ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE

Abstract

The invention relates to a trim element (10) comprising: - a finishing plate (20) that delimits at least two access openings (22) to the functional parts of two separate electrical devices, and - means for fixing the finishing plate to said two electrical devices. According to the invention, at least a portion (50a) of said fixing means is loosely attached to the finishing plate.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrical equipment (power outlets, switches, etc.) to be installed in walls.

[0002] It relates more particularly to a trim element comprising a finishing plate which delimits at least two access openings to the functional parts of two separate electrical devices, fixed in two single-gang electrical boxes, and means of fixing the finishing plate to said two electrical devices.

[0003] The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the production of cladding elements to be added to electrical equipment mounted in a recessed manner in walls.

[0004] It also relates to an assembly comprising several electrical devices and a finishing plate as mentioned above. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] An electrical device generally includes a device mechanism (power outlet, switch, etc.) locked in a frame-shaped support, which includes means of fixing to an electrical box embedded in a wall or projecting from such a wall.

[0006] There are also electrical devices in which the support and the base of the device mechanism form a single molded piece.

[0007] To install two electrical devices side-by-side or superimposed on a wall, one can use either an elongated electrical box called a "multi-gang" box, or two round or square electrical boxes called "single-gang" boxes.

[0008] For aesthetic reasons, a single cover element is used in all cases, generally in the form of a plate covering both electrical devices. This plate then has two openings providing access to the functional parts of the two mechanisms (plug socket, switch control button, etc.).

[0009] When an installer wants to use two single-gang electrical boxes, they must be installed carefully, with a very precise center-to-center distance (typically exactly 71 millimeters). Since this installation is always difficult to achieve, a misalignment between the two boxes is generally observed.

[0010] However, the cover plate is designed to be attached to both electrical equipment supports. Due to the offset between the equipment mounted in the two electrical boxes, installing this cover plate is either no longer possible, or possible only with force, which generates significant mechanical stress that could lead to the failure of the fasteners securing the cover plate to the two electrical equipment supports.

[0011] Also noteworthy is document FR2986669, which discloses a multi-gang electrical enclosure comprising a mounting plate and a cover that define a housing for electrical equipment of varying thicknesses. Other relevant examples are found in documents EP1860748A1, FR2844106A1, and WO2013 / 182819A1. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the prior art, the present invention proposes to offer the fastening means a little play, so that they can simultaneously be fixed to the two supports of electrical equipment even when these are slightly misaligned.

[0013] More specifically, the invention proposes a dressing element as defined in claim 1.

[0014] Thus, thanks to the invention, if the single-gang boxes and the electrical equipment installed therein are slightly misaligned, said part of the fixing means will be able to compensate for this assembly defect, so that the cover element can be fixed without constraint.

[0015] This makes installation easier and reduces the risk of breakage of the cladding element.

[0016] Therefore, the cover element can be positioned on electrical equipment supports installed in the same multi-gang box as well as on electrical equipment supports installed in separate single-gang boxes.

[0017] Other advantageous and non-limiting features of the trim element according to the invention are defined in claims 2 to 12.

[0018] The invention also relates to an electrical assembly as defined in claim 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PROJECT EXAMPLE

[0019] The description that follows, with regard to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

[0020] Regarding the attached drawings: there figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cladding element according to the invention and of electrical equipment ready to receive this cladding element; the figure 2 is a schematic, partially exploded perspective view of the cladding element of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 is a schematic rear perspective view of one of the floating collars of the trim element of the figure 1 ; there figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along plane AA of the figure 1 ; there figure 5 is a detailed view of area V of the figure 4 ; there figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the electrical equipment of the figure 1 ; there figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the assembled floating collar of the figure 3 and electrical equipment of the figure 1 ; and the figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cladding element and electrical equipment of the figure 1 , in assembled position.

[0021] To install electrical equipment (such as a power outlet or switch) in or on a wall, an electrical box is generally used. To conceal the front edge of this box, a cover plate is also used, which surrounds a functional part of the electrical equipment (this functional part must remain accessible to the user).

[0022] To install two electrical devices in a superimposed or side-by-side position on the wall, a multi-gang box or two single-gang boxes can be used. However, only one cover plate is always used to frame the functional parts of both electrical devices.

[0023] On the figure 1 We have represented such a cladding element 10. We have also represented one of the two electrical devices 60 which this cladding element 10 is intended to cover.

[0024] In the description, the terms "front" and "back" will be used in relation to the direction of the user's gaze towards the wall on which this cladding element 10 is attached. For example, when the wall is a partition wall of a room, the front of an element will designate the side of that element which is turned towards the inside of the room and the back of that element will designate the side which is turned towards the outside of the room.

[0025] The present invention relates more specifically to the casing element 10. The architecture of the electrical switchgear 60 will only be briefly described at the end of this presentation. It should only be noted at this stage that such electrical switchgear 60 comprises a switchgear mechanism 80 and a switchgear support 70.

[0026] As shown by figures 1 et 2 , the trim element 10 mainly comprises an elongated finishing plate 20, which here delimits two access openings 22 intended to allow access to the functional parts of the two electrical devices 60.

[0027] The finishing plate 20 here more specifically presents a flat, rectangular front wall 21, in which access openings 22 are provided and which is bordered externally by a peripheral rim 24.

[0028] As shown by figure 1 , this front wall 21 extends in a plane P1 defined by two axes X, Y, so that it extends orthogonally to a third axis Z (the axes X, Y, Z defining an orthonormal frame).

[0029] The peripheral rim 24 extends rearward relative to the front wall 21, in such a way that its edge can be applied against the wall.

[0030] The two access openings 22 are square in shape here. Alternatively, they could have different shapes.

[0031] As shown by figure 2 , the trim element 10 also includes means for fixing 50 the finishing plate 20 to the equipment supports 70 of the two electrical equipment 60.

[0032] A first part 50A of the fixing means 50 is more specifically intended to be fixed to a first equipment support 70, while a second part 50B of the fixing means 50 is intended to be fixed to the second equipment support 70.

[0033] These fixing means 50 are designed to be able to be fixed simultaneously on the two equipment supports 70 of the electrical equipment 60, whether the latter are placed in a multi-gang electrical box with a very precise center distance or whether they are placed in separate single-gang electrical boxes with a more random center distance and with a possible axial offset.

[0034] For this purpose, according to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the first part 50A of the fastening means 50 is secured with some play to the finishing plate 20.

[0035] One might expect the second part of the fasteners to be fixed rigidly to the finishing plate (without play). However, here, each part 50A, 50B of the fasteners 50 is designed to be fixed to the finishing plate 20 with some play, independently. In this way, the overall play available to the fasteners 50 is greater.

[0036] To better understand the invention, one can look more closely at the embodiment shown in the figures.

[0037] As shown by figure 2 In this embodiment, the finishing plate 20 is equipped with two pieces, hereinafter referred to as "floating collars 40", which are respectively attached to the edges of its two access openings 22, with play.

[0038] Each floating collar 40 has a square shape to border the entire corresponding access opening. Alternatively, it could have a different shape, for example a U-shape, in which case it would only border the access opening 22 along part of its perimeter.

[0039] As the figures 3 à 5 , each floating collar 40 has a frame 43 whose front edge is folded outwards to form a front peripheral rim 42 adapted to rest against the front face of the front wall 21 of the finishing plate 20.

[0040] This peripheral front rim 42 tapers outwards here, so as to present an aesthetically pleasing shape. For the same reason, it can be a particular color and made of a particular material, in order to be highlighted.

[0041] The frame 43 of the floating collar 40 is designed to be interposed between the functional part of the electrical equipment 60 and the edge of the corresponding access opening 22 of the finishing plate 20.

[0042] It is slightly smaller than the access opening 22, to provide the desired operating clearance. This allows the floating collar 40 to border the functional part of the electrical equipment 60 even if the latter is not perfectly centered and oriented within the access opening 22 of the cover plate.

[0043] We can clearly see the figure 5 that the external face 43A of the frame 43 is not in contact with the edge 22A of the corresponding access opening 22, due to this operating clearance.

[0044] Here, the access opening 22 is perfectly square, and the same is true for the frame 43. It is therefore clear that each floating collar 40 is mounted with some play on the finishing plate 20 along the two axes X and Y. This play is greater than one-tenth of a millimeter. Preferably, it is greater than five-tenths of a millimeter. Here, it is equal to one millimeter, but it could be greater.

[0045] Thus, when one side of the frame 43 is in contact with the corresponding edge of the access opening 22, the other side of the frame 43 is located at a distance from the corresponding edge of the access opening 22 which is equal to this clearance.

[0046] Therefore, each floating collar 40 is translationally mobile on the finishing plate 20 along the X axis and along the Y axis, with a reduced deflection, and it is also rotationally mobile around the Z axis, with a similarly reduced deflection.

[0047] The play of each floating collar 40 relative to the finishing plate 20 thus remains restricted, so as not to give the installer a feeling of poor assembly.

[0048] On the other hand, the play offered by the two floating collars 40 adds up, which makes it possible to compensate for the greater defect in center distance and misalignment of the two electrical devices 60 with respect to each other.

[0049] As shown by figure 3 , the frame 43 also has, projecting from its rear edge, notches 44 intended to hook onto the rear of the front wall 21 of the finishing plate 20, as well as several snap-on tabs 51 (which form said part 50A or 50B of the fastening means 50).

[0050] The notches 44 and the front peripheral rim 42 of each floating collar 40 are designed to pinch the edge of the corresponding access opening 22 of the finishing plate 20, i.e. to sandwich the front wall 21 of the finishing plate 20. A notch 44 is provided here on each side of the frame 43, so as to ensure a solid attachment of the floating collar 40 to the finishing plate 20.

[0051] The notches 44 are designed so as not to impede the mobility of the floating collar 40 relative to the finishing plate 20.

[0052] For this, as clearly shows the figure 5 , each notch 44 extends from the rear edge of the frame 43 and is folded outwards such that the distance separating the front face of each notch 44 from the rear face of the front peripheral rim 42 is very slightly greater than the thickness of the finishing plate 20.

[0053] As this also shows figure 5 , the rear face of each notch 44 is beveled outwards, so as to form a ramp 45 which allows the floating collar 40 to be mounted on the finishing plate 20 by snapping.

[0054] The front face of each notch 44 is, on the other hand, flat and extends in a plane parallel to that of the rear face of the front peripheral rim 42, so that it cannot be unclipped from the finishing plate 20 (except by exerting a very significant pulling force, using a tool).

[0055] As shown by figure 2 , each part 50A, 50B of the fastening means 50 here includes several distinct snap-on tabs 51.

[0056] As shown by figure 3 , here four snap-on tabs 51 are provided, distributed in pairs on two opposite arms of the frame 43.

[0057] These snap-on tabs 51 extend from the rear edge of the frame 43, in line with it (towards the rear), and each has at least one hooking tooth on its outer faces.

[0058] Here, each snap-on tab 51 has a series of several hooking teeth, distributed at different heights relative to the frame 43 (from front to back), so that the trim element 10 can hook at different heights on the switchgear supports 70 of the electrical switchgear 60.

[0059] It sometimes happens that a height difference between the trim element 10 and the device supports 70 needs to be compensated for; this is the case, for example, when the device supports 70 are applied directly to the bare wall and the trim element 10 is applied to the finished wall (i.e., plastered or wallpapered). The series of mounting teeth then allow for optimal adjustment of the trim element 10's position relative to the wall and to the device supports 70 of the electrical devices 60.

[0060] Here, each snap-on lug 51 is also split longitudinally into two identical parts, by a slot 52 whose function will become clear later in this presentation.

[0061] Preferably, the snap-on tabs 51 and the notches 44 are shaped such that, when a force is exerted on the finishing plate 20 to snap the snap-on tabs 51 of the floating collars 40 onto the switchgear supports 70 of the electrical switchgear 60, the notches 44 of the floating collars 40 do not detach from the finishing plate 20. In other words, the notches 44 of the floating collars 40 are adapted to resist together a pull-out force relative to the finishing plate 20 which is greater than the force required to snap the snap-on tabs 51 onto the switchgear support 70 of the electrical switchgear 60.

[0062] Of course, conversely, when it comes to removing the finishing plate 20 in order to dismantle it from the equipment supports 70, the front peripheral rim 42 of the floating collars 40 will be shaped to resist a pull-out force relative to the finishing plate 20.

[0063] Although it is not specifically the subject of the present invention, the architecture of one of the two electrical devices 60 can now be briefly described, with reference to figures 6 à 8 The other electrical equipment will be considered to be identical, or at least equivalent.

[0064] This electrical equipment 60 classically includes a control mechanism 80, a control support 70 and a cover plate 90.

[0065] The control mechanism 80 could be of any type. It could be a switch mechanism, a two-way switch, a dimmer switch, a network socket (RJ45), a telephone socket (RJ11), an indicator light, or even a detector (smoke, flood, temperature, motion, or light). As shown on the figure 1 This is a power outlet mechanism.

[0066] It includes a rear base 81 which is generally parallelepiped-shaped and which houses the motor of the equipment (here the sockets 82 for receiving the pins of an electrical plug and the electrical terminals to be connected to the local electrical network).

[0067] This rear base 81 is closed at the front by a functional part, called "trim 90" (which here delimits a well for receiving an electrical plug).

[0068] This rear base 81 could be assembled to the equipment support 70, but in the embodiment shown here, it forms a single piece with it.

[0069] The equipment support 70 is in the form of a square frame bordering the rear base 81 at the front.

[0070] It is designed to allow the electrical equipment 60 to be fixed to a box recessed in the wall. For this purpose, it has a keyhole-shaped opening 74 in the center of each of its four arms, allowing it to be screwed to the electrical box. Alternatively, it could be equipped, on the rear of two of its opposite arms, with claw screws to allow the equipment support to be attached to the electrical box by hooking.

[0071] Finally, the equipment support 70 includes means for securing a trim element 10, to which the snap-on tabs 51 can be attached.

[0072] In the embodiment shown here, these fastening means take the form of ribs 75 which protrude inside the opening delimited by the equipment support 70 and here also on the front face of the equipment support 70.

[0073] Two spaced ribs 75 are provided here on each branch of the equipment support 70. In this way, regardless of the orientation (vertical or horizontal) of the covering element 10 on the wall, the snap-on tabs 51 can hook onto either of these ribs 75.

[0074] Each rib 75 also has a pointed central lug 76 projecting towards the center of the frame. This central lug 76 is designed to engage in the slot of the corresponding snap-on tab 51, which ensures proper centering of the floating collar 40 relative to the electrical equipment 60.

[0075] The installation of two electrical devices 60 in the wall is then carried out in the following manner.

[0076] The installer begins by making an oblong opening or two circular openings in the wall, depending on whether he wants to use a multi-gang box or two single-gang boxes.

[0077] He then pulls, through the oblong opening or one of the circular openings, an electrical sheath in which electrical wires are threaded.

[0078] The installer then brings the electrical box(es) into the wall, taking care to insert the electrical conduit through the bottom of the multi-gang box or one of the single-gang boxes.

[0079] He connects the electrical wires coming from this sheath to one of the switchgear mechanisms 80, then he connects the second switchgear mechanism in parallel with the first.

[0080] The installer then brings the two electrical devices into the multi-gang box or into the single-gang boxes, and screws them in.

[0081] Finally, the installer brings the trim element 10 to the front of the equipment supports 70 of the electrical equipment 60, in such a way that the snap-on tabs 51 of each of its floating collars 40 snap onto the ribs 75 of these equipment supports 70.

[0082] During this last operation, the installer can take advantage of the mounting play of the floating collars 40 on the finishing plate 20 so that these collars can be centered independently of each other in the axis of the trim rings 90 of the electrical equipment 60 and can then slide freely along the external faces of these trim rings 90.

[0083] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and represented, but a person skilled in the art will be able to make any variation in accordance with the invention.

[0084] Therefore, it could have been planned that only one of the two collars would be mounted with some play on the finishing plate, and that the other collar would be fixed without any play. This other collar and the finishing plate could then be formed as a single piece.

[0085] Alternatively, the trim element could be designed without a floating collar, and the snap-on tabs could be mounted directly onto the cover plate with some play. In this version, each snap-on tab could be attached to the cover plate via a slightly flexible fitting or a sliding mechanism, providing the desired clearance.

[0086] Alternatively, the finishing plate could have more access openings and be designed to be attached to a larger number of electrical devices (typically 3 or 4).

[0087] According to another variant, the floating flanges 40 could be secured to the finishing plate 20 with a gap considerably larger than one millimeter. In this case, the front peripheral rim 42 and the notches 44 would need to be extended so that they could always grip the front wall 21 of the finishing plate 20. If the gap is very large (several millimeters) and the notches are therefore very long, snapping these notches 44 onto the finishing plate 20 during the assembly of the trim element 10 could prove difficult. In this event, the notches could be mounted flexibly on the flange frame 43 (for example, by being attached to the frame 43 by hinges with axes parallel to the Z-axis).

Claims

1. A cover element (10) comprising: - a trim panel (20) which delimits at least two openings (22) for access to the functional portions (90) of two separate items of electrical equipment (60) mounted in two single-user electrical back boxes, and - means (44, 50) for mounting the trim panel (20) to said two items of electrical equipment (60); at least one portion (50A) of said mounting means (44, 50) being secured with a clearance to the trim panel (20) in a manner such as to enable said mounting means (44, 50) to be mounted on said two items of electrical equipment (60) without stress even when these two items of electrical equipment (60) are slightly off-centre with respect to the two access openings (22), said clearance being more than one tenth of a millimetre.

2. The cover element (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, in which said portion (50A) of said mounting means (44, 50) is adapted to be mounted on one of said items of electrical equipment (60), and in which another portion (50B) of said mounting means (44, 50) is adapted to be mounted on another of said items of electrical equipment (60) .

3. The cover element (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, in which each portion (50A, 50B) of said mounting means (44, 50) is secured with a clearance to the trim panel (20).

4. The cover element (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which said portion (50A) of said mounting means (44, 50) belongs to one and the same floating part (40) which is separate from the trim panel (20) and which is mounted with a clearance on said trim panel (20).

5. The cover element (10) as claimed in the two preceding claims, in which as many floating parts (40) are provided in the trim panel (20) as there are access openings (22).

6. The cover element (10) as claimed in one of the two preceding claims, in which said floating part (40) comprises a collar (43) which internally borders one of the access openings (22) and which bears said portion (50A) of the mounting means (44, 50).

7. The cover element (10) as claimed in one of the three preceding claims, in which the trim panel (20) comprises a substantially planar front wall (21) through which the access openings (22) are located, and in which each floating part (40) comprises at least a front portion (42) and at least a rear portion (44) which sandwich the front wall (21) of the top plate (20).

8. The cover element (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, in which the front portion (42) of the collar part (40) extends along one of the access openings (22) of the trim panel (20) over its entire contour.

9. The cover element (10) as claimed in one of the two preceding claims, in which each rear portion (44) of the floating part (40) is flexibly connected to the remainder of the floating part (40).

10. The cover element (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which said portion (50A) of said mounting means (50) comprises a plurality of separate snap-fastening tabs (51).

11. The cover element (10) as claimed in the two preceding claims, in which the rear portions (44) of the floating part (40) are adapted to together withstand a prying force with respect to the trim panel (20) which is greater than the force necessary to snap-fasten the snap-fastening tabs (51) on the electrical appliance (60).

12. The cover element (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which said portion (50A) of said mounting means (50) is secured to the trim panel (20) with a clearance along two orthogonal axes (X, Y).

13. An electrical assembly comprising at least two items of electrical equipment (60), characterized in that it further comprises a cover element (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein said portion (50A) of the mounting means (44, 50) is secured to one of said items of electrical equipment (60).