EP3489980B1 - Push-button type control device with flat architecture - Google Patents

Push-button type control device with flat architecture Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3489980B1
EP3489980B1 EP18204605.2A EP18204605A EP3489980B1 EP 3489980 B1 EP3489980 B1 EP 3489980B1 EP 18204605 A EP18204605 A EP 18204605A EP 3489980 B1 EP3489980 B1 EP 3489980B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
actuating button
pin
button
cover plate
rest position
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.)
Active
Application number
EP18204605.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3489980C0 (en
EP3489980A1 (en
Inventor
Bertrand Fruchard
Francis Chauvet
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.)
Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Original Assignee
Schneider Electric Industries 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 Schneider Electric Industries SAS filed Critical Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Publication of EP3489980A1 publication Critical patent/EP3489980A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3489980B1 publication Critical patent/EP3489980B1/en
Publication of EP3489980C0 publication Critical patent/EP3489980C0/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/62—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon manual release of a latch
    • 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
    • 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
    • H01H13/023—Light-emitting indicators
    • 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
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/52—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state immediately upon removal of operating force, e.g. bell-push switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/32—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts
    • H01H3/50—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts with indexing or locating means, e.g. indexing by ball and spring
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/32—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts
    • H01H3/50—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts with indexing or locating means, e.g. indexing by ball and spring
    • H01H2003/506—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts with indexing or locating means, e.g. indexing by ball and spring making use of permanent magnets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
    • H01H2219/037—Light emitting elements using organic materials, e.g. organic LED
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/036—Return force
    • H01H2221/04—Return force magnetic

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a push-button type control device having a flat architecture and comprising sufficient space at the rear to accommodate an electronic circuit, contacts, a luminous device or the like.
  • a push-button type device as described in the patent EP2754162B1 comprises a body, an actuating button or key movable between two positions, a rest position and a depressed position, and return means for recalling the actuating button from the depressed position to its rest position.
  • the return means comprise a spring positioned in the body of the device and being housed between the bottom of the body and the button.
  • This device has a particularly flat architecture. It therefore only has very little space to accommodate, at the rear of the button, a luminous member and/or an electronic circuit, for example dedicated to communication or any other device.
  • a device of the pushbutton type which can have a particularly flat architecture while being provided with sufficient space at the rear of its actuation button to accommodate any device, such as one or more contacts electric, a luminous organ and/or a circuit electronics dedicated to communication with a master control module.
  • the proposed architecture must be optimal in terms of size and compactness, while remaining reliable in operation.
  • the guide means comprise at least one pin comprising a bent rod shaped to have a first part pivotally mounted on a member for attaching the actuation button and at least a second part pivotally mounted on a member of attachment of the cover plate.
  • the return means are integral with the body and are arranged to act on the pin by mechanical or magnetic effect.
  • the actuating button has an outer face, located outside the housing and an inner face, located inside the housing
  • the cover plate has an outer face, located outside of the casing and an internal face, located inside the casing
  • the attachment member of the actuation button is placed on the internal face of the actuation button and the attachment member of the cover plate is placed on the inner face of the cover plate.
  • the return means comprise at least one permanent magnet fixed to the cover plate and arranged to cooperate by magnetic effect with a free end of the pin, this free end being arranged to be in contact with a bearing surface of the permanent magnet when the actuating button is in the rest position.
  • the free end of the pin is arranged to pivot between two positions during the movement of the actuating button between its rest position and its depressed position and is arranged facing the magnet permanent.
  • the free end of the pin has a bevel or a flat arranged to be in contact with the bearing surface of the permanent magnet when the actuating button is in the rest position.
  • the return means comprise at least one spring fixed on the one hand to the pin and on the other hand to the covering plate.
  • the actuation button is of generally rectangular or square shape.
  • the cover plate has an opening of rectangular or square shape and the actuating button is arranged so that its outer edge hugs the inner edge of the opening.
  • the device comprises a first pin arranged along a first side of the actuation button and a first edge of the opening located opposite and a second pin arranged along a second side of the actuation button and a second edge of the opening located opposite.
  • the device comprises an electronic card fixed to the bottom of the case.
  • the actuation button comprises at least one transparent part and the electronic card comprises a light-emitting diode configured to emit a light signal through the transparent part.
  • top In the remainder of the description, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower” are to be considered taking into account an axis (X) drawn vertically in the plane of the sheet.
  • the invention relates to a device of the push-button type.
  • the push-button type device comprises a body 1.
  • the body 1 comprises at least two parts forming a housing, a lower part forming a receptacle 10 and comprising a housing and an upper part forming a covering plate 11 and intended to be fitted onto the lower part by any suitable means.
  • the cover plate 11 is arranged removable relative to the receptacle 10, allowing it to be easily removed.
  • the lower part may have a flat bottom 100 and side flanks 101 standing perpendicular to said bottom.
  • the device comprises a mobile actuation button 2, which can also be called a capsule or a key.
  • This actuating button 2 is movable in translation between two positions, a rest position in which it is not actuated, and a depressed position in which it has been actuated and has performed its translational movement.
  • the actuating button 2 may have a generally square or rectangular shape defined by its outer edge.
  • the actuating button 2 has a first face, called the outer face 20, located outside the housing and forming the bearing face on which pressure can be exerted to press the button and a second face, called the inner face. 21, opposite to said outer face and located inside the housing.
  • the covering plate 11 also comprises a first face, called external face 110, situated outside the casing which can be flush with the external face of the button and situated on the periphery of said button when the button is in the rest position and a second face, called inner face 111, opposite to said outer face and located inside the housing.
  • the covering plate 11 comprises an opening of a shape complementary to that of the actuation button so that the latter can move in said opening during its actuation from one position to another. Cover plate 11 is thus arranged on the periphery of the outer edge of actuation button 2.
  • the device comprises guide means arranged to guide the actuating button 2 when it moves between its two positions, from the rest position to the depressed position and from the depressed position to the depressed position. rest.
  • the device comprises return means arranged to return the actuating button from its depressed position to its rest position.
  • the guide means comprise two guide members.
  • Each guide member has a pin 3.
  • the two pins are arranged along two separate sides formed by the outer edge of the actuation button 2.
  • the actuating button 2 may comprise at least one attachment member 22 placed on its internal face 21 and the covering plate 11 may comprise at least one attachment member 112 placed on its internal 111.
  • the actuating button 2 comprises a single attachment member 22 on its internal face 21 and the cover plate 11 comprises two attachment members 112 on its internal face 111.
  • the pin 3 can be in the form of a bent rod of constant circular section comprising several distinct portions.
  • Pin 3 is preferably made of a metallic material.
  • the central portion 31 of hairpin 3 is extended at its first end by a second rectilinear portion 32 forming a first bend at right angles to said central portion 31.
  • the second portion 32 of the pin is extended by a third rectilinear portion 33 forming a second bend at right angles to the second portion 32.
  • the third portion 33 is thus parallel to the central portion 31.
  • the second bend is made so that the third portion 33 is oriented forming a U with the central portion 31.
  • the third portion is shorter than the central portion.
  • the central portion 31 is extended at its second end by a fourth rectilinear portion 34 forming a third bend at right angles to said central portion 31.
  • the fourth portion 34 is parallel to said second portion 32 and is of identical length thereto.
  • the fourth portion 34 is oriented in the same direction as that of the second portion 32.
  • the fourth potion 34 is extended by a fifth rectilinear portion 35 forming a fourth bend at right angles to said fourth portion 34.
  • the fifth portion 35 is located on the same axis as the third portion 33 and is thus parallel to the central portion 31.
  • the fourth bend is made so that the fifth portion 35 is oriented in the same direction as that of the third portion 33.
  • the axes of the central portion 31, of the second portion 32, of the third portion 33, of the fourth portion 34 and of the fifth portion 35 are located in the same plane.
  • the fifth portion 35 is extended by a sixth rectilinear portion 36, forming a fifth bend at right angles to the fifth portion 35.
  • the sixth portion 36 is parallel to the second portion 32 and to the fourth portion 34, but its axis is oriented along an inclined plane relative to said plane defined above and in a direction opposite to that of the second portion 32 and the fourth portion 34.
  • the axis A3 of the sixth portion of the hairpin is therefore not included in said plane.
  • the pin 3 is therefore hooked by a first part on the hooking member 22 of the actuating button. This first part corresponds to the first portion 31 of the hairpin 3.
  • the hairpin 3 is also attached by a second part, to the cover plate 11. This second part corresponds to the third portion 33 and the fifth portion 35 of the pin 3 which are each hooked to a hooking member 112 of the cover plate 11.
  • Each pin 3 has a first pivot axis A1 defined by the connection of its central portion 31 with the hooking member 22 of the actuating button 2 and a second pivot axis A2 defined by the connection of its third portion 33 and of its fifth portion 35 with their respective attachment member 112 on the cover plate 11.
  • each pin 3 pivots around its two pivot axes A1, A2, making it possible to guide the actuating button 2 in its translation movement .
  • the device comprises means for returning the actuation button, arranged to return the actuation button 2 from its depressed position to its rest position.
  • these return means are arranged to act directly on each pin 3 and not on the actuation button 2, which makes it possible to optimize the space available under the actuation button 2, in particular to be able to place a light device.
  • the action on each pin can be of the magnetic type and in a second embodiment, the action can be of the purely mechanical type.
  • the return means act directly on a free end 36 of the pin.
  • Each permanent magnet 4 defines a support plane 40 on the internal face 111 of the covering plate 11.
  • the sixth portion 36 of the hairpin has a degree of inclination defined by its axis A3 so as to be in contact with the bearing surface 40 of a permanent magnet 4 when the actuating button 2 is in the position of at rest and inclined with respect to said support plane 40 when the actuating button 2 is in the depressed position, while maintaining at least one point or one surface of contact with said permanent magnet 4.
  • the air gap E varies angularly, i.e. there is always a contact point or surface between the permanent magnet and the pin. This arrangement makes it possible to have a return force which does not decrease too quickly and which is always sufficient to ensure the return of the actuating button to its rest position.
  • the sixth portion 36 of the pin has a bevel 37 at its end or a flattened surface, making it possible to maximize the contact surface between the pin 3 and the bearing surface 40 of the permanent magnet 4 when the button of actuation 2 is in the rest position and to maximize the air gap between the surface formed by the bevel or the flat and the support surface of the permanent magnet 4 when the actuation button 2 is pressed towards its depressed position.
  • the return means may comprise at least one spring fixed on the one hand to each pin 3 and on the other hand to the covering plate 11.
  • the spring may be arranged to lengthen during a pressure on the actuating button 2 from its rest position to its depressed position and to return to its initial shape when the pressure on the button 2 is released.
  • One or more magnets permanent can be kept to ensure the tactile effect when pressing the actuation button 2.
  • the architecture of the device of the invention thus makes it possible to free up space in its casing, in particular in the center, since the guide means, as well as the return means, have been moved to the outside.
  • this electronic card may comprise at least one luminous device 51 such as a light-emitting diode, a wired or wireless communication module with an external master module and/or one or more electrical contacts.
  • the actuation button 2 can comprise at least one transparent part 23 in order to let the luminous flux pass outwards.
  • the device may comprise one or more detection members intended to detect the presence of the actuation button 2 in one position or in its two positions. In other words, it is a question of knowing the position of the actuation button.
  • a detection member can be formed from a conventional electrical contact, a Hall effect sensor, a magnetic sensor or any other suitable solution. The detection member can be arranged between the covering plate and the pin.
  • the device works as follows:

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  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Description

Domaine technique de l'inventionTechnical field of the invention

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif de commande de type bouton-poussoir présentant une architecture plate et comprenant suffisamment de place à l'arrière pour y loger un circuit électronique, des contacts, un organe lumineux ou autre.The present invention relates to a push-button type control device having a flat architecture and comprising sufficient space at the rear to accommodate an electronic circuit, contacts, a luminous device or the like.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Classiquement, un dispositif de type bouton-poussoir tel que décrit dans le brevet EP2754162B1 comporte un corps, un bouton d'actionnement ou touche mobile entre deux positions, une position de repos et une position enfoncée, et des moyens de rappel pour rappeler le bouton d'actionnement de la position enfoncée vers sa position de repos. Les moyens de rappel comprennent un ressort positionné dans le corps du dispositif et venant se loger entre le fond du corps et le bouton. Ce dispositif présente une architecture particulièrement plate. Il ne dispose donc que de très peu de place pour loger, à l'arrière du bouton, un organe lumineux et/ou un circuit électronique, par exemple dédié à la communication ou tout autre dispositif.Conventionally, a push-button type device as described in the patent EP2754162B1 comprises a body, an actuating button or key movable between two positions, a rest position and a depressed position, and return means for recalling the actuating button from the depressed position to its rest position. The return means comprise a spring positioned in the body of the device and being housed between the bottom of the body and the button. This device has a particularly flat architecture. It therefore only has very little space to accommodate, at the rear of the button, a luminous member and/or an electronic circuit, for example dedicated to communication or any other device.

Il est également connu des dispositifs de type touche de clavier, par exemple pour ordinateur. Le brevet US 6,080,948 décrit une telle solution dans laquelle la touche est fixée à une plaque de fond par l'intermédiaire d'une pièce en forme de tréteau permettant d'assurer son guidage. Au centre de la plaque de fond et se dressant entre les deux parties pivotantes du tréteau, le dispositif comporte une pièce en caoutchouc permettant d'assurer le rappel de la touche vers sa position de repos. Dans cette solution, l'espace central est également occupé par la pièce en caoutchouc servant pour le rappel de la touche, ne permettant pas d'y positionner un organe lumineux et/ou un circuit électronique, par exemple dédié à la communication ou tout autre dispositif.Devices of the keyboard key type are also known, for example for computers. The patent US 6,080,948 describes such a solution in which the key is fixed to a bottom plate by means of a piece in the form of a trestle allowing it to be guided. In the center of the bottom plate and standing between the two pivoting parts of the trestle, the device comprises a rubber part making it possible to return the key to its rest position. In this solution, the central space is also occupied by the rubber part serving for the reminder of the key, not allowing to position there a luminous organ and/or an electronic circuit, for example dedicated to the communication or any other device.

Un autre dispositif de type bouton est également connu du document US2014190810 . Dans ce document, l'architecture proposée est particulièrement compacte. Cependant, elle n'est pas optimale en encombrement, notamment en ce qui concerne la solution de rappel du bouton.Another button type device is also known from the document US2014190810 . In this document, the proposed architecture is particularly compact. However, it is not optimal in terms of space, in particular as regards the solution for recalling the button.

Il existe donc un besoin de proposer un dispositif de type bouton-poussoir pouvant présenter une architecture particulièrement plate tout en étant doté de suffisamment de place à l'arrière de son bouton d'actionnement pour accueillir tout dispositif, tel qu'un ou plusieurs contacts électriques, un organe lumineux et/ou un circuit électronique dédié à la communication avec un module de commande maître. Par ailleurs, l'architecture proposée doit être optimale en termes d'encombrement et de compacité, tout en restant d'un fonctionnement fiable.There is therefore a need to propose a device of the pushbutton type which can have a particularly flat architecture while being provided with sufficient space at the rear of its actuation button to accommodate any device, such as one or more contacts electric, a luminous organ and/or a circuit electronics dedicated to communication with a master control module. Furthermore, the proposed architecture must be optimal in terms of size and compactness, while remaining reliable in operation.

Exposé de l'inventionDisclosure of Invention

Ce besoin est comblé par le dispositif de type bouton-poussoir tel que défini dans la revendication 1.This need is met by the push-button type device as defined in claim 1.

Selon une particularité, les moyens de guidage comportent au moins une épingle comprenant une tige coudée conformée pour présenter une première partie montée en pivotement sur un organe d'accrochage du bouton d'actionnement et au moins une deuxième partie montée en pivotement sur un organe d'accrochage de la plaque d'habillage.According to one feature, the guide means comprise at least one pin comprising a bent rod shaped to have a first part pivotally mounted on a member for attaching the actuation button and at least a second part pivotally mounted on a member of attachment of the cover plate.

Selon une autre particularité les moyens de rappel sont solidaires du corps et sont agencés pour agir sur l'épingle par effet mécanique ou magnétique.According to another feature, the return means are integral with the body and are arranged to act on the pin by mechanical or magnetic effect.

Selon une autre particularité, le bouton d'actionnement comporte une face externe, située à l'extérieur du boîtier et une face interne, située à l'intérieur du boîtier, la plaque d'habillage comporte une face externe, située à l'extérieur du boîtier et une face interne, située à l'intérieur du boîtier, l'organe d'accrochage du bouton d'actionnement est placé sur la face interne du bouton d'actionnement et l'organe d'accrochage de la plaque d'habillage est placé sur la face interne de la plaque d'habillage.According to another feature, the actuating button has an outer face, located outside the housing and an inner face, located inside the housing, the cover plate has an outer face, located outside of the casing and an internal face, located inside the casing, the attachment member of the actuation button is placed on the internal face of the actuation button and the attachment member of the cover plate is placed on the inner face of the cover plate.

Les moyens de rappel comportent au moins un aimant permanent fixé sur la plaque d'habillage et agencé pour coopérer par effet magnétique avec une extrémité libre de l'épingle, cette extrémité libre étant agencée pour être en contact avec un plan d'appui de l'aimant permanent lorsque le bouton d'actionnement est en position de repos.The return means comprise at least one permanent magnet fixed to the cover plate and arranged to cooperate by magnetic effect with a free end of the pin, this free end being arranged to be in contact with a bearing surface of the permanent magnet when the actuating button is in the rest position.

Selon une autre particularité, l'extrémité libre de l'épingle est agencée pour pivoter entre deux positions lors du mouvement du bouton d'actionnement entre sa position de repos et sa position enfoncée et est agencée en vis-à-vis de l'aimant permanent.According to another feature, the free end of the pin is arranged to pivot between two positions during the movement of the actuating button between its rest position and its depressed position and is arranged facing the magnet permanent.

L'extrémité libre de l'épingle comporte un biseau ou un méplat agencé pour être en contact avec le plan d'appui de l'aimant permanent lorsque le bouton d'actionnement est en position de repos.The free end of the pin has a bevel or a flat arranged to be in contact with the bearing surface of the permanent magnet when the actuating button is in the rest position.

Selon une variante de réalisation, les moyens de rappel comportent au moins un ressort fixé d'une part à l'épingle et d'autre part à la plaque d'habillage.According to a variant embodiment, the return means comprise at least one spring fixed on the one hand to the pin and on the other hand to the covering plate.

Selon une autre particularité, le bouton d'actionnement est de forme générale rectangulaire ou carrée.According to another feature, the actuation button is of generally rectangular or square shape.

Selon une autre particularité, la plaque d'habillage comporte une ouverture de forme rectangulaire ou carrée et le bouton d'actionnement est agencé pour que son bord extérieur épouse le bord intérieur de l'ouverture.According to another feature, the cover plate has an opening of rectangular or square shape and the actuating button is arranged so that its outer edge hugs the inner edge of the opening.

Selon une autre particularité, le dispositif comporte une première épingle agencée suivant un premier côté du bouton d'actionnement et un premier bord de l'ouverture situé en vis-à-vis et une deuxième épingle agencée suivant un deuxième côté du bouton d'actionnement et un deuxième bord de l'ouverture situé en vis-à-vis.According to another feature, the device comprises a first pin arranged along a first side of the actuation button and a first edge of the opening located opposite and a second pin arranged along a second side of the actuation button and a second edge of the opening located opposite.

Selon une autre particularité, le dispositif comporte une carte électronique fixée sur le fond du boîtier.According to another feature, the device comprises an electronic card fixed to the bottom of the case.

Selon une autre particularité, le bouton d'actionnement comporte au moins une partie transparente et la carte électronique comporte une diode électroluminescente configurée pour émettre un signal lumineux à travers la partie transparente.According to another feature, the actuation button comprises at least one transparent part and the electronic card comprises a light-emitting diode configured to emit a light signal through the transparent part.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of figures

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages vont apparaître dans la description détaillée qui suit faite en regard des dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • La figure 1 représente, vu en perspective, le dispositif de type bouton-poussoir conforme à l'invention.
  • Les figures 2A et 2B représentent, vu en perspective, le dessous de la partie actionnement du dispositif de type bouton-poussoir de l'invention, respectivement à l'état repos et à l'état enfoncé.
  • Les figures 3A et 3B représentent, vu en perspective et vu de dessous, le dispositif de type bouton-poussoir de l'invention, respectivement à l'état repos et à l'état enfoncé.
  • Les figures 4A et 4B représentent, vu suivant une coupe, le dispositif de type bouton-poussoir de l'invention, respectivement à l'état repos et à l'état enfoncé.
  • Les figures 5A et 5B illustrent le principe de fonctionnement des moyens de rappel employés dans le dispositif de l'invention.
  • La figure 6 représente une variante de réalisation du principe illustré sur les figures 5A et 5B.
  • La figure 7 représente, vue en perspective, une épingle telle qu'employée dans le dispositif de type bouton-poussoir de l'invention.
  • La figure 8 représente, vue suivant une coupe, une variante de réalisation du dispositif de type bouton-poussoir de l'invention.
Other characteristics and advantages will appear in the detailed description which follows given with regard to the appended drawings in which:
  • There figure 1 represents, seen in perspective, the push-button type device according to the invention.
  • THE figures 2A and 2B represent, seen in perspective, the underside of the actuating part of the push-button type device of the invention, respectively in the rest state and in the depressed state.
  • THE figures 3A and 3B represent, seen in perspective and seen from below, the push-button type device of the invention, respectively in the idle state and in the depressed state.
  • THE figures 4A and 4B represent, seen along a section, the push-button type device of the invention, respectively in the idle state and in the depressed state.
  • THE figures 5A and 5B illustrate the principle of operation of the return means employed in the device of the invention.
  • There figure 6 represents a variant embodiment of the principle illustrated on the figures 5A and 5B .
  • There figure 7 shows, in perspective view, a pin as used in the push-button type device of the invention.
  • There figure 8 shows, seen along a section, an alternative embodiment of the device of the push-button type of the invention.

Description détaillée d'au moins un mode de réalisationDetailed description of at least one embodiment

Dans la suite de la description, les termes "haut", "bas", "supérieur", "inférieur" sont à considérer en tenant compte d'un axe (X) tracé verticalement dans le plan de la feuille.In the remainder of the description, the terms "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower" are to be considered taking into account an axis (X) drawn vertically in the plane of the sheet.

L'invention a trait à un dispositif de type bouton-poussoir.The invention relates to a device of the push-button type.

Le dispositif de type bouton-poussoir comporte un corps 1.The push-button type device comprises a body 1.

Le corps 1 comporte au moins deux parties formant un boîtier, une partie basse formant un réceptacle 10 et comprenant un logement et une partie haute formant une plaque d'habillage 11 et destinée à s'adapter sur la partie basse par tous moyens adaptés. La plaque d'habillage 11 est agencée amovible par rapport au réceptacle 10, lui permettant d'être facilement retirée.The body 1 comprises at least two parts forming a housing, a lower part forming a receptacle 10 and comprising a housing and an upper part forming a covering plate 11 and intended to be fitted onto the lower part by any suitable means. The cover plate 11 is arranged removable relative to the receptacle 10, allowing it to be easily removed.

La partie basse peut présenter un fond 100 plat et des flancs latéraux 101 se dressant perpendiculairement audit fond.The lower part may have a flat bottom 100 and side flanks 101 standing perpendicular to said bottom.

Le dispositif comporte un bouton d'actionnement 2 mobile, pouvant également être appelé capsule ou touche.The device comprises a mobile actuation button 2, which can also be called a capsule or a key.

Ce bouton d'actionnement 2 est mobile en translation entre deux positions, une position de repos dans laquelle il n'est pas actionné, et une position enfoncée dans laquelle il a été actionné et a effectué son mouvement de translation.This actuating button 2 is movable in translation between two positions, a rest position in which it is not actuated, and a depressed position in which it has been actuated and has performed its translational movement.

De manière non limitative, le bouton d'actionnement 2 peut comporter une forme générale carrée ou rectangulaire définie par son bord extérieur.In a non-limiting manner, the actuating button 2 may have a generally square or rectangular shape defined by its outer edge.

Le bouton d'actionnement 2 comporte une première face, dite face externe 20, située à l'extérieur du boîtier et formant la face d'appui sur laquelle une pression peut être exercée pour appuyer sur le bouton et une deuxième face, dite face interne 21, opposée à ladite face externe et située à l'intérieur du boîtier.The actuating button 2 has a first face, called the outer face 20, located outside the housing and forming the bearing face on which pressure can be exerted to press the button and a second face, called the inner face. 21, opposite to said outer face and located inside the housing.

La plaque d'habillage 11 comporte également une première face, dite face externe 110, située à l'extérieur du boîtier pouvant être affleurante à la face externe du bouton et située en périphérie dudit bouton lorsque le bouton est en position de repos et une deuxième face, dite face interne 111, opposée à ladite face externe et située à l'intérieur du boîtier.The covering plate 11 also comprises a first face, called external face 110, situated outside the casing which can be flush with the external face of the button and situated on the periphery of said button when the button is in the rest position and a second face, called inner face 111, opposite to said outer face and located inside the housing.

La plaque d'habillage 11 comporte une ouverture de forme complémentaire à celle du bouton d'actionnement pour que ce dernier puisse se déplacer dans ladite ouverture lors de son actionnement d'une position à l'autre. La plaque d'habillage 11 est ainsi agencée en périphérie du bord extérieur du bouton d'actionnement 2.The covering plate 11 comprises an opening of a shape complementary to that of the actuation button so that the latter can move in said opening during its actuation from one position to another. Cover plate 11 is thus arranged on the periphery of the outer edge of actuation button 2.

Selon un aspect de l'invention, le dispositif comporte des moyens de guidage agencés pour guider le bouton d'actionnement 2 lors de son déplacement entre ses deux positions, de la position de repos vers la position enfoncée et de la position enfoncée vers la position de repos.According to one aspect of the invention, the device comprises guide means arranged to guide the actuating button 2 when it moves between its two positions, from the rest position to the depressed position and from the depressed position to the depressed position. rest.

Selon un aspect de l'invention, le dispositif comporte des moyens de rappel agencés pour rappeler le bouton d'actionnement de sa position enfoncée vers sa position de repos.According to one aspect of the invention, the device comprises return means arranged to return the actuating button from its depressed position to its rest position.

Les moyens de guidage comportent un ou plusieurs organes de guidage.The guide means comprise one or more guide members.

De manière non limitative et en référence aux figures annexées, les moyens de guidage comportent deux organes de guidage.In a non-limiting manner and with reference to the appended figures, the guide means comprise two guide members.

Chaque organe de guidage comporte une épingle 3.Each guide member has a pin 3.

Les deux épingles sont agencées suivant deux côtés distincts formés par le bord extérieur du bouton d'actionnement 2.The two pins are arranged along two separate sides formed by the outer edge of the actuation button 2.

Pour pouvoir fixer chaque épingle 3, le bouton d'actionnement 2 peut comporter au moins un organe d'accrochage 22 placé sur sa face interne 21 et la plaque d'habillage 11 peut comporter au moins un organe d'accrochage 112 placé sur sa face interne 111. Avantageusement, pour chaque épingle, le bouton d'actionnement 2 comporte un seul organe d'accrochage 22 sur sa face interne 21 et la plaque d'habillage 11 comporte deux organes d'accrochage 112 sur sa face interne 111.In order to be able to fix each pin 3, the actuating button 2 may comprise at least one attachment member 22 placed on its internal face 21 and the covering plate 11 may comprise at least one attachment member 112 placed on its internal 111. Advantageously, for each pin, the actuating button 2 comprises a single attachment member 22 on its internal face 21 and the cover plate 11 comprises two attachment members 112 on its internal face 111.

En référence à la figure 7, l'épingle 3 peut se présenter sous la forme d'une tige coudée de section circulaire constante comprenant plusieurs portions distinctes. L'épingle 3 est réalisée de préférence dans un matériau métallique.With reference to the figure 7 , the pin 3 can be in the form of a bent rod of constant circular section comprising several distinct portions. Pin 3 is preferably made of a metallic material.

L'épingle 3 peut comporter une première portion centrale 31 rectiligne fixée audit bouton d'actionnement 2 par son organe d'accrochage 22. La portion centrale 31 comporte une première extrémité et une deuxième extrémité.The hairpin 3 may include a first rectilinear central portion 31 fixed to said actuation button 2 by its hooking member 22. The central portion 31 includes a first end and a second end.

La portion centrale 31 de l'épingle 3 se prolonge à sa première extrémité par une deuxième portion 32 rectiligne formant un premier coude à angle droit avec ladite portion centrale 31.The central portion 31 of hairpin 3 is extended at its first end by a second rectilinear portion 32 forming a first bend at right angles to said central portion 31.

La deuxième portion 32 de l'épingle se prolonge par une troisième portion 33 rectiligne formant un deuxième coude à angle droit avec la deuxième portion 32. La troisième portion 33 est ainsi parallèle à la portion centrale 31. Le deuxième coude est réalisé de sorte que la troisième portion 33 soit orientée en formant un U avec la portion centrale 31. La troisième portion est plus courte que la portion centrale.The second portion 32 of the pin is extended by a third rectilinear portion 33 forming a second bend at right angles to the second portion 32. The third portion 33 is thus parallel to the central portion 31. The second bend is made so that the third portion 33 is oriented forming a U with the central portion 31. The third portion is shorter than the central portion.

La portion centrale 31 se prolonge à sa deuxième extrémité par une quatrième portion 34 rectiligne formant un troisième coude à angle droit avec ladite portion centrale 31.The central portion 31 is extended at its second end by a fourth rectilinear portion 34 forming a third bend at right angles to said central portion 31.

La quatrième portion 34 est parallèle à ladite deuxième portion 32 et est de longueur identique à celle-ci. La quatrième portion 34 est orientée dans le même sens que celui de la deuxième portion 32.The fourth portion 34 is parallel to said second portion 32 and is of identical length thereto. The fourth portion 34 is oriented in the same direction as that of the second portion 32.

La quatrième potion 34 se prolonge par une cinquième portion 35 rectiligne formant un quatrième coude à angle droit avec ladite quatrième portion 34.The fourth potion 34 is extended by a fifth rectilinear portion 35 forming a fourth bend at right angles to said fourth portion 34.

La cinquième portion 35 est située dans le même axe que la troisième portion 33 et est ainsi parallèle à la portion centrale 31.The fifth portion 35 is located on the same axis as the third portion 33 and is thus parallel to the central portion 31.

Le quatrième coude est réalisé de sorte que la cinquième portion 35 soit orientée dans le même sens que celui de la troisième portion 33.The fourth bend is made so that the fifth portion 35 is oriented in the same direction as that of the third portion 33.

Les axes de la portion centrale 31, de la deuxième portion 32, de la troisième portion 33, de la quatrième portion 34 et de la cinquième portion 35 (axes définis suivant leur direction rectiligne) sont situés dans un même plan.The axes of the central portion 31, of the second portion 32, of the third portion 33, of the fourth portion 34 and of the fifth portion 35 (axes defined along their rectilinear direction) are located in the same plane.

La cinquième portion 35 se prolonge par une sixième portion 36 rectiligne, formant un cinquième coude à angle droit par rapport à la cinquième portion 35.The fifth portion 35 is extended by a sixth rectilinear portion 36, forming a fifth bend at right angles to the fifth portion 35.

La sixième portion 36 est parallèle à la deuxième portion 32 et à la quatrième portion 34, mais son axe est orienté suivant un plan incliné par rapport audit plan défini ci-dessus et dans un sens opposé à celui de la deuxième portion 32 et de la quatrième portion 34. L'axe A3 de la sixième portion de l'épingle n'est donc pas inclus dans ledit plan.The sixth portion 36 is parallel to the second portion 32 and to the fourth portion 34, but its axis is oriented along an inclined plane relative to said plane defined above and in a direction opposite to that of the second portion 32 and the fourth portion 34. The axis A3 of the sixth portion of the hairpin is therefore not included in said plane.

L'épingle 3 est donc accrochée par une première partie sur l'organe d'accrochage 22 du bouton d'actionnement. Cette première partie correspond à la première portion 31 de l'épingle 3. L'épingle 3 est aussi accrochée par une deuxième partie, à la plaque d'habillage 11. Cette deuxième partie correspond à la troisième portion 33 et la cinquième portion 35 de l'épingle 3 qui sont accrochées chacune à un organe d'accrochage 112 de la plaque d'habillage 11.The pin 3 is therefore hooked by a first part on the hooking member 22 of the actuating button. This first part corresponds to the first portion 31 of the hairpin 3. The hairpin 3 is also attached by a second part, to the cover plate 11. This second part corresponds to the third portion 33 and the fifth portion 35 of the pin 3 which are each hooked to a hooking member 112 of the cover plate 11.

Chaque épingle 3 comporte un premier axe de pivotement A1 défini par la liaison de sa portion centrale 31 avec l'organe d'accrochage 22 du bouton d'actionnement 2 et un deuxième axe de pivotement A2 défini par la liaison de sa troisième portion 33 et de sa cinquième portion 35 avec leur organe d'accrochage 112 respectif sur la plaque d'habillage 11.Each pin 3 has a first pivot axis A1 defined by the connection of its central portion 31 with the hooking member 22 of the actuating button 2 and a second pivot axis A2 defined by the connection of its third portion 33 and of its fifth portion 35 with their respective attachment member 112 on the cover plate 11.

Lorsque le bouton d'actionnement 2 est enfoncé, passant de sa position de repos à sa position enfoncée, chaque épingle 3 pivote autour de ses deux axes de pivotement A1, A2, permettant de guider le bouton d'actionnement 2 dans son mouvement de translation.When the actuating button 2 is depressed, passing from its rest position to its depressed position, each pin 3 pivots around its two pivot axes A1, A2, making it possible to guide the actuating button 2 in its translation movement .

Le dispositif comporte des moyens de rappel du bouton d'actionnement, agencés pour ramener le bouton d'actionnement 2 de sa position enfoncée vers sa position de repos.The device comprises means for returning the actuation button, arranged to return the actuation button 2 from its depressed position to its rest position.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ces moyens de rappel sont agencés pour agir directement sur chaque épingle 3 et non sur le bouton d'actionnement 2, ce qui permet d'optimiser l'espace disponible sous le bouton d'actionnement 2, notamment pour pouvoir placer un dispositif lumineux. Dans une première réalisation, l'action sur chaque épingle peut être de type magnétique et dans une deuxième réalisation, l'action peut être de type uniquement mécanique. Les moyens de rappel agissent directement sur une extrémité libre 36 de l'épingle.According to a particular aspect of the invention, these return means are arranged to act directly on each pin 3 and not on the actuation button 2, which makes it possible to optimize the space available under the actuation button 2, in particular to be able to place a light device. In a first embodiment, the action on each pin can be of the magnetic type and in a second embodiment, the action can be of the purely mechanical type. The return means act directly on a free end 36 of the pin.

Dans la première réalisation, les moyens de rappel peuvent comporter, pour chaque épingle 3, un aimant permanent 4 distinct fixé à la plaque d'habillage 11, en vis-à-vis d'une extrémité libre 36 de l'épingle 3 correspondant à la sixième portion 36. Il pourrait s'agir d'un même aimant permanent configuré et agencé pour présenter deux portions distinctes en vis-à-vis de chaque épingle.In the first embodiment, the return means may comprise, for each pin 3, a separate permanent magnet 4 fixed to the cover plate 11, opposite a free end 36 of the pin 3 corresponding to the sixth portion 36. It it could be the same permanent magnet configured and arranged to present two distinct portions facing each pin.

Chaque aimant permanent 4 défini un plan d'appui 40 sur la face interne 111 de la plaque d'habillage 11.Each permanent magnet 4 defines a support plane 40 on the internal face 111 of the covering plate 11.

Ces moyens de rappel magnétiques permettent d'exercer un effet magnétique sur l'épingle 3 pour à la fois ramener le bouton d'actionnement 2 de sa position enfoncée vers sa position de repos mais aussi pour assurer un effet tactile lors d'une pression sur le bouton d'actionnement 2. Dans ce dernier cas, la force magnétique générée par chaque aimant permanent 4 maintient le bouton d'actionnement 2 dans sa position de repos tant qu'une force mécanique suffisante n'est pas exercée sur le bouton d'actionnement 2 pour le décoller de l'attraction magnétique exercée par chaque aimant permanent.These magnetic return means make it possible to exert a magnetic effect on the pin 3 to both bring the actuating button 2 back from its depressed position to its rest position but also to ensure a tactile effect when pressing the actuating button 2. In the latter case, the magnetic force generated by each permanent magnet 4 maintains the actuating button 2 in its rest position as long as sufficient mechanical force is not exerted on the button. actuation 2 to detach it from the magnetic attraction exerted by each permanent magnet.

En référence à la figure 7, la sixième portion 36 de l'épingle présente un degré d'inclinaison défini par son axe A3 de manière à être en contact avec le plan d'appui 40 d'un aimant permanent 4 lorsque le bouton d'actionnement 2 est en position de repos et incliné par rapport audit plan d'appui 40 lorsque le bouton d'actionnement 2 est en position enfoncée, tout en maintenant au moins un point ou une surface de contact avec ledit aimant permanent 4. En référence aux figures 5A, et 5B, l'entrefer E varie de manière angulaire, c'est-à-dire qu'il y a toujours un point ou une surface de contact entre l'aimant permanent et l'épingle. Cette disposition permet d'avoir un effort de rappel qui ne diminue pas trop rapidement et qui est toujours suffisant pour assurer le rappel du bouton d'actionnement vers sa position de repos.With reference to the figure 7 , the sixth portion 36 of the hairpin has a degree of inclination defined by its axis A3 so as to be in contact with the bearing surface 40 of a permanent magnet 4 when the actuating button 2 is in the position of at rest and inclined with respect to said support plane 40 when the actuating button 2 is in the depressed position, while maintaining at least one point or one surface of contact with said permanent magnet 4. With reference to the figures 5A, and 5B , the air gap E varies angularly, i.e. there is always a contact point or surface between the permanent magnet and the pin. This arrangement makes it possible to have a return force which does not decrease too quickly and which is always sufficient to ensure the return of the actuating button to its rest position.

En référence à la figure 6, la sixième portion 36 de l'épingle présente un biseau 37 à son extrémité ou un méplat, permettant de maximiser la surface de contact entre l'épingle 3 et le plan d'appui 40 de l'aimant permanent 4 lorsque le bouton d'actionnement 2 est en position de repos et de maximiser l'entrefer entre la surface formée par le biseau ou le méplat et le plan d'appui de l'aimant permanent 4 lorsque le bouton d'actionnement 2 est pressé vers sa position enfoncée.With reference to the figure 6 , the sixth portion 36 of the pin has a bevel 37 at its end or a flattened surface, making it possible to maximize the contact surface between the pin 3 and the bearing surface 40 of the permanent magnet 4 when the button of actuation 2 is in the rest position and to maximize the air gap between the surface formed by the bevel or the flat and the support surface of the permanent magnet 4 when the actuation button 2 is pressed towards its depressed position.

Dans la deuxième réalisation, les moyens de rappel peuvent comporter au moins un ressort fixé d'une part à chaque épingle 3 et d'autre part à la plaque d'habillage 11. Le ressort peut être agencé pour s'allonger lors d'une pression sur le bouton d'actionnement 2 de sa position de repos vers sa position enfoncée et pour revenir à sa forme initiale lorsque la pression sur le bouton 2 est relâchée. Un ou plusieurs aimants permanents peuvent être conservés pour assurer l'effet tactile lors de l'enfoncement du bouton d'actionnement 2.In the second embodiment, the return means may comprise at least one spring fixed on the one hand to each pin 3 and on the other hand to the covering plate 11. The spring may be arranged to lengthen during a pressure on the actuating button 2 from its rest position to its depressed position and to return to its initial shape when the pressure on the button 2 is released. One or more magnets permanent can be kept to ensure the tactile effect when pressing the actuation button 2.

L'architecture du dispositif de l'invention permet ainsi de dégager de l'espace dans son boîtier, notamment au centre, car les moyens de guidage, ainsi que les moyens de rappel ont été déportés sur l'extérieur.The architecture of the device of the invention thus makes it possible to free up space in its casing, in particular in the center, since the guide means, as well as the return means, have been moved to the outside.

L'espace libre ainsi formé peut par exemple être occupé par une carte électronique 50. A titre d'exemple, en référence à la figure 8, cette carte électronique peut comporter au moins un organe lumineux 51 tel qu'une diode électroluminescente, un module de communication filaire ou sans-fil avec un module maître externe et/ou un ou plusieurs contacts électriques. Dans le cas de la présence d'un organe lumineux 51, le bouton d'actionnement 2 peut comporter au moins une partie transparente 23 afin de laisser passer le flux lumineux vers l'extérieur.The free space thus formed can for example be occupied by an electronic card 50. By way of example, with reference to the figure 8 , this electronic card may comprise at least one luminous device 51 such as a light-emitting diode, a wired or wireless communication module with an external master module and/or one or more electrical contacts. In the case of the presence of a luminous member 51, the actuation button 2 can comprise at least one transparent part 23 in order to let the luminous flux pass outwards.

Le dispositif peut comporter un ou plusieurs organes de détection destinés à détecter la présence du bouton d'actionnement 2 dans une position ou dans ses deux positions. Autrement dit, s'agit de connaître la position du bouton d'actionnement. Un organe de détection peut être formé d'un contact électrique classique, d'un capteur à effet hall, d'un capteur magnétique ou de toute autre solution adaptée. L'organe de détection peut être agencée entre la plaque d'habillage et l'épingle.The device may comprise one or more detection members intended to detect the presence of the actuation button 2 in one position or in its two positions. In other words, it is a question of knowing the position of the actuation button. A detection member can be formed from a conventional electrical contact, a Hall effect sensor, a magnetic sensor or any other suitable solution. The detection member can be arranged between the covering plate and the pin.

Le dispositif peut comporter des organes de butée agencés d'une part sur la face interne de la plaque d'habillage et d'autre part sur la face interne du bouton d'actionnement pour limiter la translation du bouton d'actionnement 2 à sa position de repos lorsque celui-ci est rappelé de sa position enfoncée vers sa position de repos.The device may comprise abutment members arranged on the one hand on the internal face of the covering plate and on the other hand on the internal face of the actuating button to limit the translation of the actuating button 2 to its position rest when it is recalled from its depressed position to its rest position.

En référence aux figures 2A et 2B, 3A et 3B et 4A et 4B, le dispositif fonctionne de la manière suivante :With reference to figures 2A and 2B , 3A and 3B and 4A and 4B , the device works as follows:

Position de repos (figures 2A, 3A et 4A) : Resting position (FIGS. 2A, 3A and 4A) :

  • Le bouton d'actionnement est en position de repos ;The actuation button is in the rest position;
  • La sixième portion 36 de chaque épingle 3 est en appui contre son aimant permanent 4 respectif permettant par effet magnétique de maintenir le bouton d'actionnement 2 dans cette position de repos ;The sixth portion 36 of each pin 3 bears against its respective permanent magnet 4 allowing, by magnetic effect, to maintain the actuating button 2 in this rest position;
  • L'axe A1 de pivotement est situé dans un plan supérieur à l'axe A2 de pivotement de chaque épingle.The pivot axis A1 is located in a plane greater than the pivot axis A2 of each pin.
Actionnement du boutonButton actuation

  • Le bouton d'actionnement est pressé vers sa position enfoncée ;The actuation button is pressed to its depressed position;
  • La translation du bouton d'actionnement 2 est obtenue lorsqu'une force mécanique suffisante (en translation) est appliquée sur le bouton d'actionnement pour décoller chaque épingle de l'attraction magnétique exercée par leur aimant permanent 4 ;The translation of the actuating button 2 is obtained when a sufficient mechanical force (in translation) is applied to the actuating button to detach each pin from the magnetic attraction exerted by their permanent magnet 4;
  • Un effet tactile est créé lors du début de la translation du bouton de la position de repos vers sa position enfoncée ;A tactile effect is created at the start of the translation of the button from the rest position to its depressed position;
  • L'actionnement du bouton d'actionnement 2 entraîne le pivotement de chaque épingle autour de ses deux axes A1, A2 ;The actuation of the actuation button 2 causes the pivoting of each pin around its two axes A1, A2;
  • Lors de la translation du bouton d'actionnement 2, l'axe de pivotement A1 se rapproche de l'axe de pivotement A2 ;During the translation of the actuating button 2, the pivot axis A1 approaches the pivot axis A2;
  • La sixième portion 36 de chaque épingle pivote pour s'éloigner de son aimant permanent 4.The sixth portion 36 of each pin pivots away from its permanent magnet 4.
Position enfoncée (figures 2B, 3B et 4B) : Depressed position (Figures 2B, 3B and 4B) :

  • Le bouton d'actionnement 2 atteint sa position enfoncée ;The actuation button 2 reaches its depressed position;
  • La sixième portion 36 de chaque épingle est entièrement pivotée mais reste inclinée par rapport au plan d'appui 40 formée par l'aimant permanent, permettant de maintenir un effet magnétique entre l'épingle 3 et l'aimant permanent 4 ;The sixth portion 36 of each pin is fully pivoted but remains inclined with respect to the bearing surface 40 formed by the permanent magnet, making it possible to maintain a magnetic effect between the pin 3 and the permanent magnet 4;
  • Chaque épingle 3 est entièrement pivotée autour de ses deux axes A1, A2 ;Each pin 3 is fully pivoted around its two axes A1, A2;
  • Si un contact électrique est présent dans le dispositif, celui-ci peut être actionné et l'organe lumineux, si présent, peut être allumé.If an electrical contact is present in the device, the latter can be actuated and the luminous member, if present, can be switched on.
Relâchement du boutonButton release

  • Lorsque la force mécanique exercée sur le bouton d'actionnement 2 est stoppée, le bouton d'actionnement 2 remonte vers sa position de repos ;When the mechanical force exerted on the actuating button 2 is stopped, the actuating button 2 rises towards its rest position;
  • Le retour du bouton d'actionnement 2 vers sa position de repos est permis grâce à l'effet magnétique présent entre chaque épingle 3 au niveau de sa sixième portion 36 et l'aimant permanent 4 qui lui fait face ;The return of the actuating button 2 to its rest position is permitted thanks to the magnetic effect present between each pin 3 at its sixth portion 36 and the permanent magnet 4 which faces it;
  • Chaque épingle 3 pivote autour de ses deux axes de pivotement A1, A2.Each pin 3 pivots around its two pivot axes A1, A2.

Le dispositif de l'invention présente ainsi de nombreux avantages, parmi lesquels :

  • Toute la partie mécanique (guidage, effet tactile et rappel du bouton) est liée à la partie arrière de la plaque d'habillage 11. On libère de la place sous le bouton d'actionnement 2, pour y loger par exemple de l'électronique ;
  • Il reste un maximum de volume libre à l'arrière du produit et ce volume n'est pas coupé par le passage d'élément comme les épingles de guidage ou un ressort de rappel ;
  • L'effet tactile ainsi que l'effort de réglage peuvent être ajustés en fonction de la surface de l'épingle 3 en contact avec l'aimant permanent 4.
The device of the invention thus has many advantages, including:
  • The entire mechanical part (guiding, tactile effect and reminder of the button) is linked to the rear part of the cover plate 11. Space is freed up under the actuation button 2, to house electronics there, for example. ;
  • There remains a maximum of free volume at the rear of the product and this volume is not cut by the passage of elements such as guide pins or a return spring;
  • The tactile effect as well as the adjustment effort can be adjusted according to the surface of the pin 3 in contact with the permanent magnet 4.

Claims (9)

  1. Device of push-button type comprising:
    - a body (1) comprising a casing comprising a receptacle (10) and a cover plate (11) fixed on the receptacle,
    - an actuating button (2) that can be actuated in translation along a main axis (X) with respect to the body (1) between at least two positions, a rest position and a pushed-in position, the cover plate (11) being arranged at the periphery of the actuating button (2),
    - guiding means for guiding the actuating button (2) in translation between the two positions thereof,
    - return means for returning the actuating button (2) from the pushed-in position toward the rest position,
    - the guiding means comprising at least a pin (3) comprising a bent rod shaped to have a first part (31) pivotally mounted on a fastening unit (22) of the actuating button (2) and at least a second part (33, 35) pivotally mounted on a fastening unit (112) of the cover plate (11),
    - the return means being rigidly connected to the body (1) and designed to act on the pin (3) by mechanical or magnetic effect,
    - the return means including at least one permanent magnet (4) fixed on the cover plate (11) and designed to cooperate by magnetic effect with a free end (36) of the pin (3), said free end (36) being designed to be in contact with a bearing plane (40) of the permanent magnet (4) when the actuating button (2) is in the rest position, characterized in that
    - the free end (36) of the pin (3) includes a bevel (37) or a flattening arranged to be in contact with the bearing plane (40) of the permanent magnet (4) when the actuating button (2) is in the rest position.
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that:
    - the actuating button (2) includes an external face (20), located on the outside of the casing and an internal face (21), located on the inside of the casing,
    - the cover plate (11) includes an external face (110), located on the outside of the casing and an internal face (111), located on the inside of the casing,
    - the fastening unit (22) of the actuating button (2) is fixed on the internal face (21) of said actuating button (2), and
    - the fastening unit (112) of the cover plate (11) is fixed on the internal face (111) of the cover plate (11).
  3. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the free end (36) of the pin (3) is designed to pivot between two positions when the actuating button (2) moves between the rest position thereof and the pushed-in position thereof and is arranged opposite the permanent magnet (4).
  4. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the return means include at least a spring fixed firstly to the pin (3) and secondly to the cover plate (11).
  5. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the actuating button (2) has a rectangular or square general shape.
  6. Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the cover plate (11) includes an opening of rectangular or square shape and in that the actuating button (2) is designed such that the outer edge thereof matches the inner edge of the opening.
  7. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that it includes a first pin (3) arranged along a first side of the actuating button (2) and an opening first edge located opposite, and a second pin (3) arranged along a second edge of the actuating button (2) and an opening second edge located opposite.
  8. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it includes an electronic board fixed to the bottom of the casing.
  9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the actuating button (2) includes at least one transparent part (23) and in that the electronic board (50) includes a light-emitting diode (51) set up to emit a light signal through said transparent part.
EP18204605.2A 2017-11-27 2018-11-06 Push-button type control device with flat architecture Active EP3489980B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1761204A FR3074356B1 (en) 2017-11-27 2017-11-27 FLAT ARCHITECTURAL PUSH-BUTTON CONTROL DEVICE

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3489980A1 EP3489980A1 (en) 2019-05-29
EP3489980B1 true EP3489980B1 (en) 2023-07-12
EP3489980C0 EP3489980C0 (en) 2023-07-12

Family

ID=61750256

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18204605.2A Active EP3489980B1 (en) 2017-11-27 2018-11-06 Push-button type control device with flat architecture

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US10658133B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3489980B1 (en)
CN (1) CN109841437B (en)
FR (1) FR3074356B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3540377B2 (en) * 1994-08-03 2004-07-07 ミネベア株式会社 Push button switch
JP4126937B2 (en) * 2002-03-13 2008-07-30 オムロン株式会社 Push button switch
GB2433351B (en) * 2005-12-16 2009-03-25 Dale Mcphee Purcocks Keyboard
CN102891021A (en) 2011-07-22 2013-01-23 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 Electronic device
US9449768B2 (en) 2013-01-04 2016-09-20 Synaptics Incorporated Stabilization techniques for key assemblies and keyboards
TWI476801B (en) * 2013-02-21 2015-03-11 Darfon Electronics Corp Keyswitch and keyboard thereof
CN104299822B (en) * 2014-09-25 2016-10-05 苏州达方电子有限公司 Press-key structure
US9947493B2 (en) * 2014-10-24 2018-04-17 Synaptics Incorporated Magnetically biased retracting key assembly and keyboard
TWI615874B (en) * 2015-07-30 2018-02-21 達方電子股份有限公司 Keyswitch structure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN109841437A (en) 2019-06-04
US20190164701A1 (en) 2019-05-30
FR3074356B1 (en) 2020-08-28
CN109841437B (en) 2022-12-23
EP3489980C0 (en) 2023-07-12
US10658133B2 (en) 2020-05-19
FR3074356A1 (en) 2019-05-31
EP3489980A1 (en) 2019-05-29

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