DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention refers to the technical field of modular devices usually intended to be wall- mounted and, more particularly, concerns a modular electronic device for electrical and/or home automation systems .

[0002] For the purposes of the present description, a modular device is generally understood to be any electrical or electronic means or device generally forming part of electrical and/or home automation installations in civil buildings and the like and usually intended to be mounted, for example flush-mounted, on the walls of such buildings alongside other modular electrical or electronic devices.

[0003] This definition therefore includes, but is not limited to, switches, electrical sockets, data network sockets, TV sockets, telephone sockets, buttons, commutators, multi-way switches, electrical regulating devices in general, connectors, thermostats, timers, fuse holders, ringers/buzzers, emergency lamps, e.g. removable, signal lamps, e.g. stair markers, displays, e.g. LCD, and the like. [0004] As is well known, the modular devices mentioned above are usually installed on the wall forming composite mounting structures, or groups of parts, generally including :

- a plurality of modular electrical and/or electronic devices ;

- a box intended to be embedded in the wall;

- a support frame that may be fixed to the box, directly or by means of adapters called 'mud rings' and suitable to support the plurality of modular electrical and/or electronic devices arranged side by side; and

- a cover plate that may be fixed to the support frame and provided with a through opening to allow a user to access, visually or manually, the modular electrical and/or electronic devices installed on the support frame. The aforesaid groups of parts are often referred to as light points.

[0005] In the light points indicated above, the role of the cover plate is both to ensure a minimum protection for electrical equipment, e.g. from dust, and to prevent dangerous access (e.g. by means of sharp objects) to electrically conductive parts of electrical equipment. A further role of the cover plate is also to act as a screen to prevent electric arcs, flames, incandescent wires from escaping to the outside in order to prevent fires from starting.

[0006] Another important task of the cover plate is to mask imperfections produced, for example, by the presence of a cavity in the wall and by the presence of the box and the mounting frame which, rather than having an aesthetic value, have a functional value that is difficult to reconcile with aesthetic requirements or standards .

[0007] In the light points indicated above, certain types of modular devices, such as switches or multi-way switches, are equipped with a manual operation button. The manual operation buttons are generally either of the axially sliding or rocking type. In the modular devices of the prior art fitted with the aforesaid manual operation button, and in particular in devices fitted with an axially sliding button or in some cases with a rocker button, it is known that a plurality of return springs, typically coil springs, are used to return the operation button to the rest position after it has been operated. In some solutions of the prior art, these return springs are housed in the casing of the device and each of them is fitted on two respective pins located on opposite sides of the spring. In other solutions of the prior art the return springs are housed within the casing of the device and are interposed between the operation button and a septum or diaphragm provided within the casing .

[0008] A drawback of modular devices provided with an operation button of the prior art described above is due to the fact that their assembly is relatively complex, as it is necessary to insert the return springs into the casing of the device and to fit them on the pins thereof. These springs also take up useful space inside the casing .

[0009] The object of the present invention is to offer a solution which is capable of overcoming or reducing at least in part the drawbacks of modular devices provided with an operation button described above with reference to the prior art.

[0010] This and other objects are achieved by means of a modular electronic device for electrical and/or home automation systems as defined in the accompanying claim 1 in the most general form thereof and in the dependent claims in some particular embodiments.

[0011] A further aspect of the present invention is to make available a modular electronic device for electrical and/or home automation systems as defined in claim 19 or claim 20.

[0012] The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments thereof, made by way of example and thus in no way restrictive, in relation to the accompanying drawings, wherein :

- Fig.l shows a perspective view of a modular electronic device for electrical and/or home automation systems according to a currently preferred embodiment;

- Fig.2 shows a perspective view of the modular electronic device in Fig.l wherein a component of the device has been removed;

- Fig.3 shows an exploded perspective view of the modular electronic device in Fig.l;

- Fig.4 shows a side plan view in cross-section of the electronic device in Fig.2 wherein the device is represented in a first configuration;

-Fig.5 shows a side plan view in cross-section of the electronic device in Fig.2 wherein the device is represented in a second configuration;

-Fig.6 shows a side plan view in cross-section of the electronic device in Fig.2 wherein the device is represented in a third configuration;

-Fig.7 shows a perspective view from above in partial cross-section of some components of the device in Fig.l; -Fig.8 shows a perspective view from below of some of the components illustrated in Fig.7;

-Fig.9 shows a plan view from below of the components in Fig.8;

-Fig.10 shows a side plan view of a detail of the modular electronic device in Fig.l.

[0013] In the accompanying figures, identical or similar elements shall be indicated at the same numerical references .

[0014] Fig.l shows a modular electronic device for electrical and/or home automation systems which has been collectively indicated at reference number 1. As mentioned above, for the purposes of the present description the term 'modular electronic device' denotes any means or modular electronic device generally forming part of electrical and/or home automation installations in civil buildings and the like and usually intended to be mounted, for example flush-mounted, on the walls of such buildings alongside other modular electrical or electronic devices.

[0015] This definition therefore includes, but is not limited to, switches, electrical sockets, data network sockets, TV sockets, telephone sockets, buttons, commutators, multi-way switches, electrical regulating devices in general, connectors, thermostats, timers, fuse holders, ringers/buzzers, emergency lamps, e.g. removable, signal lamps, e.g. stair markers, displays, e.g. LCD, and the like. [0016] As is well known, the modular electronic devices mentioned above are usually installed on the wall forming composite mounting structures, or groups of parts, generally including:

- a plurality of modular electrical and/or electronic devices ;

- a box intended to be embedded in the wall;

- a support frame that may be fixed to the box, directly or by means of adapters called 'mud rings' and suitable to support the plurality of modular electrical and/or electronic devices arranged side by side; and

- a cover plate that may be fixed to the support frame and provided with a through opening to allow a user to access, visually or manually, the modular electrical and/or electronic devices installed on the support frame. In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the modular electronic device 1 is a multi-way switch, i.e. a device for opening and closing an electrical contact with simultaneous closure of another electrical contact and vice versa. However, the teachings of the present description are not intended to be limited to a multi-way switch but are applicable to other types of modular electronic devices, such as, for example, a sunblind control device or a dimmer.

[0017] With reference to Fig.3, the modular device 1 comprises an actuating module 2, 4. The actuating module

2, 4 includes a box-shaped casing 2 and a circuit actuating assembly 4 housed in the casing 2. In accordance with an embodiment, the casing 2 comprises a support wall 5, a bottom wall 22 opposite the support wall 5 and a plurality of side walls 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, preferably four side walls 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, connected to the support wall 5 and the bottom wall 22. Preferably the bottom wall 22 is integrated in the casing 2 but in an alternative embodiment the bottom wall 22 could be a separate piece from the side walls 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d of the casing 2 and coupled thereto. The side walls 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, the support wall 5 and the bottom wall 22 delimit an inner compartment of the casing 2 adapted to house the circuit actuating assembly 4. In accordance with an embodiment, the support wall 5 is removably coupled to side walls 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d in such a way as to close at least partially or in any case in a way so as to close at least a prevailing portion of an open side 21 of the casing 2. In accordance with an embodiment, the support wall 5 may also completely close the open side 21. The open side 21 is preferably defined by an end edge

3, in the example having, but not limited to, a generally rectangular shape, of the casing 2. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, in the case wherein the casing 2 consists of two casing parts that may be coupled together or wherein the bottom wall 22 is a separate piece from the side walls 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d and coupled thereto, the support wall 5 is integrated in the casing 2. In accordance with an embodiment, the casing 2 is a support structure made of an electrically insulating material, for example, a plastic material such as ABS or polycarbonate, preferably having, but not limited to, approximately the shape of a parallelepiped. Preferably, the circuit actuating embodiment 4 also comprises at least two electrical connection terminals 43 housed in the casing 2. In the example shown in the figures, the inner compartment of the casing 2 houses, without thereby introducing any limitation, four electrical connection terminals 43. Via the terminals 43, it is possible to allow the electrical connection of the circuit actuating assembly 4 with one or more electrical cables of the electrical and/or home automation system to which the device 1 is intended to be connected, in particular to connect the circuit actuating assembly to a load circuit. Each electrical connection terminal 43 is preferably accessible via a respective electrical connection opening 24 provided on the casing 2 and more preferably provided on one of the side walls 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d. In the example, the casing 2 comprises, but is not limited to, four electrical connection openings 24. In accordance with an embodiment, the casing 2 comprises fastening elements 25, 26, preferably snap fastening elements 25, 26, adapted to removably fasten the device 1 to a support frame (not shown) for the wall-mounting of modular electrical or electronic devices. Preferably, the fastening elements 25, 26 comprise first and second fastening elements 25, 26 arranged on two opposing side walls 23b, 23d of the casing 2.

[0018] The circuit actuating assembly 4 is housed in the casing 2 and is preferably adapted to be inserted into the casing 2 via the aforesaid open side 21. The circuit actuating assembly 4 comprises at least one microswitch 41, 42 and at least one circuit actuating device 45 suitable to be controlled by said at least one microswitch 41, 42 to vary and/or adjust the state of an electrical circuit, for example, the state of an electrical load circuit operatively connectable to the modular electronic device 1. 'Varying and/or adjusting the status of an electrical circuit' means, for example, establishing/interrupting at least one electrical contact or varying an operating parameter of an electrical circuit, for example, the resistance or the capacity, for example, controlling a load circuit operatively connected to the modular electronic device 1. In accordance with an embodiment, the circuit actuating device 45 comprises a relay. In an alternative embodiment, the circuit actuating device 45 comprises at least one electronically variable resistor.

[0019] The circuit actuating assembly 4 preferably comprises at least one electronic control unit 44, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor 44, operatively connected to said at least one microswitch 41, 42 and to said circuit actuating device 45 to control the latter on the basis of an electronic input signal provided by said at least one microswitch 41, 42 and/or on the basis of an electronic control signal received via a communication interface, such as, but not limited to, a radio interface (not shown) . This communication interface is for example a Wi-Fi, Zigbee or Bluetooth interface. According to a preferred embodiment, as in the example shown, the circuit actuating assembly 4 comprises a first microswitch 41 and a second microswitch 42. Preferably, the circuit actuating assembly 4 also comprises a microswitch 46 configured to allow the modular device 1 to be reset.

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment, the aforesaid at least one circuit actuating device comprises a pair of relays 45. In particular, if the modular device 1 is for example a control device for a sunblind, there may be provided for example two relays 45, each of which may only be controlled by a respective microswitch 41, 42.

Moreover, still in the case wherein the device 1 is a control device for a sunblind, the first and second microswitch 41, 42 allow at least one sunblind to be raised and lowered, respectively. In the case wherein the device 1 is instead a multi-way switch, as in the example shown, there may be provided for example two relays 45 and a single microswitch 41 or 42, which controls both the relays 45 simultaneously so that when one of these relays 45 is closed the other is simultaneously opened. Alternatively, in the case wherein the device 1 is a multi-way switch, the first and second microswitches 41,42 may be provided, each of which simultaneously controls both relays 45 so that when one of these relays is closed the other is simultaneously opened.

In the version wherein the first and second microswitch 41, 42 are used, the device 1 could also be, for example, a dimmer. In this case the circuit actuating device 45 comprises a variable resistor of which the resistance is for example increased and decreased by using the first and second microswitch 41, 42, respectively.

Preferably, the control logic for determining the function of the modular device 1 (i.e., for example, a control device for a sunblind, multi-way switch or dimmer) is the software/firmware on board the electronic control unit 44.

Still with reference to Fig.3, in the example embodiment, the support wall 5 comprises at least one through opening 53a, 53b adapted to allow access to said at least one microswitch 41, 42. Preferably, in the case wherein the first and second microswitches 41, 42 are provided, the support wall 5 comprises a first and a second through opening 53a, 53b which allow access to the first and second microswitch 41, 42, respectively. Preferably the first and second microswitch 41, 42 are configured to be counter-shaped with respect to the through-holes 53a, 53b so as to completely close the open side 21 of the casing 2 together with the support wall 5. In accordance with an embodiment, the actuating module 2, 4 comprises coupling elements 27, 54 operatively interposed between the casing 2 and support wall 5 for coupling, preferably in a removable way, the support wall 5 to the side walls 23a, 23b, 2c, 23d of the casing 2. The coupling elements 27, 54 are preferably snap coupling elements which comprise, for example, but not limited to, a plurality of coupling slots 27, for example, four coupling slots 27, provided in the opposite side walls 23a, 23c of the casing 2, and a plurality of corresponding coupling slots 54 provided in the support wall 5.

[0021] For example, the support wall 5 is made of plastic material, for example, ABS or polycarbonate.

[0022] Still with reference to Fig.3, the device 1 comprises an operation button 6, or control button 6, operatively coupled to the actuating module 2, 4. In accordance with an embodiment, the support wall 5 is a support wall for the operation button 6. In particular, the support wall 5 is interposed between the operation button 6 and the circuit actuating assembly 4. The operation button 6 is operable manually to control the aforesaid at least one microswitch 41, 42. More specifically, the device 1 comprises at least one actuating element operable by means of the operation button 6 and configured to operate said at least one microswitch 41, 42. In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the at least one actuating element 71 is associated with a stroke multiplier lever 7 which will be described in more detail later in the present description. However, according to an alternative embodiment (not shown) , one or more actuating elements 71 may be associated directly with the operation button 6. For example, one or more actuating elements 71 may be fixed or made in one piece with the operation button 6. For example, if the device 1 comprises the first and second microswitch 41, 42, the button 6 may comprise a pair of actuating elements 71 that are suitable to operate the first and the second microswitch 41, 42, respectively. In any case, the at least one actuating element 71 may be or comprise, for example, at least one tooth protruding from the operation button 6 or from the stroke multiplier lever 7 to the casing 2.

[0023] With reference to Figs. 4-9, the modular device 1 comprises at least one elastic return element 61, 62 associated with the operation button 6. More specifically, the at least one elastic return element 61, 62 is expediently integrated into the operation button 6. In other words, the at least one elastic return element 61, 62 is a portion of the button 6 and is preferably made in one piece with the button 6. In accordance with an advantageous embodiment, the operation button 6 and the at least one elastic return element 61, 62 are made of polyketone (PK) . In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one elastic element 61, 62 comprises a first elastic return element 61 and a second elastic return element 62 which are preferably alike and extend preferably from two opposite end portions of the operation button 6. In accordance with an embodiment, the at least one elastic return element 61, 62 comprises at least one plate-shaped arm 61, 62, preferably two plate- shaped arms 61, 62 as in the example shown.

[0024] The operation button 6 is suitable to assume a rest configuration (Fig.l, Fig.2, Fig.4, Fig.10), in which the at least one actuating element 71 does not operate the at least one microswitch 41, 42. Furthermore, the operation button 6 is suitable to assume at least one operation configuration (Fig.5 and Fig.6) in which the at least one actuating element 71 operates said at least one microswitch 41, 42. The at least one elastic return element 61, 62 is configured to return the operation button 6 from said at least one operation configuration (Fig.5 and Fig.6) to said rest configuration (Fig.l, Fig.2, Fig.4, Fig.10) . In accordance with an embodiment, the at least one microswitch 41, 42 comprises a microswitch actuator 41a, 42a. For example, and without thereby introducing any limitation, if the at least one microswitch 41, 42 is a pushbutton microswitch, the microswitch actuator 41a, 42a comprises the pushbutton 41a, 42a of the at least one microswitch 41, 42. In the aforesaid rest configuration, the operation button 6 does not operate the microswitch actuator 41a, 42a of the at least one microswitch 41, 42. In the aforesaid at least one operation configuration, the operation button 6 operates the microswitch actuator 41a, 42a of the at least one microswitch 41, 42. [0025] Still with reference to Fig.3, in accordance with an embodiment, the modular device 1 comprises connection elements 28, 63 which are operatively interposed between the operation button 6 and the actuating module 2, 4 to couple, preferably removably, the operation button 6 to the actuating module 2, 4. In accordance with an embodiment, the connection elements 28, 63 comprise first connection elements 28 provided in the casing 2 and second connection elements 63 provided in the operation button 6, which are adapted to be coupled with the first connection elements 28. In accordance with an embodiment, the first connection elements 28 comprise a plurality of hooking seats 28, for example, four hooking seats 28, and the second connection elements 63 comprise a plurality of hooking elements 63, for example, four hooking elements 63, each of which are suitable to engage a respective hooking seat 28. With reference to Fig.10, in accordance with an expedient embodiment, each hooking seat 28 has a respective inclined plane 28a and each hooking element 63 has a respective inclined plane 63a. When the operation button 6 assumes the rest configuration, due to the elastic force exerted by the at least one return element 61, 62, the inclined planes 63a of the hooking elements 63 are kept in contact with the inclined planes 28a of the hooking seats 28. Advantageously, due to the inclined planes 28a, 63a, it is possible to stabilize the operation button 6 in the rest configuration by reducing the tolerances between the hooking seats 28 and the hooking elements 63. In accordance with an embodiment, the at least one elastic return element 61, 62 is interposed between at least two of the aforesaid second connection elements 63, which are located on the same side of the operation button 6. For example, with reference to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, each elastic return element 61, 62 is interposed between a pair of hooking elements 63. In accordance with an embodiment, the at least one elastic return element 61, 62 is interposed between a pair of gaps 64 which are interposed, in turn, between the aforesaid at least two second connection elements 63 between which the at least one elastic return element 61, 62 is interposed.

[0026] With reference to Fig.7, in accordance with an expedient embodiment, the at least one elastic return element 61, 62 has a free end portion 61a, 62a that is in contact with the actuating module 2, 4. In particular, in accordance with an embodiment, the free end portion 61a, 62a is in contact with the casing 2 and more preferably with the support wall 5. In accordance with an embodiment, the free end portion 61a, 62a is suitable to slide along the actuating module 2, 4, and more preferably along the support wall 5, when the operation button 6 is pressed. This allows advantageously for the operation of the button 1 to be particularly smooth.

[0027] In accordance with an expedient embodiment, the free end portion 61a, 62a comprises a rounded portion

61a, 62a which is in contact with the actuating module 2,

4. Advantageously, this makes the sliding of the at least one elastic return element 61, 62 over the actuating module 2, 4 easier and thus makes the operation of the button 1 particularly smooth.

[0028] In accordance with an expedient embodiment, the at least one elastic return element 61, 62 has a generally corrugated shape, preferably a substantially 'S' shape. Advantageously, this makes the at least one elastic return element 61, 62 particularly flexible, and thus makes the operation of the button 1 particularly smooth .

[0029] With reference to Figs. 1 and 3, the device 1 comprises a button cover 8 suitable to be coupled, preferably removably, to the button 6 in order to cover the button 6. The button cover 8 has mainly an aesthetic function .

[0030] With reference to Figs. 1-9, in accordance with an advantageous embodiment wherein the device 1 is a multi-way switch, the device 1 comprises the stroke multiplier lever 7 mentioned above. The stroke multiplier lever 7 is operatively interposed between the operation button 6 and the at least one microswitch 41, 42 and more preferably between the operation button 6 and the support wall 5. The stroke multiplier lever 7 comprises said at least one actuating element 71. In accordance with an embodiment, the stroke multiplier lever 7 comprises only one actuating element 71. The at least one actuating element 71 is configured to operate the aforesaid at least one microswitch 41, 42.

[0031] In accordance with an expedient embodiment, the stroke multiplier lever 7 is pivotally hinged to the operation button 6 to be able to rotate around a rotation axis XI (Fig.9) . With reference to Fig.3, in accordance with an embodiment, the support wall 5 comprises at least one support fulcrum 51A, 52A; 51B, 52B for the stroke multiplier lever 7 which is misaligned with respect to the rotation axis XI. Advantageously, in this way it is possible to operate the at least one microswitch 41, 42 regardless of the point on which the button 6 is pressed. In effect, as shown for example in Figs. 5 and 6, by pressing the operation button 6 at any point on the button 6, the actuating element 71 always rotates in the same direction and thus always operates the same microswitch, which, in the example shown in Figs. 5 and 6, is the microswitch 41. In particular, as may be seen in Fig.5, when the button 6 is pressed on a portion of the button 6 indicated by the arrow FI, the stroke multiplier lever 7, and consequently the actuating element 71, rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow R1. Likewise, as may be seen in Fig.6, when the button 6 is pressed on a portion of the button 6 indicated by the arrow F2, i.e. a portion of the button 6 opposite to the portion indicated by the arrow FI, the stroke multiplier lever 7, and consequently the actuating element 71, still rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow R1.

[0032] With reference to Figs. 3 and 7, in accordance with an expedient embodiment, the at least one support fulcrum 51a, 52a; 51b, 52b comprises a first support fulcrum 51a, 52a and a second support fulcrum 51b, 52b opposing and spaced from each other along a first direction PI. In accordance with an embodiment, the first direction PI is a direction parallel to the axis XI (Fig.9) . The first support fulcrum 51a, 52a comprises a pair of first protrusions 51a, 52a aligned and spaced from each other along a second direction P2 orthogonal to the first direction PI. The second support fulcrum 51b, 52b comprises a pair of second protrusions 51b, 52b spaced and aligned with each other along a direction parallel to said second direction P2. The stroke multiplier lever 7 comprises a first lever portion 72 and a second lever portion 73 which is opposite to the first lever portion 72. The second lever portion 73 comprises the at least one actuating element 71. The first and the second lever portion 72, 73 are configured so that when the operation button 6 is coupled to the actuating module 2, 4 in a first mode, the first lever portion 72 is adapted to rest against the first protrusions 51a, 52a, and the second lever portion 73 is adapted to move between the second protrusions 51b, 52b so that the at least one actuating element 71 may operate the first microswitch 41. Moreover, the first and second portion 72, 73 of the lever are configured so that when the operation button 6 is coupled to the actuating module 2, 4 in a second mode, the first lever portion 72 is adapted to rest on the second protrusions 51b, 52b and the second lever portion 73 is adapted to move between the first protrusions 51a, 52a so that the at least one actuating element 71 may operate the second microswitch 42. In this way, it is advantageously possible to simplify the assembly of the device 1. In effect, the button 6 with the stroke multiplier lever 7 may be coupled to the actuating module 2, 4 indifferently in either the first or second modes described above. Consequently, it is not necessary to verify that the button 6 is arranged in a specific way before coupling the button 6 with the lever 7 to the actuating module 2, 4.

[0033] On the basis of what has been described above, it is thus possible to understand how a modular electronic device of the type described above may achieve the objects mentioned above with reference to the prior art.

[0034] By providing at least one elastic return element integrated into the operation button in the modular electronic device described above, it is in effect advantageously possible to avoid inserting the return springs described above with reference to the prior art in the casing of the modular electronic device and fitting them on the corresponding pins. Thus, in this way the assembly of the same device is simplified. Moreover, the useful space within the casing is greater.

[0035] Without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the embodiments and the details of implementation may vary widely with respect to those described and illustrated purely by way of non-limiting example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.