EP0877393B1 - Manually-controlled switching device by displacing a component such as a button - Google Patents

Manually-controlled switching device by displacing a component such as a button Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0877393B1
EP0877393B1 EP98460010A EP98460010A EP0877393B1 EP 0877393 B1 EP0877393 B1 EP 0877393B1 EP 98460010 A EP98460010 A EP 98460010A EP 98460010 A EP98460010 A EP 98460010A EP 0877393 B1 EP0877393 B1 EP 0877393B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
button
potentiometer
switching device
resistance
slider
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EP98460010A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0877393A1 (en
Inventor
Patrick Raffray
Alain Roger
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Delta Dore SA
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Delta Dore SA
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01C—RESISTORS
    • H01C10/00—Adjustable resistors
    • H01C10/14—Adjustable resistors adjustable by auxiliary driving means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a control switching device manual movement of an organ, such as a button.
  • a switching device is generally used to select, among a finite number of possibilities, an option characteristic of the operation of a electrical appliance. It can for example be, in an amplifier, to select the source that we want to listen to among a possible number. It can also be to select the operating mode of an electrical appliance. For example, in an electronically controlled thermostat, this can be selected from among the modes so-called “comfort”, “economic”, “frost-free", that the user longed for.
  • a button is pressed which has a mark that we just place in front of another fixed mark on the case corresponding to the option chosen.
  • switching devices consist of mechanical electrical contactors. After moving the button to a position selection, an electrical contact is ensured by mechanical contact of at least two conductive parts.
  • This type of switching device although used to in general, has certain disadvantages with regard to their reliability to the extent that they can clog up fairly quickly but also with regard to relates to their cost, generally in relation to the desired reliability.
  • This type of device is for example known from EP-A-0 324 401.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a switching device which is reliable and which is more economical.
  • a switching device is defined by the features of claim 1.
  • said means for creating a point hard in moving said button consist of a notched track on the button cooperating with a fixed elastic element whose end has a shape complementary to said notches.
  • said unit of discrimination includes means for measuring the maximum resistance between one of the pads of said potentiometer and a reference terminal, the resistance of the cursor between the cursor of said potentiometer and said reference terminal and the minimum resistance between the other pad of said potentiometer and said reference terminal.
  • a housing 10 which has a circular housing 11 open at 12 on the side of the housing 10.
  • the housing 11 has its bottom which is pierced with a hole 13.
  • potentiometer 20 which we recognize the three pads of electrical connection 21a, 21b and 21c as well as the control member 22 provided with a hole 22a.
  • the control member 22 by moving controls the movement of a cursor connected to pad 21c on a resistive track whose ends are respectively connected to the pads 21a and 21b.
  • potentiometer 20 shown is a track potentiometer circular and whose control is therefore effected by rotation of the command 22.
  • the invention is not limited to the use of a potentiometer with rotation control but could also concern the use a potentiometer with linear control, that is to say the control member of which is designed to move linearly.
  • buttons 30 in the form of a disc whose face lateral 31 is knurled.
  • the button 30 has a diameter such that it can be accommodated in the housing 11 of the housing. It is provided with an axis 32 which is such that it can penetrate in the hole 22a of the potentiometer 20.
  • the control member 22 of the potentiometer 20 rotates, which has the effect of modify the electrical conditions of potentiometer 20.
  • the button 30 includes fingers 33 which each have a portion 33a intended to be guided in the hole 13 of the housing 10 and a portion 33b projecting above of the part 33a serving as a stop against the face of the housing 10 which is opposite to that of the housing 11.
  • the button 30, when mounted on the housing 10, is therefore locked to it and is guided in rotation in the hole 13 of the housing 10.
  • a washer 34 which is intended to be mounted on the axis 32 between the fingers 33 is intended to block the radial movement of the fingers 33 and allows the button 30 to be locked on the housing 10.
  • the button 30 also has a ring portion 35, the surface of which is normally facing the housing 10 is provided with notches 35a of section triangular. These notches 35a somehow form a notched track.
  • it comprises a fixed elastic element 14, the end of which also has a triangular section.
  • the elastic element 14 is located on a circle of diameter equal to that of the part 35 of the button 30.
  • the elastic element 14 has its end which penetrates between two triangular notches 35a thus creating a hard point in the movement of said button.
  • the distribution of the triangular notches 35a on the button 30 is such that each hard point created by the cooperation of the element 14 of the housing 10 with the part 35 of the button 30 corresponds to a selection position of the switching device.
  • FIG. 2 There is shown in FIG. 2 the switching device according to the invention of a only electric point of view.
  • potentiometer 20 with its three connection pads 21a, 21b and 21c.
  • the hard operating points of the potentiometer button 20 have been represented by black dots 23. At one point dur 23, corresponds to a selection position.
  • Fig. 2 have been shown nine selection positions I to IX.
  • a discrimination unit 40 connected to potentiometer 20 for supply it with electrical information representative of the position of the cursor 21c by compared to the fixed studs 21a and 21b.
  • This unit 40 has an outlet 41 on which the value of the chosen option is delivered by positioning, using button 30, the cursor 21c of potentiometer 20 in one of the positions I to IX.
  • the discrimination unit 40 can be a unit programmable and in this case, output 41 can be a software output materialized by a register of said unit or a box of a memory connected to said unit, register or box in which a numerical value corresponding to the chosen option. In this case too, the output 41 could also be materialized by a bus on which the numerical value corresponding to the chosen option is located.
  • the electrical information representative of the position of the cursor 21c relative to the fixed pads 21a and 21b could be obtained by circulating a current of constant intensity in the resistance of the potentiometer between the pads 2 la and 21b and in noting the potential difference between one of the fixed pads 21a and 21b and the cursor 21c.
  • Unit 40 would then make comparisons of the detected voltage with voltages of reference corresponding respectively to the selection positions.
  • the discrimination unit 40 comprises three units reading 42a, 42b and 42c, the inputs of which are respectively connected to the pads 21a, 21b and 21c of potentiometer 20.
  • the outputs of the reading 42a, 42b and 42c therefore deliver signals representative of the resistance measured maximum Rmax, the resistance measured on the terminal of the cursor Cursor and the minimum resistance measured Rmin.
  • a resistor 50 can be provided in the diagram electric to allow the above measures.
  • the discrimination unit 40 includes a table 44 which, for each possible position value Pos , matches one of the positions I IX. For example, at all Pos values between 11% and 22%, we will match position II. Position I will correspond to values which are less than 10% while position IX will correspond to values which are greater than 91%.
  • the unit 43 therefore delivers the position value Pos to the table 44 which then delivers the value of the position selected on the output 41.
  • the reading units 42a to 42c perform resistance measurements by determining the charging time of a capacitor.
  • a counter is initialized and then incremented at regular time intervals until the charge of said capacitor has reached a maximum threshold value. So the value of the counter is proportional to the charging time of said capacitor and, consequently, to the value of the resistance measured.
  • the units 42a to 42c could consist of only one single unit 42, the resistance measurements on the pads 2 la to 21c then being do successively, for example.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Control Of Position Or Direction (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
  • Adjustable Resistors (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)

Abstract

The manual command switch has a potentiometer (20) to be turned by a central command section (22). The command section is activated by a button (30). The button has a number of teeth on the underside and an intermediate section protrudes engaging the teeth, and forming a number of selection positions, allowing position rotation selection.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de commutation à commande manuelle par déplacement d'un organe, tel qu'un bouton.The present invention relates to a control switching device manual movement of an organ, such as a button.

Un dispositif de commutation est généralement utilisé pour sélectionner, parmi un nombre fini de possibilités, une option caractéristique du fonctionnement d'un appareil électrique. Il peut par exemple s'agir, dans un amplificateur, de sélectionner la source que l'on veut écouter parmi un certain nombre possible. Il peut également s'agir de sélectionner le mode de fonctionnement d'un appareil électrique. Par exemple, dans un thermostat à commande électronique, il peut s'agir de sélectionner parmi les modes de fonctionnement dits "confort", "économique", "hors-gel", celui que l'utilisateur désire.A switching device is generally used to select, among a finite number of possibilities, an option characteristic of the operation of a electrical appliance. It can for example be, in an amplifier, to select the source that we want to listen to among a possible number. It can also be to select the operating mode of an electrical appliance. For example, in an electronically controlled thermostat, this can be selected from among the modes so-called "comfort", "economic", "frost-free", that the user longed for.

Pour effectuer cette sélection, on actionne un bouton qui comporte un repère que l'on vient placer devant un autre repère fixe sur le boítier correspondant à l'option choisie.To make this selection, a button is pressed which has a mark that we just place in front of another fixed mark on the case corresponding to the option chosen.

Généralement les dispositifs de commutation connus sont constitués de contacteurs électriques mécaniques. Après déplacement du bouton jusqu'à une position de sélection, un contact électrique est assuré par contact mécanique d'au moins deux pièces conductrices. Ce type de dispositif de commutation, bien qu'étant utilisé de manière générale, présente des désavantages certains en ce qui concerne leur fiabilité dans la mesure où ils peuvent s'encrasser assez rapidement mais également en ce qui concerne leur coût, généralement en relation avec la fiabilité désirée. Ce type de dispositif est par exemple connu de EP-A-0 324 401.Generally known switching devices consist of mechanical electrical contactors. After moving the button to a position selection, an electrical contact is ensured by mechanical contact of at least two conductive parts. This type of switching device, although used to in general, has certain disadvantages with regard to their reliability to the extent that they can clog up fairly quickly but also with regard to relates to their cost, generally in relation to the desired reliability. This type of device is for example known from EP-A-0 324 401.

Le but de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif de commutation qui soit fiable et qui soit de plus économique.The object of the invention is to propose a switching device which is reliable and which is more economical.

A cet effet, un dispositif de commutation selon l'invention est défini par les caractéristiques de la revendication 1.To this end, a switching device according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 1.

Selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention, lesdits moyens pour créer un point dur dans le déplacement dudit bouton sont constitués d'une piste à crans sur le bouton coopérant avec un élément élastique fixe dont l'extrémité présente une forme complémentaire desdits crans.according to a particular embodiment of the invention, said means for creating a point hard in moving said button consist of a notched track on the button cooperating with a fixed elastic element whose end has a shape complementary to said notches.

Selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention, ladite unité de discrimination comporte des moyens pour mesurer la résistance maximale entre un des plots dudit potentiomètre et une borne de référence, la résistance du curseur entre le curseur dudit potentiomètre et ladite borne de référence et la résistance minimale entre l'autre plot dudit potentiomètre et ladite borne de référence.according to a particular embodiment of the invention, said unit of discrimination includes means for measuring the maximum resistance between one of the pads of said potentiometer and a reference terminal, the resistance of the cursor between the cursor of said potentiometer and said reference terminal and the minimum resistance between the other pad of said potentiometer and said reference terminal.

Selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention, ladite unité de discrimination comporte des moyens pour déterminer la position du curseur dudit potentiomètre à partir de la résistance maximale, de la résistance du curseur et de la résistance minimale respectivement mesurées par calcul selon la relation suivante : Pos = Rcurseur - Rmin Rmax - Rmin According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said discrimination unit comprises means for determining the position of the cursor of said potentiometer from the maximum resistance, the resistance of the cursor and the minimum resistance respectively measured by calculation according to the relation next : Pos = Rcurseur - R min R max - R min

Les caractéristiques de l'invention mentionnées ci-dessus, ainsi que d'autres, apparaítront plus clairement à la lecture de la description suivante d'un exemple de réalisation faite en relation avec les dessins joints parmi lesquels :

  • la Fig. 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de commutation selon l'invention d'un point de vue mécanique, et
  • la Fig. 2 est un schéma électrique synoptique d'un dispositif de commutation selon l'invention.
    • The characteristics of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will appear more clearly on reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment made in relation to the accompanying drawings, among which:
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a switching device according to the invention from a mechanical point of view, and
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a switching device according to the invention.

    • A la Fig. 1, on voit le bord d'un boítier 10 qui comporte un logement circulaire 11 ouvert en 12 sur le côté du boítier 10. Le logement 11 a son fond qui est percé d'un trou 13.In Fig. 1, we see the edge of a housing 10 which has a circular housing 11 open at 12 on the side of the housing 10. The housing 11 has its bottom which is pierced with a hole 13.

    On voit également un potentiomètre 20 dont on reconnaít les trois plots de connexion électrique 21a, 21b et 21c ainsi que l'organe de commande 22 pourvu d'un trou 22a. Comme cela est connu en soi, l'organe de commande 22 en se déplaçant commande le déplacement d'un curseur relié au plot 21c sur une piste résistive dont les extrémités sont respectivement reliées aux plots 21a et 21b.We also see a potentiometer 20 which we recognize the three pads of electrical connection 21a, 21b and 21c as well as the control member 22 provided with a hole 22a. As is known per se, the control member 22 by moving controls the movement of a cursor connected to pad 21c on a resistive track whose ends are respectively connected to the pads 21a and 21b.

    On notera que le potentiomètre 20 représenté est un potentiomètre à piste circulaire et dont, par conséquent, la commande se fait par rotation de l'organe de commande 22. Mais, on comprendra que l'invention ne se limite pas à l'utilisation d'un potentiomètre à commande par rotation mais pourrait également concerner l'utilisation d'un potentiomètre à commande linéaire, c'est-à-dire dont l'organe de commande est prévu pour se déplacer linéairement.Note that the potentiometer 20 shown is a track potentiometer circular and whose control is therefore effected by rotation of the command 22. However, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the use of a potentiometer with rotation control but could also concern the use a potentiometer with linear control, that is to say the control member of which is designed to move linearly.

    On voit encore un bouton 30 se présentant sous la forme d'un disque dont la face latérale 31 est moletée. Le bouton 30 présente un diamètre tel qu'il puisse être logé dans le logement 11 du boítier. Il est pourvu d'un axe 32 qui est tel qu'il puisse pénétrer dans le trou 22a du potentiomètre 20. Ainsi, lorsqu'on effectue la rotation du bouton 30, l'organe de commande 22 du potentiomètre 20 tourne, ce qui a pour effet de modifier les conditions électriques du potentiomètre 20.We also see a button 30 in the form of a disc whose face lateral 31 is knurled. The button 30 has a diameter such that it can be accommodated in the housing 11 of the housing. It is provided with an axis 32 which is such that it can penetrate in the hole 22a of the potentiometer 20. Thus, when the rotation of the button is carried out 30, the control member 22 of the potentiometer 20 rotates, which has the effect of modify the electrical conditions of potentiometer 20.

    Le bouton 30 comporte des doigts 33 qui présentent, chacun, une partie 33a destinée à être guidée dans le trou 13 du boítier 10 et une partie 33b en saillie au-dessus de la partie 33a servant de butée contre la face du boítier 10 qui est opposée à celle du logement 11. Le bouton 30, lorsqu'il est monté sur le boítier 10, est donc verrouillé à celui-ci et est guidé en rotation dans le trou 13 du boítier 10. Une rondelle 34 qui est prévue pour être montée sur l'axe 32 entre les doigts 33 est destinée à bloquer le mouvement radial des doigts 33 et permet de verrouiller le bouton 30 sur le boítier 10.The button 30 includes fingers 33 which each have a portion 33a intended to be guided in the hole 13 of the housing 10 and a portion 33b projecting above of the part 33a serving as a stop against the face of the housing 10 which is opposite to that of the housing 11. The button 30, when mounted on the housing 10, is therefore locked to it and is guided in rotation in the hole 13 of the housing 10. A washer 34 which is intended to be mounted on the axis 32 between the fingers 33 is intended to block the radial movement of the fingers 33 and allows the button 30 to be locked on the housing 10.

    Le bouton 30 comporte encore une partie 35 en anneau dont la surface qui est normalement tournée vers le boítier 10 est pourvue de crans 35a de section triangulaire. Ces crans 35a forment en quelque sorte une piste crantée. Quant au boítier 10, il comporte un élément élastique 14 fixe dont l'extrémité présente également une section triangulaire. L'élément élastique 14 se trouve sur un cercle de diamètre égal à celui de la partie 35 du bouton 30. Ainsi, lorsque le bouton 30 est monté dans le logement du boítier 10, l'élément élastique 14 a son extrémité qui pénètre entre deux crans triangulaires 35a créant ainsi un point dur dans le déplacement dudit bouton. La répartition des crans triangulaires 35a sur le bouton 30 est telle que chaque point dur créé par la coopération de l'élément 14 du boítier 10 avec la partie 35 du bouton 30 correspond à une position de sélection du dispositif de commutation.The button 30 also has a ring portion 35, the surface of which is normally facing the housing 10 is provided with notches 35a of section triangular. These notches 35a somehow form a notched track. As for the case 10, it comprises a fixed elastic element 14, the end of which also has a triangular section. The elastic element 14 is located on a circle of diameter equal to that of the part 35 of the button 30. Thus, when the button 30 is mounted in the housing of the housing 10, the elastic element 14 has its end which penetrates between two triangular notches 35a thus creating a hard point in the movement of said button. The distribution of the triangular notches 35a on the button 30 is such that each hard point created by the cooperation of the element 14 of the housing 10 with the part 35 of the button 30 corresponds to a selection position of the switching device.

    On a représenté à la Fig. 2 le dispositif de commutation selon l'invention d'un point de vue uniquement électrique. Sur cette Fig. 1, on voit le potentiomètre 20 avec ses trois plots de connexion 21a, 21b et 21c. Les points durs de fonctionnement du bouton du potentiomètre 20 ont été représentés par des points noirs 23. A un point dur 23, correspond une position de sélection. A la Fig. 2, ont été représentées neuf positions de sélection I à IX.There is shown in FIG. 2 the switching device according to the invention of a only electric point of view. In this Fig. 1, we see potentiometer 20 with its three connection pads 21a, 21b and 21c. The hard operating points of the potentiometer button 20 have been represented by black dots 23. At one point dur 23, corresponds to a selection position. In Fig. 2, have been shown nine selection positions I to IX.

    On voit également une unité de discrimination 40 reliée au potentiomètre 20 pour lui délivrer une information électrique représentative de la position du curseur 21c par rapport aux plots fixes 21a et 21b. Cette unité 40 comporte une sortie 41 sur laquelle est délivrée la valeur de l'option choisie en positionnant, au moyen du bouton 30, le curseur 21c du potentiomètre 20 dans une des positions I à IX.We also see a discrimination unit 40 connected to potentiometer 20 for supply it with electrical information representative of the position of the cursor 21c by compared to the fixed studs 21a and 21b. This unit 40 has an outlet 41 on which the value of the chosen option is delivered by positioning, using button 30, the cursor 21c of potentiometer 20 in one of the positions I to IX.

    On comprendra que l'unité de discrimination 40 peut être une unité programmable et que, dans ce cas, la sortie 41 peut être une sortie logicielle concrétisée par un registre de ladite unité ou d'une case d'une mémoire reliée à ladite unité, registre ou case dans lequel est stockée une valeur numérique correspondant à l'option choisie. Dans ce cas aussi, la sortie 41 pourrait également être matérialisée par un bus sur lequel se trouve la valeur numérique correspondant à l'option choisie.It will be understood that the discrimination unit 40 can be a unit programmable and in this case, output 41 can be a software output materialized by a register of said unit or a box of a memory connected to said unit, register or box in which a numerical value corresponding to the chosen option. In this case too, the output 41 could also be materialized by a bus on which the numerical value corresponding to the chosen option is located.

    L'information électrique représentative de la position du curseur 21c par rapport aux plots fixes 21a et 21b pourrait être obtenue en faisant circuler un courant d'intensité constante dans la résistance du potentiomètre entre les plots 2 la et 21b et en relevant la différence de potentiel entre un des plots fixes 21a et 21b et le curseur 21c. L'unité 40 effectuerait alors des comparaisons de la tension relevée avec des tensions de référence correspondant respectivement aux positions de sélection.The electrical information representative of the position of the cursor 21c relative to the fixed pads 21a and 21b could be obtained by circulating a current of constant intensity in the resistance of the potentiometer between the pads 2 la and 21b and in noting the potential difference between one of the fixed pads 21a and 21b and the cursor 21c. Unit 40 would then make comparisons of the detected voltage with voltages of reference corresponding respectively to the selection positions.

    On a représenté un mode de réalisation avantageux pour la détermination de la position de sélection. Pour ce faire, l'unité de discrimination 40 comprend trois unités de lecture 42a, 42b et 42c dont les entrées sont respectivement reliées aux plots 21a, 21b et 21c du potentiomètre 20. Chaque unité de lecture 42i (i = a, b ou c) est prévue pour mesurer, à des instants déterminés, la résistance entre la borne 21i correspondante du potentiomètre 20 et une référence, par exemple une masse. Les sorties des unités de lecture 42a, 42b et 42c délivrent donc des signaux représentatifs de la résistance maxima mesurée Rmax, la résistance mesurée sur la borne du curseur Rcurseur et la résistance minima mesurée Rmin. Une résistance 50 peut être prévue dans le schéma électrique pour permettre les mesures susmentionnées.An advantageous embodiment has been shown for determining the selection position. To do this, the discrimination unit 40 comprises three units reading 42a, 42b and 42c, the inputs of which are respectively connected to the pads 21a, 21b and 21c of potentiometer 20. Each reading unit 42i (i = a, b or c) is provided to measure, at determined times, the resistance between the corresponding terminal 21i potentiometer 20 and a reference, for example a mass. The outputs of the reading 42a, 42b and 42c therefore deliver signals representative of the resistance measured maximum Rmax, the resistance measured on the terminal of the cursor Cursor and the minimum resistance measured Rmin. A resistor 50 can be provided in the diagram electric to allow the above measures.

    L'unité de discrimination 40 comprend encore une unité de détermination de la position du curseur 43 qui, en fonction des résistances mesurées Rmax, Rcurseur et Rmin détermine la position Pos du curseur en pourcentage de la course totale par la relation suivante : Pos = Rcurseur - Rmin Rmax - Rmin The discrimination unit 40 also comprises a unit for determining the position of the cursor 43 which, as a function of the measured resistances Rmax, Rcursor and Rmin, determines the position Pos of the cursor as a percentage of the total stroke by the following relation: Pos = Cursor - R min R max - R min

    Le calcul est par exemple effectué numériquement. Il en résulte que le nombre de valeurs possibles de position Pos est fini, par exemple 100. Pour déterminer la position de sélection, l'unité de discrimination 40 comporte une table 44 qui, à chaque valeur de position Pos possible, fait correspondre une des positions I IX. Par exemple, à toutes les valeurs de Pos comprises entre 11% et 22%, on va faire correspondre la position II. La position I va correspondre aux valeurs qui sont inférieures à 10% alors que la position IX va correspondre aux valeurs qui sont supérieures à 91%.The calculation is for example performed digitally. As a result, the number of possible position values Pos is finite, for example 100. To determine the selection position, the discrimination unit 40 includes a table 44 which, for each possible position value Pos , matches one of the positions I IX. For example, at all Pos values between 11% and 22%, we will match position II. Position I will correspond to values which are less than 10% while position IX will correspond to values which are greater than 91%.

    L'unité 43 délivre donc la valeur de position Pos à la table 44 qui délivre alors la valeur de la position sélectionnée sur la sortie 41. The unit 43 therefore delivers the position value Pos to the table 44 which then delivers the value of the position selected on the output 41.

    Les unités de lecture 42a à 42c, dans un mode de réalisation particulier, effectuent les mesures de résistance en déterminant le temps de charge d'un condensateur. Au début de chaque mesure, un compteur est initialisé et ensuite incrémenté à intervalle de temps régulier jusqu'à ce que la charge dudit condensateur ait atteint une valeur seuil maxima. Alors, la valeur du compteur est proportionnelle au temps de charge dudit condensateur et, par conséquent, à la valeur de la résistance mesurée.The reading units 42a to 42c, in a particular embodiment, perform resistance measurements by determining the charging time of a capacitor. At the start of each measurement, a counter is initialized and then incremented at regular time intervals until the charge of said capacitor has reached a maximum threshold value. So the value of the counter is proportional to the charging time of said capacitor and, consequently, to the value of the resistance measured.

    On comprendra que les unités 42a à 42c pourraient n'être constituées que d'une seule et unique unité 42, les mesures de résistances sur les plots 2 la à 21c étant alors faites successivement, par exemple.It will be understood that the units 42a to 42c could consist of only one single unit 42, the resistance measurements on the pads 2 la to 21c then being do successively, for example.

    Claims (4)

    1. Switching device manually controlled by displacing a button (30) to a selection position amongst several selection positions, the said device consisting of a potentiometer (20) in the control component (22) which is designed to receive the said button (30), a means (3 5a, 14) for creating a hard point in displacement of the said button (30) when this is in each selection position, the said device being characterised in that a discrimination unit (40) is connected electrically to the said potentiometer (20) to determine the selection position on which the said button (30) has stopped, the said discrimination unit (40) has a means (42, 43) of determining the position of the slider (21a) of the said potentiometer (20) and of transmitting a signal representing the said position to a grid (44) in which each position value Pos of the said signal corresponds to one of the possible selection positions.
    2. Switching device as per claim 1, characterised in that the said means for creating a hard point in the displacement of the said button (30) consists of a notched track (35a) on the button (30) working in conjunction with a fixed flexible component (14) whose end is shaped to complement the said notches (35a).
    3. Switching device as per claim 2, characterised in that the said discrimination unit (40) has a means (42) of measuring the maximum resistance (Rmax) between one of the studs (21a and 21b) of the said potentiometer (20) and a reference terminal, the resistance of the slider (Rslider) between the slider (21c) of the said potentiometer (20) and the said reference terminal, and the minimum resistance (Rmin) between the other stud (21b or 21a) of the said potentiometer (20) and the said reference terminal.
    4. Switching device as per claim 3, characterised in that the said discrimination unit (4) comprises a means (43) for determining the position of the slider of the said potentiometer (20) from the maximum resistance (Rmax), the resistance of the slider (Rslider) and the minimum resistance (Rmin) respectively, measured by calculation using the following formula: Pos = Rslider - Rmin Rmax - Rmin
    EP98460010A 1997-05-05 1998-04-30 Manually-controlled switching device by displacing a component such as a button Expired - Lifetime EP0877393B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9705746A FR2762923B1 (en) 1997-05-05 1997-05-05 MANUALLY CONTROLLED SWITCHING DEVICE BY MOVING AN ORGAN, SUCH AS A BUTTON
    FR9705746 1997-05-05

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0877393A1 EP0877393A1 (en) 1998-11-11
    EP0877393B1 true EP0877393B1 (en) 2002-01-09

    Family

    ID=9506755

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP98460010A Expired - Lifetime EP0877393B1 (en) 1997-05-05 1998-04-30 Manually-controlled switching device by displacing a component such as a button

    Country Status (5)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP0877393B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE211849T1 (en)
    DE (1) DE69803115T2 (en)
    ES (1) ES2167056T3 (en)
    FR (1) FR2762923B1 (en)

    Families Citing this family (1)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    FR3129768B1 (en) 2021-12-01 2023-10-27 Crouzet Sa Button

    Family Cites Families (3)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US4082925A (en) * 1976-03-31 1978-04-04 Cts Corporation Rotary switch
    JPS61125601A (en) * 1984-11-22 1986-06-13 Hitachi Medical Corp Controller with potentiometer
    DE3800956A1 (en) * 1988-01-15 1989-07-27 Asea Brown Boveri ELECTRICAL SWITCHGEAR

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    FR2762923B1 (en) 1999-07-02
    ES2167056T3 (en) 2002-05-01
    DE69803115T2 (en) 2002-11-07
    FR2762923A1 (en) 1998-11-06
    EP0877393A1 (en) 1998-11-11
    DE69803115D1 (en) 2002-02-14
    ATE211849T1 (en) 2002-01-15

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