[0013] In this context, one problem to be solved is to provide a seal against the infiltration of moisture and / or liquid—or even potentially dust—into the enclosure in the closing station. Indeed, the shape of the lid conforms to the shape of the opening of the enclosure onto the lid's receiving chamber when it is moved in translation, under the effect of pressure exerted by a person on the lid to activate the mechanism moving the lid to its release position.

[0014] However, in the enclosure's closing position, an unavoidable gap is provided between the cover and the chamber to allow the cover to move freely between its closed and open positions. The presence of this gap unfortunately creates a passage through which moisture, liquid, and / or dust can enter the enclosure. This is particularly problematic when electrical equipment is installed inside the enclosure, such as one or more electrical outlets and their power supply cables from outside the enclosure. Summary of the invention

[0015] The approach of the present invention is in the context of an improvement of a recessed box which houses at least one electrical socket, such as a recessed box of the type of that described by document FR3022699.

[0016] The housing is in particular of the type equipped with a generally flat cover which is installed coplanarly to an opening of the housing towards its external environment, providing access to the socket(s) housed inside the housing. The cover is movable on the housing between a closed position in which the opening of the housing is sealed by the cover – the housing then being in the closed position – and a disengaged position – the housing then being in the open position – in which the opening of the housing is open towards its external environment, providing access to one or more sockets it houses.

[0017] The cover forms part of a push button that activates a spring-loaded mechanism with cooperating rotating toothed elements, causing the cover to move from its closed position to its open position. The movement of the cover to its open position is achieved – via the mechanism – along a mobility axis of the cover coaxial with an extension axis of said mechanism, simultaneously by raising it above the housing and then by pivoting it.

[0018] In this context the invention relates to a sealing device for the housing in a closing station, via the cover with which it is equipped.

[0019] The object of the invention is to provide a watertight seal between the cover and the opening of the housing which houses it in the closing station of the housing, notwithstanding the mobile mounting of the cover on the housing between its closed position and its release position.

[0020] More specifically, the invention aims to overcome at least the following difficulties in obtaining such a watertight junction: -) which is reliable and efficient without affecting the ergonomics of the case with regard to its operating procedures, particularly concerning the arrangement of the lid as a push button for activating the mechanism housed inside the case, the ability of the lid to move between its closed and open positions by the mechanism, and the retention of the lid in the closed position by the mechanism providing effective sealing of the case, -) which is controllable in order to limit the stresses borne by the sealing means implemented to obtain such a watertight seal and / or by the components of the lid's mobility mechanism, -) which is durable despite the repeated movement of the lid by an individual at potentially sustained regular frequencies, -) which is structurally simple and easy to adapt to equip any housing of the aforementioned type, essentially comprising, as a reminder, a lid mounted movably on the housing and constituting a push button for activating a mechanism to move the lid from its closed position to its open position, and for holding the lid in the closed position, -) whose structure does not obstruct the correct positioning of the lid at the opening of the housing when the lid is moved to the closed position, -) which prevents an increase in the housing's size, so as not to obstruct its fitting inside a space of the smallest possible dimensions, such as a space created through a wall of a piece of furniture, particularly a worktop known to be cluttered with various appliances and / or objects, and / or -) which is applicable to a housing containing one or more sockets, in particular by allowing it to be obtained independently of the relative position between a median axis of vertical extension of the housing and the axis of mobility of the cover coaxial to the axis of extension of the operating mechanism of the cover between its closed position and its release position.

[0021] To this end, the invention relates to a watertight connection device between a housing containing at least one electrical outlet within its internal volume, and a retractable cover. The cover is installed at an opening in an upper chamber of the housing, which is open to the external environment of the housing. This opening allows access to the outlet(s) located within the housing. The housing includes a flange for attaching the housing to a wall at the edge of a housing recess in the wall. The cover is movably mounted on the housing between a closed position, preventing access to the outlet(s), and an open position, allowing access to the outlet(s).

[0022] The housing contains a mechanism for operating the lid from its closed position to its open position. The lid can be moved to its open position along a mobility axis coaxial with an extension axis of the lid operating mechanism, both upwards when positioned overhanging the housing and pivoting to provide access to the socket(s) through the opening in the housing. The lid is equipped with a push element that cooperates along the lid's mobility axis with an activation shaft of the mechanism under the effect of pressure exerted by a person against the upper face of the lid in the closed position.

[0023] In this context, the device of the invention is recognizable in that the cover comprises two superimposed plates, an upper plate and a lower plate, and a one-piece elastomer seal extending around the periphery of the cover. The seal incorporates two seal bodies spaced apart along a plane extending from the cover, a first seal body applied against the housing and a second seal body applied against the peripheral edge of the upper plate. The seal further incorporates a membrane extending from the first seal body to the second seal body. The membrane has an extension from the second joint body which extends between the upper plate and the lower plate.

[0024] Other specific characteristics of the device of the invention - not restrictive or limiting with regard to other characteristics which it may have - are as follows.

[0025] Advantageously, the sealing gasket forms part of a sealing assembly between the upper and lower plates, the extension of the membrane being sealed to both the upper and lower plates. The cover, composed at least of the upper plate, the lower plate, and the sealing gasket, forms a cohesive unit that can be operated as a single unit between the closed and open positions of the cover.

[0026] According to a specific structural arrangement of the sealing gasket, the first gasket body is advantageously shaped into a right-angled rebate, comprising at least one vertical bearing shoulder of the first gasket body at the edge of the flange of the housing and a return wing. The shoulder of the first gasket body is advantageously extended by the return wing, which extends inward toward the chamber at a distance from the housing wall along the extension plane of the cover. The return wing incorporates the membrane at its periphery in the mid-zone of the vertical extension of the return wing. The second gasket body comprises at least one flange which is advantageously inclined toward the axis of movement of the cover from its base, into which the membrane is integrated.The first and second sealing bodies are transversely separated at a distance from each other along the extension plane of the cover, advantageously by a groove in the sealing gasket which is formed between them overhanging the lower plate of the cover.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, the lower plate extends in support of the membrane towards the first sealing body against which the lower plate is applied along the extension plane of the cover.

[0028] More specifically, the sealing gasket is advantageously sealed jointly to the upper and lower plates of the cover on the one hand by sealing the second body of the gasket against the edge of the upper plate, and on the other hand by sealing the extension of the membrane to the upper and lower plates of the cover between which the extension of the membrane is compressed and sealed.

[0029] Advantageously, the upper plate incorporates centering elements for the sealing gasket on the cover, which pass vertically through the extension of the membrane via openings in the membrane and which are complementary in shape to the centering elements. The centering elements extend vertically towards the lower plate against which they are pressed. The elements centering devices whose vertical extension determines the vertical separation distance between the upper plate and the lower plate, are at least constitutive of a means of calibrating the compression of the membrane between the upper plate and the lower plate to a predefined compression threshold.

[0030] Said compression threshold is balanced between a compression of the extension of the membrane which is on the one hand sufficiently effective in providing a firm immobilization of the sealing joint maintaining it in position between the plates, and on the other hand a moderate compression preserving the sealing joint in a permanent manner.

[0031] It should also be noted that the centering elements advantageously constitute reinforcement elements of the cover, the upper plate and the lower plate sealed together via the membrane also bearing against each other along the axis of mobility of the cover.

[0032] More specifically, the upper plate and the lower plate together form a global reinforcement frame for the sealing joint, by direct support of the upper plate vertically against the lower plate and by an extension of the lower plate along the extension plane of the cover towards the first body of the seal against which the lower plate is applied.

[0033] Preferably, the upper plate incorporates the thrusting element fitted to the cover. The lower plate and the membrane each have at least two overlapping windows that allow the thrusting element to pass vertically through them. The extension dimension of the windows along the plane of extension of the cover in the closed position is preferably greater than the transverse dimensions of the operating mechanism considered parallel to the plane of extension of the cover, being included at least in the closed position.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the activation shaft has, at the periphery of its base, teeth extending around the axis of movement of the cover and composed of a plurality of teeth whose lower ends are vertically inclined. The teeth cooperate with the notches of a toothed element in the mechanism. The teeth also constitute a means for calibrating the travel of the cover, which is limited between a firm application of the sealing gasket vertically against the housing and a minimum emergence of the cover from the housing in the open position.

[0035] In other words, the teeth are inclined with respect to the axis of mobility of the cover along a low slope for calibrating the stroke of the cover, which is bounded between a firm application of the sealing gasket against the housing and an emergence of the cover out of the housing in a clearance position which is adjusted as precisely as possible - or in other words sufficient - to place the cover out of the housing.

[0036] The upper plate of the lid has a recessed relief sized to fit a human finger, the recessed relief being coaxial with the axis of movement of the lid. Presentation of the figures

[0037] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, in relation to the following figures: [Fig. 1] is a longitudinal perspective view, along a median cutting plane, of a power strip enclosure. The enclosure is equipped with a retractable cover that is operated by a mechanism housed inside the enclosure. The cover is shown in the closed position of the enclosure placed in a closed position. A watertight junction device according to the invention is provided between the cover and a top opening of the enclosure. [Fig.2] is a longitudinal perspective representation of the case and lid shown in [Fig.1]. The lid is shown in the closed position as shown in [Fig.1]. [Fig.3] is a longitudinal perspective representation of the housing and cover illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The cover is shown in the position of being released from the housing placed in the opening position, in which the cover is placed overhanging the housing by being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the housing. [Fig.4] is a perspective representation from above of the lid illustrated in figures 1 to 3. The lid - generally flat - is composed of an upper plate, a lower plate and a sealing gasket having gasket bodies which are respectively applied against the lower plate and the upper plate around the periphery of the lid. [Fig.5] is an exploded perspective representation of the lid illustrated in figures 1 to 4, highlighting the components of the lid. [Fig.6] is a detailed perspective view of the cover shown in Figures 1 to 5. The cover is installed in the closed position on the housing in the closing station, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. [Fig.6] illustrates the methods of watertight connection between the housing and the cover placed in the closed position. [Fig.7] is a perspective representation of an activation barrel that includes the lid operating mechanism illustrated in [Fig.1], to cause an implementation of the operating mechanism moving the lid from its closed position to its release position. Detailed description of the invention

[0038] The figures and their detailed, non-limiting descriptions set forth the invention in particular ways which are not restrictive as to the scope of the invention. The figures and their detailed descriptions of an exemplary embodiment of the invention can serve to further define it, if necessary in relation to the general description just provided. Furthermore, to avoid cluttering the figures and thus facilitate their reading, the reference numbers assigned to the terms and / or concepts used to describe the invention and indicated on any one of the figures may be repeated in the description of any other figure without implying their presence on all figures.

[0039] In [Fig. 1], a multi-socket electrical enclosure 1 comprises a housing and a retractable cover 2 with a generally flat shape. The housing of the enclosure 1 provides, within the enclosure 1, compartments 2a, 2b for receiving one or more electrical sockets, which are not shown to avoid cluttering the figure.

[0040] The housing of the casing 1 also houses a mechanism 3 for operating the cover 2, the mechanism 3 extending vertically inside the casing 1 along a mobility axis Al of the cover 2. The housings 2a, 2b for receiving the electrical sockets assigned to them are arranged inside the casing 1, being distributed equidistant on either side of the mobility axis Al of the cover 2 and therefore of the extension axis of the mechanism 3 defining the mobility axis Al of the cover 2. The cover 2 is movable by the mechanism 3 from a closed position - illustrated in figures 1 and 2 - to a disengaged position illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0041] In [Fig. 1], the mechanism 3 comprises a spring 3a and toothed members cooperating with each other to move the cover 2 between its closed position and its open position. The toothed members include, in particular, an activation shaft 3b of the mechanism 3 which causes the cover 2 to move from its closed position to its open position, following a push initially exerted by a person against the cover 2. The cover 2 is then moved into the housing 1, which causes the activation shaft 3b to move and consequently activates the mechanism 3, causing the cover 2 to move from its closed position to its open position.

[0042] In Figures 1 to 3, the housing 1 has a collar 1b for support against a wall - such as, in particular, a wall of a piece of furniture not shown - which has a housing for receiving the housing 1. In the closed position of the cover 2, the housing 1 is in the closed position of its internal volume as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. In the open position of the cover 2, the housing 1 is in the open position as illustrated in [Fig. 3], providing an individual with access to the sockets it houses.

[0043] More visible in [Fig.3], the housing 1 has at its top a chamber delimiting an opening from the housing 1 to its external environment. As illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the cover 2 is shaped according to its extension plane in correlation with the shape of the chamber la and the outlet le of the housing 1.

[0044] In the closed position of the housing 1, the cover 2 is held in its extended position within the chamber by the operating mechanism 3, being coplanar with the opening of the housing 1, which it is flush with. In the open position of the housing 1, the cover 2 extends along its extended plane overhanging the housing 1, oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the housing 1, or in other words, oriented perpendicular to its closed position.

[0045] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the cover 2 incorporates a push member 4 which extends below the cover 2 along its axis of mobility Al, and which cooperates with the activation shaft 3b which comprises the mechanism 3, the activation shaft 3b being illustrated individually in more detail in [Fig. 7].

[0046] By referring successively to [Fig.2] and then to [Fig.3], the lid 2 is moved from its closed position to its open position, as a result of pressure exerted by an individual on the lid 2 along its axis of mobility Al. To guide the individual to apply suitable pressure against the lid 2 along its axis of mobility Al, the upper face of the lid 2 has - along the axis of mobility Al of the lid 2 - a relief shaped like a cup 5 sized to the finger of an individual illustrated in figures 1 to 5.

[0047] Pressure exerted by the individual against the cover 2 causes it to be forced out of the opening of the housing 1 into the interior of the chamber. The movement of the cover 2 into the housing 1 causes the push member 4 to bear against the activation shaft 3b. The activation shaft 3b cooperates with the toothed member assigned to it, which activates the mechanism 3. The cover 2 is then moved from its closed position, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, to its open position, illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0048] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the operation of the cover 2 by the mechanism 3 causes a displacement of the cover 2 from its closed position to its released position successively along its axis of mobility Al: -) in elevation along the axis of mobility Al of the cover 2, via the mechanism 3 which pushes the cover 2 overhanging the housing 1, -) then pivoting around the mobility axis Al of cover 2 through a 90° (ninety-degree) stroke. A tolerance for angular deflection of cover 2 in the open position is permissible provided it does not obstruct access by the individual to the sockets located inside the housing 1 when positioned in the open position.

[0049] To prevent the infiltration of moisture, liquid or dust into the housing 1 in the closing station, the invention proposes a watertight junction device between the cover 2 and the housing 1. The watertight junction device combines in particular a specific structural arrangement of the cover 2 and a specific structural arrangement of the lower face of the activation barrel 3b, as described later in relation to [Fig.7].

[0050] For this purpose, more visible in figures 4 to 6, the cover 2 comprises three components, including an upper plate 5a integrating the thrust member 4, a one-piece elastically deformable sealing gasket 5b made of elastomer - based on silicone in particular - and a lower plate 5c.

[0051] The upper plate 5a is superimposed on the lower plate 5c along the axis of movement Al of the cover 2, the sealing gasket 5b extending around the periphery of the cover 2, interposed between the upper plate 5a and the lower plate 5c. The sealing gasket 5b incorporates two gasket bodies 6a, 6b spaced apart along the plane of extension of the cover 2. A first gasket body 6a is applied against the housing 1 and a second gasket body 6b is applied against the upper plate 5a.

[0052] The sealing gasket 5b also includes a membrane 8 which extends from the first gasket body 6a to the second gasket body 6b, and which extends as a continuation of the second gasket body 6b between the plates 5a, 5b constituting the cover 2. It is understood that the first gasket body 6a, the second gasket body 6b and the membrane 8 are integrated into a single block formed of a cohesive mass of elastomer.

[0053] As illustrated in [Fig. 1] and partially in the detail view of [Fig. 6], the extension 8a of the membrane 8 is sealed jointly to the upper plate 5a and the lower plate 5c, being tightly housed under compression within a space formed between the upper plate 5a and the lower plate 5c. Referring also to [Fig. 5], the separation space between the upper plate 5a and the lower plate 5c is provided by means of centering elements 9 of the sealing gasket 5b on the cover 2, which are integrated into the upper plate 5a.

[0054] The centering elements 9 extend vertically from the upper plate 5a to the lower plate 5c, against which the centering elements 9 are applied. Along their vertical extension, the centering elements 9 pass through the extension 8a of the membrane 8, via openings 10 formed in the extension 8a of the membrane 8 and respectively assigned to the centering elements 9. The openings 10 in the extension 8a of the membrane 8 are complementary in shape to those of the centering elements 9, so that the membrane 8 surrounds the centering elements 9 in close contact.

[0055] More visible in [Fig. 6], the first joint body 6a is formed into a right-angled rebate 11. The rebate 11 provides a shoulder 1 for the bearing surface of the first The sealing body 6a is located at the edge of the collar 1b of the housing 1. The shoulder 1 of the first sealing body 6a is extended by a return wing 11b which extends vertically – perpendicular to the shoulder 1 – at a distance along the extension plane of the cover from the wall of the housing 1 delimiting the chamber 1a. The second sealing body 6b has a flange 12 inclined from its base in the direction of the axis of movement A1 of the cover 2, the flange 12 being sealed at the periphery of the upper plate 5a.

[0056] The sealing gasket 5b has a groove 7 extending between the first sealing body 6a and the second sealing body 6b, separating them along the extension plane of the cover 2. As a result of pressure exerted by a person against the cover 2, the shoulder 1la of the first sealing body 5b is subjected to a bending stress to allow the cover 2 to be inserted into the chamber la at its upper end. The groove 7 facilitates the bending of the shoulder 1la of the first sealing body 5b towards the second sealing body 6b, the inclined flange 12 of the second sealing body 6b providing a stop that limits the amplitude of the bending deformation of the sealing gasket 5b. This helps to limit the stresses to which the sealing gasket 5b is subjected as a result of the cover 2 moving inwards into the housing 1.

[0057] The lower plate 5c extends along the plane of the cover 2, supporting the membrane 8, up to the first gasket body 6a against which the lower plate 5c is applied, the groove 7 overhanging the lower plate 5c. The upper plate 5a and the lower plate 5c together form a reinforcing frame for the sealing gasket 5b. It is recalled: -) that the lower plate 5c is integral with the upper plate 5a via the extension 8a of the membrane 8 which is jointly sealed to the upper plate 5a and to the lower plate 5c, -) that the upper plate 5a is applied vertically against the lower plate 5c via the centering members 9 which are integrated into the upper plate 5a, and -) that the lower plate 5c is applied against the first joint body 6a.

[0058] In Figures 1 and 5, the thrust member 4 extends along the axis of mobility Al of the cover 2 from the upper plate 5a to the activation shaft 3b, passing through the extension 8a of the membrane 8 located between the upper plate 5a and the lower plate 5c, and then through the lower plate 5c. To allow the thrust member 4 to pass through them, the extension 8a of the membrane 8 has a first window 8b and the lower plate 5c has a second window 8c. The first window 8b and the second window 8c have the same shape and are superimposed, centered along the axis of mobility Al of the cover 2. their dimensions being greater than the footprint of mechanism 3 considered parallel to the extension plane of cover 2 in closed position.

[0059] In Figures 1 and 7, the activation shaft 3b has at its top a blind recess 13 for receiving and guiding the thrust member 4 along the axis of movement Al of the cover 2. As a result of pressure exerted on the cover 2 causing its movement inwards within the housing 1, the thrust member 4 is displaced along the axis of movement Al of the cover 2, which is pressed against the bottom of the blind recess 13 at the top of the activation shaft 3b. This has the effect of moving the activation shaft 3b towards the notching member with which the activation shaft 3b cooperates to activate the mechanism 3.

[0060] In [Fig. 7], the activation shaft 3b has at its base peripheral teeth 14 through which the activation shaft 3b cooperates with the corresponding notching element. The teeth 14 are composed of teeth 14a spaced successively apart, which are formed at the lower end of a peripheral wall of the activation shaft 3b. The lower ends of the teeth 14a are inclined vertically along a slope PI that determines the stroke of the cover 2 between its closed position and its open position. The slope PI of the teeth 14a is calibrated to allow the cover 2 to move between its closed position and its open position above the housing 1, along a stroke that limits the vertical separation distance between the housing 1 and the cover 2 in the open position of the cover 2.

[0061] In view of the foregoing, according to another approach to a description of the present invention and the technical results obtained to address the problem and related difficulties posed, the lid is at least composed of: -) a rigid upper plate, preferably made of metal, providing, from the outside of the lid, a support for an individual against the lid to facilitate passage from its closed position to its open position, -) a rigid lower plate, preferably made of metal, and -) a flexible, one-piece elastomer seal - silicone in particular - which provides a sealing interface between the peripheral edge of the cover and the inner face of the housing wall at its opening, against which the seal is jointly applied.

[0062] It should be noted that the upper and lower plates are preferably made of metal to reinforce their robustness in view of the repeated and potentially sustained maneuvers of the lid between its closed position and its open position, while limiting their thickness compared to other materials that could be used, such as plastic for example, which is known to be less robust than metal.

[0063] The sealing gasket is sealed—for example, by bonding—to the upper and lower plates of the cover. In other words, the sealing gasket not only forms part of a watertight connection between the housing and the cover, but also forms part of a sealing assembly between the upper and lower plates. The cover, consisting at least of the upper plate, the lower plate, and the sealing gasket, forms a cohesive unit that can be operated as a single unit between the closed and open positions.

[0064] The sealing gasket incorporates two gasket bodies joined to each other at their base facing the housing, via a membrane integrated into the gasket. A first peripheral gasket body of the sealing gasket is placed against the housing, and a second gasket body is placed against the upper plate of the cover. The first and second gasket bodies are integrated into the sealing gasket at a distance from each other along the plane of extension of the cover.

[0065] The seal incorporates a membrane which extends from the first seal body to the second seal body, and which has an extension from the second seal body to the upper and lower plates of the cover, between which the extension of the membrane is compressed and sealed jointly to the upper and lower plates of the cover.

[0066] In other words, more specifically, the seal is identifiable in that it forms a generally planar, cohesive block, which is at least composed of the first seal body and the second seal body – which are separated from each other along the plane of extension of the seal – and the membrane. The membrane is integrated into the first and second seal bodies and extends parallel to the base of the seal oriented towards the housing, interposed between the upper and lower plates, the membrane being housed in compression between the upper and lower plates to which the membrane is sealed.

[0067] Overall, the sealing gasket is sealed to the lid: -) firstly by sealing the second joint body against the peripheral edge of the upper plate, and -) on the other hand by sealing the extension of the membrane to the upper plate and the lower plate of the lid between which the extension of the membrane is compressed and sealed.

[0068] The upper plate incorporates centering elements for the sealing gasket on the cover, via the extension of the membrane interposed between the upper and lower plates. The centering elements – preferably cylindrical in shape – pass vertically through the extension of the membrane via openings in The centering elements it incorporates are complementary in shape to those of the centering members. The centering members extend vertically from the upper plate into which they are integrated to the lower plate against which the centering members are vertically applied.

[0069] It is understood, but should be specified if necessary, that the notion of verticality used to describe the invention is understood as a direction oriented parallel to—or coinciding with—the axis of mobility of the cover, which is coaxial with the axis of extension of the operating mechanism housed inside the casing. Relative notions such as superior and inferior, elevation and displacement, overhang and underhang, or base and apex, for example, or other related notions, are understood with regard to the vertical direction—as just specified—and the extension of the casing from its base to its apex. Furthermore, it is also specified here, if necessary, that the cover and the opening of the casing extend along parallel planes oriented perpendicular to the vertical axis of mobility of the cover.

[0070] The compression of the membrane between the upper and lower plates is calibrated via centering elements to a predefined compression threshold of the seal between them. The compression threshold is predefined as being balanced between a compression of the membrane between the upper and lower plates that is sufficiently effective to ensure firm immobilization of the seal on the cover, and a moderate compression that preserves the seal over time.

[0071] It should be noted that the centering elements perform several functions. Indeed, the centering elements are constituents of: -) of rigorous positioning elements of the sealing gasket relative to the upper and lower plates, providing an effective sealing function between the housing and the cover, -) calibration devices for the compression threshold of the membrane interposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, and -) of reinforcing elements of the cover subjected to stresses during its passage between its closed position and its open position, it being specified here that the notion of the term "between" is understood as a passage of the cover from its closed position to its open position and vice versa, -) of overall reinforcement elements of the sealing joint, the upper plate applied against the lower plate via the centering elements being constitutive of a reinforcement reinforcement of the sealing joint as detailed below.

[0072] Indeed, the upper plate and the lower plate together form an overall reinforcing frame for the sealing joint: -) by direct support of the upper plate vertically - or in other words perpendicular to the overall extension plane of the cover - against the lower plate at the base of the cover via the centering elements, and by sealing the membrane jointly to the upper plate and the lower plate between which the extension of the membrane extends around the centering elements, and -) by an extension - following the extension plane of the cover - of the lower plate towards the first body of the seal, against which the lower plate is applied.

[0073] Furthermore, it is noted here that the housing comprises: -) a support collar at the edge of a housing for installing the enclosure on a piece of furniture, and -) a receiving chamber for the lid when it is initially moved into the casing under pressure exerted by an individual on the lid, to cause the activation of the lid operating mechanism.

[0074] In this context: -) The first gasket body is shaped into a right-angled rebate with a shoulder for bearing the first gasket body at the edge of the housing against the cabinet wall. The shoulder is extended by a return wing that extends vertically into the chamber at a transverse distance from the housing wall, and which integrates the diaphragm in the middle of its extension. -) The second sealing body has a flange inclined from its base, incorporating the membrane, in the direction of the axis of movement of the cover. As a non-restrictive guideline, the inclination of the flange is between 50° (fifty degrees) and 70° (seventy degrees). -) The first gasket body and the second gasket body are separated from each other - along the extension plane of the cover - by a groove in the sealing gasket which is formed between them, the groove defining the separation distance along the extension plane of the cover between the first gasket body and the second gasket body, -) the lower plate extends in support of the membrane towards the first body of seal against which it is applied according to the overall extension plane of the cover, the groove overhanging the upper plate.

[0075] When pressure is applied by an individual against the lid – via the top plate – to activate the lid operating mechanism, the lid is moved vertically inwards into the housing within the chamber at its upper end. In this context: -) The separation distance - via the groove - between the first seal body and the second seal body along the extension plane of the cover, allows a flexing of the shoulder of the first seal body towards the second seal body. -) With the lower plate bearing against the return wing of the first seal body, the wing is held in position away from the housing wall, limiting the amplitude of the bending of the shoulder of the first seal body. -) The inclined flange that comprises the second joint body provides support for the shoulder of the first joint body subjected to bending.

[0076] The ultimate result is that excessive bending deformation of the first gasket body is avoided when the cover is moved inwards towards the housing by an individual applying pressure against the cover. The deformation stresses on the seal are thus limited, thereby increasing the seal's lifespan.

[0077] Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the lid is equipped with a cooperating push member - under the effect of pressure exerted by an individual on the lid - with the activation barrel of the lid operating mechanism, to initiate the activation of the operating mechanism causing the lid to move from its closed position to its open position.

[0078] The thrust element is integrated into the upper plate, the membrane, and the lower plate, which each have superimposed windows through which the thrust element passes. These windows allow the thrust element to bear against the activation shaft when pressure is applied to the lid by a person. Each window extends along the plane of the lid's extension, with a dimension slightly larger than the transverse dimensions of the operating mechanism. This prevents the lid from inadvertently striking the activation shaft when the lid is moved into the chamber within the housing.

[0079] Furthermore, the activation shaft has teeth at its base extending around the axis of movement of the lid. These teeth are composed of a plurality of vertically inclined teeth, which cooperate with the notches of a toothed element in the mechanism to pivot the lid around its axis of movement between its closed and open positions. To limit weakening of the seal and ensure its durability despite repeated operation of the lid by an individual initiating the activation of the operating mechanism, the optimal travel of the lid between its closed and open positions is limited by the activation shaft of the lid's operating mechanism via the teeth at its base.

[0080] To this end, the teeth composing the gear are inclined vertically at a slight slope—by way of non-restrictive indication—between 15° (fifteen degrees) and 20° (twenty degrees). Excessive travel of the cover is thus avoided, as it is calibrated by the vertical inclination of the teeth composing the gear at the base of the activation shaft. The travel of the cover is thus limited by the activation shaft between a firm and effective application of the sealing gasket against the housing in the closed position, and the emergence of the cover from the housing in the open position.

[0081] The travel of the cover from its closed position to its open position is thus minimized by correctly positioning the cover along its axis of movement, overhanging the housing, with a small vertical separation distance between the housing and the cover in the open position. This further reduces the stress on the sealing gasket during the movement of the cover between its closed and closed positions. It also improves the ergonomics of the housing by reducing the vertical protrusion of the cover in the open position.

[0082] It is obviously understood, but if necessary specified here, that such a slope, slightly inclined with respect to the axis of mobility of the cover - at an angle of less than 20° (twenty degrees) for example - is defined: -) on the one hand, between the movement of the lid towards the inside of the casing when it is subjected to pressure exerted by an individual to initiate the activation of the mechanism by pressing the pushing member against the activation shaft, -) and on the other hand conversely - under the effect of the activation of the mechanism - of this same stroke plus an emergence of the cover out of the case of a few millimeters not preferably exceeding one centimeter, sufficient for the individual to be able to access without hindrance the sockets housed inside the case.

[0083] Furthermore, the upper plate of the lid provides an ergonomic interface between the lid and an individual applying pressure against the lid to activate the lid's operating mechanism, causing it to move from its closed position to its open position. It is essential that the pressure exerted by the individual on the lid be perfectly coaxial with the lid's axis of movement to prevent the lid from becoming unintentionally misaligned inside the chamber.

[0084] To this end, the upper plate of the lid has, along the axis of movement of the lid, a recessed relief sized to fit a person's finger. This relief provides ergonomic assistance to the user, guiding them in their pushing motion to move the lid towards the chamber along the axis of movement, thus preventing the lid from becoming misaligned and potentially causing a failure of the thrust member to bear against the activation shaft along the extension axis of the lid operating mechanism.

Claims

1. Demands A watertight junction device between a housing (1) having in its internal volume at least one housing (2a, 2b) for an electrical socket, and a retractable cover (2) which is installed at an opening (le) of an upper chamber (la) of the housing (1) open to the external environment of the housing (1), the device comprising the housing (1) and the cover (2), the opening (le) allowing access to the socket(s) housed in the housing (1), the housing (1) having a flange (1b) for applying the housing (1) against a wall at the edge of a housing (1) receiving recess in the wall, the cover (2) being movablely mounted on the housing (1) between a closed position of the opening (le) of the housing (1) preventing access to the socket(s), and a disengaged position of the opening (le) of the housing (1) allowing access to the socket(s),the housing (1) containing a mechanism (3) for operating the cover (2) from its closed position to its open position, the cover (2) being movable to its open position along a mobility axis (A1) coaxial with an extension axis of the mechanism (3) for operating the cover (2) on the one hand in elevation by being positioned overhanging the housing (1) and on the other hand in pivoting by clearing access to the socket(s) through the opening (le) of the housing (1), the cover (2) being provided with a push member (4) cooperating along the mobility axis (A1) of the cover (2) with an activation shaft (3b) of the mechanism (3) under the effect of pressure exerted by an individual against the upper face of the cover (2) in the closed position, characterized in that the cover (2) comprises two superimposed plates, of which an upper plate (5a) and a lower plate (5c),and a one-piece elastomer sealing gasket (5b) extending around the periphery of the cover (2) in interposition between the upper plate (5a) and the lower plate (5c), the sealing gasket (5b) incorporating two gasket bodies (6a, 6b) spaced apart along a plane of extension of the cover (2), of which a first gasket body (6a) is applied against the housing (1) and a second gasket body (6b) is applied against the peripheral edge of the upper plate (5a), the sealing gasket (5b) further incorporating a membrane (8) which extends from the first gasket body (6a) to the second gasket body (6b) and which includes an extension (8a), from the second joint body (6b) which extends in compression between the upper plate (5a) and the lower plate (5c).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing gasket (5b) is part of a sealing assembly between the upper plate (5a) and the lower plate (5c), the extension (8a) of the membrane (8) being sealed to both the upper plate (5a) and the lower plate (5c), the cover (2) composed at least of the upper plate (5a), the lower plate (5c) and the sealing gasket (5b) forming a cohesive block that can be moved as a whole between the closed position and the open position of the cover (2).

3. A device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the first seal body (6a) is shaped into a right-angled rebate (11) comprising at least one vertical shoulder (1la) for bearing the first seal body (6a) on the edge of the flange (1b) comprising the housing (1), the shoulder (lia) being extended by a return wing (11b) which extends into the chamber (la) at a distance from the wall of the housing (1) along the extension plane of the cover (2), the return wing (11b) integrating the membrane (8) at its periphery in the median zone of the vertical extension of the return wing (11b), in that the second seal body (6b) comprises at least one flange (12) inclined in the direction of the axis of mobility (A1) of the cover (2) from its base into which the membrane (8) is integrated,the first sealing body (6a) and the second sealing body (6b) being separated from each other along the extension plane of the cover (2) by a groove (7) comprising the sealing gasket (5b) and which is formed between them overhanging the lower plate (5c) of the cover (2).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lower plate (5c) extends in support of the membrane (8) towards the first sealing body (6a) against which the lower plate (5c) is applied transversely along the extension plane of the cover (2).

5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sealing gasket (5b) is jointly sealed to the upper plate (5a) and the lower plate (5c) of the cover (2) by sealing the second body of joint (6b) against the edge of the upper plate (5a), and on the other hand by sealing the extension (8a) of the membrane (8) to the upper plate (5a) and to the lower plate (5c) of the cover (2) between which the extension (8a) of the membrane (8) is compressed and sealed.

6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the upper plate (5a) incorporates centering elements (9) for the sealing gasket (5b) on the cover (2), which pass vertically through the extension (8a) of the membrane (8) via openings (10) in it and which are complementary in shape to those of the centering elements (9), the centering elements (9) extending vertically towards the lower plate (5c) against which the centering elements (9) are applied, the centering elements (9), whose vertical extension determines the vertical separation distance between the upper plate (5a) and the lower plate (5c), constituting a means for calibrating the compression of the membrane (8) between the upper plate (5a) and the lower plate (5c) to a predefined compression threshold.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the upper plate (5a) and the lower plate (5c) together form a global reinforcement frame for the sealing joint (5b), by direct bearing of the upper plate (5a) vertically against the lower plate (5c) and by an extension of the lower plate (5c) along the extension plane of the cover (2) towards the first body of the seal (6a) against which the lower plate (5c) is applied.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the upper plate (5a) integrates the push member (4) equipping the cover (2), the lower plate (5c) and the membrane (8) having respective windows (8b, 8c) which are superimposed and which provide a passage of the push member (4) vertically through them, the extension dimension of the windows (8b, 8c) along the extension plane of the cover (2) in the closed position being greater than the transverse dimensions of the operating mechanism (3) considered parallel to the extension plane of the cover (2) in the closed position.

9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the activation shaft (3b) comprises at its periphery

10. from its base a toothing (14) which extends around the axis of mobility (Al) of the cover (2) and which is composed of a plurality of teeth (14a) whose lower ends are vertically inclined, the teeth (14a) cooperating with the notches of a toothed member which comprises the mechanism (3), the toothing (14) further constituting a means of calibrating the stroke of the cover (2) which is bounded between a firm application of the sealing gasket (5b) vertically against the housing (1) and a minimum emergence of the cover (2) out of the housing (1) in the position of the release of the cover (2). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the upper plate (5a) of the lid (2) has a cup-shaped relief (5) sized to the finger of an individual, which is coaxial with the axis of mobility (Al) of the lid (2).

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