EP1096525B1 - Amplifying apparatus for a push button switch - Google Patents

Amplifying apparatus for a push button switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1096525B1
EP1096525B1 EP00402941A EP00402941A EP1096525B1 EP 1096525 B1 EP1096525 B1 EP 1096525B1 EP 00402941 A EP00402941 A EP 00402941A EP 00402941 A EP00402941 A EP 00402941A EP 1096525 B1 EP1096525 B1 EP 1096525B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
button
push
axis
clack
pusher
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
EP00402941A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1096525A1 (en
Inventor
Christian Minodier
Bernard Truchet
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.)
Crouzet Automatismes SAS
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Crouzet Automatismes SAS
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Publication of EP1096525A1 publication Critical patent/EP1096525A1/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
    • H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/12—Push-buttons

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for amplifying the movement of an operating knob of a switch.
  • the invention is particularly useful when the operating knob of the switch has a short stroke, for example of the order of one millimeter. These switches are used when looking for fast switching to, for example, avoid rebounds between the switch contacts.
  • the actuation of the button is not done directly but by means of a pusher movable in translation and whose stroke is much greater than that of the button, for example, of the order five millimeters.
  • This amplified race is particularly useful in order to widen the manufacturing tolerances of mechanisms operating the pusher such as, for example, a cam.
  • Known displacement amplification devices are complicated. They comprise a large number of mechanical parts including several springs.
  • US-A-4,740,661 discloses a device for amplifying the movement of a button according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention aims to simplify these devices.
  • the subject of the invention is a device for amplifying the movement of an operating knob of a switch fixed in a body comprising a push member movable in translation along an axis relative to the body, the translation of the pushbutton being the amplified displacement, characterized in that it comprises a valve whose first bearing zone is capable of moving along a ramp of the pusher when the pusher moves along the axis, in that the valve comprises a second bearing zone in permanent contact against an area of the body regardless of the position of the pusher, in that the valve comprises a third bearing zone in contact with the button.
  • An advantage of the invention is to reverse the action on the button. More precisely, when the pusher is at rest, the operating button of the switch is pressed and when the pusher is pressed, the operating button is released. This inversion has an advantage, especially for low displacement switches that fear a too brutal support on their operating button, which may damage them.
  • the speed of pressing the button is linked to the means ensuring the permanent contact of the second zone of the valve on the body area, for example, using a spring maintaining this contact. The setting of this spring makes it possible to control the speed of pressing the button without exceeding a speed which could damage the switch.
  • Another advantage of the invention is to allow the adjustment of the evolution of the stroke of the button according to that of the pusher. This adjustment is made by adapting the shape of the ramp.
  • a body 1 carries the other elements of the device.
  • the body 1 comprises a first cavity 2 in which is fixed a switch 3.
  • the switch 3 has, for example, the shape of a parallelepiped. In its lower part, it comprises pins 4, 5, 6 of electrical connection.
  • the switch 3 comprises an operating knob 7 capable of moving, for example in translation, between several positions. The switch 3 puts in contact certain pins of the switch 3 according to the position of the operating knob 7.
  • the switch 3 comprises three pins 4, 5, 6 and the operating knob 7 can move between two positions, a resting position and a relaxed position. In the pressed position, the operating knob 7 contacts the pins 4 and 5, and in the released position, the operating knob 7 contacts the pins 4 and 6.
  • the operating knob 7 shown in FIG. 1 is in position pressed.
  • the body 1 Above the first cavity 2, the body 1 comprises a second cavity 8 communicating with the first cavity 2.
  • the second cavity 8 opens on top of the body 1 through an opening 9.
  • the second cavity 8 and the opening 9 are for example cylindrical along an axis 10.
  • the diameter of the opening 9 is smaller than that of the second cavity 8 thus forming a shoulder 11.
  • the device further comprises a pusher 12 substantially formed of a portion 13 cylindrical along the axis 10 and shouldered at its lower end 14.
  • the diameter of the shoulder 15 of the pusher 12 and the diameter of the portion 13 are such that the portion 13 can move freely in the opening 9 until the shoulders 11 and 15 abut, which is the case of Figure 1.
  • the portion 13 of the pusher 12 extends along the axis 10 to an end 16 located above the body 1.
  • the device further comprises a valve 20 substantially of revolution.
  • the axis of the valve 20 is substantially coincident with the axis 10 when the device is in the position shown in Figure 1.
  • the valve 20 comprises a first finger 21 whose end is in contact with the operating knob 7 of the switch 3.
  • the contacting surfaces belonging to the end of the finger 21 as well as the operating knob 7 are substantially convex so as to ensure a substantially punctual contact.
  • the valve 20 further comprises a flange 22 intended to bear against an area of the body 1.
  • the outside diameter of the flange 22 is substantially close to the inside diameter of the cavity 8 and in order to be able to mount the flap 20, the bearing zone belonging to the body 1 is formed by an insert 23 fixed to the body 1.
  • the insert 23 is for example a flat washer set in the body 1 and whose inner diameter is smaller than that of the collar 22.
  • the insert can also be a resilient ring for boring, mounted in a groove of the body 1.
  • the inner diameter of the ring is, as for the washer, lower than that of the flange 22.
  • the valve 20 further comprises a second finger 24 whose end 25 bears against a ramp 30 belonging to the pusher 12.
  • the two fingers 21 and 24 advantageously extend along the axis of the valve 20, here the axis 10, on either side of the flange 22 .
  • the end 25 of the finger 24 has a convex surface so that the support against the ramp 30 is substantially punctual.
  • the ramp 30 is for example made by means of a bore made in the pusher 12.
  • the axis 31 of the bore is parallel to the axis 10 and slightly offset therefrom.
  • the bore has a cylindrical hole 32 blind and smooth.
  • the bore opens on the outside of the side of the lower end 14 of the pusher 12 by a countersink 33.
  • the offset of the axis 31 relative to the axis 10 causes part of the countersink 33 is located outside the pusher 12.
  • the dimensions of the various parts that comprise the device are such that when the pusher 12 is in a position as high as possible, that is to say when the shoulders 15 and 11 are substantially in contact, the flange 22 comes to bear substantially on its entire perimeter against the insert 23.
  • an elastic element 35 is provided.
  • This elastic element 35 also ensures the approximation between the shoulders 15 and 11.
  • the elastic element 35 is for example a helical spring placed between the pusher 12 and the flange 22.
  • the axis of the helical spring is substantially coincident with the axis 10.
  • the first finger 21 presses the button 7 of the switch 3 and holding in the pressed position.
  • the contact between the flange 22 and the insert 23 is provided with precision, it controls more safely the support of the first finger 21 on the button 7.
  • FIG. 2 represents the elements of the device represented in FIG. 1.
  • the pusher 12 has been depressed downwards along the axis 10.
  • the end 25 of the valve 20 has slid along the countersink 33 and the flange 22 has partially detached from the insert 23 so as to keep with it only a contact 26 substantially punctual.
  • the first finger 21 always remains in contact with the button 7 which lifts up in the relaxed position.
  • the valve 20 pivots around the contact 26 when pressing the pusher 12. It is not necessary to know the position of the contact 26 which can be anywhere on the insert 23. The position is a function of the position of the ramp 30 and therefore the angular orientation of the pusher 12 about the axis 10. But once the pusher 12, the spring 35, the valve 20 and the insert 23 assembled, this angular position has no influence on the operation of the device.
  • Figure 3 still shows the same elements. This time, the plunger 12 was pushed down completely along the axis 10 until the helical spring 35 was compressed to the maximum.
  • a stop 40 is provided belonging to the pad 20 to stop the stroke of the pusher 12 down along the axis 10. Alternatively, this stop could also belong to the body 1.
  • the button 7 is here, as in Figure 2, in the relaxed position.
  • the shape of the ramp 30 shown in the various figures is such that the displacement of the button 7 is ensured on a small part of the stroke of the pusher 12. More specifically, the button 7 is released from the beginning of the stroke of the pusher 12 towards the bottom when the end 25 moves along the countersink 33. It is of course possible to give the ramp 30 any form to actuate the button 7 to another position of the pusher 12. It is also possible to make vary the speed of actuation of the button 7 relative to the speed of movement of the pusher 12 by changing the slope of the countersink 33.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Preventing Unauthorised Actuation Of Valves (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)

Description

L'invention se rapporte à un dispositif d'amplification du déplacement d'un bouton de manoeuvre d'un interrupteur.The invention relates to a device for amplifying the movement of an operating knob of a switch.

L'invention trouve particulièrement son utilité lorsque le bouton de manoeuvre de l'interrupteur a une faible course, par exemple de l'ordre d'un millimètre. Ces interrupteurs sont utilisés lorsqu'on recherche une commutation rapide pour, par exemple, éviter les rebonds entre les contacts de l'interrupteur.The invention is particularly useful when the operating knob of the switch has a short stroke, for example of the order of one millimeter. These switches are used when looking for fast switching to, for example, avoid rebounds between the switch contacts.

Dans un dispositif d'amplification du déplacement, la manoeuvre du bouton ne se fait pas directement mais par l'intermédiaire d'un poussoir mobile en translation et dont la course est beaucoup plus importante que celle du bouton, par exemple, de l'ordre de cinq millimètres. Cette course amplifiée est notamment utile afin d'élargir les tolérances de fabrication de mécanismes manoeuvrant le poussoir tels que, par exemple, une came.In a displacement amplification device, the actuation of the button is not done directly but by means of a pusher movable in translation and whose stroke is much greater than that of the button, for example, of the order five millimeters. This amplified race is particularly useful in order to widen the manufacturing tolerances of mechanisms operating the pusher such as, for example, a cam.

Les dispositifs d'amplification du déplacement connus sont compliqués. Ils comportent un grand nombre de pièces mécaniques et notamment plusieurs ressorts.Known displacement amplification devices are complicated. They comprise a large number of mechanical parts including several springs.

US-A-4 740 661 décrit un dispositif d'amplification du déplacement d'un bouton selon le préambule de la revendication 1.US-A-4,740,661 discloses a device for amplifying the movement of a button according to the preamble of claim 1.

L'invention a pour but de simplifier ces dispositifs.The invention aims to simplify these devices.

Pour atteindre ce but, l'invention a pour objet un dispositif d'amplification du déplacement d'un bouton de manoeuvre d'un interrupteur fixé dans un corps comportant un poussoir mobile en translation suivant un axe par rapport au corps, la translation du poussoir étant le déplacement amplifié, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un clapet dont une première zone d'appui est susceptible de se déplacer le long d'une rampe du poussoir lorsque le poussoir se déplace suivant l'axe, en ce que le clapet comporte une seconde zone d'appui en contact permanent contre une zone du corps quelle que soit la position du poussoir, en ce que le clapet comporte une troisième zone d'appui en contact avec le bouton.To achieve this object, the subject of the invention is a device for amplifying the movement of an operating knob of a switch fixed in a body comprising a push member movable in translation along an axis relative to the body, the translation of the pushbutton being the amplified displacement, characterized in that it comprises a valve whose first bearing zone is capable of moving along a ramp of the pusher when the pusher moves along the axis, in that the valve comprises a second bearing zone in permanent contact against an area of the body regardless of the position of the pusher, in that the valve comprises a third bearing zone in contact with the button.

Un avantage lié à l'invention est d'inverser l'action sur le bouton. Plus précisément, lorsque le poussoir est au repos, le bouton de manoeuvre de l'interrupteur est pressé et lorsqu'on appuie sur le poussoir, on relâche le bouton de manoeuvre. Cette inversion présente un avantage, notamment pour les interrupteurs à faible déplacement qui craignent un appui trop brutal sur leur bouton de manoeuvre, ce qui risque de les endommager. En inversant l'action sur le bouton, la vitesse d'appui sur le bouton est liée au moyen assurant le contact permanent de la seconde zone du clapet sur la zone du corps, par exemple, en utilisant un ressort maintenant ce contact. Le tarage de ce ressort permet de maîtriser la vitesse d'appui sur le bouton sans dépasser une vitesse qui risquerait d'endommager l'interrupteur.An advantage of the invention is to reverse the action on the button. More precisely, when the pusher is at rest, the operating button of the switch is pressed and when the pusher is pressed, the operating button is released. This inversion has an advantage, especially for low displacement switches that fear a too brutal support on their operating button, which may damage them. In reversing the action on the button, the speed of pressing the button is linked to the means ensuring the permanent contact of the second zone of the valve on the body area, for example, using a spring maintaining this contact. The setting of this spring makes it possible to control the speed of pressing the button without exceeding a speed which could damage the switch.

Un autre avantage lié à l'invention est de permettre le réglage de l'évolution de la course du bouton en fonction de celle du poussoir. Ce réglage se fait en adaptant la forme de la rampe.Another advantage of the invention is to allow the adjustment of the evolution of the stroke of the button according to that of the pusher. This adjustment is made by adapting the shape of the ramp.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres avantages apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation illustré par le dessin joint dans lequel les différentes figures représentent plusieurs positions du même dispositif. Plus précisément :

  • la figure 1 représente une position relâchée du poussoir ;
  • la figure 2 représente une position intermédiaire du poussoir ;
  • la figure 3 représente une position enfoncée du poussoir.
The invention will be better understood and other advantages will appear on reading the detailed description of an embodiment illustrated by the attached drawing in which the different figures represent several positions of the same device. More precisely :
  • Figure 1 shows a relaxed position of the pusher;
  • Figure 2 shows an intermediate position of the pusher;
  • Figure 3 shows a depressed position of the pusher.

Pour plus de commodité, les mêmes éléments porteront les mêmes repères topologiques dans les différentes figures.For convenience, the same elements will carry the same topological landmarks in the different figures.

Les différents éléments d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention sont décrits à l'aide de la figure 1. Un corps 1 porte les autres éléments du dispositif. Le corps 1 comporte une première cavité 2 dans laquelle est fixé un interrupteur 3. L'interrupteur 3 a, par exemple, la forme d'un parallélépipède. Dans sa partie basse, il comporte des broches 4, 5, 6 de connexion électrique. Dans sa partie haute, l'interrupteur 3 comporte un bouton de manoeuvre 7 susceptible de se déplacer, par exemple en translation, entre plusieurs positions. L'interrupteur 3 met en contact certaines broches de l'interrupteur 3 en fonction de la position du bouton de manoeuvre 7. A titre d'exemple, l'interrupteur 3 comporte trois broches 4, 5, 6 et le bouton de manoeuvre 7 peut se déplacer entre deux positions, une position appuyée et une position relâchée. Dans la position appuyée, le bouton de manoeuvre 7 met en contact les broches 4 et 5, et dans la position relâchée, le bouton de manoeuvre 7 met en contact les broches 4 et 6. Le bouton de manoeuvre 7 représenté figure 1 est en position enfoncée.The various elements of a device according to the invention are described with the help of Figure 1. A body 1 carries the other elements of the device. The body 1 comprises a first cavity 2 in which is fixed a switch 3. The switch 3 has, for example, the shape of a parallelepiped. In its lower part, it comprises pins 4, 5, 6 of electrical connection. In its upper part, the switch 3 comprises an operating knob 7 capable of moving, for example in translation, between several positions. The switch 3 puts in contact certain pins of the switch 3 according to the position of the operating knob 7. By way of example, the switch 3 comprises three pins 4, 5, 6 and the operating knob 7 can move between two positions, a resting position and a relaxed position. In the pressed position, the operating knob 7 contacts the pins 4 and 5, and in the released position, the operating knob 7 contacts the pins 4 and 6. The operating knob 7 shown in FIG. 1 is in position pressed.

Il est bien entendu possible de mettre en oeuvre l'invention avec un interrupteur 3 comportant plusieurs circuits séparés et/ou un interrupteur 3 dont le bouton de manoeuvre est susceptible d'occuper plus de deux positions, chacune des positions mettant en contact différentes broches.It is of course possible to implement the invention with a switch 3 having several separate circuits and / or a switch 3 whose operating knob is likely to occupy more than two positions, each position bringing into contact different pins.

Au-dessus de la première cavité 2, le corps 1 comporte une deuxième cavité 8 communiquant avec la première cavité 2. La deuxième cavité 8 débouche sur le dessus du corps 1 par une ouverture 9. La deuxième cavité 8 et l'ouverture 9 sont par exemple cylindriques suivant un axe 10. Le diamètre de l'ouverture 9 est inférieur à celui de la deuxième cavité 8 formant ainsi un épaulement 11.Above the first cavity 2, the body 1 comprises a second cavity 8 communicating with the first cavity 2. The second cavity 8 opens on top of the body 1 through an opening 9. The second cavity 8 and the opening 9 are for example cylindrical along an axis 10. The diameter of the opening 9 is smaller than that of the second cavity 8 thus forming a shoulder 11.

Le dispositif comporte en outre un poussoir 12, sensiblement formé d'une partie 13 cylindrique suivant l'axe 10 et épaulée à son extrémité inférieure 14. Le diamètre de l'épaulement 15 du poussoir 12 ainsi que le diamètre de la partie 13 sont tels que la partie 13 peut se déplacer librement dans l'ouverture 9 jusqu'à ce que les épaulements 11 et 15 viennent en butée, ce qui est le cas de la figure 1. La partie 13 du poussoir 12 s'étend le long de l'axe 10 jusqu'à une extrémité 16 située au-dessus du corps 1.The device further comprises a pusher 12 substantially formed of a portion 13 cylindrical along the axis 10 and shouldered at its lower end 14. The diameter of the shoulder 15 of the pusher 12 and the diameter of the portion 13 are such that the portion 13 can move freely in the opening 9 until the shoulders 11 and 15 abut, which is the case of Figure 1. The portion 13 of the pusher 12 extends along the axis 10 to an end 16 located above the body 1.

Le dispositif comporte en outre un clapet 20 sensiblement de révolution. L'axe du clapet 20 est sensiblement confondu avec l'axe 10 lorsque le dispositif est dans la position représentée figure 1. Le clapet 20 comporte un premier doigt 21 dont l'extrémité est en contact avec le bouton de manoeuvre 7 de l'interrupteur 3.The device further comprises a valve 20 substantially of revolution. The axis of the valve 20 is substantially coincident with the axis 10 when the device is in the position shown in Figure 1. The valve 20 comprises a first finger 21 whose end is in contact with the operating knob 7 of the switch 3.

Avantageusement, les surfaces en contact appartenant à l'extrémité du doigt 21 ainsi qu'au bouton de manoeuvre 7 sont sensiblement convexes de façon à assurer un contact sensiblement ponctuel.Advantageously, the contacting surfaces belonging to the end of the finger 21 as well as the operating knob 7 are substantially convex so as to ensure a substantially punctual contact.

Le clapet 20 comporte de plus une collerette 22 destinée à s'appuyer contre une zone du corps 1.The valve 20 further comprises a flange 22 intended to bear against an area of the body 1.

Avantageusement, le diamètre extérieur de la collerette 22 est sensiblement voisin du diamètre intérieur de la cavité 8 et afin de pouvoir monter le clapet 20, la zone d'appui appartenant au corps 1 est formée par une pièce rapportée 23 fixée au corps 1.Advantageously, the outside diameter of the flange 22 is substantially close to the inside diameter of the cavity 8 and in order to be able to mount the flap 20, the bearing zone belonging to the body 1 is formed by an insert 23 fixed to the body 1.

La pièce rapportée 23 est par exemple une rondelle plate sertie dans le corps 1 et dont le diamètre intérieur est inférieur à celui de la collerette 22. A titre d'alternative, la pièce rapportée peut également être un anneau élastique pour alésage, monté dans une gorge du corps 1. Le diamètre intérieur de l'anneau est, comme pour la rondelle, inférieur à celui de la collerette 22. Le clapet 20 comporte en outre un deuxième doigt 24 dont l'extrémité 25 prend appui contre une rampe 30 appartenant au poussoir 12. Les deux doigts 21 et 24 s'étendent avantageusement suivant l'axe du clapet 20, ici l'axe 10, de part et d'autre de la collerette 22.The insert 23 is for example a flat washer set in the body 1 and whose inner diameter is smaller than that of the collar 22. Alternatively, the insert can also be a resilient ring for boring, mounted in a groove of the body 1. The inner diameter of the ring is, as for the washer, lower than that of the flange 22. The valve 20 further comprises a second finger 24 whose end 25 bears against a ramp 30 belonging to the pusher 12. The two fingers 21 and 24 advantageously extend along the axis of the valve 20, here the axis 10, on either side of the flange 22 .

Avantageusement, l'extrémité 25 du doigt 24 présente une surface convexe pour que l'appui contre la rampe 30 soit sensiblement ponctuel.Advantageously, the end 25 of the finger 24 has a convex surface so that the support against the ramp 30 is substantially punctual.

La rampe 30 est par exemple réalisée au moyen d'un perçage effectué dans le poussoir 12. L'axe 31 du perçage est parallèle à l'axe 10 et légèrement décalé de celui-ci. Le perçage comporte un trou 32 cylindrique borgne et lisse. Le perçage s'ouvre sur l'extérieur du côté de l'extrémité inférieure 14 du poussoir 12 par une fraisure 33. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté figure 1, le décalage de l'axe 31 par rapport à l'axe 10 fait qu'une partie de la fraisure 33 est située à l'extérieure du poussoir 12.The ramp 30 is for example made by means of a bore made in the pusher 12. The axis 31 of the bore is parallel to the axis 10 and slightly offset therefrom. The bore has a cylindrical hole 32 blind and smooth. The bore opens on the outside of the side of the lower end 14 of the pusher 12 by a countersink 33. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the offset of the axis 31 relative to the axis 10 causes part of the countersink 33 is located outside the pusher 12.

Les dimensions des différentes pièces que comporte le dispositif sont telles que lorsque le poussoir 12 est dans une position la plus haute possible, c'est à dire lorsque les épaulements 15 et 11 sont sensiblement en contact, la collerette 22 vient sensiblement en appui sur l'ensemble de son périmètre contre la pièce rapportée 23. Avantageusement pour assurer cet appui on prévoit un élément élastique 35. Cet élément élastique 35 permet également d'assurer le rapprochement entre les épaulements 15 et 11. L'élément élastique 35 est par exemple un ressort hélicoïdal placé entre le poussoir 12 et la collerette 22. L'axe du ressort hélicoïdal est sensiblement confondu avec l'axe 10.The dimensions of the various parts that comprise the device are such that when the pusher 12 is in a position as high as possible, that is to say when the shoulders 15 and 11 are substantially in contact, the flange 22 comes to bear substantially on its entire perimeter against the insert 23. Advantageously to provide this support there is provided an elastic element 35. This elastic element 35 also ensures the approximation between the shoulders 15 and 11. The elastic element 35 is for example a helical spring placed between the pusher 12 and the flange 22. The axis of the helical spring is substantially coincident with the axis 10.

Il est bien entendu qu'on ne peut pas avoir un contact parfait simultanément à la fois entre la collerette 22 et la pièce rapportée 23 ainsi qu'entre l'extrémité 25 et la rampe 30 ainsi qu'entre les deux épaulements 11 et 15. Avantageusement on prévoit un jeu fonctionnel entre l'extrémité 25 et la rampe 30 ainsi les deux autres contacts seront assurés avec certitude et précision.It is understood that one can not have perfect contact simultaneously both between the flange 22 and the insert 23 and between the end 25 and the ramp 30 and between the two shoulders 11 and 15. Advantageously, a functional clearance is provided between the end 25 and the ramp 30 so that the other two contacts will be assured with certainty and precision.

Lorsque le poussoir 12 est dans sa position la plus haute possible, le premier doigt 21 appuie sur le bouton 7 de l'interrupteur 3 et le maintien en position appuyée. Lorsque le contact entre la collerette 22 et la pièce rapportée 23 est assuré avec précision, on maîtrise de façon plus sûre l'appui du premier doigt 21 sur le bouton 7.When the pusher 12 is in its highest possible position, the first finger 21 presses the button 7 of the switch 3 and holding in the pressed position. When the contact between the flange 22 and the insert 23 is provided with precision, it controls more safely the support of the first finger 21 on the button 7.

La figure 2 représente les éléments du dispositif représenté figure 1. On a ici enfoncé légèrement le poussoir 12 vers le bas suivant l'axe 10. Entre la position du poussoir 12 représentée figure 1 et celle représentée figure 2, l'extrémité 25 du clapet 20 a glissé le long de la fraisure 33 et la collerette 22 s'est partiellement décollée de la pièce rapportée 23 pour ne conserver avec elle qu'un contact 26 sensiblement ponctuel. Le premier doigt 21 reste toujours en contact avec le bouton 7 qui se soulevant vient en position relâchée.FIG. 2 represents the elements of the device represented in FIG. 1. Here, the pusher 12 has been depressed downwards along the axis 10. Between the position of the pusher 12 shown in FIG. 1 and that shown in FIG. 2, the end 25 of the valve 20 has slid along the countersink 33 and the flange 22 has partially detached from the insert 23 so as to keep with it only a contact 26 substantially punctual. The first finger 21 always remains in contact with the button 7 which lifts up in the relaxed position.

Le clapet 20 pivote autour du contact 26 lorsqu'on enfonce le poussoir 12. Il n'est pas nécessaire de connaître la position du contact 26 qui peut se situer n'importe où sur la pièce rapportée 23. La position est fonction de la position de la rampe 30 et donc de l'orientation angulaire du poussoir 12 autour de l'axe 10. Mais une fois le poussoir 12, le ressort 35, le clapet 20 et la pièce rapportée 23 assemblés, cette position angulaire n'a aucune influence sur le fonctionnement du dispositif.The valve 20 pivots around the contact 26 when pressing the pusher 12. It is not necessary to know the position of the contact 26 which can be anywhere on the insert 23. The position is a function of the position of the ramp 30 and therefore the angular orientation of the pusher 12 about the axis 10. But once the pusher 12, the spring 35, the valve 20 and the insert 23 assembled, this angular position has no influence on the operation of the device.

La figure 3 représente toujours les mêmes éléments. On a, cette fois, enfoncé complètement le poussoir 12 vers le bas suivant l'axe 10 jusqu'à ce que le ressort hélicoïdal 35 soit comprimé au maximum. Avantageusement on prévoit une buttée 40 appartenant au dapet 20 pour arrêter la course du poussoir 12 vers le bas suivant l'axe 10. A titre d'alternative, cette buttée pourrait tout aussi bien appartenir au corps 1. Le bouton 7 est ici, comme à la figure 2, en position relâchée.Figure 3 still shows the same elements. This time, the plunger 12 was pushed down completely along the axis 10 until the helical spring 35 was compressed to the maximum. Advantageously a stop 40 is provided belonging to the pad 20 to stop the stroke of the pusher 12 down along the axis 10. Alternatively, this stop could also belong to the body 1. The button 7 is here, as in Figure 2, in the relaxed position.

La forme de la rampe 30 représentée dans les différentes figures est telle que le déplacement du bouton 7 est assuré sur une faible partie de la course du poussoir 12. Plus précisément, le bouton 7 est relâché dès le début de la course du poussoir 12 vers le bas lorsque l'extrémité 25 se déplace le long de la fraisure 33. Il est bien entendu possible de donner à la rampe 30 toute forme permettant d'actionner le bouton 7 à une autre position du poussoir 12. Il est également possible de faire varier la vitesse d'actionnement du bouton 7 par rapport à la vitesse de déplacement du poussoir 12 en modifiant la pente de la fraisure 33.The shape of the ramp 30 shown in the various figures is such that the displacement of the button 7 is ensured on a small part of the stroke of the pusher 12. More specifically, the button 7 is released from the beginning of the stroke of the pusher 12 towards the bottom when the end 25 moves along the countersink 33. It is of course possible to give the ramp 30 any form to actuate the button 7 to another position of the pusher 12. It is also possible to make vary the speed of actuation of the button 7 relative to the speed of movement of the pusher 12 by changing the slope of the countersink 33.

Claims (7)

  1. Device for amplifying the movement of an operating button (7) of a switch (3) fixed in a body (1), comprising a push-button (12) movable in translation along an axis (10) with respect to the body (1), translation of the push-button (12) being the amplified movement, characterized in that it comprises a clack (20) a first pressing zone (25) whereof is able to move along a ramp (30) of the push-button (12) when the push-button (12) moves along the axis (10), that the clack (20) comprises a second pressing zone (22) in permanent contact against a zone (23) of the body (1) whatever the position of the push-button (12), and that the clack (20) comprises a third pressing zone (21) in contact with the button (7).
  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clack (20) swivels around any point (26) of the zone (23) of the body (1) when the push-button (12) moves along its axis (10).
  3. Device according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that contact of the three pressing zones is ensured by a single flexible element (35).
  4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the flexible element (35) is formed by a helical spring (35) the axis whereof is substantially identical to the axis (10) of movement of the push-button (12) and that the helical spring (35) is fitted between the push-button (12) and a flange (22) of the clack (20).
  5. Device according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the clack (20) is substantially of revolution and that the clack (20) comprises a first finger (21) the end whereof forms the third pressing zone against the button (7), a flange (22) forming the second pressing zone against the body (1), and a second finger (24) the end (25) whereof forms the first pressing zone against the ramp (30) of the push-button (12).
  6. Device according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the shape of the ramp (30) is such that movement of the button (7) is ensured over a small part of the travel of the push-button (12).
  7. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the ramp (30) is achieved by means of a drilling, the axis (31) whereof is substantially parallel to the axis (10) of movement of the push-button (12), that the drilling comprises a blind and smooth cylindrical hole (32) and that it is opened by a countersinking (33).
EP00402941A 1999-10-29 2000-10-24 Amplifying apparatus for a push button switch Expired - Lifetime EP1096525B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9913612A FR2800506B1 (en) 1999-10-29 1999-10-29 DEVICE FOR AMPLIFYING THE MOVEMENT OF A MANEUVER BUTTON OF A SWITCH
FR9913612 1999-10-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1096525A1 EP1096525A1 (en) 2001-05-02
EP1096525B1 true EP1096525B1 (en) 2006-09-27

Family

ID=9551549

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00402941A Expired - Lifetime EP1096525B1 (en) 1999-10-29 2000-10-24 Amplifying apparatus for a push button switch

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US6396014B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1096525B1 (en)
DE (1) DE60030934T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2270798T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2800506B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE20305528U1 (en) * 2003-04-04 2003-08-14 Trw Automotive Electron & Comp Push switch
US8404990B2 (en) 2010-06-30 2013-03-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Switch system having a button travel limit feature
CN102403149B (en) * 2010-09-10 2014-03-26 富泰华工业（深圳）有限公司 Key structure and electronic device with same
US10957507B2 (en) * 2018-06-27 2021-03-23 Appleton Grp Llc Mechanism for indirect access to an actuator on an apparatus disposed within a housing

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1233400A (en) * 1968-08-06 1971-05-26
CA1236506A (en) * 1983-01-12 1988-05-10 Norio Iwakiri Limit switch assembly
US4740661A (en) * 1985-03-08 1988-04-26 Kabushiki Kaisha Sagami Denshi Kogyo Seesaw switch
US5336860A (en) * 1992-04-16 1994-08-09 Wangdat, Inc. Pushbutton actuator
DE59610320D1 (en) * 1995-06-14 2003-05-15 Eao Ag Olten door opener switch
FR2748151B1 (en) 1996-04-30 1998-07-10 Crouzet Automatismes MANUAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRIC SWITCHING MEMBER
DE19704611B4 (en) * 1997-02-07 2008-07-24 Saia-Burgess Halver Gmbh & Co.Kg Tactile switch with long overtravel
DE19808060A1 (en) * 1998-02-26 1999-09-09 Euchner Gmbh & Co Limit switch
FR2785985B1 (en) * 1998-11-18 2001-02-23 Crouzet Automatismes POSITION DETECTOR WITH ORIENTATION MECHANISM

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1096525A1 (en) 2001-05-02
FR2800506A1 (en) 2001-05-04
US6396014B1 (en) 2002-05-28
ES2270798T3 (en) 2007-04-16
DE60030934D1 (en) 2006-11-09
FR2800506B1 (en) 2002-01-04
DE60030934T2 (en) 2007-03-15

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