COVERAGE DEVICE THAT CAN BE COMBINED WITH AN ELECTRICAL MODULE

MX435346BActive Publication Date: 2026-06-12VIMAR SPA

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office: MX · MX
Patent Type: Patents
Current Assignee / Owner: VIMAR SPA
Filing Date: 2023-06-22
Publication Date: 2026-06-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing covering devices for electrical modules require tools for assembly/disassembly and have fragile coupling systems that risk breakage during these operations.

Method used

A covering device with a robust coupling system featuring oblique sides, support portions, and resilient connecting elements that allow tool-free assembly/disassembly and withstand mechanical loads.

Benefits of technology

The device provides a stable, tool-free connection that is easy to mount and dismantle, while ensuring durability and resistance to mechanical stresses during use.

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Figure MX435346B0

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Abstract

A cover device that can be removably attached to an electrical module, comprising a body and a coupling system. The body includes a lower surface suitable for interconnection with the module and comprises two transverse sides, two longitudinal sides, and four vertices. The coupling system includes coupling elements arranged near each vertex of the body. Each coupling element comprises a coupling portion, a support portion, and a receiving member. The coupling portion comprises a first surface situated in a plane substantially parallel to the lower surface of the cover device body, the first surface comprising an oblique side inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lower surface. The support portion extends between the lower surface of the body and the coupling portion.The receiving member is delimited by the coupling portion, the support portion and the lower surface and is shaped to allow the insertion of a connecting element of a respective electrical module connection device.

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Description

COVERAGE DEVICE THAT CAN BE COMBINED WITH AN ELECTRICAL MODULE The present invention relates to a cover device that can be removably connected to a wall-mounted electrical module. The invention also relates to a power socket module comprising the cover device removably connected to an electrical power socket. In the context of the technical field of reference, there are known cover devices (also called plates or covers) that are connected to electrical sockets or other modules to protect them, for example, against impacts, or to make them more visible to the user, for example, by means of a coloring or a pattern made on the cover device. To connect the cover device to the power outlet, threaded connections or a locking coupling system are generally used. Threaded connections provide a stable mechanical connection, but have the disadvantage that they require a tool, for example a screwdriver, to mount or dismount the cover device on or from the electrical outlet. Although the interlocking coupling system allows the cover device to be mounted or removed from the electrical outlet without tools, it has the disadvantage of being particularly fragile. This carries the risk of breakage of the interlocking coupling system during the mounting or removal of the device from the electrical outlet. Examples of known coupling system solutions are presented in WO 2019 / 145815 and US 4,733,330. The technical problem addressed by the present invention is, therefore, to provide a cover device that can be removably connected to an electrical module and that is structurally and functionally configured to overcome, at least in part, one or more of the disadvantages set forth with reference to the aforementioned prior art. In the context of this problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a cover device that is particularly versatile and can be easily and detachably connected to an electrical power outlet. n«C7nn / C7n7 / e / Yi Another object of the present invention is to provide a cover device that is provided with a coupling system that is especially resistant to the mechanical loads that occur during the assembly and disassembly operations of the cover device on or from the electrical outlet. The invention solves these problems and achieves these objectives by means of a cover device that can be removably connected to a wall-mounted electrical module and an electrical device, made in accordance with one or more of the features mentioned in the attached claims. According to one aspect of the invention, the cover device, which can be removably connected to an electrical module, comprises a body and a coupling system. The body includes a lower surface suitable for interconnection with the electrical module and comprises two transverse sides, two longitudinal sides, and four vertices. The coupling system includes coupling elements, each of which is arranged in the vicinity of a respective vertex of the body and comprises a coupling portion, a support portion, and a receiving member. Preferably, the coupling portion comprises a first surface situated in a plane substantially parallel to the lower surface of the cover device body. Preferably, the first surface also comprises an oblique side that is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the lower surface.The support portion extends between the lower surface of the body and the coupling portion. The receiving member is delimited by the coupling portion, the support portion, and the lower surface and is shaped to allow the insertion of a connecting element of a respective electrical module connection device. A coupling element configured in this way provides a stable, reliable, and robust connection with the respective connection element of the electrical module, particularly due to the shape of the receiving member, which is delimited by the coupling portion, the support portion, and the lower surface, and, where applicable, because the coupling portion is provided with an oblique side. Furthermore, the cover device of the invention can be mounted and dismounted on or from a module by a user in a particularly simple manner. In particular, depending on the operating situation, dismounting can be carried out either with the aid of a tool, such as a screwdriver, or without the use of tools, if operating conditions permit.Advantageously, the cover device body can be colored or have a pattern printed on it, preferably on an outer surface opposite the inner surface, for example, to highlight and more easily identify a specific module to which the device is connected. The user can also select a cover device that can be connected to the electrical module even after it has been installed. Preferably, the lower surface of the cover device body is square, or more preferably substantially rectangular. Advantageously, the electrical module on which the cover device is mounted is part of an electrical device that can be mounted on a support, and this support can be advantageously combined with a plate. Preferably, the cover device body has dimensions that allow it to be advantageously combined with the plate, such that the longitudinal side of the body has dimensions that substantially correspond to an internal opening in the plate. Preferably, the lower surface comprises a pair of longitudinal sides and a pair of transverse sides. The longitudinal side preferably has a length between 4.5 cm and 5.5 cm.The cross-sectional side preferably has a length between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm. Preferably, the body of the cover device is made of polymeric material. Advantageously, the underside is substantially flat, that is, it has a flat surface. This provides a number of advantages, including: ease of printing, simplicity of mounting over the electrical outlet, and structural strength, also as a result of the absence of protruding elements, particularly from the surface. The coupling elements are preferably arranged near the vertices of the body. Preferably, four coupling elements are present. Advantageously, these elements are arranged so that they are aligned in pairs both longitudinally and transversely, defining between them a longitudinal distance, preferably between 3 cm and 5 cm, and a transverse distance, preferably between 0.5 cm and 2.5 cm. Advantageously, a first pair of coupling elements is opposite, and preferably symmetrical, to a second pair of coupling elements with respect to a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the lower body surface and perpendicular to that surface. Advantageously, a third pair of coupling elements is opposite, and preferably symmetrical, to a fourth pair of coupling elements with respect to a plane extending through the transverse axis of the lower body surface and perpendicular to that surface. Advantageously, the longitudinal axis of the lower surface is equidistant from the longitudinal sides of that surface and is located in the plane defined by it. Advantageously, the transverse axis of the lower surface is equidistant from the transverse sides of said lower surface and is located in the plane defined by it. The lower surface of the body is preferably the surface facing the electrical module or the surface facing the module during the mounting operation of the cover device on said module. The support portion is interposed between the coupling portion and the lower surface. Advantageously, the distance between the lower surface of the body and the first surface of the coupling portion is between 0.2 cm and 0.6 cm. Preferably, a beveled edge extends on the oblique side and in a direction perpendicular to the first surface. Advantageously, the beveled edge may have a curve oriented toward the longitudinal axis of the lower surface or in the opposite direction. Consequently, the beveled edge may preferably be concave or convex. Advantageously, the beveled edge may have a chamfer. This chamfer further simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the cover device over the electrical outlet. Preferably, the oblique side is inclined at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lower surface. Advantageously, the value of the first angle is between approximately 30° and 60°, and more advantageously, approximately 45°. Preferably, the oblique edge is inclined with respect to a plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the lower surface and perpendicular to the surface. Advantageously, this inclination corresponds to the value of the first angle mentioned above. Advantageously, the value of the first angle is substantially the same for the oblique side and, consequently, for the oblique edge of each coupling element. The applicant (C7nn / C7n7 / e / Yi) has found that the first angle, within the aforementioned values, provides particular robustness to the coupling element during the assembly of the cover device onto the electrical module. Furthermore, these values allow the oblique edge to provide a particularly stable connection with the respective electrical module's connection element when the cover device and the module are connected. Preferably, the receiving member is accessible from the side facing the center of the lower surface of the cover device body. This center is preferably defined by the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse axes of the lower surface. In other words, the receiving member is accessible from the side facing the longitudinal axis of the lower surface or the openings in the cover device body. Alternative embodiments may be provided in which the receiving member is accessible from sides opposite the center of the lower surface of the cover device. According to another aspect of the invention, the support portion comprises a first wall parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second wall perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and adjacent to the first wall. The first and second walls are interposed between the coupling portion and the lower surface. Advantageously, the first and second walls are perpendicular to both the first surface of the coupling portion and the lower surface. Preferably, the distance between the first wall and the nearest longitudinal side is between 3 mm and 5 mm. Advantageously, the distance between the second wall and the nearest transverse side is between 3 mm and 5 mm. Advantageously, the first and second walls are perpendicular to each other. In some embodiments, a connection between the walls may be provided. In some embodiments, the first surface extends substantially flat and, preferably, has a first side perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower surface and a second side parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower surface, so that the first surface is substantially triangular in shape. Advantageously, the first wall of the support portion extends between the lower surface and the first side, and the second wall of the support portion extends between the lower surface and the second side. Preferably, the oblique side has a length between 0.3 cm and 0.7 cm, the first side has a length between 0.2 cm and 0.8 cm, and the second side has a length between 0.1 cm and 0.5 cm. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first and second walls may include a groove. This groove is advantageously formed at the free end of one wall or at the end not adjacent to the other wall. This groove may, for example, serve to allow the positioning of portions of the electrical socket when the connection is made between the socket and the cover device. In other embodiments, the support portion may be configured with a curved shape or an irregular shape. According to another aspect of the invention, the body comprises a frame that protrudes from the lower surface and extends along the sides of said lower surface. The frame includes two opposing longitudinal components and two opposing transverse components. Preferably, the frame extends perpendicularly to the lower surface. Advantageously, the frame is interposed between the lower surface of the body and the plane on which the first surface of the coupling portion lies. Preferably, the support portion comprises a lower zone that is enclosed within the frame and an upper zone that protrudes from the frame. In other words, the support portion is advantageously formed at least partially within the frame. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for simplifying the geometry. Advantageously, the first wall is at least partially contained within the longitudinal part of the frame. In other embodiments, the second wall is preferably at least partially contained within the transverse component of the frame. In other embodiments, advantageously, the first wall is at least partially contained within the longitudinal component of the frame and the second wall is at least partially contained within the transverse component of the frame.In other words, a lower portion of the first wall or the second wall or both walls may be contained within the frame while an upper portion of the first wall or the second wall or both walls may protrude from the frame. Preferably, a beveled area may be formed on at least one of the frame components. Advantageously, the beveled area is formed in the vicinity of the longitudinal axis on at least one of the transverse components. Preferably, the beveled area is formed near the transverse axis on at least one of the longitudinal components. Advantageously, the beveled area can be present on both transverse elements, both longitudinal elements, or each element of the frame. The beveled area can be advantageously used to accommodate a tool, such as a screwdriver bit, and to facilitate the removal of the electrical module from a potential mounting bracket, the electrical module being combined with the module on which the cover device is mounted. According to another aspect of the invention, an electrical device is provided comprising a cover device according to the invention, which is connected to an electrical module such that the lower surface of the cover device is oriented toward a support surface of the module. Preferably, if the module is an electrical socket, each hole in the cover device is aligned with a respective opening of the electrical socket. The electrical module comprises connecting elements, each of which is configured to be inserted into the receiving member of the respective coupling element of the cover device and to lock into the coupling portion of the respective coupling element. As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the electrical module may preferably comprise a box-shaped body that can receive electrical wire terminals and threaded connections that can secure the wires to the terminals. Preferably, the support surface of the electrical module is in contact with the lower surface of the cover device once the device is connected to the module. Advantageously, the support surface has a shape and dimensions compatible with the underside of the cover device. Advantageously, the support surface is flat. Advantageously, the support surface comprises two transverse sides, two longitudinal sides, and four vertices. Preferably, the support surface is square; even more preferably, its shape is substantially rectangular. Preferably, each connecting element is located near a respective corner of the support surface. Preferably, four connecting elements are present. Advantageously, the connecting elements are arranged so that they are aligned in pairs both longitudinally and transversely, defining a longitudinal and a transverse distance between them. These distances substantially correspond to the distances defined between the coupling elements of the cover device. Advantageously, the longitudinal distance between the coupling elements of the cover device is approximately the same as the longitudinal distance between the connecting elements of the electrical outlet.Advantageously, the transverse distance between the coupling elements of the cover device has approximately the same value as the transverse distance between the connection elements of the electrical socket. Advantageously, a first pair of connecting elements is opposite, and preferably symmetrical, to a second pair of connecting elements with respect to a plane that extends through the longitudinal axis of the support surface and is perpendicular to that surface. Advantageously, a third pair of connecting elements is opposite, and preferably symmetrical, to a fourth pair of connecting elements with respect to a plane that extends through the transverse axis of the support surface and is perpendicular to that surface. Advantageously, the longitudinal axis of the support surface is equidistant from the longitudinal sides of said surface and is located in the plane defined by it. Advantageously, the transverse axis of the support surface is equidistant from the transverse sides of said surface and is located in the plane defined by it. If present, the frame of the cover device preferably surrounds the support surface of the electrical module when the cover device is connected to the module. According to another aspect of the invention, each connecting element preferably comprises a support portion and a coupling portion. Advantageously, the coupling portion is configured to be able to connect with the coupling portion of the respective coupling element of the cover device. Preferably, each connecting element comprises a support portion extending from a frame of the electrical module. The support portion preferably extends perpendicular to the support surface. In some embodiments, the support portion extends from a peripheral zone n«C7nn / C7n7 / e / Yi of the frame, said zone being located around the support surface and below a plane defined on said surface. The support portion extends towards the support surface, preferably remaining below the plane defined on said surface. Preferably, the vertices of the support surface are shaped to facilitate the positioning of the respective connecting elements, advantageously obtaining between the connecting element and the respective vertex a space capable of receiving the connecting element when it experiences resilient deformations. Resilient deformations occur advantageously during the assembly or disassembly of the cover device over the electrical module and can particularly facilitate these operations. During assembly, for example, the cover device can be supported over the module and pressed along a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the support surface, causing the connecting elements to deform resiliently towards the center of the support surface. Preferably, the center is defined by the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse axes of the support surface. The connecting elements will then resiliently return to their initial position once the connection is made.During disassembly, for example, the connecting device can be moved along a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. This deforms two connecting elements, allowing the cover to be removed from the side with the two remaining undeformed connecting elements. This is particularly advantageous when removing the cover from the module with one hand. Advantageously, the corners of the support surface are beveled. The bevels of the corners of the support surface extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface. Preferably, the peripheral area of the frame comprises outward-protruding side edges that can be interconnected with the frame of the cover device, if present, further increasing the stability of the connection between the cover device and the electrical module. The gripping portion is preferably located at one end of the support portion. The gripping portion is configured to be inserted into the receiving member of the respective coupling element of the cover device. Preferably, the gripping portion is configured to have a second surface that can come into contact with the first surface of the coupling portion. Advantageously, the gripping portion is configured as a projection extending from the support portion. The projection advantageously has a beveled portion that facilitates its insertion into the receiving member of the coupling element. Preferably, the beveled portion engages with the oblique edge of the coupling portion during insertion of the cover device into the electrical outlet. Preferably, the projection extends outward from the electrical module or away from the center of the module's support surface. In this embodiment, the receiving member of the respective coupling element capable of receiving the gripping portion is preferably accessible from the side facing the center of the cover device's lower surface. Alternative embodiments are provided in which the gripping portion is advantageously configured as a projection extending into the electrical socket or toward the mounting surface of the electrical module. In this case, the receiving member of the respective coupling element that can receive the gripping portion is preferably accessible from the side opposite the center of the lower surface of the cover device. Preferably, the electrical module's connection elements, in particular the support portion, have a specific degree of resilient deformability that facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the cover device. Advantageously, during connection between the cover and the electrical module, the support portion undergoes resilient deformation, facilitating the insertion of the gripping portion into the receiving member of the cover's respective coupling element. This ensures that the second surface of the gripping portion of each connecting element is advantageously in contact with the first surface of the coupling portion of the cover's respective coupling element. This promotes a particularly stable connection and, at the same time, simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the cover from the electrical module. Preferably, the support portion is inclined at a second angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the support surface of the module and extends along the longitudinal axis of that surface. Advantageously, the value of the second angle is between approximately 30° and 60°, more advantageously approximately 45°. Advantageously, the value of the second angle is substantially the same for the support portion of each connecting element. Preferably, the value of the first angle of the oblique side, and consequently of the oblique edge, corresponds substantially to the value of the second angle of the respective support portion. This facilitates the connection between the cover and the electrical socket, as the connecting elements and the respective coupling elements will have the same orientation. The applicant has thus found that it is possible to further simplify the assembly and disassembly of the cover on or from the electrical module. Furthermore, these values allow for a particularly stable connection between the electrical module's connecting element and the coupling portion. Other features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a bottom view of the covering device according to the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the covering device according to the invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the covering device at the level of a coupling element; Figure 4 is a top view of the electrical module, to which the covering device according to the invention can be connected; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the electrical module, to which the covering device according to the invention can be connected; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the electrical device according to the invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the power outlet module. With reference to the figures, the cover device that can be attached in a removable manner to an electrical module 100 is designated as a whole with a 1. It will be noted that the electrical module 100 illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 5 is intended for use in an electrical socket, but the same inventive concepts can also be applied to other types of electrical modules, such as switches, sensors, bells, etc. For the sake of simplicity of the illustration, reference will be made below to the embodiment of an electrical socket. The cover device 1 comprises a body 10 and a coupling system 50. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the body 10 includes a lower surface 20 that has a substantially rectangular shape and includes two transverse sides 15, 16, two longitudinal sides 17, 18 and four vertices 11, 12, 13, 14. The lower surface 20 extends substantially flat and has a center 260 defined by the intersection of the longitudinal axis D and the transverse axis T defined on the lower surface 20. The longitudinal axis D is equidistant from the longitudinal sides 17, 18 and the transverse axis T is equidistant from the transverse sides 15, 16. This surface 20 can be interconnected with a support surface 120 of the electrical module 100, which can be seen in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5. If the electrical module is a power socket, the body 10 may, for example, comprise three holes 21, 22, 23 arranged so as to be aligned with the respective openings 121, 122, 123 of the electrical power socket 100, when the cover device 1 is connected to the power socket 100. In any case, it is evident that there may also be only two holes or a greater number of holes depending on the type of power socket. The coupling system 50 includes a plurality of coupling elements 51, 52, 53, 54, preferably at least four. Each coupling element can be arranged in the vicinity of a respective vertex 11, 12, 13, 14 of body 10. The coupling elements are preferably arranged so that they are aligned in pairs both longitudinally and transversely, defining between them a longitudinal distance L and a transverse distance W. A first pair of coupling elements 51, 52 can be opposite and symmetric to a second pair of coupling elements 54, 53 with respect to a plane extending along the longitudinal axis D of the lower surface 20 of the body 10 and perpendicular to that surface 20. A third pair of coupling elements 52, 53 is preferably opposite and symmetric to a fourth pair of coupling elements 51, 54 with respect to a plane extending along the transverse axis T of the lower surface 20 of the body 10 and perpendicular to said surface 20. n«C7nn / C7n7 / e / Yi Each coupling element 51, 52, 53, 54 comprises a coupling portion 60, a support portion 70, and a receiving member 80. The coupling portion 60 comprises a first surface 201 that is situated in a plane 202 substantially parallel to the lower surface 20 of the body 10 of the covering device 1. The first surface 201 comprises an oblique side 205 that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis D of the lower surface 20. As can be seen more clearly in Figure 2, the support portion 70 extends between the lower surface 20 of the body 10 and the coupling portion 60. The receiving member 80 is delimited by the coupling portion 60, the support portion 70 and the lower surface 20 and is shaped to allow the insertion of a respective connecting element 152, 153, 154, 155 of the electrical module 100, the latter represented in figure 4. With reference to figures 2 and 3, an oblique edge 61 extends into the oblique side 205 and in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 201. The oblique edge 61 preferably has a bevel 206 which can facilitate the connection of the cover device 1 to the electrical outlet 100. Referring again to Figure 1, the oblique side 205 is inclined at a first angle α with respect to the longitudinal axis D of the lower surface 20. In some embodiments, the value of the first angle α is approximately 45°. The oblique edge 61 is inclined with respect to a plane extending along the longitudinal axis D of the lower surface 20 and perpendicular to the surface 20. Advantageously, this inclination corresponds to the value of the aforementioned first angle α, approximately 45°. The value of the first angle α is substantially the same for the oblique side 205 and, consequently, the oblique edge 61 of each coupling element 51, 52, 53, 54. The receiving member 80 is accessible from the side of the lower surface 20 facing the center 260. The support portion 70 comprises a first wall 71 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis D and a second wall 72 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis D and adjacent to the first wall 71. The first wall 71 and the second wall 72 are perpendicular to both the first surface 201 of the coupling portion 60 and the lower surface 20. The first wall 71 and the second wall 72 are perpendicular to each other and preferably a connection 209 is provided between them. The first surface of the coupling portion 60 has a flat surface nRcvnn / cznz / e / Yi that extends parallel to and oriented towards the lower surface 20 of body 10 to form the receiving member 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall 72 includes a groove 73 formed at a free end of wall 72. With reference again to Figure 2, the body 10 comprises a frame 30 that protrudes from the lower surface 20. As can be seen in Figure 1, the frame 30 extends along the sides 15, 16, 17, 18 of the lower surface 20. The frame 30 includes two opposing longitudinal components 37, 38 and two opposing transverse components 35, 36. The frame 30 extends perpendicularly to the lower surface 20. The frame is interposed between the lower surface 20 of the body 10 and the plane 202 on which the first surface 201 of the coupling portion 60 is located, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 3. The first wall 71 of the support portion 70 is partially contained within the longitudinal component 37, 38 of the frame 70, as can be seen more clearly in Figure 3, in which an upper area 78 of the first wall 71 can be seen protruding with respect to the longitudinal component 37 of the frame 30. Both transverse components 35, 36 have a beveled area 81 formed in the vicinity of the longitudinal axis D on each of the components 35, 36. The electrical module 100 is part of an electrical device 190 illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The electrical module 100 comprises a box-shaped body 192 that can receive terminals 194 for electrical cables and threaded connections 193 that allow the cables to be attached to said terminals 194. In the illustrated embodiment, module 100 is an electrical socket comprising three openings 121, 122, 123 suitable for receiving the pins of a compatible plug. In the illustrated case, electrical socket 100 can receive at least one plug of the Italian standard with two or three aligned pins. With reference now also to Figure 4, the support surface 120 of the electrical module 100 has a substantially rectangular shape and dimensions that are compatible with the lower surface 20 of the cover device 1. The support surface 120 has two transverse sides 115, 116, two longitudinal sides 117, 118, four vertices 111, 112, 113, 114, and a center 370 defined by the intersection of the longitudinal axis P and the transverse axis N of the support surface 120. When the cover device 1 and the electrical socket 100 are connected, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the lower surface 20 of the cover device 1 is oriented towards the support surface 120 of the electrical socket 100. Each hole 21, 22, 23 of the cover device 1 can be aligned with a respective opening 121, 122, 123 of the electrical outlet 100. Module 100 comprises four connection elements 151, 152, 153, 154, each of which is configured to be inserted into the receiving member 80 of the respective coupling element 51, 52, 53, 54 of the cover device 1 and to lock into the coupling portion 60 of the respective coupling element. Each connecting element 151, 152, 153, 154 is located in the vicinity of a respective vertex 111, 112, 113, 114 of the support surface 120. The connecting elements 151, 152, 153, 154 are arranged so that they are aligned in pairs in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, defining between them a longitudinal distance I and a transverse distance w. The distances I, w correspond substantially to the distances L, W defined between the coupling elements 51, 52, 53, 54 of the cover device 10. A first pair of connecting elements 151, 152 is opposite, and preferably symmetrical, to a second pair of connecting elements 154, 153 with respect to a plane extending along the longitudinal axis P of the support surface 120 and perpendicular to said surface 120. A third pair of connecting elements 152, 153 is opposite, and preferably symmetrical, to a fourth pair of connecting elements 151, 154 with respect to a plane extending along the transverse axis N of the support surface 120 and perpendicular to said surface 120. The frame 30 of the cover device 1 surrounds the support surface 120 of the electrical outlet 100. Still with reference to figure 4, each connecting element 151, 152, 153, 154 comprises a support portion 170 and a gripping portion 161. The support portion 170 extends substantially perpendicular to the support surface 120. The support portion 170 extends from a peripheral zone 185 of the frame 110, said zone 185 being located around the support surface 120 and below a plane defined on the surface 120. The support portion 170 extends towards the support surface 120, remaining below the plane defined on the surface 120. n«C7nn / C7n7 / e / Yi Advantageously, the vertices 111, 112, 113, 114 of the support surface 120 are chamfered and shaped to facilitate at least partial positioning of the connecting elements 151, 152, 153, 154 in the vicinity of the chamfer 309 of the respective vertex. The chamfer 309 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface 120. Each connecting element 151, 152, 153, 154 is arranged in the vicinity of the bevel 309 of the respective vertex of the support surface 120. According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting elements are configured to be resiliently deformable. In some embodiments, resilience is achieved by means of the support portions 170, which are capable of flexing towards the peripheral zone 185. Between the connecting element 151, 152, 153, 154 and the respective beveled vertex 111, 112, 113, 114 there is a space 301 which can be seen better in figure 5, and which is able to receive the connecting element when it experiences deformations as a result of the assembly or disassembly operations of the cover device 1 over or of the electrical socket 100. With reference again to Figure 4, the peripheral zone 185 of frame 110 comprises lateral edges that protrude outwards and interconnect with frame 30 of the cover device 1, in particular with longitudinal components 37, 38 of frame 30. The support portion 170 of each connecting element 151, 152, 153, 154 is inclined at a second angle β with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the support surface 120 of the socket 100 and extends along the longitudinal axis P of the surface 120. The value of the second angle β is approximately 45° and therefore corresponds substantially to the value of the first angle β. The gripping portion 161 is located at one end 162 of the support portion 170. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical device 200, in particular a section taken along a perpendicular to the support surface 120 and parallel to the transverse sides 115, 116 of the surface 120. The gripping portion 161 is configured to be inserted into the receiving member 80 of the respective coupling element of the cover device 1. The gripping portion 161 comprises a second surface 302 that can be moved in contact with the first surface 201 of the coupling portion 60. n«C7nn / C7n7 / e / Yi Advantageously, the gripping portion 161 is configured as a projection 305 extending from the support portion 170. The projection 305 has a chamfered portion 306 that facilitates its insertion into the receiving member 80 of the coupling element. In particular, the chamfered portion 306 interlocks with the oblique edge 61 of the coupling portion 60 during the insertion of the cover device 1 into the electrical socket 100. Preferably, the projection 305 extends outwards from the electrical module 100 or in an opposite direction with respect to the longitudinal axis P of the support surface 120 of the module 100. In this embodiment, the receiving member 80 of the respective coupling element that can receive the gripping portion 161 is accessible from the side facing the openings 21, 22, 23 of the body 10 of the cover device 1. Advantageously, during the connection between the cover device 1 and the electrical module 100, the support portion 170 undergoes resilient deformation, which facilitates the insertion of the gripping portion 161 into the receiving member 80 of the respective coupling element 51, 52, 53, 54 of the cover device 1. In this way, the second surface 302 of the gripping portion 161 of each connecting element 151, 152, 153, 154 will advantageously be in contact with the first surface 201 of the coupling portion 60 of the respective coupling element 51, 52, 53, 54 of the cover device 1. This provides a particularly stable connection and, at the same time, facilitates the assembly and disassembly operations of the cover device 1 onto or the electrical module 100. The invention thus solves the proposed problem, while also providing a number of advantages. In particular, the cover device is especially versatile and can be easily and detachably connected to an electrical module, while also providing a particularly stable coupling system that withstands the mechanical loads that occur during the assembly and disassembly of the cover device and, more generally, during normal use of the device.

Claims

1. A cover device (1) that can be removably connected to a wall-mounted electrical module (100), comprising a body (10) and a coupling system (50), the body (10) including a lower surface (20) suitable for interconnection with the electrical socket (100), and comprising two transverse sides (15, 16), two longitudinal sides (17, 18) and four vertices (11, 12, 13, 14); the coupling system (50) including coupling elements (51, 52, 53, 54), each of which is arranged in the vicinity of a respective vertex of the body (10) and comprises: a coupling portion (60) comprising a first surface (201) situated in a plane (202) substantially parallel to the lower surface (20) of the body (10) of the cover device (1); a support portion (70) extending between the lower surface (20) of the body (10) and the coupling portion (60);and a receiving member (80) delimited by the coupling portion (60), the support portion (70) and the lower surface (20), which is shaped to allow the insertion of a respective connecting element (152, 153, 154, 155) of the electrical module (100).; 2. A covering device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first surface (201) comprises an oblique side (205) that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (D) of the lower surface (20).

3. A covering device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the oblique side (205) is inclined at a first angle (a) with respect to the longitudinal axis (D) of the lower surface (20), the first angle (a) having a value between approximately 30° and 60°, preferably approximately 45°.

4. A cover device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving member (80) is open on the side facing the center (260) of the lower surface (20) of the body (10) of the cover device (1). nAC7nn / C7n7 / e / Yi 5. A cover device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support portion (70) comprises a first wall (71) parallel to the longitudinal axis (D) and a second wall (72) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (D) and adjacent to the first wall (71) 6. A covering device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the oblique side (205) extends between the first wall (71) and the second wall (72).

7. A cover device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (10) comprises a frame (30) projecting from the lower surface (20) and extending along the sides (15, 16, 17, 18) of the lower surface (20), the frame (30) including two opposing longitudinal components (37, 38) and two opposing transverse components (35, 36).

8. A cover device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the components (35, 36, 37, 38) of the frame (30) comprises a beveled area (81).

9. A cover device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical module (100) is an electrical power socket, wherein the body comprises a plurality of holes (21, 22, 23) arranged in respective openings (121, 122, 123) of the electrical power socket (100) when the cover device (1) is connected to the electrical power socket (100), the holes (21, 22, 23) and the openings (121, 122, 123) being configured to receive respective terminals of an electrical plug.

10. A covering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower surface has a flat development.

11. A cover device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first pair of connecting elements (151, 152) is opposite, and preferably symmetrical, to a second pair of connecting elements (154, 153) with respect to a plane extending along the longitudinal axis (P) of the support surface (120) and perpendicular to said surface (120).

12. A cover device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a third pair of connecting elements (152, 153) is opposite, and preferably symmetrical, to a fourth pair of connecting elements (151, 154) with respect to a plane extending along the transverse axis (N) of the support surface (120) and perpendicular to said surface (120).

13. An electrical device (200) comprising an electrical module (100) and a cover device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, connected to an electrical module (100) such that the lower surface (20) of the cover device (1) is oriented towards a support surface (120) of the electrical module (100), the electrical module (100) comprising connecting elements (151, 152, 153, 154), each of which is configured to be inserted into the receiving member (80) of the respective coupling element (51, 52, 53, 54) of the cover device (1) and to be coupled into the coupling portion (60) of the respective coupling element (51, 52, 53, 54).

14. An electrical device (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support surface (120) has a square shape and four vertices (111, 112, 113, 114), the vertices being shaped to facilitate the positioning of the respective connecting elements (151, 152, 153, 154), obtaining between the connecting element and the respective vertex a space (301) suitable for receiving the connecting element when the connecting element is subjected to resilient deformations.

15. An electrical device (200) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein each connection element (151, 152, 153, 154) comprises a support portion (170) extending from a frame (110) of the electrical module (100), and a gripping portion (161) shaped to be connected to the coupling portion (60) of the respective coupling element (51, 52, 53, 54) of the cover device (1).

16. An electrical device (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support portion (170) is inclined at a second angle (β) with respect to a plane perpendicular to the support surface (120) of the socket (100) and extends along the longitudinal axis (P) of said surface (120), the second angle (β) having a value between approximately 30° and 60°, preferably approximately 45°.

17. An electrical device (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrical module (100) can be mounted on a support that can be fixed to a wall.

18. An electrical device (200) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the lower surface of the cover device is oriented towards the electrical module when the cover device is mounted on the module.