FR3114436A1 - Set of parts allowing the realization of a switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Set of parts allowing the realization of a switch Set of parts allowing the realization of a switch with sudden switching and, alternately, with slow switching, this set comprising: - a switching element (16) comprising: - a first zone (44) of support which allows, when it is pressed, to obtain a sudden switching between a closed state and the open state of the switch, - a second zone (46) of support which allows, when it is pressed, to obtain slow switching between the closed state and the open state, - a first button (B1) for actuating to abruptly switch the switch between the closed state and the open state, this first button comprising a lug (50) capable of coming to rest on the first support zone (44), - a second actuating button (B2) for slowly switching the switch between the closed state and the open, this second button comprising a lug (52) able to bear against the second zone (46) of support. Fig. 2

Description

Set of parts allowing the realization of a switch

The invention relates to a set of parts allowing the realization of a switch with abrupt switching and, alternately, with slow switching. The invention also relates to a slow switching switch made from the parts of this set.

Snap-action switches are used to quickly switch an electrical contact between closed and open states. Such a sudden switching is also known by the term “snap action”. Sudden switching is, for example, useful for limiting the appearance of an electric arc. Such a snap switch is disclosed in application US10283285.

Slow switching switches allow the electrical contact to be moved slowly between its closed and open states. These slow-switching switches have, for example, the advantage of not producing a snapping noise when the electrical contact moves between its closed and open states.

So far, these hard-switching and slow-switching switches are structurally very different. Thus, they are manufactured on different production lines and require different tools.

The invention aims to simplify the manufacture of these sudden-switching and slow-switching switches. To this end, it relates to a set of parts allowing the realization of a switch with abrupt switching and, alternately, with slow switching, this set comprising:
- a chassis,
- a first electrical contact fixed without any degree of freedom on the frame,
- a second movable electrical contact inside the chassis between:
- a closed state in which the second electrical contact bears against the first electrical contact, and
- an open state in which the second electrical contact is remote from the first electrical contact,
- a switching element comprising:
- a distal end on which the second electrical contact is fixed,
- a spring which permanently exerts a force F ₁ on the distal end, this spring extending for this purpose between the distal end and a first attachment point mechanically connected to the frame,
- an arm which permanently exerts a force F ₂ on the distal end, this arm being stretched for this purpose between the distal end and a second attachment point mechanically connected to the frame,
- a first support zone which allows, when pressed, to obtain a sudden switching between the closed state and the open state, the shortest distance between this first support zone and the distal end being greater than a distance D1, where the distance D1 is equal to the shortest distance between the distal end and the point of attachment closest to this distal end,
- a second support zone which allows, when pressed, to obtain a slow switching between the closed state and the open state, the shortest distance between the second support zone and the distal end being less than distance D1,
- a first actuating button that can be moved relative to the chassis between a released position and an actuated position to cause the switch to switch abruptly between the closed state and the open state, this first button comprising a lug capable of coming to rest on the first support zone for pressing it when this first button is moved between its released position and its actuated position,
- a second actuating button that can be moved relative to the chassis between a released position and an actuated position to cause the switch to slowly switch between the closed state and the open state, this second button comprising a lug capable of coming to rest on the second support zone to press it when this second button is moved between its released position and its actuated position.

Embodiments of this assembly may include one or more of the following features:
1) the frame comprises a single housing capable of receiving, alternately, the first and second actuation buttons.
2)
- the first and second buttons are movable along or around the same depression axis to pass from their released position to their actuated position, and
- the second button is the symmetrical of the first button with respect to this axis of depression.
3) the second attachment point is mechanically connected to the frame by means of a spring which allows movement of this second attachment point parallel to the axis along which the first button moves.
4)
- the first support zone makes it possible to deform the switching element between successively:
- a first conformation in which the resultant of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ maintains the second electrical contact resting on the first electrical contact,
- a second unstable conformation in which the forces F ₁ and F ₂ are of the same amplitude but of opposite directions, and
- a third conformation in which the resultant of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ moves the second electrical contact away from the first electrical contact,
- the second support zone makes it possible to deform the switching element, without going through an unstable conformation, successively between:
- the first conformation, and
- A fourth conformation in which the resultant of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ urges the second contact towards the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is in its open state.
5) the assembly comprises a stop on which the second electrical contact comes to bear, when the second button is moved towards its depressed position, before the distal end crosses an axis passing through the first and second attachment points.
6)
- the assembly comprises a third electrical contact facing the first electrical contact, this third electrical contact forming said stop,
- the assembly comprises first, second and third electrical connection terminals fixed without any degree of freedom on the frame,
- The first, second and third electrical contacts are permanently electrically connected, respectively, to the first, second and third electrical connection terminals.
7)
- the assembly comprises an axis of abrupt switching passing through the point of attachment closest to the distal end and the distal end and which, when it is crossed by the lug of the first button, causes the abrupt switching the second electrical contact between the closed state and the open state,
- The lug of the first button is arranged to cross this abrupt switching axis when the first button is moved between its released and actuated positions.

The invention also relates to a slow-switching switch made from the parts of an assembly above, in which the slow-switching switch comprises:
- a chassis,
- a first electrical contact fixed without any degree of freedom on the chassis,
- a second movable electrical contact inside the chassis between:
- a closed state in which the second electrical contact bears against the first electrical contact, and
- an open state in which the second electrical contact is remote from the first electrical contact,
- a switching element comprising:
- a distal end (30) on which the second electrical contact is fixed,
- a spring which permanently exerts a force F ₁ on the distal end, this spring extending for this purpose between the distal end and a first attachment point mechanically connected to the frame,
- an actuating button movable relative to the frame between a released position and an actuated position to slowly switch the switch between the closed state and the open state,
characterized in that:
- the switching element additionally comprises:
- an arm which permanently exerts a force F ₂ on the distal end, this arm being stretched for this purpose between the distal end and a second attachment point mechanically connected to the frame,
- a first bearing zone which allows, when pressed, to obtain a sudden switching between the closed state and the open state, the shortest distance between this first bearing zone and the distal end being greater than a distance D1, where the distance D1 is equal to the shortest distance between the distal end and the point of attachment closest to this distal end,
- a second support zone which allows, when pressed, to obtain a slow switching between the closed state and the open state, the shortest distance between the second support zone and the distal end being less than distance D1, and
- the actuating button comprises a lug capable of coming to rest on the second support zone in order to depress it when this second button is moved between its released position and its actuated position.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:
- Figure 1 is a schematic illustration, in perspective and partial, of a first embodiment of a snap switch;
- Figure 2 is a schematic illustration, in front view, of a first embodiment of a slow switching switch;
- Figures 3 to 5 are block diagrams illustrating different states of operation of the switch of Figure 1;
- Figures 6 and 7 are block diagrams illustrating different states of operation of the switch of Figure 2;
- Figure 8 is a partial perspective illustration of a second embodiment of a snap switch;
- Figures 9 and 10 are block diagrams illustrating the operation of the switch of Figure 8;
- Figures 11 and 12 are block diagrams illustrating the operation of a slow switching switch made from the same set of parts as that used to make the switch of Figure 8;
- Figure 13 is a partial illustration in perspective of a third embodiment of a snap switch;
- Figures 14 and 15 are block diagrams illustrating the operation of the switch of Figure 13;
- Figures 16 and 17 are block diagrams illustrating the operation of a slow switching switch made from the same set of parts as that used to make the switch of Figure 13.

In the rest of this description, the characteristics and functions well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail.

In this description, detailed examples of embodiments are first described in a chapter I with reference to the figures. Then, in a chapter II, variants of these embodiments are presented. Finally, in a chapter III, the advantages of the different embodiments described are presented.

Chapter I: Examples of embodiments:

Figures 1 and 3 to 5 represent a switch 2 with sudden switching. Figures 2 and 6 to 7 show a slow switching switch 3.

Figures 3 to 7 are block diagrams intended to illustrate the operation of switches 2 and 3. For this, the representations of the various parts of the switches in the block diagrams are simplified to the extreme. In addition, the amplitude of the displacements and the deformations of the various parts represented in these diagrams have been exaggerated to facilitate understanding.

In this embodiment, switch 2 is a switch which has both the NO (Normally Open) and NC (Normally Closed) functions. To this end, switch 2 comprises:
- a frame 4;
- three electrical connection terminals 6, 7 and 8;
- Three electrical contacts 10, 11 and 12 electrically permanently connected, respectively, to the electrical terminals 6, 7 and 8;
- a switching element 16;
- a button B1 for actuating the abrupt switching of switch 2.

In figure 1 and the following, the figures are oriented with respect to an orthogonal reference XYZ. The X and Y directions are horizontal. The Z direction is vertical. Terms such as "left", "right" are defined with respect to the X direction. Terms such as "front" and "rear" are defined with respect to the Y direction. Terms such as "up", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "above", "below" are defined relative to the Z direction.

Switch 2 behaves:
- as a normally closed switch, for any electrical load connected between terminals 7 and 6, and
- as a normally open switch for any electrical load connected between terminals 7 and 8.

Frame 4 serves as a support for the different parts of switch 2. Here, it also forms a box inside which these different parts are housed. For example, here it is formed of two essentially parallelepipedic shells which fit together along a vertical joint plane to form frame 4.

In Figure 1, only the rear shell of frame 4 is visible. Frame 4 is rigid, i.e. it does not deform during use. Typically, for this, it is made of a hard material, that is to say for example a material whose Young's modulus is greater than 0.1 GPa or 1 GPa under normal pressure and temperature conditions.

Chassis 4 also electrically insulates the various conductive parts it houses from the outside. For this, here, the frame 4 is also made of an electrically insulating material.

In this text, the term “electrically insulating material” designates a material whose electrical conductivity at 20° C. is less than 10 ^-6 S/m and, preferably, less than 10 ^-10 S/m or 10 ^-15 S/m. Mr.

Typically, frame 4 is made of an electrically insulating polymer material.

Chassis 4 has different housings to receive the different parts of switch 2. For this purpose, it has in particular a housing 22 to receive button B1.

Terminals 6 to 8 are fixed without any degree of freedom on frame 4. They allow the switch to be electrically connected to an external electrical circuit. To this end, terminals 6 to 8 are made of an electrically conductive material. In this text, an electrically conductive material designates a material whose electrical conductivity at 20° C. is greater than 10 ⁵ S/m and, preferably, greater than 10 ⁶ S/m or 10 ⁷ S/m. Typically, terminals 6 to 8 are made of metal.

Here, terminals 6 to 8 are electrical terminals.

Electrical contacts 10 to 12 are also made of electrically conductive material. The contacts 10 and 12 are fixed respectively, without any degree of freedom, on the terminals 6 and 8. The contact 10 is here located above the contact 12 and insulated, mechanically and electrically, from the contact 12 permanently by a blade of 'air.

Contact 11 moves relative to frame 4 between a closed state shown in Figure 1 and an open state.

In the closed state, the contact 11 is directly mechanically supported on the contact 10 and mechanically remote from the contact 12. In the closed state, the terminals 6 and 7 are therefore electrically connected to each other and the terminals 7 and 8 are electrically isolated from each other.

In the open state, the contact 11 is directly mechanically supported on the contact 12. Thus, in the open state, the terminals 6 and 7 are electrically isolated from each other and the terminals 7 and 8 are electrically connected to each other.

The contact 11 moves between its open and closed states following a trajectory contained in a vertical plane parallel to the directions X and Z. This vertical plane is hereinafter referred to as the “plane of displacement”.

The switching element 16 makes it possible to move the contact 11 between the closed and open states. In particular, this element 16 makes it possible to cause sudden switching between the closed and open states and vice-versa in response to pressing button B1. For this, it includes:
- A distal end 30 on which is fixed, without any degree of freedom, the contact 11;
- a spring 32;
- A connecting arm 34.

The spring 32 permanently exerts on the end 30 a force denoted F ₁ . For this purpose, the spring 32 is fixed on one side to the end 30 and on the opposite side to a point 36 of attachment. Point 36 is fixed to frame 4 and allows spring 32 to pivot around an axis parallel to direction Y passing through this point 36 of attachment.

In this embodiment, the spring 32 is systematically stressed in compression between the end 30 and the point 36.

Here, the spring 32 is a leaf spring compressed between the end 30 and the point 36. This leaf spring is curved downwards as illustrated in the figures.

The arm 34 is stretched between the end 30 and an attachment point 38 mechanically connected to the frame 4. The arm 34 is kept permanently stretched between the end 30 and the point 38, in particular, by the spring 32.

Thus, the arm 34 permanently exerts on the end 30 a force F ₂ which at least partially opposes the force F ₁ of the spring 32.

The direction of this force F ₂ can be modified by deforming the switching element 16 using the button B1 as will be explained later. For this, in this embodiment, the arm 34 is rigid in tension.

In this text, a part is considered to be “rigid in tension” if its elongation, when it is stretched by a force whose amplitude is equal to the force F ₁ or F ₂ is negligible. That is to say that this elongation remains less than 0.5 mm or 0.1 mm.

In addition, in this embodiment, the arm 34 is a flexible arm, that is to say it deforms in bending without excessive effort.

In this application, a part is considered to be "flexible" when the FL1-FL2 deviation, in absolute value, is greater than 0.5 mm and, preferably, greater than 1 mm or 2 mm, where:
- FL1 is the arrow of this piece when button B1 is released, and
- FL2 is the arrow of this part when button B1 is pressed.

For this purpose, here, the arm 34 has two thin branches which extend parallel to each other. They are each located on a respective side of the spring 32 in plan view.

Point 38 is mechanically connected to frame 4. It allows arm 34 to pivot around an axis parallel to direction Y and passing through this point 38. In addition, here point 38 is also movable in translation in a plane vertical. For this purpose, point 38 is mechanically connected to frame 4 by a return spring 40 and a beam 42.

The spring 40 opposes the displacement of the point 38 downwards. This spring 40 is interposed between point 38 and a lower part of frame 4. For example, spring 40 is a coil spring.

The beam 42 holds the point 38 on the upper end of the spring 40. For this, the beam 42 is fixed, on one side, to the point 38 and, on the opposite side, to the frame 4.

In this embodiment, the point 38 is fixed without any degree of freedom at the end of the beam 42. The lower end of the beam 42 is mechanically connected to the frame 4 by a pivot connection whose axis of rotation is parallel to the Y direction. For example, for this, the lower end of the beam 42 is received in a basin provided in the frame 4 and which allows the beam 42 to pivot around the point of contact between the bottom of this basin and its lower end.

The beam 42 guides the displacement of the point 38 inside the frame 4. For this purpose, the beam 42 is rigid in bending and in compression.

Here, a part is considered "rigid in bending" if it is not flexible. Moreover, in this text, by "rigid in compression" is meant the fact that the shortening of the beam 42 during the use of the switch 2 is negligible, that is to say less than 0.5 mm or 0.1mm. Under these conditions, the beam 42 guides the point 38 along an arcuate trajectory centered on the lower end of this beam 42.

In this embodiment, in the released position of button B1, point 36 is located lower than point 38 and lower than end 30.

The switching element 16 has a support zone 44 (Figures 3 to 5) which makes it possible to deform this switching element 16 from a conformation at rest, shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, to a first deformed conformation, shown in Figure 4, passing through an unstable conformation schematically shown in Figure 5.

In the first rest conformation, the resultant R (Figure 3) of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ is directed upwards. The resultant R is the vector sum of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ . It is illustrated on the block diagrams next to end 30 to improve the readability of these diagrams. The electrical contact 11 is therefore permanently biased upwards and therefore maintained in contact with the contact 10.

In the unstable conformation, the resultant R (Figure 5) of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ is zero. More precisely, in the unstable conformation, the forces F ₁ and F ₂ are of the same amplitude, but of opposite directions. In this unstable conformation, the forces F ₁ and F ₂ are aligned on an axis A1 of sudden switching (FIGS. 3 and 5). The A1 axis is contained in the movement plane.

In the first deformed conformation, the resultant R (FIG. 4) of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ is directed downwards. In this first deformed conformation, the contact 11 is therefore permanently biased downwards and held in contact with the contact 12.

Area 44 is located to the left of a pivot plane. The pivot plane is the vertical plane that passes through the point of attachment of the switching element closest to end 30. In this embodiment, the point of attachment closest to end 30 is item 36.

Here, zone 44 is located on arm 34 and, more precisely, on the part of arm 34 located to the left of the pivot plane and which extends to point 38.

The switching element 16 also includes a support zone 46 (FIGS. 6 and 7) which, when pressed, allows slow switching between the closed and open states. More precisely, the zone 46 makes it possible to deform the switching element 16 from its rest conformation, also represented in FIG. 6, to a second deformed conformation represented in FIG. an unstable conformation. Zone 46 is located to the right of the pivot plane and, more precisely, between the pivot plane and the end 30.

In the second deformed conformation, the resultant R (FIG. 7) of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ is directed upwards and the contact 11 bears against the contact 12. Thus, this second deformed conformation differs from the first deformed conformation represented in FIG. 4 by the fact that the resultant R is directed upwards and not downwards. In this second deformed conformation, the points 36 and 38 are aligned along an axis A2 (FIG. 7) contained in the plane of displacement.

Here, the contact 12 also forms a stop which prevents the distal end 30 from descending below this axis A2. Here, for this purpose, the contact 12 is located above the axis A2 so that the contact 11 comes into abutment against this contact 12 before the end 30 reaches the axis A2.

The button B1 makes it possible to trigger an abrupt switching of the contact 11 between its closed and open states when it is moved between a released position represented in figures 1 and 3 and an actuated position represented in figure 4.

The button B1 is for example directly movable by the hand of a user or by any other material device such as, for example, a door or a robot.

Here, button B1 slides inside housing 22 between its released position and its activated position. In its released position, an upper part of the button B1 protrudes beyond the frame 4. In the actuated position, the button B1 is further pressed inside the frame 4. Here, the button B1 moves in translation between its released and actuated positions along a vertical depression axis. In its released position, contact 11 is in its closed state and, conversely, in its actuated position, contact 11 is in its open state.

Button B1 has a lug 50 whose lower end bears directly on zone 44 of switching element 16. Thus, the lug 50 pushes the zone 44 downwards when the button B1 moves from its released position to its actuated position. In addition, the lug 50 is arranged so that its lower end crosses the axis A1 when the button B1 is pressed. For this, the lug 50 forms a projection directed downwards on the lower side of the button B1.

Conversely, the button B1 has no lug capable of coming to rest on the support zone 46 of the switching element 16 when it moves between its released and actuated positions.

Switch 3 is made with the same parts as switch 2, except that button B1 is replaced by button B2.

The button B2 slides inside the housing 22 between a released position, shown in Figures 2 and 6, and an actuated position shown in Figure 7. The button B2 slides vertically inside the housing 22 along the same insertion axis than that along which the button B1 slides. In its rest position, its upper part protrudes beyond frame 4. In its actuated position, button B2 is further pressed inside frame 4.

Button B2 makes it possible to switch contact 11 slowly between its closed and open states. For this, it comprises a lug 52 whose lower end bears directly on the support zone 46 of the switching element 16. Pin 52 depresses area 46 when button B2 moves from its released position to its depressed position. Thus, the button B2 makes it possible to deform the element 16 from its rest conformation represented in FIG. 6 up to the second deformed conformation represented in FIG. 7. Consequently, the button B2 only causes a slow switching between the state closed and open state.

Conversely, button B2 does not cause any sudden switching between the closed and open states. To this end, button B2 has no additional lug capable of pressing in area 44.

In addition, here, the lug 52 is shaped so that the distal end 30 is always above an axis A3 (Figure 7). Axis A3 is the axis passing through point 36 and end 30 when switching element 16 is in its second deformed conformation. For this, lug 52 is long enough for contact 11 to bear against contact 12 in the actuated position, and short enough for it to always remain above axis A3.

In this particular embodiment, button B2 is the symmetrical button B1 with respect to the axis of insertion. In this case, the buttons B1 and B2 are identical and differ only from each other by their mounting orientation inside the frame 4. More precisely, to obtain a snap-action switch, the button B1 is mounted with an orientation such that the lug 50 bears against the area 44. Conversely, to obtain a slow switching switch, the same button is mounted inside the frame 4 in the same housing 22 but with an orientation in which the lug 50 bears directly on the zone 46. For this, the lug 50 is eccentric with respect to the driving axis.

Switch 3 therefore differs from switch 2 only in the mounting orientation of button B1. Thus, the combination of parts common to switches 2 and 3 form a set of parts allowing the production of a switch with sudden switching and, alternately, with slow switching.

The operation of switch 2 is as follows: spring 40 permanently urges button B1 towards its released position. Thus, in the absence of external stress, button B1 is in its released position. In the released position, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the resultant R of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ , exerted respectively by the spring 32 and the arm 34 on the end 30, is directed upwards. This keeps contact 11 pressed against contact 10. Contact 11 is therefore in its closed state.

Then, button B1 is pushed, for example by a user, towards the inside of frame 4. Pin 50 then pushes zone 44 downwards. Given that zone 44 is to the left of the pivot plane, the rotation of end 30 counterclockwise is blocked by contact 10. Therefore, pressing button B1 causes:
- the depression of point 38 against the restoring force of spring 40, and
- the bending deformation of the arm 34.
This deformation of the switching element 16 causes the direction of the force F ₂ to rotate counterclockwise while the direction of the force F ₁ remains unchanged. Thus, the angle between the force F ₂ and the axis A1 decreases until it reaches a zero value. When the value of this angle is zero, the unstable conformation represented in FIG. 5 is reached. In this unstable conformation, zone 44 is aligned with end 30 and point 36 on axis A1. The forces F ₁ and F ₂ cancel each other out and their resultant R is zero.

This conformation is unstable because, as soon as the angle between the force F ₂ and the axis A1 is different from zero, the resultant R of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ which appears tends to move the element 16 away from this unstable conformation.

Consequently, when the lower end of lug 50 crosses axis A1, contact 11 suddenly switches to its open state without it even being necessary to press button B1 any further. Electrical contact between contacts 11 and 12 is then established (FIG. 4).

When the button B1 is released, it rises vertically from its actuated position to its released position under the action of the spring 40. During this movement, the lower end of the lug 50 crosses, in the opposite direction, the axis which passes through point 36 and end 30 when contact 11 is in its open state.
As soon as the lower end of the lug 50 is above this axis, this causes a sudden switching of the contact 11 to its closed state. Then, spring 40 pushes button B1 back until it returns to its released position.

The operation of switch 3 is as follows: in the released position of button B2, the conformation of switching element 16 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 3. Thus, in this released position of button B2 , the resultant R of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ maintains the contact 11 pressed against the contact 10. In addition, this resultant R also maintains the button B2 in its released position.

Then, when button B2 is pressed, for example by a user, towards the inside of frame 4, lug 52 pushes area 46 downwards. Since zone 46 is to the right of the pivot plane, contact 10 does not prevent rotation of end 30 clockwise. Thus, the end 30 moves downward. As button B2 is moved down, axis A3 which passes through point 36 and end 30 rotates as zone 46 descends. Thus, throughout this movement, the lower end of the lug 52 remains above this axis. As long as the lower end of the lug 52 is above this axis, the resultant R of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ is non-zero and directed upwards. Thus, no abrupt switching of contact 11 occurs. On the contrary, contact 11 moves from contact 10 to contact 12 with a speed proportional to the speed at which button B2 is pressed. Moreover, when the contact 11 reaches the open state represented in FIG. 7, here, the lower end of the lug 52 and the zone 46 remain above the axis A3. In this second deformed conformation, the angle between the force F ₂ and the axis A3 is greater than zero and the force F ₂ is inclined upwards. Thus, in this second deformed conformation, the resultant R of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ is non-zero and remains directed upwards. Consequently, as soon as button B2 is released, the resultant R of forces F ₁ and F ₂ brings button B2 back to its released position and contact 11 to its closed state.

Preferably, in the released position of the buttons B1 and B2, the angle between the force F ₂ and the axis A1 is small. Here, an angle is “small” if the absolute value of this angle is less than 25° and, preferably, less than 10° or 5° or 3°. In this case, the travel of the button B1 before triggering the sudden switching is small. For example, this stroke is less than 4 mm or 2 mm. Likewise, in the actuated position of button B1, the angle between force F ₂ and the axis passing through point 36 and end 30 is preferably small. Thus, the sudden switching to the closed state also occurs very quickly after button B1 is released.

In the following embodiments, the forces F ₁ and F ₂ always designate, respectively, the force exerted by the spring corresponding to the spring 32 and the force exerted by the arm corresponding to the arm 34.

FIGS. 8 to 12 represent a second embodiment of a set of parts for producing a switch 60 with abrupt switching and a switch 62 with slow switching. In these figures, the parts whose function is identical to the function of a part of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7 carry the same numerical references followed by the letter “a”. Thus, part 34a designates an arm which performs exactly the same function as arm 34 of the previous embodiment. Moreover, in these figures, the housings for receiving the buttons B1a and B2a have not been shown.

The main difference between switch 60 and switch 2 is that the attachment point 38a is mechanically connected to the frame 4a without any degree of translational freedom. For this, the spring 40 and the beam 42 are omitted. Here, the point 38a is therefore only connected to the frame 4a by a pivot connection.

In this embodiment, to make the switch 62, the frame 4a may include a second housing distinct from the first housing which receives the button B1a. For example, the second housing is located directly above the support zone 46a of the switching element 16a. Moreover, for example, the button B2a is not necessarily the symmetrical button B1a with respect to the axis of depression of these buttons.

The operation of switches 60 and 62 is deduced from the explanations given previously for switches 2 and 3 and from the block diagrams represented in FIGS. 9 to 12. More specifically, FIGS. 9 and 10 represent button B1a in its positions, respectively, released and activated. Figures 11 and 12 show the button B2a in its positions, respectively, released and actuated.

FIGS. 13 to 17 represent a third embodiment of a set of parts for producing a snap-switching switch 70 and a slow-switching switch 72. As before, in these figures, the parts which fulfill an identical function to the parts of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7 bear the same reference numeral, but this time followed by the letter “b”.

The main difference between switch 70 and switch 60 is that:
- the positions of the attachment points 36b and 38b have been reversed;
- The spring 32b works systematically in tension and no longer in compression;
- The arm 34b is rigid in bending and in compression.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the spring 32b is not a leaf spring, but a coil spring.

Since the spring 32b works in tension, the directions of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ are reversed with respect to the previous embodiments. The point of attachment closest to end 30b is point 38b and no longer point 36b in this embodiment. Thus, the previously defined axes A1b and A3b pass in this embodiment through point 38b and not through point 36b.

Finally, in this embodiment, it is the spring 32b which is deformed in bending by the button B1b to modify the orientation of the force F ₁ as long as the lower end of the lug 50b has not crossed the axis A1b while the orientation of the force F ₂ remains, at the same time, unchanged.

Figures 14 and 15 show the button B1b, respectively, in its released position and its actuated position. Figures 16 and 17 show the button B2b, respectively, in its released position and its actuated position. The operation of switches 70 and 72 can be deduced from the previous explanations and the block diagrams illustrated in Figures 14 to 17.

Chapter II: Variants:

Unless otherwise indicated, the variants described below in the particular case of the first embodiment apply to all the embodiments.

Button variants:

As a variant, the chassis may comprise a housing for the button B1 and an additional housing for the button B2. For example, in this case, the housing which receives the button B1 is located plumb and opposite the zone 44. Conversely, the housing which receives the button B2 is located plumb and vis-à-vis the area 46. Therefore, in such an embodiment, it is possible to simultaneously mount the buttons B1 and B2 in their respective housing. Thus, the user causes a sudden switching by pressing button B1 and, alternately, a slow switching by pressing button B2.

The actuating buttons previously described can be moved between their released and actuated position by movements other than a simple translational movement. For example, in a variant, the actuating button is moved from its released position to its actuated position by a rotational movement around the driving axis. In this case, for example, the lug located on its lower part comprises an inclined face which, by shape cooperation with the support zone, transforms the rotational movement into a vertical displacement of the support zone to deform the switching element in the same way as that which is obtained using a translational movement.

Alternatively, the buttons B1 and B2 are not symmetrical to each other with respect to the axis of depression centered on the housing 22. In this case, the set of parts which allows the realization of the switch 2 and, alternately, switch 3 comprises all the parts common to these two switches plus buttons B1 and B2.

Alternatively, in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, button B2 can be depressed to an extreme depressed position. In the extreme depression position, the button B2 is even deeper inside the frame 4 than in its actuated position shown in Figure 7. To pass from the actuated position to the extreme depression position, the point 38 sinks against the restoring force of the spring 40. This causes the axis A2 to turn around the point 36 so that the end 30 can end up under the axis A2 in this position of extreme depression . In the extreme depression position, the support zone 46 can also descend below the axis A3. Thus, in the extreme depression position, the resultant R can be directed downwards. However, given that this extreme depression position can only be reached after contact 11 has come to rest on contact 12, no sudden switching occurs.

Switching element variants:

In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, the arm 34 can be a rigid arm in bending. In this case, it is only the displacement of the point 38 in translation which makes it possible to modify the orientation of the force F ₂ when the button B1 is moved between its released position and its depressed position.

In other embodiments, the arm 34 may also include a spring such as a coil spring or a leaf spring. In these embodiments, there are therefore two springs in the switching element, namely the spring 32 and the one incorporated in the arm 34.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, the beam 42 can be omitted.

The attachment points 36 and 38 can be arranged differently inside the frame 4. For example, in a particular embodiment, the point 36 is located higher than the point 38 and than the end 30 in the conformation rest. In other embodiments, the points 36 and 38 can be located in the same horizontal plane.

In most embodiments, the lug of the actuation button is in sliding contact with the switching element. The bearing zone depressed by this lug is therefore not a point zone, but corresponds to a bearing surface. The width of this support surface is delimited:
- on one side by the fulcrum between the lug and the switching element when the button is in its released position, and
- On the opposite side, by the fulcrum between the lug and the switching element when the button is in its actuated position.

The shortest distance between the bearing zone and the distal end is then defined as being the shortest distance between the distal end and the fulcrum of the bearing zone which is closest to the distal end.

In a particular embodiment, the support zone 44 is located on the beam 42. The support zone 44 can also be located on the attachment point 38 in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7.

Other variants:

The connection terminals can be made differently. For example, as a variant, the terminals are conductive strips printed on the surface of the chassis. Such conductive strips can be made using MID (“Molded Interconnect Device”) technology or other technologies.

Other embodiments of the springs are possible. For example, leaf springs can be replaced by coil springs and vice versa. The springs can also be in the form of a block of elastic materials such as a block of polymer material. The leaf springs can be curved up or down.

One of the electrical contacts 10 and 12 can be omitted. In this case, the switch then fulfills only one of the NC or NO functions. The omitted electrical contact can be replaced by a simple mechanical contact electrically isolated from terminals 6 and 8. When contact 12 is omitted, contact 11 can be left in a position where it is isolated from the chassis by an air gap instead to be supported on an electrically insulated mechanical contact of terminal 8. In the latter case, lug 52 is, for example, shaped so that the stroke of distal end 30 is shorter when it is moved by button B2, than when moved by button B1.

Other embodiments are possible to prohibit the crossing of the axis A2 by the end 30 when the button B2 is moved to its actuated position. For example, the contact 12 can be placed under the axis A2 and the contact 11 is shaped so that, in its open state, it bears directly on the contact 12 while maintaining the end 30 above the axis A2. For this, for example, the contact 11 has an oblong shape which extends mainly vertically. This oblong shape is sufficiently elongated so that when its lower part rests on the contact 12 located under the axis A2, its upper part remains at the same time above this axis A2. The end 30 is then fixed on this upper part of the contact 11.

In another embodiment, any additional depression of the button B2 inside the frame 4 is prohibited, for example, by an abutment of the frame 4.

Chapter III: Advantages of the embodiments described:

The embodiments described above allow simply by changing only the button to obtain a switch with abrupt switching and, alternately, with slow switching. In particular, the hard and slow switching switches share the same switching element. This therefore simplifies the manufacture of snap-acting and slow-acting switches, since there are parts of these switches that are common to these two types of switches.

Sudden switching produces a clicking noise. Conversely, slow switching is much quieter. Thus, the sets of parts described here simply make it possible to produce, alternately, a noisy switch and, alternately, a silent switch.

The presence of contact 12 opposite contact 10 at a location where contact 11 bears against contact 12 before end 30 crosses axis A2 and/or A3 makes it possible to obtain slow switching between contacts 11 and 12 when button B2 is used.

Moreover, the fact that the contact 12 is in addition an electrical contact makes it possible to obtain a switch capable of operating both as a normally closed switch and a normally open switch.

The fact that the buttons B1 and B2 are received inside the same housing 22 of the chassis makes it possible to obtain a common chassis for the switches with sudden switching and slow switching. In addition, this common chassis has no additional housing to receive another button. This simplifies the manufacture of both types of switches.

The fact that the button B2 is symmetrical to the button B1 with respect to the axis of depression makes it possible to obtain a switch with abrupt switching and, alternately, a switch with slow switching simply by changing the mounting orientation of this button inside the frame. This simplifies the manufacture of these switches.

The fact that, in the conformation at rest, the resultant R of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ permanently urges the contact 11 against the contact 10, reduces the electrical resistance between these two contacts and this even in the case of a switch with slow switching.

The use of the spring 40 makes it possible to increase the return force which brings the button B1 back to its released position. This also makes it possible to increase the travel of button B1 between its released and activated positions.

Claims (9)

Set of parts allowing the realization of a switch with abrupt switching and, alternately, with slow switching, this set comprising:
- a frame (4),
- a first electrical contact (10, 12) fixed without any degree of freedom on the frame,
- a second electrical contact (11) movable inside the frame between:
- a closed state in which the second electrical contact bears against the first electrical contact, and
- an open state in which the second electrical contact is remote from the first electrical contact,
- a switching element (16) comprising:
- a distal end (30) on which the second electrical contact is fixed,
- a spring (32) which permanently exerts a force F ₁ on the distal end, this spring extending for this purpose between the distal end and a first attachment point (36) mechanically connected to the frame,
- an arm (34) which permanently exerts a force F ₂ on the distal end, this arm being stretched for this purpose between the distal end and a second attachment point (38) mechanically connected to the frame,
- a first support zone (44) which allows, when it is pressed, to obtain a sudden switching between the closed state and the open state, the shortest distance between this first support zone and the the distal end being greater than a distance D1, where the distance D1 is equal to the shortest distance between the distal end and the point of attachment closest to this distal end,
- a second support zone (46) which allows, when pressed, to obtain a slow switching between the closed state and the open state, the shortest distance between the second support zone and the the distal end being less than the distance D1,
- a first actuating button (B1) movable relative to the chassis between a released position and an actuated position to cause the switch to switch abruptly between the closed state and the open state, this first button comprising a lug (50) capable of coming to rest on the first support zone in order to depress it when this first button is moved between its released position and its actuated position,
characterized in that the assembly comprises a second actuating button (B2) movable relative to the chassis between a released position and an actuated position to cause the switch to slowly switch between the closed state and the open state, this second button comprising a lug (52) capable of coming to bear on the second support zone in order to depress it when this second button is moved between its released position and its actuated position. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (4) comprises a single housing (22) capable of receiving, alternately, the first and second actuation buttons. Assembly according to claim 2, in which:
- the first and second buttons are movable along or around the same depression axis to pass from their released position to their actuated position, and
- the second button (B2) is the symmetrical of the first button (B1) with respect to this axis of depression. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second attachment point (38) is mechanically connected to the frame by means of a spring (40) which allows movement of this second attachment point parallel to the axis along which the first button moves. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein:
- the first support zone (44) makes it possible to deform the switching element between successively:
- a first conformation in which the resultant of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ maintains the second electrical contact (11) resting on the first electrical contact (10),
- a second unstable conformation in which the forces F ₁ and F ₂ are of the same amplitude but of opposite directions, and
- a third conformation in which the resultant of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ moves the second electrical contact (11) away from the first electrical contact (10),
- the second zone (46) of support makes it possible to deform the switching element, without going through an unstable conformation, successively between:
- the first conformation, and
- A fourth conformation in which the resultant of the forces F ₁ and F ₂ urges the second contact (11) towards the first electrical contact (10) and the second electrical contact is in its open state. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the assembly comprises an abutment against which the second electrical contact (11) comes to rest, when the second button (B2) is moved towards its depressed position, before the end distal (30) crosses an axis (A2) passing through the first and second points (36, 38) of attachment. Assembly according to claim 6, in which:
- the assembly comprises a third electrical contact (12) facing the first electrical contact (10), this third electrical contact forming said stop,
- the assembly comprises first, second and third electrical connection terminals (6-8) fixed without any degree of freedom on the frame,
- the first, second and third electrical contacts (10-12) are permanently electrically connected, respectively, to the first, second and third electrical connection terminals. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein:
- the assembly comprises an axis (A1) of abrupt switching passing through the point of attachment closest to the distal end and the distal end and which, when it is crossed by the lug (50) of the first button (B1), causes the sudden switching of the second electrical contact (11) between the closed state and the open state,
- The lug (50) of the first button is arranged to cross this axis (A1) of abrupt switching when the first button is moved between its released and actuated positions. Slow-switching switch made from parts of an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the slow-switching switch comprises:
- a frame (4),
- a first electrical contact (10, 12) fixed without any degree of freedom on the frame,
- a second electrical contact (11) movable inside the chassis between:
- a closed state in which the second electrical contact bears against the first electrical contact, and
- an open state in which the second electrical contact is remote from the first electrical contact,
- a switching element (16) comprising:
- a distal end (30) on which the second electrical contact is fixed,
- a spring (32) which permanently exerts a force F ₁ on the distal end, this spring extending for this purpose between the distal end and a first attachment point (36) mechanically connected to the frame,
- an actuating button (B2) movable relative to the frame between a released position and an actuated position to slowly switch the switch between the closed state and the open state,
characterized in that:
- the switching element (16) additionally comprises:
- an arm (34) which permanently exerts a force F ₂ on the distal end, this arm being stretched for this purpose between the distal end and a second attachment point (38) mechanically connected to the frame,
- a first support zone (44) which allows, when it is pressed, to obtain a sudden switching between the closed state and the open state, the shortest distance between this first support zone and the the distal end being greater than a distance D1, where the distance D1 is equal to the shortest distance between the distal end and the point of attachment closest to this distal end,
- a second support zone (46) which allows, when pressed, to obtain a slow switching between the closed state and the open state, the shortest distance between the second support zone and the the distal end being less than the distance D1, and
- the actuating button (B2) comprises a lug (52) capable of coming to rest on the second support zone (46) in order to depress it when this second button is moved between its released position and its actuated position.