EP1179828A1 - Illuminated push button with a plurality of independent light emitters, in particular for aeronautical use, and row module comprising such push buttons - Google Patents

Abstract

The multi message luminous button system has a button body (4) flexible mounted section (5) which is hollow and has a moving upper face (19). There is an etched mask (18) with messages. The inner see through sections (9) are divided up into sections (11,12) with a central opaque side section.

Description

The invention relates to illuminated keys, in especially the illuminated multi-message illuminated keys independent for equipment facades, in particular aeronautics or automobiles.

By message, we mean any type of pattern, type symbolic or alphanumeric, generally worn opposite before keys or buttons, indicating the function of the button, and if applicable, the status of the action (s) ordered by said key or said button.

The illuminated keys used for the equipment have several functions despite their small size, which contributes to the complexity of the keys currently encountered. Indeed, these keys must simultaneously provide electrical contact by pressure on a contactor installed on the front, and a information by means of luminous signage, making generally using a transparent front panel fitted with a cover in the form of the message, backlit by lighting inside.

On some keys, it is interesting to be able have at least two different light sources, in order to selectively illuminate two different messages or more, for example ON and OFF, ON being lit in green, and OFF in red. We will designate here this kind of keys by the term multi-message light button with independent lighting. The light sources can be the same color, or different colors.

We know keys with a base equipped with an electrical contactor and at least two sources of light, and having a push button next to the contactor and light sources, said protruding button the facade. We can for example refer to document US-A-3 093 718. This button consists of a button body rigid produced by injection, which body has internally a housing for a pusher provided with a spring, forming the elastic return means of the button and actuating the contactor. This button is closed on its front side by a label (called cylinder), comprising in transparency the two messages to clarify. The interior of the body of button is partitioned so that each light source illuminate one and only one message. The interior of the body button is usually painted white to favor the scattering of light. In addition, a joint seal is arranged around the button body to be clamped between the button body and the front.

Building such a touch calls for many parts, which makes the product expensive to manufacture and maintenance. Furthermore, the constitution of keypads on the same base is difficult. In furthermore, these keys are not perfectly waterproof, moisture that can infiltrate between the button body and the facade, despite the presence of the seal.

Document US-A-4,535,396 describes a push button similar in design to that of the previous push button, but done in a simpler way. It includes effect a partitioned cage in which are threaded two translucent blocks, the cage being inserted in a body between a cylinder and a diode support, all forming a rigid assembly linked to a return spring. In this arrangement, the translucent block only performs an optical function.

We also know keys comprising a button fully integrated with a support rim, to which it is connected by a flexible peripheral ligament forming the elastic return element. The electrical contact is obtained thanks to the presence of an inner central finger molding with the button and pressing a switch electric carried by the facade. To get keys light, we mold this type of button in a material translucent, then the exterior is painted black. The face front is then engraved or equipped with a cylinder, for example by collage. You get a very simple touch light. But unfortunately, it is not possible with these kind of keys to get independent lighting of several messages, due to the transparency of the material used, which would drive the different light sources indifferently towards the different messages carried by the front face, which would cause confusion in signage.

The state of the art is also illustrated by document JP-A-11 73838. This document describes a button pusher comprising a unitary element of flexible design, comprising a support rim and a touch body hollows connected by a peripheral ligament, the body being compartmentalized by a central partition. However, the body key is covered with a rigid cover, the presence of which is actually made necessary by the absence of a block translucent inside the button.

We can finally refer to document JP-A-01 211195 which describes a similar arrangement.

The invention aims to design a light touch multi-message with independent lighting, not presenting not the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations.

It is more particularly a light touch equipping an equipment facade, in particular an equipment aeronautical, comprising a support rim, and a hollow button body ending in a front face of maneuver covered with an engraved mask according to messages to illuminate, said touch body being linked to said edge of support by means of a peripheral ligament, said body, said ligament and said flange being formed so unitary in a flexible material. According to the invention, a block of translucent material, divided into blocks by at least an opaque partition substantially perpendicular to the face frontal, is embedded in the interior of the body to extend to the front operating side of the touch.

The translucent block of the aforementioned light button not only conducts light, but also stiffen the finger body which is flexible in design, which eliminates the need for rigid casing.

Thus, if the facade is equipped with two sources of different light, each block independently leads the light from one of the sources, each light path being separated from the other by the opaque partition. Each source can so illuminate a different message that is part of the mask common, each facing one of the paving stones.

Advantageously, the support flange is shaped to present a functional outgrowth seal protruding from the side of the facade. Thus, sealing is ensured without the need for it to use an attached seal.

According to a first embodiment of the key, the pavers are joined at the front face.

The opaque partition separates them, but the paving stones are always joined by a thin ligament caught between the partition and the mask. The cobblestones are like this more easily handled during the manufacture of the key, especially if more than two blocks are used. In addition, the aforementioned ligament strengthens the front face of the body button.

According to an alternative embodiment, the pavers are disjoint. A total optical separation is thus obtained of the two light paths, since the opaque partition can extend to the mask.

According to a first aspect, the mask is a label carrying transparent messages to enlighten.

It is therefore very easy to put the mask on the front panel, which produces bright touches undifferentiated and to particularize them by the label they wear.

In a second aspect, an opaque coating covers the operating face, leaving messages appear to be lit on the operating face.

Messages are easily obtained by processes laser engraving. These messages may, as appropriate be secret light off, or be made readable from day by means of a translucent paint.

For keys of the type with an inner finger operating an electrical contactor on the facade, the finger is advantageously carried by the opaque partition.

According to a first method of manufacturing the key, the paving stones are glued into the key body.

According to a second mode, the pavers are snapped in the key body.

According to a third mode, the finger body with its or its partitions, and the associated support ledge, came overmolding on the pavers, being made of a material opaque.

The invention also relates to a keypad luminous, consisting of a plurality of juxtaposed keys having at least one of the characteristics mentioned above, the support rim of said keys forming a peripheral support rim of said strip.

• la figure 1 est une coupe partielle en perspective d'un ensemble de façade équipé de touches lumineuses multi-messages selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe selon II-II d'une touche multi-messages à éclairages indépendants selon l'invention ;
• la figure 3 illustre en perspective une barrette de touches lumineuses formée de plusieurs touches juxtaposées du type précité.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of a particular non-limiting embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures of the appended drawings among which:

• Figure 1 is a partial sectional perspective of a front assembly equipped with multi-message light buttons according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a sectional view along II-II of a multi-message button with independent lighting according to the invention;
• FIG. 3 illustrates in perspective a strip of light keys formed by several juxtaposed keys of the aforementioned type.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, equipment 1 of the type computer or aeronautical control box is fitted with a facade 2 in which at least one orifice 3 to accommodate a body projecting from the facade key 4 parallelepiped forming, with a rim support 5, a key 6 according to the invention. The flange support 5 is sandwiched between equipment 1 properly says and its facade, so that this ledge 5 is immobilized between these two elements. The key body 4 is linked at the support rim 5 by a peripheral ligament or membrane flexible 7, acting as a spring to reposition the key body 4 after its operation. The touch body 4, the ligament 7 and the support flange 5 are made of unitarily in a flexible material.

This support flange 5 further has, projecting towards the front 2, a gasket 8, intended to prevent only moisture permeates under the facade 2. The joint 8 is in this case integral with the rim support 5, and therefore does not constitute a separate component as was the case with the previous keys. AT the inside of the key body is embedded a block 9 of translucent material, for example silicone, against a rim 10 inside the key body, said block 9 being separated into two blocks 11 and 12 by means of an opaque partition 13, separating the two blocks 11 and 12 over the entire dimension of the key body 4. The partition 13 thus separates the block 9 along the entire length of the key body 4. These blocks 11 and 12 participate in the structural rigidity of the body of button 4, which is made of flexible material. These blocks 11 and 12 can remain attached to each other by a thin ligament on the frontal side 19, as shown in Figure 2. The assembly pavers are thus easier to handle during manufacturing of the button, and the front side is reinforced. Alternatively, they can be completely independent. The variant with separate pavers has not been shown here.

These blocks 11, 12 are here retained in the body of touched by an internal peripheral rim 10, allowing the holding blocks 11,12 in the key body 4.

As a variant, these pavers 11, 12 can be glued in the key body 4.

In another variant, these pavers are molded 11,12 with an opaque material, for example silicone, to form the key directly around the paving stones. This last variant is particularly interesting to rationalize manufacturing, especially if you want to make keypads, as described later in reference to figure 3.

The blocks 11 and 12 each lead the light coming from two light sources 16 and 17 linked to equipment and located respectively behind the paving stones 11 and 12. These light sources can for example be light-emitting diodes (LEDs), controlled for light up according to a defined logic and established in equipment. The presence of the opaque partition 13 prevents that a light source assigned to a paver illuminates the paver adjacent. Each block therefore conducts the light of a only source.

If the two sources are different colors, you get a two-tone touch. Alternatively, we can get two different colors with two sources the same color, by tinting the pavers, or by equipping them with filters colored internal or external.

Pavers 11 and 12 extend to one side maneuvering front 19, or front face, for driving the light outside the light button 6. This front face 19 is covered with a mask 18. As we can see in Figure 1, these masks 18 let appear transparently two patterns for each light touch bi-messages, some of which correspond to a message readable such as (ON, OFF, CALL, STOP, MECH), others representing a symbolic motif (square, rectangle, or any other form), each one plumb with a paving stone. Each motif or message is therefore illuminated by a single source.

This mask 18 can consist of a label glued to the front face 19. As a variant, it is possible to manufacture this mask by covering the front face 19 with an opaque coating, then eliminating the part of this corresponding coating to the desired patterns or messages, for example by a laser engraving process.

The messages can be secret, that is to say that messages cannot be read during the day if they are not enlightened; alternatively, messages can be rendered readable by day using, for example, paint translucent.

The partition 13 carries a projecting finger 14 directed to the equipment, to activate an electrical contactor associated 15 secured to the equipment 1.

The arrangement of the interior of the key body is best seen in Figure 3, which presents a series of key body 52 grouped into a bar marked 50, comprising a peripheral peripheral flange 51, formed at from the support edges of the illuminated buttons as well juxtaposed. The peripheral seal (not visible in the figure) then guarantees overall tightness for the entire strip thus formed. It goes without saying that keys can be grouped according to any type of geometric arrangement, and in particular in table of keys.

We distinguish in Figure 3 the partition 13 separating blocks 11 and 12 over the entire length of each body of button 52, and bearing projecting from the support flange 51 a operating finger 14.

The invention is not limited to the particular mode of realization which has just been described, but on the contrary intends to cover any variant which, with resources equivalent, would reproduce the essential characteristics set out above.

In particular, the shape of the key is not limited to a parallelepiped, but can on the contrary take any type of shape, polygonal, circular or other.

We can also increase the number of partitions, and therefore the number of blocks, and therefore the number of messages. Finally, for example to make tri- or quad messages, the partition (s) are not necessarily rectilinear.

Claims (12)

Illuminated multi-message button with independent lighting fitted to an equipment facade, in particular aeronautical equipment, comprising a support flange (5), and a hollow key body (4) ending in a front operating face (19) covered with a mask (18) engraved according to messages to be illuminated, said key body (4) being linked to said support rim (5) by means of a peripheral ligament (7), said body, said ligament and said rim being produced in a unitary manner in a flexible material, characterized in that a block of translucent material (9) divided into blocks (11,12) by at least one opaque partition (13) substantially perpendicular to the front face (19) is embedded in the interior of the key body (4) to extend to the front operating face (19) of the key. Key according to claim 1, characterized in that the support flange (5) is shaped to have a peripheral protuberance (8) acting as a protruding seal on the side of the facade. Key according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the blocks (11,12) are contiguous at the level of the front face (19). Key according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the blocks (11,12) are separated. Key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mask (18) is a label carrying transparent messages to be illuminated. Key according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the mask (18) consists of an opaque coating covering the operating face (19), and letting appear on said operating face messages by light transmission. Key according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the messages are made legible by day by means of a translucent paint. Key according to one of the preceding claims, of the type comprising an inner finger (14) for operating an electrical contactor (15) of the equipment (1), characterized in that the finger (14) is carried by the partition opaque (13). Key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocks (11,12) are glued in the key body (4). Key according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the blocks (11,12) are snapped into the key body (4). Key according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the key body (4) with its opaque partition (s) (13) and the associated support flange (5), have come from overmolding on the blocks ( 11,12), being made of an opaque material. Strip of multi-message light keys with independent lighting, characterized in that it consists of a plurality of juxtaposed keys in accordance with at least one of claims 1 to 11, the support edges (5) of said keys forming a peripheral support rim (51) of said strip.

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