Hood assembly locking device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hood assembly (10) comprising a main wall (12) and a cover (14), adapted to cooperate with each other. The hood assembly (10) includes a locking device (16) configured to lock the cover (14) in position on the main wall (12). The locking device (16) includes at least: - An actuator (18) on the main wall (12) and comprising at least one actuating rib and at least one elastically deformable member, - A locking member extending projecting from the cover (14) and configured at least to lock said cover (14) in position relative to the main wall (12). Figure for the abstract: 1a

Description

Title of the invention: Locking device for a hood assembly. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a hood assembly comprising a locking device suitable for securing a cover to a main wall. Technical background

[0002] When two parts need to be joined together, it is common to use a third part independent of the parts to be joined, such as a screw, to hold them in position relative to each other.

[0003] For example, in the field of electricity meter installations, it is common for a cover, or terminal cover, to be attached to a housing by means of a screw, for example, a quarter-turn screw. In this case, a user must position the cover over the housing and then tighten or rotate the screw a quarter turn. Thus, when a user wishes to detach the cover from the housing, they must first unscrew the screw and then detach the cover from the housing.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose an alternative to existing solutions for joining two parts together, for example in the context of an electrical meter installation, by not using an independent third part.

[0005] The invention thus aims to reduce the complexity of the assembly between two parts, by designing a locking device directly integrated into the parts to be joined together. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention provides a hood assembly comprising a main wall and a cover, capable of cooperating with each other, the hood assembly comprising a locking device configured to lock the cover in position on the main wall, the locking device comprising at least:

[0007] - An actuator on the main wall and comprising at least one rib actuation and at least one deformable element elastically linked in translation to each other,

[0008] the actuation rib extending through a through-hole formed in the main wall, and

[0009] the actuator being movable in translation relative to the main wall of the way in which the actuation rib moves through the light between a closed position of the locking device in which the elastically deformable part is in a state of decompression, and an open position of the locking device in which the elastically deformable part is in a state of compression,

[0010] - A locking member extending projecting from the cover and configured at less to lock said cover in position relative to the main wall when the actuator actuating rib is in the closing position of the locking device.

[0011] According to other features of the invention: - the actuator comprises a blade from which the actuating rib extends in projection, the blade being attached to the elastically deformable member by at least one retaining arm extending transversely from the blade, the spring being attached to the retaining arm; - at least two retaining elements extend projecting from the main wall in such a way as to lock the actuator in position against the main wall and in such a way as to allow translational movement of the actuator relative to the main wall; - the main wall includes a through bore configured to receive the locking element; - the locking member includes at least one guide slice extending in a plane intersecting a common plane of the actuator, at least one guide slice being configured to move the actuating rib from the closing position of the locking device to the opening position of the locking device when the locking member is inserted into the bore; - the locking member includes at least one retaining slice configured to automatically move the actuating rib from the opening position of the locking device to the closing position of the locking device when the locking member is inserted into the bore, so as to lock the cover in position relative to the main wall; - the blade includes a beveled edge configured to be in planar contact with at least one guide slice of the locking member when the locking member is inserted into the bore; - the locking member includes at least one contact edge configured to be in planar contact with the beveled edge of the blade when the locking member is inserted into the bore and the actuating rib is in the closed position of the locking device; - the cover includes a supplementary light configured to extend opposite the main wall light when the cover is assembled on the main wall and such that the actuation rib extends through the supplementary light; - the actuator is mounted pivoting relative to the main wall by means of at least one elastic hinge extending between at least one elastically deformable member and the main wall, and in such a way that the actuator is able to pivot around a hinge axis relative to the main wall; - the actuator is a single piece with the main wall and the locking element is a single piece with the cover; - The hood assembly is obtained through a plastic injection process.

[0012] The invention also relates to an electric meter installation comprising an electric meter and at least one cover assembly according to any one of the preceding characteristics. Brief description of the figures

[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] [Fig.la] is a general perspective view of an electric meter installation comprising a hood assembly consisting of a main wall, a cover and a locking device;

[0015] [Fig. 1b] is an exploded general view of the electric meter installation of [Fig.la] showing the cover detached from the main wall;

[0016] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the main wall of the hood assembly of [Fig. 1a] and of an actuator of the locking device of [Fig. 1a] formed on the main wall, the locking device comprising at least one spring shown in a decompressed state;

[0017] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of the main wall of the hood assembly of [Fig.1a] and of the actuator of the locking device of [Fig.1b] formed on the main wall, the locking device comprising at least the spring shown in a compressed state;

[0018] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of an outer face of the main wall of the [Fig.la] showing an actuator actuation rib which protrudes into a light in the main wall;

[0019] [Fig.5] is a schematic front view of the outer face of the main wall of [Fig.1a] showing the actuator actuation rib which protrudes in the light of the main wall, and showing a U-shaped bore through the main wall;

[0020] [Fig.6] is a schematic perspective view of the cover of [Fig.la] including a locking member of the locking device of [Fig.la] and an additional light;

[0021] [Fig.7] is a schematic side view of the lid of the [Fig.6];

[0022] [Fig.8] is a schematic perspective view of the lid assembled on the wall main by means of the locking device;

[0023] [Fig.9] is a schematic perspective view of the main wall on which the locking device actuator is formed in a raised position, following a plastic injection manufacturing process;

[0024] [Fig. 10a] is a schematic perspective view of the main wall of the hood assembly of the [Fig. la] and of the actuator of the locking device of the [Fig. la] formed on the main wall, the locking device comprising two springs shown in a decompressed state;

[0025] [Fig. 10b] is a schematic front view of the outer face of the main wall showing the actuation rib extending through the light of the main wall in a closed position of the locking device and the U-shaped bore;

[0026] [Fig.lia] is a schematic longitudinal and vertical cross-sectional view of the hood assembly of [Fig. la] showing the locking member during its insertion into the U-shaped bore of the main wall;

[0027] [Fig. 11b] is a schematic front view of the outer face of the main wall and cover, showing the actuating rib extending through the light and the complementary light of the main wall and cover, the actuating rib being in a closed position of the locking device;

[0028] [Fig. 12a] is a schematic longitudinal and vertical cross-sectional view of the hood assembly of [Fig. la] showing the locking member during its insertion into the U-shaped bore of the main wall;

[0029] [Fig. 12b] is a schematic front view of the outer face of the main wall and cover, showing the actuating rib extending through the light and the complementary light of the main wall and cover, the actuating rib being in an open position of the locking device;

[0030] [Fig. 13a] is a schematic longitudinal and vertical cross-sectional view of the hood assembly of [Fig. la] showing the locking member locked in position by the actuator in the U-shaped bore of the main wall;

[0031] [Fig. 13b] is a schematic front view of the outer face of the main wall and cover, showing the actuation rib extending through the opening and the complementary light from the main wall and the cover, the actuating rib being in the closed position of the locking device. Detailed description of the invention

[0032] In the description that follows, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numerals.

[0033] Figures 1a and 1b illustrate a hood assembly 10 consisting of a main wall 12 and a cover 12 which are able to cooperate with each other and locked in position relative to each other by means of a locking device 16 of the hood assembly 10.

[0034] More precisely, the locking device 16 is configured to lock the cover 14 in position on the main wall 12.

[0035] By way of non-limiting example, the hood assembly 10 is here constituting an electrical meter installation 200 whose main wall 12 can form a hood of the electrical meter and the cover 14 can be a terminal cover of this electrical meter hood, arranged at least in part to cover the main wall 12.

[0036] The hood assembly 10 is thus configured to isolate, at least visually, the electrical meter installation 200 from the external environment.

[0037] In the following description, it should therefore be considered that the main wall 12 and the cover 14 are represented in a reduced and purely schematic manner. Thus, the representation of the main wall 12 and the cover 14 in the figures does not constitute a defined and exclusive form of them. Furthermore, Figures 2 to 13b of this application identify a portion of the main wall 12 and a portion of the cover 14 at which the locking device 16 secures them together.

[0038] Thus, the main wall 12 and the cover 14 represented as plates in the shape of a quadrilateral are provided only as a purely indicative and non-limiting illustration.

[0039] It should also be considered that initially the description will focus on detailing the main wall, the cover and the locking device separately, and then subsequently their cooperation with each other will be the subject of a detailed description.

[0040] In relation to the example in Figures 2 to 7, the locking device 16 of the hood assembly 10 includes at least one actuator 18 and a locking member 20.

[0041] As particularly visible in figures 2 to 5, the actuator 18 of the locking device 16 comprises at least one actuating rib 22 and at least one elastically deformable member 24, linked in translation to each other.

[0042] In the illustrated and non-limiting example, the elastically deformable member is a flat spring 24.

[0043] As seen in figures 2, 4 and 5, the actuation rib 22 projects from a blade 26 which itself extends along a main longitudinal elongation axis Al L between a first longitudinal end 26a and a second longitudinal end 26b.

[0044] The blade 26 here has the shape of a quadrilateral of which two lateral sides 28a, 28b are defined which extend longitudinally between the first longitudinal end 26a and the second longitudinal end 26b of the blade 26.

[0045] As seen in [Fig.2], a retaining arm 30 extends from one of the transverse sides 28a, 28b of the blade 26, here the second transverse side 28b, and along an axis perpendicular to the main elongation axis Al of the blade 26.

[0046] As seen in [Fig.2], the spring 24 of the actuator 18 extends from the retaining arm 30.

[0047] It is therefore understood that the blade 26 carrying the actuating rib 22 and the spring 24 are joined together via the retaining arm 30.

[0048] A compression axis Cl of the spring 24 is defined, along which the spring 24 can switch between a maximum compression state visible in [Fig.3] and a maximum decompression state, visible in [Fig.2].

[0049] The compression axis Cl of the spring 24 is here parallel to the main extension axis Al of the blade 26.

[0050] Thus, the blade 26 carrying the actuating rib 22 and the spring 24 are fixed together in such a way that the displacement of the spring 24 between its compression state and its decompression state along its compression axis Cl causes the displacement of the blade 26 along its main extension axis Al, as seen in figures 2 and 3.

[0051] It is further understood that the blade 26, the retaining arm 30 and the spring 24 extend in a common plane PI, visible in [Fig.2], which is defined as longitudinal L and transverse T, and the actuation rib 22 extends in a principal plane orthogonal to this common plane PI, as seen in [Fig.4].

[0052] The main wall 12 of the hood assembly 10 includes a flat base 32 which is defined as extending in a main longitudinal plane L and transverse plane T of the base 32.

[0053] Here, the longitudinal axis L is parallel to the main extension axis Al of the blade 26 and the compression axis Cl of the spring 24.

[0054] An inner face 34 and an outer face 36 of the base 32 of the main wall 12 are further defined, opposite each other along a vertical axis V of the base 32.

[0055] It should be noted that the notion of inside and outside is to be considered when the main wall 12 is used for example as a cover for an electric meter as illustrated in figures 1a and 1b, the outside face then being the face extending opposite the electric meter when the inside face constitutes a face invisible to the user, i.e. turned towards the electric meter under these same conditions.

[0056] As seen in [Fig.2], the actuator 18 is mounted against one of the faces of the main wall 12.

[0057] More specifically and considering the illustrated example, the actuator 18 is mounted against the inner face 34 of the base 32 of the main wall 12.

[0058] In particular, the spring 24 of the actuator 18 is attached to the base 32 via an elastic hinge 38.

[0059] The elastic hinge 38 extends in particular between the inner face 34 of the base 32 and an end of the spring 24 opposite along its compression axis Cl to the retaining arm 30.

[0060] The use and function of the elastic hinge 38 will be detailed later in the description, in particular when describing the method of assembling the hood assembly.

[0061] According to another non-limiting example and visible in [Fig.10a], the actuator 18 may include two springs 24 which each extend from a separate retaining arm 30.

[0062] More precisely, a support arm 30 extends perpendicularly from each of the lateral sides 28a, 28b of the blade 26, being aligned along a transverse axis T.

[0063] Thus, each of the two springs 24 extends along a distinct compression axis, from one of the retaining arms 30 by being connected to the inner face 34 by an elastic hinge 38.

[0064] In the following description, it should be considered that the detailed characteristics apply to the hood assembly regardless of whether its actuator has one or two springs.

[0065] As can be seen in figures 4 and 5, the base 32 of the main wall 12 includes a through-hole 40.

[0066] The light 40 of the base 32 of the main wall 12 extends mainly along the main elongation axis Al of the blade 26 of the actuator 18 between a first edge 42a and a second edge 42b, opposite each other along the main elongation axis Al of the blade 26.

[0067] In the illustrated and non-limiting example, the first edge 42a of the light 40 has a rounded shape and the second edge 42b of the light 40 has a straight shape.

[0068] The base 32 of the main wall 12 also includes a through bore 44, distinct from the through light 40.

[0069] As seen in [Fig.5], the light 40 and the bore 44 are aligned along a longitudinal axis L of the main wall 12, parallel to the main elongation axis Al of the blade 26.

[0070] According to the example of the invention, the light 40 is dimensioned so that it is crossed at least in part by the actuation rib 22 projecting from the blade 26 of the actuator 18.

[0071] In other words, the actuation rib 22 of the actuator 18 extends through the light 40 formed in the base 32 of the main wall 12.

[0072] More precisely, the actuation rib 22 and the slot 40 are configured to allow translational movement of the actuation rib 22 through the slot 40 according to the compression and decompression state of the spring 24 mentioned previously.

[0073] It is understood from the above that the movement of the actuating rib 22 through the light 40 of the base 32 takes place along the main elongation axis Al of the blade 26 of the actuator 18.

[0074] A position of the actuation rib 22 is then defined between a closed position of the locking device 16, visible in figures 2, 4 and 11b, when the spring 24 is in its decompression state visible in [Fig.2] and an open position of the locking device 16, visible in [Fig.12b], when the spring 24 is in its compression state visible in [Fig.3].

[0075] It should be considered that the closed position of the locking device 16 corresponds to a neutral position in which the actuator 18 and more particularly the spring 24 is not subjected to any external stress.

[0076] As illustrated in [Fig.10b], in the closed position of the locking device 16, the actuating rib 22 extends to a non-zero longitudinal distance from the first edge 42a and the second edge 42b of the light 40.

[0077] In the open position of the locking device 16 visible in figures 12a and 12b, the actuating rib 22 extends substantially in longitudinal support against the second edge 42b of the opening 40, thus forming a stop edge.

[0078] As seen in [Fig.5], lateral orifices 43 extend transversely on either side of the light 40 formed in the base 32.

[0079] The function of the lateral ports 43 will be detailed later in the detailed description.

[0080] According to the example illustrated and particularly visible in [Fig.5], the bore 44 of the base 32 of the main wall 12 has a U-shaped form.

[0081] In accordance with the illustrated example of the bore 44, two branches 46a, 46b of the U shape are defined, connected to each other by a base 48 of the U shape, and defining the U shape of the bore 44.

[0082] As seen in [Fig.2], in the decompression state of the spring 24, corresponding to the position of the actuating rib in which the locking device is in its closed position, the blade 26 carrying the actuating rib is dimensioned so that it extends over the opening formed in the base 32 of the main wall 12 and partly over the bore 44.

[0083] More precisely and in accordance with the illustrated example in [Fig.2], in the decompression state of the spring 24, the blade 26 is dimensioned so that it only covers at least in part the arms 46a, 46b of the U-shaped bore 44.

[0084] Furthermore, in the compressed state of the spring 24, visible in [Fig.3], corresponding to the position of the actuation rib in which the locking device is in its open position, the blade 26 is dimensioned so that it extends over the light and so that the bore 44 is fully uncovered by the blade 26.

[0085] Thus it is understood that in the state of compression and decompression of the spring 24 of the actuator 18, the base 48 of the U-shaped form is uncovered of the blade 26 of the actuator 18.

[0086] Furthermore, the bore 44 and in particular the arms 46a, 46b of its U-shape are positioned and dimensioned in such a way that the more the spring 24 is compressed along its compression axis Cl, the more the arms 46a, 46b of the U-shape of the bore 44 are exposed from the blade 26.

[0087] Here, in the state of maximum compression of the spring 24, visible in [Fig.3], the arms 46a, 46b of the U-shaped bore 44 are completely uncovered from the blade 26.

[0088] The function of the bore 44 will be detailed later in the detailed description.

[0089] As can be seen in figures 2 and 3, the base 32 of the main wall 12 includes retaining elements 50 in position of the actuator 18 relative to the main wall 12.

[0090] More precisely, the retaining members 50 are configured to hold the actuator 18 in overlap of the inner face 34 of the base 32 of the main wall 12 as described above.

[0091] As seen in figures 2 and 3, the retaining members 50 extend vertically from the inner face 34 of the base 32.

[0092] The retaining members 50 also extend along the longitudinal axis L of the base 32 of the main wall 12.

[0093] The retaining members 50 each comprise a tab 52 at the end of which extends a raised thickness 54 configured to lock the actuator 18 in position against the inner face 34.

[0094] It is understood in particular that the retaining members 50 are configured in such a way that the actuator 18 is engaged between the inner face 34 of the base 32 and the overthickness 54 of the retaining members 50.

[0095] The overthicknesses 54 of the retaining members 50 each form in particular a shoulder turned towards the inner face 34 of the base 32 of the main wall 12 and configured to form a vertical stop of the actuator 18 engaged in the retaining members 50.

[0096] According to the illustrated example in Figures 2 and 3, two pairs of retaining members 50 extend on either side of the light 40 and the bore 44 formed in the base 32 of the main wall 12 and in such a way that they cooperate with the blade 26 of the actuator 18.

[0097] More precisely, at least a part of each lateral side 28a, 28b of the blade 26 is vertically engaged between the shoulders formed by the overthicknesses 54 of the retaining members 50 and the inner face 34 of the base 32 of the main wall 12.

[0098] Also, a retaining member 50 extends longitudinally along the spring 24 and so as to vertically block the spring 24 between the shoulder formed by the overthickness 54 of the retaining member 50 and the inner face 34 of the base 32.

[0099] It is then understood that the tab 52 of each of the retaining members 50 forms a means of locking the actuator 18 in a transverse position and that the shoulders formed by the overthicknesses 54 of the retaining members 50 form means of locking the actuator 18 in a vertical position, relative to the main wall 12.

[0100] Furthermore, and as can be seen in figures 2 and 3, the retaining members 50 are configured to allow translational movement of the actuator 18 relative to the main wall 12 according to the compression and decompression state of the spring 24 mentioned previously.

[0101] More precisely, the retaining members 50 arranged on either side of the light 40 and the bore 44 are arranged in such a way that they form longitudinal stops of the actuator 18 during its translational movement along the main elongation axis Al of the blade 26.

[0102] More precisely, the retaining members 50 extend in such a way that at least one of the retaining members 50 forms a longitudinal stop for maximum compression of the spring 24 as seen in [Fig.3] and at least one other retaining member 50 forms a longitudinal stop for maximum decompression of the spring 24 as seen in [Fig.2].

[0103] The retaining members 50 therefore form both means of locking the actuator 18 in transverse and vertical position relative to the base 32 of the main wall 12, while allowing and guiding the translational movement of the actuator 18 along the longitudinal axis L of the base 32 of the main wall 12 and the maximum compression and decompression of the spring(s) 24.

[0104] As seen in [Fig.6], the hood assembly 10 also includes the locking member 20 formed on the cover 14.

[0105] The locking member 20 extends in particular in projection from a contact face 56 of the cover 14, the contact face 56 being intended to be in contact with the outer face 36 of the main wall 12 in an assembly position of the cover assembly 10, as seen in [Fig.8].

[0106] It should be considered that the longitudinal L, transverse T and vertical V axes of the main wall 12 and the cover 14 are coincident when these are assembled via the locking device 16.

[0107] The locking member 20 herein comprises, but is not limited to, two vertical walls 58 which each extend in a distinct vertical plane V and longitudinal plane L, from the contact face 56 of the cover 14 and opposite each other along a transverse axis T.

[0108] Thus, the two vertical walls 58 extend at a non-zero distance from each other considering a transverse axis T of the lid 14.

[0109] The two vertical walls 58 are also connected to each other by a connecting wall 60 which extends from the contact face 56 of the cover 14, in a vertical plane V and transverse plane T.

[0110] It is then understood that the connecting wall 60 and the vertical walls 58 of the locking member 20 have a U-shaped arrangement in vertical projection on a longitudinal plane L and transverse plane T of the locking member 20.

[0111] Thus and according to the illustrated example, the locking member 20 and the bore 44 have a complementary U-shaped form in longitudinal section L and transverse section T.

[0112] Such a complementarity of form between the locking member 20 and the bore 44 allows the locking member 20 to be inserted into the main wall 12, at the level of the bore 44 along a vertical insertion direction DI V, visible in figures 11 to 13.

[0113] During such an insertion of the locking member 20, it is understood that the connecting wall 60 is inserted into the base 48 of the U-shaped bore 44 and that each of the vertical walls 58 is inserted into one of the arms 46a, 46b of the U-shaped bore 44.

[0114] As particularly visible in figures 6 and 7, each of the vertical walls 58 of the locking member 20 includes a guide slice 64 which extends in a plane secant to the longitudinal plane L and transverse plane T in which the cover 14 extends.

[0115] The guide slice 64 of each of the vertical walls 58 extends opposite the connecting wall 60, considering the longitudinal axis L.

[0116] In particular, an upper end 64a of each of the guide slices 64 and a lower end 64b of each of the guide slices 64 are defined, the upper ends 64a being the furthest from the cover 14.

[0117] More precisely and visibly in [Fig.7], each of the guide slices 64 extends so that a longitudinal dimension DL of each of the vertical walls 58 increases from its upper end 64a to its lower end 64b.

[0118] As seen in [Fig. 1a], the guide slices 64 are configured to come into contact with the first longitudinal end 26a of the blade 26 when the locking member 20 is inserted into the bore 44 along the insertion direction DI, when the locking device 16 is in its closed position, i.e. in the decompression state of the spring 24.

[0119] The guide slices 64 of the vertical walls 58 of the locking member 20 are thus inclined so that as the locking member 20 is inserted into the bore 44 along the insertion direction DI, the guide slices 64 form an inclined guide zone which will move the blade 26 transversely along its main extension axis Al, so that the spring 24 moves from its decompressed state to its compressed state.

[0120] As seen in figures 2, 3 and 1a, the first longitudinal end 26a of the blade 26 includes a longitudinal recess 66 delimiting a receiving area for the locking member 20.

[0121] More precisely, the recess 66 of the first longitudinal end 26a of the blade 26 is delimited at least by a beveled edge 68 intended to come into contact with the guide edges 64 of the vertical walls 58 of the locking member 20 when the latter is inserted into the bore 44.

[0122] Thus, and as can be seen in [Fig. 1a], the beveled edge 68 of the recess 66 of the first longitudinal end 26a of the blade 26 has an inclination along a plane intersecting the common plane in which the actuator 18 extends such that to present a complementary inclination with the inclined plane of the guide slices 64 of the vertical walls 58.

[0123] In other words, the beveled edge 68 of the first longitudinal end 26a of the blade 26 and the guide slices 64 extend in planes inclined parallel to each other.

[0124] This ensures a planar contact between the inclined edge 68 and the guide slices 64 so as to facilitate the translational movement of the blade 26 along its main extension axis Al and thus the compression of the spring 24.

[0125] As can be seen in figures 2 and 3, the recess 66 of the first longitudinal end 26a of the blade 26 is configured so that there remain lateral guide appendages 70 which extend longitudinally on either side of the beveled edge 68.

[0126] The lateral guide appendages 70 extend so as to laterally frame the vertical walls 58 of the locking member 20 during and after its insertion into the bore 44.

[0127] The lateral guide appendages 70 allow, among other things, to improve the stability of the position of the locking member 20 through the bore 44 by limiting the tilting effects.

[0128] As can be seen in figures 6 and 7, the vertical walls 58 each comprise a retaining slice 72 and a contact slice 74.

[0129] In particular, the contact edge 74 of each of the vertical walls 58 extends from the contact face 56 of the cover 14 and is then extended by the retaining edge 72, itself extended by the guide edge 64.

[0130] The contact edge 74 of each of the vertical walls 58 extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the guide edge 64.

[0131] It is then understood that the contact edge 74 extends in a plane of complementary inclination with the beveled edge 68 of the recess 66 of the first longitudinal end 26a of the blade 26, as mentioned previously.

[0132] The contact edge 74 of each of the vertical walls 58 is thus configured to form a longitudinal stop of the first longitudinal end 26a of the blade 26 when the cover 14 is assembled with the main wall 12 and the actuating rib 22 is in the closing position of the locking device 16, as seen in [Fig. 13a].

[0133] In other words, in the closed position of the locking device 16, when the spring 24 is in its maximum decompression state and the cover 14 is mounted on the main wall 12 as seen in [Fig. 13a], the beveled edge 68 of the first longitudinal end 26a of the blade 26 is in planar contact with the contact edge 74 of each of the vertical walls 58 of the locking member 20.

[0134] Furthermore, and as can be seen in [Fig.7], the retaining slice 72 extends in a plane intersecting the planes of the guide slice 64 and the contact slice 74 and such that it forms a guide ramp of the beveled edge 68 of the first longitudinal end 26a of the blade 26, towards the contact slice 74.

[0135] In other words, the retaining slice 72 of each of the vertical walls 58 extends from the lower end 64b of the guide slice 64 towards the contact slice 74 and in such a way that it generates a positive slope in a longitudinal plane L and vertical plane V of the locking member 20 from the lower end 64b towards the contact slice 74.

[0136] Thus, during the insertion of the locking member 20 into the bore 44, when the guide slices 64 of the vertical walls 58 have moved the actuating rib 22 into the opening position of the locking device as seen in figures 12a and 12b, the positive inclination of the retaining slice 72 makes it possible on the one hand to facilitate the elastic return of the spring 24 so as to move the blade 26 carrying the actuating rib 22 into the closing position of the locking device, and on the other hand to improve the pressing of the cover 14 against the main wall 12.

[0137] In particular, the inclination of the retaining edge 72 allows the cover 14 to be moved automatically vertically towards the base 32 of the main wall during the elastic return of the spring 24 from its compressed position visible in [Fig. 12a] to its decompressed position visible in [Fig. 13a].

[0138] In other words, contact is ensured between the outer face 36 of the base 32 of the main wall 12 and the contact face 56 of the cover 14, as seen in [Fig. 13a],

[0139] It is then understood that when the locking device 16 is in its closed position with the locking member 20 inserted in the bore 44 as seen in figures 8, 13a and 13b, the blade 26 extends over the retaining edge 72 and so that its beveled edge 68 is in planar contact with the contact edge 74 of the vertical walls 58.

[0140] It is understood that when the beveled edge 68 of the first longitudinal end 26a of the blade 26 is in contact with the contact edge 74, the locking member 20 is locked vertically in position by the retaining edge 72 blocked by the blade 26.

[0141] As seen in [Fig.6], the cover 14 includes a complementary light 76 configured to extend opposite the light in the base of the main wall when the cover 14 is assembled with the main wall.

[0142] The complementary light 76 then includes a complementarity of form with the light 40.

[0143] It is then understood that when the cover 14 is assembled with the main wall, the actuation rib 22 also extends through the complementary light 76 so as to be accessible to a user.

[0144] The cover 14 further includes two lugs 78 projecting from the contact face 56 on either side of the complementary light 76 and in such a way that they cooperate with the lateral orifices 43 of the base 32 visible in [Fig.5].

[0145] The lugs 78 may then include a passage for a sealing device for the locking device, not shown here.

[0146] It should also be noted that the use of the sealing device is optional. Thus, where the use of a sealing device is not required, the hood assembly is devoid of side openings and tabs as described above.

[0147] As can be seen in figures 1a and 1b, the base 32 of the main wall 12 can be formed in a recess of the main wall 12 of complementary shape with the cover 14.

[0148] In other words, the reinforcement forming the base 32 of the main wall 12 allows the cover 14 to be received in such a way that their cooperation generates a flat surface, without any overthickness formed by the superposition of the cover 14.

[0149] A method for assembling the hood assembly 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 9 to 13b.

[0150] It should be considered that the assembly method is described with the hood assembly 10 whose actuator 18 includes two springs 24 but that the same assembly method applies to an actuator 18 including a single spring 24.

[0151] According to a preferred embodiment, the hood assembly 10 is obtained by an injection process.

[0152] Also, [Fig.9] illustrates the main wall 12 carrying the actuator 18 at the end of the injection operation in which the actuator 18 is in a raised position relative to the base 32 of the main wall 12.

[0153] In particular, the springs 24 are attached to the base 32 by means of the elastic hinges 38 described previously.

[0154] Thus, prior to the assembly of the hood assembly 10, a preparatory step is necessary.

[0155] More precisely, the preparatory step is carried out directly in the factory after the main wall 12 has been produced by injection.

[0156] The preparatory step consists in particular of pivoting the actuator 18 around a hinge axis C2, here transverse T, so as to move the actuator 18 against the base 32 of the main wall 12.

[0157] More precisely, during the preparatory step, the actuator 18 is pivoted so that the actuating rib 22 extends through the light 40 of the base 32 and the actuator 18 is locked in position against the base 32 by means of the retaining members 50, as described previously.

[0158] In other words, the preparatory step consists of clipping the actuator 18 against the base 32 of the main wall 12 by means of the retaining members 50.

[0159] At the end of the preparatory step, it is understood that the actuating rib 22 extends through the opening 40 in the closed position of the locking device 16 and that the springs 24 are in their decompression position, as seen in figures 10a and 10b.

[0160] Once the preparatory step has been carried out, a first step of the assembly process visible in [Fig.lia] is implemented during which a user inserts the locking member 20 carried by the cover 14 into the bore 44 of the base 32, by exerting a force along the insertion direction DI.

[0161] During this first step, the connecting wall is positioned opposite the base 48 of the U-shaped bore 44 and the vertical walls 58 are located opposite the arms of the U-shaped bore 44.

[0162] Also, the lugs 78 are positioned opposite the lateral openings 43.

[0163] It is understood from the above that when the locking member 20 is inserted into the bore 44, the guide slices 64 come into contact with the beveled edge 68 of the blade 26.

[0164] Thus, as the locking member 20 is inserted into the bore 44 along the insertion direction DI, as seen in [Fig. 1a], the blade 26 is moved along its main extension axis Al and so that the springs gradually compress along their respective compression axis.

[0165] As seen in [Fig. 12a], when the locking member 20 is inserted into the bore 44 so that the beveled edge 67 is at the level of the lower end 64b of the guide slice 64, the actuating rib 22 reaches the end of its stroke and is in the open position of the locking device 16, as seen in [Fig. 12b], and the springs are in their maximum compression state.

[0166] A second step of the process is implemented.

[0167] In particular, the second step consists of an automatic movement of the blade 26 when its beveled edge 68 exceeds the lower end 64b of the guide slice 64, so that the actuating rib 22 moves automatically into the closed position of the locking device 16, as seen in [Fig. 13a],

[0168] More precisely, under the effect of elastic return of the springs in their decompressed state and by means of the retaining slices 72 of the vertical walls 58 forming guide ramps of the beveled edge 68 of the blade 26, the actuating rib 22 moves automatically into the closing position of the locking device 16.

[0169] In other words, when the locking member 20 is inserted into the bore 44 such that the beveled edge 68 of the blade 26 exceeds the lower end 64b of the guide slices 24, the inclination of the retaining slices 72 combined with the elastic return effect of the springs 24 towards their decompression state automatically brings the actuating rib 22 into the closed state of the locking device 16 by sliding the beveled edge 68 against the retaining slices 72.

[0170] As mentioned previously, during the second step, the contact face 56 of the cover 14 is pressed against the outer face 36 of the base 32 of the main wall 12.

[0171] It is understood that at the end of the second step the beveled edge 68 translates along the retaining edge 72 until it comes into planar contact with the contact edge 74, and as seen in [Fig. 13a].

[0172] At the end of the second step and as can be seen in figures 13a and 13b, the actuating rib 22 is in the closed position of the locking device 16 such that the blade 26, whose beveled edge 68 is in contact with the contact edge 74, holds the locking member 20 in the bore 44 by forming a vertical stop of the retaining edges 72.

[0173] In other words, at the end of the second step the cover 14 is locked in position on the main wall 12 by means of the locking device 16 in its closed position.

[0174] In the event that the user wishes to unlock the locking device 16 in order to detach the cover 14 from the main wall 12, for example for a maintenance operation of the electric meter installation, a third step can be implemented.

[0175] During the third step, the user moves the actuating rib 22 against the second edge 42b of the light 40, as seen in [Fig. 12b], so as to compress the springs and position the locking device 16 in its open position.

[0176] It is understood that at the end of the third step, the blade 26 is moved in translation along its main elongation axis Al and in such a way that the beveled edge 68 moves away longitudinally from the contact edge 74.

[0177] Thus and as can be seen in [Fig. 12a], at the end of the third step the locking device 16 is in its open position and the retaining edge 72 is uncovered from the blade 26.

[0178] In this way, at the end of the third step the user can freely remove the cover 14 in a withdrawal direction DR, opposite to the insertion direction DI, while continuing to maintain the actuating rib 22 in the unlocked state of the locking device 16.

[0179] Once the locking member 20 has been removed from the bore 44, the user can release the actuating rib 22 so that the elastic return of the springs 24 brings the actuating rib 22 back into the closed position of the locking device 16 and the decompression of the springs, as seen in figures 10a and 10b.

[0180] It is understood that at the end of the fourth step, the user can reimplement the second step of the process, for example to reposition the cover 14 on the main wall 12 after his maintenance operation of the electric meter installation.

[0181] The invention, as described above, takes advantage of this by allowing a lid to be easily attached to a main wall without the need for a third part such as a screw, while also allowing for at least partially automatic attachment and removal. Furthermore, the invention allows a lid to be attached and removed from a main wall without the need for tools such as, for example, a screwdriver.

[0182] Moreover, the invention as just described is advantageous in that it allows two parts obtained by plastic injection to be joined together without requiring a third part and the assembly and disassembly process can be carried out with one hand by a user.

Claims

Demands

1. A hood assembly (10) comprising a main wall (12) and a cover (14) capable of cooperating with each other, the hood assembly (10) comprising a locking device (16) configured to lock the cover (14) in position on the main wall (12), the locking device (16) comprising at least: - An actuator (18) on the main wall (12) and comprising at least one actuating rib (22) and at least one elastically deformable member (24) linked in translation to each other, the actuating rib (22) extending through a through-hole (40) formed in the main wall (12), and the actuator (18) being movable in translation relative to the main wall (12) such that the actuating rib (22) moves through the hole (40) between a closed position of the locking device (16) in which the elastically deformable organ (24) is in a state of decompression,and an open position of the locking device (16) in which the elastically deformable member (24) is in a state of compression, - A locking member (20) projecting from the cover (14) and configured at least to lock said cover (14) in position relative to the main wall (12) when the actuating rib (22) of the actuator (18) is in the closed position of the locking device (16).

2. Hood assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuator (18) comprises a blade (26) from which the actuating rib (22) projects, the blade (26) being integral with the elastically deformable member (24) by at least one retaining arm (30) extending transversely from the blade (26), the spring being integral with the retaining arm (30).

3. A hood assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two retaining members (50) extend outward from the main wall (12) and in such a way as to lock the actuator (18) in position against the main wall (12) and in such a way as to allow translational movement of the actuator (18) relative to the main wall (12).

4. Hood assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main wall (12) includes a through bore (44) configured to receive the locking member (20).

5. Hood assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking member (20) comprises at least one guide slice (64) extending in a plane intersecting a common plane (PI) of the actuator (18), the at least one guide slice (64) being configured to move the actuating rib (22) from the closed position of the locking device (16) to the open position of the locking device (16) when the locking member (20) is inserted into the bore (44).

6. Hood assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking member (20) comprises at least one retaining slice (72) configured to automatically move the actuating rib (22) from the open position of the locking device (16) to the closed position of the locking device (16) when the locking member (20) is inserted into the bore (44), so as to lock the cover (14) in position relative to the main wall (12).

7. Hood assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein the blade (26) comprises a beveled edge (68) configured to be in planar contact with at least one guide slice (64) of the locking member (20) when the locking member (20) is inserted into the bore (44).

8. Hood assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking member (20) comprises at least one contact slice (74) configured to be in planar contact with the beveled edge (68) of the blade (26) when the locking member (20) is inserted into the bore (44) and the actuating rib (22) is in the closed position of the locking device (16).

9. Hood assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (14) comprises a light complementary (76) configured to extend in relation to the light (40) of the main wall (12) when the cover (14) is assembled on the main wall (12) and so that the actuating rib (22) extends through the complementary light (76).

10. Hood assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (18) is mounted pivotally relative to the main wall (12) by means of at least one elastic hinge (38) extending between at least one elastically deformable member (24) and the main wall (12), and such that the actuator (18) is able to pivot about a hinge axis (C2) relative to the main wall (12).

11. Hood assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (18) is one piece with the main wall (12) and the locking member (20) is one piece with the cover (14).

12. Hood assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, obtained by a plastic injection process.

13. Electric meter installation (200) comprising an electric meter is at least one cover assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images