EP0671673B1 - Contact push-button switch - Google Patents

Contact push-button switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0671673B1
EP0671673B1 EP95102550A EP95102550A EP0671673B1 EP 0671673 B1 EP0671673 B1 EP 0671673B1 EP 95102550 A EP95102550 A EP 95102550A EP 95102550 A EP95102550 A EP 95102550A EP 0671673 B1 EP0671673 B1 EP 0671673B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spring
control device
axis
stem
push
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95102550A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0671673A1 (en
Inventor
Clément Meyrat
Olivier Silvant
Jean-Christophe Rothen
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.)
Swatch Group Management Services AG
Original Assignee
SMH Management Services AG
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0671673A1 publication Critical patent/EP0671673A1/en
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Publication of EP0671673B1 publication Critical patent/EP0671673B1/en
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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
    • H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H13/20—Driving mechanisms
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/001—Electromechanical switches for setting or display
    • G04C3/005—Multiple switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
    • H01H1/14—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting
    • H01H1/24—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting with resilient mounting
    • H01H1/26—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting with resilient mounting with spring blade support
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H15/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for actuation in opposite directions, e.g. slide switch
    • H01H15/02—Details
    • H01H15/06—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H15/10—Operating parts
    • H01H15/102—Operating parts comprising cam devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H19/00—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H19/54—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand the operating part having at least five or an unspecified number of operative positions
    • H01H19/60—Angularly-movable actuating part carrying no contacts
    • H01H19/62—Contacts actuated by radial cams
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/06—Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being along the axis of angular movement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/016—Application timepiece

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a contactor device comprising a push button and a flat spring, arranged in such a way that the spring constitutes both the elastic return means of the push button and the means for closing electrical contacts located on a wafer, the selection of said contacts being effected by an operation of the push button in translation and / or in rotation.
  • a device according to the invention finds its application in very varied fields, but it is particularly well suited to cases where a single command for several functions of the same device is desired, for example, for ergonomic reasons as is the case. case in the dashboard of a locomotion machine, or for reasons of functional unity, as is the case in a timepiece, which will be retained by way of illustration in the following description.
  • the push-buttons commonly used to activate the various functions of a timepiece have the disadvantage of comprising elastic return means towards a neutral position generally distinct from the means making it possible to selectively close electrical contacts, and the number of parts. separate necessary for the construction of such push buttons is usually high.
  • Push buttons of the previous types are for example illustrated by the following patents.
  • Patent CH-A-604 357 describes an electrical push-button switch in which the elastic return means is a conductive elastomer which also constitutes the contact means, but only allowing a single contact to be closed when the push-button is pressed.
  • Patent CH-A-621,034 describes a mechanism in which a first leaf spring allows the pusher to occupy a neutral position, then two other positions in which it acts on a second blade, either to release it from a constraint, or to flex it, thus allowing only to establish two contacts.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to remedy the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art and to provide a push button which is simple to produce and inexpensive because it comprises a reduced number of parts, while making it possible to selectively close several contacts. located on a plate.
  • the push button according to the invention is composed of two parts, a button extended by a rod and a flat spring, one end of which is secured to the button and the other end of which is fixed on a stud holding a plate carrying the contacts, said plate also being able to support a printed circuit.
  • the flat spring is characterized by the fact that it is shaped so as to have, on the one hand, an elasticity along an axis parallel to the axis of the rod to bring the push-button to a neutral position, and on the other hand, flexibility outside a plane parallel to the axis of the rod.
  • the spring is shaped into one or more ribbons having a succession of handles in a general direction parallel to the axis of the rod.
  • the spring has flexible lamellar extensions in directions substantially perpendicular or parallel to the axis of the rod. These flexible lamellar extensions are composed of one or two branches intended to cooperate with bosses located on the rod of the push button, when the latter is driven in rotation and / or in translation. It is also possible to give at least one lamellar extension a permanent deformation outside the plane of the spring so as to establish a sliding contact on the plate when the push button is driven in translation.
  • the spring of the device according to the invention can be obtained very simply by stamping a sheet of flexible material.
  • the flexible material used can be metal, for example an alloy steel with a high coefficient of elasticity such as Durimph® (registered trademark).
  • Durimph® registered trademark
  • the ends of the lamellar extensions include a conductive coating.
  • a push button according to the invention When a push button according to the invention is used in a timepiece, it allows for example to set the time and store an alarm time. Used in a dashboard, it allows for example to reset the trip odometer and to set the clock.
  • the push button itself can be obtained economically in one piece by molding a plastic material.
  • it may include means making it possible to limit its travel in rotation and / or in translation.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the push button 1 on which is mounted a flat spring 3
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of the push button 1 and the associated flat spring 3, positioned in a frame 5 comprising a guide passage 8.
  • the flat spring 3 In the neutral position shown in FIG. 2 the flat spring 3 is parallel to a plate 9, supporting electrical contacts.
  • the plate 9 is held by a stud 6 secured to the frame 5, said stud 6 comprising fixing points 10a and 10b intended to fix the spring 3 through holes 39a and 39b located at one of its ends.
  • the push button 1 comprises a rod 11 of generally cylindrical shape and a crown 12 delimiting with the rod 11 a flange 13.
  • the rod 11 comprises a substantially planar area 14 delimiting a sleeve 15 against the flange 13, and a sector comprising lugs positioning 16, 17 of the spring 3, and the bosses 20, 21, 22.
  • Small bearing surfaces 18, 19, visible in FIGS. 3 and 4 are provided between the legs 16 and 17, and between the leg 17 and the boss 20, to maintain a small space between the spring 3 and the zone 14.
  • the boss 20 is positioned in the axis of the push button to cooperate with the spring 3 in the translational maneuvers.
  • the bosses 21 and 22 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the axis of the push button to cooperate with the spring 3 in the rotational maneuvers.
  • the end of the rod 11 has a guide passage 23, shaped like a T to limit the push-button maneuvers in rotation and / or in translation by cooperation with a guide member, consisting of a pin 7 secured to the frame 5, as shown in Figure 2.
  • a guide member consisting of a pin 7 secured to the frame 5, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the guide member 7 could be carried by the stud 6 secured to the frame and supporting the contact plate 9.
  • the surface 14 supporting the lugs 16, 17 and the bosses 20, 21, 22 comprises two chamfers 24a, 24b on either side of a central edge 24, so that the parts of the spring ensuring longitudinal elasticity does not come to bear when the push button is operated in rotation.
  • the spring corresponding to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4, has an axial symmetry and that it comprises on either side of the axis, a strip 31 (respectively 32), formed by a succession of handles open alternately inwards 31a, 31c and outwards 31b, more generally designated by 31i (respectively 32i) a lamellar extension 35 (respectively 36), perpendicular to the axis and formed of two branches 35a, 35b, and a stiffening and fixing zone 37 composed of two bands 37a, 37b perpendicular to the axis and intended to come to bear on the surfaces 18, 19 of the push button , these two bands delimiting an opening 37c intended to receive the tab 17 to hold the spring 3 secured to the push button in translation, while leaving it free in rotation.
  • a lamellar extension 38 In the axis of the spring, and on a strip 37d, perpendicular to the axis and closing the ribbons 31, 32, is a lamellar extension 38, intended to come to cooperate with the boss 20 of the push button.
  • the spring further comprises, in its part opposite to that where it is made integral with the push-button, holes 39a, 39b intended for its attachment to a stud 6 integral with the frame 5, as shown in the schematic section of the assembly of Figure 2.
  • the plate 9 having contacts which are selectively closed by the lamellar extension 38 when the push button is pressed, or by one or the other of the lamellar extensions 35 , 36 when the push button is turned.
  • FIG. 6 represents a spring substantially identical to that of FIG. 5, but in which the lamellar extension 38 is integral with the strip 37a and has a permanent deformation outside the general plane of the spring so as to ensure sliding contact on the plate 9.
  • the push button associated with such a spring obviously has no central boss 20.
  • FIG. 8 represents another embodiment in which the strip 31 comprises two additional handles 31d, 31e additional, the space 33 made free between the two strips 31, 32 allowing both to have a contact by bending of the lamellar extension 38a when the button is pressed, a sliding contact 38b when it is pulled, and two contacts by the lamellar extensions 35, 36 when it is turned in one direction or the other from its rest position.
  • the lamellar extensions 35, 36 are not divided into two branches, which corresponds to a preferred embodiment when the flexible material constituting the spring is not conductive, the ends of the lamellar extensions then comprising a conductive coating.
  • FIG. 9 represents a fourth embodiment of a spring comprising only one ribbon 31, and having a lamellar extension 38 extending, in the axis of the central recess 33, the part comprising the other lamellar extensions 35, 36, of a length such that its end 34 is already slightly bent by the boss 20 in the direction of the plate 9 supporting the contacts when the push-button is in the neutral position.
  • the lamellar extension 38 also contributes to strengthening the elasticity of the spring along the axis of the push button.
  • FIG. 10 represents a fifth embodiment in which the spring comprises only a single strip 31 whose handles facing outwards have increasing depths from the attachment to the push button to the attachment 39 to the frame, said attachment 39 constituting an axis of rotation around which each lamellar extension 35, 36 can occupy, above the wafer 9, three positions depending on whether the push button is in the neutral position, pulled or pressed, which therefore makes it possible to establish six different contacts by rotation of the crown 12 in one direction or the other.
  • Figures 11 and 12 show other embodiments of the body of the push button.
  • the zone 14 supporting the bosses 21, 22 and the lug 17 is situated entirely above the rod 11, one end of which forms the crown 12, the flange 13 then being constituted by a circular extension of the tab 16, the rear face of said flange 13 being designed to come to bear on the internal face of the frame 5.
  • FIG. 12 more precisely represents the position of the guide member 7 when it is engaged in a first parallel groove 8a to the axis, open at one end of the rod and forming with the median plane of the push button an angle sufficient for the end of the tab 17 to be flush with the light 37c of the spring 3.
  • the other end of the groove 8a opens into another groove 8b perpendicular to the axis and communicating in the middle, in the median plane of the push button, with a third groove 8c parallel to the axis of the push button.
  • Figure 13 shows the position of the guide member 7 in the neutral position.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif contacteur comportant un bouton-poussoir et un ressort plat, agencés de telle sorte que le ressort constitue à la fois le moyen de rappel élastique du bouton-poussoir et le moyen de fermeture de contacts électriques situés sur une plaquette, la sélection desdits contacts étant effectuée par une manoeuvre du bouton-poussoir en translation et/ou en rotation.The present invention relates to a contactor device comprising a push button and a flat spring, arranged in such a way that the spring constitutes both the elastic return means of the push button and the means for closing electrical contacts located on a wafer, the selection of said contacts being effected by an operation of the push button in translation and / or in rotation.

Un dispositif selon l'invention trouve son application dans des domaines très variés, mais il est particulièrement bien adapté aux cas où une commande unique pour plusieurs fonctions d'un même appareil est souhaitée, par exemple, pour des raisons ergonomiques comme c'est le cas dans le tableau de bord d'un engin de locomotion, ou pour des raisons d'unité fonctionnelle, comme c'est le cas dans une pièce d'horlogerie, qui sera retenue à titre illustratif dans la suite de la description.A device according to the invention finds its application in very varied fields, but it is particularly well suited to cases where a single command for several functions of the same device is desired, for example, for ergonomic reasons as is the case. case in the dashboard of a locomotion machine, or for reasons of functional unity, as is the case in a timepiece, which will be retained by way of illustration in the following description.

Les boutons-poussoirs couramment utilisés pour activer les différentes fonctions d'une pièce d'horlogerie présentent l'inconvénient de comporter des moyens de rappel élastique vers une position neutre généralement distincts des moyens permettant de fermer sélectivement des contacts électriques, et le nombre de pièces distinctes nécessaires à la construction de tels boutons-poussoirs est généralement élevé.The push-buttons commonly used to activate the various functions of a timepiece have the disadvantage of comprising elastic return means towards a neutral position generally distinct from the means making it possible to selectively close electrical contacts, and the number of parts. separate necessary for the construction of such push buttons is usually high.

Lorsqu'un bouton-poussoir comporte une pièce unique, constituant à la fois le moyen de rappel élastique et le moyen de contact, le dispositif présente l'inconvénient de ne permettre qu'un nombre de contacts différents très limité, voire réduit à un seul contact. Des boutons-poussoirs des types précédents sont par exemple illustrés par les brevets ci-après.When a push button comprises a single piece, constituting both the elastic return means and the contact means, the device has the disadvantage of allowing only a very limited number of different contacts, or even reduced to a single one. contact. Push buttons of the previous types are for example illustrated by the following patents.

Le brevet CH-A-604 357 décrit un interrupteur électrique à poussoir dans lequel le moyen de rappel élastique est un élastomère conducteur qui constitue également le moyen de contact, mais en ne permettant que de fermer un unique contact lorsque le poussoir est enfoncé.Patent CH-A-604 357 describes an electrical push-button switch in which the elastic return means is a conductive elastomer which also constitutes the contact means, but only allowing a single contact to be closed when the push-button is pressed.

Le brevet CH-A-621 034 décrit un mécanisme dans lequel une première lame ressort permet au poussoir d'occuper une position neutre, puis deux autres positions dans lesquelles il agit sur une deuxième lame, soit pour la libérer d'une contrainte, soit pour la fléchir, en ne permettant ainsi que d'établir deux contacts.Patent CH-A-621,034 describes a mechanism in which a first leaf spring allows the pusher to occupy a neutral position, then two other positions in which it acts on a second blade, either to release it from a constraint, or to flex it, thus allowing only to establish two contacts.

Dans le brevet EP-A-0 240 778 un mécanisme à poussoir est réalisé au moyen d'un ressort métallique plat dont la découpe complexe est conçue de telle sorte que l'une de ses branches puisse fermer un contact électrique, mais un seulIn patent EP-A-0 240 778 a push-button mechanism is produced by means of a flat metal spring whose complex cutout is designed so that one of its branches can close an electrical contact, but only one

La présente invention a donc pour but de remédier aux inconvénients de l'art antérieur précité et de fournir un bouton-poussoir simple à réaliser et peu coûteux du fait qu'il comporte un nombre réduit de pièces, tout en permettant de fermer sélectivement plusieurs contacts situés sur une plaquette.The object of the present invention is therefore to remedy the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art and to provide a push button which is simple to produce and inexpensive because it comprises a reduced number of parts, while making it possible to selectively close several contacts. located on a plate.

A cet effet, le bouton-poussoir selon l'invention est composé de deux pièces, un bouton prolongé par une tige et un ressort plat, dont une extrémité est solidaire du bouton et dont l'autre extrémité est fixé sur un plot maintenant une plaquette portant les contacts, ladite plaquette pouvant en outre supporter un circuit imprimé. Le ressort plat est caractérisé par le fait qu'il est conformé pour avoir d'une part une élasticité selon un axe parallèle à l'axe de la tige pour ramener le bouton-poussoir dans une position neutre, et d'autre part une flexibilité en dehors d'un plan parallèle à l'axe de la tige.To this end, the push button according to the invention is composed of two parts, a button extended by a rod and a flat spring, one end of which is secured to the button and the other end of which is fixed on a stud holding a plate carrying the contacts, said plate also being able to support a printed circuit. The flat spring is characterized by the fact that it is shaped so as to have, on the one hand, an elasticity along an axis parallel to the axis of the rod to bring the push-button to a neutral position, and on the other hand, flexibility outside a plane parallel to the axis of the rod.

Pour avoir une élasticité selon l'axe de la tige, le ressort est conformé en un ou plusieurs rubans présentant une succession d'anses selon une direction générale parallèle à l'axe de la tige. Pour avoir une flexibilité en dehors d'un plan parallèle à l'axe de la tige, le ressort possède des extensions lamellaires flexibles selon des directions sensiblement perpendiculaires ou parallèles à l'axe de la tige. Ces extensions lamellaires flexibles sont composées d'une ou de deux branches destinées à coopérer avec des bossages situés sur la tige du bouton-poussoir, lorsque ce dernier est entraîné en rotation et/ou en translation. Il est également possible de donner à au moins une extension lamellaire une déformation permanente en dehors du plan du ressort de façon à établir un contact glissant sur la plaquette lorsque le bouton-poussoir est entraîné en translation. Le ressort du dispositif selon l'invention peut être obtenu très simplement par estampage d'une feuille en un matériau flexible. Le matériau flexible utilisé peut être en métal, par exemple un acier allié à fort coefficient d'élasticité tel que le Durimph ® (marque déposée). Dans le cas où on utilise un matériau flexible non conducteur, les extrémités des extensions lamellaires comportent un revêtement conducteur.To have an elasticity along the axis of the rod, the spring is shaped into one or more ribbons having a succession of handles in a general direction parallel to the axis of the rod. To have flexibility outside a plane parallel to the axis of the rod, the spring has flexible lamellar extensions in directions substantially perpendicular or parallel to the axis of the rod. These flexible lamellar extensions are composed of one or two branches intended to cooperate with bosses located on the rod of the push button, when the latter is driven in rotation and / or in translation. It is also possible to give at least one lamellar extension a permanent deformation outside the plane of the spring so as to establish a sliding contact on the plate when the push button is driven in translation. The spring of the device according to the invention can be obtained very simply by stamping a sheet of flexible material. The flexible material used can be metal, for example an alloy steel with a high coefficient of elasticity such as Durimph® (registered trademark). In the case where a flexible non-conductive material is used, the ends of the lamellar extensions include a conductive coating.

Lorsqu'un bouton-poussoir selon l'invention est utilisé dans une pièce d'horlogerie, il permet par exemple d'effectuer la mise à l'heure et de mémoriser une heure d'alarme. Utilisé dans un tableau de bord, il permet par exemple de remettre à zéro le compteur kilométrique journalier et de régler l'horloge de bord.When a push button according to the invention is used in a timepiece, it allows for example to set the time and store an alarm time. Used in a dashboard, it allows for example to reset the trip odometer and to set the clock.

Le bouton-poussoir en lui-même peut être obtenu de façon économique en une seule pièce par moulage d'un matériau plastique. Outre les bossages et les moyens de fixation du ressort, il peut comporter des moyens permettant de limiter sa course en rotation et/ou en translation.The push button itself can be obtained economically in one piece by molding a plastic material. In addition to the bosses and the means for fixing the spring, it may include means making it possible to limit its travel in rotation and / or in translation.

L'invention sera mieux comprise en référence aux exemples de réalisation représentés par les dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un bouton-poussoir selon l'invention, pourvu d'un ressort plat;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe du bouton-poussoir de la figure 1, assemblé dans un bâti comportant une plaquette de contact;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de côté du bouton-poussoir de la figure 1;
  • la figure 4 est une vue de dessus du bouton-poussoir de la figure 1, sans le ressort plat,
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessus du ressort plat de la figure 1;
  • les figures 6 à 10 représentent d'autres modes de réalisation d'un ressort plat, utilisable dans un dispositif à bouton-poussoir selon l'invention, et
  • les figures 11 à 13 représentent d'autres modes de réalisation du corps du bouton-poussoir.
The invention will be better understood with reference to the exemplary embodiments represented by the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a push button according to the invention, provided with a flat spring;
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of the push button of Figure 1, assembled in a frame having a contact plate;
  • Figure 3 is a side view of the push button of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the push button in FIG. 1, without the flat spring,
  • Figure 5 is a top view of the flat spring of Figure 1;
  • FIGS. 6 to 10 show other embodiments of a flat spring, usable in a push-button device according to the invention, and
  • Figures 11 to 13 show other embodiments of the body of the push button.

La figure 1 est une vue en perspective du bouton-poussoir 1 sur lequel est monté un ressort plat 3, et la figure 2 est une vue en coupe du bouton-poussoir 1 et du ressort plat 3 associé, positionné dans un bâti 5 comportant un passage de guidage 8. Dans la position neutre représentée à la igure 2 le ressort plat 3 est parallèle à une plaquette 9, supportant des contacts électriques. La plaquette 9 est maintenue par un plot 6 solidaire du bâti 5, ledit plot 6 comportant des points de fixation 10a et 10b destinés à fixer le ressort 3 à travers des perçages 39a et 39b situés à l'une de ses extémités.Figure 1 is a perspective view of the push button 1 on which is mounted a flat spring 3, and Figure 2 is a sectional view of the push button 1 and the associated flat spring 3, positioned in a frame 5 comprising a guide passage 8. In the neutral position shown in FIG. 2 the flat spring 3 is parallel to a plate 9, supporting electrical contacts. The plate 9 is held by a stud 6 secured to the frame 5, said stud 6 comprising fixing points 10a and 10b intended to fix the spring 3 through holes 39a and 39b located at one of its ends.

Le bouton-poussoir 1 comporte une tige 11 de forme générale cylindrique et une couronne 12 délimitant avec la tige 11 une collerette 13. La tige 11 comporte une zone sensiblement plane 14 délimitant un manchon 15 contre la collerette 13, et un secteur comportant des pattes de positionnement 16, 17 du ressort 3, et des bossages 20, 21, 22. Des petites portées 18, 19, visibles sur les figures 3 et 4, sont prévues entre les pattes 16 et 17, et entre la patte 17 et le bossage 20, pour maintenir un petit espace entre le ressort 3 et la zone 14. Le bossage 20 est positionné dans l'axe du bouton-poussoir pour coopérer avec le ressort 3 dans les manoeuvres en translation. Les bossages 21 et 22 sont positionnés symétriquement par rapport à l'axe du bouton-poussoir pour coopérer avec le ressort 3 dans les manoeuvres en rotation. En se référant en particulier aux figures 3 et 4, on voit que l'extrémité de la tige 11 comporte un passage de guidage 23, conformé en T pour limiter les manoeuvres de bouton-poussoir en rotation et/ou en translation par coopération avec un organe de guidage, constitué par un tenon 7 solidaire du bâti 5, tel que représenté à la figure 2. De façon équivalente l'organe de guidage 7 pourrait être porté par le plot 6 solidaire du bâti et supportant la plaquette de contacts 9. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, la surface 14 supportant les pattes 16, 17 et les bossages 20, 21, 22 comporte deux chanfreins 24a, 24b de part et d'autre d'une arête centrale 24, de façon à ce que les parties du ressort assurant l'élasticité longitudinale ne viennent pas en appui lorsque le bouton-poussoir est manoeuvré en rotation.The push button 1 comprises a rod 11 of generally cylindrical shape and a crown 12 delimiting with the rod 11 a flange 13. The rod 11 comprises a substantially planar area 14 delimiting a sleeve 15 against the flange 13, and a sector comprising lugs positioning 16, 17 of the spring 3, and the bosses 20, 21, 22. Small bearing surfaces 18, 19, visible in FIGS. 3 and 4, are provided between the legs 16 and 17, and between the leg 17 and the boss 20, to maintain a small space between the spring 3 and the zone 14. The boss 20 is positioned in the axis of the push button to cooperate with the spring 3 in the translational maneuvers. The bosses 21 and 22 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the axis of the push button to cooperate with the spring 3 in the rotational maneuvers. With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen that the end of the rod 11 has a guide passage 23, shaped like a T to limit the push-button maneuvers in rotation and / or in translation by cooperation with a guide member, consisting of a pin 7 secured to the frame 5, as shown in Figure 2. Equivalently the guide member 7 could be carried by the stud 6 secured to the frame and supporting the contact plate 9. In the embodiment shown, the surface 14 supporting the lugs 16, 17 and the bosses 20, 21, 22 comprises two chamfers 24a, 24b on either side of a central edge 24, so that the parts of the spring ensuring longitudinal elasticity does not come to bear when the push button is operated in rotation.

En se référant maintenant plus particulièrement à la figure 5, on voit que le ressort, correspondant au mode de réalisation selon les figures 1 à 4, présente une symétrie axiale et qu'il comporte de part et d'autre de l'axe, un ruban 31 (respectivement 32), formé d'une succession d'anses ouvertes alternativement vers l'intérieur 31a, 31c et vers l'extérieur 31b, plus généralement désignées par 31i (respectivement 32i) une extension lamellaire 35 (respectivement 36), perpendiculaire à l'axe et formée de deux branches 35a, 35b, et une zone de raidissement et de fixation 37 composée de deux bandes 37a, 37b perpendiculaires à l'axe et destinées à venir en appui sur les portées 18, 19 du bouton-poussoir, ces deux bandes délimitant une ouverture 37c destinée à recevoir la patte 17 pour maintenir le ressort 3 solidaire du bouton-poussoir en translation, tout en le laissant libre en rotation. Dans l'axe du ressort, et sur une bande 37d, perpendiculaire à l'axe et fermant les rubans 31, 32, se trouve une extension lamellaire 38, destinée à venir coopérer avec le bossage 20 du bouton-poussoir. Le ressort comporte en outre, dans sa partie opposée à celle où il est rendu solidaire du bouton-poussoir, des perçages 39a, 39b destinés à sa fixation sur un plot 6 solidaire du bâti 5, comme représenté dans la coupe schématique de l'assemblage de la figure 2. Dans cette figure, on a également représenté la plaquette 9 comportant des contacts qui sont sélectivement fermés par l'extension lamellaire 38 lorsque le bouton-poussoir est enfoncé, ou par l'une ou l'autre des extensions lamellaires 35, 36 lorsque le bouton-poussoir est tourné.Referring now more particularly to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the spring, corresponding to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4, has an axial symmetry and that it comprises on either side of the axis, a strip 31 (respectively 32), formed by a succession of handles open alternately inwards 31a, 31c and outwards 31b, more generally designated by 31i (respectively 32i) a lamellar extension 35 (respectively 36), perpendicular to the axis and formed of two branches 35a, 35b, and a stiffening and fixing zone 37 composed of two bands 37a, 37b perpendicular to the axis and intended to come to bear on the surfaces 18, 19 of the push button , these two bands delimiting an opening 37c intended to receive the tab 17 to hold the spring 3 secured to the push button in translation, while leaving it free in rotation. In the axis of the spring, and on a strip 37d, perpendicular to the axis and closing the ribbons 31, 32, is a lamellar extension 38, intended to come to cooperate with the boss 20 of the push button. The spring further comprises, in its part opposite to that where it is made integral with the push-button, holes 39a, 39b intended for its attachment to a stud 6 integral with the frame 5, as shown in the schematic section of the assembly of Figure 2. In this figure, there is also shown the plate 9 having contacts which are selectively closed by the lamellar extension 38 when the push button is pressed, or by one or the other of the lamellar extensions 35 , 36 when the push button is turned.

Le ressort qui vient d'être décrit dans le dispositif précédent peut avoir de nombreuses autres formes sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. La figure 6 représente un ressort sensiblement identique à celui de la figure 5, mais dans lequel l'extension lamellaire 38 est solidaire de la bande 37a et présente une déformation permanente en dehors du plan général du ressort de façon à assurer un contact glissant sur la plaquette 9. La figure 7, qui est une représentation en coupe selon la ligne VII-VII de la figure 6, montre un mode de réalisation de la déformation de l'extension lamellaire 38 dont l'extrémité 34 est repliée vers le plan du ressort. Le bouton-poussoir associé à un tel ressort ne présente évidemment pas de bossage central 20.The spring which has just been described in the previous device can have many other forms without departing from the scope of the invention. FIG. 6 represents a spring substantially identical to that of FIG. 5, but in which the lamellar extension 38 is integral with the strip 37a and has a permanent deformation outside the general plane of the spring so as to ensure sliding contact on the plate 9. Figure 7, which is a sectional representation along line VII-VII of Figure 6, shows an embodiment of the deformation of the lamellar extension 38 whose end 34 is folded towards the plane of the spring . The push button associated with such a spring obviously has no central boss 20.

La figure 8 représente un autre mode de réalisation dans lequel le ruban 31 comporte deux anses complémentaires 31d, 31e supplémentaires, l'espace 33 rendu libre entre les deux rubans 31, 32 permettant à la fois d'avoir un contact par flexion de l'extension lamellaire 38a lorsque le bouton est enfoncé, un contact glissant 38b lorsqu'il est tiré, et deux contacts par les extensions lamellaires 35, 36 lorsqu'il est tourné dans un sens ou dans l'autre à partir de sa position de repos. On observera également que les extensions lamellaires 35, 36 ne sont pas divisées en deux branches, ce qui correspond à un mode de réalisation préféré lorsque le matériau flexible constituant le ressort n'est pas conducteur, les extrémités des extensions lamellaires comportant alors un revêtement conducteur.FIG. 8 represents another embodiment in which the strip 31 comprises two additional handles 31d, 31e additional, the space 33 made free between the two strips 31, 32 allowing both to have a contact by bending of the lamellar extension 38a when the button is pressed, a sliding contact 38b when it is pulled, and two contacts by the lamellar extensions 35, 36 when it is turned in one direction or the other from its rest position. It will also be observed that the lamellar extensions 35, 36 are not divided into two branches, which corresponds to a preferred embodiment when the flexible material constituting the spring is not conductive, the ends of the lamellar extensions then comprising a conductive coating.

La figure 9 représente un quatrième mode de réalisation d'un ressort ne comportant qu'un seul ruban 31, et ayant une extension lamellaire 38 prolongeant, dans l'axe de l'évidement central 33, la partie comportant les autres extensions lamellaires 35, 36, d'une longueur telle que son extrémité 34 est déjà légèrement fléchie par le bossage 20 en direction de la plaquette 9 supportant les contacts lorsque le bouton-poussoir est en position neutre. On observera également que, dans ce mode de réalisation l'extension lamellaire 38 contribue également à renforcer l'élasticité du ressort selon l'axe du bouton-poussoir.FIG. 9 represents a fourth embodiment of a spring comprising only one ribbon 31, and having a lamellar extension 38 extending, in the axis of the central recess 33, the part comprising the other lamellar extensions 35, 36, of a length such that its end 34 is already slightly bent by the boss 20 in the direction of the plate 9 supporting the contacts when the push-button is in the neutral position. It will also be observed that, in this embodiment, the lamellar extension 38 also contributes to strengthening the elasticity of the spring along the axis of the push button.

La figure 10 représente un cinquième mode de réalisation dans lequel le ressort ne comporte qu'un seul ruban 31 dont les anses tournées vers l'extérieur ont des profondeurs croissantes depuis la fixation au bouton-poussoir jusqu'à la fixation 39 au bâti, ladite fixation 39 constituant un axe de rotation autour duquel chaque extension lamellaire 35, 36 peut occuper, au-dessus de la plaquette 9, trois positions selon que le bouton-poussoir est en position neutre, tirée ou enfoncée, ce qui permet donc d'établir six contacts différents par rotation de la couronne 12 dans un sens ou dans l'autre.FIG. 10 represents a fifth embodiment in which the spring comprises only a single strip 31 whose handles facing outwards have increasing depths from the attachment to the push button to the attachment 39 to the frame, said attachment 39 constituting an axis of rotation around which each lamellar extension 35, 36 can occupy, above the wafer 9, three positions depending on whether the push button is in the neutral position, pulled or pressed, which therefore makes it possible to establish six different contacts by rotation of the crown 12 in one direction or the other.

Les figures 11 et 12 représentent d'autres modes de réalisation du corps du bouton-poussoir. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté à la figure 11, la zone 14 supportant les bossages 21, 22 et la patte 17 est située entièrement au-dessus de la tige 11, dont une extrémité forme la couronne 12, la collerette 13 étant alors constituée par une extension circulaire de la patte 16, la face arrière de ladite collerette 13 étant prévue pour venir en appui sur la face interne du bâti 5.Figures 11 and 12 show other embodiments of the body of the push button. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the zone 14 supporting the bosses 21, 22 and the lug 17 is situated entirely above the rod 11, one end of which forms the crown 12, the flange 13 then being constituted by a circular extension of the tab 16, the rear face of said flange 13 being designed to come to bear on the internal face of the frame 5.

Les figures 12 et 13 montrent, respectivement dans une vue en perspective, et dans une vue de dessus de la figure 12, un autre mode de réalisation du passage de guidage 23, qui permet, une fois le ressort 3 fixé sur le plot 6 par ses points de fixation 39a, 39b, de mettre en place le bouton-poussoir depuis l'extérieur du bâti 5. La figure 12 représente plus précisément la position de l'organe de guidage 7 lorsqu'il est engagé dans une première rainure 8a parallèle à l'axe, ouverte à une extrémité de la tige et formant avec le plan médian du bouton-poussoir un angle suffisant pour que l'extrémité de la patte 17 affleure la lumière 37c du ressort 3. L'autre extrémité de la rainure 8a débouche dans une autre rainure 8b perpendiculaire à l'axe et communiquant en son milieu, dans le plan médian du bouton-poussoir, avec une troisième rainure 8c parallèle à l'axe du bouton-poussoir. La figure 13 représente la position de l'organe de guidage 7 en position neutre.Figures 12 and 13 show, respectively in a perspective view, and in a top view of Figure 12, another embodiment of the guide passage 23, which allows, once the spring 3 fixed on the stud 6 by its fixing points 39a, 39b, to set up the push-button from outside the frame 5. FIG. 12 more precisely represents the position of the guide member 7 when it is engaged in a first parallel groove 8a to the axis, open at one end of the rod and forming with the median plane of the push button an angle sufficient for the end of the tab 17 to be flush with the light 37c of the spring 3. The other end of the groove 8a opens into another groove 8b perpendicular to the axis and communicating in the middle, in the median plane of the push button, with a third groove 8c parallel to the axis of the push button. Figure 13 shows the position of the guide member 7 in the neutral position.

Sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, l'homme de métier est en mesure, à la lumière de la description qui vient d'être donnée, d'apporter les modifications appropriées à la forme du corps du bouton-poussoir et à celle du ressort pour l'adapter au type particulier d'appareil dans lequel un tel dispositif devra être utilisé.Without departing from the scope of the invention, the skilled person is able, in the light of the description which has just been given, to make the appropriate modifications to the shape of the body of the push button and to that of the spring to adapt it to the particular type of device in which such a device should be used.

Claims (16)

  1. Control device for selectively closing several electrical contacts situated on a plate (9) attached to a case (5) by means of a stud (6), comprising a push-button (1) extended by a stem (11) guided into the case (5) and a flat spring (3) situated in a plane parallel to the axis of the stem (11), characterized in that the spring (3) comprises on the one hand one or more strips (31, 32) having a series of loops (31i, 32i) giving it elasticity along an axis parallel to the axis of the stem (11), on the other hand flexible lamellar extensions (35, 36, 38; 38a, 38b) outside a plane parallel to the axis of the stem, said strips (31, 32) connecting one end of the spring (3) attached to the stem (11) to the other end of the spring fastened to the stud (6) attached to the case, and in that said stem (11) comprises lugs (20, 21, 22) intended to co-operate with the lamellar extensions (35, 36, 38; 38a, 38b) to close a contact on the plate (9) when the push-button (1) is driven in rotation and/or in translation.
  2. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring (3) comprises two distinct strips (31, 32) having series of loops (31i, 32i) symmetrical to the axis of the stem.
  3. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring (3) comprises a single strip (31) leaving free a space (33) situated in the axis of the stem (11).
  4. Control device according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the loops (31i, 32i) of the strips (31, 32) have openings of equal depths.
  5. Control device according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the loops (31i, 32i) of the strips (31, 32) have openings of unequal depths.
  6. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lamellar extensions (35, 36) are arranged on either side of the axis of the spring (3) and perpendicular to said axis.
  7. Control device according to claim 6, characterized in that the lamellar extensions (35, 36) are situated on a portion of the spring attached to the case (5).
  8. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the lamellar extensions (38, 38a, 38b) is parallel to the axis of the spring (3).
  9. Control device according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one of the lamellar extensions (38, 38a, 38b) is bent back outside the plane of the spring (3).
  10. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the lamellar extensions (35, 36, 38, 38a, 38b) is formed of two adjacent arms.
  11. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic material forming the spring (3) is in a metallic material having great elasticity, such as a steel alloy.
  12. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring (3) is in a non conducting elastic material, and that the ends of the lamellar extensions (35, 36, 38, 38a, 38b) are covered with a conducting coating.
  13. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stem (11) comprises a substantially semicylindrical section portion, a flat part (14) of which is provided on its outermost edges with lugs (21, 22) intended to flex the lamellar extensions (35, 36) perpendicular to the axis of the spring when the push-button (1) is driven in rotation.
  14. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stem (11) comprises a substantially cylindrical section portion, a flat part (14) of which comprises in its substantially central part at least one lug (20) intended to flex a lamellar extension (38, 38a, 38b) parallel to the axis of the spring when the push-button is driven in translation.
  15. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stem (11) also comprises a guiding recess (23) which co-operates with a post (7) attached to the case (5) to limit the rotational and translational movement of the push-button to two extreme positions, on either side of a neutral position in which no contact is closed.
  16. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring is fixed to the push-button by means of an opening (37c) in which a clip (17) is inserted carried by the stem (11).
EP95102550A 1994-03-07 1995-02-23 Contact push-button switch Expired - Lifetime EP0671673B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH00658/94A CH686020B5 (en) 1994-03-07 1994-03-07 A control device has push-button switch.
CH658/94 1994-03-07

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0671673A1 EP0671673A1 (en) 1995-09-13
EP0671673B1 true EP0671673B1 (en) 1997-05-14

Family

ID=4192134

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95102550A Expired - Lifetime EP0671673B1 (en) 1994-03-07 1995-02-23 Contact push-button switch

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5565662A (en)
EP (1) EP0671673B1 (en)
KR (1) KR950034331A (en)
CH (1) CH686020B5 (en)
DE (1) DE69500292T2 (en)
TW (1) TW269045B (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4055281B2 (en) 1999-02-10 2008-03-05 松下電器産業株式会社 Press / rotate electronic components
EP2060288A1 (en) * 2007-11-13 2009-05-20 F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ag Administration device having input unit
EP3333644A1 (en) * 2016-12-06 2018-06-13 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Device for controlling at least two electronic and/or mechanical functions of a portable object

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1332034A (en) * 1961-12-21 1963-12-16
FR1356966A (en) * 1963-01-14 1964-04-03 Controls France S A Improvements to contact blades for control devices for opening and closing of electrical circuits and devices including application
US3243528A (en) * 1964-05-28 1966-03-29 Gen Electric Dual action electrical switch
US3657936A (en) * 1970-04-24 1972-04-25 Gen Electric Dimmer potentiometer switch
FR2227616A1 (en) * 1973-04-27 1974-11-22 Rode Roger Compact pushbutton switch - contact spring with stamped-out tongue bent at angle
IT1066498B (en) * 1975-07-24 1985-03-12 Seiko Instr & Electronics SWITCH OR SWITCH FOR ELECTRONIC CLOCK MOVEMENTS
US4031341A (en) * 1976-01-14 1977-06-21 Timex Corporation Dual function pusher and rotate switch for solid state digital watches having detent spring
JPS52107876A (en) * 1976-03-05 1977-09-09 Seiko Instr & Electronics Ltd Electronic watch
JPS55113986A (en) * 1979-02-26 1980-09-02 Seiko Epson Corp Complete electronic watch
US4808129A (en) * 1988-02-10 1989-02-28 Kershner Stephen W Contact for strip line switch
US4866219A (en) * 1988-05-05 1989-09-12 Bourns, Inc. Modular encoder and switch assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69500292D1 (en) 1997-06-19
TW269045B (en) 1996-01-21
CH686020GA3 (en) 1995-12-15
KR950034331A (en) 1995-12-28
US5565662A (en) 1996-10-15
CH686020B5 (en) 1996-06-14
DE69500292T2 (en) 1998-01-02
EP0671673A1 (en) 1995-09-13

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