Electrical equipment comprising a rotatable finishing plate on a trim element
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure EP2026052951_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
DESCRIPTION TITLE: Electrical appliance comprising a rotating cover plate on a bezel TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of electrical equipment intended to be mounted against or embedded in a wall.
[0002] The present invention relates to electrical equipment. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known as a surface-mounted electrical device designed to be installed against or within a wall or ceiling. It comprises a main housing containing the electrical components, installation elements such as prongs for a power plug, a control button, and wall mounting hardware. For aesthetic reasons, the device typically includes a cover plate or trim that fits onto the housing after the main housing has been installed in the wall to conceal the installation elements. However, this cover plate / trim can be lost, damaged, or fall off during installation, which, particularly in the case of ceiling mounting, requires climbing down and back up. Furthermore, removing it can damage the wall or the trim itself.
[0004] Some devices feature a trim panel with hinged flaps that pivot on a main plate and clips on the housing to conceal the screws securing the device to the wall. However, users often use a flathead screwdriver to open the flap, which can damage the flap, the housing, or the main plate of the trim panel, for example, by scratching it. Furthermore, the clips can become damaged from repeated opening and closing of the flaps. Finally, if the housing is deformed during forced insertion into the wall, the clips can also be damaged, making it difficult to close the flaps.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need to simplify the assembly / disassembly of a device comprising a cover plate / trim for the electrical switchgear module, whether surface-mounted or recessed into a wall or ceiling, while also concealing the device's installation components. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention offers a solution to at least one of the problems mentioned above, by allowing a rotating finishing plate for access to at least one installation element.
[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to an electrical device comprising: a housing, suitable for flush or surface mounting against or within a surface such as a wall or ceiling, comprising: a decorative wall panel comprising: an inner surface, an external face opposite the internal face, a main zone traversing the trim wall from the internal face to the external face, at least one installation opening, separate from the main area, passing through the trim panel from the inner to the outer face, an electrical device located in the housing comprising: a main electrical element opposite and / or passing through the main area, producing the function of the electrical device, at least one installation element opposite the installation opening, usable during the manual installation of the electrical equipment, characterized in that it comprises a rotating finishing plate, mounted to rotate relative to the trim wall between an installation position and a final position in which the main electrical element can perform its function through the main opening, comprising: at least one first overlap zone covering: -in final position, the installation opening and installation element, and -in installation position, at least part of the external face of the trim wall to allow access to the first installation element through the installation opening.
[0008] Thanks to this invention, the electrical appliance can be easily installed and removed without losing the cover plate. The rotating cover plate, which turns on its axis, is pre-fitted to the wall plate before the appliance is positioned in its designated installation area against or within the wall. This allows the installation opening(s), and therefore the installation components, to be visible on the outer face of the cover plate. In the final position, the installation components, covered by the cover plate, are no longer visible from the outside (they are concealed). Having the cover plate already installed on the housing when the appliance housing is inserted into the wall opening simplifies installation for the user and reduces the risk of damage to the housing or the cover plate.Thus, unlike a removable finishing panel or pivoting shutters, the simple rotation of the finishing plate on the trim avoids the need to use nails or a screwdriver and scratching or damaging the trim / finishing plate / pivoting shutter.
[0009] In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the device according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations: In one example, the decorative wall is mounted between the rotating plate and the bottom of the case. According to one example, the device includes a housing delimited axially between the trim wall and the bottom of the case and is surrounded by a circumferential body of the case, the rotating plate being located outside this housing. In its final or installation position, the rotating plate is at rest. This allows the plate to remain in these two positions without compressing any of the device's elastic components. As a result, the installer can position the plate at the desired annular angle and have both hands free to perform the installation. In one example, the cover plate, in its final position, covers all installation openings and components of the electrical equipment. In another embodiment, the rotating cover plate comprises an outer face and an inner face opposite the outer face, the inner face being opposite the cover plate. The cover plate rotates about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being perpendicular to the surface such as a wall or ceiling, and passing through the main area. Having a cover plate that rotates about an axis passing through the main area allows the main electrical component to always perform its function through the main opening (from the installation position to the final position) and thus to be adjustable in the installation position. An example of this implementation: The housing further comprises a base, a trim piece including the trim panel, the trim piece being mounted on the base closing a housing in which an electronic part of the electrical device is integrated, the housing comprising an external axial retaining rim, The finishing plate includes: -an external peripheral wall along the axis of rotation, surrounding the internal peripheral wall of the casing and -at least one internal projection extending from the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall, held axially against the outer axial retaining edge. This allows the finishing plate to be held axially while being guided in rotation by its largest diameter. According to one option of this embodiment, the base and the trim panel each comprise a peripheral wall in the shape of a circular cylinder about the axis of rotation, surrounded by a peripheral wall in the shape of at least a portion of a circular cylinder about the axis of rotation of the finishing plate. This increases dust tightness. According to one embodiment, the main element comprises a lens including a retaining wall, the lens covering the main area which is an opening through the trim wall, the finishing plate participating in the axial retention of the lens by applying a force directly or through a main area of the trim wall on the retaining wall. This allows the finishing plate to be used as a means of assembling the lens. According to an example of this embodiment, the electrical device is a presence and / or motion detector. According to one example of this embodiment, the lens passes through the main area. According to one example of this embodiment, the retaining wall forms a peripheral rim in the shape of a washer, fitted with the rotating finishing plate. According to a variant of this embodiment, the electrical device is one or more sockets, one or more switches, a lighting element (lamp) or a self-contained emergency lighting unit or a smoke detector, or a light detector or an infrared camera or a camera in the visible range or a combination of these different devices. In one embodiment, the housing comprises an external peripheral wall extending from the trim wall, and the installation opening is an angled notch on the external peripheral wall. This reduces material and manufacturing cost while providing a simple and efficient access area. In one embodiment, the device further comprises a fixing device including screws for fixing the device to the wall or to a flush-mounting box mounted in the wall, the first installation element being one of the screws having a head accessible in the installation position. This allows the fixing screws to be concealed while the entire device is present during fixing. The screws may be self-tapping or screwed into a tapped hole in the flush-mounting box or the wall, or may include a nut that is rotationally fixed to the housing and screwed into the end of a hole in the box through which the screw passes. In one embodiment, the device comprises two installation elements; the housing includes at least two installation openings, each opposite a corresponding installation element, passing through the trim panel and covered by the finishing plate in the final position, and accessible in the installation position to allow access to the second installation element. This allows a second installation element to be covered. According to one example of this embodiment, the finishing plate includes a second cover zone that covers one of the two installation elements in its final position. The first and second cover zones are angularly opposed to each other and separated by first and second access openings, each opposite a corresponding installation opening in the installation position. This allows installation elements that are diametrically opposed to each other to be covered, thus simplifying manufacturing by avoiding the need to group the installation elements together. In one embodiment, at least one accessible installation element in the installation position is an adjustment element for the electrical device. This allows the device to be adjusted simply by turning the cover plate, thus avoiding the need to remove shutters and / or trim pieces with tools (unclipping, unscrewing, etc.). In one embodiment, at least one accessible installation element in the installation position is an electrical terminal block located in a housing open to the rotating cover plate, and wherein the housing further includes a cable entry area for the passage of wires or power cables into the housing, the housing being covered by the cover plate in the final position. This allows access to the wiring if necessary after the device is installed and enables the user to connect the wires passing through the cable entry to the terminal block after the device is fixed to the wall, thus simplifying installation. According to one embodiment: The case includes: - a peripheral wall in the shape of a circular cylinder along the axis of rotation extending axially from the trim wall, - a base comprising a peripheral wall in the shape of a circular cylinder along the axis of rotation, surrounding the peripheral wall extending from the trim wall, The cover plate includes at least one peripheral wall surrounding at least part of the peripheral wall of the base. This allows the cover plate to be used to cover a radial portion (circular cylinder) of the housing while also guiding the rotation of the cover plate from its outer edge. In one embodiment, the cover plate covers between one-third and one-half of the outer face of the trim panel in the installed position. This provides a large surface area and therefore ample space for installation openings and components.
[0010] 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
[0011] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting to the invention.
[0012] [Fig. 1A] shows a three-dimensional schematic representation of an electrical device according to a first embodiment, in final position.
[0013] [Fig. 1B] shows a three-dimensional schematic representation of the electrical device in Figure 1A in an installation position.
[0014] [Fig. 1C] shows a three-dimensional schematic representation of the electrical device in Figure 1A between the installation position and the final position.
[0015] [Fig. 1 D] shows a schematic three-dimensional exploded view of the electrical device in Figure 1 A.
[0016] [Fig.2a] shows a schematic representation seen on an external face of the bezel of the electrical device in Figure 1A without a finishing plate and lens.
[0017] [Fig.2b] shows a schematic three-dimensional representation according to a cross-section of the electrical device in Figure 1A without a base and a finishing plate.
[0018] [Fig.3] shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of a decorative wall of the electrical device in Figure 1 A.
[0019] [Fig.4] shows a three-dimensional schematic representation of the finishing plate of the electrical device in Figure 1A.
[0020] [Fig.5] shows a three-dimensional schematic representation of part of the electrical device in Figure 1A with a section in the bezel and the finishing plate.
[0021] [Fig. 6A] shows a schematic representation from a top view of an electrical device according to a first example of a second embodiment, in final position.
[0022] [Fig. 6B] shows a schematic top view representation of the electrical device in Figure 6A in an installation position.
[0023] [Fig. 6C] shows a schematic representation and is a section AA of figure 6B.
[0024] [Fig.6D] shows an enlargement of an area of figure 6C.
[0025] [Fig.6E] shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of part of the apparatus according to the first example of a second embodiment.
[0026] [Fig.7A] shows a three-dimensional schematic representation of a device according to the first example of the second embodiment in a recessed box, in final position.
[0027] [Fig.7B] shows a schematic representation according to an exploded view of the two examples of the device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting to the invention.
[0029] Figures 1A to 1D show a three-dimensional schematic representation of an electrical device according to a first embodiment. The electrical device comprises a housing 1, suitable for surface mounting against a wall or ceiling. The housing 1 includes a decorative cover 111 comprising an inner face 11i visible in Figures 3 and 1D and an outer face 11e opposite the inner face 11i. In this example, the housing 1 includes a base 10 fitted with a decorative cover 11 comprising the decorative cover 111, forming a lid for the housing 1 to close an internal recess in the base 10. Thus, during the assembly of the device, an electrical component 2 of the device is mounted in a recess in the base 10, which is then closed by the decorative cover 11 fitted onto the base 10.According to another example not shown, the trim wall 111 is part of the base 10 (is one piece with other walls of the base 10), in this case the housing 1 includes an internal cover forming the bottom of the housing 1 for the insertion of the electronic device into the housing 1.
[0030] The electrical device therefore includes at least one electrical device 2 housed in the casing 1. More precisely, in this example, the device includes a housing axially delimited between the trim wall 111 and the bottom of the casing 1, the housing is surrounded by a circumferential body of the casing.
[0031] The electrical device of the electrical appliance can be one or more sockets, one or more switches, a lighting element (lamp) or a self-contained emergency lighting unit or even a person or smoke detector etc... In the different embodiments represented, the electrical device is a detector, for example of movement or presence.
[0032] The electrical device 2 comprises at least one main electrical element 20, including a lens 22, here dome-shaped, also called a dome lens, and a sensor 24 (visible in Figures 2a and 2b). In this example, the electrical device 2 further comprises a lens holder 23 and a printed circuit board 25 (visible in Figure 2b) housed in a recess in the base 10, which is closed by the bezel 11. The electrical device naturally includes electrical components mounted on the printed circuit board 25, including the sensor 24 at its center, opposite the dome lens 22. The lens holder 23 comprises a tube-shaped wall (washer-shaped cross-section) 231 and a retaining wall 230 covered by a retaining wall 220 for the dome lens 22.
[0033] The housing 1 thus includes a main area 12, passing through the trim wall 111 from the inner face 11i to the outer face 11e. The main area 12, in this example, is an opening through which the dome lens 22 passes, passing from the inner face 11i to the outer face 11e of the trim wall 111, but could also be a transparent area of the trim wall 111.
[0034] In this example, the main area 12 is located in the center of the trim wall 111 but could also be a notch or be located on the side.
[0035] The sensor 24 is thus opposite the main area 12 covered by the lens 22 to detect a human presence or human movement.
[0036] The housing 1 further includes at least one first installation opening 13 different from the main area 12, passing from the inner face 11i to the outer face 11e of the trim wall 111. In this case, the trim 11 includes five installation openings 13 passing through the trim wall 111.
[0037] The device also includes at least one installation element 3 opposite each installation opening 13, usable during the manual installation of the electrical equipment. The installation element 3 may be, for a mechanical installation, for example, the fixing of the device to a wall (wall or ceiling), or for an electrical installation, for example, a terminal block, or an adjustment device for setting the electrical components. The device may include other installation elements 3 that are not opposite an installation opening 13, or may include several installation elements opposite an installation opening 13.
[0038] The device includes a rotating cover plate 4 mounted to rotate about an axis X relative to the cover plate 111 between an installation position shown in Figure 1B (passing through an intermediate installation position shown in Figure 1C) allowing access to installation elements 3 and a final position shown in Figure 1A covering the installation elements 3. The rotating cover plate is located outside (it delimits but is not inside) the housing of the enclosure. The rotating cover plate rotates about its axis of rotation X.
[0039] In this example the rotation axis X passes through the main zone 12, and in particular through the sensor 24.
[0040] Figure 2a shows a top view of the device, without the rotating finishing plate 4 and the lens 22. In this example, the device comprises twelve installation elements 3, ten of which are opposite each of the five installation openings 13: a first installation opening 13i housing a first and second adjustment element of the electrical device 310, 311, here potentiometers, of the detector, in this case the motion or presence detector, each forming an adjustment installation element 3, a second installation opening 132, opposite a chimney 1132, 1032, leading to a fixing opening 32, here in the shape of an arc, passing through a wall of the base 100 of the plinth 10 forming with a fixing screw not shown, an installation element 3 for fixing, a third installation opening forming a notched housing 13a, opposite of a pre-cut zone 330 forming an installation element 3 for cabling, for the passage of a cable, formed by grooves in a peripheral wall 101 of the base 10, making it easier to cut the peripheral wall 101 for the insertion of a cable into the base, of a pre-cut area, or a cable pass-through 331, forming a wiring installation element 3, for the passage of a cable or wire, making it easier to cut the bottom wall 100 for the insertion of a cable into the base 10, of a chimney 103, (in particular visible on figures 1B and 1C) extending from the bottom wall 100 opening onto a second fixing opening 332, here in the form of an arc, diametrically opposite the first fixing opening 32, passing through the bottom wall 100 of the base 10 forming with a fixing screw not shown, a fixing installation element 3, a fourth installation opening 134 and a fifth installation opening 13s respectively opposite the screws of a first and second terminal block 34, 35 each forming a wiring installation element 3.
[0041] According to another example not shown, the device comprises one or more of these installation openings and one or more corresponding installation elements. In this example, the cover plate 11 comprises two angular closing walls 113, visible in Figure 3, which angularly close the third installation opening 133 to separate it from an internal housing in the base 10. These two angular closing walls 113 thus electrically isolate the installation conductor wires to be connected to the terminal blocks 34, 35 from the electronic components mounted on the circuit board, protecting them from mains voltage in the electrical conductors.
[0042] The trim ring 11 in this example includes a first part 1132 of the chimney, and the base 10 includes another part 1032 forming together the chimney 1132, 1032 to separate the housing receiving electronic elements from the device of the installation opening receiving screws.
[0043] The rotating cover plate 4 thus includes at least one first cover zone 41. In this case, the rotating cover plate 4 also includes a second cover zone 42 diametrically opposite with respect to the axis of rotation X to the first cover zone 41. Each cover zone 41, 42 covers in the final position at least one installation element 3, in which the main electrical element 20 is accessible in the final position through the main opening 12.
[0044] The rotating finishing plate 4, shown alone in figure 4, comprises an external face 4e and an internal face 4i opposite the external face 4e, the internal face 4i comprises at least a portion opposite the external face 11e of the trim wall 111 in the final position.
[0045] In this embodiment, the rotating cover plate 4 is mounted above the decorative wall 111. In this embodiment, the rotating cover plate 4 thus covers at least one installation opening 13 with at least one of the cover zones 41, 42 in its final position. In this example, the rotating cover plate 4 completely covers each installation opening 13 in its final position.
[0046] The rotating finishing plate 4 therefore includes at least one first access opening 431 such that in the installation position, at least part of the external face 11 e of the trim wall 111 is screwed to the external face 4e, and the first access opening 431 is opposite the first installation opening 131 to allow access from the outside to the first installation element 3.
[0047] In this example, the rotating cover plate 4 includes a second access opening 432, here in the form of a notch. The first and second access openings 431, 432 each angularly separate, along the axis of rotation X, the first and second cover zones 41, 42. The rotating cover plate 4 includes a central washer-shaped portion 410 comprising two arc-shaped zones 411, 412 connecting the first and second cover zones 41, 42.
[0048] In this example, the first and second overlapping areas 41, 42 are symmetrical with respect to the X-axis but could be different from each other.
[0049] In this example, the first and second overlap zones 41, 42 each have an angularly larger surface area than the first and second access openings 431, 432, but could be smaller. The angular boundary between an overlap zone 41, 42 and an access opening 431, 432 is represented by dashed lines in Figure 2a. This allows for the overlap of two zones, each containing installation openings 13.
[0050] The rotating finishing plate 4 includes at least a first peripheral wall 401 fitted onto a peripheral wall 110, 101 of the housing 1 (here of the trim 11 or the base 10).
[0051] The peripheral wall 110 extends axially from the trim wall 111 towards the base 10. The trim 11 in this example comprises the peripheral wall 110 having an angular cross-section of a circular cylinder, such that the third installation opening 13a, shaped like a notch, is opened angularly by passing through the peripheral wall 110. The angular opening of the notch is thus delimited angularly between two angular ends of the peripheral wall 110. The peripheral wall 110 of the trim 11 could be a circular cylinder, i.e., 360° around the X-axis as in the examples of the second embodiment explained below.
[0052] In this example, the rotating cover plate 4 includes a second peripheral wall 402 surrounding a peripheral wall 110, 101 of the trim 11 and / or the base 10. The circumferential body of the housing delimiting the housing of the device by surrounding it thus includes the two peripheral walls 401, 402, the peripheral wall 110, 101 of the trim 11 and / or the base 10. The two peripheral walls 401, 402 of the rotating cover plate 4 have an arc shape of a circular cylinder and the first and second peripheral walls 401, 402 each extend respectively from a radially external end of the first and second cover zone 41, 42.In this example, the first and second peripheral walls 401, 402 each extend axially only along the radially external end of the first and second overlap zones 41, 42, respectively, and are each separated from each other by the two angular notch-shaped access openings 431, 432 (in other words, they have the same angular sector). According to another example, not shown, the first and second peripheral walls 401, 402 each extend from a radially external end of each of the first and second overlap walls 41, 42, each delimiting the first and second access openings 431, 432, respectively.
[0053] According to another embodiment, the rotating finishing plate 4 comprises a single peripheral wall 401 which can be a circular cylinder (tube) (as in the second embodiment described below) comprising two portions each delimiting one of the two access openings 431, 432.
[0054] Figure 5 represents a three-dimensional schematic representation of part of the electrical device of Figure 1A with a section in the trim ring 11 and the finishing plate 4.
[0055] In this example, the peripheral wall 100 of the base 10 is mounted between the peripheral wall 110 of the trim 11 and the first and second peripheral walls 401, 402 of the finishing plate 4. The first and second peripheral walls 401, 402 of the finishing plate 4 therefore rotate around the peripheral wall 100 of the base 10.
[0056] The housing 1, (in this case the trim 11) includes an axial retaining rim 114, extending radially from the end of the peripheral wall 110. In this example, the rim 114 has the shape of an angular portion of a washer, the third installation opening 13a being a notch angularly delimited between two angular ends of the rim 114 and the peripheral wall 110. The rim 114 could have a washer shape (i.e. 360°).
[0057] The finishing plate 4 comprises a first and second projection 400, each extending radially from an internal surface of the first and second peripheral walls 401 and 402, respectively. Each of the two projections 400 is located in a space between an axial end edge of the peripheral wall 101 of the base 10 and the axial retaining rim 114, which axially retains the finishing plate 4 by the trim piece 11 while guiding the finishing plate 4 in rotation around the trim piece 11. The axial retaining rim 114 is in the form of at least a portion of a circular cylinder, allowing the rotating finishing plate 4 to pivot around the housing 1. Thus, the finishing plate 4 is fitted by its projections 400, in this example between the axial retaining rim 114 of the trim piece 11 and the axial end edge of the peripheral wall 101. from base 10.
[0058] Optionally, the rotating cover plate 4 includes an angular stop 47, and the trim 11 includes an angular positioning groove 117 (referenced in Figure 2b) in the shape of an arc of a circle, housing the angular stop 47 in a sliding manner to angularly delimit a position of the rotating cover plate 4 between the final position and the installation position.
[0059] In this example, the angular stop 47 is a tab extending from the inner face 4i and the angular positioning groove 117 is open on the outer face 11 e but could be positioned elsewhere, in particular on the peripheral wall 40 of the finishing plate 4 and on the peripheral wall 110, 101 of the trim 11 or the base 10.
[0060] The peripheral wall 100 of the base 10 includes a groove, in this case radially internal, to receive a fixing tab 119 of the trim II. In this case, the trim 11 includes four fixing tabs 119 extending from the rim 114 and the peripheral wall 110, each including a clip portion to clip into the internal groove of the peripheral wall 100 of the base 10.
[0061] Of course, other mounting solutions between the finishing plate 4 and the trim / base wall are possible, for example the finishing plate 4 can be clipped onto the trim 11 which is fixed to the peripheral wall 100 of the base 10.
[0062] In this example, the trim piece 11 includes a rounded external groove 15 (visible in Figures 5 and 2b) opening onto the external face 11e of the trim piece wall III, surrounding the main area 12, and the finishing plate 4 includes a rounded guide wall 45 (shaped like an angular portion of a circular cylinder) (visible in Figures 5 and 4) extending from the internal face 4i of the central washer-shaped portion 410, housed in the external groove 15 shaped like an angular portion of a circular cylinder. This allows the guide wall 45 to be guided on the trim piece 11.
[0063] The trim wall 111 includes a central washer-shaped area 1110 surrounding the main opening 12. The central area 1110 is sandwiched with the retaining wall 220 of the dome lens 22 between the retaining wall 230 of the lens support 23 and the central washer-shaped part 410 of the finishing plate 4.
[0064] In particular, in this example, the trim 11 includes a retaining wall 1123 in the form of a circular cylinder, extending axially from the inner face 11 i of the trim wall 111 and including notches forming teeth 1124 between them. In this example, the retaining wall 1123 includes a second part which further extends from the outer face 11e outwards, defining the outer groove 15.
[0065] The lens support 23 further includes two lugs 232 extending radially from the retaining wall 230, each comprising two openings 2314 receiving each a tooth 1124 of the trim 11. Thus the dome lens 12 and the trim 11 are rotationally fixed together.
[0066] Of course, other mounting solutions between the finishing plate 4 and the bezel 11 / dome lens 22 are possible, for example the dome lens 22 can be mounted sandwiched between the bezel 11 and the finishing plate 4. The dome lens 22 could be mounted rotatably relative to the bezel 11. The bezel 11 can also include the lens support 23 as in the example of the device according to the second embodiment shown in Figures 6A to 6E (and Figure 7B) or a second example of this second embodiment shown in Figure 7A (and Figure 7B).
[0067] The device, according to the two examples of the second embodiment, is intended to be mounted recessed on a wall (wall or ceiling).
[0068] Figure 6A shows a first example of the device according to the second embodiment, viewed from above in its final position, and Figure 6B shows it in its installed position. Figure 6C is a section AA of Figure 6B, and Figure 6D is an enlargement of an area of Figure 6C. Figure 6E shows a section of a portion of the device comprising only the cover plate 4', the trim ring 11', and a base 107 of the plinth 10', as shown in section BB of Figure 6B. Figure 7B is an exploded view of the two examples of the device according to the second embodiment. Figure 7A is a three-dimensional view of a portion of the electrical device according to the first example.
[0069] The base 10' of the housing 1' (referenced in figure 7B) includes in this second embodiment a base 107 comprising a retaining wall 1071 in the shape of a washer extending radially cooperating with each fixing tab 119 of the trim 11' and with the projections 400 (referenced in figure 6E) of the finishing plate 4'.
[0070] The 10' base also includes in the first example: a cable retaining device 108 comprising a base 1082 fitted onto the base 107 and a cover 1081 rotating relative to the base 1082, the cover 1081 being shown in the open position in Figure 7A and springs 1080 mounted on the base 107 to hold the device against a wall.
[0071] The second example is identical to the first example except that the base 10' in the second example includes, in addition to or instead of the cable retaining device 108, a flush-mounting box 109 (shown in Figure 7B) mounted against the retaining wall 1071 of the base 107. The base 107 includes at least two openings 1070 opposite each of a tapped hole 1090 formed in the flush-mounting box 109 for fixing the base 107 to the flush-mounting box 109 with screws 39 forming an installation element visible in Figure 7B. This device according to the second example is without the springs 1080. Thus the base 107 of the device can be mounted with the flush-mounting box 109 or the cable retaining device 108 and the spring 1080 reducing the cost of both device examples.
[0072] In the description, tapped holes can also be smooth holes that allow fixing with self-tapping screws or bolts.
[0073] In these examples of the second embodiment, the device includes a terminal block 26 comprising plugs with electrical connections to the electronic board 25. The terminal block 26 passes through an opening in the base 107 opposite the cover plate 111'. In the first example, the terminal block 26 is surrounded by walls of the base 1082, and the cover, when closed, conceals the terminal block 26. In the second example, the terminal block 26 is located in the flush-mounting box 109.
[0074] According to another example not shown, the device includes, as in the first embodiment, the fourth installation opening 134 and the fifth installation opening 13s respectively opposite the screws of a first terminal block 34 and a second terminal block 35, each forming an installation element 3 of wiring, in place of the terminal block 26.
[0075] The device according to these two examples of the second embodiment comprises a rotating finishing plate 4' identical to that of the first embodiment except in that it includes: a first radially external wall 403 and a second radially external wall 404 in the shape of an arc, each connecting the two overlapping zones 41, 42 and a single first peripheral wall 401' in the shape of a circular cylinder, at least two radial projections 451' opposite each other diametrically (visible in Figures 6C and 6D) extending outwards from the guide wall 45' axially retaining the finishing plate 4' to the trim 11'; a plating wall 46 (visible in Figures 6D and 6E) to plate the retaining wall 220 of the dome lens 22 against the central area 1110 of the trim wall 111'.
[0076] The first and second access openings 431', 432' are therefore each a through hole, delimited: radially respectively by the first and second radially external arc-shaped walls 403, 404; and the first and second arc-shaped zones 411, 412 of the central washer-shaped part 410 and angularly each by the first and second overlapping zones 41, 42.
[0077] The device, according to these two examples, includes a hubcap 11' identical to that of the first embodiment except that: The guide groove 15', delimited by the retaining wall 1123, is an axially opening; The retaining wall 1123' includes an axial retaining surface 1125 forming a shoulder in the guide groove 15'; and in this example a ramp extending from the external surface 11e to the axial retaining surface 1125; The trim 11' includes in this example four installation openings 13, of which two installation openings 13-T, 132' house a first and second potentiometer for adjusting the sensor of the electrical device, and two other mechanical installation openings 133', 134' each in the form of a notch open on the rim 114, to provide access to the installation elements, here fixing screws 39, visible in Figure 7B; the bezel 11' includes an internal wall 1131 in the shape of a circular cylinder like a tube, along the axis of rotation X, defining the main opening 12, replacing the lens support 23 of the first embodiment;Therefore, only the retaining wall 220 is sandwiched between the cladding wall 46 and the central area 1110 of the trim wall 111.
[0078] The mounting between the 4' cover plate and the 11' trim is also different in this example, in that the 4' cover plate is held axially: on the external diameter by its first and second projections 400 by an axial retaining lip 1074 of the base 107 of the plinth 10' and not by the trim 11' as in the first embodiment, and at the central level by its two radial projections 451', each located in the groove 15' abutting against the axial retaining surface 1125 of the circular cylindrical retaining wall 1123. The ramp facilitates the elastic deformation of the two radial projections 451' and of the retaining wall 1123 during the fitting of the finishing plate 4'.
[0079] The assembly between the finishing plate 4' and the base 10' is therefore different in that the base 10' axially retains the finishing plate 4' directly (whereas in the first embodiment it is via the trim wall 111).
[0080] The assembly between the trim 11' and the base 10' is different in that each fixing tab 119 of the trim 11 is fitted into an axial opening 1079 through the retaining wall 1071 of the base 107 of the base 10'.
[0081] In the various examples of the embodiments described, the housing 1 includes a trim wall 111, 111' mounted, fitted onto the base 10, 10' (i.e. a trim) but could be a single piece wall with the base 10, 10' (for example according to the example not shown explained in the first embodiment).
[0082] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing on different figures has a unique reference.
Claims
DEMANDS
1. Electrical apparatus comprising: - a housing (1, 1'), suitable for flush or surface mounting against or within a surface such as a wall or ceiling, comprising: o a decorative wall (111, 111') comprising:
1. an inner face (11 i), 2. an external face (11 e) opposite the internal face (11 i), or a main zone (12) passing through the trim wall (111 , 111') from the internal face (11 i) to the external face (11 e), or at least one installation opening (13) different from the main zone (12), passing through the trim wall (111 , 111') from the internal face (11 i) to the external face (11 e), - an electrical device (2) located in the housing (1, 1') comprising: o a main electrical element (20) opposite and / or passing through the main zone (12), producing the function of the electrical device (2), - at least one installation element (3) opposite the installation opening (13), usable during the manual installation of the electrical equipment, - characterized in that it comprises a rotating finishing plate (4, 4'), mounted to rotate movably relative to the trim wall (111, 111') between an installation position and a final position in which the main electrical element (20) can perform its function through the main opening (12), comprising: at least one first overlap zone (41) covering:
1. In the final position, the installation opening (13) and installation element (3), and 2. in installation position, at least part of the outer face (11e) of the trim wall (111, 111') to allow access to the first installation element (3) through the installation opening (13).
2. Electrical device according to the preceding claim, the rotating finishing plate (4, 4') comprises an external face (4e) and an internal face (4i) opposite the external face (4e), the internal face (4i) being opposite the trim wall (111), the finishing plate (4, 4') being rotatable about an axis of rotation (X) intended to be perpendicular to the wall such as a wall or a ceiling, the axis of rotation (X) being passing through the main area (12).
3. An electrical device according to the preceding claim, wherein: - the housing (1, 1') further comprises a base (10, 10'), a trim piece (11, 11') comprising the trim piece wall (111, 111'), the trim piece (11, 11') being mounted on the base (10, 10') by closing a housing in which an electronic part of the electrical device (2) is integrated, the housing (1, 1') comprising an external axial retaining rim (114, 1074), - the finishing plate (4, 4') comprises: o an external peripheral wall (401, 401') along the axis of rotation, surrounding the internal peripheral wall of the housing (1, 1') and o at least one internal projection (400) extending from the internal surface of the external peripheral wall (401, 401'), retained axially against the external axial retaining rim (114, 1074).
4. An electrical device according to any one of the preceding claims, the main element (20) comprising a lens (22) including a retaining wall (220), the lens (22) covering the main area which is an opening (12) passing through the trim wall (111, 111'), the finishing plate (4, 4') participating in the axial retention of the lens (22) by applying a force directly or through a main area (1110) of the trim wall (111) on the retaining wall (220).
5. An electrical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (1, 1') comprises an external peripheral wall (110) extending from the trim wall (111, 111') and wherein the installation opening (13a) is a notch open angularly on the external peripheral wall (110).
6. Electrical device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fixing device including screws (39) for fixing the device to the wall or to a recessed box mounted in the wall, the first installation element being one of the screws (39) comprising a head accessible in the installation position.
7. Electrical device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two installation elements (3), the housing (1, 1') comprises at least two installation openings (13), each opposite a corresponding installation element (3), passing through the trim wall (111, 111') and being covered by the finishing plate (4, 4') in the final position and accessible in the installation position to have access to the second installation element (13).
8. An electrical device according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover plate (4, 4') comprises a second cover zone (42) covering one of the two installation elements in the final position, the first and second cover zones (41, 42) being angularly opposed to each other and angularly separated from each other by first and second access openings (431, 432), each opposite a corresponding installation opening (13) in the installation position.
9. An electrical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one installation element (3) accessible in the installation position is an adjustment element of the electrical device (310, 311).
10. Electrical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one installation element (3) accessible in the installation position is an electrical terminal block (34, 35) located in a housing (1) open to the rotating cover plate, and wherein the housing (1) further includes a wire or cable passage area (331) for the passage of wire or power cable into the housing (13s), the housing being covered by the cover plate (4) in the final position.
11. An electrical apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the case (1, 1') includes: o a peripheral wall (110) in the shape of a circular cylinder along the axis of rotation (X) extending axially from the trim wall (111, 111'), o a base (10, 10') comprising a peripheral wall (101) in the shape of a circular cylinder along the axis of rotation (X), surrounding the peripheral wall (110) extending from the decorative wall (111, 111'), and - the finishing plate (4) includes at least one peripheral wall (401) surrounding at least part of the peripheral wall (101) of the base (10, 10'). [Claim ^] Electrical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the finishing plate (4, 4') covers between one third and one half of the external face (11 e) of the trim wall (111, 111') in the installation position.