Interface of a multi-axis electrical equipment

Abstract

Interface of a multi-axis electrical apparatus One aspect of the invention relates to an interface of an electrical apparatus comprising a support (1) including a groove extending along a first axis (Y), a motion transmitter (2) mounted on the support (1) movable in translation along the groove (130), and including at least one rotating part (25) about a second axis (Z), a gripping button (3) including a sliding part (313) in translation by sliding in the groove (130, 123) and at least one rotating gripping part (30) having a rotational connection with respect to the support (1) about itself about an axis parallel or identical to the second axis (Z), driving at least the rotating part (25) in rotation about the second axis (Z).The apparatus further includes a translation sensor (4) of the motion transmitter (2) along the first axis (Y) and a rotation sensor (5) of its rotating part of the motion transmitter (2) along the second axis (Y). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1a.

Description

Title of the invention: Interface for a multi-axis electrical device. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of the user interface of an electrical switch and / or dimmer of a home automation device to control a home automation load.

[0002] The present invention relates to a user interface of a home automation device and a home automation device comprising such an interface. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Various types of user interfaces are known, including those of home automation electrical switches and those of home automation electrical dimmers.

[0004] A known type of different types of user interfaces for home automation electrical switches, including the push button which can be "push-push" or "push-down" and the toggle switch, each of which allows a bistable state change function to be performed, by opening or closing a circuit, each time it is activated.

[0005] Another known type is the rotary button used to select different predefined states of a device controlled by home automation equipment. This type of button is similar to dimmer switches.

[0006] A known type of user interface for electrical dimmers includes rotary knobs, sliding knobs, push buttons with time-delay counting, and touch interfaces, each of which allows the user to perform a function of adjusting a device, for example, to change the temperature, brightness, etc., according to a value chosen by the user. Rotary knobs or sliding knobs are more ergonomically advantageous than push buttons with time-delay counting because the variation can be too slow or too fast depending on the user.

[0007] There is a need to have user interfaces that allow for several variations of one or more different devices.

[0008] One known possibility is to use different buttons (rotary or sliding) on ​​a single home automation device, each allowing one of the variation functions to be performed. However, these interfaces have ergonomic problems due to the small space between the different buttons or because the device is too bulky.

[0009] One of the interfaces allowing two variations to be implemented and the use of a touch interface which can be a touchpad or a touch screen.

[0010] The use of a touchpad allows for at least two functions of variation of one or more devices, for example, according to the direction of movement or according to a preset. However, the touchpad interface requires complex electronics, may be considered less ergonomic for some users, may be more sensitive to temperature variations, and may be considered too bulky and expensive.

[0011] Touchscreen interfaces can be home automation screens that allow both the selection of states and variations of one or more devices while displaying control information for the device(s) to the user. However, these screens have the same drawbacks as touchscreen interfaces and are even more expensive due to the screen size.

[0012] There is therefore a need for user interfaces that allow for several variations of one or more different devices in a less bulky, less expensive and more ergonomic way than the different interfaces described previously. Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention offers a solution to at least one of the problems mentioned above, by allowing to send with a single button a first type of information by translating the button along a translation axis and a second type of information by rotating it along an axis perpendicular to the translation axis.

[0014] One aspect of the invention relates to an interface of electrical equipment comprising: • a support comprising an inner face, an outer face opposite the inner face, and at least one groove on the outer face extending along a first axis, • a motion transmitter mounted on the support on the inner face side, movable in translation along the first axis along the groove, and comprising at least one part rotating about a second axis movable about the first axis and perpendicular to the first axis, • a gripping button on the outer face of the support, driving the motion transmitter in translation along the first axis, comprising: • a maximum width, measured along the first axis, • a sliding part forming a link in translation along the first axis with the support by sliding in the groove along a displacement length greater than at least twice the value of the maximum width of the grip button, and • at least one rotating gripping part having a rotational connection relative to the support along an axis parallel or identical to the second axis, driving at least the rotating part in rotation along the second axis, • a translation sensor of the motion transmitter along the first axis, intended to send initial variable position information from the motion transmitter to an electronic unit of the electrical equipment, • a rotation sensor of the rotating part of the motion transmitter along the second axis, intended to send a second information of displacement / angular position of the rotating gripping part via the detection of the rotation of the motion transmitter, to the electronic unit of the electrical equipment.

[0015] Thanks to the invention, the button can send several types of information by translating or rotating it. The motion transmitter can be driven in translation and rotation by the button and transmit this translation and rotation information to a translation sensor and a rotation sensor. Thus, with such a button, it is possible, for example, to: • change the color of a light device, for example a light bulb in a lamp, by turning or sliding the knob, and vary the brightness of the light device by sliding or turning the knob respectively; • Change the airflow speed by turning or sliding the knob and vary the air conditioning power (temperature) by sliding or turning the knob respectively; • Change the orientation of the slats of a shutter / blind, by turning or sliding the knob and choose the vertical position of the first slat (closed, 25% open etc...) by respectively sliding or turning the knob.

[0016] In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the interface of an electrical device according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among the following, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations: • According to one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the rotating gripping part is identical to the second axis of the rotating part. The two parts thus rotate about themselves around the same axis of rotation. • According to one embodiment, the rotating gripping part drives the rotating part of the motion transmitter in a homokinetic manner. According to one embodiment, the rotation sensor includes an optical encoder on the motion transmitter, the optical encoder being movable in translation relative to the support along the first axis. In one embodiment, the rotation sensor includes an optical encoder on the motion transmitter, the optical encoder being translationally movable relative to the support along the first axis. The fact that the optical sensor includes an optical encoder on the motion transmitter allows the rotating part to be used as a sliding part in a simple, efficient, and inexpensive manner. In one embodiment, the gripping button transmits rotational movement along the second axis and translational movement along the first axis relative to the support via magnetic fields passing through a wall of the support. This provides a simple and efficient system for transmitting translational and rotational motion. • According to one example of this embodiment, the outer face of the support is sealed, at least against dust, against the inner face of the support. In other words, the support has no visible opening between the outer and inner faces. This allows for a support with a sealed face, thus preventing currents between the inside of a partition in which the equipment is embedded and the outer face. Indeed, the use of a magnetic field has the advantage of transmitting movement through a partition. • In one example, the motion transmitter or the gripping button includes a permanent hard magnet block, and the gripping button or the gripping button includes a ferromagnetic block or magnet opposite and magnetized to the permanent hard magnet block. The magnet block produces the magnetic field that attracts the other block, whether it is a soft or hard ferromagnetic block (magnet). One block is attached to the rotating part, and the other block is attached to the rotating gripping part, thus allowing the button to transmit rotational and translational motion to the motion transmitter. It has been observed that two magnet blocks provide better motion transmission. To improve rotational transmission, each magnet block contains two magnets. In one embodiment, the support comprises: • A trim piece comprising a wall with an outer face and an inner face opposite the outer face, and a longitudinal groove running through the trim piece from its outer face to its inner face; and • a base fixed to and opposite the inner face of the trim piece, comprising a tunnel on the inner face of the support, the tunnel housing the motion transmitter. In this embodiment, the outer face of the trim piece and the bottom of the groove formed by the base together form the outer face of the support. This allows for easy replacement of the trim piece (also called the cover plate) and also facilitates the mounting of the grip button, making it fixed to the groove in the support formed by the base and the trim piece. • According to one example of this embodiment, the base comprises a groove including a bottom opposite the groove in the trim ring, and in which the sliding portion includes a part situated between the bottom and the inner face of the trim ring wall. This allows the trim ring to be used as a means of retaining the button, which moves along the second axis. For example, the sliding portion comprises: • a part located in a first rail formed between the base and the trim along the groove, • another part located in a second rail formed between the base and the trim along the groove opposite the first rail. According to one embodiment, the interface further includes a motion sensor for the displacement of the motion transmitter in translation along the second axis, in which: • The grip button also includes: • a movable pusher part that translates along the second axis relative to the support, comprising a part that abuts against the rotating gripping part in its rest position and • a spring mounted in a housing in the rotating gripping part, the housing being open axially on both sides along the second axis, the spring allowing the pusher part to be driven into the rest position, • The motion transmitter is mobile and driven in translation along the second axis relative to the support by the push-button part. This allows for the transmission of another type of information by using the button in translation along the second Z-axis relative to the support. Thus, the button has three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the support. According to an example of these last two embodiments, the displacement motion sensor is a switch linked in translation to the motion transmitter. The base includes a slot in the bottom of the groove, the bottom of which is a flexible, elastically deformable wall. The pusher part includes a projection comprising a portion within the slot, the bottom of which is a flexible, elastically deformable wall. When the pusher part is pushed in translation along the second axis, the projection pushes at least a portion of the motion transmitter in translation via the flexible, elastically deformable wall. This portion of the motion transmitter presses on the switch to change its state. This solution allows for a watertight external surface. In one embodiment, the device includes a light emitter that allows for color variation or variation in brightness to provide a first type of light feedback information on the outer face of the support, depending on the angular position of the rotating grip along its axis of rotation relative to the support, or on the translational position of the grip button along the first axis relative to the support. The first type of light feedback information for the user is thus a variation in color or brightness emitted by the emitter. This light feedback helps guide the user. For example, in the case of controlling a shutter with adjustable slats, the light intensity corresponds to the orientation of the slats (closed slat: less light, open slat: more light) as a function of rotation or translation. • According to an example of this embodiment, the light emitter allows the color and brightness power to be varied, enabling the emission of a second type of light feedback information on the external face of the support, the first type of information being according to the angular position along the second axis of the button relative to the support and the second type of information being according to the translational position of the gripping button along the first axis relative to the support.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention relates to electrical equipment comprising • an interface according to the first aspect of the invention, with or without one or more features of the embodiments described above, • an electronic unit for controlling a load comprising an electronic board mounted against the support receiving electrical signals from each sensor of the interface.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the apparatus, in which the interface includes at least the features of the last embodiment described above, in which the load intended to be controlled is a multi-color light emitter and in that the unit is configured to control the light emitter in color variation corresponding to a control of the color of the load and in power variation according to a power control of the load.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the apparatus, in which the interface comprises at least the features of the last embodiment described above, in which the load to be controlled is a multi-color light emitter and in that the type of the first light feedback information is according to the rotational control of the rotating gripping part and the type of the second light feedback information is according to the translational control of the gripping button

[0020] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention.

[0022] [Fig.la] shows a schematic diagram of an interface of an electrical equipment according to a first example of a first embodiment.

[0023] [Fig.lb] shows a schematic diagram of a top view of the interface of an electrical equipment according to the first example of the first embodiment.

[0024] [Fig.le] shows a schematic diagram of a part of the interface of an electrical device according to the first example of the first embodiment.

[0025] [Fig.2a] schematically shows a three-dimensional exploded view of a example of an interface of an electrical device according to the first embodiment.

[0026] [Fig.2b] schematically shows a three-dimensional view of the interface of a electrical equipment of the [Fig.2a].

[0027] [Fig.3] schematically represents a three-dimensional view of a base of a support for the interface of an electrical device of the [Fig.2a].

[0028] [Fig.4a] schematically represents a three-dimensional view of a rotating part of a motion transmitter of the interface of an electrical device of the [Fig.2a].

[0029] [Fig.4b] schematically represents a three-dimensional view of a body of the rotating part of the motion transmitter of [Fig.4a].

[0030] [Fig.4c] schematically represents a front view of a magnet of the transmitter movement of the [Fig.4a].

[0031] [Fig.5] schematically represents a three-dimensional view of a part of translation of the motion transmitter of the interface of an electrical device of the [Fig.2a].

[0032] [Fig.6a] schematically represents a three-dimensional view of a body of a rotating gripping part of a gripping button of the interface of an electrical device of the [Fig.2a].

[0033] [Fig. 6b] schematically represents a front view of a magnet of the part rotary gripping of the gripping button of the interface of an electrical device of the [Fig.2a]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention.

[0035] [Fig.la] shows a schematic diagram of an interface of an electrical equipment according to a first embodiment.

[0036] The interface of an electrical switchgear comprises a support 1 having an inner face li and an outer face le opposite the inner face li. The support 1 comprises at least one base 12 having the inner face li and at least one cover plate 13 having the outer face le. The cover plate 13 and the base 12 may be one piece or separate and fitted together. In the example shown, the cover plate 13 and the base 12 are fitted together. The inner face li of the base 12 may be like that of the base 12 of an interface of an electrical switchgear in a second example of this first embodiment shown in [Fig. 3].

[0037] The support 1 includes a groove 130, visible in [Fig. 1b], which schematically represents a view of the external face of the support 1. The groove 130 extends along a first axis Y, open on the face of the trim piece 13. The groove 130 may include a bottom or be an opening. The groove 130 includes as its bottom a portion of the external face of the base 12, which may include a corresponding groove comprising a bottom 124, formed by a wall of the base 12, as shown in [Fig. 2b] of the second example explained below.

[0038] The interface of an electrical device includes a motion transmitter 2 mounted on the support 1 on the side of the inner face li, movable in translation along The first Y-axis runs along groove 130. The base 12 of the support 1 may include, on the inner face li side, a tunnel 120 to receive and guide the motion transmitter 2 in translation. This motion transmitter 2 includes at least one rotating part 25 about a second Z-axis perpendicular to the first Y-axis. The rotating part 25 may be like that of a second example described later in relation to Figures 4a and 4b. The motion transmitter 2 rotates about itself around the second Z-axis passing through the center of the motion transmitter 2. The second Z-axis is therefore movable in translation about the first Y-axis during the positioning of the motion transmitter 2. In this example, the motion transmitter 2 slides along the Z-axis in the tunnel 120 on the inner face li side.

[0039] The interface of an electrical device further includes a gripping button 3 on the outer face of the support 1. The gripping button 3 is slidably mounted in the groove 130 along the first Y axis. The gripping button 3 therefore includes a sliding portion 313 forming a translational connection with the support 1, which slides in the groove 130 along the first axis to guide it in translation along the Y axis. For example, the cover plate 13 includes, on each longitudinal side of the groove 130, a rail 133, and the sliding portion 313 is coupled in the rail 133 to guide it in translation along the first Y axis and to retain the gripping button 3 in translation along the second Z axis outwards.

[0040] The gripping button 3 further comprises a rotating gripping portion 30 having a rotational connection with respect to the support 1 about itself along the second axis Z. The rotating gripping portion 30 is free to rotate in this example, with respect to the sliding portion 313, but can be rotationally fixed with respect to the sliding portion 313 as in the second example, shown in [Fig. 6a]. In these two examples, the rotating gripping portion 30 is translationally fixed with the sliding portion 313.

[0041] The gripping button 3 includes a maximum width A, measured along the first axis Y, in this case at the level of the sliding part 313. The stroke B of the gripping button 3 along the first axis Y is over a displacement length greater than at least twice the value A of the maximum width of the gripping button 3.

[0042] In this embodiment, the gripping button 3 and the motion transmitter 2 are magnetically coupled to each other in rotation and translation. The interface of an electrical device therefore comprises, in this example, at least one block of hard permanent magnet 26 fixed to the rotating part 25 or to the rotating gripping part 30 and at least one magnetic part which may be another block of hard magnet, a soft magnet, or a ferromagnetic part fixed to it. respectively to the rotating gripping part 30 and the rotating part 25. In this example, the motion transmitter 2 comprises a hard permanent magnet block 26 including two hard permanent magnets 26a, 26b shown in [Fig. 4c], mounted in a housing 256 of the rotating part 25 and rotationally fixed to the rotating part 25. The hard permanent magnet block 26 is, for example, glued or press-fitted into the housing 256. The rotating gripping part 30 includes a ferromagnetic block opposite the two hard permanent magnets 26a, 26b. Thus, the rotational coupling is achieved magnetically between each permanent magnet and the ferromagnetic block. The ferromagnetic block may include a groove opposite one of the hard permanent magnets 26a, 26b to improve the rotational transmission. This coupling allows for a hermetic support 1, which in particular prevents heat loss through air circulating in the partitions.

[0043] Thus the rotating gripping part 30 of the gripping button 3 drives homokinetically, by means of the magnetic field of the magnet block 26 and the ferromagnetic block, the rotating part 25 of the motion transmitter 2 in translation along the first axis Y and in rotation along the second axis Z.

[0044] The switchgear interface includes a translation sensor 4 of the motion transmitter 2 along the first Y-axis, intended to send a first variable position information I from the motion transmitter 2 to an electronic unit 9 of the electrical switchgear. For example, the translation sensor 4 is a potentiometer comprising a variable resistor electrically powered by a power supply of the electronic unit 9 and a slider 42 coupled to a translation portion 24 of the motion transmitter 2.

[0045] The translational part 24 is fixed in translation along the second Z-axis with the slider 42 of the translational sensor 4. In this example, the translational part 24 is free to rotate with the rotating part 25 of the motion transmitter 2 and includes a coupling element 242 coupled to the slider 42. Here, the coupling element 242 is a central shaft (with Z-axis) fixed to the slider 42, but perhaps, as in the second example shown in [Fig. 5], a notch receiving the slider 42. According to one embodiment, the shaft 242 is fixed to the rotating part 25 (they are mounted rotationally fixed to each other) and is free to rotate with the slider 42. The rotating part 25 and the translational part 24 are fixed to each other in translation along the first Y-axis. The second Z-axis thus passes through the center of the gripping button 3, of the motion transmitter 2 and cursor 42.

[0046] Thus, the potentiometer forming the translation sensor 4 has a resistance value depending on the position of the gripping button 3 in the groove 130 relative to the support 1, along the first Y axis. This allows the electronic unit 9 to interpret the positioning information of the grip button 3 in the groove 130.

[0047] The variable resistor 42 can be sector-variable or linear. The translation of the gripping button 3 along the Y-axis can also be in increments corresponding, for example, to the different sectors of the variable resistor.

[0048] The electrical equipment further includes, in addition to the interface and the translation sensor 4, a rotation sensor 5 of the rotating part 25 of the motion transmitter 2 along the second Y axis allowing a second information of displacement / angular position of the motion transmitter 2 and therefore of the gripping button 3, to the electronic unit 9 of the electrical equipment.

[0049] In this example, the rotation sensor 5 is an optical sensor whose operation is schematically represented in [Fig. 1e]. The rotation sensor 5 may include a light emitter 50 to emit light when powered by the electronic unit 9 and a light receiver 51 to convert the received light into an electrical signal transmitted to the electronic unit. In both examples, the rotation sensor 5 includes an optical encoder on the motion transmitter 2. The optical encoder includes, on the translational portion 24, an opaque ring 246 shown in hatching, closing the tunnel 120 by surrounding the rotational portion 25 of the motion transmitter 2. The opaque ring 246 includes a translucent inlet window 245 and a translucent outlet window 247, for example, two openings (i.e., transparent windows) to allow a light guide to pass through the rotating portion 25.The optical encoder includes, in the rotating part 25, light guides 251, each comprising a translucent entrance 250, which are angularly distributed, in this case five in number, evenly distributed around the circumference of the rotating part 25, also shown in [Fig. 4a]. Each light guide 251 has a conduit shape, having an internal volume that is more translucent from its entrance to its exit than its external surface, to facilitate the guidance of light within the light guide 251. The internal volume of each light guide 251 is, opposite its entrance 250, optically connected to a translucent center. The external surface of each wall of the light guides 251 is preferably opaque to reduce light loss. Thus, as shown in [Fig.[The] light emitted by the emitter 50 passes through a light guide 251 when the latter includes its inlet 250 opposite the inlet 245 of the opaque ring 246, then the light reaches the central part which diffuses the light into each light guide 251 and the light exits through the inlet 250 of the light guide 251 opposite the exit window 247 of the opaque ring 246. The light exiting the exit window 247 is detected by the receiver 51 sending an electrical signal to the electronic unit 9. When one of the windows of the opaque ring 246 is not in . With respect to an input 250 of the rotating part, the receiver 51 detects little or no light. Thus, the electronic unit can determine when the rotating gripping part 30 of the gripping button 3 is turned. For example, light guides are sufficiently different from one another to modify the light waves from the emitter in different ways, both in color and brightness (more or less translucent). Therefore, the receiver 51 can detect different light waves and transmit different signals depending on the light guides 251 through which the light transmitted by the emitter 50 passes. For example, electrical signals of low to high voltage amplitude depending on the received brightness. This makes it possible to detect the direction of rotation of the rotating gripping button 3 as well as its angular position.Thus the light guides 251 form a coded wheel of the sensor, allowing the electronic unit 9 to know an angular range of the rotary grip button 3.

[0050] The opaque ring 246 may further include an anti-rotation means relative to the support 1, for example a flat 249 against a surface of the tunnel 120 as in a second example of this first embodiment described in relation to Figures 2a to 6b.

[0051] Fig. 2a schematically shows a three-dimensional exploded view of an example of an interface of electrical equipment according to the second example of this first embodiment.

[0052] The second example is identical to the first example except with regard to the different characteristics described below.

[0053] In this second example, the gripping button 3 also includes a pusher portion 31 and a spring 32 mounted in a housing of the rotating gripping portion 30, open axially on both sides along the second axis Z. The spring 32 drives the pusher portion 31 into a rest position against an internal surface of an internal shoulder of the rotating gripping portion 30. The pusher portion 31 includes an external push-support portion 311 outside the rotating gripping portion 30 in the rest position and thus an internal portion within the rotating gripping portion 30 comprising a projection 310 opposite the external portion 311.

[0054] In this example, the support 1 includes a trim piece 13 fitted onto the base 12. The groove 130 therefore passes through a wall of the trim piece 13. The base 12 optionally includes a groove comprising a bottom 124, and a slot 121 which optionally does not pass through. The bottom 124 thus forms the bottom of the groove 130 and a longitudinal rail on each side to receive the sliding portion 313 of the grip button 3. The slot 121, in this example, includes a bottom which is an elastically deformable wall of the base 12. The projection 310 includes a portion within the slot 121 so that, in the event of pressure on the push portion 31, it deforms elastically the bottom of the slot 121. The base 12 includes an internal pusher surface 121i opposite the slot 121 which pushes the motion transmitter 2 in translation along the Z direction when the bottom is deformed by the projection 310.

[0055] In this example, as seen in [Fig.2b] representing a three-dimensional view of the interface of the equipment, the maximum width A is about three times smaller than the stroke length B.

[0056] The control gear interface further includes a switch 6, shown in an exploded diagram in [Fig. 2a], which detects a translational displacement of the motion transmitter 2 along the Z-axis caused by the deformation of the surface 121i of the slot 121, deformed by pressing the push button 3 along the Z-axis towards the trim ring 13. The switch 6 transforms this detection into an electrical signal. In this example, the switch 6 is a push button, comprising: • two fixed tracks 61, 62 each electrically conductive, • an electrically conductive bridge 63, movable in translation along the second axis Z and • A spring 64 exerts a force on the bridge 63 towards and against a projection 240 of the translational portion 24, referenced in [Fig. 5]. The apparatus further includes a housing (not shown) against which the spring 64 exerts its force opposite the projection 240 to push the motion transmitter 2 into a rest position. In another example, the spring 64 is movable in translation and is positioned between the projection 240 and a fixed portion of the housing, and the projection 240 is fixed in translation along the first and second axes Y,Z with the bridge 63 to allow it to be moved towards the tracks when it is pushed in translation along the second axis Z.

[0057] In this case, switch 6 is normally open, and tracks 61 and 62 are thus located along the second Z-axis between the housing and the bridge 63. That is to say, in its rest position, in this example, bridge 63 is electrically disconnected from tracks 61 and 62, and when the push button 31 is pressed, a contact surface of bridge 63 makes electrical contact with tracks 61 and 62, closing switch 6. In this example, bridge 63 has a length along the first Y-axis corresponding to the translational displacement of the motion transmitter 2, and the projection 240 slides against a bearing surface of bridge 63 (opposite the contact surface). Of course, switch 6 can also be normally closed. In this case, tracks 61, 62 are located along the second Z axis between bridge 63 and support 1.According to another example, bridge 63 is mobile and fixed in translation by the projection 240 to the translation part. 24 along the two axes Y and Z and slides above tracks 61, 62 making contact with them when there is support along the second axis Z.

[0058] According to another example, the potentiometer 4 is movable in translation along the second axis Z and the switch 6 is mounted between the potentiometer 4 housing to change state when the potentiometer 4 is moved along the second axis Z. In this example, the translation portion 24 can therefore be without a projection 240.

[0059] The rotating gripping portion 30 and the sliding portion 313 are shown in [Fig. 6a]. In this example, the rotating gripping portion 30 is integral with the sliding portion 313 and is therefore fixed to the sliding portion 313 in translation and rotation. As shown, the sliding portion 313 comprises a plurality of teeth, each extending axially along the second Z-axis of the rotating gripping portion 30. In this case, the teeth are regularly distributed around the second Z-axis. Each tooth comprises a hook 3130 and a retaining surface 3136 opposite the hook 3130. According to another example, the sliding portion comprises a crown instead of hooks (the teeth are joined to each other) having an external diameter greater than the width of the groove 130 (measured perpendicular to the two Y and Z axes).

[0060] During the assembly of the teeth of the sliding part 313 in the groove 130, the teeth, having their hook abutting the wall of the trim 13, deform elastically and return to their initial shape by sliding their hook 3130 in the rail formed between the wall of the trim 13 and the base 12. Here the rail is formed between the bottom of the groove 124 of the base 12 and the wall of the trim 130. Thus, hooks 3130 are located between the inner surface of the trim 13 and an outer surface of the base 12, in particular between the bottom 124 of the groove of the base 12.When the rotating gripping part 30 rotates about its second Z axis, as in this example the sliding part 313 is rotationally fixed to the rotating gripping part 30, the teeth move in the rotating groove 130, such that they alternate to be situated in the rail formed between the inner surface of the trim 13 and the base 12, in particular between the bottom 124 of the groove in the base 12. This also allows the gripping button 3 to be held in translation along the second Z axis outwards.

[0061] In this example, the gripping button 3 comprises a magnet block 36, shown in [Fig. 6b], mounted against one end of the rotating gripping portion 30 and between the retaining surfaces 3136. The magnet block 36 is rotationally fixed to the rotating gripping portion 30. Here, the magnet block 36 is press-fitted between the retaining surfaces 3136 (but could, for example, be attached by gluing to a surface of the rotating gripping portion 30, for example, a radial surface forming the axial end of the rotating gripping portion 30 along the second Z-axis). The magnet block 36 has a washer-shaped magnet block 26 and also includes a first arc-shaped magnet 36a and a second arc-shaped magnet 36b. Having two magnets improves the rotational magnetic transmission between the rotating gripping part 30 and the rotating part 25 of the motion transmitter 2. At least the projection 310 of the pusher part 311 passes through the opening of the washer-shaped magnet block 26.

[0062] In particular, in this example, the translation sensor 4 is axially stopped along the second Z-axis between the housing and a wall 126 of the support 1 visible in [Fig. 3]. The support 1 further includes a second wall 125, higher along the second Z-axis than the first wall 126, to brace (prevent movement of) the translation sensor 4 in rotation about the second Z-axis.

[0063] In this example, the base 12 further comprises walls 122 framing the tunnel 120 with the first wall 126. The base 12 also comprises, in this example, two retaining walls 123 separated from each other by an opening 1230 (but could be a single retaining wall). Each retaining wall 123 extends from one wall 122 to the other retaining wall, covering the tunnel 120. In this example, the opening 1230 between the two retaining walls 123 is longer than, or corresponds to, the external diameter of the motion transmitter 2 for its insertion into the tunnel 120. If there is no opening 1230, the motion transmitter 2 can enter the tunnel 120 at one end before being closed by the transmitter 50 or the receiver 51.

[0064] The apparatus further includes, in addition to the interface, an electronic board (not shown) which, in this example, is positioned on the retaining walls 122 and against the support walls 123 so as to cover the tunnel 120. Preferably, the electronic board includes a projection housed in the opening 1230 to prevent light from escaping the tunnel 120 and to retain the motion transmitter 2 within the tunnel 120. Finally, the bridge 63 preferably covers the tunnel 120 between the two support walls 123 and the first wall 126 to prevent the light emitted by the transmitter 50 from escaping the tunnel 120. In the example of the bridge 63, which is movable in translation along two axes relative to the housing, the apparatus includes a cover to cover the tunnel 120.

[0065] Preferably, the base 12 of the support 1 includes a transparent light guide along the groove 130 or a light emitter along the groove 130 on the external side to provide outward light feedback, allowing the user to see a light signal corresponding to a load control by the equipment. For example, in the case of a light load, the light feedback is the same color as the light load and has an intensity that varies according to the light intensity of the light load. Furthermore, the push portion 31 of the grip button 3 can include an internal light guide so that its external part includes a transparent part that reflects the light back to the user.

[0066] According to another example not shown, the rotation sensor 5 is an angular position sensor comprising a rotary potentiometer mounted on the translation sensor 4. For example, the coupling element 242 is a shaft, as in the example of [Fig. 1a], fixed in rotation with the rotating part 25 and the wiper 42 of the rotary potentiometer. The potentiometer includes a base comprising the variable resistor, fixed in rotation and translation with the wiper of the translating potentiometer. The translating potentiometer may include, for example, a first and a second variable resistor, the first resistor being connected in series with the variable resistor of the rotary potentiometer. The terminals of the rotary potentiometer may be electrically coupled with two terminals in the wiper of the translating potentiometer.Thus, by comparing the first and second resistances of the translational potentiometer, the electronic unit can determine the angle of the rotating part of the grip button 3 along the second Y axis. The value of the second resistance allows the electronic unit to determine the position of the grip button 3 in the slide along the first Z axis (as in the examples described previously).

[0067] According to yet another example, the interface comprises a plurality of Hall effect sensors mounted along the tunnel 120 opposite the magnet block 26 to form both the translation sensor and the rotation sensor. Preferably, the magnet block 26 will comprise a plurality of magnets to improve the accuracy of the rotation angle.

[0068] According to another example, the interface comprises a plurality of LEDs and light sensors dispersed along the length of the slot 130 and in that the light sensors allow the translation and rotation of the rotating part to be determined, or only the translation of the translation part 24 when used in another tunnel separate from the tunnel 120. The light sensor has no brightness indicating the translational location of the translation part 24 relative to the housing.

[0069] According to another embodiment not shown, the transmission of motion from the gripping button 3 to the motion transmitter 2 in translation along the first Y-axis and in rotation along the second Z-axis is achieved using at least one first and second shaft, each comprising a first and second gear. In this example, the gripping button 3 comprises a gear in place of the hooks 3130, sliding in the first and second rails formed between the wall of the trim 13 and the base 12. The first gear of the first shaft and the first gear of the second shaft are respectively mounted in the first and second rails, coupled with the gear of the gripping button 3. The second gear of the first shaft and the second gear of the second shaft are respectively coupled with a toothed wheel formed by the rotating part 25. The shafts can be mounted in a slide along the first Y-axis of the housing to improve their translational guidance. In this example, the rotational transmission is not necessarily homokinetic between the gripping button 3 and the motion transmitter 2 (but it can be), but the translational movement along the first Y-axis is homokinetic between the gripping button 3 and the motion transmitter 2.

[0070] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing on different figures has a unique reference.

Claims

1. Demands Interface of an electrical device comprising: - a support (1) comprising an inner face, an outer face (le) opposite the inner face (li) and at least one groove (130) on the outer face (le) extending along a first axis (Y), - a motion transmitter (2) mounted on the support (1) on the side of the inner face (li), movable in translation along the first axis (Y) along the groove (130), and comprising at least one rotating part (25) about a second axis (Z) movable about the first axis (Y) and perpendicular to the first axis (Y), - a gripping button (3) on the outer face (le) of the support (1), driving the motion transmitter (2) in translation along the first axis (Y) in a homokinetic manner, comprising: • a maximum width (A), measured along the first axis (Y), • a sliding portion (313) forming a translational connection along the first axis (Y) with the support (1) by sliding in the groove (130, 123) over a displacement length (B) greater than at least twice the value of the maximum width (A) of the gripping button (3), and • at least one rotating gripping part (30) having a rotational connection with respect to the support (1) about itself along an axis parallel or identical to the second axis (Z), driving at least the rotating part (25) in rotation along the second axis (Z), - a translation sensor (4) of the motion transmitter (2) along the first axis (Y), intended to send a first variable position information from the motion transmitter (2) to an electronic unit of the electrical equipment, - a rotation sensor (5) of the rotating part of the motion transmitter (2) along the second axis (Z), intended to send a second information of displacement / angular position of the rotating gripping part (30) by means of the detection of the rotation of the motion transmitter (2), to the electronic unit of the electrical equipment.

2. Interface of an electrical apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the rotating gripping part (30) drives homokinetically the rotating part (25) of the motion transmitter (2).

3. Interface of an electrical apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation sensor (5) comprises an optical encoder on the motion transmitter (2), the optical encoder being movable in translation relative to the support (1) along the first axis (Z).

4. Interface of an electrical apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping button (3) transmits the rotational movement along the second axis (Z) and the translation along the first axis (Y) relative to the support (1) by magnetic fields passing through a wall of the support (1).

5. Interface of an electrical apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the motion transmitter (2) or the gripping button (3) comprises a permanent hard magnet block (26, 36) and respectively the gripping button (3) or the gripping button (3) comprises a ferromagnetic block or magnet (36, 30, 26) opposite and magnetized with the permanent hard magnet block (26, 36).

6. Interface of an electrical apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (1) comprises: - a cover plate (13) comprising a wall having an outer face and an inner face opposite the outer face (1), and the longitudinal groove (130) passing through the wall of the cover plate (13) from its outer face to its inner face, and - a base (12) integral with and opposite the inner face of the cover plate (13), comprising a tunnel (120) on the

7.

8.

9. inner face (li) of the support (1), the tunnel (120) housing the motion transmitter (2). Interface of an electrical apparatus according to claim 7, in which the base (12) includes a groove comprising a bottom (124) opposite the groove (130) of the trim (13), and in which the sliding part (313) includes a part situated between the bottom (124) and the inner face of the wall of the trim (13). An interface for an electrical device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a motion sensor for the displacement of the motion transmitter (2) in translation along the second axis (Z), wherein: - the gripping button (3) further comprises: • a push part (31) movable in translation along the second axis (Z) relative to the support (1), comprising a part abutting against the rotating gripping part (30) in the rest position and • a spring (32) mounted in a housing in the rotating gripping part (30), the housing being open axially on both sides along the second axis (Z), the spring enabling the pusher part (31) to be driven into the rest position, - the motion transmitter (2) being mobile and driven in translation along the second axis (Z) relative to the support (1) by the pusher part (31). Interface of an electrical device according to claim 7 and claim 8, wherein: - the displacement motion sensor is a switch (6) linked in translation to the motion transmitter (2), - the base (12) includes a slot (121) in the bottom (124) of the groove, comprising a bottom which is a flexible, elastically deformable wall, - the pusher part (31) includes a projection (310) comprising a portion in the slot (121) the bottom of which is a flexible, elastically deformable wall, - and when the pusher part (31) is pushed in translation along the second axis (Z), the projection (310) pushes in translation at least a part of the motion transmitter (2) through the elastically deformable flexible wall, the part of the motion transmitter (2) pressing on the switch (6) to change its state.

10. Interface of an electrical apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a light emitter allowing a variation of colour or a variation of brightness power to emit a first type of light feedback information on the side of the external face (le) of the support (1) according to the angular position of the rotating gripping part (30) along its axis of rotation relative to the support (1) or according to the translational position of the gripping button (3) along the first axis (Y) relative to the support (1).

11. Electrical apparatus comprising: - an interface according to any one of the preceding claims, - an electronic unit for controlling a load comprising an electronic board mounted against the support (1) receiving electrical signals from each sensor of the interface.

12. Electrical apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the interface is according to claim 10, wherein the load to be controlled is a multi-colour light emitter and wherein the unit is configured to control the light emitter in colour variation in accordance with a colour command of the load and in power variation according to a power command of the load.

Images