Front panel for an electrical element

Abstract

The front panel (16) for an electrical element (10) comprises a structural layer (26) bearing means for attaching the front panel (16) to the electrical element. The structural layer (26) comprises leather.

Description

Front panel for an electrical component

[0001] The invention relates to the field of facades for electrical elements having a particular aesthetic, especially facades having a leather or textile appearance.

[0002] Such a facade for electrical components is already known in the prior art, comprising a structural layer made of plastic, or even metal or wood, and covered, for example, with a sheet of leather. The leather gives the facade a luxurious appearance. In this example, the main structure of the facade is provided by the plastic structural layer, which gives it a certain rigidity.

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a facade with a different structure, less rigid and offering more possibilities in visual or tactile terms.

[0004] For this purpose the invention relates to a facade for an electrical element, the facade comprising a structural layer carrying means for fixing the facade to the electrical element, characterized in that the structural layer comprises leather.

[0005] Therefore, we propose creating a facade with a structural layer made of leather or a leather-based material. Such a structural layer is particularly advantageous because leather offers flexibility that facilitates the facade's application against the electrical component's support, typically against a wall in which the electrical component is embedded. Indeed, unlike a structural layer made of plastic, wood, or metal, using a leather or leather-based structural layer allows for greater local flexibility, thus reducing gaps in cases where the wall containing the electrical component has imperfections. We therefore propose to provide a new type of, more flexible facade.Furthermore, this facade allows for the design of new aesthetic aspects, particularly when the structural layer is visible from the outside of the facade, as such a structural layer appearance is not otherwise present. Moreover, the flexibility provided by the leather is particularly advantageous as it allows for a solid structural layer that completely covers the electrical component, as described below.

[0006] Furthermore, using a structural layer made of leather rather than a layer of plastic is particularly advantageous for environmental reasons. The facade proposed here contains less or no plastic at all and has a more natural composition.

[0007] It is understood that the "structural layer" refers to the layer that structures the facade; in other words, the facade is primarily structured by this structural layer, which provides most of its rigidity. This rigidity allows the structural layer to support the means of attaching the facade to the electrical components. Thus, the facade may include additional layers, but these additional layers serve different functions, such as aesthetics, while the structural layer ensures the facade's mechanical stability. The structural layer can also be defined as the part of the facade that is necessary and sufficient to make the facade functional.

[0008] Preferably, in addition to its structural function, the structural layer also protects the electrical equipment. In other words, the structural layer is the part of the facade that meets the requirements for protecting the electrical equipment against the intrusion of solid objects. Specifically, the structural layer meets the requirements of the international standard IEC 60529 (standard of the International Electrotechnical Commission).

[0009] Preferably, the protection rating of the structural layer according to IEC 60529 is greater than or equal to IP20. This IP rating is generally composed of two digits: the first digit indicates protection against solid objects and the second indicates protection against water ingress. "IP20" means that the structural layer is protected against the ingress of solid objects larger than 12.5 mm (first digit, value 2), and that its operation does not require protection against liquid ingress. "IP20 or greater" means that the structural layer may have a rating such as IP2X (protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and any X value for protection against liquid ingress), IP3X (protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm), IP4X (protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm), etc.

[0010] The term "front panel" for an electrical component refers to a surface capable of partially covering the electrical device. This front panel may also be called a "cover," "faceplate," or even "enclosure." Generally, the electrical component comprises a box, a base housing the components' mechanisms, and the front panel, which is attached to the base.

[0011] The term "fixing means" refers to a set of elements, attached to or integrated into the structural layer, which allow the facade to be fixed to the support (or base) of the electrical element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electrical component is a wall-mounted component, meaning it is fixed to a wall or even embedded in it. In this case, the front panel extends parallel to the wall, possibly in the same plane as the wall, meaning the front panel is flush with the wall. However, the electrical component can also be placed on a floor, a ceiling, or even on a piece of furniture such as a table.

[0013] It is understood that, ideally, the mounting hardware should allow for the removable attachment of the front panel to the electrical component. This is a particularly advantageous option when the electrical equipment is a switchgear or control device, as it allows access to the internal electrical components for repair. Even more importantly, the mounting hardware should be designed so that the front panel can be removed manually, without tools.

[0014] The facade may also include one or more of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination.

[0015] - The structural layer is made of leather or split leather.

[0016] Here, "leather" is defined as a material obtained from animal skin, notably through tanning, in accordance with French decree no. 2010-29 of January 8, 2010. The term "leather" also includes a structural layer made of "split leather," also called "leather split," which is the inner layer of the leather. Split leather is obtained by splitting or any other process that completely removes the outer layer, destroying all the points where hair, feathers, or scales are attached.

[0017] In the case where the structural layer is made of leather, including split leather, several ways of proceeding are possible.

[0018] In one scenario, the structural layer comprises a composite of several sheets of leather bonded together. For example, two or three layers, each 2 to 4 mm (millimeters) thick, are bonded together. The composite is then machined. A finishing layer, as described below, can then be applied, for example, by gluing.

[0019] In a second scenario, the structural layer comprises a single piece of very thick leather, thick enough to be machined in one piece, perhaps even incorporating the visible surface within this piece. This scenario is, however, more expensive than the first. Alternatively, one could consider covering the leather with an outer surface layer, which can offer advantages in terms of cost and aesthetic variety.

[0020] In a third case, the structural layer consists of split leather pieces, which are overcut for each shape, layer by layer, and then glued together. Overcutting involves layering pieces with different cuts to create the shapes layer by layer. This process eliminates the leather machining step required in the two previous cases.

[0021] - The structural layer is made of a material including recycled leather, preferably a material including more than 40% recycled leather.

[0022] The term "recycled leather" refers to recycled leather, reconstituted leather, or even shredded leather.

[0023] For example, the structural layer is made from natural leather fibers mixed with a binder such as paper fibers, latex, or a synthetic binder. Such a material can be called "bonded leather," referring to a synthetic dermis. As a non-limiting example, such a material may be marketed under the name SALPA (for "Société Anonyme de La Peau Artificielle," or "Artificial Skin Limited Company").

[0024] Preferably, the structural layer material comprises between 40 and 100% recycled leather, preferably more than 60% recycled leather. The percentages correspond to mass percentages.

[0025] In one embodiment, the structural layer is made entirely from leather powder. This leather powder is generally heat-pressed, without binders or additives. An example of such a material is marketed by the company Authentic Material under the brand name "Phoenix".

[0026] In another embodiment, the structural layer is made of a polymer reinforced with ground leather powder. Such a material is particularly attractive due to its ability to be machined, injected, thermopressed, thermoformed, or even produced by 3D printing. Preferably, this polymer is bio-based. An example of such a material is marketed by the company Authentic Material under the brand name "Qilin".

[0027] It is understood that the final shape of the structural layer can be achieved by machining, thermoforming, thermopressing or any other method of shaping material.

[0028] - The structural layer has an exterior face that is preferably tinted or covered with paint.

[0029] – The facade also includes an added outer layer, called the appearance layer, preferably made of leather, textile or bio-manufactured material.

[0030] Thus, in this case, the structural layer does not have an external appearance face; this appearance face function is provided by an added appearance layer. Preferably, but not always, the appearance layer is applied directly onto the structural layer, without an intermediate layer.

[0031] Such a surface layer allows for a wide range of aesthetic variety.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment, the surface layer takes the form of quilting. In this case, it comprises a surface sheet, such as a sheet of leather, textile or even bio-fabricated material, over a layer of airy material such as wadding, which is held tightly against the structural layer, for example by seams.

[0033] Here, "bio-fabricated material" means a material produced by living cells and microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, or mycelium.

[0034] – The facade includes an exposed seam on the appearance layer, preferably a through seam allowing the appearance layer and the structural layer to be connected together.

[0035] The front panel includes an opening for a button or screen of the electrical component, the opening being delimited by a metal ring passing through the structural layer. Of course, the front panel may include several openings for the passage of part of the electrical mechanism or for access from the outside. It is also understood that the metal ring is not always present.

[0036] Alternatively, the front panel has a solid outer face and is configured to allow the electrical element to be activated by deformation of the front panel when pressed. This is a particularly original and aesthetically pleasing embodiment made possible by the use of a structural layer incorporating leather. The flexibility of this structural layer eliminates the need for a separate opening for an actuation button, enabling activation with the front panel completely covering the electrical element, meaning it lacks any opening for a button or mechanical component. It is understood that this front panel, while lacking such an opening, may have one or more openings to allow light to pass through, such as an indicator light or signal, but these openings are not designed to accommodate a mechanism.It is also understood that the solid outer face can be an outer face of the structural layer or an outer face of an outer layer applied on top of the structural layer.

[0037] Preferably, where the facade has a solid outer face, the structural layer includes at least one insert positioned at an actuation point of the electrical element's mechanism. Such an insert is particularly useful for preventing wear on the facade at the actuation point of the electrical element's mechanism. For example, the insert is set inside an opening in the structural layer and is flush with the outer face of the facade; in this case, the user presses directly on the insert to activate it. Alternatively, the insert is integrated within the structural layer or a finishing layer, or covered by the structural layer or a finishing layer.

[0038] – The facade includes an exterior decorative element, chosen from the group comprising: - an imprint, for example made by laser marking, hot stamping or embossing, - a visual element, for example made by printing, transfer, marquetry, dyeing or painting.

[0039] The facade is designed to be mounted on electrical equipment or a light fixture. "Electrical equipment" refers to all devices intended to be connected to an electrical circuit to provide protection, control, isolation, and connection of electrical appliances. Electrical equipment can be a switch, an electrical outlet, or even a home automation device. A light fixture is generally a lamp, for example, a reading lamp, that is, a small lamp placed near a bed.

[0040] – Said means of fixing to the electrical element include at least one permanent magnet cooperating with an opposite pole magnet fixed to a base of the electrical element for fixing the facade by magnetic attraction.

[0041] This is a method of fixing the facade that is particularly easy to use.

[0042] Alternatively or in combination, the means of fastening to the electrical element include snap-on means, such as plastic clips, cooperating with complementary snap-on means carried by a base of the electrical element.

[0043] Of course, other configurations of fastening means are possible, for example screws or screw holes.

[0044] It is understood that the electrical element includes a system for fixing the facade to a base, this fixing system comprising a first part disposed on the facade, namely the said fixing means, and a second part disposed on the base, cooperating with the first part to ensure the fixing.

[0045] The front panel includes a concealed cover. This cover conceals a functional part of the electrical component, such as a socket, a network port (like an RJ45 Ethernet port), or a USB port. Ideally, this concealed cover is held in the closed position, or even in the open position, by magnets.

[0046] – The facade includes a rim or edge stain.

[0047] In leather goods, the term "rembord" or "gainage" refers to the process of covering the edge with a layer of material, for example, a leather covering.

[0048] – The facade has a thickness at its periphery of between 0 and 12 mm (millimeters), preferably between 0 and 7 mm.

[0049] - The facade has a maximum thickness of between 1 and 12mm, preferably between 3 and 7mm.

[0050] The invention also relates to a front panel for a door handle, the front panel comprising a structural layer bearing means for attaching the front panel to a base of the door handle, the structural layer comprising leather. Such a front panel for a door handle may also be called a plate or rosette for a door handle.

[0051] Therefore, we propose to create a door handle faceplate that can incorporate features similar to those described above for the electrical component faceplate, in order to provide a particularly flexible and aesthetically pleasing door handle faceplate. It is understood that the door handle faceplate can include one or more of the above-mentioned features related to the electrical component faceplate, either individually or in combination. Brief description of the figures

[0052] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0053] is a schematic exploded perspective view of an electrical element comprising a facade according to a first embodiment.

[0054] is a view similar to the one above, from a different viewing angle.

[0055] is a view of the rear of the facade of the.

[0056] is a front view illustrating an appearance layer of a facade according to a second embodiment.

[0057] is a side perspective view of the facade of the building and of an electrical mechanism covered by the facade.

[0058] is a front view of a facade according to a third embodiment.

[0059] is a front view of a facade according to a fourth embodiment.

[0060] is a view of the rear of the facade of the.

[0061] is a side view of a facade according to a fifth embodiment.

[0062] is a top perspective view of a facade according to a sixth embodiment.

[0063] is a view of the facade of the, with a hidden function shutter in the open position. Detailed description

[0064] Figures 1 and 2 show an electrical element according to a first embodiment, designated by the general reference 10. The electrical element 10 comprises a box 12, a base 14 and a front panel 16 which is the subject of the invention.

[0065] The box 12 forms an enclosure through which electrical connectors 18 pass, which are soldered or connected to the base 14. The box 12 generally includes mounting holes for attaching the base 14 to the box, for example, threaded tubes formed on the inner periphery of the box 12. The base 14 is an element comprising a relatively flat support that carries the electrical mechanisms 20 of the equipment 10. In the example shown, the electrical mechanisms 20 include a switch, comprising a connection area 22 for the connectors 18, and a button 24 configured to pass through the front panel 16 and be operated by a user. Of course, other electrical mechanisms can be considered, for example, an electrical outlet or a home automation device.Electrical equipment 10 advantageously meets safety standards, for example IEC 60669 standards for the case of a switch, IEC 60884 standards for the case of an electrical socket, or IEC 62368 standards for a home automation device.

[0066] The facade 16 includes a structural layer 26, comprising leather. In the embodiment of the, the facade 16 includes only the structural layer 26, so that the outer face 28 of the structural layer 26 constitutes an appearance face, visible from the outside, not covered by an appearance layer.

[0067] In the example shown, the facade 16 is roughly square. Its dimensions in the (X, Y) plane illustrated in the figure are approximately 80 mm by 80 mm. However, rectangular facades are also possible, for example, 40 by 80 mm, 40 by 125 mm, 150 by 80 mm, 220 by 80 mm, 300 by 80 mm, etc. The facade 16 has a maximum thickness of between 1 and 12 mm, preferably between 3 and 7 mm. The thickness of the facade 16 corresponds to its dimension in the Z direction, perpendicular to the (X, Y) plane. The maximum thickness of the facade 16 corresponds to its largest dimension in this direction.

[0068] The structural layer 26 of the facade also includes an inner face 30 (et), carrying means 32 for attaching the facade 16 to the electrical element 10, more precisely to the base 14. Thus, the electrical element 10 includes a system for attaching the facade 16 to the base 14, this attachment system comprising a first part disposed on the facade 16, namely the attachment means 32, and a second part disposed on the base 14, cooperating with the first part to ensure attachment. In this example, the attachment means 32 include at least one permanent magnet, more precisely four magnets 32 distributed near the corners of the structural layer 26, cooperating with four opposite-pole magnets fixed to the base 14 for attachment by magnetic attraction.Furthermore, the fixing means 32, in this example four magnets, can be seen on the lacquer. Each magnet is fixed in an imprint of the structural layer 26, produced, for example, by machining, thermopressing, or molding. Moreover, the inner face 30 of the structural layer 26 has a machined shape that defines an inner peripheral rim 34 (Figures 2, 3), which is particularly useful for covering the base 14 when the front panel is fixed, thus preventing gaps or an unsightly, technical appearance.

[0069] In addition, the structural layer 26 includes an opening 36 in its center, intended to be passed through by the button 24.

[0070] In the example shown, the structural layer 26 is made of a material comprising between 40 and 100% recycled leather, preferably more than 60% recycled leather. The presence of leather makes this structural layer 26 particularly flexible and gives the facade a leather-like appearance.

[0071] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the structural layer 26 is very similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 3. Furthermore, the facade 16 includes an outer layer 40, referred to as the finishing layer. Thus, in this embodiment, the outer face of the structural layer 26 is not a finishing face; it is covered by the finishing layer 40. In this example, the finishing layer 40 is a sheet of leather bonded to the structural layer 26. However, a different finishing layer 40 could be used, for example, one made of textile or a bio-based material. The edge 42 of the structural layer 26 and the edge of the finishing layer 40 are dyed, resulting in a particularly attractive finish. A dye containing polyurethane is generally used.

[0072] In the embodiment of the, the orifice 36 for the passage of the button 24 is delimited by a metal ring 44, passing through the structural layer 26 and the appearance layer 40.

[0073] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the facade 16 has a solid outer face 28 and is configured to allow the actuating of a mechanism 20, located behind the facade, of the electrical element 10 by deformation of the facade when a user presses it. Indeed, the flexibility of the structural layer 26 makes it unnecessary to include an opening for an actuation button, and allows this actuation with the facade completely covering the electrical element, i.e., without any opening. In the example shown, the solid outer face 28 corresponds to the outer face of the structural layer 26, but it could just as easily be the outer face of an outer layer applied to the structural layer 26, such as layer 40 in Figure 8.

[0074] Advantageously, the structural layer 26 includes at least one insert 46, for example two inserts 46, positioned opposite an actuation point 24 of the mechanism 20 of the electrical element 10. An insert is understood to be a local reinforcement element of the facade 16. In the example shown in Figures 7 and 8, the insert 46 is placed inside an opening in the structural layer 26 and is flush with the outer face 28 of the facade. In this case, the user presses directly on the insert 46 to activate it.

[0075] According to another example illustrated on the, showing a user's hand on the left pressing on the facade 16, the insert 46' is integrated into an outer layer 40 of the facade, thus providing local reinforcement not visible from the outside.

[0076] According to yet another example illustrated in figures 10 and 11, the facade 16 includes a function cover flap 48, attached to the facade by means of a seam 52. This function cover flap 48 is held in the closed position, illustrated on the, by two magnets 50 arranged in the lower part of the flap 48.

[0077] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated, and other embodiments will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0078] In particular, we understand that a multitude of shapes and dimensions are possible for facade 16.

[0079] A structural layer 26 made from recycled leather has also been described, but it is perfectly feasible to use a structural layer 26 made of leather. For example, a layer of thick leather could be used. Alternatively, a composite of several sheets of leather glued together could be used, for example, two or even three layers, each 2 to 4 mm thick. The composite is then machined, and a layer with a similar appearance to layer 40 can optionally be applied.

[0080] We can also consider an exposed seam on the appearance layer 40, in particular a through seam allowing to connect the appearance layer 40 and the structural layer 26.

[0081] An exterior decorative element, chosen from the group comprising:, can also be included on facade 16.

[0082] - an imprint, for example made by laser marking, hot stamping or embossing,

[0083] - a visual element, for example produced by printing, transfer, marquetry, dyeing or painting.

[0084] We can also, among the many possible alternatives, consider replacing the dyeing of slice 42 with the use of a rim composed of part of the appearance layer which covers slice 42 of the structural layer 26. List of references

[0085] 10: electrical element

[0086] 12: box

[0087] 14: base

[0088] 16: facade

[0089] 18: Electrical connectors

[0090] 20: electrical mechanisms

[0091] 22: Connector connection area

[0092] 24: button

[0093] 24': actuation point

[0094] 26: Structuring layer

[0095] 28: exterior face

[0096] 30: inner face

[0097] 32: means of fixing the facade to the electrical element

[0098] 34: inner peripheral rim

[0099] 36: opening in the structural layer

[0100] 40: Appearance layer

[0101] 42: slice of the structural layer

[0102] 44: metal ring

[0103] 46, 46': insert

[0104] 48: function-hiding element

[0105] 50: magnets

[0106] 52: Sewing

Claims

1. Facade (16) for an electrical element (10), the electrical element (10) being an electrical device or a luminaire, the facade comprising a structural layer (26) carrying means (32) for fixing the facade (16) to the electrical element, characterized in that the structural layer (26) comprises leather.

2. Facade (16) according to the preceding claim, in which the structural layer (26) is made of leather.

3. Facade (16) according to claim 1, wherein the structural layer (26) is made of a material comprising recycled leather, preferably a material comprising more than 40% recycled leather, preferably even more than 60%.

4. Facade (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to be attached to electrical equipment.

5. Facade (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, configured to be attached to a luminaire.

6. Facade (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an outer layer (40), referred to as the appearance layer, preferably made of leather, textile or bio-manufactured material.

7. Facade (16) according to the preceding claim, comprising an apparent seam on the appearance layer (40), preferably a through seam allowing to connect the appearance layer (40) and the structural layer (26).

8. Facade (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an opening for the passage of a button or a screen of the electrical element, the opening being delimited by a metal ring (44) passing through the structural layer (26).

9. Facade (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the facade has a solid outer face (28, 40) and is configured to allow a mechanism (20), located behind the facade, of the electrical element (10) to be actuated by deformation of the facade when a user presses on it.

10. Facade (16) according to the preceding claim, in which the structural layer (26) comprises at least one insert (46, 46') disposed with regard to an actuation point (24') of the mechanism (20) of the electrical element (10).

11. Façade (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an exterior decorative element, selected from the group comprising: - an imprint, for example made by laser marking, hot stamping or embossing, - a visual element, for example made by printing, transfer, marquetry, dyeing or painting.

12. Facade (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a function cover (48), preferably held in the closed position by magnets (50).

13. Facade (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means (32) for fixing to the electrical element (10) comprise snap-on means cooperating with complementary snap-on means carried by a base (14) of the electrical element (10).

14. Facade (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a rim or edge stain (42).

15. Facade (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a maximum thickness of between 1 and 12mm, preferably between 3 and 7mm.

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