FR3105560A1 - Waterproof electrical switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover (220) for a waterproof electrical switch (200), the cover comprising a rigid push button (223) operable by a user for the control of a switching mechanism (210) and a flexible membrane (230). sealing stretched over a rigid frame (260). According to the invention, the rigid push button, the flexible membrane and the rigid frame form a one-piece bi-material part. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Waterproof electrical switch

The present invention relates to the field of electrical switches, in particular sealed electrical switches.

It relates more particularly to a bezel of a sealed electrical switch, this bezel comprising a rigid push button operable by a user for controlling a switching mechanism and a flexible sealing membrane stretched over a rigid frame.

Conventionally, a sealed electrical switch comprises a casing in which a switching mechanism is housed, and a trim which closes this casing like a lid. In order to guarantee the sealing of the electrical switch, the trim is provided with a sealing membrane and is attached above the switching mechanism, at the front of the case, so that the said sealing membrane covers the switching mechanism and encloses it in the housing. The electrical switch further comprises means for controlling the switching mechanism, positioned outside the sealed internal volume delimited by the housing and the sealing membrane. These control means act through the sealing membrane to actuate the switching mechanism.

Currently, two configurations of actuation of the switching mechanism through the sealing membrane are known.

According to a first configuration, the sealing membrane has openings allowing control elements, distinct from the membrane, to pass through it to be embedded directly on the switching mechanism. The adjustment of the openings of the sealing membrane around the control elements guarantees the tightness of the electrical switch while allowing a mechanical connection between the control elements and the switching mechanism.

However, incorrect introduction of the control elements through the openings of the sealing membrane can, on the one hand, cause tearing of this membrane and therefore alter the seal, and, on the other hand, result in poor mechanical connection between the control elements and the switching mechanism then causing unstable operation of the electrical switch.

According to a second configuration, the sealing membrane is not pierced and completely covers the switching mechanism. The switching mechanism is then actuated by the control elements which deform the sealing membrane.

However, this second configuration is not desirable with control elements in the form of a push button, insofar as the push button attached above the sealing membrane forces on said sealing membrane to press on the switching mechanism. The waterproofing membrane may then wear out and break.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a watertight electrical switch bezel with a control element in the form of a push button, and whose watertightness is permanent.

More particularly, the invention proposes a trim as described above in which the rigid push button, the flexible membrane and the rigid frame form a one-piece bi-material part.

Thus, the trim according to the invention is adapted to permanently seal the housing of an electrical switch whose switching mechanism is operable by push button.

In addition, the positioning of the push button is guaranteed by the fact that it is integral with the flexible sealing membrane, unlike a configuration in which the push button would be formed by an independent part attached to the flexible sealing membrane.

In the trim according to the invention, the travel of the push button is sufficiently low for the flexible sealing membrane to accompany it without risk of rupture.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the trim according to the invention, taken individually or according to all the technically possible combinations, are the following:
- the rigid push button and the rigid frame are made of a rigid thermoplastic material;
- the flexible membrane is made of a thermoplastic elastomer material;
- the flexible sealing membrane extends exclusively between the rigid push button and the rigid frame;
- the rigid frame comprises, on two opposite sides, two projecting trunnions intended for the pivoting mounting of at least one rocker button which surrounds the push button, said rocker button being operable by the user for controlling the switching mechanism;
- the rocker key has two independent half-keys;
- the two half-touches are identical.

Advantageously, the trim according to the invention further comprises a trim frame on which is mounted, from the front, the rigid frame.

Thus, in the trim according to the invention, the sealing function is ensured by the rigid frame attached to the trim frame, so that this function is separated from the other functions of the trim.

According to other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the trim according to the invention, taken individually or according to all technically possible combinations, it is provided that:
- the rigid frame and the trim frame are provided with reciprocal mechanical assembly means;
- The reciprocal mechanical mounting means of the rigid frame on the decorative frame are interlocking means and/or snap-fastening means.

Thus, the rigid frame and the trim frame can be joined and separated, which facilitates the replacement of the flexible sealing membrane, and access to the interior of the box on which the trim is attached.

The invention also relates to an electrical switch comprising a switching mechanism and a trim as described above, the switching mechanism being mounted from the front on the trim frame of the trim.

Thus, the overall size of the electrical switch is greatly reduced.

The trim according to the invention is particularly innovative insofar as, fitted with its trim frame, it performs two separate functions in the electrical switch: supporting the switchgear mechanism and sealing the electrical switch.

Thanks to the trim according to the invention, the electric push-button switch according to the invention is thus both waterproof and compact.

In such an electrical switch, the flexible sealing membrane and the push button together cover the entire front face of the switching mechanism.

According to a preferred embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention, for mounting the switching mechanism on the trim frame, said trim frame comprises an internal curb intended to be sandwiched by attachment means of a base of the switching mechanism.

Finally, in the electrical switch according to the invention, the trim is attached to fittings of an electrical box intended to be mounted projecting on a wall wall. As a variant, it is possible for the trim to be fitted in fittings of a recessed frame comprising mounting means in a recessed box.

Advantageously, there is provided in such an electrical switch a seal constituting an independent part interposed between the trim and the electrical box or the recessed frame.

Thus, in the electrical switch according to the invention, the seal independent of the trim frame facilitates the manufacture of this trim frame which can then be formed by a single piece of rigid thermoplastic material.

Of course, the different characteristics, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented.

On the attached drawings:

is a schematic front perspective view of an electrical switch according to the invention comprising a trim according to the invention attached to an electrical box,

is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrical switch of Figure 1 attached to the electrical box, along a median plane which intersects the electrical switch vertically and perpendicular to its front face,

is a schematic exploded perspective front view of the electrical switch of Figure 1 attached to the electrical box,

is a schematic rear view, in exploded perspective, of the electrical switch of Figure 1 attached to the electrical box,

is a schematic view of an electrical switch according to the invention comprising a cover plate according to the invention attached to a double-station recessed frame also receiving the cover plate of another electrical switch,

is a schematic front view, in exploded perspective, of the electric switches of FIG. 5 attached to the double-station flush-mounting frame, and,

is a schematic rear view, in exploded perspective, of the electric switches of FIG. 5 attached to the double-station flush-mounting frame.

By convention, in the rest of the description, the terms "front" and "rear" will be used in relation to the direction of the user's gaze on the electrical switch added in the arrangements provided for this purpose on any wall. Thus, the “front” of an item refers to the side of that item that faces the user, while the “back” refers to the opposite side. In other words, when the electrical switch is in place on the wall of a room, the "front" of an element refers to the side of this element facing the interior of the room and the "back" refers to the side of this element facing the wall. The terms "inner" (or "internal") and "outer" (or "external") are used in relation to the electrical switch itself, to refer respectively to the side of an element facing the center of the switch. electrical switch and the side of an element facing outward from this electrical switch.

In Figures 1 to 7, there is shown a sealed electrical switch 200 according to the invention which comprises a trim 220 according to the invention.

The electrical switch 200 more specifically comprises, on the one hand, a switching mechanism 210 provided with a base 211 containing electrical and/or electronic elements (see FIGS. 2 to 4), and, on the other hand, the trim 220 which gives its function to the electrical switch 200 and provides the exterior finish to this electrical switch 200 (see Figures 1 to 4). For the purpose of simplification, the switching mechanism will be referred to in the remainder of the description as the “motor”.

The base 211 of the motor 210 is in the form of an insulating casing in which the electrical and/or electronic elements are housed, in particular an electrical circuit as well as connection terminals to be connected to the electrical network via terminal inputs E ( see Figure 4) depending on the mode of operation of the electrical switch 200. The insulating casing is for example made of molded plastic material. The base 211 here has the shape of a generally parallelepipedal box (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

The electrical switch 200 is here a push switch 200 intended to control the raising, lowering or stopping of a rolling wheel.

The trim 220 of such a push switch 200 comprises, on the one hand, a central push button 223 (see FIG. 1) making it possible to actuate a central drive 214 placed at the front of the base 211 of the motor 210 to open the electric circuit of the motor 210 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), and, on the other hand, two tilting control half-buttons 221 (see FIG. 1) each allowing to actuate a lateral driver 213A, 213B placed at the front of the base 211 of motor 210 and acting on the electrical circuit to close it and control the raising or lowering of the shutter (see Figures 2 and 3). The control of the push button 223 is independent of the control of the two tilting control half-keys 221. In contrast, each side driver 213A, 213B is interdependent with the other side driver 213A, 213B, so that when one of the side drivers 213A, 213B is pushed rearward, the other is driven forward. , and vice versa.

As a variant, the bezel of such a push switch could include a central push button surrounded by a simple rocker button, one position of which would activate the raising and the other the lowering of the shutter.

The invention relates more generally to any type of watertight electrical switch bezel, comprising at least one push button.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the trim 220 according to the invention further comprises a flexible sealing membrane 230 which insulates the electrical and/or electronic elements contained in the base 211 from the outside. This flexible membrane 230 is placed at the front of the motor 210, above the carriers 213A, 213B of the tilting control keys 221 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and seals, from the front, the push switch 200. Thus, the membrane seal 230, placed between the motor 210 and the tilting control buttons 221 of the bezel 220, prevents external humidity from reaching the electrical and/or electronic elements of the push-button switch 200 from the front face of the push switch 200.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the flexible sealing membrane 230 is more precisely stretched over a rigid frame 260 of the trim 220, which is attached from the front to a trim frame 150 with which the trim 220 is provided. .

Thus, in trim 220, the sealing function is ensured by an independent part comprising the flexible sealing membrane stretched over rigid frame 260, attached to trim frame 150, so that it is separated from the other functions of the 220 trim.

More particularly, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the rigid frame 260 internally delimits an opening 265 through which the push button acts on the coach 214 central. The flexible sealing membrane 230 extends exclusively between the rigid push button 223 and the rigid frame 260. In other words, the flexible sealing membrane 230 extends into the opening 265, without completely blocking this opening 265 since it is interrupted by the push button 223. The flexible membrane 230 is here attached to the edge of the push button 223 and does not pass under said push button 223 so that it does not risk being damaged by its actuation (see FIG. 2 ).

Remarkably, in the push-button switch 200, the rigid push-button 223, the flexible membrane 230 and the rigid frame 260 form a one-piece bi-material part (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

This configuration, in which, on the one hand, no opening is pierced in the flexible sealing membrane 230 for the passage of control elements intended to act on the drivers 213A, 213B of the tilting control keys 221, and , on the other hand, the flexible membrane 230 is attached in a perfectly contiguous manner to the edge of the push button 223, guarantees the permanent sealing of the push switch 200.

In addition, this configuration in which the push button 223 is integral with the flexible sealing membrane 230 and the rigid frame 260 guarantees the correct positioning of the push button 223, on the one hand vis-à-vis the flexible membrane 230 to which it is attached, and, on the other hand, vis-à-vis the central driver 214 of the push-button switch 200 since the push-button 223 is integral with the rigid frame 260 attached to the trim frame 150, trim frame 150 whose position is fixed relative to the position of the coach 214 central.

The rigid frame 260, the push button 223, and the flexible membrane 230 are for example obtained by bi-material molding. The flexible sealing membrane 230 is here made of a thermoplastic elastomer material, for example SEBS (Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene). The rigid frame 260 and the push button 223 are themselves made of a rigid thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene. The push button 223 and the rigid frame 260 may or may not be made of the same material. This is not visible in the figures, but it is possible for a molding strap to connect the push button 223 and the rigid frame 260, on a single side or on several sides. This molding strap does not add any particular mechanical properties to the trim 200, it is a simple trace that the rigid frame and the push button have been made in one piece by molding from the same thermoplastic material.

The trim frame 150 on which the rigid frame 260 is attached is itself formed by a single piece of rigid thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene. It can be obtained by molding.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the trim frame 150 here has a generally parallelepipedic shape, with cut corners. The trim frame 150 comprises an external peripheral side wall 154 and an internal peripheral side wall 153 which are parallel, connected by a peripheral sidewalk so that their facing internal faces delimit a peripheral groove or groove 152 which opens forwards (figure 2). The inner peripheral side wall 153 delimits a central opening 157 through which the motor 210 is accessible (FIGS. 3 and 4).

The trim frame 150 also has an aesthetic front flange 155 carried by its outer peripheral side wall 154, which extends from the peripheral groove 152, towards the outside of the trim frame 150 (see FIG. 3). This front bezel 155 is visible on the front face of the push switch 200 and borders on four sides the assembled control half-keys 221 of the push switch 200 so as to complete the exterior finish of this push switch 200 (see figures 1 and 5).

For fixing the rigid frame 260 to the front of the trim frame 150, the rigid frame 260 and the trim frame 150 are provided with reciprocal mechanical mounting means.

More specifically, the reciprocal mechanical mounting means of the rigid frame 260 on the trim frame 150 are interlocking means 152, 261 and/or snap-fastening means 156, 262.

More particularly, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the groove or peripheral groove 152 of the trim frame 150 is intended to receive by interlocking a peripheral outer rim 261 of the rigid frame 260.

In addition, the trim frame 150 has retaining teeth 156 projecting inside the peripheral groove 152 (see Figure 3), intended to engage with corresponding recesses 262 provided on the rigid frame 260 (see Figure 4 ). Here the retaining teeth 156 of the trim frame 150 are carried by the inner peripheral side wall 153 and protrude into the peripheral groove 152 in the direction of the outer peripheral side wall 154 of the trim frame 150, on two opposite sides of said trim frame 150, while the corresponding recesses 262 of the rigid frame 260 are provided on the internal face of the peripheral outer flange 261 on two opposite sides of said rigid frame 260.

The reciprocal mechanical mounting means allow separation of the two rigid frames 260 and trim 150, so that the flexible sealing membrane 230 can be removed to access the motor 210 placed behind it if necessary. It is also possible to be able to replace the rigid frame 260 and the flexible sealing membrane 230, for example following wear of the flexible membrane 230, the rest of the elements being able to be kept identical.

According to a variant not shown, it is possible for the rigid frame to be welded to the trim frame, for example by means of ultrasonic welding. These two parts are then joined inseparably to each other, so that the flexible sealing membrane cannot be replaced.

Advantageously, as shown in Figure 4, the rigid frame 260 also carries, on the outer face of two opposite sides of its peripheral outer edge 261, two projecting pins 266 on which is pivotally mounted each tilting control button 221 of the motor 210. These journals 266 are intended to be engaged in corresponding bearings 226 provided on each control key 221 (FIG. 4).

In the push-button switch 200, the two tilting control half-buttons 221 are identical. In addition, the two tilting control half-keys 221 are independent of each other so that the actuation of one of the tilting half-keys 221 does not cause the opposite actuation of the other half- 221 toggle key. Each command half-key 221 is formed by a generally flat and rectangular front wall 221A, so that the two command half-keys 221 placed side by side form a square (see FIGS. 1 and 3). There is provided on the side of the rectangle intended to attach to the other half-key, a cutout 224 complementary to the shape of the push button 223 (see figure 3). Thus, when the two control half-keys 221 are placed side by side, they aesthetically border the push button 223 (see figure 1). On the three straight sides of each control half-key 221, a side wall 221B extends the front wall 221A towards the rear, while on the fourth cut-out side, there is a tab 225 intended to slide under the wall. front 221A of the other control half-key 221 when they are joined (see Figures 3 and 4). The tab 225 of each control half-key 221 makes it possible to prevent a day being visible between the two control half-keys 221. The tabs 225 reinforce the aesthetics of the push-button switch 200, while preventing the user to be able to access under the control half-keys 221, whatever their position. There is provided, in the continuity of the side wall 221B of each control half-key 221, on the external face of the two opposite sides adjacent to the fourth cut-out side, two pairs of hooking lugs in the shape of an arc of circle which delimit two semicircular bearings 226 (see Figure 4). Each bearing 226 engages elastically on the pin 266 corresponding to the rigid frame 260. The hooking lugs are slightly offset with respect to the side wall 221B, on one side towards the inside of the control half-key 221, and on the other side towards the outside of the control half-key 221. The two control half-keys 221 are mounted on the same pins 266 of the rigid frame 260 so that, once mounted on the rigid frame 260 , the control half-keys 221 completely cover it and the offset attachment lugs of the two control half-keys 221 hooked on the same pin 266 of the rigid frame 260 fit together. The side wall 221B of each control half-key 221 completes the finish of the push-button switch 200 and prevents the user from accessing under the control half-keys 221, regardless of the position of the control half-keys 221 (see Figure 1).

The pins 266 make it possible to transmit the rocking movement (rotation) of each control key 221 without parasitic slip on the driver 213A, 213B, although the flexible membrane 230 is interposed between said control button 221 and said driver 213A, 213B .

According to a variant not shown, it is possible that the trunnions receiving in rotation each tilting control key are provided on the trim frame, for example inside the peripheral groove for fixing the rigid frame, so that each key of tilting control can be attached directly to the trim frame.

The tilting control keys 221 comprise, at the rear, support elements 222 (see FIG. 4) intended to act on the corresponding driver 213A, 213B which itself acts on said electric and/or electronic elements of the motor 210, via the deformation of the flexible membrane 230 (see figure 2).

In the push-button switch 200, the support elements are more precisely formed on the rear face of each control half-key 221 by two aligned studs 222 (see FIG. 4). The flexible membrane 230 has two longitudinal recesses 231 on either side of the central push button 223 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), in correspondence with the line of the studs 222 of each control half-key 221, so that only the flexible membrane 230 of recess 231 is deformed by studs 222 when the user presses control half-key 221 (see FIG. 2). The deformation of the flexible membrane 230 at the level of the recess 231 allows the studs 222 to press on the corresponding contact zone of the driver 213A, 213B located behind it, driver 213A, 213B which in turn actuates a tilting part located behind him and carrying a contact grain to close the electrical circuit of the motor 210 and control the raising or lowering of the shutter.

Particularly advantageously, it is also provided here that the base 211 of the motor 210 of the push-button switch 200 is mounted from the front on the trim frame 150.

Of course, the base 211 of the motor 210 is then inserted into the trim frame 150 before the rigid frame 260 is attached to this trim frame 150.

This configuration in which the base 211 of the motor 210 is mounted from the front on the trim frame 150, before the rigid frame 260 is attached thereto is particularly advantageous insofar as it contributes to the reduction of the total height of the push switch 200, and thus reduces the overall size of the push switch 200.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, for the purpose of mounting the base 211, the central opening 157 of the trim frame 150 here has a square outline but it could have any other shape adapted to the external shape of the base 211 of the motor. 210. The decorative frame 150 comprises a sidewalk 151 which runs along the contour of the central opening 157. This sidewalk 151 comprises along two opposite parallel sides, two falling edges 158. The free edge of each falling edge 158 has a crenellated shape (Figure 4).

The sidewalk 151 and the drooping edges 158 of the trim frame 150 are intended to be sandwiched by attachment means 215, 217 of the base 211 of the motor 210 (FIG. 2).

As shown in Figure 4, the base 211 of the motor 210 comprises more specifically, on the one hand, a front flange 215, the rear face of which is intended to bear against the front face of the sidewalk 151 of the trim frame 150 (see figure 2), and, on the other hand, two flexible tabs 216, attached to two opposite side walls of the base 211, and terminated at the front by teeth 217 intended to be hooked on the free edge of the falling edges 158 extending towards behind the sidewalk 151 (see Figure 2).

As shown in Figure 4, the root of each leg 216 is integral with the corresponding side wall and thus forms a hinge 218 of bending. The body of each tab 216 forms an inclined face 219 between the rear hinge 218 and the front tooth 217, so that when the base 211 is inserted from the front into the central opening 157 of the trim frame 150, the inclined faces 219 come into contact with the sidewalk 151 which then forces the tabs 216 to flex elastically towards the inside of the base 211 until the teeth 217 pass behind the drooping edges 158 and catch on the free edge in the form of crenellations of these drooping edges 158. The passage of the teeth 217 behind the drooping edges 158 causes an audible "click" which indicates the attachment of the base 211 of the motor 210 to the trim frame 150. More particularly, the audible "click" is caused by the elastic return of the tabs 216 to their initial position and the hooking of each tooth 217 behind the falling edge 158. In this position, the collar 215 of the base 211 bears against the sidewalk 151 (see FIG. 2).

Thus, the collar 215 of the base 211 forms a retaining surface which prevents the motor 210 from being able to be pushed backwards beyond the sidewalk 151, while the teeth 217 carried by the legs 216 prevent the motor 210 from being able to be removed from the trim frame 150 by a simple forward pulling force. If, however, an installer wishes to remove the motor 210 from the trim frame 150, he can achieve this by pushing the two tabs 216 inwards from the base 211, and simultaneously pulling the base 211 from the motor 210 forwards.

The trim frame 150 thus receives autonomously and from the front the base 211 of the motor 210. The drivers 213A, 213B, 214 of the motor 210 remain accessible through the central opening 157 of the trim frame 150 (see FIG. 3).

Once the rigid frame 260 has been attached to the trim frame 150 which receives the base 211 of the motor 210 of the push switch 200, the flexible sealing membrane 230 and the push button 223 together cover the entire front face of the motor 210 (see figure 2). The central driver 214 of the motor 210 is operable by the user through the opening 265, via the push button 223 which causes a displacement of the flexible membrane 230, while the lateral drivers 213A, 213B are operable by the user. via the control keys 221, through the opening 265, via the flexible sealing membrane 230 which deforms (see FIG. 2).

In the push switch 200, the flexible sealing membrane 230 is sufficiently deformable to accompany the back and forth movement of the push button 223, without breaking. Of course, the travel of the push button 223 is low enough not to risk breaking the flexible membrane 230.

Thus, the flexible sealing membrane 230 does not need to be pierced to allow the actuation of the carriers 213A, 213B, 214 located behind it, which guarantees the permanent sealing of the push switch 200.

As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the bezel 220 of the push-button switch 200 according to the invention can either be attached to fittings of an electrical box 10 intended to be mounted projecting on a wall wall, or in arrangements of a mounting frame 20 comprising mounting means in a mounting box (not shown) embedded in an opening provided in a wall wall.

To do this, means are provided for mounting and locking the trim frame 150 on the electrical box 10 or on the recessed frame 20.

In Figures 1 to 4, trim 220 of push switch 200 previously described is mounted in the fittings of an electrical box 10.

As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, this electrical box 10 comprises a body 15 which has a generally parallelepipedic shape. Alternatively, it could have a different shape, for example cylindrical. The body 15 is here made in two separate main parts: a rear part 12 called "support plate 12" and a front part 17 called "frame 17", but it could very well be made in a single part. The support plate 12 has a bottom wall, which forms the bottom wall 11 of the body 15, and a side wall which, assembled to the frame 17, forms the side wall 16 of the body 15. The side wall 16 and the wall of bottom 11 of body 15 delimit a receiving housing adapted to receive trim 220 fitted with motor 210. Bottom wall 11 is designed to be fixed to the wall wall via oblong-shaped holes, while side wall 16 is designed to protect the motor 210 and to receive the trim 220. As shown in Figure 3, the side wall 16 of the body 15 of the electrical box 10 is cut to receive at least one cable gland 50 for the passage of an electrical cable or an ICTA-type electrical sheath or an IRL-type tube, intended to supply the connection terminals of the motor 210. Here, the electrical box 10 comprises two cable glands 50.

For fixing the trim frame 150 on the electrical box 10, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, there is provided in a front part of the side wall 16 of the body 15 of the electrical box 10, on the one hand, a curb 18 for abutment of the trim frame 150 projecting inside the receiving housing, and, on the other hand, holes 19 for fixing said trim frame 150 intended to receive elements allowing the locking of the trim frame 150 on the electrical box 10. The abutment sidewalk 18 which runs along the side wall 16 delimiting the receiving housing itself delimits an opening adapted to the passage of the base 211 of the motor 210. Thus, the opening delimited by the sidewalk 18 is here of square shape, but it could be any other shape as long as it fits the shape of the motor base. The locking elements (not visible) of the trim frame 150 on the electrical box 10 are, for example, quarter-turn elements, maneuverable before the fixing of the rigid frame 260 in the peripheral groove 152, from holes 159 provided in the bottom of the peripheral groove 152 of the trim frame 150 (see Figure 3).

The electrical box shown in Figures 1 to 4 has a square section and defines a single station to accommodate a switching mechanism: it is said to be a single-station box.

Alternatively, it could be a multi-station box, having a rectangular section and defining two or three stations. In this variant, the front part of the electric box (also called the frame of the electric box) preferably defines several openings, each being intended to receive a substation.

As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the trim 220 of the push switch 200 previously described is also suitable for being mounted, via its trim frame 150, in the fittings of a recessed frame 20. Here, the bezel 220 is received in a multi-station embedding frame, more particularly a double-station embedding frame 20 with horizontal attachment.

As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the multi-station recessed frame 20 also receives another sealed electrical switch 100 which here is a single sealed switch 100. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, such a simple switch 100 also comprises, on the one hand, a switching mechanism called a motor 110 provided with a base 111 containing electrical and/or electronic elements, and, on the other hand, a hubcap 120 which here comprises a simple tilting control button 121 intended to actuate a driver 113 making it possible to open or close a single electric circuit of the motor 110. In a similar manner to the arrangements provided in the push-button switch 200, the trim 120 of the simple switch 100 also comprises a trim frame 150, identical to that of the push-button switch 200, on which is attached, from the front, the base 111 of the motor 110 and a rigid frame 160 on which is stretched a flexible membrane 130 sealing.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the dual-station recessed frame 20 essentially comprises a side wall 26 which internally delimits a main opening, divided in two by an internal wall 21 so as to delimit two reception openings 25 of two hubcaps 120; 220, each fitted with a 110 engine; 210. Each reception opening 25 has a generally square shape with cut corners. Alternatively, it could have a different shape, for example cylindrical, as long as the shape is adapted to the overall external shape of the trim frame 150 of each trim 120; 220. There is provided at the rear of the mounting frame 20 means for mounting to the mounting box (not shown), in particular openings 27 for the passage of a fixing screw intended to be fixed in the box embedding.

In a manner analogous to the electrical box 10 previously described, the recessed frame 20 comprises in a front part, for the attachment of each trim frame 150, an abutment sidewalk 28 projecting inside each reception opening 25 (See Figures 6 and 7), as well as side holes 29 intended to receive elements allowing the locking of each trim frame 150 on the mounting frame 20 (see Figure 6). The abutment sidewalk 28 which runs inside each reception opening 25 itself delimits an opening adapted to the passage of the base 111; 211 of engine 110; 210 of each electrical switch 100; 200. Thus, the opening delimited by the sidewalk 28 is square in shape here, but it could be of any other shape as long as it is adapted to the shape of the motor base. The side holes 29 are intended to receive elements allowing the locking of each trim frame 150 on the recessed frame 20. These locking elements (not visible) are for example quarter-turn elements, maneuverable before fixing the rigid frame 160; 260 in said peripheral groove 152 of the trim frame 150, from orifices 159 provided in the bottom of the peripheral groove 152 of the trim frame 150 (see Figure 6).

Whatever electrical switch 100; 200, to guarantee the seal between its trim 120; 220 and the electrical box 10 or the mounting frame 20 on which it is attached, there is provided a seal 30 constituting an independent part interposed between said trim 120; 220 and the electrical box 10 or the recessed frame 20, more precisely between the trim frame 150 of the trim 120; 220 and the electrical box 10 or the recessed frame 20 (see figures 2 to 4, 6 and 7).

For the correct positioning of the seal 30 between the trim frame 150 and the electrical box 10 or the recessed frame 20, there are provided on the seal 30 openings 31, 32 intended to receive pins P1, P2 provided in correspondence to the rear of the trim frame 150 (see Figures 4 and 7).

As shown in Figure 2, the seal 30 is crushed between the trim frame 150 and the electrical box 10 or the recessed frame 20 when locking said trim frame 150 on said electrical box 10 or the recessed frame 20. The seal 30 is an independent part, which facilitates the manufacture of the trim frame 150 which is then formed by a single piece of rigid thermoplastic material. Alternatively, provision could be made to form the trim frame with the seal in a single bi-material piece.

Of course, as a variant, the push-button switch 200 according to the invention could be fixed in a single-station flush-mounting frame. As a further variant, it could be fixed in a multi-station recessed frame with vertical fixing, or even in a multi-station electrical box, itself with horizontal or vertical fixing, without the invention being modified.

Claims (14)

Bezel (220) of a sealed electrical switch (200), this bezel (220) comprising a rigid push button (223) operable by a user for controlling a switching mechanism (210) and a flexible membrane (230) tightness stretched on a rigid frame (260), characterized in that the rigid push button (223), the flexible membrane (230) and the rigid frame (260) form a one-piece bi-material part. Trim (220) according to claim 1, wherein the rigid push button (223) and the rigid frame (260) are made of a rigid thermoplastic material. Trim (220) according to one of Claims 1 and 2, in which the flexible membrane (230) is made of a thermoplastic elastomer material. Trim according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the flexible sealing membrane (230) extends exclusively between the rigid push button (223) and the rigid frame (260). Trim according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the rigid frame (260) comprises, on two opposite sides, two projecting pins (266) intended for the pivoting mounting of at least one rocker button (221) which surrounds the push button (223), said rocker button (221) being operable by the user for controlling the switching mechanism (210). Trim (220) according to claim 5, in which the rocker key comprises two independent half-keys (221). Cover (220) according to Claim 6, in which the two half-keys (221) are identical. Trim (220) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a trim frame (150) on which the rigid frame (260) is mounted from the front. Trim (220) according to Claim 8, in which the rigid frame (260) and the trim frame (150) are provided with reciprocal mechanical mounting means. Trim according to Claim 9, in which the reciprocal mechanical mounting means of the rigid frame (260) on the trim frame (150) are fitting means (152, 261) and/or snap-fastening means (156, 262 ). Electrical switch (200) comprising a switching mechanism (210) and a trim (220) according to one of claims 1 to 10, the switching mechanism (210) being mounted from the front on a trim frame (150) of the trim (220). Electrical switch (200) according to Claim 11, in which the trim frame (150) comprises an internal curb (151) intended to be sandwiched by attachment means (215, 217) of a base (211) of the switching mechanism (210). Electrical switch (200) according to one of Claims 11 and 12, in which the flexible sealing membrane (230) and the push button (223) together cover the entire front face of the switching mechanism (210). Electrical switch (200) according to one of Claims 11 to 13, in which the trim (220) is attached to fittings in an electrical box (10) intended to be mounted projecting from a wall wall, or in arrangements of a flush-mounting frame (20) comprising mounting means in a flush-mounting box.