EP2141554A2 - Push-button - Google Patents

Push-button Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2141554A2
EP2141554A2 EP09164062A EP09164062A EP2141554A2 EP 2141554 A2 EP2141554 A2 EP 2141554A2 EP 09164062 A EP09164062 A EP 09164062A EP 09164062 A EP09164062 A EP 09164062A EP 2141554 A2 EP2141554 A2 EP 2141554A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spring
head
assembly according
push button
tube
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP09164062A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2141554A3 (en
Inventor
Dominique Girardin
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.)
Pibor Iso SA
Original Assignee
Pibor Iso SA
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 Pibor Iso SA filed Critical Pibor Iso SA
Publication of EP2141554A2 publication Critical patent/EP2141554A2/en
Publication of EP2141554A3 publication Critical patent/EP2141554A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G04B3/04—Rigidly-mounted keys, knobs or crowns
    • G04B3/048—Operation exclusively by axial movement of a push-button, e.g. for chronographs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G04B37/10—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits of winding stems
    • G04B37/106—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits of winding stems of push buttons

Definitions

  • Push buttons are well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a particular type of push button of the state the technique. This is a pusher intended to be housed in the bottom of a watch case and not in the middle, as is generally the case. Naturally, given the position of this pusher, this involves dimensional constraints, related to the fact that the button must be discreet and must not interfere with the wearer. To enable the activation of such a button despite a limited size, the pusher of the figure 1 is elongated. It comprises a head 11 and a helical compression spring 14 wound around a guide rod 13 mounted integral with the head 11, thus allowing the push button 1 to be returned to the high position after a pressure of the user on the head.
  • This guide rod 13 having an axis 19 (AA), is slidable in a tube 12, mounted integral with the box of the piece.
  • the seal between the tube and the rod is provided by an O-ring 17 placed around the rod 13, generally under the coil spring 14 and separated from the latter by a washer 15.
  • the tube 12 comprises a bottom 18 which serves as a stop at the joint 17.
  • the head 11 of the push button 1 is capable of adopting various shapes and dimensions and the Figures 1 and 2 present a configuration possible.
  • the guide pin 19 does not pass through the geometric center of the head of the push button. This dissymmetry causes the emergence of difficulties in the actuation of the push button 1, due to the large lever arm presented by such a configuration.
  • the present invention proposes to provide a push button free from the disadvantages described above.
  • the invention relates to an assembly comprising a push button as mentioned in the first paragraph above and a single spring to be arranged to exert a force tending to move the push button away from the box.
  • this spring is the only spring to exert a force on the button.
  • the spring is a flat spring intended to be arranged eccentrically with respect to said axis AA.
  • the spring is placed on the head and is oriented towards the extension.
  • Such an arrangement allows to release the tube of any spring member.
  • the area of contact between the head 11 of the push button and the tube 12, fixed relative to the box of the part is thus increased and the quality of the guidance of the push button 1 is improved.
  • the figure 3 shows the structure of a push button according to the present invention, in a depressed position. It comprises a head 21, provided with an extension 212 engaged in a tube 22 intended to be mounted integral through a not shown timepiece box.
  • the tube has a bottom 211 located on the side of its first end, opposite the head 21.
  • the length of the extension 212 corresponds substantially to that of the inside of the tube 22 so that, in the recessed position illustrated, the end of the extension cooperates with the bottom 211 forming a stop, while the second end of the tube 22 is located at the level of the bottom of an annular groove 221 that includes the head 21.
  • the contact zone between the tube 22 and the extension 212 in this case the entire length of the tube 22, defines a guide distance of the extension 212 by the tube 22.
  • a rod 23 (for example a screw), defining an axis AA 28, is integrally arranged in the extension 212 at its free end, and passes through the bottom of the tube 22 in an opening that it comprises, so that that the axis 28 is parallel with the guide axis of the extension 212.
  • the sealing at the guiding zone is provided by one or more O-rings 27 arranged in a groove 29 machined on the extension 212.
  • the head 21 also has an internal face 213 oriented towards the extension 212, that is to say on the side of which will be located the box of the part when the push button is assembled.
  • On this face 213 is formed a cavity 214, with a bottom 215.
  • a flat spring 24 is fixed in the bottom 215, for example by means of a pin 25 driven.
  • the spring is arranged to exert on the box, when the button is mounted, a force tending to move the head 21 away from the box.
  • the spring is thus dimensioned so that, at rest, it protrudes from the cavity 214.
  • the spring is advantageously entirely housed in the cavity 214.
  • the flat spring 24 has a first and a second leaf spring, arranged symmetrically with reference to the pin 25.
  • the spring 24 is positioned eccentrically with respect to the guide pin 28, in such a way that its center, that is to say its point of attachment, is substantially at the geometric center of the push button 2, defined in the middle of the distance separating the axis 28 and the end of the head 21, located on the side opposite the axis 28.
  • the flat spring may be of the spring blade, spring washer, conical or diaphragm type.
  • the term "flat spring” means a spring which, in particular unlike a helical spring, does not form a stack arranged axially with respect to the direction of the force it exercises. It will also be noted that the person skilled in the art will be able to choose any fastening means suitable for the invention, such as a screw, a laser weld in particular. Finally, it will be noted that the spring is not fixed at the level of the guide axis 28 and does not exert its force at this axis.
  • the rod 23 which acts as a contactor for actuating a function of the movement housed in the box.
  • the guide distance of the extension 212 by the tube 22 allows a greatly improved guidance compared to devices of the state of the art. It appears that the absence of a helical spring around the rod 23 and the arrangement of the O-ring 27 in a groove 29 located in the extension 212 has significantly increased this distance in order to better guide the head 21 of the push button 2.
  • the use of the flat spring 24 according to the invention is also very interesting. Indeed, via its large bearing surface with the box of the part and via its position relative to the guide axis 28 and relative to the geometric center of the push button 2, the spring 24 ensures a return to the effective position of the push 2 while improving the stability of the whole. It has also been noted that the working conditions of the spring do not cause skewing bias, despite the offset with respect to the guide axis. Furthermore, it should be noted that the space required for the arrangement of such a spring on the inner face 213 of the head 21 is less important than that required by a coil spring, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 , in particular because the spring can fully take place in the cavity 214.
  • the figure 4 presents the invention in a "rest" position.
  • the length of the contact zone between the extension 212 and the tube 22 remains significant (the extension 212 of the head 21 remains engaged over a large part of the height of the tube 22). Therefore the guidance of the push button, whatever the phase of movement (support or return), is always provided in a satisfactory manner.
  • the figure 5 presents a second variant of the present invention.
  • the pushbutton 2 is in the "depressed” position.
  • the arrangement of the seal differs from the embodiment described above.
  • the seal 27 is placed between the end of the extension 212 and the bottom 211 of the tube which is abutment.
  • the seal 27 retains the place it occupies in the prior art ( Figures 1 and 2 ) and its holding in position can be achieved, for example, by a circlip type element not shown.
  • This configuration makes it possible to have less constraints in terms of machining, because it does not require the realization of a deep groove on the extension 212, a simple groove for the engagement of the circlip is sufficient. It nevertheless provides a guide length between the extension 212 and the tube 22 sufficient and improved compared to the state of the art, due to the suppression of spring element at the guide member.
  • the figure 6 represents the same push button in the "rest" position.
  • the figure 7 represents a push button 2 according to the present invention and arranged in a manner similar to the embodiment of the Figures 3 and 4 .
  • the inside of the tube 22 comprises a groove 223 located at the height of the guide zone and in which the seal 27 is arranged.
  • the efficiency of the device and the length of the extension 212 by the tube 22 are as good as in the first embodiment described.
  • the push button 2 is in the "depressed” position.
  • the figure 8 represents the same push button in the "rest" position.
  • the figure 9 represents a push button 2 according to the present invention and arranged in the same way as in the Figures 3 and 4 .
  • a flat spring 26 having only one leaf spring which is arranged on one side with reference to the pin 25, which remains at the geometric center of the pusher.
  • the spring 26 is therefore intended only to support a single point on the box. This configuration has the advantage of significantly reducing the bulk associated with the spring 24.
  • the figure 10 represents the same push button in the "rest" position.
  • Pusher described above can advantageously be housed in the bottom of the box, it can also be used by being positioned on the middle or at any point of the box.
  • the skilled person can adapt the proposed construction so that the spring is attached to the box and exerts a force tending to move the push button away from the box.
  • the details given above about the spring or its attachment are transposable to a provision on the box, without the need to describe it in detail.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

The assembly has a push button (2) including a head (21) with an extension (212) that is slidably mounted in a tube (22) such that the tube is movable in translation. A rod (23) i.e. screw, is integrated to the extension, and displaced inside a time piece case based on pressure exerted by a user on the head. A unique flat spring (24) e.g. lock washer type flat spring, exerts force that is applied with respect to axis (28) of the tube in off-centered manner on the head for extending the head from the button. The spring is placed on the head and oriented from a side of the extension.

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine des organes de commande utilisés en horlogerie. Elle concerne, plus particulièrement, un bouton poussoir comprenant :

  • un tube destiné à être monté solidairement au travers d'une boîte de montre,
  • une tête pour recevoir une pression de l'utilisateur et présentant une extension montée coulissante dans le tube, de sorte que la tête est mobile en translation,
  • une tige solidaire de l'extension susceptible de se déplacer à l'intérieur de ladite boîte, en fonction de la pression exercée par l'utilisateur sur la tête,
The present invention relates to the field of control members used in watchmaking. It relates, more particularly, to a push button comprising:
  • a tube intended to be mounted integrally through a watch case,
  • a head for receiving pressure from the user and having an extension slidably mounted in the tube, so that the head is movable in translation,
  • a rod secured to the extension capable of moving inside said box, depending on the pressure exerted by the user on the head,

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Les boutons poussoirs sont bien connus de l'homme du métier. Les figures 1 et 2 illustrent un type particulier de bouton poussoir de l'état la technique. Il s'agit d'un poussoir destiné à être logé dans le fond d'une boîte de montre et non dans la carrure, comme c'est généralement le cas. Naturellement, vu la position de ce poussoir, cela implique des contraintes dimensionnelles, liées au fait que le bouton doit être discret et ne doit pas gêner le porteur. Pour permettre l'activation d'un tel bouton malgré une taille limitée, le poussoir de la figure 1 est de forme allongée. Il comporte une tête 11 et un ressort hélicoïdal de compression 14 s'enroulant autour d'une tige de guidage 13 montée solidaire avec la tête 11, permettant ainsi le retour du bouton poussoir 1 en position haute après une pression de l'utilisateur sur la tête. Cette tige de guidage 13, dotée d'un axe 19 (AA), vient coulisser dans un tube 12, monté solidaire par rapport à la boîte de la pièce. L'étanchéité entre le tube et la tige est assurée par un joint torique 17 placé autour de la tige 13, généralement sous le ressort hélicoïdal 14 et séparé de ce dernier par une rondelle 15. Le tube 12 comprend un fond 18 qui sert de butée au joint 17.Push buttons are well known to those skilled in the art. The Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a particular type of push button of the state the technique. This is a pusher intended to be housed in the bottom of a watch case and not in the middle, as is generally the case. Naturally, given the position of this pusher, this involves dimensional constraints, related to the fact that the button must be discreet and must not interfere with the wearer. To enable the activation of such a button despite a limited size, the pusher of the figure 1 is elongated. It comprises a head 11 and a helical compression spring 14 wound around a guide rod 13 mounted integral with the head 11, thus allowing the push button 1 to be returned to the high position after a pressure of the user on the head. This guide rod 13, having an axis 19 (AA), is slidable in a tube 12, mounted integral with the box of the piece. The seal between the tube and the rod is provided by an O-ring 17 placed around the rod 13, generally under the coil spring 14 and separated from the latter by a washer 15. The tube 12 comprises a bottom 18 which serves as a stop at the joint 17.

La tête 11 du bouton poussoir 1 est susceptible d'adopter des formes et des dimensions variées et les figures 1 et 2 présentent une configuration possible. Selon cet exemple, l'axe de guidage 19 ne passe pas par le centre géométrique de la tête du bouton poussoir. Cette dissymétrie entraîne l'apparition de difficultés dans l'actionnement du bouton poussoir 1, dues au grand bras de levier présenté par une telle configuration.The head 11 of the push button 1 is capable of adopting various shapes and dimensions and the Figures 1 and 2 present a configuration possible. According to this example, the guide pin 19 does not pass through the geometric center of the head of the push button. This dissymmetry causes the emergence of difficulties in the actuation of the push button 1, due to the large lever arm presented by such a configuration.

D'autre part, des problèmes de guidage du bouton poussoir 1 ont été constatés fréquemment, le poussoir se mettant de biais et pouvant même se coincer.On the other hand, problems of guiding the push button 1 have been noted frequently, the pusher is biased and can even get stuck.

Pour remédier à ce problème, les constructeurs ont été amenés à ajouter un ressort additionnel 16, excentré par rapport à l'axe de guidage 19 du bouton poussoir 1, tout en conservant le ressort hélicoïdal 14 le long de la tige de guidage 13.To remedy this problem, the manufacturers have been led to add an additional spring 16, eccentric with respect to the guide axis 19 of the push button 1, while retaining the coil spring 14 along the guide rod 13.

Toutefois, cette disposition ne permet pas de supprimer totalement les défauts de fonctionnement décrits ci-dessus.However, this arrangement does not completely eliminate the malfunctions described above.

La présente invention se propose de fournir un bouton poussoir exempt des inconvénients exposés ci-dessus.The present invention proposes to provide a push button free from the disadvantages described above.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

Plus particulièrement, l'invention porte sur un ensemble comprenant un bouton poussoir tel que mentionné au premier paragraphe ci-dessus et un unique ressort pour être agencé de manière à exercer une force tendant à éloigner le bouton poussoir de la boîte. Particulièrement, ce ressort est le seul ressort à exercer une force sur le bouton. En outre, le ressort est un ressort plat destiné à être disposé de manière excentrée par rapport audit axe AA.More particularly, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a push button as mentioned in the first paragraph above and a single spring to be arranged to exert a force tending to move the push button away from the box. Especially, this spring is the only spring to exert a force on the button. In addition, the spring is a flat spring intended to be arranged eccentrically with respect to said axis AA.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, le ressort est placé sur la tête et est orienté du côté de l'extension. Une telle disposition permet de libérer le tube de tout organe ressort. La zone de contact entre la tête 11 du bouton poussoir et le tube 12, fixe par rapport à la boîte de la pièce est ainsi augmentée et la qualité du guidage du bouton poussoir 1 est améliorée.According to an advantageous embodiment, the spring is placed on the head and is oriented towards the extension. Such an arrangement allows to release the tube of any spring member. The area of contact between the head 11 of the push button and the tube 12, fixed relative to the box of the part is thus increased and the quality of the guidance of the push button 1 is improved.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, faite en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente un bouton poussoir selon l'art antérieur dans une position « enfoncée »,
  • la figure 2 représente ce même bouton poussoir dans une position « repos »,
  • la figure 3 représente un bouton poussoir selon la présente invention dans une position « enfoncée »,
  • la figure 4 représente ce même bouton poussoir dans une position « repos »,
  • la figure 5 représente un bouton poussoir selon la présente invention dans une position « enfoncée » avec une deuxième disposition possible du joint d'étanchéité,
  • la figure 6 représente le même bouton poussoir que la figure 5 dans une position de repos,
  • la figure 7 représente un bouton poussoir selon la présente invention dans une position « enfoncée » avec une troisième disposition du joint d'étanchéité,
  • la figure 8 représente le même bouton poussoir que la figure 7 dans une position « repos »,
  • la figure 9 représente un bouton poussoir selon la présente invention dans une position « enfoncée » avec une configuration alternative du ressort utilisé et,
  • la figure 10 représente le même bouton poussoir que la figure 9 dans une position « repos ».
Other features of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 represents a push button according to the prior art in a "depressed" position,
  • the figure 2 represents the same push button in a "rest" position,
  • the figure 3 represents a push button according to the present invention in a "depressed" position,
  • the figure 4 represents the same push button in a "rest" position,
  • the figure 5 represents a push button according to the present invention in a "depressed" position with a second possible arrangement of the seal,
  • the figure 6 represents the same push button as the figure 5 in a rest position,
  • the figure 7 represents a pushbutton according to the present invention in a "depressed" position with a third arrangement of the seal,
  • the figure 8 represents the same push button as the figure 7 in a "rest" position,
  • the figure 9 represents a push button according to the present invention in a "depressed" position with an alternative configuration of the spring used and,
  • the figure 10 represents the same push button as the figure 9 in a "rest" position.

Mode(s) de réalisation de l'inventionMode (s) of realization of the invention

La figure 3 montre la structure d'un bouton poussoir selon la présente invention, dans une position enfoncée. Il comporte une tête 21, munie d'une extension 212 engagée dans un tube 22 destiné à être monté solidaire au travers d'une boîte de pièce d'horlogerie non représentée.The figure 3 shows the structure of a push button according to the present invention, in a depressed position. It comprises a head 21, provided with an extension 212 engaged in a tube 22 intended to be mounted integral through a not shown timepiece box.

Le tube présente un fond 211 situé du côté de sa première extrémité, opposée à la tête 21. La longueur de l'extension 212 correspond sensiblement à celle de l'intérieur du tube 22 de sorte que, dans la position enfoncée illustrée, l'extrémité de l'extension coopère avec le fond 211 formant butée, tandis que la deuxième extrémité du tube 22 est située au niveau du fond d'une gorge annulaire 221 que comporte la tête 21. La zone de contact entre le tube 22 et l'extension 212, en l'occurrence toute la longueur du tube 22, définit une distance de guidage de l'extension 212 par le tube 22.The tube has a bottom 211 located on the side of its first end, opposite the head 21. The length of the extension 212 corresponds substantially to that of the inside of the tube 22 so that, in the recessed position illustrated, the end of the extension cooperates with the bottom 211 forming a stop, while the second end of the tube 22 is located at the level of the bottom of an annular groove 221 that includes the head 21. The contact zone between the tube 22 and the extension 212, in this case the entire length of the tube 22, defines a guide distance of the extension 212 by the tube 22.

Une tige 23 (par exemple une vis), définissant un axe AA 28, est agencée solidairement dans l'extension 212 au niveau de son extrémité libre, et traverse le fond du tube 22 dans une ouverture que celui-ci comporte, de telle sorte que l'axe 28 est parallèle avec l'axe de guidage de l'extension 212. Par ailleurs, l'étanchéité au niveau de la zone de guidage est assurée par un ou plusieurs joints toriques 27 agencés dans une gorge 29, usinée sur l'extension 212.A rod 23 (for example a screw), defining an axis AA 28, is integrally arranged in the extension 212 at its free end, and passes through the bottom of the tube 22 in an opening that it comprises, so that that the axis 28 is parallel with the guide axis of the extension 212. In addition, the sealing at the guiding zone is provided by one or more O-rings 27 arranged in a groove 29 machined on the extension 212.

La tête 21 comporte également une face interne 213 orientée du côté de l'extension 212, c'est-à-dire du côté duquel sera située la boîte de la pièce lorsque le bouton poussoir sera assemblé. Sur cette face 213 est réalisée une cavité 214, dotée d'un fond 215. Un ressort plat 24 est fixé dans ce fond 215, par exemple au moyen d'une goupille 25 chassée. Le ressort est agencé de manière à exercer sur la boîte, lorsque le bouton y est monté, une force tendant à éloigner la tête 21 de la boîte. Le ressort est donc dimensionné de manière à ce que, au repos, il dépasse de la cavité 214. En revanche, en position « enfoncée », le ressort est avantageusement entièrement logé dans la cavité 214.The head 21 also has an internal face 213 oriented towards the extension 212, that is to say on the side of which will be located the box of the part when the push button is assembled. On this face 213 is formed a cavity 214, with a bottom 215. A flat spring 24 is fixed in the bottom 215, for example by means of a pin 25 driven. The spring is arranged to exert on the box, when the button is mounted, a force tending to move the head 21 away from the box. The spring is thus dimensioned so that, at rest, it protrudes from the cavity 214. In contrast, in the "depressed" position, the spring is advantageously entirely housed in the cavity 214.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, le ressort plat 24 présente une première et une deuxième lames ressort, disposées symétriquement en référence à la goupille 25. De préférence, le ressort 24 est positionné de manière excentrée par rapport à l'axe de guidage 28, de telle manière que son centre, c'est-à-dire son point de fixation, se trouve sensiblement au centre géométrique du bouton poussoir 2, défini au milieu de la distance séparant l'axe 28 et l'extrémité de la tête 21, située du côté opposé à l'axe 28.According to an advantageous embodiment, the flat spring 24 has a first and a second leaf spring, arranged symmetrically with reference to the pin 25. Preferably, the spring 24 is positioned eccentrically with respect to the guide pin 28, in such a way that its center, that is to say its point of attachment, is substantially at the geometric center of the push button 2, defined in the middle of the distance separating the axis 28 and the end of the head 21, located on the side opposite the axis 28.

On notera que le ressort plat peut être de type lame ressort, rondelle ressort, conique ou diaphragme. On entend par ressort plat un ressort qui, notamment à la différence d'un ressort hélicoïdal, ne forme pas un empilement disposé axialement par rapport à la direction de la force qu'il exerce. On notera également que l'homme du métier pourra choisir un moyen de fixation quelconque adapté à l'invention, tel qu'une vis, une soudure laser notamment. Enfin, on relèvera que le ressort n'est pas fixé au niveau de l'axe de guidage 28 et n'exerce pas sa force au niveau de cet axe.It will be noted that the flat spring may be of the spring blade, spring washer, conical or diaphragm type. The term "flat spring" means a spring which, in particular unlike a helical spring, does not form a stack arranged axially with respect to the direction of the force it exercises. It will also be noted that the person skilled in the art will be able to choose any fastening means suitable for the invention, such as a screw, a laser weld in particular. Finally, it will be noted that the spring is not fixed at the level of the guide axis 28 and does not exert its force at this axis.

Dans la configuration « enfoncée » de la figure 3, c'est la tige 23 qui joue le rôle de contacteur pour actionner une fonction du mouvement logé dans la boîte. Grâce aux dimensions évoquées ci-dessus, on constate, de manière avantageuse, que la distance de guidage de l'extension 212 par le tube 22 permet justement un guidage grandement amélioré par rapport aux dispositifs de l'état de la technique. Il apparaît que l'absence d'un ressort hélicoïdal autour de la tige 23 et l'agencement du joint torique 27 dans une gorge 29 située dans l'extension 212 a permis d'augmenter significativement cette distance afin de réaliser un meilleur guidage de la tête 21 du bouton poussoir 2.In the "depressed" configuration of the figure 3 it is the rod 23 which acts as a contactor for actuating a function of the movement housed in the box. With the dimensions mentioned above, it is found, advantageously, that the guide distance of the extension 212 by the tube 22 allows a greatly improved guidance compared to devices of the state of the art. It appears that the absence of a helical spring around the rod 23 and the arrangement of the O-ring 27 in a groove 29 located in the extension 212 has significantly increased this distance in order to better guide the head 21 of the push button 2.

En outre, l'utilisation du ressort plat 24 suivant l'invention est également très intéressante. En effet, via sa grande surface d'appui avec la boîte de la pièce et via sa position par rapport à l'axe de guidage 28 et par rapport au centre géométrique du bouton poussoir 2, le ressort 24 assure un retour en position efficace du poussoir 2 tout en améliorant la stabilité de l'ensemble. On a également remarqué que les conditions de travail du ressort n'engendrent pas de coincement de biais, malgré le décalage par rapport à l'axe de guidage. Par ailleurs, il est à noter que l'espace nécessaire à l'agencement d'un tel ressort sur la face interne 213 de la tête 21 est moins important que celui nécessité par un ressort hélicoïdal, tel que représenté dans les figures 1 et 2, notamment grâce au fait que le ressort peut entièrement prendre place dans la cavité 214.In addition, the use of the flat spring 24 according to the invention is also very interesting. Indeed, via its large bearing surface with the box of the part and via its position relative to the guide axis 28 and relative to the geometric center of the push button 2, the spring 24 ensures a return to the effective position of the push 2 while improving the stability of the whole. It has also been noted that the working conditions of the spring do not cause skewing bias, despite the offset with respect to the guide axis. Furthermore, it should be noted that the space required for the arrangement of such a spring on the inner face 213 of the head 21 is less important than that required by a coil spring, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 , in particular because the spring can fully take place in the cavity 214.

La figure 4 présente l'invention dans une position « repos ». Dans cette configuration, on notera que la longueur de la zone de contact entre l'extension 212 et le tube 22 reste importante (l'extension 212 de la tête 21 reste engagée sur une grande partie de la hauteur du tube 22). Par conséquent le guidage du bouton poussoir, quelque soit la phase du mouvement (appui ou retour), est toujours assuré d'une manière satisfaisante.The figure 4 presents the invention in a "rest" position. In this configuration, it will be noted that the length of the contact zone between the extension 212 and the tube 22 remains significant (the extension 212 of the head 21 remains engaged over a large part of the height of the tube 22). Therefore the guidance of the push button, whatever the phase of movement (support or return), is always provided in a satisfactory manner.

La figure 5 présente une deuxième variante de la présente invention. Le bouton poussoir 2 est en position « enfoncée ». Dans cette variante, l'agencement du joint diffère du mode de réalisation décrit ci-dessus. En effet, le joint 27 est placé entre l'extrémité de l'extension 212 et le fond 211 du tube qui fait butée. Le joint 27 conserve la place qu'il occupe dans l'art antérieur (figures 1 et 2) et son maintien en position peut être réalisé, par exemple, par un élément de type circlip non représenté. Cette configuration permet d'avoir moins de contraintes en termes d'usinage, car elle ne nécessite pas la réalisation d'une profonde gorge sur l'extension 212, une simple rainure pour l'engagement du circlip est suffisante. Elle offre néanmoins une longueur de guidage entre l'extension 212 et le tube 22 suffisante et améliorée par rapport à l'état de l'art, du fait de la suppression d'élément ressort au niveau de l'organe de guidage. La figure 6 représente le même bouton poussoir en position « repos ».The figure 5 presents a second variant of the present invention. The pushbutton 2 is in the "depressed" position. In this variant, the arrangement of the seal differs from the embodiment described above. Indeed, the seal 27 is placed between the end of the extension 212 and the bottom 211 of the tube which is abutment. The seal 27 retains the place it occupies in the prior art ( Figures 1 and 2 ) and its holding in position can be achieved, for example, by a circlip type element not shown. This configuration makes it possible to have less constraints in terms of machining, because it does not require the realization of a deep groove on the extension 212, a simple groove for the engagement of the circlip is sufficient. It nevertheless provides a guide length between the extension 212 and the tube 22 sufficient and improved compared to the state of the art, due to the suppression of spring element at the guide member. The figure 6 represents the same push button in the "rest" position.

La figure 7 représente un bouton poussoir 2 selon la présente invention et agencé de manière similaire au mode de réalisation des figures 3 et 4. Dans cette variante, l'intérieur du tube 22 comporte une gorge 223, située à hauteur de la zone de guidage et dans laquelle est agencé le joint 27. L'efficacité du dispositif et la longueur de guidage de l'extension 212 par le tube 22 sont aussi bonnes que dans le premier mode de réalisation décrit. Sur cette figure, le bouton poussoir 2 est en position « enfoncée ». La figure 8 représente le même bouton poussoir en position « repos ».The figure 7 represents a push button 2 according to the present invention and arranged in a manner similar to the embodiment of the Figures 3 and 4 . In this variant, the inside of the tube 22 comprises a groove 223 located at the height of the guide zone and in which the seal 27 is arranged. The efficiency of the device and the length of the extension 212 by the tube 22 are as good as in the first embodiment described. In this figure, the push button 2 is in the "depressed" position. The figure 8 represents the same push button in the "rest" position.

La figure 9 représente un bouton poussoir 2 selon la présente invention et agencé de la même manière que dans les figures 3 et 4. Un ressort plat 26 ne comportant qu'une lame ressort qui est donc disposée d'un seul côté en référence à la goupille 25, qui demeure au centre géométrique du poussoir. Le ressort 26 n'est donc destiné qu'à appuyer en un seul point sur la boîte. Cette configuration a l'avantage de réduire significativement l'encombrement lié au ressort 24. La figure 10 représente le même bouton poussoir en position « repos ».The figure 9 represents a push button 2 according to the present invention and arranged in the same way as in the Figures 3 and 4 . A flat spring 26 having only one leaf spring which is arranged on one side with reference to the pin 25, which remains at the geometric center of the pusher. The spring 26 is therefore intended only to support a single point on the box. This configuration has the advantage of significantly reducing the bulk associated with the spring 24. The figure 10 represents the same push button in the "rest" position.

La description ci-dessus a été donnée à titre d'illustration non limitative de l'invention et l'homme du métier pourra envisager d'autres variantes et modifications sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. En outre, bien que le poussoir décrit ci-dessus puisse avantageusement être logé dans le fond de la boîte, il peut également être utilise en étant positionné sur la carrure ou en un endroit quelconque de la boîte. On notera également que l'homme du métier peut adapter la construction proposée de manière à ce que le ressort soit fixé sur la boîte et exerce une force tendant à éloigner le bouton poussoir de la boîte. Les détails donnés ci-dessus à propos du ressort ou de sa fixation sont transposables à une disposition sur la boîte, sans qu'il soit besoin de le décrire en détail.The above description has been given by way of non-limiting illustration of the invention and the skilled person may consider other variants and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, although Pusher described above can advantageously be housed in the bottom of the box, it can also be used by being positioned on the middle or at any point of the box. Note also that the skilled person can adapt the proposed construction so that the spring is attached to the box and exerts a force tending to move the push button away from the box. The details given above about the spring or its attachment are transposable to a provision on the box, without the need to describe it in detail.

Claims (13)

Ensemble comportant: - un bouton poussoir de boîte de pièce d'horlogerie comprenant : - un tube (22) d'axe AA (28) et destiné à être monté solidairement au travers de ladite boîte, - une tête (21) pour recevoir une pression de l'utilisateur et présentant une extension (212) montée coulissante dans ledit tube, de sorte que la tête est mobile en translation, - une tige (23) solidaire de l'extension (212) susceptible de se déplacer à l'intérieur de ladite boîte, en fonction de la pression exercée par l'utilisateur sur la tête, - et un unique ressort (24) agencé de manière à exercer une force tendant à éloigner la tête du bouton poussoir de la boîte, ledit ressort (24) étant un ressort plat, caractérisé en ce que ledit unique ressort est le seul ressort à exercer une force sur ladite tête, et en ce qu'il est disposé de manière excentrée par rapport audit axe AA (28) et de manière exercer sur la tête une force s'appliquant de manière excentrée par rapport audit axe AA (28).Set comprising: a push button for a timepiece box comprising: a tube (22) of axis AA (28) and intended to be integrally mounted through said box, a head (21) for receiving pressure from the user and having an extension (212) slidably mounted in said tube, so that the head is movable in translation, a rod (23) secured to the extension (212) capable of moving inside said box, as a function of the pressure exerted by the user on the head, - and a single spring (24) arranged to exert a force tending to move the head of the push button away from the box, said spring (24) being a flat spring, characterized in that said single spring is the only spring to exert a force on said head, and in that it is eccentrically disposed with respect to said axis AA (28) and so as to exert on the head a force applying eccentrically with respect to said axis AA (28). Ensemble selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit ressort est disposé sur la tête (21) et est orienté du côté de l'extension.Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said spring is disposed on the head (21) and is oriented towards the extension. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le ressort plat (24) est de type lame ressort.Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the flat spring (24) is spring blade type. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le ressort plat (24) est de type rondelle ressort.Assembly according to Claim 2, characterized in that the flat spring (24) is of the spring washer type. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le ressort plat (24) est de type diaphragme.Assembly according to Claim 2, characterized in that the flat spring (24) is of the diaphragm type. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le ressort plat (24) est de type conique.Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the flat spring (24) is of conical type. Ensemble selon les revendications 2 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le ressort (24) est maintenu en position sur la tête (21) via un moyen de fixation (25) situé au centre géométrique dudit bouton poussoir, l'axe AA (28) ne passant pas le centre géométrique.Assembly according to claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the spring (24) is held in position on the head (21) via a fastening means (25) in the center geometrically said push button, the axis AA (28) does not pass the geometric center. Ensemble selon les revendications 2 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le ressort (24) est agencé de manière à disposer, lorsqu'il est assemblé sur la boîte, d'appuis sur la boîte agencés symétriquement par rapport au moyen de fixation (25).Assembly according to claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the spring (24) is arranged to have, when assembled on the box, supports on the box arranged symmetrically with respect to the fixing means (25) . Ensemble selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le ressort comporte une seule lame ressort.Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring comprises a single leaf spring. Ensemble selon l'une des revendications 2 à 8, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte au moins un joint torique (27) agencé dans une gorge (29) réalisée sur l'extension (212) de la tête (21).Assembly according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one O-ring (27) arranged in a groove (29) formed on the extension (212) of the head (21). Ensemble selon les revendications 2 à 9, dans lequel le tube (22) comporte un fond (211) situé du côté opposé à la tête (21), caractérisé en ce que ledit bouton poussoir comporte un joint torique (27) placé en butée dans ledit fond (211).An assembly according to claims 2 to 9, wherein the tube (22) has a bottom (211) located on the side opposite the head (21), characterized in that said push button comprises an O-ring (27) abutting in said bottom (211). Ensemble selon l'une des revendications 2 à 8, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un joint torique (27) agencé dans une gorge (223) réalisée à l'intérieur du tube.Assembly according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that it comprises an O-ring (27) arranged in a groove (223) formed inside the tube. Ensemble selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit ressort (24, 26) est logé dans une cavité ménagée dans ladite tête (21), ledit ressort étant dimensionné de manière à ce que, au repos, il dépasse de la cavité (214) et à ce qu'il puisse être entièrement logé dans ladite cavité (214) lorsqu'il est contraint.Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said spring (24, 26) is housed in a cavity formed in said head (21), said spring being dimensioned so that, at rest, it exceeds the cavity (214) and that it can be fully housed in said cavity (214) when constrained.
EP09164062A 2008-07-03 2009-06-29 Push-button Withdrawn EP2141554A3 (en)

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CH01033/08A CH699076A1 (en) 2008-07-03 2008-07-03 Pushbutton.

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CH704691A1 (en) * 2011-03-24 2012-09-28 Hublot Sa Geneve Push button system for actuating functional actuating member placed inside case of e.g. electronic watch, has complementary guiding member connecting case and button head so as to partially resume operating efforts of system
US9877549B2 (en) 2014-08-11 2018-01-30 Apple Inc. Attachment system for an electronic device
US9894964B2 (en) 2014-08-11 2018-02-20 Apple Inc. Consumer product attachment systems having a locking assembly
US10184506B2 (en) 2014-08-11 2019-01-22 Apple Inc. Captive elements of an attachment system

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CH704691A1 (en) * 2011-03-24 2012-09-28 Hublot Sa Geneve Push button system for actuating functional actuating member placed inside case of e.g. electronic watch, has complementary guiding member connecting case and button head so as to partially resume operating efforts of system
US9877549B2 (en) 2014-08-11 2018-01-30 Apple Inc. Attachment system for an electronic device
US9894964B2 (en) 2014-08-11 2018-02-20 Apple Inc. Consumer product attachment systems having a locking assembly
US10085523B2 (en) 2014-08-11 2018-10-02 Apple Inc. Attachment system for an electronic device
US10182623B2 (en) 2014-08-11 2019-01-22 Apple Inc. Consumer product attachment systems having locking or expansion characteristics
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US10945496B2 (en) 2014-08-11 2021-03-16 Apple Inc. Consumer product attachment systems having locking or expansion characteristics
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US11717060B2 (en) 2014-08-11 2023-08-08 Apple Inc. Attachment system for an electronic device
US11723443B2 (en) 2014-08-11 2023-08-15 Apple Inc. Consumer product attachment systems having locking or expansion characteristics

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EP2141554A3 (en) 2011-04-27
CH699076A1 (en) 2010-01-15

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