EP1157398B1 - Sealed individual electric switch fixed by being interlocked on a circuit board - Google Patents

Sealed individual electric switch fixed by being interlocked on a circuit board Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1157398B1
EP1157398B1 EP00993662A EP00993662A EP1157398B1 EP 1157398 B1 EP1157398 B1 EP 1157398B1 EP 00993662 A EP00993662 A EP 00993662A EP 00993662 A EP00993662 A EP 00993662A EP 1157398 B1 EP1157398 B1 EP 1157398B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit board
electrical switch
cap
actuating member
tripping member
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
EP00993662A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1157398A1 (en
Inventor
Sylvain Rochon
Laurent Bouvier
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.)
ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
Original Assignee
ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC filed Critical ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
Publication of EP1157398A1 publication Critical patent/EP1157398A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1157398B1 publication Critical patent/EP1157398B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • 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
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/7006—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard comprising a separate movable contact element for each switch site, all other elements being integrated in layers
    • 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
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2205/00—Movable contacts
    • H01H2205/016—Separate bridge contact
    • H01H2205/018—Support points upwardly concave
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2205/00—Movable contacts
    • H01H2205/016—Separate bridge contact
    • H01H2205/02—Separate bridge contact avoiding rotation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2205/00—Movable contacts
    • H01H2205/016—Separate bridge contact
    • H01H2205/024—Means to facilitate positioning
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H01H2215/012—Positioning of individual dome
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/034—Separate snap action
    • H01H2215/036—Metallic disc
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/064—Limitation of actuating pressure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/054—Mounting of key housings on same printed circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2233/00—Key modules
    • H01H2233/03—Key modules mounted on support plate or frame
    • H01H2233/034—Snap coupling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2233/00—Key modules
    • H01H2233/09—Actuating striker on actuator part
    • H01H2233/10—Actuating striker on actuator part captured between assembled parts of support

Abstract

An electrical switch mounted on a circuit board and providing tactile feedback includes a domed tripper (18) and an elastomeric actuator (16) with a rod having an upper operating end (78) that can be depressed to snap down the tripper and close the switch. The actuator has a lower sealing lip (62) extending in a 360° circle around the tripper and lying against the circuit board upper face, to form a sealed cavity (56) containing the tripper. The 360° sealing lip of the actuator is pressed down against the circuit board by a cap (14) that has a side wall (26) with a lower edge (38) pressing down against the sealing lip. The cap has feet (42) extending down through holes in the circuit board, the feet having latches (48) that hold the cap in place.

Description

La présente invention concerne un commutateur électrique à effet tactile.The present invention relates to an electrical switch tactile effect.

L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un commutateur individuel de très petites dimensions du type comportant :

  • un support qui porte sur sa face supérieure au moins deux contacts électriques fixes ;
  • un organe de déclenchement de forme générale bombée qui est déformable élastiquement, à partir d'un état stable de repos, sous l'action d'un organe d'actionnement qui agit sur la partie centrale de l'organe de déclenchement, selon une direction axiale sensiblement perpendiculaire à la face supérieure du support, pour établir une liaison électrique entre les deux contacts fixes ;
  • un capot supérieur qui s'étend au-dessus du support, qui entoure latéralement l'organe de déclenchement et dont la partie supérieure comporte un trou pour le passage de l'organe d'actionnement ;
et des moyens de fixation du capot par rapport au support.The invention relates more particularly to an individual switch of very small dimensions of the type comprising:
  • a support which carries on its upper face at least two fixed electrical contacts;
  • a generally domed triggering member which is elastically deformable, from a stable state of rest, under the action of an actuating member which acts on the central part of the triggering member, in a direction axial substantially perpendicular to the upper face of the support, to establish an electrical connection between the two fixed contacts;
  • an upper cover which extends above the support, which laterally surrounds the triggering member and the upper part of which has a hole for the passage of the actuating member;
and means for fixing the cover relative to the support.

Selon une conception largement répandue d'un tel type de commutateur miniaturisé, le support porte-contacts est une pièce moulée en matière plastique isolante qui délimite un logement dans le fond duquel sont disposés au moins deux contacts électriques fixes et qui reçoit l'organe de déclenchement de forme bombée qui est déformable sous l'action d'un poussoir d'actionnement.According to a widely held conception of such a type of miniature switch, the contact carrier is one piece molded in insulating plastic material which delimits a housing at the bottom of which are arranged at least two contacts fixed electrical and which receives the form triggering member curved which is deformable under the action of a pusher actuating.

Selon cette conception, lorsqu'on agit sur la partie centrale de l'organe de déclenchement en forme générale de dôme, celui-ci quitte son état stable de repos, de manière brusque pour établir une liaison électrique entre un contact fixe, généralement latéral contre lequel prend appui le bord périphérique inférieur de l'organe de déclenchement, et un contact fixe central que vient percuter la partie centrale de l'organe de déclenchement. According to this conception, when acting on the central part of the trigger member in the general shape of a dome, this one abruptly quits its stable state of rest to establish an electrical connection between a fixed contact, generally lateral against which the lower peripheral edge of the trigger, and a central fixed contact that comes strike the central part of the triggering member.

Le changement brusque d'état de l'organe de déclenchement procure à son utilisateur, qui agit directement ou indirectement sur le poussoir d'actionnement, une sensation tactile du changement d'état de l'organe de déclenchement, et donc du changement d'état du commutateur.The sudden change in state of the triggering organ provides its user, who acts directly or indirectly on the actuator, a sensation tactile change of state of the triggering device, and therefore the change of state of the switch.

Selon une conception connue, l'organe de déclenchement est avec les circuits électroniques de l'équipement auquel il appartient par exemple réalisé sous la forme d'un disque bombé.According to a known design, the triggering member is with the electronic circuits of the equipment to which it belongs for example made in the form of a curved disc.

Le capot est généralement une pièce métallique de fermeture sertie autour du boítier et le raccordement électrique du commutateur est réalisé par des pattes ou bornes de sortie du commutateur qui prolongent les contacts fixes à l'extérieur du boítier et qui sont soudées et/ou piquées sur une plaque à circuits imprimés de l'équipement.The hood is usually a metallic piece of closure crimped around the housing and the electrical connection of the switch is made by lugs or output terminals of the switch which extend the fixed contacts outside the and which are welded and / or stitched on a circuit board equipment prints.

Ainsi, chaque commutateur électrique se présente sous la forme d'un composant indépendant qui doit être mis en place et fixé par soudage sur la face supérieure de la plaque à circuit imprimé avec un encombrement total relativement important, notamment latéralement et en hauteur qui résulte de la nécessité d'assembler et de fixer ensemble les différents composants du commutateur avant la mise en place de ce dernier dans l'équipement.Thus, each electrical switch is presented under the form of an independent component which must be implemented and fixed by welding on the upper face of the circuit board printed with a relatively large overall size, especially laterally and in height which results from the need to assemble and fix together the different components of the switch before setting it up in equipment.

Selon la conception décrite et représentée dans le document EP-A-0.558.239, on connaít un commutateur comportant une plaque à circuits imprimés comportant sur sa face supérieure au moins deux pistes conductrices constituant les deux contacts électriques fixes du commutateur.According to the design described and represented in the document EP-A-0.558.239, we know a switch having a printed circuit board having on its face upper at least two conductive tracks constituting the two fixed electrical contacts of the switch.

Le document US-A-3 917 917 décrit un commutateur électrique à effet tactile selon le préambule de la revendication 1.US-A-3,917,917 describes a switch electric with tactile effect according to the preamble of claim 1.

Ainsi, du point de vue du fabricant du commutateur, celui-ci produit et assemble tous les composants, à l'exception de la plaque à circuits qui est par exemple une plaque à circuits imprimés appartenant à l'équipement destiné à comporter un ou plusieurs commutateurs selon l'invention, qu'il livre à "l'utilisateur" qui réalise le montage de ces composants sur la plaque à circuits en même temps que d'autres composants électroniques, notamment selon la technique dite de "pick and place".So from the switch manufacturer's point of view, this one produces and assembles all components, except the circuit board which is for example a circuit board printed matter belonging to equipment intended to contain one or more several switches according to the invention, which he delivers to "the user" who performs the assembly of these components on the circuit board together with other electronic components, in particular according to the so-called "pick and place" technique.

Afin d'améliorer la conception d'un tel commutateur, et notamment son étanchéité, l'invention propose un commutateur, caractérisé en ce que l'organe d'actionnement comporte une jupe latérale qui entoure l'organe de déclenchement et qui est fermée à sa partie supérieure et dont le bord inférieur est pincé verticalement entre un bord inférieur du capot et la partie en vis-à-vis de la face supérieure de la plaque à circuits pour délimiter une cavité étanche dans laquelle est logé l'organe de déclenchement.In order to improve the design of such a switch, and in particular its sealing, the invention proposes a switch, characterized in that the actuator comprises a skirt side which surrounds the trigger and which is closed at its upper part and whose lower edge is pinched vertically between a lower edge of the cover and the opposite part of the upper face of the circuit board to delimit a sealed cavity in which is housed the trigger.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention :

  • la jupe latérale est fermée à sa partie supérieure par une paroi transversale à partir de laquelle s'étend, verticalement vers le bas, une tige axiale d'actionnement de l'organe de déclenchement, et l'organe d'actionnement est réalisé par moulage dans un matériau déformable élastiquement, notamment en matériau élastomère à base de silicone ;
  • l'organe d'actionnement comporte une tige axiale de manoeuvre qui s'étend verticalement vers le haut à partir de la paroi transversale et à travers le trou du capot ;
  • le bord inférieur est une lèvre inférieure périphérique qui s'étend radialement vers l'extérieur et qui est pincée élastiquement entre un bord inférieur du capot et la face supérieure de la plaque à circuits ;
  • la jupe comporte sur sa face interne, et au voisinage de son extrémité inférieure, plusieurs doigts de retenue verticale de l'organe de déclenchement pour constituer un sous-ensemble comportant les organes de déclenchement et d'actionnement.
  • les doigts de retenue sont conçus de manière à libérer l'organe de déclenchement lors de la fixation du capot supérieur sur la plaque à circuits imprimés ou lors de la première manoeuvre du commutateur ;
  • le commutateur comporte des moyens d'indexation angulaire de l'organe de d'actionnement par rapport au capot et des moyens d'indexation angulaire de l'organe de déclenchement par rapport à l'organe d'actionnement ;
  • les moyens d'indexation angulaire de l'organe de déclenchement par rapport à l'organe d'actionnement sont constitués par les doigts de retenue verticale de l'organe de déclenchement qui sont formés en relief sur la paroi interne de la jupe latérale de l'organe d'actionnement et qui coopèrent avec des évidements complémentaires formés dans le bord inférieur périphérique de l'organe de déclenchement;
  • l'organe de déclenchement présente une forme générale en étoile dont les branches sont délimitées par les évidements formés dans le bord inférieur de l'organe de déclenchement ;
  • la jupe latérale de l'organe d'actionnement est montée serrée radialement à l'intérieur d'un logement complémentaire du capot pour constituer un sous-ensemble comportant le capot et l'organe d'actionnement;
  • la jupe latérale comporte des ergots de maintien qui s'emboítent élastiquement dans des logements complémentaires du capot afin de maintenir l'actionneur dans le capot pour constituer un sous-ensemble comportant le capot et l'organe d'actionnement ;
  • les moyens de fixation du capot sur la plaque à circuits comportent au moins une paire de bras diamétralement opposés dont chacun s'étend verticalement vers le bas à travers un orifice correspondant de la plaque à circuits avec son extrémité libre inférieure en forme de crochet qui coopère avec une portion en vis-à-vis de la face inférieure de la plaque pour retenir le capot verticalement vers le haut par rapport à la plaque ;
  • l'extrémité libre de chaque bras d'accrochage est conformée en rampe pour provoquer son effacement automatique, selon la direction radiale, lors du montage du capot, verticalement de haut en bas, sur la plaque à circuits ;
  • les moyens de fixation comportent deux paires de bras d'accrochage qui s'étendent dans des plans axiaux perpendiculaires ;
  • l'organe de déclenchement comporte une embase inférieure dont le bord périphérique inférieur est en appui sur la face supérieure de la plaque à circuits et une partie supérieure bombée sur laquelle agit l'organe d'actionnement ;
  • face supérieure de la plaque à circuits comporte au moins un contact fixe central situé verticalement au droit de la partie supérieure bombée, et au moins un contact fixe périphérique situé au droit d'un tronçon du bord inférieur de l'embase de l'organe de déclenchement ;
  • le tronçon du bord inférieur de l'embase de l'organe de déclenchement est constitué par le bord d'extrémité libre inférieure de l'une des branches de l'étoile ;
  • la plaque à circuits est une plaque à circuits imprimés, ou une portion d'une plaque à circuits imprimés, appartenant à un équipement électronique ;
  • le commutateur présente une symétrie générale de conception autour de la direction verticale d'actionnement.
According to other characteristics of the invention:
  • the side skirt is closed at its upper part by a transverse wall from which extends, vertically downwards, an axial rod for actuating the triggering member, and the actuating member is produced by molding in an elastically deformable material, in particular in a silicone-based elastomer material;
  • the actuating member comprises an axial operating rod which extends vertically upwards from the transverse wall and through the hole in the cover;
  • the lower edge is a peripheral lower lip which extends radially outwards and which is pinched elastically between a lower edge of the cover and the upper face of the circuit board;
  • the skirt has on its internal face, and in the vicinity of its lower end, several vertical retaining fingers of the trigger member to form a sub-assembly comprising the trigger and actuation members.
  • the retaining fingers are designed so as to release the triggering member when the upper cover is fixed to the printed circuit board or when the switch is operated for the first time;
  • the switch includes means for angular indexing of the actuating member relative to the cover and means for angular indexing of the triggering member relative to the actuating member;
  • the angular indexing means of the triggering member with respect to the actuating member are constituted by the vertical retaining fingers of the triggering member which are formed in relief on the internal wall of the side skirt of the 'actuator and which cooperate with complementary recesses formed in the peripheral lower edge of the trigger member;
  • the triggering member has a general star shape, the branches of which are delimited by the recesses formed in the lower edge of the triggering member;
  • the lateral skirt of the actuating member is mounted tightened radially inside a complementary housing of the cover to form a sub-assembly comprising the cover and the actuating member;
  • the side skirt comprises retaining lugs which fit elastically into complementary housings of the cover in order to hold the actuator in the cover to form a sub-assembly comprising the cover and the actuating member;
  • the means for fixing the cover to the circuit board comprise at least one pair of diametrically opposite arms, each of which extends vertically downwards through a corresponding orifice of the circuit board with its lower free end in the form of a hook which cooperates with a portion facing the underside of the plate to retain the cover vertically upward relative to the plate;
  • the free end of each attachment arm is shaped as a ramp to cause its automatic erasure, in the radial direction, during assembly of the cover, vertically from top to bottom, on the circuit board;
  • the fixing means comprise two pairs of hooking arms which extend in perpendicular axial planes;
  • the triggering member comprises a lower base, the lower peripheral edge of which bears on the upper face of the circuit board and a domed upper part on which the actuating member acts;
  • upper face of the circuit board comprises at least one central fixed contact situated vertically in line with the curved upper part, and at least one peripheral fixed contact situated in line with a section of the lower edge of the base of the trigger;
  • the section of the lower edge of the base of the triggering member consists of the lower free end edge of one of the branches of the star;
  • the circuit board is a printed circuit board, or a portion of a printed circuit board, belonging to electronic equipment;
  • the switch has a general design symmetry around the vertical actuation direction.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit pour la compréhension de laquelle on se reportera au dessin annexé dans lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée qui illustre les trois composants principaux d'un commutateur électrique réalisé conformément aux enseignements de l'invention en association avec une portion de plaque à circuits imprimés constituant le support des contacts fixes ;
  • la figure 2 est en vue en perspective de dessus des trois principaux composants de la figure 1 qui sont représentés assemblés pour constituer un sous-ensemble prêt à être monté sur la plaque à circuit imprimé ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de dessous de la figure 2 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en section par un plan axial selon la ligne 4-4 de la figure 5 qui illustre le commutateur selon l'invention après l'accrochage et la fixation du sous-ensemble sur la plaque à circuits imprimés ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessous selon la flèche F5 de la figure 4 ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 4 qui illustre le commutateur en section par un plan axial selon la ligne 6-6 de la figure 5.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawing in which:
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view which illustrates the three main components of an electrical switch produced in accordance with the teachings of the invention in association with a portion of printed circuit board constituting the support of the fixed contacts;
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of the three main components of Figure 1 which are shown assembled to form a sub-assembly ready to be mounted on the printed circuit board;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view from below of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view through an axial plane along line 4-4 of Figure 5 which illustrates the switch according to the invention after the attachment and fixing of the sub-assembly on the printed circuit board;
  • Figure 5 is a bottom view along arrow F5 of Figure 4;
  • FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4 which illustrates the switch in section through an axial plane along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

On utilisera, à titre non limitatif, dans la description et les revendications qui vont suivre, une orientation verticale en référence aux figures.We will use, without limitation, in the description and claims which follow, a vertical orientation in reference to figures.

Conformément aux enseignements de l'invention, un commutateur électrique à effet tactile 10 représenté aux figures 1, 4 et 6, est constitué par un sous-ensemble12 comportant l'assemblage de trois composants principaux 14, 16 et 18 et d'une portion 20 de plaque à circuits imprimés.In accordance with the teachings of the invention, a electrical switch with tactile effect 10 represented in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6, is constituted by a sub-assembly12 comprising the assembly of three main components 14, 16 and 18 and a portion 20 of printed circuit board.

Les trois composants principaux comprennent un capot supérieur 14 réalisé par moulage en matière plastique, notamment thermoplastique, un organe d'actionnement ou actionneur 16 réalisé par moulage en matériau élastomère à base de silicone et un organe de déclenchement 18 qui est par exemple une pièce en feuille d'acier inoxydable.The three main components include a cover upper 14 produced by plastic molding, in particular thermoplastic, an actuator or actuator 16 produced by molding in elastomeric material based silicone and a trigger member 18 which is by example a piece of stainless steel sheet.

La plaque à circuits imprimés 20 comporte sur sa face supérieure 22 différentes pistes conductrices qui seront décrites en détail par la suite et dans son épaisseur quatre trous débouchants 24 pour l'accrochage et la fixation du sous-ensemble 12 en vue de la constitution d'un commutateur électrique 10.The printed circuit board 20 has on its face upper 22 different guide tracks which will be described in detail later and in its thickness four holes through 24 for hanging and fixing the sub-assembly 12 with a view to setting up an electrical switch 10.

A l'exception des pièces conductrices constituant les contacts fixes du commutateur électrique 10, ce dernier présente une symétrie générale de conception par rapport à son axe central vertical A. With the exception of the conductive parts constituting the fixed contacts of electric switch 10, the latter has a general design symmetry with respect to its axis vertical center A.

Le capot supérieur 14 est une pièce rigide en forme de pot renversé comportant une paroi latérale 26 qui délimite une face latérale interne cylindrique 28 et comportant une paroi supérieure transversale horizontale 30 qui délimite une face transversale supérieure interne 32 du capot percée d'un trou central 34.The upper cover 14 is a rigid pot-shaped part overturned comprising a side wall 26 which delimits a face cylindrical internal lateral 28 and having an upper wall horizontal transverse 30 which delimits a transverse face internal upper 32 of the cover pierced with a central hole 34.

La face latérale interne 28 comporte quatre bossages 36 qui s'étendent radialement vers l'intérieur et qui sont répartis angulairement à 90° autour de l'axe A pour constituer des moyens de détrompage de l'orientation angulaire de l'actionneur 16, autour de l'axe A, par rapport au capot 14 comme cela sera expliqué par la suite.The internal lateral face 28 has four bosses 36 which extend radially inward and which are distributed angularly at 90 ° around the axis A to constitute means polarizing the angular orientation of the actuator 16, around the axis A, relative to the cover 14 as will be explained later.

Le capot 14 est délimité verticalement vers le bas par une face ou bord transversal inférieur 38 qui est reliée à la paroi 28 par une congé arrondi 40.The cover 14 is delimited vertically downwards by a face or lower transverse edge 38 which is connected to the wall 28 by rounded leave 40.

Pour son accrochage et sa fixation sur la plaque à circuits imprimés 20, le capot 14 comporte ici quatre pattes d'accrochage 42 agencées sous la forme de deux paires de pattes qui s'étendent dans des plans verticaux décalés angulairement de 90° et qui sont aussi décalés angulairement de 45° par rapport aux deux plans verticaux dans lesquels s'étendent les bossages 36.For hanging and fixing on the circuit board printed 20, the cover 14 has here four hooking lugs 42 arranged in the form of two pairs of legs which extend in vertical planes offset angularly by 90 ° and which are also angularly offset by 45 ° relative to the two vertical planes in which the bosses extend 36.

Chaque patte d'accrochage 42 s'étend globalement selon une direction verticale et elle comporte un tronçon supérieur horizontal 44 qui s'étend radialement vers l'extérieur depuis la partie correspondante de la paroi latérale 26, et un tronçon vertical principal 46 dont l'extrémité libre inférieure 48 est conformée en un crochet.Each hooking lug 42 extends generally according to a vertical direction and it has an upper section horizontal 44 which extends radially outwards from the corresponding part of the side wall 26, and a section main vertical 46 whose lower free end 48 is shaped like a hook.

Chaque crochet 48 s'étend ici radialement vers l'extérieur en étant délimité par une facette horizontale supérieure 50 qui, comme on peut le voir à la figure 6, s'étend en regard d'une partie en vis à vis de la face inférieure 23 de la plaque 20, lorsque le sous-ensemble 12 est monté sur la plaque à circuits imprimés 20.Each hook 48 here extends radially outwards being delimited by an upper horizontal facet 50 which, as can be seen in figure 6, extends opposite a part opposite the underside 23 of the plate 20, when the sub-assembly 12 is mounted on the printed circuit board 20.

Comme on peut le voir notamment aux figures 1 et 6 sur lesquelles chaque patte d'accrochage 42 est représentée dans son état libre, la branche principale 46 est légèrement inclinée vers l'extérieur par rapport à l'axe A et la patte 42 est globalement susceptible de fléchir élastiquement en direction de l'axe A de manière à permettre la fixation par emboítement élastique ou "clipsage" de chaque patte 42 dans le trou 24 associé, les dimensions radial de ce dernier permettant à cet effet le passage du crochet 48.As can be seen in particular in Figures 1 and 6 on which each latch 42 is shown in its free state, the main branch 46 is slightly inclined outwards with respect to axis A and tab 42 is overall likely to flex elastically towards axis A so as to allow fixing by interlocking elastic or "clipping" of each tab 42 into the hole 24 associated, the radial dimensions of the latter allowing for this purpose the passage of the hook 48.

De manière à faciliter le clipsage et donc la déformation élastique provisoire des pattes 42 en vue de leur effacement, radialement vers l'intérieur, la face latérale externe 52 de chaque patte 48 est conformée en une rampe inclinée qu coopère avec le bord supérieur correspondant 54 du trou 24 lors de l'insertion verticale, de haut en bas, de la patte 42 avec son crochet 48 dans un trou 24.So as to facilitate clipping and therefore deformation provisional elastic of the legs 42 for erasure, radially inwards, the external lateral face 52 of each leg 48 is shaped as an inclined ramp which cooperates with the corresponding upper edge 54 of hole 24 during insertion vertical, from top to bottom, of tab 42 with its hook 48 in a hole 24.

L'actionneur 16, à sa partie inférieure, est une pièce en forme générale de pot renversé, ou de boítier cylindrique fermé à sa partie supérieure, qui délimite une cavité interne 56. Cette partie inférieure de l'actionneur 16 est essentiellement constituée par une jupe latérale cylindrique 58 fermée à sa partie supérieure par une cloison transversale supérieure horizontale 60 et qui se prolonge à son extrémité inférieure par un bord inférieur en forme de lèvre périphérique 62 qui se prolonge radialement vers l'extérieur et qui est conformée, par son profil externe 64 de manière complémentaire au bord inférieur 38 et au congé 40 de la paroi latérale 26 du capot 14.The actuator 16, at its lower part, is a piece in general shape of overturned pot, or cylindrical case closed to its upper part, which delimits an internal cavity 56. This lower part of actuator 16 is essentially constituted by a cylindrical side skirt 58 closed at its upper part by a horizontal upper transverse partition 60 which is extends at its lower end with a shaped lower edge peripheral lip 62 which extends radially towards the outside and which is shaped by its external profile 64 of complementary to the lower edge 38 and to the leave 40 of the side wall 26 of the cover 14.

La jupe latérale 58 délimite une surface latérale interne 66 tandis qu'elle est délimitée radialement vers l'extérieur par une surface latérale externe 68 dans laquelle sont formés, à sa partie supérieure, quatre évidements ou logements 70 complémentaires des bossages 36 de manière à permettre l'indexation angulaire, autour de l'axe A, de l'actionneur 16 par rapport au capot 14.The lateral skirt 58 defines an internal lateral surface 66 while it is delimited radially outwards by a external lateral surface 68 in which are formed, at its part upper, four complementary recesses or slots 70 bosses 36 so as to allow angular indexing, around the axis A, of the actuator 16 relative to the cover 14.

La conception et le dimensionnement des pièces 14 et 16 sont également tels que la jupe 58 est montée avec un léger serrage radial à l'intérieur du capot 14 afin de retenir la partie inférieure formant corps de l'actionneur 16 à l'intérieur du capot 14.The design and sizing of parts 14 and 16 are also such that the skirt 58 is mounted with a slight radial tightening inside the cover 14 in order to retain the part lower forming body of actuator 16 inside the cover 14.

A partir de sa paroi transversale 60, l'actionneur 16 comporte une tige verticale 72 d'actionnement de l'organe de déclenchement 18 qui s'étend vers le bas et qui se termine par une facette inférieure 74 en forme de disque qui est destinée à coopérer avec la face supérieure de la partie centrale en vis-à-vis 76 de l'organe de déclenchement 18.From its transverse wall 60, the actuator 16 comprises a vertical rod 72 for actuating the member trigger 18 which extends downwards and which ends in a lower facet 74 in the form of a disc which is intended for cooperate with the upper face of the central part opposite 76 of the triggering member 18.

L'actionneur 16 comporte aussi une tige verticale de manoeuvre 78 qui s'étend verticalement vers le haut depuis la cloison transversale 60 pour passer à travers le trou central 34 du capot 14 et faire saillie à l'extérieur du commutateur en vue de permettre l'actionnement de ce dernier en exerçant une poussée verticale P sur la partie supérieure de la tige formant poussoir.The actuator 16 also includes a vertical rod of maneuver 78 which extends vertically upwards from the transverse partition 60 to pass through the central hole 34 of the cover 14 and protrude outside the switch for allow the actuation of the latter by exerting a push vertical P on the upper part of the push rod.

La portion annulaire de la cloison transversale 60 comprise entre la jupe latérale 58 et la tige centrale comportant le tronçon inférieur formant tige d'actionnement 72 et le tronçon supérieur formant tige de manoeuvre 78, du fait de la réalisation par moulage dans un matériau souple tel que de l'élastomère de l'actionneur 16, constitue une partie déformable autorisant les déplacements verticaux de la tige 72, 78 selon l'axe A par rapport au corps inférieur de l'actionneur 16 constitué par sa jupe 58.The annular portion of the transverse partition 60 included between the side skirt 58 and the central rod comprising the section lower forming actuating rod 72 and the upper section forming an operating rod 78, due to the production by molding in a flexible material such as elastomer the actuator 16 constitutes a deformable part allowing the vertical displacements of the rod 72, 78 along the axis A with respect to to the lower body of the actuator 16 constituted by its skirt 58.

Comme on peut le voir aux figures 4 et 6, le dimensionnement des différents composants est tel que, en position montée sur la plaque à circuits imprimés 20, la face supérieure de la cloison 60 est en appui vertical vers le haut contre la face interne 32 du capot 14, tandis que la lèvre 62 est pincée élastiquement entre le bord inférieur 38 du capot 14 et la partie annulaire en vis-à-vis de la face supérieure 22 de la plaque 20 pour "fermer" le commutateur 10, c'est-à-dire pour délimiter la cavité étanche 56 à l'intérieur de l'actionneur 16.As can be seen in Figures 4 and 6, the dimensioning of the various components is such that, in mounted position on the printed circuit board 20, the face upper part of the partition 60 is vertically upwards against the internal face 32 of the cover 14, while the lip 62 is pinched elastically between the lower edge 38 of the cover 14 and the annular part facing the upper face 22 of the plate 20 to "close" the switch 10, that is to say to delimit the sealed cavity 56 inside the actuator 16.

Afin de constituer le sous-ensemble 12, et notamment pour retenir verticalement l'organe de déclenchement 18 par rapport à l'actionneur 16, ce dernier comporte des doigts 80 de retenue verticale et d'orientation angulaire de l'organe de déclenchement 18 par rapport à l'actionneur 16In order to constitute the sub-assembly 12, and in particular for vertically retain the trigger member 18 relative to the actuator 16, the latter comprises retaining fingers 80 vertical and angular orientation of the trigger 18 relative to actuator 16

A cet effet, et comme on peut le voir notamment aux figures 1 et 4, l'actionneur 16 comporte, à l'intérieur de la cavité 56, quatre plots ou bossages 80 formés en relief radialement vers l'intérieur depuis la face interne 66 de la jupe 58.To this end, and as can be seen in particular in Figures 1 and 4, the actuator 16 comprises, inside the cavity 56, four studs or bosses 80 formed in relief radially towards the interior from the internal face 66 of the skirt 58.

Chaque plot 80 est évasé à sa partie inférieure pour constituer un bourrelet 82 en forme d'arc de cercle, les quatre bourrelets 82 étant ainsi répartis angulairement de manière régulière à 90° autour de l'axe A.Each stud 80 is flared at its lower part to constitute a bead 82 in the shape of an arc of a circle, the four beads 82 thus being distributed angularly so regular at 90 ° around the A axis.

L'organe de déclenchement 18 en forme générale de dôme légèrement bombé est constitué pour l'essentiel par une partie centrale supérieure 76 à partir de laquelle s'étendent radialement vers l'extérieur quatre branches 84 pour conférer à l'organe de déclenchement 18 une forme générale d'étoile à quatre banches.The trigger member 18 in the general shape of a dome slightly domed consists essentially of a part upper central 76 from which extend radially outwards four branches 84 to give the organ of trigger 18 a general shape of a four-pointed star.

Pour délimiter les branches 84, le bord périphérique inférieur du dôme comporte quatre découpes ou évidements 86 de profil légèrement incurvé et complémentaire de celui des bourrelets 82 de manière que, comme on peut le voir notamment à la figure 4, les doigts 80, 82 s'étendent en regard des évidements 86 et en dessous du dôme 18 pour l'orienter angulairement par rapport à l'actionneur 16 et pour le retenir verticalement par rapport à celui-ci pour constituer le sous-ensemble 12.To delimit the branches 84, the peripheral edge bottom of the dome has four cutouts or recesses 86 of slightly curved profile and complementary to that of beads 82 so that, as can be seen in particular in Figure 4, the fingers 80, 82 extend opposite the recesses 86 and below the dome 18 to orient it angularly relative to the actuator 16 and to hold it vertically by relation to it to constitute the subset 12.

La mise en place verticalement de bas en haut en considérant la figure 1, du dôme 18 dans la cavité 56 de l'actionneur 16 s'effectue en déformant élastiquement les bourrelets 82 des doigts de retenue 80, la constitution de ce premier sous-ensemble 16, 18 étant de préférence réalisée avant la mise en place de l'actionneur 16 à l'intérieur du capot 14 de manière que l'actionneur 16 puisse se déformer facilement selon la direction radiale.Positioning vertically from bottom to top considering FIG. 1, of the dome 18 in the cavity 56 of the actuator 16 is carried out by elastically deforming the beads 82 of retaining fingers 80, the constitution of this first sub-assembly 16, 18 preferably being carried out before placing the actuator 16 inside the cover 14 of so that the actuator 16 can easily deform according to the radial direction.

Les extrémités libres radialement extérieures 88 de chaque branche 84 constituent la partie "restante" du bord périphérique inférieur du dôme 18 et elles sont repliées verticalement vers le bas, de manière à être décalées par rapport à la partie supérieure centrale 76 du dôme 18 et pour constituer quatre points d'appui et de contact du dôme 18 sur la face supérieure 22 de la plaque à circuits imprimés 20 comme on peut le voir à la figure 6The radially outer free ends 88 of each branch 84 constitute the "remaining" part of the peripheral edge dome 18 lower and they are folded vertically towards the bottom, so as to be offset from the top central 76 of the dome 18 and to constitute four support points and of contact of the dome 18 on the upper face 22 of the plate to printed circuits 20 as can be seen in Figure 6

L'organe de déclenchement 18 est en matériau conducteur, ou au moins sa face inférieure, et il est destiné à établir la liaison électrique entre au moins deux contacts fixes du commutateur qui sont ici des pistes conductrices portées par la face supérieure 22 de la plaque à circuits imprimés 20.The triggering member 18 is made of conductive material, or at least its underside, and it is intended to establish the connection electric between at least two fixed switch contacts which here are conductive tracks carried by the upper face 22 of the printed circuit board 20.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustrée aux figures 1 et 5, le commutateur 10 comporte un contact central fixe commun 90 constitué par une piste en forme de disque 90 située globalement au droit de l'axe A et il comporte deux autres contacts fixes diamétralement opposés 92 en forme de piste rectangulaire.In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, the switch 10 has a common fixed central contact 90 consisting of a disc-shaped track 90 located generally to the right of axis A and it has two other fixed contacts diametrically opposed 92 in the form of a rectangular track.

Les pistes 90 et 92 formant les contacts fixes se prolongent radialement vers l'extérieur pour être reliées à des plages correspondantes de raccordement 94 et 96 situées à l'extérieur du commutateur.Tracks 90 and 92 forming the fixed contacts are extend radially outwards to be connected to corresponding connection areas 94 and 96 located at outside the switch.

Le positionnement des contacts fixes 92 par rapport au trou 24, angulairement et radialement, est tel que lorsque le sous-ensemble 12 est fixé sur la plaque à circuits imprimés 20 pour constituer le commutateur électrique 10, deux extrémités 88 appartenant à deux branches 84 diamétralement opposées de l'organe de déclenchement 18 sont en appui de contact électrique avec les deux contacts fixes de sortie 92 tandis que la partie centrale 76 du dôme 18 est située verticalement en regard et au dessus du contact central fixe commun 90.The positioning of the fixed contacts 92 relative to the hole 24, angularly and radially, is such that when the sub-assembly 12 is fixed on the printed circuit board 20 to constitute the electrical switch 10, two ends 88 belonging to two diametrically opposite branches 84 of the triggering member 18 are in contact with electrical contact with the two fixed output contacts 92 while the part central 76 of dome 18 is located vertically opposite and at above the common fixed central contact 90.

Lorsque l'on appuie sur la tige de manoeuvre 78 selon la flèche P de la figue 4, on déforme la partie centrale 76 du dôme 18 qui quitte son état stable de repos, selon une conception générale connue, pour établir un contact électrique avec le contact fixe central 90 et lorsque l'on relâche l'effort d'actionnement, le dôme 18 retrouve son état stable initial en faisant aussi effet de ressort de rappel pour l'actionneur 16. When the operating rod 78 is pressed according to the arrow P of fig 4, the central part 76 of the dome is deformed 18 which leaves its stable state of rest, according to a conception general known, to establish electrical contact with the central fixed contact 90 and when the effort is released actuation, the dome 18 returns to its initial stable state in also acting as a return spring for the actuator 16.

La conception selon l'invention qui vient d'être décrite est donc particulièrement avantageuse en ce que la fixation du sous-ensemble 12 sur la plaque à circuits imprimés 20 ne nécessite aucune opération de soudage.The design according to the invention which has just been described is therefore particularly advantageous in that the fixing of the sub-assembly 12 on the printed circuit board 20 does not require no welding operation.

De plus, cette conception peut avantageusement être utilisée dans le cadre de la mise en place et de l'assemblage de différents composants sur une plaque à circuits imprimés selon la technique du "pick and place", la face supérieure du sous-ensemble 12 permettant la préhension aisée du sous-ensemble 12 en vue de sa mise en place sur la plaque 20.In addition, this design can advantageously be used in connection with the installation and assembly of different components on a printed circuit board depending on the "pick and place" technique, the upper face of the sub-assembly 12 allowing easy gripping of the sub-assembly 12 for its placement on the plate 20.

Une fois monté sur la plaque 20, le commutateur électrique 10 est parfaitement étanche dans la mesure où la cavité dans laquelle sont agencés d'une part le dôme 18 et d'autre part les contacts fixes 90 et 92 est une cavité dont l'étanchéité est assurée par la lèvre périphérique 62 pincée entre le capot 14 et la plaque 20.Once mounted on plate 20, the electrical switch 10 is perfectly sealed insofar as the cavity in which are arranged on the one hand the dome 18 and on the other hand the fixed contacts 90 and 92 is a cavity whose tightness is provided by the peripheral lip 62 pinched between the cover 14 and the plate 20.

Les dimensions totales du commutateur sont également faibles. A titre d'exemple, la hauteur totale du commutateur au dessus de la face supérieure 22 de la plaque 20 est égale à 5 millimètres tandis que le "diamètre" extérieur du capot 14 est égal à environ 8,3 millimètres.The total dimensions of the switch are also low. For example, the total height of the switch at above the upper face 22 of the plate 20 is equal to 5 millimeters while the outside "diameter" of the cover 14 is equal at about 8.3 millimeters.

Selon une variante non représentée, par inversion mécanique, on peut prévoir que la jupe latérale 58 comporte des ergots de maintien qui s'emboítent élastiquement dans des logements complémentaires du capot 14 afin de maintenir l'actionneur dans le capot pour constituer un sous-ensemble comportant le capot 14 et l'organe d'actionnement 16.According to a variant not shown, by inversion mechanical, provision can be made for the side skirt 58 to include retaining pins which fit elastically into complementary housings of the cover 14 in order to maintain the actuator in the hood to constitute a sub-assembly comprising the cover 14 and the actuating member 16.

Claims (19)

  1. A tactile-effect electrical switch (10) of the type comprising:
    a printed-circuit board (20) having on its upper face at least two conducting tracks (90, 92) constituting two fixed electrical contacts (90, 92);
    a tripping member (18) of domed overall shape which is elastically deformable, from a stable rest state, owing to the action of an actuating member (16) which acts on the central part (76) of the tripping member in an axial direction (P) approximately perpendicular to the upper face (22) of the printed circuit board, in order to establish an electrical connection between the two fixed contacts (90, 92); and
    an upper cap (14) which is fastened onto the printed-circuit board (20) by means (42, 24) of the elastic snap-fastening type, which extends above the printed circuit board, which laterally surrounds the tripping member (18), and the upper part of which has a hole (34) for passage of the actuating member (16),
    characterized in that the actuating member (16) comprises a lateral skirt (58) which surrounds the tripping member (18) and which is closed in its upper part and the lower edge (62) of which is pinched vertically between a lower edge (38) of the cap (14, 16) and the opposing part of the upper face of the circuit board in order to delimit a sealed cavity (56) in which the tripping member (18) is housed.
  2. The electrical switch as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the lateral skirt (58) is closed in its upper part by a transverse wall (60) from which an axial rod (72) for actuating the tripping member (18) extends vertically downward and in that the actuating member (16) is produced by molding an elastically deformable material, especially a silicone-based elastomer.
  3. The electrical switch as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuating member (16) includes an axial operating rod (78) which extends vertically upward from the transverse wall (60) and through the hole (34) in the cap (14).
  4. The electrical switch as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower edge is a peripheral lower lip (62) which extends radially outward and which is elastically pinched between a lower edge (38) of the cap and the upper face (22) of the circuit board (20).
  5. The electrical switch as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the skirt (58) includes, on its internal face (66) and near its lower end, several fingers (80, 82) for the vertical retention of the tripping member (18) in order to constitute a subassembly comprising the tripping member (18) and the actuating member (16).
  6. The electrical switch as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the retention fingers (80, 82) are designed so as to free the tripping member (18) when fastening the upper cap onto the printed-circuit board (20) or during the first operation of the switch.
  7. The electrical switch as claimed in either of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that it includes means (36, 70) for the angular indexation of the actuating member (16) with respect to the cap (14) and means (80, 82, 86) for the angular indexation of the tripping member (18) with respect to the actuating member (16).
  8. The electrical switch as claimed in one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the means for the angular indexation of the tripping member (18) with respect to the actuating member (16) consist of the vertical retention fingers of the tripping member (18) which are formed in relief on the internal wall (66) of the lateral skirt (58) of the actuating member and which engage with complementary recesses (86) formed in the peripheral lower edge of the tripping member (18).
  9. The electrical switch as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the tripping member (18) has the overall shape of a star whose branches (84) are delimited by the recesses (86) formed in the lower edge of the tripping member.
  10. The electrical switch as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lateral skirt (58) of the actuating member (16) is mounted so as to fit radially inside a complementary housing (28) in the cap (14) in order to constitute a subassembly comprising the cap (14) and the actuating member (16).
  11. The electrical switch as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lateral skirt (58) has holding lugs which are elastically snap-fastened into complementary housings in the cap (14) so as to hold the actuator in the cap in order to constitute a subassembly comprising the cap (14) and the actuating member (16).
  12. The electrical switch as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for fastening the cap (14) onto the circuit board (20) comprise at least one pair of diametrically opposed arms (42), each of which extends vertically downward through a corresponding orifice (24) in the circuit board (20) with its hook-shaped lower free end (48) which engages with an opposing portion of the lower face of the board in order to keep the cap (14) vertically upward with respect to the board.
  13. The electrical switch as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the free end (48) of each catching arm (42) is in the form of a ramp (52) in order to automatically move it aside radially when mounting the cap (14), vertically downward, onto the circuit board (20).
  14. The electrical switch as claimed in either of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the fastening means comprise two pairs of catching arms (42) which extend in perpendicular axial planes.
  15. The electrical switch as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tripping member comprises a lower base, the lower peripheral edge (88) of which bears on the upper face (2) of the circuit board (20), and a domed upper part (76) on which the actuating member (16, 72, 74) acts.
  16. The electrical switch as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the upper face (22) of the circuit board (20) includes at least one central fixed contact (90) located vertically in line with the domed upper part and at least one peripheral fixed contact (92) located in line with a section (88) of the lower edge of the base of the tripping member (18).
  17. The electrical switch as claimed in the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 9, characterized in that the section (88) of the lower edge of the base of the tripping member (18) consists of the lower free end edge of one of the branches (84) of the star.
  18. The electrical switch as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit board (20) is a printed-circuit board, or a portion of a printed-circuit board, forming part of an item of electronic equipment.
  19. The electrical switch as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an overall design symmetry about the vertical actuating direction (P, A).
EP00993662A 1999-12-27 2000-12-22 Sealed individual electric switch fixed by being interlocked on a circuit board Expired - Lifetime EP1157398B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9916512A FR2803084B1 (en) 1999-12-27 1999-12-27 ELECTRIC SWITCH WITH TACTILE EFFECT FIXED BY ELASTIC SOCKET ON A CIRCUIT PLATE
FR9916512 1999-12-27
PCT/FR2000/003664 WO2001048770A1 (en) 1999-12-27 2000-12-22 Sealed individual electric switch fixed by being interlocked on a circuit board

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1157398A1 EP1157398A1 (en) 2001-11-28
EP1157398B1 true EP1157398B1 (en) 2004-09-22

Family

ID=9553857

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00993662A Expired - Lifetime EP1157398B1 (en) 1999-12-27 2000-12-22 Sealed individual electric switch fixed by being interlocked on a circuit board

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US6501036B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1157398B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2003518717A (en)
KR (1) KR20010102408A (en)
CN (1) CN1195310C (en)
AT (1) ATE277416T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60014041T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2226980T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2803084B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2001048770A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (47)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6755582B2 (en) * 2002-04-25 2004-06-29 Hwa-Twu Won Key structure
GB2391110B (en) * 2002-06-20 2005-07-13 In2Tec Ltd Switches
FR2846143B1 (en) * 2002-10-16 2005-01-07 Dav PRESSURE-TYPE PRESSURE-OPERATING ELECTRIC SWITCH AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
DE102004040395A1 (en) * 2003-08-23 2005-03-24 Marquardt Gmbh Electrical switch used as short-stroke key for keyboard or operating field has housing base provided with recess on its underside receiving projections of housing cover side edge
CN101053049B (en) * 2004-09-29 2010-04-07 马夸特有限责任公司 Electric switch
JP4466314B2 (en) * 2004-10-20 2010-05-26 パナソニック株式会社 Push-on switch
JP4633567B2 (en) * 2005-07-22 2011-02-16 株式会社フジクラ Push button switch
US7259341B2 (en) * 2005-09-22 2007-08-21 Ingenico Canada Ltd. Tamper switch actuator arrangement
US7760100B2 (en) * 2005-10-18 2010-07-20 August Clifford J Systems and methods for storing and transferring personal data
US20070085663A1 (en) * 2005-10-18 2007-04-19 August Clifford J Data exchange systems and methods employing RF data transmission
US7279652B2 (en) * 2005-11-09 2007-10-09 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Push button switch assembly
FR2906930B1 (en) * 2006-10-06 2013-05-31 Nicomatic Sa METAL DOME CONTACT COMPONENT AND CARD COMPRISING THE SAME
US7564001B2 (en) * 2006-12-04 2009-07-21 Panasonic Corporation Switch and remote controller using the same
CN101419877B (en) * 2007-10-25 2012-09-05 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 Multi-directional press-key
US7700890B2 (en) * 2008-01-15 2010-04-20 Research In Motion Limited Key dome assembly with improved tactile feedback
JP4564556B2 (en) * 2008-08-07 2010-10-20 アルプス電気株式会社 Push operation type switch device
TWI380333B (en) * 2009-07-13 2012-12-21 Wistron Corp Key mechanism with waterproofing function and related electronic device
US8160657B2 (en) * 2009-07-24 2012-04-17 Harris Corporation Mobile wireless communications device with elastomeric sealing membrane covering switch and related methods
US8920956B2 (en) 2010-08-23 2014-12-30 Lg Chem, Ltd. Battery system and manifold assembly having a manifold member and a connecting fitting
US8758922B2 (en) 2010-08-23 2014-06-24 Lg Chem, Ltd. Battery system and manifold assembly with two manifold members removably coupled together
US8469404B2 (en) 2010-08-23 2013-06-25 Lg Chem, Ltd. Connecting assembly
US8353315B2 (en) * 2010-08-23 2013-01-15 Lg Chem, Ltd. End cap
CN201868287U (en) 2010-10-26 2011-06-15 富士康(昆山)电脑接插件有限公司 Switch
US8798688B2 (en) 2011-01-20 2014-08-05 Clifford August Systems and methods for transmitting data using near field communications
US8917161B2 (en) 2011-10-21 2014-12-23 Clifford J. August Systems and methods for transmitting data using near field communications
CN103429027A (en) * 2012-05-15 2013-12-04 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 Electronic device
US8974934B2 (en) 2012-08-16 2015-03-10 Lg Chem, Ltd. Battery module
US9711303B2 (en) * 2013-06-27 2017-07-18 Blackberry Limited Dome-shaped assembly and handheld electronic device including dome-shaped assembly
US9529391B2 (en) * 2013-09-27 2016-12-27 Apple Inc. Button retention, assembly, and water sealing
WO2015047359A1 (en) 2013-09-29 2015-04-02 Bodhi Technology Ventures Llc Waterproof port for electronic devices
US9980026B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2018-05-22 Apple Inc. Method for clearing water from acoustic port and membrane
US9573165B2 (en) 2014-08-22 2017-02-21 Apple Inc. Hydrophobic mesh cover
US9716934B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2017-07-25 Apple Inc. Liquid ingress-redirecting acoustic device reservoir
US9627797B2 (en) 2015-07-21 2017-04-18 Apple Inc. Ejection assembly with plug feature
US9780554B2 (en) 2015-07-31 2017-10-03 Apple Inc. Moisture sensors
KR20170022567A (en) * 2015-08-21 2017-03-02 삼성전자주식회사 Contact Structure and Contact device, and electronic Device including the same
US10149396B2 (en) 2015-09-30 2018-12-04 Apple Inc. Circuit assembly for an electronic device
CN107452533B (en) * 2016-05-13 2021-02-19 西铁城电子株式会社 Switch assembly, push switch and electronic device including the same
US10784062B2 (en) 2016-09-08 2020-09-22 Apple Inc. Ingress prevention for keyboards
DE102016120734A1 (en) * 2016-10-31 2018-05-03 Pilz Gmbh & Co. Kg Housing for an electrical device
US10165694B1 (en) 2017-09-11 2018-12-25 Apple Inc. Concealed barometric vent for an electronic device
FR3084514B1 (en) * 2018-07-25 2021-02-26 C&K Components S A S TOUCH-EFFECT ELECTRIC SWITCH WITH AXIAL POSITIONING OF THE FLEXIBLE ACTUATOR ACTUATOR TRUNK
FR3084513B1 (en) * 2018-07-25 2020-11-06 C&K Components S A S SOFT ACTUATOR TOUCH SWITCH
JP7085965B2 (en) * 2018-10-31 2022-06-17 アルプスアルパイン株式会社 Switch module and switch device
US11614716B2 (en) 2019-09-23 2023-03-28 Apple Inc. Pressure-sensing system for a wearable electronic device
US11860585B2 (en) 2020-06-17 2024-01-02 Apple Inc. Wearable electronic device with a compressible air-permeable seal
DE102021127560B3 (en) 2021-10-22 2022-12-15 Preh Gmbh Button with elastomer dome and noise-reduced snap disk

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5898147A (en) * 1997-10-29 1999-04-27 C & K Components, Inc. Dual tact switch assembly

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5329226B2 (en) * 1973-08-23 1978-08-19
DE2705756C2 (en) * 1977-02-11 1982-09-02 Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Tokyo Push button switch for electronic desk calculators or the like.
DE7719352U1 (en) * 1977-06-21 1980-03-13 Petrick Gmbh Elektromechanische Bauelemente, 3202 Bad Salzdetfurth Push button switch with a closed switch housing
DE3240940A1 (en) * 1982-11-05 1984-05-10 Wilhelm Ruf KG, 8000 München KEY FOR CLOSING ELECTRICAL CONTACTS
US4492838A (en) * 1983-02-24 1985-01-08 Amp Incorporated Key switch having an actuator integral with the return spring
DE8401137U1 (en) * 1984-01-17 1984-05-03 Deutsche Fernsprecher Gesellschaft Mbh Marburg, 3550 Marburg Key, in particular for keypad keypads on telephones
FR2659459B1 (en) * 1990-03-08 1993-11-26 Sextant Avionique TOUCH EFFECT KEY AND KEYBOARD USING THE SAME.
US5270499A (en) * 1990-12-07 1993-12-14 Motorola, Inc. Divergent collapsible seal
GB2264393A (en) * 1992-02-22 1993-08-25 Mckechnie Uk Ltd Keyboard
CA2108515C (en) * 1993-03-08 2002-12-17 Ward E. Strang Button well compression seal assembly
US5399824A (en) * 1993-10-27 1995-03-21 Chen; Pao-Chin Computer key switch
US5734136A (en) * 1996-06-12 1998-03-31 Qualcomm Incorporated Keypad assembly with moisture-excluding seal
JP3812022B2 (en) * 1996-12-19 2006-08-23 松下電器産業株式会社 Push-on switch
CN1145993C (en) * 1998-12-22 2004-04-14 三菱电机株式会社 Switch, clock for switches, and method of fixing click for switches

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5898147A (en) * 1997-10-29 1999-04-27 C & K Components, Inc. Dual tact switch assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2803084B1 (en) 2002-04-19
EP1157398A1 (en) 2001-11-28
ES2226980T3 (en) 2005-04-01
CN1341265A (en) 2002-03-20
KR20010102408A (en) 2001-11-15
DE60014041D1 (en) 2004-10-28
CN1195310C (en) 2005-03-30
DE60014041T2 (en) 2005-10-06
US6501036B2 (en) 2002-12-31
FR2803084A1 (en) 2001-06-29
ATE277416T1 (en) 2004-10-15
US20020056627A1 (en) 2002-05-16
JP2003518717A (en) 2003-06-10
WO2001048770A1 (en) 2001-07-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1157398B1 (en) Sealed individual electric switch fixed by being interlocked on a circuit board
EP0041412B1 (en) Dispensing cap for a pressurised container, and corresponding combination
FR2803428A1 (en) SIDE OPERATION ELECTRIC SWITCH
FR2967291A1 (en) THIN ELECTRIC SWITCH
EP1034554B1 (en) Touch-sensitive electric switch with several channels and single triggering element
EP0743663A1 (en) Electric switch for sideways operation
FR2596923A1 (en) CONNECTOR FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT SUPPORT
EP0845718B1 (en) Electric switching means on a printed circuit board and watch comprising such a switch
FR2849953A1 (en) SWITCHING DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED LIGHT SOURCE.
EP0040130B1 (en) Electric switch with vertical push-button
EP2259366B1 (en) Electrical device with automatic triggering by lifting.
EP0926080B1 (en) Container with automatic straw delivery device
FR3084514A1 (en) ELECTRIC SWITCH WITH TACTILE EFFECT WITH AXIAL POSITIONING OF THE OPERATION SECTION OF THE FLEXIBLE ACTUATOR
FR2633772A1 (en) CIRCUIT BREAKER HANDLE IN MOLDED HOUSING FOR AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY
FR2957187A1 (en) DOUBLE-ACTING TOUCH-EFFECT ELECTRIC SWITCH
FR2537093A1 (en) Case with push button control
EP0810838B1 (en) Cooking utensil having a ring-shaped handle
EP0669696B1 (en) Modular supply and control assembly for an alternator of a vehicle
FR2864691A1 (en) ELECTRIC LIGHT SWITCH WITH TOUCH EFFECT
EP1248277A1 (en) Electromagnetic tripdevice having an elastically socket mounted electromagnetic circuit and an electromagnetic tripdevice having a floating coil
WO1984000247A1 (en) Keyboard with depressable keys
EP0926770B1 (en) Perpendicular fitting connecting device, sealed connector with secured double lock
FR2735276A1 (en) Electrical tactile switch with curved flexible connecting metal leaf e.g. for mounting on IC of electronic device
FR2545976A1 (en) Sealed switch with cup-shaped housing
FR3084513A1 (en) TOUCH ACTUATOR SWITCH WITH FLEXIBLE ACTUATOR

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20010807

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20031009

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

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

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20040922

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040922

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040922

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040922

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040922

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040922

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040922

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040922

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: SCHMAUDER & PARTNER AG PATENTANWALTSBUERO

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: FRENCH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60014041

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20041028

Kind code of ref document: P

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

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041222

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041222

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041222

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20041222

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

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20041231

Ref country code: MC

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

Effective date: 20041231

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

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20050110

Year of fee payment: 5

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20040922

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2226980

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

GBV Gb: ep patent (uk) treated as always having been void in accordance with gb section 77(7)/1977 [no translation filed]

Effective date: 20040922

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: ITT MFG ENTERPRISES, INC.

Effective date: 20041231

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

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

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20050623

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

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20051223

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20051223

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: *ITT MFG ENTERPRISES INC.

Effective date: 20041231

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

Ref country code: PT

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

Effective date: 20050222

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PUE

Owner name: COACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Free format text: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES, INC.#1105 NORTH MARKET STREET, SUITE 1217#WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19801 (US) -TRANSFER TO- COACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.#15 RIVERDALE AVENUE#NEWTON, MA 02458 (US)

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

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

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20081229

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20090202

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PCAR

Free format text: SCHMAUDER & PARTNER AG PATENT- UND MARKENANWAELTE VSP;ZWAENGIWEG 7;8038 ZUERICH (CH)

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20081217

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20100831

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

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20091231

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20091231

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20091231

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

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20100701