阅读说明：本技术 控制设备 (Control device ) 是由 P·克利凯努瓦 于 2018-05-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种控制设备,该控制设备包括容置至少一个开关(36)的壳体(12、14)以及能相对于该壳体(12、14)移动的控制构件,该控制构件具有从所述控制构件的朝向壳体(12、14)定向的表面凸起的至少一个元件。该壳体(12、14)包括可变形区域(76),从该可变形区域延伸出第一舌片(24)和第二舌片(26),该第一舌片布置成在控制构件的至少一个位置与所述元件相互配合,该第二舌片用于致动开关(36)。(The invention relates to a control device comprising a housing (12, 14) accommodating at least one switch (36) and a control member which is movable relative to the housing (12, 14) and which has at least one element which protrudes from a surface of the control member which is oriented towards the housing (12, 14). The housing (12, 14) comprises a deformable region (76) from which extend a first tongue (24) arranged to cooperate with the element in at least one position of the control member and a second tongue (26) for actuating the switch (36).)

1. A control device comprising:

-a housing (12, 14) housing at least one switch (36); and

-a control member (4) movable with respect to said housing (12, 14) and having at least one element (54) projecting from a surface (55) of the control member (4) oriented towards said housing (12, 14);

characterized in that said housing (12, 14) comprises a deformable region (76) from which extend a first tongue (24) arranged to interact with said element (54) in at least one position of said control member (4) and a second tongue (26) for actuating said switch (36).

2. Control device according to claim 1, wherein the first tongue (24) and the second tongue (26) extend parallel to each other and at a distance from each other.

3. Control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control member (4) comprises a raised further element (56), wherein a third tongue (28) extends from the deformable region (76) and is aligned with the further element (56).

4. A control device according to claim 3, wherein the first tongue (24) and the third tongue (28) are located on both sides of the second tongue (26).

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first tongue (24) and the second tongue (26) are deformable.

6. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control member (4) has a lug (66) housed in a recess (68) of the housing (12, 14) and having a first contact surface (70) oriented towards the surface (55) of the control member (4), the first tongue (24) being elastic and being in contact with the element (54) to press the first contact surface (70) against a second contact surface (72) formed in the housing (12, 14) and delimiting the recess (68).

7. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the deformable region (76), the first tongue (24) and the second tongue (26) are formed in a front wall (21) of the housing (12, 14).

8. A control device according to claim 7, wherein the control member (4) comprises a rim (64) extending around the front wall (21) on the periphery of the control member (4).

9. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the switch (36) is carried by a printed circuit board (16) mounted in the housing (12, 14).

10. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the switch is a microswitch (36).

11. Control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second deformable tongue (26) has a raised portion (74) oriented towards the switch (36).

12. Control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the deformable region (76) is partially delimited by a plurality of cut-outs (82, 84, 86).

13. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the surface (55) of the control member (4) comprises a raised additional element (58), wherein the housing (12, 14) comprises a further deformable region (94) from which extend a fourth tongue (30) arranged to cooperate with the additional element (58) and a fifth tongue (32) for actuating a further switch (38).

14. A control device according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the housing (12, 14) comprises at least one limit pin (48) which is partly surrounded by a recess (50), wherein the surface (55) of the control member (4) comprises a positioning rib (52) which is received in the recess (50).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electrical apparatus.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a control device comprising: a housing containing at least one switch; a control member (control finger) which is movable relative to the housing and has elements, such as ribs, which project from a surface of the control member which is oriented towards the housing.

Background

Document CN105336520 describes a control device of this type.

In this document, the control member is provided with a plurality of ribs, some of which interact with the elastic lugs through an intermediate piece mounted on the housing, while others interact directly with the switch.

Document DE202004005837 also discloses a switch comprising a rocker button and a housing containing an electronic module.

The surface of the housing covered by the rocker key carries an actuating element in the shape of a W, the central branch of which comprises both a bearing area for accommodating elements protruding from the rocker key and an active area located above the switching element of the electronic module.

Disclosure of Invention

In this case, the invention proposes a control device as described above, characterized in that said housing comprises a deformable region from which extend a first tongue arranged to cooperate with said element in at least one position of the control member and a second tongue (which is at least partially movable) for actuating said switch.

In such a control device, movement of the control member (under the action of a user) causes the first tongue to move and/or deform, thus causing the deformable region to deform, thereby moving and/or deforming the second tongue to actuate the switch.

Since the second tongue is distinct (separate) from the first tongue, the manner of interaction between these elements is largely adjustable by the designer of the control device, in particular in the shape and arrangement of the deformable region and the tongues, so that the designer is free to decide on the user experience when moving the control member to actuate the switch.

The proposed design may also avoid elements acting directly on the switch, such as ribs of the control member, thus limiting the risk of damaging said switch.

Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the control device are as follows:

the first and second tongues extend parallel to each other and/or at a distance from each other;

-the raised elements are ribs (or, in a variant, pins, pegs or cross supports);

the control member comprises a further raised element (e.g. a further rib);

(as distinguished from the first and second tabs) a third tab, optionally deformable, which extends from the deformable region and is aligned (in register) with the further element (e.g. with the further rib);

the first tongue and the third tongue are located on either side of the second tongue;

the first tongue and/or the second tongue are deformable (the second tongue is thus possibly deformed to actuate the switch);

the control member comprises a lug (jaw, catch) housed in a recess of the casing and having a first contact surface oriented towards said surface of the control member;

the first tongue is elastic and is in contact with said element (with the rib in the example described below) to press the first contact surface against the second contact surface formed on the casing and delimiting the recess;

-the deformable region, the first tongue and the second tongue are formed in a front wall of the housing;

the control member comprises a rim (low wall) extending around the front wall on the periphery of the control member;

the switch is carried by a printed circuit board mounted in the housing;

-the switch is a microswitch;

the second tongue has a raised portion oriented towards the switch;

the deformable area is partially delimited by a plurality of incisions;

the surface of the control member comprises raised additional elements (e.g. additional ribs);

the housing comprises a further deformable region from which extend a fourth tongue arranged to cooperate with an additional element (i.e. an additional rib in the example described below) and a fifth tongue (at least partially movable) for actuating a further switch (here a further microswitch mounted on the printed circuit board);

the fourth tongue and/or the fifth tongue are deformable (the fifth tongue is thus possibly deformed for actuating the printed circuit board);

the housing comprises at least one arrest pin, which arrest pin is partially enclosed by the recess;

-the surface of the control member comprises a positioning rib received in the recess.

Drawings

Non-limiting examples are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, from which it will be clear what constitutes the invention and how it may be carried out.

In the drawings:

figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a control device according to the invention;

figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device mechanism of the control device in figure 1;

fig. 3 is a front view of the control device in fig. 1, without the finish plate mounted;

figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the control device of figure 1 on the plane E-E shown in figure 3;

figure 5 is a schematic view of detail F shown in figure 4;

figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the control member of the control device in figure 1;

figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the control device of figure 1 on the plane a-a shown in figure 3;

figure 8 is a schematic view of detail B shown in figure 7;

figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the control device of figure 1 on the plane C-C shown in figure 3;

figure 10 is a schematic view of detail D shown in figure 9.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a control device according to the invention.

As shown, the control device includes a finish plate 2, a control member 4, a device support 6, and a device mechanism 8.

In this specification, the terms "front" and "rear" are used with respect to the direction in which the user looks towards the wall on which the control device is mounted. Thus, when the control device is installed in a room, "front" refers to the side facing into the room, and "rear" refers to the opposite side, i.e. the side facing away from the room.

The device support 6 takes the form of a frame having a central opening 9 and makes it possible to mount the control device to a box (not shown), for example a mounting box intended to be embedded in a wall to which the control device is to be mounted. In a variant, the box may be mounted protruding from the wall.

To this end, the device support 6 comprises a keyhole-shaped aperture 10 through which a fixing screw can extend, said fixing screw also being housed in a post provided in the aforesaid housing.

As shown in fig. 1, in one aspect, each aperture 10 comprises an elongated (oblong) portion which receives the threaded rod of the relative screw (which extends along a rounded profile so as to enable angular compensation by sliding the threaded rod in the rounded elongated portion); in another aspect, each aperture 10 also comprises a rounded end portion which allows the head of the associated screw to pass through.

Here, the control device further comprises a ring 5, which is mounted on the device mechanism 8 and surrounds the control member 4. The ring 5 has an outer contour (here circular) which is complementary to the central opening 3 of the final trim panel 2, thus closing off (here mainly in the lateral direction) the space formed between the control member 4 and the inner edge of the central opening 3 (leaving a gap which enables the control member 4 to move).

As shown in fig. 2, 4, 7 and 9, the equipment mechanism 8 includes a housing 12, 14 that houses circuitry 16, 18, here electronic circuitry 16, 18.

In the embodiment described, the housing is made up of two parts assembled together, namely a base part 12 and a cover 14, which are assembled together by means of a snap-fit connection, here by means of the cooperation between the elastic lugs 20 of the base part 12 and the corresponding openings 22 formed in the cover 14.

The two parts of the housing, i.e. the base part 12 and the cover 14, are here made of a plastic material.

The electronic circuit is made up of two printed circuit boards 16, 18, each carrying a set of electronic components.

The housings 12, 14 of the device mechanism 8 include a plurality of deformable tabs 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, here located on the front wall 21 of its cover 14, as will be described in more detail below. As mentioned above, these deformable tongues 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 are made of plastic material and thus have a certain elasticity.

The printed circuit board 16 closer to the deformable tongues 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 (i.e. facing forward) carries a plurality of switches, here micro-switches 36, 38, on its surface facing the deformable tongues 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 (i.e. facing forward).

When the printed circuit board 16 is mounted in the housings 12, 14, at least one of the microswitches is aligned with one of the deformable tongues (here, the microswitches 36, 38 are aligned with the deformable tongues 26, 32, respectively).

As shown in fig. 2, the front wall 21 of the mechanism 8 (here the front wall 21 of the cover 14) also defines a through hole 46 that is aligned with the light source 40 (here in the form of a light emitting diode 40 mounted on the printed circuit board 16). As explained below with reference to fig. 6, the through hole 46 is used to pass through a light guide 62 which is fixed to the control member 4 and the front end of which is aligned with the front surface of the control member 4 to form the indicator light 7 (as can be clearly seen from fig. 1).

The housings 12, 14 (here, the cover 14) of the apparatus mechanism 8 have a flange 42 that is formed over the entire periphery (outer periphery) of the front wall 21 and is retracted (rearward) with respect to the front wall 21.

As shown in particular in fig. 1, 2 and 8, the housings 12, 14 of the device mechanism 8 (here the cover 14) also comprise (on the side walls) snap tongues 44 (deformable) to keep the device support 6 in contact with the flanges 42: when the device mechanism 8 is mounted to the device support 6 (through the central opening 9), the snap tongue 44 is elastically deformed to allow the device support 6 to contact the flange 42, and then it returns to its rest position to hold the device support 6 in contact with the flange 42 (as shown in fig. 8).

As shown in fig. 2, 5, 8 and 10, the front wall 21 of the housing (here the cover 14) carries on its front surface at least one limit pin 48, here two similar limit pins, for positioning the control member 4. Each limit pin 48 is here provided at the edge of the front wall 21 and is thereby partially surrounded by a recess 50 for receiving a complementary locating rib 52 formed on the control member 4.

In fact, as can be seen in fig. 6, the control member 4 has, on its rear surface 55 (i.e. the surface of the control member which faces the device mechanism 8 when the control device is assembled together), two locating ribs 52 corresponding to the limit pins 48, here C-shaped, so as to be received by the recesses 50 which partially surround the limit pins 48.

The rear surface 55 of the control member 4 also comprises ribs 54, 56, 58, 60 which are aligned with (in contact with) the corresponding deformable tongues 24, 28, 30, 34 when the control member 4 is mounted to the apparatus mechanism 8.

As shown in fig. 2 and 6, the rear surface 55 of the control member 4 also has four further ribs 61 designed to cooperate (at respective side edges of the relative ribs 61) with four corresponding surfaces 47 of the cover 14 (here four lateral surfaces perpendicular to the front wall 21 and extending from this front wall 21, as shown in fig. 2) so as to guide the control member 4 vertically, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to its pivot axis.

Finally, as already explained, a light guide 62, which extends further in the axial direction than the aforementioned ribs 54, 56, 58, 60, extends from the rear surface 55 of the control member 4 in alignment with the through hole 46 so as to extend through said through hole 46 to face the light source 40 when the control member 4 is mounted to the device mechanism 8.

In addition, a plurality of lugs 66 extend from different locations on the periphery of the control member 4. Here, as shown in fig. 6, each edge at a respective end of the control member 4 (here over the length of the control member 4) has two lugs 66 (here rounded).

The control member 4 is here elongated and it further comprises a rim 64 extending rearwardly over the entire circumference of the control member 4 so as to surround the front wall 21 of the housing of the apparatus mechanism 8 when the control member 4 is mounted to the apparatus mechanism 8.

As already explained, the aforementioned lugs 66 here extend from the rim 64 at different points of the periphery of the control member 4.

The rim 64 also extends more significantly rearwards at the (rounded) end edge than in other areas of the periphery of the control member 4.

As shown in fig. 5, when the control member 4 is mounted to the housing of the apparatus mechanism 8, each lug 66 is received in a corresponding recess 68 formed in the housing of the apparatus mechanism 8 (here the cover 14) immediately behind the front wall 21.

Each lug 66 has a surface 70 facing (i.e. facing) the rear surface 55 of the control member 4 (i.e. surface 70 facing forward). When the control member 4 is mounted to the apparatus mechanism 8 and in the rest state, this surface 70 is in contact with a surface 72 delimiting the recess 68 and facing away from the control member 4 (i.e. towards the rear), as shown in fig. 5.

In the embodiment described, when the control member 4 is in its rest position (i.e. not operated by the user), each rib 54, 56, 58, 60 is in contact with the corresponding deformable tab 24, 28, 30, 34, wherein these deformable tabs 24, 28, 30, 34 are slightly (elastically) deformed (towards the printed circuit board 16, i.e. backwards), as is the rib 54 and the deformable tab 24 shown in fig. 10.

Thus, in its mounted position in which it is mounted in the housing of the apparatus mechanism 8, the control member 4 is constantly urged towards the front (by the elastic action of the deformable tongues 24, 28, 30, 34 tending to restore their undeformed rest position) so that the surface 70 of each lug 66 comes into contact with the corresponding surface 72 defining the recess 68 formed in the housing of the apparatus mechanism 8 (here the cover 14).

Thereby, the control member 4 is held on the housings 12, 14 of the apparatus mechanism 8.

The lugs 66 (and the edges 64 carrying them) also have a certain elasticity so as to be able to be separated from each other when the control member 4 is mounted on the housing of the device mechanism 8.

Here, each deformable tab 26, 32 aligned with a microswitch 36, 38 comprises a raised portion 74 facing the respective microswitch 36, 38 (i.e. towards the rear), such that when the control member 4 is mounted to the device mechanism 8 and in the rest position (i.e. not operated by the user), a portion of the deformable tab 26, 32 (here the raised portion 74) is in close proximity to the respective microswitch 36, 38, as shown in fig. 8.

As shown in fig. 2, the front wall 21 of the cover 14 comprises a first deformable zone 76, which is partially delimited by cuts 82, 84, 86, so that this first deformable zone 76 is connected to the other zones of the front wall 21 only by a small-sized portion 80 (forming a hinge) and can thus move relative to the other parts of the housings 12, 14 of the device mechanism 8.

From this deformable zone 76, deformable tabs 24, 26, 28 (also formed in the front wall 21) extend.

More specifically, the front wall 21 has a (rectilinear) lateral cut 84 delimiting one edge of the deformable zone 76 and one edge of the deformable flap 24. The front wall 21 also has a (rectilinear) transverse cut 88 which opens into said lateral cut 84 and delimits the free end edge of the deformable flap 24, the free end edge of the deformable flap 26 and the free end edge of the deformable flap 28. Here, the lateral cut 84 and the transverse cut 88 are perpendicular to each other.

As also shown in fig. 2, the deformable tab 24 (aligned with the rib 54 of the control member 4 where it contacts) and the deformable tab 26 (aligned with the microswitch 36) are separated by a first opening 90 leading to a transverse cut-out 88. Thus, the first opening 90 defines one edge of the deformable flap 24 and one edge of the deformable flap 26. Here, the first opening 90 is perpendicular to the transverse cut 88 (and thus parallel to the lateral cut 84).

Similarly, the deformable tongue 26 (aligned with the microswitch 36) and the deformable tongue 28 (aligned with the rib 56 of the control member 4, where in contact with the rib) are separated by a second opening 92 (here a rectilinear opening). Thus, the second opening 92 defines one edge of the deformable flap 26 and one edge of the deformable flap 28. Here, the second opening 92 is perpendicular to the transverse opening 88.

Here, the front wall 21 of the housing (here the cover 14) has a further (rectilinear) lateral cutout 86 which delimits a further edge of the deformable region 76 and one edge of the deformable flap 28. The further lateral cut 86 opens into a transverse cut 88.

Finally, the front wall 21 has a separate cut 82 which extends between the two portions 80 connecting the deformable zone 76 and the remaining part of the front wall 21. The separate cuts 82 facilitate the formation of a hinge at the portion 82 and, thus, facilitate deformation of the deformable region 76.

Thus, the aforementioned cut-outs and openings make it possible to delimit in the front wall 21 of the casing:

a first deformable tab 24;

a second deformable tab 26; and

a third deformable tab 28.

The first, second and third deformable tongues 24, 26, 28 thus extend two by two parallel to each other and at a distance from each other.

In particular, if a median axis (or extension axis) is defined for each deformable flap 24, 26, 28, which median axis extends between the zone of connection of the relative deformable flap 24, 26, 28 to the deformable zone 76 and the free end edge of the relative deformable flap 24, 26, 28, the deformable flaps 24, 26, 28 (two by two) have median axes parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other.

When a user applies a force on the upper portion of the control member 4, the ribs 54, 56 of this control member 4 cause the respective deformable tongues 24, 28 to move backwards (i.e. towards the inside of the housing or towards the printed circuit board 16), which deforms the deformable area 76 in the same direction and also causes the deformable tongue 26 to move backwards, i.e. to come into contact with the microswitch 36 (here by means of the raised portion 74).

As the motion by the user continues to be performed backwards, the deformable tabs 24, 28 deform until the deformable tabs 26 have deformed enough (via the deformable region 76) to actuate the micro-switch 36.

The use of (at least one) tongue 24, 28 deformable under the action of the control member 4 and of a unique tongue 26 for actuating the switch, here the microswitch 36, flexibly defines the relationship between the movement of the control member 4 and the actuation of the switch 36, in particular by acting on the shape of the deformable zone 76 and the deformable tongues 24, 26, 28.

Thus, in particular, the movement of the control member 4 and the associated force required when activating the switch 36 can be selected more freely. Likewise, depending on the movement of the tongue 26 obtained by a given displacement of the control member 4, the switch 36 can be activated either abruptly or stepwise.

Thus, by exploiting the shape of the deformable region 76 and the deformable tongues 24, 26, 28 (i.e. by exploiting the shape of the aforementioned cut- outs 82, 84, 86, 88 and openings 90, 92), in particular by exploiting the spacing between the median axes of two adjacent deformable tongues 24, 26, 28, the experience of the user in moving the control member (in particular the tactile experience of the user, possibly also the audible experience, for example when the switch 36 is suddenly or gradually triggered) can be varied.

The use of (at least one) tongue 24, 28 deformed by the action of the control member 4 and of a unique tongue 26 for actuating the switch, here the microswitch 36, also makes it possible to avoid the force exerted by the user being transmitted directly to the switch 36, so as not to damage it.

The use of (at least one) tongue 24, 28 deformed by the control member 4 and of a unique tongue 26 for actuating the switch, here the microswitch 36, may also define the user experience in more possibilities, in particular by varying the contact point of the ribs 54, 56 on the relevant tongue 24, 28 (on the central axis of the relevant tongue) and/or the actuation point of the tongue 26 on the switch 36 (by means of the raised portion 74).

The front wall 21 has a further deformable region 94, from which further deformable region 94 the deformable tongues 30, 32, 34 extend.

As shown in fig. 2, the deformable region 94 and the deformable flaps 30, 32, 34 are arranged symmetrically to the deformable region 76 and the deformable flaps 24, 26, 28. Thus, reference is made to the foregoing description for the construction and operation of the deformable region 94 and the deformable flaps 30, 32, 34.

Thus, the cut-outs and openings formed in the lower portion of the front wall 21 may define:

a fourth deformable tab 30;

-a fifth deformable flap 32; and

a sixth deformable flap 34.

The fourth, fifth and sixth deformable tongues 30, 32, 34 thus extend two by two parallel to each other and at a distance from each other.

In particular, if a median axis (or extension axis) is defined for each deformable flap 30, 32, 34, which median axis extends between the region of the relative deformable flap 30, 32, 34 connected to the deformable region 94 and the free end edge of the relative deformable flap 30, 32, 34, the deformable flaps 30, 32, 34 (two by two) have median axes parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other.

When the user exerts a force on the lower portion of the control member 4 (possibly simultaneously with the above-mentioned force on the upper portion), the ribs 58, 60 of the control member 4 cause the respective deformable tongues 30, 34 to move backwards (i.e. towards the inside of the casing or towards the printed circuit board 16), which causes the deformable zone 94 to deform in the same direction and also causes the deformable tongue 32 to move backwards, i.e. to come into contact with the microswitch 38.

If the movement of the lower part of the control member 4 continues backwards under the action of the user, the deformable tongues 30, 34 deform until sufficient deformation of the deformable tongue 32 occurs (through the deformable zone 94) to actuate the microswitch 38.

Thus, depending on the way in which a force is exerted on the control member 4, the user can control the actuation of the microswitch 36 or the microswitch 38, even simultaneously with the actuation of both microswitches 36, 38.

In the above embodiment, as shown in fig. 2, use is made of deformable tongues 26; two deformable tongues 24, 28 on either side of 32; 30. 34 and by the ribs 54, 56 of the control member 4; 58. 60 moving the deformable tongue as far as the switch 36; 38 are actuated.

This design may provide better control of the actuation switch 36; 38, deformable flap 26; 32 are moved. In particular, the deformable tongues 26; 32 along switch 36; 38 is deformed.

In a variant, however, it is possible to provide only one first deformable tongue extending from the deformable zone in contact with the control member, and one second deformable tongue deformable until the switch is actuated. Indeed, in this configuration, as previously described, the deformation of the first tongue deforms the deformable region, which in turn causes the second deformable tongue to deform, thereby actuating the switch.

In addition, although in the embodiment described herein the mechanism 8 carries only one control member 4, in a variant, a plurality of control members 4 may be provided on the front wall of the mechanism 8, the mechanism 8 thus having the shape as described previously (as shown in the figures) facing each control member used.