EP0567357A1 - Illuminated push-botton switch with channelled and diffused light flux - Google Patents

Illuminated push-botton switch with channelled and diffused light flux Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0567357A1
EP0567357A1 EP93400637A EP93400637A EP0567357A1 EP 0567357 A1 EP0567357 A1 EP 0567357A1 EP 93400637 A EP93400637 A EP 93400637A EP 93400637 A EP93400637 A EP 93400637A EP 0567357 A1 EP0567357 A1 EP 0567357A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
button
light
button body
pusher
collar
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP93400637A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0567357B1 (en
Inventor
Bernard Piquenot
Thierry Depardieu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Otis Elevator Co
Original Assignee
Otis Elevator Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Otis Elevator Co filed Critical Otis Elevator Co
Publication of EP0567357A1 publication Critical patent/EP0567357A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0567357B1 publication Critical patent/EP0567357B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/023—Light-emitting indicators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/06—Reflector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/062—Light conductor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/062—Light conductor
    • H01H2219/0622—Light conductor only an illuminated ring around keys

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a luminous button, for example with a push button or a contact button, of the type described in the preamble of claim 1.
  • FIG. 1 represents an axial section view of the button and of FIG. 2 which is a view in plan of the button of figure 1.
  • the light button 10 comprises a cylindrical button body 12 of low height and made of transparent material.
  • the body 12 is externally threaded and is provided at its upper end in FIG. 1 with a flange 14 projecting outwards.
  • the button body is fixed in a hole in a support plate 16 by means of a nut 20 and is retained there by its flange 14.
  • the button body is provided with a bottom 21 which delimits an upper cavity 22 and a lower cavity 23.
  • a push button 24 (or a contact button) made of opaque material.
  • the pusher 24 carries in the center of its lower face an appendage 26 which crosses with clearance a hole provided in the bottom of the cavity 22, a removable circlip 28 preventing the disassembly of the pusher 24. Between the bottom of the pusher and the bottom 21 of the cavity is interposed a flat spring 29 which normally biases the pusher in the extended position shown in FIG. 1.
  • the pusher 24 actuates a switch 30 mounted on a plate 32 which also carries an electrical circuit comprising a certain number of light-emitting diodes 34 (or LED for short) for example eight in number arranged at the periphery of a circle of diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the button body 12.
  • the LEDs are lit.
  • the luminous flux emitted by these passes vertically through the transparent button body and is channeled towards the outside through a narrow annular passage comprised between the support plate 16 and the pusher 24.
  • the flux leaves the button in the form of a beam divergent 36 with symmetry of revolution about the axis of the button and an opening angle a. In Figure 1, this angle has only been shown approximately.
  • the emerging beam 36 actually comprises a tubular zone where the vision of the diodes is direct and a divergent zone where the light is diffused. A user looking at the button opposite will therefore see on the flange 14 a low luminous crown with eight bulbs 34 'of high brightness which correspond to the visible parts of the LEDs.
  • Such a luminous button lacks aesthetics because the light bulbs cause an optical effect which lace the pusher 24 because the observer believes to see notches 37 ( Figure 2). In addition, the emerging beam is too closed, so that it can only be seen by people practically in front of the button.
  • the present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art, and therefore relates to a light button emitting a widely open light beam, with relatively uniform brightness regardless of the direction in which the button is viewed, in which the guidance of the luminous flux towards the outside is improved and which, moreover, increases the diffusion of light compared to the known luminous buttons.
  • This set of characteristics contributes to obtaining three light streams, two in reflected light, therefore indirect and one in direct light, which cover a very large area of space and can therefore be seen from any point in front of the support plate. .
  • the light density in said sector is practically uniform and does not present too great contrasts.
  • the brightness of the direct light flux is greatly reduced. The bulbs are therefore less dazzling than in the prior art.
  • the direct flow is no longer perpendicular to the plane of the support plate, but is inclined relative to normal to this plan and more open. This also helps make the bulbs less dazzling.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view with partial cutaway of a light button according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a diametrical sectional view of the light button in FIG. 3.
  • the light button 40 shown in Figures 3 and 4 comprises a button body 42 of transparent material, having a tubular shape.
  • the button body is provided at its upper end with a flange 44 projecting towards the outside and by which the button body can rest on the edge of a hole drilled in a support plate 46.
  • the outer wall of the button body is smooth over part of its height 48 adjacent to the flange and has a thread 50 on the rest of its height, for screwing a fixing nut 52 which will be described later.
  • the button body has at an intermediate zone of its height an annular bottom 54 coming from manufacture with the button body and therefore also made of transparent material. This bottom delimits inside the button body an upper cavity 56 and a lower cavity 58.
  • the bottom of the upper cavity has at its periphery a frustoconical wall 60, the role of which will emerge in the following description.
  • the light button further comprises a pusher 62 of non-transparent material, which comprises a cylindrical core 64 received with clearance in the orifice defined in the center of the bottom 54, and an annular collar 66 coming from manufacture with the core 64.
  • the collar 66 is received in the upper cavity 56 of which it has the same diameter.
  • the pusher is returned to an extended position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 by a spring 68 housed in the lower cavity 58 and which bears on the bottom of the pusher and on a plate 70 fixed to the base of the button body.
  • the extended position of the button is defined by the abutment of a stop ring 72 fixed on the core 64, against the bottom 54 of the button body.
  • a switch 74 At the center of the plate 70 are fixed a switch 74 and several light emitters, such as eight light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 76 arranged in a circle around the switch.
  • LEDs light-emitting diodes
  • the reflective surfaces 82 and 88 have a symmetry of revolution with respect to the axis of the button, and have a generatrix which can be rectilinear, in the shape of an arc of a circle, convex, concave or parabolic.

Abstract

The button comprises a tubular button body made from a transparent material, a nut (52) intended to fix the button body to a support plate (46), a pusher (62) made of a non-transparent material mounted so as to slide axially in the button body and provided with an annular collar (66), and a platen (70) carrying a plurality of light emitters (76), the pusher (62), the collar (66) and the nut (52) having reflective surfaces which allow outward transmission of mutually overlapping light beams (80, 81, 86). <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un bouton lumineux, par exemple à bouton poussoir ou à touche de contact, du type décrit dans le préambule de la revendication 1.The present invention relates to a luminous button, for example with a push button or a contact button, of the type described in the preamble of claim 1.

Afin de mieux comprendre le problème que l'on cherche à résoudre, on décrira un bouton lumineux connu de ce type en regard de la figure 1 ci-jointe qui représente une vue en coupe axiale du bouton et de la figure 2 qui est une vue en plan du bouton de la figure 1.In order to better understand the problem that we are trying to solve, we will describe a known light button of this type with reference to the attached FIG. 1 which represents an axial section view of the button and of FIG. 2 which is a view in plan of the button of figure 1.

Le bouton lumineux 10 comprend un corps de bouton cylindrique 12 de faible hauteur et réalisé en matière transparente. Le corps 12 est fileté extérieurement et est pourvu à son extrémité supérieure sur la figure 1 d'une collerette 14 faisant saillie vers l'extérieur. Le corps du bouton est fixé dans un trou d'une plaque support 16 au moyen d'un écrou 20 et il y est retenu par sa collerette 14.The light button 10 comprises a cylindrical button body 12 of low height and made of transparent material. The body 12 is externally threaded and is provided at its upper end in FIG. 1 with a flange 14 projecting outwards. The button body is fixed in a hole in a support plate 16 by means of a nut 20 and is retained there by its flange 14.

Le corps de bouton est pourvu d'un fond 21 qui délimite une cavité supérieure 22 et une cavité inférieure 23. Dans la cavité supérieure 22 est monté coulissant un bouton poussoir 24 (ou un bouton de contact) en matière opaque.The button body is provided with a bottom 21 which delimits an upper cavity 22 and a lower cavity 23. In the upper cavity 22 is slidably mounted a push button 24 (or a contact button) made of opaque material.

Le poussoir 24 porte au centre de sa face inférieure un appendice 26 qui traverse avec jeu un perçage prévu dans le fond de la cavité 22, un circlip démontable 28 empêchant le démontage du poussoir 24. Entre le fond du poussoir et le fond 21 de la cavité est interposé un ressort plat 29 qui sollicite normalement le poussoir dans la position sortie représentée à la figure 1. Le poussoir 24 actionne un interrupteur 30 monté sur une platine 32 qui porte également un circuit électrique comprenant un certain nombre de diodes électroluminescentes 34 (ou DEL en abrégé) par exemple au nombre de huit disposées à la périphérie d'un cercle de diamètre sensiblement égal au diamètre du corps de bouton 12.The pusher 24 carries in the center of its lower face an appendage 26 which crosses with clearance a hole provided in the bottom of the cavity 22, a removable circlip 28 preventing the disassembly of the pusher 24. Between the bottom of the pusher and the bottom 21 of the cavity is interposed a flat spring 29 which normally biases the pusher in the extended position shown in FIG. 1. The pusher 24 actuates a switch 30 mounted on a plate 32 which also carries an electrical circuit comprising a certain number of light-emitting diodes 34 (or LED for short) for example eight in number arranged at the periphery of a circle of diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the button body 12.

Ainsi, lorsqu'on enfonce le poussoir, on provoque l'allumage des DEL. Le flux lumineux émis par celles-ci traverse verticalement le corps de bouton transparent et est canalisé vers l'extérieur à travers un étroit passage annulaire compris entre la plaque support 16 et le poussoir 24. Le flux sort du bouton sous forme d'un faisceau divergent 36 à symétrie de révolution autour de l'axe du bouton et à angle d'ouverture a. Sur la figure 1, cet angle n'a été représenté qu'approximativement. Le faisceau émergent 36 comprend en réalité une zone tubulaire où la vision des diodes est directe et une zone divergente où la lumière est diffuse. Un utilisateur regardant le bouton en face verra donc sur la collerette 14 une couronne lumineuse de faible luminosité avec huit bulbes 34' de brillance élevée qui correspondent aux parties visibles des DEL.Thus, when the button is pressed, the LEDs are lit. The luminous flux emitted by these passes vertically through the transparent button body and is channeled towards the outside through a narrow annular passage comprised between the support plate 16 and the pusher 24. The flux leaves the button in the form of a beam divergent 36 with symmetry of revolution about the axis of the button and an opening angle a. In Figure 1, this angle has only been shown approximately. The emerging beam 36 actually comprises a tubular zone where the vision of the diodes is direct and a divergent zone where the light is diffused. A user looking at the button opposite will therefore see on the flange 14 a low luminous crown with eight bulbs 34 'of high brightness which correspond to the visible parts of the LEDs.

Un tel bouton lumineux manque d'esthétique car les bulbes lumineux provoquent un effet d'optique qui dentelle le poussoir 24 car l'observateur croit voir des échancrures 37 (figure 2). De plus, le faisceau émergent est trop fermé, de sorte qu'il ne peut être vu que par les personnes se trouvant pratiquement en face du bouton.Such a luminous button lacks aesthetics because the light bulbs cause an optical effect which lace the pusher 24 because the observer believes to see notches 37 (Figure 2). In addition, the emerging beam is too closed, so that it can only be seen by people practically in front of the button.

On pourrait certes éliminer l'éblouissement en réduisant le diamètre du cercle sur lequel se trouvent les diodes électroluminescentes suffisamment pour que celles-ci ne soient par directement visibles à travers le corps du bouton transparent. Mais on comprend qu'en rentrant davantage les diodes sous le poussoir, on diminue le flux lumineux émergent, du fait que la plus grande partie du flux lumineux reste prisonnière à l'intérieur du bouton. La faible fraction de flux lumineux qui est canalisée vers l'extérieur a subi une grand nombre de réflexions qui l'ont fortement atténuée. De plus, l'angle d'ouverture du faisceau émergent garde la même faible valeur que dans le cas précédent.We could certainly eliminate the glare by reducing the diameter of the circle on which the light-emitting diodes are located enough so that they are not directly visible through the body of the transparent button. But it is understood that by returning the diodes further under the pusher, the emerging light flux is reduced, because the greater part of the light flux remains trapped inside the button. The small fraction of luminous flux which is channeled outwards has undergone a large number of reflections which have greatly attenuated it. In addition, the aperture angle of the emerging beam keeps the same low value as in the previous case.

Par le brevet GB-A-847 648, on connaît un bouton lumineux sensiblement du même type que celui décrit précédemment, mais qui ne compte qu'une seule source lumineuse. Celle-ci ayant une forme allongée, on comprend que la luminosité de la couronne extérieure du poussoir par laquelle la lumière sort à l'extérieur sera plus intense dans les zones de la couronne se trouvant en regard des extrémités de la lampe que sur le restant de la couronne et, par conséquent, la luminosité ne sera pas uniforme tout le long de la couronne. De plus, ce bouton souffre du même défaut que celui signalé pour le bouton décrit précédemment, à savoir la faible ouverture du faisceau émergent.From patent GB-A-847,648, there is known a light button substantially of the same type as that described above, but which has only one light source. This having an elongated shape, it is understood that the brightness of the outer crown of the pusher through which the light comes out will be more intense in the areas of the crown located opposite the ends of the lamp than on the rest of the crown and therefore the brightness will not be uniform all along the crown. In addition, this button suffers from the same defect as that reported for the button described above, namely the small opening of the emerging beam.

La présente invention vise à remédier aux inconvénients de la technique antérieure, et a donc pour objet un bouton lumineux émettant un faisceau lumineux largement ouvert, à luminosité relativement uniforme quelle que soit la direction où l'on regarde le bouton, dans lequel le guidage du flux lumineux vers l'extérieur est amélioré et qui, de plus augmente la diffusion de la lumière par rapport aux boutons lumineux connus.The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art, and therefore relates to a light button emitting a widely open light beam, with relatively uniform brightness regardless of the direction in which the button is viewed, in which the guidance of the luminous flux towards the outside is improved and which, moreover, increases the diffusion of light compared to the known luminous buttons.

On atteint tous ces avantages avec un bouton lumineux selon la partie caractérisante de la revendication 1.These advantages are achieved with a light button according to the characterizing part of claim 1.

Cet ensemble de caractéristiques concourt à l'obtention de trois flux de lumières, deux en lumière réfléchie donc indirecte et un en lumière directe qui couvrent un très large secteur d'espace et peuvent donc être vus de n'importe quel point devant la plaque support. De plus, du fait que ces flux lumineux se chevauchent mutuellement, la densité de lumière dans ledit secteur est pratiquement uniforme et ne présente pas de trop grands contrastes. En particulier, du fait du décentrage des émetteurs de lumière par rapport au corps de bouton, on atténue fortement la luminosité du flux lumineux direct. Les bulbes sont donc moins éblouissants que dans la technique antérieure. De plus, le flux direct n'est plus perpendiculaire au plan de la plaque support, mais est incliné par rapport à la normale à ce plan et plus ouvert. Cette mesure contribue également à rendre les bulbes moins éblouissants.This set of characteristics contributes to obtaining three light streams, two in reflected light, therefore indirect and one in direct light, which cover a very large area of space and can therefore be seen from any point in front of the support plate. . In addition, due to the fact that these luminous fluxes overlap each other, the light density in said sector is practically uniform and does not present too great contrasts. In particular, due to the decentralization of the light emitters relative to the button body, the brightness of the direct light flux is greatly reduced. The bulbs are therefore less dazzling than in the prior art. In addition, the direct flow is no longer perpendicular to the plane of the support plate, but is inclined relative to normal to this plan and more open. This also helps make the bulbs less dazzling.

Un mode de réalisation de l'invention sera décrit à présent en détail en regard du dessin annexé dans lequel :An embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawing in which:

La figure 3 est une vue en perspective avec arrachement partiel d'un bouton lumineux selon l'invention; etFigure 3 is a perspective view with partial cutaway of a light button according to the invention; and

La figure 4 est une vue en coupe diamétrale du bouton lumineux de la figure 3.FIG. 4 is a diametrical sectional view of the light button in FIG. 3.

Le bouton lumineux 40 représenté sur les figures 3 et 4 comprend un corps de bouton 42 en matière transparente, ayant une forme tubulaire. Le corps de bouton est pourvu à son extrémité supérieure d'une collerette 44 faisant saillie vers l'extérieur et grâce à laquelle le corps de bouton peut s'appuyer sur le bord d'un trou percé dans une plaque support 46. La paroi extérieure du corps de bouton est lisse sur une partie de sa hauteur48 adjacente à la collerette et comporte un filetage 50 sur le restant de sa hauteur, pour le vissage d'un écrou de fixation 52 que l'on décrira par la suite.The light button 40 shown in Figures 3 and 4 comprises a button body 42 of transparent material, having a tubular shape. The button body is provided at its upper end with a flange 44 projecting towards the outside and by which the button body can rest on the edge of a hole drilled in a support plate 46. The outer wall of the button body is smooth over part of its height 48 adjacent to the flange and has a thread 50 on the rest of its height, for screwing a fixing nut 52 which will be described later.

Le corps de bouton comporte à une zone intermédiaire de sa hauteur un fond annulaire 54 venant de fabrication avec le corps de bouton et donc également en matière transparente. Ce fond délimite à l'intérieur du corps de bouton une cavité supérieure 56 et une cavité inférieure 58. Le fond de la cavité supérieure présente à sa périphérie une paroi tronconique 60, dont le rôle ressortira dans la suite de la description.The button body has at an intermediate zone of its height an annular bottom 54 coming from manufacture with the button body and therefore also made of transparent material. This bottom delimits inside the button body an upper cavity 56 and a lower cavity 58. The bottom of the upper cavity has at its periphery a frustoconical wall 60, the role of which will emerge in the following description.

Le bouton lumineux comprend en outre un poussoir 62 en matière non transparente, qui comporte un noyau cylindrique 64 reçu avec jeu dans l'orifice défini au centre du fond 54, et un collet annulaire 66 venant de fabrication avec le noyau 64. Le collet 66 est reçu dans la cavité supérieure 56 dont il a le même diamètre.The light button further comprises a pusher 62 of non-transparent material, which comprises a cylindrical core 64 received with clearance in the orifice defined in the center of the bottom 54, and an annular collar 66 coming from manufacture with the core 64. The collar 66 is received in the upper cavity 56 of which it has the same diameter.

Le poussoir est rappelé vers une position sortie représentée sur les figures 3 et 4 par un ressort 68 logé dans la cavité inférieure 58 et qui prend appui sur le fond du poussoir et sur une platine 70 fixée à la base du corps de bouton. La position sortie du bouton est définie par la mise en butée d'une bague d'arrêt 72 fixée sur le noyau 64, contre le fond 54 du corps de bouton.The pusher is returned to an extended position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 by a spring 68 housed in the lower cavity 58 and which bears on the bottom of the pusher and on a plate 70 fixed to the base of the button body. The extended position of the button is defined by the abutment of a stop ring 72 fixed on the core 64, against the bottom 54 of the button body.

Au centre de la platine 70 sont fixés un interrupteur 74 et plusieurs émetteurs de lumière, tels que huit diodes électroluminescentes (DEL) 76 disposées en cercle autour de l'interrupteur.At the center of the plate 70 are fixed a switch 74 and several light emitters, such as eight light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 76 arranged in a circle around the switch.

Selon l'invention, on améliore la canalisation du flux lumineux émis par les DEL vers l'extérieur grâce aux caractéristiques suivantes :

  • - la cavité inférieure 58 dans laquelle sont logées les DEL a un plus grand volume que dans le cas du bouton de la figure 1, ce qui permet d'avoir plus de lumière ;
  • - les DEL sont situées intérieurement par rapport au corps de bouton 42, d'où il résulte l'émission d'un flux lumineux direct 80 incliné par rapport à l'axe du bouton ;
  • - le corps de bouton transparent présente au niveau de la paroi tronconique 60 une grande section de passage à travers laquelle un flux lumineux indirect 81 de grand angle d'ouverture peut passer. De plus grâce à l'élargissement de cette section de passage, l'angle d'ouverture du flux direct 80 est plus grand que dans le cas de la figure 1 ;
  • - la face inférieure 82 du collet 66 est rendue réfléchissante par un traitement particulier, ce qui lui permet de réfléchir vers l'extérieur un troisième flux lumineux indirect 86 d'angle d'ouverture relativement large et qui rase la plaque support ;
  • - l'écrou 52 présente intérieurement sur une portion de sa hauteur un taraudage destiné au vissage sur le corps de bouton et sur le restant de sa hauteur une paroi tronconique 88 s'évasant vers le haut et qui est traitée pour être réfléchissante. Une partie de la lumière émise par les DEL se réfléchit successivement sur la paroi 88, puis sur la paroi 82 et sort de bouton sous forme d'un flux lumineux indirect qui vient renforcer le flux 86.
According to the invention, the channeling of the light flux emitted by the LEDs towards the outside is improved by the following characteristics:
  • - The lower cavity 58 in which the LEDs are housed has a larger volume than in the case of the button in FIG. 1, which allows more light to be obtained;
  • - The LEDs are located internally relative to the button body 42, which results in the emission of a direct light flux 80 inclined relative to the axis of the button;
  • - The transparent button body has at the frustoconical wall 60 a large passage section through which an indirect light flux 81 of large opening angle can pass. In addition, thanks to the widening of this passage section, the opening angle of the direct flow 80 is greater than in the case of FIG. 1;
  • - The underside 82 of the collar 66 is made reflective by a special treatment, which allows it to reflect outwards a third indirect light flux 86 of relatively wide opening angle and which shaves the support plate;
  • - The nut 52 has internally over a portion of its height a thread intended for screwing on the button body and on the rest of its height a frustoconical wall 88 flaring upward and which is treated to be reflective. Part of the light emitted by the LEDs is reflected successively on the wall 88, then on the wall 82 and leaves the button in the form of an indirect light flux which reinforces the flux 86.

Les surfaces réfléchissantes 82 et 88 ont une symétrie de révolution par rapport à l'axe du bouton, et ont une génératrice qui peut être rectiligne, en forme d'arc de cercle, convexe, concave ou parabolique.The reflective surfaces 82 and 88 have a symmetry of revolution with respect to the axis of the button, and have a generatrix which can be rectilinear, in the shape of an arc of a circle, convex, concave or parabolic.

La description précédente a été faite dans le cas d'un poussoir, mais elle peut être reprise sans grandes modifications dans le cas d'un bouton lumineux à touche de contact.The previous description was made in the case of a push-button, but it can be repeated without major modifications in the case of a luminous button with contact key.

Claims (2)

1- Bouton lumineux à flux de lumière canalisé et diffusé, du type comprenant : - un corps de bouton (42) sensiblement tubulaire, réalisé en une matière transparente, dont la paroi extérieure présente à son extrémité supérieure une collerette (44) de diamètre évasé et à son extrémité inférieure un filetage (50) pour le vissage d'un écrou (52) destiné à fixer le bouton sur une plaque support (46), le corps de bouton présentant un fond annulaire transparent (54) qui délimite une cavité supérieure (56) et une cavité inférieure (58) , - un poussoir (62) en matière non transparente monté coulissant axialement dans la cavité supérieure (56) du corps de bouton , - et une platine (70) montée dans la cavité inférieure (58) et portant un interrupteur (74) situé dans l'axe du poussoir et une pluralité d'émetteurs de lumière (76) disposés concentriquement autour de l'interrupteur et dont l'allumage est commandé par pression du poussoir sur l'interrupteur, caractérisé en ce que : - le poussoir (62) est monté coulissant dans le trou central dudit fond annulaire (54) et comprend à son extrémité supérieure un collet annulaire (66) faisant saillie latéralement et monté coulissant dans ladite cavité supérieure, la face annulaire inférieure (82) dudit collet étant réfléchissante et étant convenablement inclinée pour qu'elle réfléchisse vers l'extérieur du bouton un premier flux indirect de lumière (86) qui rase la plaque support, - les émetteurs de lumière (76) sont décentrés vers l'intérieur par rapport au corps de bouton (42) de manière à se trouver à l'aplomb du collet (66), - le corps de bouton présente au-dessus de son filetage une portion non filetée (48) s'étendant jusqu'à la collerette, - l'écrou (52) comprend une portion inférieure taraudée de même hauteur que la portion filetée du corps de bouton et une portion supérieure pourvue intérieurement d'une face tronconique réfléchissante (88) capable de réfléchir vers l'extérieur du bouton lumineux un second flux indirect de lumière (81) de direction moyenne voisine de l'axe du bouton, - la cavité supérieure (56) du corps de bouton présente une paroi de fond tronconique (60) permettant un passage direct sans déviation à un troisième flux de lumière (80) compris entre le premier et le second flux, les trois flux de lumière se recouvrant mutuellement. 1- Luminous button with channeled and diffused light flow, of the type comprising: - A substantially tubular button body (42), made of a transparent material, the outer wall of which has at its upper end a flange (44) of flared diameter and at its lower end a thread (50) for the screwing of a nut (52) intended to fix the button on a support plate (46), the button body having a transparent annular bottom (54) which delimits an upper cavity (56) and a lower cavity (58), a pusher (62) of non-transparent material mounted to slide axially in the upper cavity (56) of the button body, - And a plate (70) mounted in the lower cavity (58) and carrying a switch (74) located in the axis of the pusher and a plurality of emits light sensors (76) arranged concentrically around the switch and the ignition of which is controlled by pressing the push button on the switch, characterized in that: - The pusher (62) is slidably mounted in the central hole of said annular bottom (54) and comprises at its upper end an annular collar (66) projecting laterally and slidably mounted in said upper cavity, the lower annular face (82) of said collar being reflective and being suitably inclined so that it reflects towards the outside of the button a first indirect flow of light (86) which shaves the support plate, - the light emitters (76) are off-center towards the interior relative to the button body (42) so as to be directly above the collar (66), the button body has, above its thread, a non-threaded portion (48) extending up to the collar, - the nut (52) comprises a tapped lower portion of the same height as the threaded portion of the button body and an upper portion provided internally with a frustoconical reflecting face (88) capable of reflecting towards the outside of the light button a second indirect light flow (81) of medium direction close to the axis of the button, - The upper cavity (56) of the button body has a frustoconical bottom wall (60) allowing direct passage without deviation to a third light flow (80) between the first and the second flow, the three light flows are covering each other. 2- Bouton lumineux selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les faces réfléchissantes (82,88) sont engendrées par une génératrice rectiligne, en forme d'arc de cercle, convexe, concave ou parabolique.2- illuminated button according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflecting faces (82, 88) are generated by a rectilinear generator, in the shape of an arc of a circle, convex, concave or parabolic.
EP93400637A 1992-04-22 1993-03-12 Illuminated push-botton switch with channelled and diffused light flux Expired - Lifetime EP0567357B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9204922 1992-04-22
FR929204922A FR2690502B1 (en) 1992-04-22 1992-04-22 LUMINOUS BUTTON WITH CHANNEL AND DIFFUSED LIGHT FLOW.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0567357A1 true EP0567357A1 (en) 1993-10-27
EP0567357B1 EP0567357B1 (en) 1997-05-21

Family

ID=9429117

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93400637A Expired - Lifetime EP0567357B1 (en) 1992-04-22 1993-03-12 Illuminated push-botton switch with channelled and diffused light flux

Country Status (10)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0567357B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE153474T1 (en)
CZ (1) CZ284560B6 (en)
DE (1) DE69310806T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0567357T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2104087T3 (en)
FI (1) FI931516A (en)
FR (1) FR2690502B1 (en)
HU (1) HU211096B (en)
PL (1) PL169658B1 (en)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0605132A1 (en) * 1992-12-28 1994-07-06 Otis Elevator Company Illuminated touch button switch
DE4408366A1 (en) * 1994-03-12 1995-09-14 Abb Patent Gmbh Electrical push button
WO2000074092A1 (en) * 1999-05-29 2000-12-07 Gamesman Limited Improvements relating to push button switch assemblies
EP1207542A1 (en) * 2000-11-17 2002-05-22 TH Contact AG Electrical switching device with illuminating means
DE10225016A1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2004-01-08 MENTOR GmbH & Co Präzisions-Bauelemente Actuating knob for electric function is arranged above light conductor with light inlet surface above light emitting diode(s) on annular circuit board, light outlet surface enclosing actuating knob
EP1391904A2 (en) * 2002-07-26 2004-02-25 DORMA GmbH + Co. KG Security and monitoring system for doors, windows or similar
US6724888B2 (en) 2000-06-26 2004-04-20 Inventio Ag Call transmitter for the input of control commands, particularly for an elevator installation
EP1418601A3 (en) * 2002-11-05 2006-04-05 Medion AG Switch
EP1662526A1 (en) * 2004-11-24 2006-05-31 Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. Push button
US7507924B2 (en) 2006-02-20 2009-03-24 Industrias Lorenzo, S.A. Lighted module applicable to a pushbutton-type switch assembly, and a pushbutton-type switch assembly with a lighted module
FR2966971A1 (en) * 2010-11-02 2012-05-04 Legrand France Electrical equipment i.e. light and/or warning light function integrated electrical switch, has intermediate element formed from single block material to guide light flux from light source toward exterior across external periphery edge

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004043755B4 (en) 2004-09-10 2024-01-25 Volkswagen Ag Illuminated control device for motor vehicles
EP2339602B1 (en) 2009-11-06 2013-05-22 RAFI GmbH & Co. KG Switching device with reflector
DE102015210620B3 (en) * 2015-06-10 2016-10-06 Lira Elektrotechnische Fabrik GmbH & Co. KG Actuator with lighting device and panel with such an element

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB847648A (en) * 1956-03-19 1960-09-14 John Doggart Improvements in or relating to electric switches and indicators therefor
GB2105454A (en) * 1981-08-03 1983-03-23 David John Martin Illuminated knobs
EP0417048A2 (en) * 1989-09-06 1991-03-13 TSCHUDIN &amp; HEID AG Electrical switching arrangement with illuminating means

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB847648A (en) * 1956-03-19 1960-09-14 John Doggart Improvements in or relating to electric switches and indicators therefor
GB2105454A (en) * 1981-08-03 1983-03-23 David John Martin Illuminated knobs
EP0417048A2 (en) * 1989-09-06 1991-03-13 TSCHUDIN &amp; HEID AG Electrical switching arrangement with illuminating means

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0605132A1 (en) * 1992-12-28 1994-07-06 Otis Elevator Company Illuminated touch button switch
DE4408366A1 (en) * 1994-03-12 1995-09-14 Abb Patent Gmbh Electrical push button
WO2000074092A1 (en) * 1999-05-29 2000-12-07 Gamesman Limited Improvements relating to push button switch assemblies
US6724888B2 (en) 2000-06-26 2004-04-20 Inventio Ag Call transmitter for the input of control commands, particularly for an elevator installation
EP1207542A1 (en) * 2000-11-17 2002-05-22 TH Contact AG Electrical switching device with illuminating means
DE10225016A1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2004-01-08 MENTOR GmbH & Co Präzisions-Bauelemente Actuating knob for electric function is arranged above light conductor with light inlet surface above light emitting diode(s) on annular circuit board, light outlet surface enclosing actuating knob
DE10225016B4 (en) * 2002-06-06 2006-12-14 MENTOR GmbH & Co. Präzisions-Bauteile KG Illuminable actuator button arrangement
EP1391904A2 (en) * 2002-07-26 2004-02-25 DORMA GmbH + Co. KG Security and monitoring system for doors, windows or similar
EP1391904A3 (en) * 2002-07-26 2009-03-04 DORMA GmbH + Co. KG Security and monitoring system for doors, windows or similar
EP1418601A3 (en) * 2002-11-05 2006-04-05 Medion AG Switch
EP1662526A1 (en) * 2004-11-24 2006-05-31 Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. Push button
US7193170B2 (en) 2004-11-24 2007-03-20 Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. Push button
US7507924B2 (en) 2006-02-20 2009-03-24 Industrias Lorenzo, S.A. Lighted module applicable to a pushbutton-type switch assembly, and a pushbutton-type switch assembly with a lighted module
FR2966971A1 (en) * 2010-11-02 2012-05-04 Legrand France Electrical equipment i.e. light and/or warning light function integrated electrical switch, has intermediate element formed from single block material to guide light flux from light source toward exterior across external periphery edge

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69310806T2 (en) 1998-01-02
DE69310806D1 (en) 1997-06-26
EP0567357B1 (en) 1997-05-21
DK0567357T3 (en) 1997-06-16
CZ284560B6 (en) 1999-01-13
ATE153474T1 (en) 1997-06-15
FI931516A0 (en) 1993-04-02
PL298671A1 (en) 1994-02-07
FI931516A (en) 1993-10-23
ES2104087T3 (en) 1997-10-01
CZ68793A3 (en) 1994-11-16
FR2690502B1 (en) 1994-07-29
HUT65154A (en) 1994-04-28
PL169658B1 (en) 1996-08-30
HU9301168D0 (en) 1993-08-30
HU211096B (en) 1995-10-30
FR2690502A1 (en) 1993-10-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0567357B1 (en) Illuminated push-botton switch with channelled and diffused light flux
EP0862016B1 (en) Device for lighting at least one water jet
FR2772115A1 (en) SURFACE ILLUMINATOR
FR2813946A1 (en) VEHICLE LAMP
CA1312586C (en) Bicycle lighting device
FR2742393A1 (en) SIGNALING LIGHT WITH REDUCED AXIAL SIZE, IN PARTICULAR FIRE STOP SURELEVE
FR2620793A1 (en) AUTOMOBILE HEADLIGHT WITH TILTING REFLECTIVE MIRROR
FR2517804A1 (en) SIGNALING LIGHTING, IN PARTICULAR FLASHING LIGHT FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
FR2745365A1 (en) SIGNALING LIGHT WITH IMPROVED MEANS FOR LIGHT DISTRIBUTION
FR2591968A1 (en) COLOR LIGHTED SIGNALING LIGHT FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
FR2558569A1 (en) IMPROVEMENTS IN LIGHTING FIXTURES FOR BICYCLES AND OTHER APPLICATIONS
EP0911574B1 (en) Light diffuser for vehicle signal lights
FR2954458A1 (en) Port-hole type lamp for use at e.g. ceiling of corridor, has base provided with basin, where basin crossed by light emitted by light source is opalescent in part of non surface occupied by transparent surface constituting translucent zone
WO2014083262A1 (en) Vehicle signalling device with three-dimensional effect
FR2767098A1 (en) VEHICLE LIGHT
FR2725549A1 (en) ANALOG INDICATOR WITH SELF-LUMINESCENT HAND
WO2004079259A1 (en) Illumination device
EP0736415A1 (en) Lighting device for dashboard indicating instruments
FR2628823A1 (en) Projection lamp has a parabolic reflector and polyacrylic deflector - for enhanced electro=optical efficiency and reduced weight for directional illumination beacon or signal lamps
FR3062893A1 (en) OPTICAL DEVICE FOR LIGHTING AND SIGNALING
FR2708082A1 (en) Signaling light with warning light and intermediate screen for a motor vehicle.
FR3108965A1 (en) Illuminated device with extended aperture
CH287380A (en) Lighting device.
FR2829562A3 (en) Lamp for vehicle has light source located in orifice of rear wall of housing which has front transmission plate and contains a deviation element with optical and dispersion means on opposing sides
FR2747491A1 (en) SIGNALING DEVICE WITH IMPROVED REFLECTION MEANS

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES GB IT LI NL PT SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19940408

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19960730

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: 0508;01MIFBARZANO' E ZANARDO MILANO S.P.

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES GB IT LI NL PT SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 153474

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19970615

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: E. BLUM & CO. PATENTANWAELTE

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69310806

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19970626

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19970811

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

Effective date: 19970522

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2104087

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19980226

Year of fee payment: 6

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990331

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990331

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20010207

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20010209

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20010219

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20010222

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20010223

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20010226

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20010228

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20010308

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20010309

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020312

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020312

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020313

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020313

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020402

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: *OTIS ELEVATOR CY

Effective date: 20020331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20020930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20021001

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20021001

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 93400637.0

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20020312

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20021001

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: MM4A

Free format text: LAPSE DUE TO NON-PAYMENT OF FEES

Effective date: 20020930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20030410

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050312