Control device for controlling home automation equipment

The control device employs snap-fit assembly with clipping elements to securely house electronic components in a compact form, addressing assembly and space constraints while ensuring robust protection and ease of maintenance.

FR3159282B1Active Publication Date: 2026-01-02SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024001394
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-13
Publication Date
2026-01-02
Estimated Expiration
2044-02-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing control devices for home automation equipment, such as electromechanical actuators for sunshades or shading screens, face challenges in assembly and require a compact design while ensuring robust protection for electronic components, particularly when housed in small spaces like recessed boxes in walls or ceilings.

Method used

A control device with a snap-fit assembly mechanism using clipping elements to securely hold an electronic control module within a housing, allowing easy assembly and disassembly, while minimizing the size and functional clearances, and providing a robust and economical solution.

Benefits of technology

The snap-fit assembly ensures secure retention of the electronic control module, facilitates easy installation and maintenance, and allows for efficient use of space, while maintaining the integrity of the electronic components.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The control device (100) comprises: a first part (101); a second part (102) assembled to the first part (101) to form a housing (103) comprising an internal compartment (104); an electronic control module (105) at least partially positioned in the compartment (104) and assembled to the second part (102). The second part (102) comprises assembly means (116) configured to: cooperate with the electronic control module (105) to ensure the assembly of the electronic control module (105) to the second part (102); cooperate with the first part (101) to ensure the assembly of the first part (101) to the second part (102); induce a locking of the assembly of the electronic control module (105) to the second part (102). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 8
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Description

Title of the invention: Control device for controlling home automation equipment. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The technical field of the invention relates to remote control, for example, to control an electromechanical actuator for controlling a sunshade or blackout screen, or more generally to control home automation equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a control device, preferably remote, for sending and / or receiving remote control commands intended for such home automation equipment. Prior art

[0002] To control an actuator, such as an electromechanical actuator for controlling a sunshade or shading screen, it is known to use a control device comprising a cover closed by a front panel to form a housing containing an electronic control module. The electronic control module should preferably maintain its position within a housing in the casing. Therefore, it is necessary to assemble the electronic control module within the casing, and to assemble the cover and the front panel to form the casing.

[0003] The housing thus provides protection for the electronic control module and in particular for the fragile electronic components that the electronic control module includes.

[0004] Generally, the control device for controlling home automation equipment must be able to be housed at least partially in a small space such as a recessed box in a wall or ceiling.

[0005] There is therefore a need to limit the size of the mechanical part enabling the aforementioned assemblies. Object of the invention

[0006] The present invention relates to a control device allowing easy assembly of the electronic control module within a suitable housing. This control device is also preferably robust, efficient, and economical.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a control device comprising: • a first part; • a second part, the first part being assembled to the second part so as to form a casing comprising an internal housing; • an electronic control module at least partially positioned in the housing and assembled to the second part, the electronic control module comprising a support and at least one switch attached to the support; the second part comprising assembly means configured to: • cooperate with the electronic control module to ensure the assembly of the electronic control module to the second part; • cooperate with the first party to ensure the assembly of the first part to the second part; • to allow the cooperation of the assembly means with the first part to induce a locking of the assembly of the electronic control module to the second part; one of the first and second parts being a hood, and the other of the first and second parts being a front panel.

[0008] This allows the assembly means to be used to mount two separate parts (the first part and the electronic control module) relative to the second part, thus reducing the size of the mechanism used to form the housing and secure the electronic control module within it. Furthermore, this allows the electronic control module to remain in place within the housing once the first and second parts are assembled to form the casing. In addition, the cover is a hollow part that provides sufficient depth to house the electronic control module; the front panel can then serve, at least partially, as a lid closing the cover, for example, to obtain the aforementioned casing.

[0009] The control device may further include one or more of the following features.

[0010] According to a feature of the control device, the assembly means make it possible to ensure the assembly of the electronic control module to the second part by clipping, and the assembly of the first part to the second part by clipping.

[0011] The clip-on system is particularly suitable in that the assembly is easy to carry out and can be reversible if it is necessary to dismantle the control device.

[0012] Preferably, the assembly means are configured so that the snap-fit ​​assemblies limit the functional clearances between the assembly of the first part and the second part, and between the assembly of the electronic control module and the second part. Thus, despite the use of snap-fit ​​assemblies, the functional clearances are limited.

[0013] According to a feature of the control device, the assembly means comprise at least one clipping element including: • a body; • a first retaining element arranged on one side of the body, the electronic control module being clipped to the first retaining element; • a second retaining element arranged on a second side of the body opposite the first side, the first part being clipped to the second retaining element; the first part opposing a deformation of said at least one clipping member in a direction of unclipping allowing the electronic control module to be unclipped from the first retaining element of said at least one clipping member.

[0014] Thus, it is the clipping of the first part to the second part that allows the clipping of the electronic control module to the second part to be locked, thereby locking the assembly of the electronic control module to the second part. This locking also notably limits the functional play of the clipped assemblies.

[0015] According to a feature of the control device, the first and second retaining elements of said at least one clipping member are offset along the body of said at least one clipping member.

[0016] This offset allows a corresponding part of the body to be left between the first and second retaining elements in order to facilitate the unclipping of the first and second parts by deformation of said at least one clipping member (for example of its body) while ensuring that the second part remains clipped to the electronic control module, and while allowing to limit the functional play of the clipping of the electronic control module to the second part and of the clipping of the first and second parts together.

[0017] According to a feature of the control device, the first part includes a bearing surface, the second retaining element of said at least one clipping member being forced against the bearing surface so that said at least one clipping member is forced in a direction opposite to the unclipping direction allowing the electronic control module to be unclipped from the first retaining element of said at least one clipping member.

[0018] This request ensures a positive locking of the assembly means to the electronic control module.

[0019] According to a feature of the control device, one of the first and second parts includes an unlocking opening provided for accessing a portion of said at least one clipping member located in the first part and arranged to so as to allow, when a supporting force is exerted on the portion through said unlocking opening, the unclipping of the first part from said at least one clipping element.

[0020] This allows participation in the disassembly of the second part and the first part, subsequently enabling the disassembly of the second part and the electronic control module. This offers an advantage, in particular, for repairing the control device in the event of a failure of the electronic control module and / or an advantage in the context of recycling, by separating the various components of the control device at the end of its life.

[0021] According to a feature of the control device, said unlocking opening is provided through a wall of the hood or through the front panel.

[0022] These two solutions advantageously allow the passage of an elongated tool, such as a screwdriver, to exert the considered support force on the portion of said at least one clipping element.

[0023] According to a feature of the control device, the assembly means comprise two clipping members arranged at a distance from each other and such that the same edge of a face of the support turned towards a bottom of the hood is clipped to the first retaining element of each of the two clipping members when the electronic control module is assembled to the second part.

[0024] This allows for satisfactory clipping.

[0025] According to a feature of the control device, the second part includes a wall delimiting at least in part a location for receiving the support, the support being positioned in the location when the electronic control module and the second part are assembled.

[0026] This wall of the second part allows for suitable positioning of the electronic control module for retention within the control device. Furthermore, this wall of the second part can allow, on its outer periphery, for centering the first part relative to the second part. The wall of the second part can also advantageously allow for suitable positioning of the electronic control module, for example, in conjunction with indexing and alignment pins for mounting / assembling the support, particularly to the second part.

[0027] According to a feature of the control device, the control device comprises: • an access opening provided in one of the first and second parts; • a control assembly mounted on said first and second parts comprising the access opening, the control assembly being intended to receive a supporting force enabling said control assembly to exert pressure on said at least one switch through the access opening.

[0028] The control assembly then forms a control interface, for example directly or indirectly accessible to a user of the control device, which then forms a manual control device.

[0029] Other advantages and features may become apparent from the detailed description that follows. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the attached drawings listed below.

[0031] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a control device according to a first particular embodiment of the invention.

[0032] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] represents the control device of the [Fig.1] from which part of a control assembly has been removed.

[0033] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] represents the control device of the [Fig.1] from which the control assembly has been removed.

[0034] [Fig.4] Fig.4 represents a perspective view of part of the control device of [Fig.1], forming a front in the form of a plate, to which an electronic control module is mounted.

[0035] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] represents the [Fig.4] without said part of the control device to which the electronic control module is normally mounted.

[0036] [Fig.6] Fig.6 represents a perspective view of the electronic control module.

[0037] [Fig.7] Fig.7 represents, according to a cross-sectional view, the control device of [Fig.1], the section being made between two clipping members belonging to the part of the control device to which the electronic control module is mounted.

[0038] [Fig.8] Fig.8 represents, according to a cross-sectional view, the control device of [Fig.1], the section being made through one of the two clipping members belonging to the part of the control device to which the electronic control module is mounted.

[0039] [Fig.9] Fig.9 represents a perspective view of another part of the control device, forming a hood, and intended to be assembled to the plate.

[0040] [Fig. 10] Fig. 10 represents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the plate of the first embodiment oriented towards its face turned towards the hood when the hood and the plate are assembled.

[0041] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] represents a perspective view of a second embodiment of the control device.

[0042] [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 represents, according to a cross-sectional view, the control device of Fig. 11, the section being made through one of two clipping members belonging to a part of the control device to which the electronic control module is mounted.

[0043] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] represents a partially exploded view of the control device of the [Fig. 11] in which two parts, assembled and forming a housing in [Fig.11], are disassembled.

[0044] In these figures, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements. The elements shown in the different figures are not necessarily drawn to scale in order to facilitate understanding of the figures. Detailed description

[0045] The invention relates to a control device 100, in particular for controlling / piloting an actuator or, more generally, home automation equipment. Thus, the home automation equipment can be an actuator.

[0046] Figures 1 to 9 illustrate, where applicable, all or part of the control device 100, which is a manual control device 100 according to a first particular embodiment of the invention.

[0047] Figures 11 to 13 illustrate the control device 100 according to a second embodiment. In particular, the control device 100 of Figures 11 to 12 is a control device 100 configured to receive control commands and to operate the home automation equipment according to the control command(s) received.

[0048] Generally, the control device 100 comprises a first part 101 and a second part 102. The first part 101 is assembled to the second part 102 so as to form a housing 103 comprising an internal housing 104 (figures 7, 8 and 12), i.e. the housing 104 is in the housing 103.

[0049] The control device 100 includes an electronic control module 105 (Figures 4, 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13) at least partially positioned in the housing 104 and assembled to the second part 102. The electronic control module 105 includes a support 106 and at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c integral with the support 106.

[0050] The support 106 can be a printed circuit board (also known by the abbreviation PCB for the English "printed circuit board").

[0051] Said at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c can be fixed on the support 106, for example by welding, in order to be electrically connected to electrically conductive tracks that the support 106 comprises.

[0052] The support 106 can include a first face 108 and a second face 109 opposite depending on the thickness of the support 106 defined in particular by a lateral edge 110 of the support 106 connecting the first and second opposite faces 108, 109 of the support 106 (figures 4, 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13).

[0053] One or more components can be mounted on the support 106 at its first face 108 and / or at its second face 109 as shown in figures 4, 6, 12 and 13 where components are mounted on the first and second faces 108, 109 of the support 106.

[0054] 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 mentioned above.

[0055] One of the first and second parts 101, 102 is a hood 111, and the other of the first and second parts 101, 102 is a front panel 112.

[0056] According to the first embodiment, the facade 112 is at least part of a plate, in other words a support plate, including in particular means for attaching or mounting to a frame, such as a wall panel.

[0057] According to the second embodiment, the facade 112 is a cover.

[0058] In the context of the first and second embodiments, the first part 101 is the hood 111 and the second part is the front panel 112. Of course, this is not limiting in the sense that, alternatively, the electronic control module 105 could just as well be assembled to the hood 111 which would then form the second part 102 while the front panel 112 would form the first part 101.

[0059] By "hood", it is understood in particular as a hollow element intended to protect an object such as at least a part of the electronic control module 105 then positioned in the housing 104. The hood 111, forming a part of the housing 103, may have a volume delimited by a bottom 113 of the hood 111 and a lateral wall 114 (for example formed by four sides connected together) of the hood 111 which extends from the bottom 113.

[0060] At least a portion of the front panel 112 can form a cover for the housing 103 when the first and second parts 101, 102 are assembled. It is understood from [Fig. 7] that a central portion of the front panel 112 forms the cover, while in [Fig. 11] it is the front panel 112 that constitutes the cover.

[0061] In particular, the electronic control module 105 is at least partially arranged within the housing 103. The housing 104, when the first and second parts 101, 102 are assembled, is then a space surrounded by walls on all sides, these walls being those of the housing 103 including the base 113, the side wall 114 and at least a portion / part of the front 112, so that the housing 104 is “ closed”. Housing 104 is said to be closed because the housing 103 prevents the removal of the electronic control module 105 from the housing 103; but the housing 103 can of course include one or more openings, for example to allow access to housing 104 in order to activate said at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c, and / or to mount a control assembly 115 on the front panel 112 (figures 1, 7 and 8), and / or to allow the dismantling of the first part 101 and the second part 102 when they are clipped together as will be seen later and / or to connect the electronic control module 105 to a power supply.

[0062] For example, the support 106 of the electronic control module 105 is entirely contained within the housing 103. The electronic control module 105 can also be entirely contained within the housing 103.

[0063] The control device 100 may include the control assembly 115 mounted on (i.e. assembled on) the front panel 112, as illustrated for example in Figures 1, 7 and 8. The function of this control assembly 115 is to present a control interface to a user enabling the activation of said at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c, for example via a force Fl, F2, F3 exerted by the user on the control interface (i.e. on the control assembly 115).

[0064] By "user" is understood any person likely to interact with the control device 100, in particular by exerting pressure on the control assembly 105 for example with their fingers.

[0065] It has been described above that the first and second parts 101, 102 are assembled. To this end, the second part 102 includes assembly means 116 configured for: • cooperate with the electronic control module 105 to ensure the assembly of the electronic control module 105 to the second part 102; • cooperate with the first part 101 to ensure the assembly of the first part 101 to the second part 102; • allow the cooperation of the assembly means 116 with the first part 101 to induce a locking of the assembly of the electronic control module 105 to the second part 102.

[0066] These assembly means 116 therefore have a dual function, which allows for better integration of the control device 100.

[0067] Preferably, the locking is such that it tends to ensure a hold, preferably without play, of the electronic control module 105 to the second part 102; for example by exerting a clamping force on the electronic control module 105 by the second part 102.

[0068] The facade 112 may include a base 134. This base 134 serves in particular as a support from which the assembly means 116 may extend in whole or in part and / or are formed means allowing for example the mounting of the control assembly 115 to the facade 112.

[0069] Preferably, the assembly means 116 ensure, on the one hand, a clipping of the electronic control module 105 and the second part 102, and, on the other hand, a clipping of the first and second parts 101, 102 together in order to facilitate the assembly (i.e. obtaining the electronic control module 105 assembled with the second part 102 and obtaining the first part 101 assembled with the second part 102) of the control device 100.

[0070] In other words, the assembly means 116 can enable the assembly of the electronic control module 105 to the second part 102 by clipping, and the assembly of the first part 101 to the second part 102 by clipping.

[0071] The assembly of the first part 101 and the second part 102 can be reversible, thus allowing the housing 103 to be opened, for example in order to repair or recycle the electronic control module 105.

[0072] The assembly of the electronic control module 105 and the second part 102 can be reversible, for example in order to repair or recycle the electronic control module 105.

[0073] For example, this reversibility of the assemblies is made possible in particular by the clips allowed by the assembly means 116 and by an adapted configuration of the control device 100 allowing the corresponding unclippings to be carried out.

[0074] The assembly of the electronic control module 105 to the second part 102 by clipping is done in particular by clipping the support 106 to the assembly means 116, which makes it possible to limit the impact of this assembly on the useful surface of the support 106, this useful surface being that receiving one or more components.

[0075] There is a need to make the aforementioned clips efficient while limiting the space used to implement them within the housing 103.

[0076] To meet this need, the assembly means 116 may include at least one clipping member 117a, 117b comprising a body 118a, 118b, a first retaining element 119a, 119b arranged on a first side 120a, 120b of the body 118a, 118b, and a second retaining element 121a, 121b arranged on a second side 122a, 122b of the body 118a, 118b opposite to the first side 120a, 120b. In this case, the first part 101 is clipped to the second retaining element 119a, 119b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b; This allows for the assembly of the first and second parts 101, 102. In this case, the electronic module 105 of The control unit is clipped to the first retaining element 119a, 119b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b; this allows the electronic control module 105 to be assembled to the second part 102. In particular, the first part 101 prevents deformation of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b, and more particularly of its body 118a, 118b, in a direction of unclipping that would allow the electronic control module 105 to be unclipped from the first retaining element 119a, 119b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b. This is particularly visible in Figures 4, 5, 8 and 13.

[0077] The first and second elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b of retention of said at least one clipping organ 117a, 117b form more particularly with the associated body 118a, 118b, from which they each protrude in the manner of a protuberance, two opposing clips.

[0078] The body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping organ 117a, 117b is in particular elongated and may come from material with the rest of the second part 102.

[0079] Preferably, as shown in particular in figures 4, 8, 12 and 13, the support 106 is clipped to the first retaining element 119a, 119b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b.

[0080] In particular, when the first and second parts 101, 102 are assembled, the second retaining element 121a, 121b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b is engaged in a clearance 126a, 126b of the first part 101, such as a blind hole provided in the first part 101 (Figures 8, 9 and 12).

[0081] In other words, the first part 101 may include the clearance 126a, 126b also called the catch clearance, into which is introduced at least in part the second retaining element 121a, 121b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b in order to ensure the clipping of the first part 101 to said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b and in order to oppose the disassembly of the second part 102 with respect to the first part 101.

[0082] The assembly means 116 may include one or more clipping members 117a, 117b. In the case where the assembly means 116 include several clipping members 117a, 117b (for example, two), everything described in relation to said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b may apply to each of the clipping members 117a, 117b.

[0083] For example, the assembly means 116 preferably comprise two clipping members 117a, 117b arranged at a distance from each other and such that the same edge 127 (Figures 4, 6 and 13) of one face of the support 106 (for example, the second face 109 of the support 106) facing the bottom 113 of the cover 111 is clipped to the first retaining element 119a, 119b of each of the two clipping members 117a, 117b when the electronic control module 105 is assembled to the second part 102. This allows a particularly suitable retention of the electronic control module 105 in relation to the second part 102. Thus, the face of the support 106 facing the bottom 113 of the hood 111 comprises several edges (for example four so-called lateral edges) connected together so as to delimit a peripheral contour of said face of the support 106 facing the bottom 113 of the hood 111.

[0084] Regarding said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b, its first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b can be arranged at different levels to facilitate clipping of the first part 101 to the second part 102 when the electronic control module 105 is clipped to the second part 102.

[0085] In other words, the first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b can be offset along the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b, for example as can be seen in figures 4 and 13. This then leaves a section, i.e. a part, of the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b which can have an elasticity suitable to allow the unclipping of the first part 101 relative to the second retaining element 121a, 121b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b.

[0086] Furthermore, when the first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b are offset along the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b, this makes it possible to obtain, between said first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b, a slope line passing through these first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b, allowing for the implementation of a play compensation. This play compensation allows, in particular through a stress exerted on said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b, for its first retaining element 119a, 119b to be pressed against the module 105 electronic control in order to obtain the locking implementing a clamping force of the module 105 electronic control by the second part 102 when the first and second parts 101, 102 are assembled.In particular, the first part 101 assembled to the second part 102 then exerts a force, for example of compression, on said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b, which tends to push said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b in a direction such that the first retaining element 119a, 119b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b is in contact with the electronic control module 105 (in particular on the support 106) from which there results an elimination or a reduction of the clearance between the first retaining element 119a, 119b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b and the electronic control module 105 (and more particularly its support 106).

[0087] Alternatively, and in a manner not shown in the figures, the first and second retaining elements 119a, 119b, 121a, 121b of said 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 said at least one retaining member 117a, 117b separating, according to a measurement direction of the thickness of said body 118a, 118b, its first and second opposite sides 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b. In this case, provision must be made to leave a functional gap in the assembly between the first retaining element 119a, 119b of said at least one retaining member 117a, 117b and the electronic control module 105 in order to allow the unclipping of the first part 101 in relation to the second retaining element 121a, 121b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b.

[0088] The first part 101 may include a support bearing 123a, 123b (Figures 8, 9 and 12), the second retaining element 121a, 121b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b may be stressed against the support bearing 123a, 123b so that said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b (and more particularly its body 118a, 118b) is stressed in a direction opposite to the unclipping direction allowing the electronic control module 105 to be unclipped from the first retaining element 119a, 119b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b.

[0089] This allows the electronic control module 105 to be held to the second part 102, for example by ensuring that the electronic control module 105 (in particular its support 106) is clamped by the first retaining element 119a, 119b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b and / or the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b inducing a clamping of the electronic control module 105 against the second part 102 (thus enabling the locking by implementing a clamping force of the electronic control module 105 by the second part 102 when the first and second parts 101, 102 are assembled).

[0090] For example, the bearing span 123a, 123b is delimited by the bottom of the corresponding blind hole mentioned above and receiving the second retaining element 121a, 121b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b when the first part 101 is clipped to this second retaining element 121a, 121b (see for example [Fig.8] and [Fig.12]).

[0091] Preferably, while the first part 101 is assembled to the second part 102, the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b is deformed in the opposite direction to the unclipping direction, allowing the electronic control module 105 to be unclipped from the first retaining element 119a, 119b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b; this deformation being induced by the aforementioned stress. This deformation is, in particular, a elastic deformation so that when the stress is no longer applied said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b returns to its initial (i.e. undeformed) shape.

[0092] The possibility of disassembling the first and second parts 101, 102 has been mentioned above. For this purpose, one of the first and second parts 101, 102 may include an unlocking opening 124a, 124b (in particular one for each clip element 117a, 117b) provided to access a portion 125a, 125b of said at least one clip element 117a, 117b located in the first part 101 (and in particular in the housing 104 or the casing 103).Said portion 125a, 125b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b is then arranged so as to allow, when a supporting force is exerted on portion 125a, 125b through said unlocking opening 124a, 124b, unclipping of the first part 101 with respect to said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b, and therefore with respect to the second retaining element 121a, 121b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b, for example by allowing the removal of said second retaining element 121a, 121b from the associated release 126a, 126b.

[0093] For example, said unlocking opening 124a, 124b is provided through a wall of the hood 111 (for example through the side wall 114 of the hood 111, and in particular through the section of the side wall 114 of the hood 111 facing said at least one clipping element 117a, 117b) or through the front panel 112.

[0094] In particular, the unlocking opening 124a, 124b allows the passage of a suitable tool intended to exert force on the corresponding portion 125a, 125b of the corresponding clipping element 117a, 117b.

[0095] Figures 1 to 3, 9 and 11 show precisely two unlocking openings 124a, 124b provided through the hood 111 respectively to allow access to the portions 125a, 125b of two different clipping elements 117a, 117b.

[0096] In the case where said unlocking opening 124a, 124b is provided through the front panel 112, it may be located at the level of the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clip element 117a, 117b so that the inserted tool, such as a screwdriver, can follow said body 118a, 118b to said portion 125a, 125b and in particular to the second retaining element 121a, 121b of said at least one clip element 117a, 117b. Figure 10 illustrates this solution in particular by showing a specific implementation of the front panel 112, in particular a plate-type implementation.

[0097] It should be noted that the design in which said unlocking opening 124a, 124b is provided through the wall of the hood 111 is preferred in the sense that it simplifies the design of the control device 100, it makes the front panel 112 more rigid (because fewer openings are needed at the front panel 112), and it makes it possible to avoid the possibility of unintentionally unclipping the hood 111 or the electronic control module 105 without dismantling the front panel 112.

[0098] If two release openings 124a, 124b are present, forces must be applied simultaneously to the portions 125a, 125b of the two clipping elements 117a, 117b in order to unclip the first part 101 from the second part 102. Therefore, it is entirely possible to use a specific tool that allows simultaneous pressure to be applied to the portions 125a, 125b of the clipping elements 117a, 117b, for example, using two offset rods that are fixed together in motion. This specific tool can then be forked, allowing simultaneous pressure to be applied to the two clipping elements 117a, 117b through the two release openings 124a, 124b. The specific tool may include at least one stop to limit the deformation of the two clipping elements 117a, 117b so as not to break them.

[0099] In order to ensure proper positioning of the electronic control module 105, the second part 102 may include a wall 128 delimiting at least partially a location 129 for receiving the support 106 (Figures 5 and 10). The support 106 is positioned at, in particular on, the location 129 (for example on the top of the wall 128 of the second part 102 opposite the base 134 from which the wall 128 of the second part 102 extends) when the electronic control module 105 (and more particularly its support 106) and the second part 102 are assembled.

[0100] In particular, the wall 128 of the second part 102 allows to form in whole or in part a spacer keeping the support 106 at a distance from the base 134. This makes it possible to house, in a volume delimited in part by the wall 128 of the second part 102 and the base 134, the component(s) mounted on the first face 108 of the support 106 while preventing this or these component(s) from hitting the base 134 / against the front 112.

[0101] The spacer may include one or more bearing surfaces on which the support 106 can rest; for this purpose the wall 128 of the second part 102 may adopt the form of a rib in the form of a closed or open or discontinuous loop on the surface of the base 134. The support 106 may then be in contact with the wall 128 of the second part 102 (and in particular with the bearing surface(s)) and in particular be held against / in relation to the wall 128 of the second part 102 (or the bearing surface(s)) by means of a force exerted on the support 106 by the first retaining element 119a, 119b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b.

[0102] The top of the wall 128 of the second part 102 allows, for example, for receiving support from the periphery of the support 106 in order to position the support 106 flat and to hold the support 106 securely using the assembly means 116. The wall 128 of the second part 102 can also guide the cover 111 during the assembly of the control device 100 in the direction that the wall Part 128 of the second section 102 can be inserted into the cover 111 while running along its lateral wall 114. The wall 128 of the second section 102 also provides the control device 100 with greater resistance to drops: it reinforces the attachment between the cover 111 and the front panel 112 / plate.

[0103] Preferably, the second part 102 may include one or more studs 130a, 130b, 130c having both an indexing function and / or a keying function in the sense that these studs 130a, 130b, 130c may participate in holding the electronic control module 105 to prevent its movement in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the support 106 and / or facilitate its assembly to the second part 102 by ensuring that it is positioned at the location 129 in an appropriate manner.

[0104] This or these studs 130a, 130b, 130c can protrude from the wall 128 of the second part 102, in particular at the top of the wall 128 of the second part 102, as shown for example in figures 5 and 10.

[0105] The support 106 may include recesses, for example notches 131a, 131b, 131c ([Fig. 6]), formed in the lateral edge 110 of the support 106. The studs 130a, 130b, 130c can then each be engaged in one of the recesses when the second part 102 and the electronic control module 105 are assembled. In order to ensure the keying function, the studs 130a, 130b, 130c and the recesses may have dimensions such that only one pair comprising one of the studs and one of the recesses is compatible for coupling said stud and said recess.

[0106] Advantageously, the second part 102 includes a retaining element 132, such as a lip or a shoulder. This retaining element 132 cooperates with the electronic control module 105, and more particularly with the support 106, so as to retain, with the assembly means 116 coupled to the electronic control module 105 (i.e., when the assembly means 116 cooperate with the electronic control module 105 to ensure the assembly of the electronic control module 105 to the second part 102), the electronic control module 105 to the second part 102.

[0107] The retaining element 132 protrudes in particular from the wall 128 of the second part 102 above the location 129 and in particular at the top of this wall 128 of the second part 102. The retaining element 132 allows the electronic control module 105 to be assembled to the second part 102 in the following manner: A portion 133 (Figures 6 and 7) of a first edge of the support 106 (opposite the edge 127, which then forms a second edge 127 of the support) is positioned, for example by sliding, under the rim 132 and, preferably, in contact with the wall top 128 of the second part 102, this positioning is carried out in an inclined manner with respect to the location 129 so that the second edge 127 of the support 106, opposite the first edge of the support 106 is at a distance from the assembly means 116 and the location 129; • the second edge 127 of the support 106 is then brought closer to the assembly means 116 so as to engage, i.e. clip, to the second retaining element(s) 121a, 121b which then cooperate at least with the retaining element 132 and the wall 128 of the second part 102 to hold the electronic control module 105 relative to the second part 102, preferably without latitude of movement of the support 106 relative to the second part 102.

[0108] The wall 128 of the second part 102 is configured in particular to fit into an internal volume of the first part 101 along the lateral wall 114 of the hood 111. In particular, the wall 128 of the second part 102 runs along the sides of the lateral wall 14 of the hood 111. This makes it possible to oppose the lateral movements of the second part 102 relative to the first part 101 parallel to the plane of the support 106, and advantageously makes it possible, during the manufacture of the control device 100, to facilitate the assembly of the first part 101 to the second part 102.

[0109] Generally, the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b can give elasticity to said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b which allows its deformation (in particular the deformation of the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b) to clip, on the one hand, the electronic control module 105 and, on the other hand, the first part 101.

[0110] For example, in figures 4, 5 and 13, the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b extends transversely, and in particular in a substantially orthogonal manner, from the base 134 of the front 112. This base 134 adopts, for example, the form of a plate.

[0111] As an alternative to the realization of figures 4 and 5, and as shown by way of example in [Fig.

[10] , the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b comprises a first part 135a, 135b delimited by a portion of the base 134 and a second part 135c, 135d continuous with the first part 135a, 135b of the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b which extends transversely, and in particular substantially orthogonally, with respect to the base 134 of the front panel 112. To allow this, the front panel 112 may include for said at least one clipping member 117a, 117b a slot 136a, 136b formed through the base 134, i.e., of the front panel 112. This slot 136a, 136b may be U-shaped. If necessary, the base of the U may define the unlocking opening 124a, 124b. If this base of the U does not allow passage of the appropriate tool, the unlocking openings 124a, 124b are formed as in [Fig.9] through the side wall 114 of the hood 111.

[0112] This alternative, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], increases the elasticity of the body 118a, 118b of said at least one clipping element 117a, 117b by making it more easily deformable. However, it turns out that this increased elasticity is not necessarily required because it comes at the expense of the contact of the first retaining element(s) 119a, 119b on the support 106, which can result in unwanted play in the retention of the electronic control module 105 relative to the front panel 112.

[0113] It has been mentioned above that the control device 100 could include the control assembly 115, in which case the control device 100 includes: • an access opening 137a, 137b, 137c provided in one of the first and second parts 101, 102; • the control assembly 115 mounted on said one of the first and second parts 101, 102 comprising the access opening 137a, 137b, 137c, the control assembly 115 being intended to receive the support force Fl, F2, F3 enabling said control assembly 115 to exert pressure on said at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c through the access opening 137a, 137b, 137c.

[0114] Preferably, the facade 112 includes the access opening 137a, 137b, 137c.

[0115] The electronic control module 105 may include a plurality of switches 107a, 107b, 107c, each of which can be acted upon independently by the control assembly 115. In this case, as many access openings 137a, 137b, 137c may be provided in one of the first and second parts 101, 102 in order to allow individual access to each of the switches 107a, 107b, 107c through the corresponding access opening 137a, 137b, 137c by the control assembly 115.

[0116] The control assembly 115 can take different forms. For example, as illustrated in Figures 1, 7, and 8, the control assembly 115 can include a base 138 fixed to the front panel 112, for example, by means of mounting holes 139a, 139b, 139c, and 139d provided through the front panel 112 (visible in Figures 2 and 3). The base 138 is mounted, in particular, on a first face 142 of the front panel 112 opposite a second face 143 of the front panel 112, at which point the mounting means 116 extend at least partially. The control assembly 115 can include a button 140 for user operation, mounted on the base 138.

[0117] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 7, the control assembly 115 may include an intermediate assembly 141 arranged below the button 140, this intermediate assembly 141 being mounted on the first face 142 of the front panel 112, preferably in such a way independent of the mounting of the base 138 on the front 112. The role of the intermediate assembly 141 is to propagate the force Fl, F2, F3 of pressure exerted on the button 140 to at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c when the button of 140 cannot directly come into contact with said at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c.

[0118] The switch(es) 107a, 107b, 107c can each vary between an active state and an inactive state. To switch from the inactive state to the active state, the corresponding switch 107a, 107b, 107c can receive a mechanical activation pressure resulting from the user pressing on the control device 100 or can be activated electronically, for example, by receiving a corresponding activation signal.

[0119] Of course, if the button 140 is shaped in a suitable manner to come into contact with said at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c via the access opening 137a, 137b, 137c, the intermediate assembly 141 is not necessary.

[0120] According to a particular embodiment, the electronic control module 105 may include three switches 107a, 107b, 107c (respectively named first switch 107a, second switch 107b and third switch 107c and visible in figures 6 and 7) mounted on the first face 108 of the support 106.

[0121] In the case where the control device 100 includes the control assembly 115, the button 140 may include a first support zone 140a, a second support zone 140b and a third support zone 140c each intended to receive a support force Fl, F2, F3 to propagate to one of the corresponding first, second and third switches 107a, 107b, 107c to activate it.

[0122] The first and third support zones 140a, 140c are configured in particular to vary between a stable inactive position and an unstable active position in the manner of a push button by rotation of the button 140 about the pivot axis Al shown in [Fig. 1], and the second support zone 140b is configured in particular to vary between a stable inactive position and an unstable active position in the manner of a push button by translation towards the base 138. Thus: • in the stable inactive position of the first support zone 140a, the first support zone 140a is not stressed (the force Fl is not exerted) from which it follows that the first switch 107a is in the inactive state; • in the unstable active position of the first support zone 140a, the first support zone 140a is stressed (the force Fl is exerted) from which results in a support of the control assembly 115 (mechanical activation pressure) on the first switch 107c then placed in the active state; • in the stable inactive position of the third support zone 140c, the third support zone 140c is not stressed (the force F3 is not exerted) from which it follows that the third switch 107c is in the inactive state; • in the unstable active position of the third support zone 140c, the third support zone 140c is stressed (the force F3 is exerted) from which results in a support of the control assembly 115 (mechanical activation pressure) on the third switch 107c then placed in the active state; • in the stable inactive position of the second support zone 140b, the second support zone 140b is not stressed (the force F2 is not exerted) from which it follows that the second switch 107c is in the inactive state; • in the unstable active position of the second support zone 140b, the second support zone 140c is stressed (the force F2 is exerted) from which results in a support of the control assembly 115 (mechanical activation pressure) on the second switch 107b then placed in the active state.

[0123] A return mechanism can be provided to constantly return the first to third support zones 140a, 140b, 140c to their stable inactive position. For example, at least one elastic ring 150 (visible in Figures 7 and 8) interposed between the base 138 and the button 140 allows the first and third support zones 140a, 140c to be held in a stable inactive position when the forces Fl and F3 are not applied.

[0124] A position is said to be active unstable in the sense that it is only occupied when the switch 107a, 107b, 107c is activated due to a corresponding pressing force Fl, F2, F3 on the button 140.

[0125] In the case where the intermediate assembly 141 is present, the latter may comprise two parts respectively called first part 144a and second part 144b. For example, in figures 2 and 3, the front panel 112 comprises two lugs (also called protruding parts) 145a, 145b each provided with a clipping element 146a, 146b, for example in the form of a pin, onto which the first part 144a is clipped in order to allow a relative rotational movement between the first part 144a and the front panel 112. The second part 114b can then be clipped in a similar manner onto the first part 144a in order to allow a rotational movement between the first and second parts 144a, 144b. The clipping of the second piece 144b can be done on clips 147a, 147b of the first piece 144b cooperating on one side with the corresponding clipping element 146a, 146b and on the other side with clipping portions 148a, 148b belonging to the second piece 144b.Thus, reference 146a represents a pawn carried by ear 145a facing another ear 145b carrying another pawn represented under reference 146b. The ears 145a, 145b are projections at the level of the first face 142 of the facade 112 oriented oppositely to the support 106.

[0126] For example, in order to activate the first switch 107a, the first part 144a is configured to receive a press from the button 140 when the pressing force Fl is exerted by the user on the first contact area 140a of the button 140. This then causes the first part 144a to rotate about the pivot axis A2 ([Fig.2]). so that a first support pawn 148a ([Fig.7]), belonging to the first piece 144a, passing through the access opening 137a "called first access opening" is in support on the first switch 107a.

[0127] For example, in order to activate the second switch 107b, one of the first and second parts 144a, 144b of the intermediate assembly 141 (the second part 144b of the intermediate assembly 141 in [Fig.2]) includes a portion 149 comprising a deformable part. This portion 149 is capable of receiving a press from the button 140 when the pressing force F2 is exerted on the second contact area 140b of the button 140 by the user and capable of propagating, by means of an elastic deformation of its deformable part, a press to the second switch 107b via a second support pin 148b ([Fig.7]) of the portion 149 through the access opening 137b, referred to as the "second access opening 137b", provided through the front panel 112.

[0128] For example, in order to activate the third switch 107c, the second part 144b is configured to receive a press from the button 140 when the pressing force F3 is exerted by the user on the third support zone 140c of the button 140. From then on, this causes a rotation of the second part 144b around the pivot axis A2 so that a third support pin 148c, belonging to the second part 144b, passing through the access opening 137c, called the "third access opening", provided through the front panel 112 is in contact with the third switch 107c.

[0129] Generally speaking, "clipping" or "clipped" means coupling or being coupled using a clip. Unclipping then corresponds to uncoupling the clip.

[0130] The role of the electronic control module 105 is, in particular, to receive instructions from the user in order to control the home automation equipment, in particular the actuator.

[0131] User instructions may correspond to actions: • manual (pressure forces on the control assembly 115), via the control assembly 115 in order to generate control orders for the control of the home automation equipment then associated with the control device 100 and located remotely from it; • electronic by receiving command orders for example generated via a smartphone application (smartphone) or a control set separate from the control device 100.

[0132] For example, manual action on said at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c, corresponding in particular to the change from its inactive state to its active state, makes it possible to electronically transcribe a manual action executed by the user at the level of the control assembly 115 in order to generate a command order for the home automation equipment.

[0133] For example, the electronic action on said at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c, corresponding in particular to the transition from its inactive state to its active state, is generated by the reception of a command order by the control device 100, from which results the appropriate control of the home automation equipment.

[0134] As an example for illustrative purposes only, in this description, home automation equipment, for example the actuator or electromechanical actuator, is considered to be a device for rolling up or unrolling a movable screen, for example a roller shutter or a fabric blind, on a rotating shaft coupled to the home automation equipment. A control command transmitted, or where applicable received, by the control device 100 can then be at least one signal representing a user instruction chosen from among: lower or unroll the movable screen (i.e., unroll it from the rotating shaft); raise or fold the movable screen (i.e., roll it up around the rotating shaft); stop the movement of the movable screen (i.e., stop the user instruction being executed, for example, lowering or raising the movable screen).

[0135] Home automation equipment may include a motor and an electronic board, the latter including, where applicable: • a unit for receiving command orders from the associated control device 100 and a motor control unit according to the command orders received (case related to the first embodiment where the electronic control module 105 may include the means necessary to transmit the command orders to the receiving unit for example wirelessly or wired); • an input connected to said at least one switch 107a, 107b, 107c to control the home automation equipment according to a command order received by the control device 100 (case related to the second embodiment).

[0136] In the case where the control device 100 is a manual control device 100, a control order generated to be transmitted to the home automation equipment can be done on manual mechanical activation of said at least one corresponding switch 107a, 107b, 107c.

[0137] In the case where the control device 100 is of the type illustrated in [Fig.1 1], the latter may include a control order receiving unit and may include the means necessary to control the home automation equipment such as an output wired with the home automation equipment.

[0138] For example, the user instruction to lower the movable screen, the movable screen being a roller shutter, can cause an external face of an opening such as a window to be closed (closing configuration); the user instruction to raise the roller shutter can cause the roller shutter to retract into a housing to allow passage maximum outside light through the opening (retracted configuration), the user instruction to stop the roller shutter allows for partial blocking of the external face of the opening by the roller shutter.

[0139] For example, for a system comprising the control device 100 equipped with the control assembly 115, and the home automation equipment formed by the movable screen type actuator: • the effort Fl of pressure on the first support zone 140a allows the first switch 107a to be activated, resulting in the descent of the mobile screen; • the F3 pressure effort on the third support zone 140c activates the third switch 107c, resulting in the raising of the mobile screen; • The F2 pressure force on the second 140b pressure zone activates the second switch 107b, which results in the movement of the mobile screen being stopped if necessary.

[0140] The hood 111 of [Fig.9] can be used independently in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0141] It follows from the foregoing that the control device 100 can be assembled simply, efficiently, and quickly. To this end, a manufacturing process for the control device 100 may comprise the following steps: a) provide the electronic control module 105, the first part 101 and the second part 102; b) assemble the electronic control module 105 to the second part 102 via the assembly means 116; c) insert after step b), at least in part, the assembly means 116 into the first part 101 resulting in the assembly of the first part 101 to the second part 102 and a locking of the assembly of the electronic control module 105 to the second part 105.

[0142] Such an assembly process has the advantage of being carried out without a tool cooperating with the assembly means 116 because steps b) and c) are carried out by simple interlocking.

[0143] The control device 100 as previously described finds an industrial application at least in the field of home automation.

Claims

1. Demands Control device (100) comprising: • a first part (101); • a second part (102), the first part (101) being assembled to the second part (102) so as to form a casing (103) comprising an internal housing (104); • an electronic control module (105) at least partially positioned in the housing (104) and assembled to the second part (102), the electronic control module (105) comprising a support (106) and at least one switch (107) integral with the support (106); the second part (102) comprising assembly means (116) configured for: • cooperate with the electronic control module (105) to ensure the assembly of the electronic control module (105) to the second part (102); • cooperate with the first part (101) to ensure the assembly of the first part (101) to the second part (102); • allow the cooperation of the assembly means (116) with the first part (101) to induce a locking of the assembly of the electronic control module (105) to the second part (102); one of the first and second parts (101, 102) being a cover (111), and the other of the first and second parts (101, 102) being a front panel (112), characterized in that the assembly means (116) comprise at least one clipping element (117a, 117b) comprising: • a body (118a, 118b); • a first retaining element (119a, 119b) arranged to a first side (120a, 120b) of the body (118a, 118b), the electronic control module (105) being clipped to the first retaining element (119a, 119b); • a second retaining element (121a, 121b) arranged on a second side (122a, 122b) of the body (118a, 118b) opposite the first side (120a, 120b), the first part (101) being clipped to the second retaining element (121a, 121b); the first part (101) opposing a deformation of said at least one clipping member (117a, 117b) in an unclipping direction allowing the electronic control module (105) to be unclipped from the first retaining element (119a, 119b) of said at least one clipping member (117a, 117b).

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

3. Control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first part (101) comprises a support bearing (123a, 123b), the second retaining element (121a, 121b) of said at least one clipping member (117a, 117b) being stressed against the support bearing (123a, 123b) such that said at least one clipping member (117a, 117b) is stressed in a direction opposite to the unclipping direction enabling the electronic control module (105) to be unclipped from the first retaining element (119a, 119b) of said at least one clipping member (117a, 117b).

4. Control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the first and second parts (101, 102) comprises an unlocking opening (124a, 124b) provided for accessing a portion (125a, 125b) of said at least one clipping member (117a, 117b) located in the first part (101) and arranged so as to permit, when a supporting force is exerted on the portion (125a, 125b) through said unlocking opening (124a, 124b), unclipping of the first part (101) from said at least one clipping member (117a, 117b).

5. Control device (100) according to claim 4, wherein said unlocking opening (124a, 124b) is provided through a wall of the hood (111) or through the front panel (112).

6. Control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the assembly means (116) comprise two clipping members (117a, 117b) arranged at a distance from each other and such that the same edge (127) of a face of the support (106) facing a bottom (113) of the cover (111) is clipped to the first retaining element (119a, 119b) of each of the two clipping members (117a, 117b) when the electronic control module (105) is assembled to the second part (102).

7. Control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second part (102) comprises a wall (128) delimiting at least in part 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 part (102) are assembled.

8. Control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: • an access opening (137a, 137b, 137c) provided in one of the first and second parts (101, 102); • a control assembly (115) mounted on said one of the first and second parts (101, 102) comprising the access opening (137a, 137b, 137c), the control assembly (115) being intended to receive a support force (F1, F2, F3) enabling said control assembly (115) to exert pressure on said at least one switch (107a, 107b, 107c) through the access opening (137a, 137b, 137c).