EP1170764B1 - Push switch - Google Patents

Push switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1170764B1
EP1170764B1 EP01410084A EP01410084A EP1170764B1 EP 1170764 B1 EP1170764 B1 EP 1170764B1 EP 01410084 A EP01410084 A EP 01410084A EP 01410084 A EP01410084 A EP 01410084A EP 1170764 B1 EP1170764 B1 EP 1170764B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
push
button according
operating means
blade
button
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
EP01410084A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1170764A1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Traversaz
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.)
Mafelec SAS
Original Assignee
Mafelec SAS
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 Mafelec SAS filed Critical Mafelec SAS
Publication of EP1170764A1 publication Critical patent/EP1170764A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1170764B1 publication Critical patent/EP1170764B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • 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
    • H01H3/122—Push-buttons with enlarged actuating area, e.g. of the elongated bar-type; Stabilising means therefor

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a push button comprising a body forming a support, a movable control member having a fixed position of rest and at least one actuated position, and an electrical contact device intended to be actuated by a change of position of said body member. ordered.
  • a push button of the state of the art has a body in which a movable member slides to actuate an electrical contact.
  • a return spring disposed in the body between the movable member and the bottom of said body pushes or keeps the movable member in a fixed position.
  • the movable member acts directly on the electrical contact when said member is at the end of the stroke.
  • the pushers of the state of the art have a good functioning as the control member is generally circular in shape and small diameter. As soon as the surface of the control member requires a larger surface.
  • the push buttons made according to known embodiments must have high depths to ensure good sliding of the control member without risk of blockage. Thus, too much depth is not appropriate for installations requiring a reduced volume.
  • the object of the invention is a push button allowing a large surface area of the control member and an effective action on the entire surface of said control member.
  • a push button comprises a body forming a support, a movable control member having a fixed rest position and at least one actuated position, and an electrical contact device intended to be actuated by a change of position of said body.
  • control device via actuating means having at least one end intended to act on said electrical contact device, the actuating means having at least one support on the body and comprising at least one flexible blade arranged substantially parallel to to a front face of the control member and terminated by the end, and the movable control member having a bearing portion for pressing the blade or blades of said actuating means between said support on the body and said end.
  • the actuating means comprise at least one flexible blade disposed substantially parallel to a front face of the control member.
  • the actuating means comprise at least three flexible blades secured by a mechanical connection intended to bear on the body, the flexible blades having ends oriented towards the center of the circular portion to act on the contact device.
  • the end of the flexible blades is curved opposite to the electrical contact device.
  • the flexible blades have a shape capable of causing a tactile effect and a predetermined sound effect.
  • control member comprises an outer flange bearing on the support and allowing a tilting of said control member.
  • the movable control member comprises at least one protuberance disposed on a face opposite to a front face to press on at least one blade of the actuating means.
  • the protuberance has a substantially circular shape to allow the control member to press at least one blade of the actuating means regardless of its position with respect to the body forming a support.
  • a push button comprises means for preventing the rotation of the control member along an axis perpendicular to the front face of said control member.
  • At least one flexible blade of the actuating means is a leaf spring for pushing the control member into its rest position.
  • At least one flexible blade of the actuating means is a blade made of metallic material.
  • At least one flexible blade of the actuating means is a plastic blade integral with the body forming a support.
  • control member comprises a front face key having an area greater than 15 square centimeters.
  • control member comprises a front face button of circular shape with a diameter greater than 30 mm.
  • a push button according to a particular embodiment of the invention comprises light signaling means.
  • the pushbutton shown in FIG. 1 comprises a body 1 forming a support, a control member 2 intended to act on an electrical contact device 3.
  • the control member 2 is pushed back into a rest position by a helical spring 4 which bears on the bottom of the body 1. An action on the control member compresses the spring and allows said member to control the electrical contact 3.
  • Such push buttons of the state of the art do not allow thin bodies or control members having a large surface and a possibility of support on the entire surface.
  • an actuating device 5 has at least one support 6 on the body and at least one end 7 intended to act on the electrical contact device 3
  • the control member 2 comprises a support portion 8 for pressing the actuating device 5 between the bearing on the body 6 and the end 7.
  • the portion 8 disposed on a face opposite to the front face may be a protuberance in the form of a lug.
  • the protuberance 8 may be circular in shape.
  • the member 2 has a key 9 front face having a large surface on the front to make it easily accessible by a user.
  • the surface of the front panel key 9 may be greater than 15 square centimeters.
  • a flange 10 allows said control member to swing over its entire contour.
  • the actuating device comprises at least one flexible blade 11 arranged substantially parallel with respect to a front face or a front face key 9 of the control member 2.
  • An end 12 of the flexible blade 11 for acting on the electrical contact device 3 is oriented towards the center of the push button.
  • Another end 13 of the blade is directed towards the body of the push button to perform the support 6.
  • the end 12 of the flexible blade 11 is bent in opposition to said electrical contact device.
  • the actuating device comprises a mechanical connection 14 for pressing 6 on the body.
  • At least one flexible blade is to maintain the control member in a rest position.
  • at least one blade is a leaf spring to push the control member in its opposite position to the bottom of the body.
  • an actuating device comprises at least three flexible blades 11 to ensure a substantially uniform feel over the entire surface of the front face of the control member.
  • an actuating device comprises four flexible blades 11 connected by a mechanical connection 14 of circular shape.
  • support portions 8 are arranged substantially in the middle of the flexible blades.
  • these support parts closer to the center or to the contrary to the outside to have a different feel, for example a stroke or a different hardness.
  • a tactile effect and a sound effect may also take into account the characteristics of the electrical contact device 3.
  • Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a push button according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • the body 1 has a substantially square outer shape 15 and an inner housing 16 of circular shape.
  • the electrical breaking device 3 is arranged on a printed circuit intended to be held at the bottom of the body by flexible tongues provided with hooking lugs.
  • an optional seal 18 is disposed on a base of the body.
  • An actuating device 5 comprising tabs 11 and a mechanical connection 14 introduced into the circular inner part of the body. Maintaining advances 19 secured to the mechanical connection 14 allow to position the device 5 in the body without the risk of damaging the tabs.
  • the control member is circular in shape with an outer portion forming a front face key 9.
  • the front face button of circular shape has a diameter greater than 30 mm, for example 50 mm.
  • the control member 2 comprises an outer flange 10 bearing on the support and allowing a tilting of said control member.
  • the flange is disposed on the circular contour of the member 2.
  • the front face of the control member may include an opening 20 for viewing a light indicator. This opening 20 can be plugged by a plug 21 of the same color as the key or by a cap 21 translucent to let the light of a light.
  • the pushbutton comprises means for preventing the rotation of the control member along an axis perpendicular to the front face. of said control member.
  • These means can take the form of notches 26 on the control member. They can also provide a keying function.
  • a plastron 22 of substantially square shape may be disposed on the body, it surrounds the control member.
  • Figures 5 and 6 show the same embodiment as that of Figure 4.
  • the push button has a different shape.
  • the body 1 has a substantially circular outer shape 23, and an inner housing 16 and a plastron 22 are also substantially circular shapes.
  • the push button comprises a fixing device 24 for holding it or fixing it on a support.
  • the push button has a second key 25 for acting on a first key 9.
  • the first key 9 acts directly on the actuating device 5 and the second key acts on the first.
  • the second key can be interchangeable or of various shape depending on the function assigned to it, especially during the installation of the push button.
  • the movable control member comprises at least one protuberance 8 disposed on a face opposite a front face to press on at least one blade of the actuating device.
  • the protuberance has a substantially circular shape to allow the control member to press on at least one blade of the actuating device regardless of its position with respect to the body forming a support.
  • blades of the actuating device are substantially parallel to the surface touch 9.
  • blades may have ends acting on the electrical contact device further away from the front face of a key than points of support on the body which will then be closer to said front face of the key.
  • the blades of the actuator may be metal or other materials that can form a leaf spring.
  • the blades may be of plastic material and be part of the body 1 forming a support.
  • the body 1 is made, for example, of rigid plastic material.
  • the blades of the same actuating device may have different lengths, in particular to be adapted to particular key shapes.
  • the keys can have various shapes. They can be in particular circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, or other shapes.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
  • Switches Operated By Changes In Physical Conditions (AREA)
  • Braking Systems And Boosters (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

The push button construction has a support section (1), mobile command unit (2) and contact mechanism (3). The push button (8) has a driver mechanism (5) pushing the body (7) acting on the electrical contact mechanisms. The drive mechanism has a flexible strip (11) parallel to the front face.

Description

L'invention concerne un bouton poussoir comportant un corps formant un support, un organe de commande mobile ayant une position fixe de repos et au moins une position actionnée, et un dispositif de contact électrique destiné à être actionné par un changement de position dudit organe de commande.The invention relates to a push button comprising a body forming a support, a movable control member having a fixed position of rest and at least one actuated position, and an electrical contact device intended to be actuated by a change of position of said body member. ordered.

Un bouton poussoir de l'état de l'art comporte un corps dans lequel un organe mobile coulisse pour actionner un contact électrique. De manière connue, un ressort de rappel disposé dans le corps entre l'organe mobile et le fond dudit corps repousse ou maintient l'organe mobile dans une position fixe. Généralement, l'organe mobile agit directement sur le contact électrique lorsque ledit organe est en fin de course. De tels boutons poussoirs sont décrit dans les demandes de brevets EP0605132 et EP0567357.A push button of the state of the art has a body in which a movable member slides to actuate an electrical contact. In known manner, a return spring disposed in the body between the movable member and the bottom of said body pushes or keeps the movable member in a fixed position. Generally, the movable member acts directly on the electrical contact when said member is at the end of the stroke. Such push buttons are described in patent applications EP0605132 and EP0567357.

Les poussoirs de l'état de la technique ont un bon fonctionnement tant que l'organe de commande est généralement de forme circulaire et de faible diamètre. Dès que la surface de l'organe de commande nécessite une surface plus grande. Les boutons poussoirs réalisés selon des modes de réalisation connus doivent avoir des profondeurs élevées pour assurer un bon coulissement de l'organe de commande sans risque de blocage. Ainsi, une profondeur trop importante n'est pas appropriée pour des installations nécessitant un volume réduit.The pushers of the state of the art have a good functioning as the control member is generally circular in shape and small diameter. As soon as the surface of the control member requires a larger surface. The push buttons made according to known embodiments must have high depths to ensure good sliding of the control member without risk of blockage. Thus, too much depth is not appropriate for installations requiring a reduced volume.

De plus, avec des boutons poussoirs de l'état de la technique, lorsque la surface de l'organe de commande doit être grande, la possibilité de commande n'est pas sensiblement uniforme sur toute la surface. Souvent il faut appuyer au centre de l'organe de commande pour actionner le bouton poussoir, les actions sur le bord étant difficiles ou sans effet. Il existe des boutons poussoirs de larges dimensions qui ont des organes de commande à bascule pivotant sur un coté. Dans ce cas aussi, il est nécessaire d'appuyer à l'opposé du coté du pivotement pour actionner le bouton poussoir, toute action du coté du pivotement est sans effet.In addition, with push buttons of the state of the art, when the surface of the control member must be large, the possibility of control is not substantially uniform over the entire surface. Often it is necessary to press the center of the control member to actuate the push button, the actions on the edge being difficult or without effect. There are push buttons of large dimensions that have rocker controls pivoting on one side. In this case too, it is necessary to press the opposite side of the pivoting to actuate the push button, any action on the side of the pivoting has no effect.

L'invention a pour but un bouton poussoir permettant une large surface de l'organe de commande et une action efficace sur toute la surface dudit organe de commande.The object of the invention is a push button allowing a large surface area of the control member and an effective action on the entire surface of said control member.

Un bouton poussoir selon l'invention comporte un corps formant un support, un organe de commande mobile ayant une position fixe de repos et au moins une position actionnée, et un dispositif de contact électrique destiné à être actionné par un changement de position du dit organe de commande via des moyens d'actionnement ayant au moins une extrémité destinée à agir sur ledit dispositif de contact électrique, les moyens d'actionnement ayant au moins un appui sur le corps et comportant au moins une lame flexible disposée de façon sensiblement parallèle par rapport à une face avant de l'organe de commande et terminée par l'extrémité, et l'organe de commande mobile comportant une partie d'appui pour appuyer sur la ou les lames des dits moyens d'actionnement entre ledit appui sur le corps et ladite extrémité.A push button according to the invention comprises a body forming a support, a movable control member having a fixed rest position and at least one actuated position, and an electrical contact device intended to be actuated by a change of position of said body. control device via actuating means having at least one end intended to act on said electrical contact device, the actuating means having at least one support on the body and comprising at least one flexible blade arranged substantially parallel to to a front face of the control member and terminated by the end, and the movable control member having a bearing portion for pressing the blade or blades of said actuating means between said support on the body and said end.

Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, les moyens d'actionnement comportent au moins une lame flexible disposée de façon sensiblement parallèle par rapport à une face avant de l'organe de commande.In a particular embodiment, the actuating means comprise at least one flexible blade disposed substantially parallel to a front face of the control member.

Dans un mode de réalisation préférentiel, les moyens d'actionnement comportent au moins trois lames flexibles solidarisées par une liaison mécanique destinée à faire un appui sur le corps, les lames flexibles ayant des extrémités orientées vers le centre de la partie circulaire pour agir sur le dispositif de contact.In a preferred embodiment, the actuating means comprise at least three flexible blades secured by a mechanical connection intended to bear on the body, the flexible blades having ends oriented towards the center of the circular portion to act on the contact device.

Avantageusement, l'extrémité des lames flexibles est recourbée de façon opposée au dispositif de contact électrique.Advantageously, the end of the flexible blades is curved opposite to the electrical contact device.

De préférence, les lames flexibles ont une forme apte à provoquer un effet tactile et un effet sonore prédéterminé.Preferably, the flexible blades have a shape capable of causing a tactile effect and a predetermined sound effect.

Avantageusement, l'organe de commande comporte une collerette extérieure faisant appui sur le support et permettant un basculement dudit organe de commande.Advantageously, the control member comprises an outer flange bearing on the support and allowing a tilting of said control member.

Avantageusement, l'organe de commande mobile comporte au moins une protubérance disposée sur une face opposée à une face avant pour appuyer sur au moins une lame des moyens d'actionnement.Advantageously, the movable control member comprises at least one protuberance disposed on a face opposite to a front face to press on at least one blade of the actuating means.

De préférence, la protubérance a une forme sensiblement circulaire pour permettre à l'organe de commande d'appuyer sur au moins une lame des moyens d'actionnement quelle que soit sa position vis à vis du corps formant un support.Preferably, the protuberance has a substantially circular shape to allow the control member to press at least one blade of the actuating means regardless of its position with respect to the body forming a support.

Un bouton poussoir selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention comporte des moyens pour éviter la rotation de l'organe de commande selon un axe perpendiculaire à la face avant dudit organe de commande.A push button according to a particular embodiment of the invention comprises means for preventing the rotation of the control member along an axis perpendicular to the front face of said control member.

Avantageusement, au moins une lame flexible des moyens d'actionnement est une lame de ressort permettant de repousser l'organe de commande dans sa position de repos.Advantageously, at least one flexible blade of the actuating means is a leaf spring for pushing the control member into its rest position.

Selon une première variante, au moins une lame flexible des moyens d'actionnement est une lame réalisée en matériau métallique.According to a first variant, at least one flexible blade of the actuating means is a blade made of metallic material.

Selon une seconde variante, au moins une lame flexible des moyens d'actionnement est une lame en matière plastique solidaire du corps formant un support.According to a second variant, at least one flexible blade of the actuating means is a plastic blade integral with the body forming a support.

De préférence, l'organe de commande comporte une touche de face avant ayant une surface supérieure à 15 centimètres carrés.Preferably, the control member comprises a front face key having an area greater than 15 square centimeters.

De préférence, l'organe de commande comporte une touche de face avant de forme circulaire de diamètre supérieur à 30 mm.Preferably, the control member comprises a front face button of circular shape with a diameter greater than 30 mm.

Un bouton poussoir selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention comporte des moyens de signalisation lumineux.A push button according to a particular embodiment of the invention comprises light signaling means.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques ressortiront plus clairement de la description qui va suivre, de modes particuliers de réalisation de l'invention, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, et représentés aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue d'un bouton poussoir de l'art antérieur ;
  • la figure 2 représente un schéma mécanique d'un bouton poussoir selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 représente un dispositif d'actionnement d'un bouton poussoir selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 représente une vue éclatée d'un bouton poussoir selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 représente une vue en coupe d'un bouton poussoir selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention représenté sur la figure 4 ;
  • la figure 6 représente une vue de face d'un bouton poussoir selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention représenté sur la figure 4 ;
  • la figure 7 représente une vue éclatée d'un bouton poussoir selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention.
Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, and represented in the accompanying drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 shows a view of a push button of the prior art;
  • FIG. 2 represents a mechanical diagram of a push button according to one embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 3 represents a device for actuating a push button according to one embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 4 represents an exploded view of a push button according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a push button according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4;
  • Figure 6 shows a front view of a push button according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4;
  • Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a push button according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Le bouton poussoir représenté sur la figure 1 comporte un corps 1 formant un support, un organe de commande 2 destiné à agir sur un dispositif de contact électrique 3. L'organe de commande 2 est repousser dans une position de repos par un ressort hélicoïdal 4 qui appui sur le fond du corps 1. Une action sur l'organe de commande comprime le ressort et permet audit organe de commander le contact électrique 3.The pushbutton shown in FIG. 1 comprises a body 1 forming a support, a control member 2 intended to act on an electrical contact device 3. The control member 2 is pushed back into a rest position by a helical spring 4 which bears on the bottom of the body 1. An action on the control member compresses the spring and allows said member to control the electrical contact 3.

De tels boutons poussoir de l'état de la technique ne permettent pas des corps de faible épaisseur ni des organes de commande ayant une grande surface et une possibilité d'appui sur toute la surface.Such push buttons of the state of the art do not allow thin bodies or control members having a large surface and a possibility of support on the entire surface.

Dans un bouton poussoir selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention représenté sur la figure 2, un dispositif d'actionnement 5 a au moins un appui 6 sur le corps et au moins une extrémité 7 destinée à agir sur le dispositif de contact électrique 3. L'organe de commande 2 comporte une partie 8 d'appui pour appuyer sur le dispositif d'actionnement 5 entre l'appui sur le corps 6 et l'extrémité 7.In a pushbutton according to an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, an actuating device 5 has at least one support 6 on the body and at least one end 7 intended to act on the electrical contact device 3 The control member 2 comprises a support portion 8 for pressing the actuating device 5 between the bearing on the body 6 and the end 7.

La partie 8 disposée sur une face opposée à la face avant peut être une protubérance sous la forme d'un ergot. Dans un autre mode réalisation la protubérance 8 peut être de forme circulaire.The portion 8 disposed on a face opposite to the front face may be a protuberance in the form of a lug. In another embodiment, the protuberance 8 may be circular in shape.

Avantageusement, l'organe 2 dispose d'une touche 9 de face avant ayant une grande surface en face avant pour le rendre facilement accessible par un utilisateur. Par exemple, La surface de la touche 9 de face avant peut être supérieure à 15 centimètres carrés.Advantageously, the member 2 has a key 9 front face having a large surface on the front to make it easily accessible by a user. For example, the surface of the front panel key 9 may be greater than 15 square centimeters.

Sur la partie extérieure de l'organe 2, une collerette 10 permet audit organe de commande de basculer sur tout son contour.On the outside of the member 2, a flange 10 allows said control member to swing over its entire contour.

Dans le mode réalisation de la figure 2, le dispositif d'actionnement comporte au moins une lame flexible 11 disposée de façon sensiblement parallèle par rapport à une face avant ou une touche de face avant 9 de l'organe de commande 2. Une extrémité 12 de la lame flexible 11 destinée à agir sur le dispositif de contact électrique 3 est orientée vers le centre du bouton poussoir. Une autre extrémité 13 de la lame est dirigée vers le corps du bouton poussoir pour effectuer l'appui 6.In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the actuating device comprises at least one flexible blade 11 arranged substantially parallel with respect to a front face or a front face key 9 of the control member 2. An end 12 of the flexible blade 11 for acting on the electrical contact device 3 is oriented towards the center of the push button. Another end 13 of the blade is directed towards the body of the push button to perform the support 6.

Afin d'éviter l'usure du dispositif de contact électrique, l'extrémité 12 de la lame flexible 11 est recourbée de façon opposée audit dispositif de contact électrique.In order to avoid wear of the electrical contact device, the end 12 of the flexible blade 11 is bent in opposition to said electrical contact device.

Pour solidariser des lames flexibles, le dispositif d'actionnement comporte une liaison mécanique 14 destinée à faire un appui 6 sur le corps.To secure flexible blades, the actuating device comprises a mechanical connection 14 for pressing 6 on the body.

Une autre fonction d'au moins une lame flexible est de maintenir l'organe de commande dans une position de repos. Ainsi dans un mode réalisation au moins une lame est une lame de ressort permettant de repousser l'organe de commande dans sa position opposée au fond du corps.Another function of at least one flexible blade is to maintain the control member in a rest position. Thus in one embodiment at least one blade is a leaf spring to push the control member in its opposite position to the bottom of the body.

Avantageusement, un dispositif d'actionnement comporte au moins trois lames flexibles 11 pour assurer un toucher sensiblement uniforme sur toute la surface de la face avant de l'organe de commande. Sur la figure 3, un dispositif d'actionnement comporte quatre lames flexibles 11 reliées par une liaison mécanique 14 de forme circulaire. Sur cette figure des parties 8 d'appui sont disposées sensiblement au milieu des lames flexibles. Cependant, il est possible de disposer ces parties d'appui plus prés du centre ou au contraire vers l'extérieur pour avoir un toucher différent, par exemple une course ou une dureté différente. Selon la forme des lames flexibles il est possible de prédéterminer aussi un effet tactile et un effet sonore. Ces effets peuvent aussi tenir compte des caractéristiques du dispositif de contact électrique 3.Advantageously, an actuating device comprises at least three flexible blades 11 to ensure a substantially uniform feel over the entire surface of the front face of the control member. In Figure 3, an actuating device comprises four flexible blades 11 connected by a mechanical connection 14 of circular shape. In this figure support portions 8 are arranged substantially in the middle of the flexible blades. However, it is possible to have these support parts closer to the center or to the contrary to the outside to have a different feel, for example a stroke or a different hardness. Depending on the shape of the flexible blades it is possible to predetermine also a tactile effect and a sound effect. These effects may also take into account the characteristics of the electrical contact device 3.

La figure 4, montre une vue éclatée d'un bouton poussoir selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention. Sur cette vue, le corps 1 a une forme extérieure 15 sensiblement carrée et un logement intérieur 16 de forme circulaire. Le dispositif de coupure électrique 3 est disposés sur un circuit imprimé destiné à être maintenu au fond du corps par des languettes flexibles munies d'ergots d'accrochage. Dans des boutons poussoirs de type étanche un joint d'étanchéité 18 optionnel est disposé sur une base du corps.Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a push button according to one embodiment of the invention. In this view, the body 1 has a substantially square outer shape 15 and an inner housing 16 of circular shape. The electrical breaking device 3 is arranged on a printed circuit intended to be held at the bottom of the body by flexible tongues provided with hooking lugs. In watertight pushbuttons an optional seal 18 is disposed on a base of the body.

Un dispositif d'actionnement 5 comprenant des languettes 11 et une liaison mécanique 14 introduite dans la partie intérieure circulaire du corps. Des avancées de maintien 19 solidaires de la liaison mécanique 14 permettent de positionner le dispositif 5 dans le corps sans risquer d'abîmer les languettes. L'organe de commande est de forme circulaire avec une partie extérieure formant une touche de face avant 9. Avantageusement, la touche de face avant de forme circulaire a un diamètre supérieur à 30 mm, par exemple 50 mm.An actuating device 5 comprising tabs 11 and a mechanical connection 14 introduced into the circular inner part of the body. Maintaining advances 19 secured to the mechanical connection 14 allow to position the device 5 in the body without the risk of damaging the tabs. The control member is circular in shape with an outer portion forming a front face key 9. Advantageously, the front face button of circular shape has a diameter greater than 30 mm, for example 50 mm.

L'organe de commande 2 comporte une collerette extérieure 10 faisant appui sur le support et permettant un basculement dudit organe de commande. Dans ce mode de réalisation la collerette est disposée sur le contour circulaire de l'organe 2. La face avant de l'organe de commande peut comporter une ouverture 20 pour la visualisation d'un voyant lumineux. Cette ouverture 20 peut être bouchée par un bouchon 21 de même couleur que la touche ou par un bouchon 21 translucide pour laisser passer la lumière d'un voyant.The control member 2 comprises an outer flange 10 bearing on the support and allowing a tilting of said control member. In this embodiment the flange is disposed on the circular contour of the member 2. The front face of the control member may include an opening 20 for viewing a light indicator. This opening 20 can be plugged by a plug 21 of the same color as the key or by a cap 21 translucent to let the light of a light.

Pour éviter que l'orifice 20 se décale par rapport à un voyant ou que des inscriptions sur la touche ne soient pas en place le bouton poussoir comporte des moyens pour éviter la rotation de l'organe de commande selon un axe perpendiculaire à la face avant dudit organe de commande. Ces moyens peuvent prendre la forme d'encoches 26 sur l'organe de commande. Ils peuvent aussi assurer une fonction de détrompeur.In order to prevent the orifice 20 from shifting with respect to a warning light, or when the keycaps are not in place, the pushbutton comprises means for preventing the rotation of the control member along an axis perpendicular to the front face. of said control member. These means can take the form of notches 26 on the control member. They can also provide a keying function.

Sur la figure 4 un plastron 22 de forme sensiblement carrée peut être disposé sur le corps, il entoure l'organe de commande. Les figures 5 et 6 montrent le même mode de réalisation que celui de la figure 4.In Figure 4 a plastron 22 of substantially square shape may be disposed on the body, it surrounds the control member. Figures 5 and 6 show the same embodiment as that of Figure 4.

Sur la figure 7, le bouton poussoir a une forme différente. Sur cette vue, le corps 1 a une forme extérieure 23 sensiblement circulaire, et un logement intérieur 16 et un plastron 22 sont aussi de formes sensiblement circulaires. Dans ce mode de réalisation, le bouton poussoir comporte un dispositif de fixation 24 pour le maintenir ou le fixer sur un support. Sur cette figure, le bouton poussoir comporte une seconde touche 25 destinée à agir sur une première touche 9. Dans ce cas, la première touche 9 agit directement sur le dispositif d'actionnement 5 et la seconde touche agit sur la première. La seconde touche peut être interchangeable ou de forme diverse dépendant de la fonction qui lui est attribuée, notamment lors de l'installation du bouton poussoir.In Figure 7, the push button has a different shape. In this view, the body 1 has a substantially circular outer shape 23, and an inner housing 16 and a plastron 22 are also substantially circular shapes. In this embodiment, the push button comprises a fixing device 24 for holding it or fixing it on a support. In this figure, the push button has a second key 25 for acting on a first key 9. In this case, the first key 9 acts directly on the actuating device 5 and the second key acts on the first. The second key can be interchangeable or of various shape depending on the function assigned to it, especially during the installation of the push button.

Pour agir sur le dispositif d'actionnement, l'organe de commande mobile comporte au moins une protubérance 8 disposée sur une face opposée à une face avant pour appuyer sur au moins une lame du dispositif d'actionnement. Avantageusement, la protubérance a une forme sensiblement circulaire pour permettre à l'organe de commande d'appuyer sur au moins une lame du dispositif d'actionnement quelle que soit sa position vis à vis du corps formant un support.To act on the actuating device, the movable control member comprises at least one protuberance 8 disposed on a face opposite a front face to press on at least one blade of the actuating device. Advantageously, the protuberance has a substantially circular shape to allow the control member to press on at least one blade of the actuating device regardless of its position with respect to the body forming a support.

Dans les modes de réalisation décrits ci-dessus la position des lames du dispositif d'actionnement sont sensiblement parallèles à la surface touche 9. Cependant, il est possible dans d'autres modes de réalisation de l'invention, d'avoir des dispositions différentes des lames. Par exemple, des lames peuvent avoir des extrémités agissant sur le dispositif contact électrique plus éloignées de la face avant d'une touche que des points d'appui sur le corps qui seront alors plus proches de ladite face avant de la touche.In the embodiments described above the position of the blades of the actuating device are substantially parallel to the surface touch 9. However, it is possible in other embodiments of the invention, to have different provisions blades. For example, blades may have ends acting on the electrical contact device further away from the front face of a key than points of support on the body which will then be closer to said front face of the key.

Les lames du dispositif d'actionnement peuvent être métalliques ou en d'autres matériaux pouvant former un ressort à lame. Par exemple, les lames peuvent être en matériaux plastique et faire partie du corps 1 formant support. Dans ce cas, le corps 1 est réalisé, par exemple, en matière plastique rigide.The blades of the actuator may be metal or other materials that can form a leaf spring. For example, the blades may be of plastic material and be part of the body 1 forming a support. In this case, the body 1 is made, for example, of rigid plastic material.

Les lames d'un même dispositif d'actionnement peuvent avoir des longueurs différentes, notamment pour être adaptées à des formes de touches particulières.The blades of the same actuating device may have different lengths, in particular to be adapted to particular key shapes.

Les touches peuvent avoir des formes diverses. Elles peuvent être notamment de forme circulaire, elliptique, carrée, rectangulaire, triangulaire, ou d'autres formes.The keys can have various shapes. They can be in particular circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, or other shapes.

Claims (14)

  1. Push-button comprising a body (1) forming a support, a movable operating means (2) having a fixed rest position and at least one actuated position, and an electric contact device (3) designed to be actuated by a position change of said operating means via actuating means having at least one end (7, 12) designed to act on said electric contact device (3),
    said push-button being characterized in that the actuating means (5) have at least one part pressing on the body (6) and comprise at least one flexible blade (11) arranged substantially parallel with respect to a front face (9) of the operating means and terminated by the end (7, 12), and that the movable operating means (2) comprise a part pressing (8) to press on the blade(s) of said actuating means (5) between said part pressing on the body (8) and said end (7, 12).
  2. Push-button according to claim 1 characterized in that the actuating means comprise at least three flexible blades (11) fixedly secured by a mechanical connection (14) designed to press (8) on the body (1), the flexible blades having ends (7, 12) facing the centre of the circular part to act on the contact device (3).
  3. Push-button according to one of the claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the end of the flexible blades (7, 12) is curved in opposite manner to the electric contact device (3).
  4. Push-button according to any one of the claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the flexible blades (11) have a shape designed to produce a predetermined tactile effect and sound effect..
  5. Push-button according to any one of the claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the operating means (2) comprise an external rim pressing on the support and enabling rocking of said operating means.
  6. Push-button according to any one of the claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the movable operating means (2) comprise at least one protuberance (8) arranged on a face opposite a front face (9) to press on at least one blade (11) of the means (5).
  7. Push-button according to claim 6 characterized in that the protuberance (8) has a substantially circular shape to enable the operating means to press on at least one blade (11) of the actuating means (5) whatever its position with respect to the body (1) forming a support.
  8. Push-button according to any one of the claims 1 to 7 characterized in that it comprises means (26) for preventing rotation of the operating means along an axis perpendicular to the front face of said operating means.
  9. Push-button according to any one of the claims 1 to 8 characterized in that at least one flexible blade (11) of the actuating means (5) is a spring leaf enabling the operating means (2) to be repelled to its rest position.
  10. Push-button according to any one of the claims 1 to 9 characterized in that at least one flexible blade (11) of the actuating means (5) is a blade made of metallic material.
  11. Push-button according to any one of the claims 1 to 10 characterized in that at least one flexible blade (11) of the actuating means (5) is a blade made of plastic material integral to the body (1) forming a support.
  12. Push-button according to any one of the claims 1 to 11 characterized in that the operating means comprise a button on the front panel (9) having a surface of more than 15 square centimetres (cm2).
  13. Push-button according to any one of the claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the operating means comprise a circular-shaped button on the front panel (9) having a diameter of more than 30 mm.
  14. Push-button according to any one of the claims 1 to 13 characterized in that it comprises luminous indicating means (20, 21).
EP01410084A 2000-07-06 2001-07-05 Push switch Expired - Lifetime EP1170764B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0008783A FR2811468B1 (en) 2000-07-06 2000-07-06 PUSHBUTTON
FR0008783 2000-07-06

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1170764A1 EP1170764A1 (en) 2002-01-09
EP1170764B1 true EP1170764B1 (en) 2006-12-20

Family

ID=8852167

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01410084A Expired - Lifetime EP1170764B1 (en) 2000-07-06 2001-07-05 Push switch

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1170764B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE349065T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60125284T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2811468B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2931584B1 (en) * 2008-05-22 2010-09-24 Mafelec SOUND BUTTON

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5852981Y2 (en) * 1979-08-10 1983-12-02 松下電器産業株式会社 push-on switch
DE3112328A1 (en) * 1981-03-28 1982-10-07 Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart Push-button switch having a pushbutton in the form of a cap
US4385218A (en) * 1981-04-21 1983-05-24 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Electric switch
EP0417048A3 (en) * 1989-09-06 1992-01-08 Tschudin & Heid Ag Electrical switching arrangement with illuminating means
JP3794068B2 (en) * 1996-09-17 2006-07-05 松下電器産業株式会社 Push-on switch
DE19802292C1 (en) * 1998-01-22 1999-08-26 Rafi Gmbh & Co Kg Elektrotechn Push button

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE349065T1 (en) 2007-01-15
DE60125284D1 (en) 2007-02-01
DE60125284T2 (en) 2007-10-04
EP1170764A1 (en) 2002-01-09
FR2811468B1 (en) 2003-01-31
FR2811468A1 (en) 2002-01-11

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