Interface of a multi-axis electrical apparatus

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to an interface of an electrical apparatus comprising a support (1) comprising a groove extending along a first axis (Y), a movement repeater (2) mounted on the support (1) movable in translation along the groove (130), and comprising at least one rotary part (25) able to rotate about a second axis (Z), a gripping knob (3) comprising a translational-slideway part (313) able to move in translation by sliding in the groove (130, 123) and at least one rotary gripping part (30) having a rotary connection with respect to the support (1) able to rotate on itself about an axis parallel or identical to the second axis (Z), thereby causing at least the rotary part (25) to rotate about the second axis (Z). The apparatus further comprises a translation sensor (4) sensing the translational movement of the movement repeater (2) along the first axis (Y) and a rotation sensor (5) sensing the rotation of the rotary part of the movement repeater (2) about the second axis (Y).

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: Interface of a multi-axis electrical switchgear TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

[0005] Another well-known type is the rotary switch, which allows you to select different predefined states of a device controlled by home automation equipment. This type of switch is similar to dimmer switches.

[0006] A common type of user interface for electrical dimmers includes rotary knobs, sliding knobs, push buttons with time-delay counting, and touch interfaces. Each allows for a specific function to adjust a device, such as changing the temperature or brightness, according to a user-selected value. Rotary knobs and sliding knobs are generally considered more ergonomic than push buttons with time-delay counting because the latter can cause the adjustment to be either too slow or too fast, depending on the user's preference.

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

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

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

[0010] Using a touchpad allows for at least two ways to control one or more devices, for example, depending on the direction of movement or a preset selection. However, touchpad interfaces require complex electronics, may be considered less ergonomic for some users, may be more sensitive to temperature variations, and can be considered too bulky and expensive.

[0011] Touchscreen interfaces can be home automation systems with a central screen, allowing users to select states and adjust the settings of one or more devices while displaying control information for the device(s). However, these screens have the same drawbacks as touchscreen interfaces and are even more expensive due to the screen size.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need for user interfaces that allow for multiple variations of one or more different devices in a less bulky, less expensive and more ergonomic way than the different interfaces described previously. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0022] [Fig. 1 a] shows a schematic diagram of an interface of an electrical device according to a first example of a first embodiment.

[0023] [Fig.1 b] shows a schematic diagram of a top view of the interface of an electrical device according to the first example of the first embodiment.

[0024] [Fig. 1 c] shows a schematic diagram of part of the interface of an electrical device according to the first example of the first embodiment.

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

[0026] [Fig. 2b] schematically shows a three-dimensional view of the interface of an electrical device from figure 2a.

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

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

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

[0030] [Fig. 4c] schematically represents a front view of a magnet from the motion transmitter in Figure 4a.

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

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

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

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

[0035] [Fig. 1 a] shows a schematic diagram of an interface of an electrical device according to a first embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0056] The control interface further includes a switch 6, shown in an exploded diagram in Figure 2a, which detects a translational displacement of the motion transmitter 2 along the Z-axis caused by the deformation of the surface 121i of the slot 121, deformed by pressing the push portion 31 of the grip button 3 along the Z-axis towards the trim 13. The switch 6 transforms this detection into an electrical signal. In this example, the switch 6 is a push button comprising: two fixed tracks 61 and 62, each electrically conductive; an electrically conductive bridge 63, movable in translation along the second Z-axis; and a spring 64 exerting a force on the bridge 63 towards and against a projection 240 of the translational portion 24, referenced in Figure 5.The apparatus further includes a housing (not shown) against which the spring 64 acts opposite the projection 240 to push the motion transmitter 2 into a rest position. In another example, the spring 64 is free to move in translation and is positioned between the projection 240 and a fixed part of the housing, and the projection 240 is fixed in translation along the first and second axes Y, Z with the bridge 63 to allow it to be moved towards the tracks when it is pushed in translation along the second axis Z.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0067] In yet another example, the interface comprises a plurality of Hall effect sensors mounted along tunnel 120 opposite magnet block 26 to form both the translational and rotational sensors. Preferably, magnet block 26 will include a plurality of magnets to improve the accuracy of the rotational angle.

[0068] According to another example, the interface includes a plurality of LEDs and light sensors dispersed along the length of the slot 130 and in that the light sensors allow to determine the translation and rotation of the rotating part or only the translation of the translation part 24 by using it in another tunnel separate from the tunnel 120. The light sensor not having brightness indicating the location in translation of the translation part 24 relative to the housing.

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

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

Claims

DEMANDS [Claim 1] Interface of an electrical switchgear comprising: - a support (1 ) comprising an inner face, an outer face (1 e) opposite the inner face (1 i) and at least one groove (130) on the outer face (1 e) extending along a first axis (Y), - a motion transmitter (2) mounted on the support (1) on the side of the inner face (1 i), movable in translation along the first axis (Y) along the groove (130), and comprising at least one rotating part (25) about a second axis (Z) movable about the first axis (Y) and perpendicular to the first axis (Y), - a gripping button (3) on the outer face (1e) of the support (1), driving the motion transmitter (2) in translation along the first axis (Y) in a homokinetic manner, comprising: o a maximum width (A), measured along the first axis (Y), o a sliding part (313) forming a translational connection along the first axis (Y) with the support (1) by sliding in the groove (130, 123) along a displacement length (B) greater than at least twice the value of the maximum width (A) of the gripping button (3), and o at least one rotating gripping part (30) having a rotational connection with respect to the support (1) about itself along an axis parallel or identical to the second axis (Z), driving at least the rotating part (25) in rotation about the second axis (Z), - a translation sensor (4) of the motion transmitter (2) along the first axis (Y), intended to send a first variable position information from the motion transmitter (2) to an electronic unit of the electrical equipment, - a rotation sensor (5) of the rotating part of the motion transmitter (2) along the second axis (Z), intended to send a second displacement / angular position information of the rotating gripping part (30) by means of rotation detection motion transmitter (2), to the electronic unit of the electrical equipment. [Claim 2] Interface of an electrical apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the rotating gripping part (30) drives homokinetically the rotating part (25) of the motion transmitter (2). [Claim 3] Interface of an electrical apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation sensor (5) comprises an optical encoder on the motion transmitter (2), the optical encoder being movable in translation relative to the support (1) along the first axis (Z). [Claim 4] Interface of an electrical apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grip button (3) transmits the rotational movement along the second axis (Z) and the translation along the first axis (Y) relative to the support (1) by magnetic fields passing through a wall of the support (1). [Claim 5] Interface of an electrical apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the motion transmitter (2) or the gripping button (3) comprises a permanent hard magnet block (26, 36) and respectively the gripping button (3) or the gripping button (3) comprises a ferromagnetic block or magnet (36, 30, 26) opposite and magnetized with the permanent hard magnet block (26, 36). [Claim 6] Interface of an electrical apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (1) comprises: - a trim piece (13) comprising a wall including an external face and an internal face opposite the external face (1e) and the longitudinal groove (130) crosses the wall of the trim piece (13) from its external face to its internal face and - a base (12) attached to and opposite the inner face of the trim (13), comprising a tunnel (120) on the inner face (1 i) of the support (1 ), the tunnel (120) housing the motion transmitter (2). [Claim 7] Interface of an electrical apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the base (12) comprises a groove including a bottom (124) opposite the groove (130) of the trim (13), and wherein the sliding part (313) comprises a part situated between the bottom (124) and the inner face of the wall of the trim (13). [Claim 8] An interface for an electrical device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a motion sensor for the displacement of the motion transmitter (2) in translation along the second axis (Z), wherein: - the gripping button (3) further comprises: o a push part (31) movable in translation along the second axis (Z) relative to the support (1), comprising a part abutting against the rotating gripping part (30) in the rest position and o a spring (32) mounted in a housing of the rotating gripping part (30), the housing being open on both sides axially along the second axis (Z), the spring enabling the push part (31) to be driven into the rest position, - the motion transmitter (2) being mobile and driven in translation along the second axis (Z) relative to the support (1) by the pusher part (31). [Claim 9] Interface of an electrical apparatus according to claim 7 and claim 8, wherein: - the displacement motion sensor is a switch (6) in translational connection with the motion transmitter (2), the base (12) includes a slot (121) in the bottom (124) of the groove, comprising a bottom which is a flexible, elastically deformable wall, - the pusher part (31) includes a projection (310) comprising a portion in the slot (121) the bottom of which is a flexible, elastically deformable wall, - and when the pusher part (31) is pushed in translation along the second axis (Z), the projection (310) pushes in translation at least a part of the motion transmitter (2) through the elastically deformable flexible wall, the part of the motion transmitter (2) pressing on the switch (6) to change its state. [Claim 10] Interface of an electrical apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a light emitter allowing a variation of colour or a variation of brightness power to emit a first type of light feedback information on the side of the external face (1 e) of the support (1 ) according to the angular position of the rotating gripping part (30) about its axis of rotation relative to the support (1 ) or according to the translational position of the gripping button (3) about the first axis (Y) relative to the support (1 ). [Claim 1 1] Electrical equipment comprising: - an interface according to any one of the preceding claims, - an electronic unit for controlling a load comprising an electronic board mounted against the support (1) receiving electrical signals from each sensor of the interface. [Claim 12] Electrical apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the interface is according to claim 10, wherein the load to be controlled is a multi-colour light emitter and wherein the unit is configured to control the light emitter in colour variation in accordance with a colour command of the load and in power variation according to a power command of the load.

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