WO2021180624A1 - Haptic electric switch incorporated into a motor vehicle trim panel - Google Patents

Haptic electric switch incorporated into a motor vehicle trim panel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021180624A1
WO2021180624A1 PCT/EP2021/055733 EP2021055733W WO2021180624A1 WO 2021180624 A1 WO2021180624 A1 WO 2021180624A1 EP 2021055733 W EP2021055733 W EP 2021055733W WO 2021180624 A1 WO2021180624 A1 WO 2021180624A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
panel
cavity
frame
face
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2021/055733
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Fabrice Valcher
Alexiane VANTARD
Original Assignee
C&K Components 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 C&K Components Sas filed Critical C&K Components Sas
Priority to CN202190000345.0U priority Critical patent/CN217944915U/en
Publication of WO2021180624A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021180624A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/10—Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/20—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B60K35/25—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor using haptic output
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K37/00—Dashboards
    • B60K37/20—Dashboard panels
    • 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
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/83—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
    • 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
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/84—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback
    • H01H13/85—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback characterised by tactile feedback features
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/128—Axially displaceable input devices for instruments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
    • B60K2360/33—Illumination features
    • B60K2360/332—Light emitting diodes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
    • B60K2360/33—Illumination features
    • B60K2360/339—Translucent dashboard skins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
    • B60K2360/33—Illumination features
    • B60K2360/345—Illumination of controls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
    • B60R13/02—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners
    • B60R2013/0287—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners integrating other functions or accessories
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H01H2215/014—Avoiding permanent dome inversion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/024—Transmission element
    • H01H2221/026—Guiding or lubricating nylon
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/05—Force concentrator; Actuating dimple

Definitions

  • TITLE ELECTRIC TOUCH-EFFECT SWITCH INTEGRATED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE TRIM PANEL
  • the present invention relates to an electrical switch.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to an electrical switch intended to be integrated and hidden in an interior trim panel of a motor vehicle.
  • the invention also relates to a motor vehicle trim panel incorporating such a switch
  • the number of human-machine interfaces increases, and in particular the number of electrical switches having a mechanical actuator on which the user acts to control a function.
  • the number of luminous devices of which a change of state is intended to inform the user - such as, for example, an indicator light - is also increasing significantly.
  • Such indicator lights may or may not be integrated into electrical switches.
  • the trim or trim surfaces - in particular inside the passenger compartment - such as the exterior surfaces of the instrument panel, door trim, etc., are invaded by a large number of components which can be harmful. to the development of a pleasant visual appearance of these areas of the passenger compartment and / or to make their design complex.
  • an interior trim for a motor vehicle comprising a multilayer panel comprising a rigid frame, a flexible lining covering the frame and a skin of aspect covering the trim and an electrical switch fixed to the frame of the panel, and comprising an actuating push button arranged and hidden under the aspect skin.
  • the push button is disposed under the trim and it must be actuated through the appearance skin and through the trim.
  • push-button is meant an electrical switch whose open or closed state is modified by the movement of a movable actuator member by the user, by pressure exerted on this actuator which is for example in in the form of a button or an actuating finger.
  • the electrical switch include a light source and that the trim and the appearance skin be at least partly translucent (s) or transparent (s) to allow light emitted by the light source is visible through the trim and the appearance skin.
  • the lining comprises a layer of foam, for example made of polyurethane and / or a layer of gel, for example made of polyurethane or silicone.
  • such an electrical switch comprises an internal information feedback element which provides the user with a tactile sensation representative of the effective action on an electrical triggering member of the switch which causes a change of state of the electrical switch.
  • a switch assembly comprises a housing configured to be coupled to a trim panel and defining a cavity, a "haptic" device also called feedback which is coupled to the. housing and positioned within the cavity, a printed circuit board coupled to the feedback device, a proximity sensor that is configured to actuate the feedback device, and a light source coupled to the printed circuit board and configured to emit light in response to actuation of the proximity sensor.
  • the panel includes a translucent panel-like skin bonded to a layer of foam positioned over the panel frame.
  • the invention provides an electrical switch, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising:
  • a mechanical actuator of the trigger member in an axial direction of actuation, which is interposed axially between the trigger member and the frame of the panel.
  • the action of the user on the actuating member is effected indirectly by acting on the outer face of the housing which is opposite to the face through which the member extends. 'mechanical actuation.
  • the switch comprises a light source which is configured to illuminate through the outer skin of the covering panel, which is carried by the housing, which is arranged outside said cavity of the housing, and which is coupled to the outer face of the housing bottom plate opposite said inner face;
  • the light source is configured to illuminate through the outer skin of the trim panel in response to a change in the state of the trigger;
  • the switch comprises a sheet or a plate for diffusing the light emitted by the light source which is arranged in said outer face of the housing;
  • the light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode arranged in said outer face of the back plate of the housing;
  • the light-emitting diode is arranged axially between said face outer case back plate and diffusion plate or sheet;
  • the frame of the panel comprises a member for guiding the axial movements of the housing relative to the frame of the panel, and this guide member is axially slidably received inside the cavity of the housing; the member for guiding the axial displacements of the casing relative to the frame of the panel is a guide finger which is received in axial sliding inside the cavity of the casing and of which a free end cooperates with the member of mechanical actuation of the trigger.
  • the invention also proposes a covering panel, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a panel frame, a panel skin of external appearance linked to a layer of foam positioned on the panel frame, and at least one switch. electric hidden by the appearance skin of the panel which comprises:
  • - a box: - which is configured to be coupled to the panel;
  • an electrical trigger and tactile feedback member which is arranged in a cavity of the housing, which is coupled to the internal face of the bottom plate of the housing, and which is arranged axially between the trigger member and the frame of the panel;
  • the appearance skin of the panel comprises a deformable zone for actuating the electrical switch which is arranged opposite an external face of the casing opposite to said internal face.
  • the panel comprises a light source configured to illuminate through the appearance skin of the trim panel in response to a change of state of the trigger member which is carried by the housing, which is arranged outside said housing cavity and which is coupled to the outer face of the housing bottom plate opposite said inner face;
  • the light emitted by the light source passes through at least part of a portion of said deformable actuation zone.
  • the invention also proposes a method of actuating the electrical switch of a covering panel according to the invention, characterized in that the actuation is effected through the appearance skin by means of a finger of a user who exerts an actuating force on the outer face of the bottom plate of the housing to cause a relative vertical displacement of the lower housing with respect to the frame.
  • FIG.1 - Figure 1 is an upper three-quarter perspective view which shows an exemplary embodiment of an electrical switch according to the invention
  • FIG.2 is a perspective three-quarter bottom view of the electrical switch of Figure 1;
  • FIG.3 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the electrical switch shown in Figures 1 and 2;
  • FIG.4 - Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view similar to that of Figure 3, from another viewing angle;
  • FIG.5 is a sectional view, along a median vertical and longitudinal plane PVLM of the electrical switch shown in Figures 1 to 5;
  • FIG.6 is a sectional view similar to that of Figure 5 in which the housing is shown empty;
  • FIG.7 - Figure 7 is a top view of the electrical switch shown in Figures 1 and 5;
  • FIG.8 - Figure 8 is a top view of the electrical switch shown in Figure 6 with its electrical tripping dome illustrated in silhouette;
  • FIG.9 - Figure 9 is a perspective half-view of the electrical switch shown in Figure 8, in section through a vertical and transverse median plane PVTM;
  • FIG.10 is a sectional view through a vertical and transverse median plane of the electrical switch of Figures 1 to 5 which is shown integrated and hidden in a motor vehicle panel.
  • the vertical longitudinal axis V faces from the rear to the front.
  • the electrical switch has a double general design symmetry according to the two vertical, longitudinal and transverse PVLM and PVTM planes indicated in the figures.
  • the electrical switch 100 comprises a lower half-casing 12 of generally square parallelepipedal shape which comprises in particular a lower bottom plate 14 which extends in the horizontal plane, as well as two pairs of opposite vertical walls 16 transverse 16 and longitudinal 18.
  • the lower bottom plate 14 is delimited by two opposite horizontal faces, upper inner 15 and lower outer 13.
  • the bottom plate 14 comprises a central housing passing through 17 of generally rectangular parallelepiped shape.
  • the lower half-casing 12 defines a lower cavity 20.
  • the lower cavity 20 is in particular delimited vertically by the internal horizontal upper face 15 of the base plate 14.
  • the lower half-casing 12 is suitable for being fixed for example on a printed circuit board (or on a flexible circuit), of known general design and on an upper face of which the electrical switch 100 is able to be fixed and electrically connected. by all known techniques.
  • the electrical switch 100 here comprises two fixed contacts 42 and 44 between which it is able to establish an electrical switching channel, the electrical switch 100 here being of the normally open type.
  • each fixed electrical contact 42, 44 is produced in the form of an element made of conductive metal foil cut and folded around which the lower half-casing 12 of insulating plastic material is overmolded.
  • the free and conductive upper horizontal faces 43, 45 of the two fixed contacts 42, 44 are here coplanar with the internal upper face 15 of the bottom plate 14 of the lower half-casing 12.
  • the fixed contact 42 is a rectilinear lateral contact which comprises two contact pads 39, each of which is arranged in an angle of the lower cavity 20, along a transverse vertical wall 16.
  • the second fixed contact 44 is a rectilinear contact, opposite the lateral contact 42, which extends transversely away from the other transverse vertical wall 16.
  • the fixed contact 44 comprises two contact pads 41 arranged substantially centrally in the lower cavity 20.
  • the fixed lateral contact 42 comprises a pair of transverse tabs 46 folded vertically downwards and then horizontally which protrude outside each of the two opposed longitudinal side walls 18 of the lower half-housing 12.
  • the fixed contact 44 comprises a pair of folded tabs 48 of a design similar to that of the tabs 46 of the fixed contact 42.
  • the face inner upper 15 of the bottom plate 14 comprises a portion of extra thick insulating plastic material which is delimited by a portion of flat surface 22.
  • the two flat surface portions 22 are coplanar with the upper faces of the contact pads 39 of the fixed lateral contact 42.
  • each electrical contact fixed 24, 26 is made in the form of an element of conductive metal sheet cut and folded around which the lower half-casing 12 of insulating plastic material is overmolded.
  • each central fixed contact 24, 26 extends inside the central housing 17.
  • the central housing 17 can receive an upper light-emitting diode LEDs, the power supply of which is provided by the central fixed contacts 24 and 26.
  • the central housing 17 can receive a lower light emitting diode LEDi, the power supply of which is provided by central fixed contacts 24 and 26.
  • the central fixed contact 24 For its electrical connection to a conductive track of the printed circuit board which carries the electrical switch 100, the central fixed contact 24 comprises a transverse tab 28 folded vertically downwards then horizontally which projects outside one of the two opposite longitudinal side walls 18 of the lower half-casing 12.
  • the central fixed contact 26 comprises a folded tab 30 of design similar to that of the tab 28 of the fixed contact 24.
  • the lower half-casing 12 is provided with a lower plate 19 made of translucent or transparent material.
  • the plate 19 is made of a rigid material and is attached or else consists of a glued thin sheet.
  • the lower plate 19 forming the diffuser is delimited by a lower horizontal flat face 21.
  • the electrical switch 100 comprises a trigger member 36, of known general design, which is here a monostable or bistable dome with a sudden change of state which is housed in the lower cavity 20 of the lower half-casing 12.
  • such a trigger member 36 comprises a convex domed upper central part 50 which is delimited by a convex upper face 52.
  • the trigger member 36 comprises a lower base which, without limitation, here consists of four radial branches 54 oriented vertically downwards and which extend radially from the central upper section 50.
  • the four radial branches 54 are here angularly offset by 90 degrees and, in in the assembled position, each radial branch 54 extends into a corner housing of the side wall of the lower half-casing 12 to position and center the trigger member 36 in the lower cavity 20.
  • Two consecutive radial branches 54 are in vertical contact support each on a contact pad 39.
  • the other two radial branches 54 are each resting vertically on a portion of an insulating flat surface 22.
  • a user acts on the central part or upper section 50 to apply a tripping force to it, vertically downwards, there is a sudden change of state of the trigger member 36 by elastic deformation thereof.
  • the user causes the concave annular lower face 49 of the central part 50 to come into contact with the part facing the bottom of the lower cavity 20 which here comprises the two contact pads 41 in order to establish an electrical switching channel between the two fixed contacts 42 and 44.
  • the release of the tripping force applied to the tripping member 36 causes the return of the tripping member to its stable state of rest and the interruption of the previously established electrical switching channel.
  • the central part 50 of the trigger member 36 has a circular central hole 51.
  • the continuous horizontal upper annular face of square outline 55 of the vertical side walls 16 and 18 has a central rib 56 which extends vertically upwards.
  • the casing of the electrical switch 100 comprises a complementary upper half-casing 60 which defines an upper cavity 61.
  • the upper cavity 61 constitutes the internal cavity 20-61 of the two-part housing 20 and 60 of the electrical switch 100.
  • the upper half-housing 60 is delimited by two. pairs of opposite vertical sidewalls transverse 62 and longitudinal 64 and it is open vertically at its two opposite ends which are bounded by a horizontal lower annular face 66 of square outline and by a horizontal upper annular face 68 of square outline respectively.
  • each transverse wall 62 is extended downwards by a lug 70 for hooking the upper half-casing 60 onto complementary notches 58 formed on the outer faces of each of the two. transverse walls 16 of the lower half-casing 12.
  • the upper half-casing 60 thus constitutes a cage for closing the lower half-casing 12.
  • the electrical switch 100 comprises a flexible membrane 72 for sealing the cavity 20 of the lower half-casing 12 and for actuating it. of the trigger 36.
  • the flexible membrane 72 is made of a transparent or translucent material.
  • the flexible membrane 72 is elastically deformable and its peripheral edge 74 is mounted compressed axially between the annular face 66 and the upper annular face 55.
  • the flexible membrane 72 comprises a lower groove 76 in which the rib 56 of the lower half-casing 12 is received.
  • the flexible membrane 72 In its lower face 71, the flexible membrane 72 comprises a lower circular annular bead 78 which bears on the annular portion facing the convex annular upper face 52 of the central part 50 of the trigger member 36 In its upper face 73 and substantially vertically in line with the lower annular bead 78, the flexible membrane 72 comprises a circular annular housing 80.
  • the upper half-casing 60 comprises a continuous horizontal internal rib 82 which is delimited by a continuous lower horizontal annular face 84 of square outline.
  • the upper cavity 61 of the upper half-casing 60 houses an actuator 86, or mechanical actuator, made of rigid material.
  • the rigid actuator 86 is made of a transparent or translucent material to constitute an upper diffuser of the light emitted by the LEDs diode.
  • the rigid actuator 86 is in the form of a block of generally cubic shape which, in the vicinity of the horizontal lower face 88, comprises a continuous horizontal outer rib 90 which is delimited by a continuous upper horizontal annular face 92 of square outline.
  • the rigid actuator 86 comprises a lower circular annular bead 94 which is received in the upper housing 80 of the flexible membrane 72.
  • the circular lower annular bead 94 bears without play on the bottom of the upper housing 80 of the flexible membrane 72.
  • the outer rib 90 of the rigid actuator 86 extends below the lower face 84 of the inner rib 82 of the upper half-housing 60.
  • the rigid actuator 86 comprises a parallelepipedal housing 96 in which is arranged a rigid shutter block 98.
  • FIG. 10 the location hidden in a panel is shown schematically. cover 200 of a motor vehicle, an electrical switch 100 according to the embodiment which has just been described.
  • the trim panel 200 comprises a rear panel frame 202, an intermediate layer 204 of foam which is positioned on the rear panel frame 202, and a front skin 206 of appearance.
  • outer casing panel 200 is a part of the trim panel 200.
  • the electrical switch 100 is hidden by the appearance skin 206 of the trim panel 200 and the appearance skin 206 of the trim panel includes a deformable zone 208 for actuating the electrical switch 100. There is also shown schematically a printed circuit board PCB for the electrical connection of the electrical connection tabs 28, 30, 46 and 48 of the electrical switch 100.
  • the rear panel frame 202 is for example a frame plate whose front face 203 carries a rigid guide finger 210 which extends axially from front to back.
  • the guide finger 210 is for example of square section and it is received with play in the upper cavity 61 of the upper half-housing 60.
  • the guide finger 210 is delimited axially by a rear face 212 orthogonal to the axis V which bears axially against the continuous upper horizontal annular face 92 of the rigid actuator 86 of the electrical switch 100.
  • the rear face 212 of the guide finger 210 constitutes a rigid bearing surface for the rigid actuator 86.
  • the actuation of the electric switch 100 is carried out, through the appearance skin 206.
  • the user exerts an actuating force on the lower face 13 of the lower half-housing 12, here through the rigid plate 19 forming a light diffuser.
  • the user causes a relative displacement - along the V axis and from back to front - of the lower housing half 12 relative to the guide finger 210.
  • This relative movement causes the application of a control or actuation force on the electrical switch 100.
  • This force is transmitted to the trigger member 36.
  • the user By acting on the trigger member 36, the user causes its abrupt change of state, which causes the conductive underside 49 of the central part 50 to come into electrical contact against the contact pads 39.
  • the tripping device then establishes an electrical connection of the fixed contacts 42 and 44 and therefore a change of state of the electrical switch 100 which passes here to its closed state.
  • the sudden change in state of the trigger dome-shaped member 36 causes the generation of a mechanical tactile effect which is transmitted to the user who acts on the plate 19, through his finger 214.
  • the trigger member 36 again changes state to return to its stable rest position illustrated in the figures by again interrupting the switching channel electrical between the fixed contacts 42 and 44.
  • the foam 204 provides a sealing effect between the two parts 12 and 60 of the housing as well as at the level of the guide finger 210;
  • the design of the lower half-casing 12 allows, depending on the uses, to have an electrical switch 100 comprising only one or two light sources.
  • the trigger device may not have a central hole; - the trigger device can be a dome in the form of a trigger with an associated design of fixed contacts;
  • the printed circuit board can be replaced by a flexible circuit or by conductive tracks formed on the internal face of the external skin 206; - all the components constituted by the flexible membrane 72, the actuator 86 and the shutter block 98 can be replaced for example by a single component in the form of a mechanical actuator interposed axially between the trigger member 36 and the frame 202 of the panel.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric switch (100), the housing (12-60) of which is coupled to a panel (200) comprising a frame (202) and an outer skin (206) bonded to a foam layer (204), an electric release and haptic feedback member (36) and an actuating member (86) that is positioned axially between the release member (36) and the frame (202). It can comprise a diode (LEDi) that shines through the skin (206) of the panel (200).

Description

DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
TITRE : COMMUTATEUR ELECTRIQUE A EFFET TACTILE INTEGRE DANS UN PANNEAU D’HABILLAGE DE VEHICULE AUTOMOBILE TITLE: ELECTRIC TOUCH-EFFECT SWITCH INTEGRATED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE TRIM PANEL
Domaine technique de l’invention Technical field of the invention
La présente invention concerne un commutateur électrique. The present invention relates to an electrical switch.
La présente invention concerne plus particulièrement un commutateur électrique destiné à être intégré et caché dans un panneau de garniture intérieure d’un véhicule automobile. The present invention relates more particularly to an electrical switch intended to be integrated and hidden in an interior trim panel of a motor vehicle.
L’invention concerne aussi un panneau de garniture de véhicule automobile intégrant un tel commutateur The invention also relates to a motor vehicle trim panel incorporating such a switch
Arrière-plan technique Technical background
À mesure que de nouvelles fonctionnalités nécessitant une intervention de l'utilisateur sont ajoutées à l'intérieur d'un véhicule, le nombre d’interfaces homme-machine augmente, et notamment le nombre de commutateurs électriques comportant un organe d’actionnement mécanique sur lequel l’utilisateur agit pour commander une fonction. As new functionalities requiring user intervention are added to the interior of a vehicle, the number of human-machine interfaces increases, and in particular the number of electrical switches having a mechanical actuator on which the user acts to control a function.
De même, le nombre de dispositifs lumineux dont un changement d’état vise à informer l’utilisateur - tels que par exemple un voyant lumineux - augmente aussi de manière importante. Likewise, the number of luminous devices of which a change of state is intended to inform the user - such as, for example, an indicator light - is also increasing significantly.
De tels voyants lumineux peuvent être intégrés ou non à des commutateurs électriques. Such indicator lights may or may not be integrated into electrical switches.
De ce fait, les surfaces d’habillage ou de garniture - notamment intérieures à l’habitacle - telles que les surfaces externes du tableau de bord, des habillages de portes, etc., sont envahies d’un grand nombre de composants qui peuvent nuire à l’élaboration d’un aspect visuel agréable de ces zones de l’habitacle et/ou en rendre la conception complexe. As a result, the trim or trim surfaces - in particular inside the passenger compartment - such as the exterior surfaces of the instrument panel, door trim, etc., are invaded by a large number of components which can be harmful. to the development of a pleasant visual appearance of these areas of the passenger compartment and / or to make their design complex.
Afin de remédier à ce problème général, il a déjà été proposé d’agencer un commutateur et/ou un voyant lumineux de manière « cachée », c’est-à-dire de manière non apparente en étant recouvert par la peau externe d’aspect du panneau équipé d’un tel composant. In order to remedy this general problem, it has already been proposed to arrange a switch and / or an indicator light in a “hidden” manner, that is to say inconspicuously by being covered by the outer skin appearance of the panel equipped with such a component.
A cet effet, dans le document FR-A1 -2.967.932, il a déjà été proposé un habillage intérieur de véhicule automobile, du type comprenant un panneau multicouche comportant une armature rigide, une garniture souple recouvrant l'armature et une peau d'aspect recouvrant la garniture et un commutateur électrique fixé sur l’armature du panneau, et comprenant un bouton poussoir d’actionnement disposé et caché sous la peau d’aspect. To this end, in document FR-A1 -2.967.932, an interior trim for a motor vehicle has already been proposed, of the type comprising a multilayer panel comprising a rigid frame, a flexible lining covering the frame and a skin of aspect covering the trim and an electrical switch fixed to the frame of the panel, and comprising an actuating push button arranged and hidden under the aspect skin.
Selon cette conception, le bouton-poussoir est disposé sous la garniture et il doit être actionné à travers de la peau d’aspect et à travers la garniture. According to this design, the push button is disposed under the trim and it must be actuated through the appearance skin and through the trim.
Par bouton-poussoir, on entend un commutateur électrique dont l'état ouvert ou fermé est modifié par le déplacement d'un organe mobile d’actionnement par l'utilisateur, par une pression exercée sur cet organe d’actionnement qui est par exemple en forme d’un bouton ou d’un doigt d’actionnement. Dans ce document, il est aussi proposé que le commutateur électrique comprenne une source de lumière et que la garniture et la peau d’aspect soient au moins en partie translucide(s) ou transparente(s) pour permettre que de la lumière émise par la source de lumière soit visible au travers de la garniture et de la peau d’aspect. La garniture comprend une couche de mousse, par exemple réalisée en polyuréthane et/ou une couche de gel, par exemple réalisée en polyuréthane ou en silicone. By push-button is meant an electrical switch whose open or closed state is modified by the movement of a movable actuator member by the user, by pressure exerted on this actuator which is for example in in the form of a button or an actuating finger. In this document, it is also proposed that the electrical switch include a light source and that the trim and the appearance skin be at least partly translucent (s) or transparent (s) to allow light emitted by the light source is visible through the trim and the appearance skin. The lining comprises a layer of foam, for example made of polyurethane and / or a layer of gel, for example made of polyurethane or silicone.
Les solutions proposées dans ce document rendent difficiles la transmission d’une quantité suffisante de lumière émise à travers à la fois la garniture et la peau d’aspect. The solutions proposed herein make it difficult to transmit a sufficient amount of emitted light through both the trim and the appearance skin.
De plus, de manière très généralisée, un tel commutateur électrique comporte un élément interne de retour d’information qui fournit à l’utilisateur une sensation tactile représentative de l’action effective sur un organe de déclenchement électrique du commutateur qui provoque un changement d’état du commutateur électrique. In addition, in a very generalized manner, such an electrical switch comprises an internal information feedback element which provides the user with a tactile sensation representative of the effective action on an electrical triggering member of the switch which causes a change of state of the electrical switch.
C’est notamment le cas des commutateurs électriques qui intègrent un « dôme » de déclenchement électrique qui est du type monostable ou bistable, et dont les changements d’état fournissent de telles sensations tactiles que l’utilisateur perçoit, notamment à travers son doigt au moyen duquel il agit sur l’organe d’actionnement. This is particularly the case with electrical switches which incorporate an electrical trigger "dome" which is of the monostable or bistable type, and whose changes of state provide such sensations. tactile that the user perceives, in particular through his finger by means of which he acts on the actuating member.
La conception proposée dans le document FR A1 2.967.932 rend difficile une transmission suffisante de la sensation tactile. De plus encore, l’action sur le commutateur provoque systématiquement une déformation de la peau d’aspect et de la garniture sur une course relativement importante, ce qui peut nuire à la fiabilité et à la durabilité du panneau et/ou une déformation rémanente de la zone du panneau dans laquelle est aménagé le commutateur. D’autres solutions d’aménagement permettant de cacher le commutateur et/ou la source lumineuse sont illustrées par exemple dans les documents US-B2-7.651.145 ou US-B2-6.652.128. The design proposed in document FR A1 2,967,932 makes it difficult to sufficiently transmit the tactile sensation. In addition, acting on the switch systematically causes deformation of the appearance skin and the trim over a relatively large stroke, which can adversely affect the reliability and durability of the panel and / or residual deformation of the panel. the area of the panel in which the switch is located. Other layout solutions for hiding the switch and / or the light source are illustrated, for example, in documents US-B2-7.651.145 or US-B2-6.652.128.
Il est ainsi proposé de rapprocher l’organe d’actionnement de la peau d’aspect du panneau. Plus récemment, il a été proposé dans le document US-A1 -2019/0326908 un ensemble interrupteur comprend un boîtier configuré pour être couplé à un panneau de garniture et définissant une cavité, un dispositif « haptique » dit aussi de rétroaction qui est couplé au boîtier et positionné à l'intérieur de la cavité, une plaque à circuits imprimés couplée au dispositif de rétroaction, un capteur de proximité qui est configuré pour actionner le dispositif de rétroaction, et une source lumineuse couplée à la une plaque à circuits imprimés et configurée pour émettre de la lumière en réponse à l'actionnement du capteur de proximité. It is thus proposed to bring the actuator closer to the aspect skin of the panel. More recently, it has been proposed in the document US-A1 -2019/0326908 a switch assembly comprises a housing configured to be coupled to a trim panel and defining a cavity, a "haptic" device also called feedback which is coupled to the. housing and positioned within the cavity, a printed circuit board coupled to the feedback device, a proximity sensor that is configured to actuate the feedback device, and a light source coupled to the printed circuit board and configured to emit light in response to actuation of the proximity sensor.
Le panneau comprend une peau d’aspect de panneau translucide liée à une couche de mousse positionnée sur l’armature du panneau. The panel includes a translucent panel-like skin bonded to a layer of foam positioned over the panel frame.
Résumé de l’invention Summary of the invention
L’invention propose un commutateur électrique, notamment pour un véhicule automobile, comprenant : The invention provides an electrical switch, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising:
- un boîtier - a housing
-- qui est configuré pour être couplé à un panneau comportant une armature de panneau et une peau d’aspect externe de panneau liée à une couche de mousse positionnée sur l’armature de panneau; - which is configured to be coupled to a panel comprising a panel frame and a panel outer appearance skin bonded to a layer of foam positioned on the panel frame;
-- qui comporte une plaque de fond délimitée par deux faces opposées interne et externe ; - Which comprises a bottom plate delimited by two opposite inner and outer faces;
-- et qui délimite une cavité qui est délimitée verticalement par la face interne de la plaque de fond ; - And which delimits a cavity which is delimited vertically by the internal face of the base plate;
- un organe de déclenchement électrique et de retour d’information tactile qui est agencé à l’intérieur de la cavité du boîtier et qui est couplé à la face interne de la plaque de fond du boîtier ; - an electrical trigger and tactile feedback which is arranged inside the housing cavity and which is coupled to the internal face of the housing base plate;
- et un organe d’actionnement mécanique de l’organe de déclenchement, selon une direction axiale d’actionnement, qui est interposé axialement entre l’organe de déclenchement et l’armature du panneau. - And a mechanical actuator of the trigger member, in an axial direction of actuation, which is interposed axially between the trigger member and the frame of the panel.
Ainsi, selon cette conception, l’action de l’utilisateur sur l’organe d’actionnement s’effectue de manière indirecte en agissant sur la face externe du boîtier qui est opposé à la face à travers laquelle s’étend l’organe d’actionnement mécanique. Thus, according to this design, the action of the user on the actuating member is effected indirectly by acting on the outer face of the housing which is opposite to the face through which the member extends. 'mechanical actuation.
Il est ainsi possible de disposer d’une plus grande surface d’actionnement et de transmission des sensations tactiles qui peut être agencée adjacente ou très proche de la peau d’aspect. It is thus possible to have a larger surface for actuation and transmission of tactile sensations which can be arranged adjacent or very close to the skin of appearance.
Selon d’autres caractéristiques du commutateur : - le commutateur comporte une source de lumière qui est configurée pour éclairer à travers la peau externe du panneau d’habillage, qui est portée par le boîtier, qui est agencée à l’extérieur de ladite cavité du boîtier, et qui est couplée à la face externe de la plaque de fond du boîtier opposée à ladite face interne ; - la source de lumière est configurée pour éclairer à travers la peau externe du panneau d’habillage en réponse à un changement d’état de l’organe de déclenchement ; According to other characteristics of the switch: - the switch comprises a light source which is configured to illuminate through the outer skin of the covering panel, which is carried by the housing, which is arranged outside said cavity of the housing, and which is coupled to the outer face of the housing bottom plate opposite said inner face; - the light source is configured to illuminate through the outer skin of the trim panel in response to a change in the state of the trigger;
- le commutateur comporte une feuille ou une plaque de diffusion de la lumière émise par la source de lumière qui est agencée dans ladite face externe du boîtier ; the switch comprises a sheet or a plate for diffusing the light emitted by the light source which is arranged in said outer face of the housing;
- la source de lumière comporte au moins une diode électroluminescente agencée dans ladite face externe de la plaque de fond du boîtier ; the light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode arranged in said outer face of the back plate of the housing;
- la diode électroluminescente est agencée axialement entre ladite face externe de la plaque de fond du boîtier et la plaque ou feuille de diffusion ;- the light-emitting diode is arranged axially between said face outer case back plate and diffusion plate or sheet;
- l’armature du panneau comporte un organe de guidage des déplacements axiaux du boîtier par rapport à l’armature du panneau, et cet organe de guidage est reçu en coulissement axial à l’intérieur de la cavité du boîtier ; - l’organe de guidage des déplacements axiaux du boîtier par rapport à l’armature du panneau est un doigt de guidage qui est reçu en coulissement axial à l’intérieur de la cavité du boîtier et dont une extrémité libre coopère avec l’organe d’actionnement mécanique de l’organe de déclenchement. L’invention propose aussi un panneau d’habillage, notamment pour un véhicule automobile, comprenant une armature de panneau, une peau d’aspect externe de panneau liée à une couche de mousse positionnée sur l’armature de panneau, et au moins un commutateur électrique caché par la peau d’aspect du panneau qui comporte : - The frame of the panel comprises a member for guiding the axial movements of the housing relative to the frame of the panel, and this guide member is axially slidably received inside the cavity of the housing; the member for guiding the axial displacements of the casing relative to the frame of the panel is a guide finger which is received in axial sliding inside the cavity of the casing and of which a free end cooperates with the member of mechanical actuation of the trigger. The invention also proposes a covering panel, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a panel frame, a panel skin of external appearance linked to a layer of foam positioned on the panel frame, and at least one switch. electric hidden by the appearance skin of the panel which comprises:
- un boîtier : -- qui est configuré pour être couplé au panneau ; - a box: - which is configured to be coupled to the panel;
-- qui comporte une plaque de fond délimitée par deux faces opposées interne et externe ; - Which comprises a bottom plate delimited by two opposite inner and outer faces;
-- et qui délimite une cavité qui est délimitée verticalement par la face interne de la plaque de fond ; - un élément de retour d’information/sensation tactile qui est agencé à l’intérieur de la cavité du boîtier et qui est couplé à la face interne de la plaque de fond du boîtier ; - And which delimits a cavity which is delimited vertically by the internal face of the base plate; - a tactile feedback / feedback element which is arranged within the housing cavity and which is coupled to the internal face of the housing backplate;
- un organe de déclenchement électrique et de retour d’information tactile qui est agencé d’une cavité du boîtier, qui est couplé à la face interne de la plaque de fond du boîtier, et qui est agencé axialement entre l’organe de déclenchement et l’armature du panneau ; - an electrical trigger and tactile feedback member which is arranged in a cavity of the housing, which is coupled to the internal face of the bottom plate of the housing, and which is arranged axially between the trigger member and the frame of the panel;
- et dans lequel la peau d’aspect du panneau comporte une zone déformable d’actionnement du commutateur électrique qui est agencée en regard d’une face externe du boîtier opposée à ladite face interne. Selon d’autres caractéristiques du panneau, il comporte une source de lumière configurée pour éclairer à travers la peau d’aspect du panneau d’habillage en réponse à un changement d’état de l’organe de déclenchement qui est portée par le boîtier, qui est agencée à l’extérieur de ladite cavité du boîtier et qui est couplée à la face externe de la plaque de fond du boîtier opposée à ladite face interne ; - And in which the appearance skin of the panel comprises a deformable zone for actuating the electrical switch which is arranged opposite an external face of the casing opposite to said internal face. According to other characteristics of the panel, it comprises a light source configured to illuminate through the appearance skin of the trim panel in response to a change of state of the trigger member which is carried by the housing, which is arranged outside said housing cavity and which is coupled to the outer face of the housing bottom plate opposite said inner face;
- la lumière émise par la source de lumière traverse au moins en partie une portion de ladite zone déformable d’actionnement. - The light emitted by the light source passes through at least part of a portion of said deformable actuation zone.
L’invention propose encore un procédé d’actionnement du commutateur électrique d’un panneau d’habillage selon l’invention, caractérisé en ce que l’actionnement est effectué à travers la peau d’aspect au moyen d’un doigt d’un utilisateur qui exerce un effort d’actionnement sur la face externe de la plaque de fond du boîtier pour provoquer un déplacement vertical relatif du boîtier inférieur par rapport à l’armature. The invention also proposes a method of actuating the electrical switch of a covering panel according to the invention, characterized in that the actuation is effected through the appearance skin by means of a finger of a user who exerts an actuating force on the outer face of the bottom plate of the housing to cause a relative vertical displacement of the lower housing with respect to the frame.
Brève descriptions des figures Brief descriptions of figures
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront au cours de la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre pour la compréhension de laquelle on se reportera aux dessins annexés dans lesquels : Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference is made to the appended drawings in which:
[Fig.1 ] - la figure 1 est une vue en perspective de trois quarts supérieure qui représente un exemple de réalisation d’un commutateur électrique selon l’invention ; [Fig.1] - Figure 1 is an upper three-quarter perspective view which shows an exemplary embodiment of an electrical switch according to the invention;
[Fig.2] - la figure 2 est une vue en perspective de trois quarts de dessous du commutateur électrique de la figure 1 ; [Fig.2] - Figure 2 is a perspective three-quarter bottom view of the electrical switch of Figure 1;
[Fig.3] - la figure 3 est une vue en perspective éclatée des composants du commutateur électrique représenté aux figures 1 et 2 ; [Fig.3] - Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the electrical switch shown in Figures 1 and 2;
[Fig.4] - la figure 4 est une vue en perspective éclatée analogue à celle de la figure 3, selon un autre angle de vue ; [Fig.4] - Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view similar to that of Figure 3, from another viewing angle;
[Fig.5] - la figure 5 est une est une vue en coupe, selon un plan vertical et longitudinal médian PVLM du commutateur électrique représenté aux figures 1 à 5 ; [Fig.5] - Figure 5 is a sectional view, along a median vertical and longitudinal plane PVLM of the electrical switch shown in Figures 1 to 5;
[Fig.6] - la figure 6 est une vue en coupe analogue à celle de la figure 5 sur laquelle le boîtier est représenté vide ; [Fig.6] - Figure 6 is a sectional view similar to that of Figure 5 in which the housing is shown empty;
[Fig.7] - la figure 7 est une vue de dessus du commutateur électrique représenté aux figures 1 et 5 ; [Fig.8] - la figure 8 est une vue de dessus du commutateur électrique représenté à la figure 6 avec son dôme de déclenchement électrique illustré en silhouette ; [Fig.7] - Figure 7 is a top view of the electrical switch shown in Figures 1 and 5; [Fig.8] - Figure 8 is a top view of the electrical switch shown in Figure 6 with its electrical tripping dome illustrated in silhouette;
[Fig.9] - la figure 9 est une demi-vue en perspective du commutateur électrique représenté à la figure 8, en coupe par un plan vertical et transversal médian PVTM ; [Fig.9] - Figure 9 is a perspective half-view of the electrical switch shown in Figure 8, in section through a vertical and transverse median plane PVTM;
[Fig.10] - la figure 10 est une vue en coupe par un plan vertical et transversal médian du commutateur électrique des figures 1 à 5 qui est représenté intégré et caché dans un panneau de véhicule automobile. [Fig.10] - Figure 10 is a sectional view through a vertical and transverse median plane of the electrical switch of Figures 1 to 5 which is shown integrated and hidden in a motor vehicle panel.
Description détaillée de l'invention Detailed description of the invention
Pour la description de l'invention et la compréhension des revendications, on adoptera à titre non limitatif et sans référence limitative à la gravité terrestre les orientations verticale, longitudinale et transversale selon le repère V, L, T indiqué aux figures dont les axes longitudinal L et transversal T s’étendent dans un plan horizontal. For the description of the invention and the understanding of the claims, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations will be adopted without limitation and without limiting reference to the earth's gravity according to the reference mark V, L, T indicated in the figures, the longitudinal axes of which L and transverse T extend in a horizontal plane.
La notion d'axe vertical et d'orientation selon cet axe, de bas en haut, ou inférieure, supérieure, etc. est utilisée pour simplifier la compréhension de la description et des revendications, mais sans aucune référence à la gravité terrestre. The notion of vertical axis and orientation along this axis, from bottom to top, or bottom, top, etc. is used to simplify the understanding of the description and the claims, but without any reference to earth's gravity.
Par convention, l’axe longitudinal vertical V est orienté de l’arrière vers l’avant. By convention, the vertical longitudinal axis V faces from the rear to the front.
Dans la description qui va suivre, des éléments identiques, similaires ou analogues seront désignés par les mêmes chiffres de référence. In the description which follows, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numerals.
Dans l’exemple de réalisation qui va suivre, le commutateur électrique présente une double symétrie générale de conception selon les deux plans verticaux, longitudinal et transversal PVLM et PVTM indiqué aux figures.In the exemplary embodiment which follows, the electrical switch has a double general design symmetry according to the two vertical, longitudinal and transverse PVLM and PVTM planes indicated in the figures.
On a représenté aux figures 3 et 4, sous forme éclatée selon l'axe vertical, les principaux composants d'un commutateur électrique à effet tactile 100 selon l'invention. There is shown in Figures 3 and 4, in exploded form along the vertical axis, the main components of an electrical tactile switch 100 according to the invention.
Le commutateur électrique 100 comporte un demi-boîtier inférieur 12 de forme générale parallélépipédique carrée qui comporte notamment une plaque inférieure de fond 14 qui s'étend dans le plan horizontal, ainsi que deux paires de parois verticales opposées transversales 16 et longitudinales 18. The electrical switch 100 comprises a lower half-casing 12 of generally square parallelepipedal shape which comprises in particular a lower bottom plate 14 which extends in the horizontal plane, as well as two pairs of opposite vertical walls 16 transverse 16 and longitudinal 18.
La plaque inférieure de fond 14 est délimitée par deux faces horizontales opposées interne supérieure 15 et externe inférieure 13. The lower bottom plate 14 is delimited by two opposite horizontal faces, upper inner 15 and lower outer 13.
Dans sa partie centrale, la plaque de fond 14 comporte un logement central traversant 17 de forme générale parallélépipédique rectangle. In its central part, the bottom plate 14 comprises a central housing passing through 17 of generally rectangular parallelepiped shape.
Au-dessus de la paroi de fond 14, le demi-boîtier inférieur 12 délimite une cavité inférieure 20. La cavité inférieure 20 est notamment délimitée verticalement par la face supérieure horizontale interne 15 de la plaque de fond 14. Above the bottom wall 14, the lower half-casing 12 defines a lower cavity 20. The lower cavity 20 is in particular delimited vertically by the internal horizontal upper face 15 of the base plate 14.
Le demi-boîtier inférieur 12 est apte à être fixé par exemple sur une plaque à circuits imprimés (ou sur un circuit souple), de conception générale connue et sur une face supérieure de laquelle le commutateur électrique 100 est apte à être fixé et raccordé électriquement par toutes techniques connues.The lower half-casing 12 is suitable for being fixed for example on a printed circuit board (or on a flexible circuit), of known general design and on an upper face of which the electrical switch 100 is able to be fixed and electrically connected. by all known techniques.
Le commutateur électrique 100 comporte ici deux contacts fixes 42 et 44 entre lesquels il est apte à établir une voie de commutation électrique, le commutateur électrique 100 étant ici du type normalement ouvert. The electrical switch 100 here comprises two fixed contacts 42 and 44 between which it is able to establish an electrical switching channel, the electrical switch 100 here being of the normally open type.
Dans cet exemple de réalisation, chaque contact électrique fixe 42, 44 est réalisé sous la forme d'un élément en feuille métallique conductrice découpée et pliée autour de laquelle le demi-boîtier inférieur 12 en matériau plastique isolant est surmoulé. In this exemplary embodiment, each fixed electrical contact 42, 44 is produced in the form of an element made of conductive metal foil cut and folded around which the lower half-casing 12 of insulating plastic material is overmolded.
Les faces horizontales supérieures libres et conductrices 43, 45 des deux contacts fixes 42, 44 sont ici coplanaires avec la face supérieure interne 15 de la plaque de fond 14 du demi-boîtier inférieur 12. The free and conductive upper horizontal faces 43, 45 of the two fixed contacts 42, 44 are here coplanar with the internal upper face 15 of the bottom plate 14 of the lower half-casing 12.
Le contact fixe 42 est un contact latéral rectiligne qui comporte deux pastilles de contact 39 dont chacune est agencée dans un angle de la cavité inférieure 20, le long d’une paroi verticale transversale 16. The fixed contact 42 is a rectilinear lateral contact which comprises two contact pads 39, each of which is arranged in an angle of the lower cavity 20, along a transverse vertical wall 16.
Le deuxième contact fixe 44 est un contact rectiligne, opposé au contact latéral 42, qui s’étend transversalement à distance de l’autre paroi verticale transversale 16. The second fixed contact 44 is a rectilinear contact, opposite the lateral contact 42, which extends transversely away from the other transverse vertical wall 16.
Le contact fixe 44 comporte deux pastilles de contact 41 agencées sensiblement centralement dans la cavité inférieure 20. Pour son raccordement électrique à des pistes conductrices de la plaque à circuits imprimés qui porte le commutateur électrique 100, le contact fixe latéral 42 comporte une paire de pattes transversales 46 repliées verticalement vers le bas puis horizontalement qui font saillie à l'extérieur de chacune des deux parois latérales longitudinales opposées 18 du demi- boîtier inférieur 12. The fixed contact 44 comprises two contact pads 41 arranged substantially centrally in the lower cavity 20. For its electrical connection to the conductive tracks of the printed circuit board which carries the electrical switch 100, the fixed lateral contact 42 comprises a pair of transverse tabs 46 folded vertically downwards and then horizontally which protrude outside each of the two opposed longitudinal side walls 18 of the lower half-housing 12.
De la même manière, pour son raccordement électrique, le contact fixe 44 comporte une paire de pattes repliées 48 de conception analogue à celle des pattes 46 du contact fixe 42. Dans chacun des deux angles de la cavité adjacents au contact fixe 44, la face supérieure interne 15 de la plaque de fond 14 comporte une portion de matière plastique isolante en surépaisseur qui est délimitée par une portion de surface plane 22. Likewise, for its electrical connection, the fixed contact 44 comprises a pair of folded tabs 48 of a design similar to that of the tabs 46 of the fixed contact 42. In each of the two angles of the cavity adjacent to the fixed contact 44, the face inner upper 15 of the bottom plate 14 comprises a portion of extra thick insulating plastic material which is delimited by a portion of flat surface 22.
Les deux portions de surface plane 22 sont coplanaires avec les faces supérieures des pastilles de contact 39 du contact fixe latéral 42. The two flat surface portions 22 are coplanar with the upper faces of the contact pads 39 of the fixed lateral contact 42.
De manière centrée longitudinalement par rapport aux deux contacts fixes 42 et 44 et par rapport à l’axe vertical central V, le commutateur électrique 100 comporte une paire de contacts fixes centraux transversalement opposés 24 et 26. Dans cet exemple de réalisation, chaque contact électrique fixe 24, 26 est réalisé sous la forme d'un élément en feuille métallique conductrice découpée et pliée autour de laquelle le demi-boîtier inférieur 12 en matériau plastique isolant est surmoulé. Centrally longitudinally with respect to the two fixed contacts 42 and 44 and with respect to the central vertical axis V, the electrical switch 100 comprises a pair of transversely opposed central fixed contacts 24 and 26. In this exemplary embodiment, each electrical contact fixed 24, 26 is made in the form of an element of conductive metal sheet cut and folded around which the lower half-casing 12 of insulating plastic material is overmolded.
Les faces horizontales inférieures libres et conductrices 27, 29 des deux contacts fixes 24, 26 sont ici coplanaires. The free and conductive lower horizontal faces 27, 29 of the two fixed contacts 24, 26 are here coplanar.
L’extrémité libre interne de chaque contact fixe central 24, 26 s’étend à l’intérieur du logement central 17. The internal free end of each central fixed contact 24, 26 extends inside the central housing 17.
Ainsi, au-dessus des faces supérieures conductrices 23, 25, le logement central 17 peut recevoir une diode électroluminescente supérieure LEDs dont l’alimentation électrique est assurée par les contacts fixes centraux 24 et 26. De la même manière, en-dessous des faces inférieures conductrices 27, 29, le logement central 17 peut recevoir une diode électroluminescente inférieure LEDi dont l’alimentation électrique est assurée par les contacts fixes centraux 24 et 26. Thus, above the upper conductive faces 23, 25, the central housing 17 can receive an upper light-emitting diode LEDs, the power supply of which is provided by the central fixed contacts 24 and 26. Likewise, below the faces lower conductors 27, 29, the central housing 17 can receive a lower light emitting diode LEDi, the power supply of which is provided by central fixed contacts 24 and 26.
Pour son raccordement électrique à une piste conductrice de la plaque à circuits imprimés qui porte le commutateur électrique 100, le contact fixe central 24 comporte une patte transversale 28 repliée verticalement vers le bas puis horizontalement qui fait saillie à l'extérieur de l’une des deux parois latérales opposées longitudinales 18 du demi-boîtier inférieur 12. For its electrical connection to a conductive track of the printed circuit board which carries the electrical switch 100, the central fixed contact 24 comprises a transverse tab 28 folded vertically downwards then horizontally which projects outside one of the two opposite longitudinal side walls 18 of the lower half-casing 12.
De la même manière, pour son raccordement électrique, le contact fixe central 26 comporte une patte repliée 30 de conception analogue à celle de la patte 28 du contact fixe 24. Likewise, for its electrical connection, the central fixed contact 26 comprises a folded tab 30 of design similar to that of the tab 28 of the fixed contact 24.
Pour la diffusion de la lumière émise par la diode inférieure LEDi, sous sa face externe inférieure 13, le demi-boîtier inférieur 12 est muni d’une plaque inférieure 19 en matériau translucide ou transparent. For the diffusion of the light emitted by the lower diode LEDi, under its lower outer face 13, the lower half-casing 12 is provided with a lower plate 19 made of translucent or transparent material.
La plaque 19 est en matériau rigide et est rapportée ou bien est constituée par une feuille mince collée. The plate 19 is made of a rigid material and is attached or else consists of a glued thin sheet.
La plaque inférieure 19 formant diffuseur est délimitée par une face plane horizontale inférieure 21. The lower plate 19 forming the diffuser is delimited by a lower horizontal flat face 21.
Le commutateur électrique 100 comporte un organe de déclenchement 36, de conception générale connue, qui est ici un dôme monostable ou bistable à changement brusque d'état qui est logé dans la cavité inférieure 20 du demi- boîtier inférieur 12. The electrical switch 100 comprises a trigger member 36, of known general design, which is here a monostable or bistable dome with a sudden change of state which is housed in the lower cavity 20 of the lower half-casing 12.
De manière connue et à titre non limitatif, un tel organe de déclenchement 36 comporte une partie centrale supérieure bombée convexe 50 qui est délimitée par une face supérieure convexe 52. Outre ce tronçon ou partie supérieure centrale 50, l'organe de déclenchement 36 comporte une embase inférieure qui, à titre non limitatif, est ici constituée de quatre branches radiales 54 orientées verticalement vers le bas et qui s'étendent radialement depuis le tronçon supérieur central 50. Les quatre branches radiales 54 sont ici décalées angulairement à 90 degrés et, en position assemblée, chaque branche radiale 54 s'étend dans un logement d'angle de de la paroi latérale du demi-boîtier inférieur 12 pour positionner et centrer l'organe de déclenchement 36 dans la cavité inférieure 20. Deux branches radiales 54 consécutives sont en appui vertical de contact chacune sur une pastille de contact 39. In a known manner and in a nonlimiting manner, such a trigger member 36 comprises a convex domed upper central part 50 which is delimited by a convex upper face 52. In addition to this central section or upper part 50, the trigger member 36 comprises a lower base which, without limitation, here consists of four radial branches 54 oriented vertically downwards and which extend radially from the central upper section 50. The four radial branches 54 are here angularly offset by 90 degrees and, in in the assembled position, each radial branch 54 extends into a corner housing of the side wall of the lower half-casing 12 to position and center the trigger member 36 in the lower cavity 20. Two consecutive radial branches 54 are in vertical contact support each on a contact pad 39.
Les deux autres branches radiales 54 sont en appui vertical chacune sur une portion de surface plane isolante 22. De manière connue, lorsqu’un utilisateur agit sur la partie centrale ou tronçon supérieur 50 pour lui appliquer un effort de déclenchement, verticalement vers le bas, il se produit un changement d'état brusque de l'organe de déclenchement 36 par déformation élastique de celui-ci. The other two radial branches 54 are each resting vertically on a portion of an insulating flat surface 22. In a known manner, when a user acts on the central part or upper section 50 to apply a tripping force to it, vertically downwards, there is a sudden change of state of the trigger member 36 by elastic deformation thereof.
L’utilisateur provoque la venue en contact de la face inférieure annulaire concave 49 de la partie centrale 50 avec la partie en vis-à-vis du fond de la cavité inférieure 20 qui comporte ici les deux pastilles de contact 41 en vue d'établir une voie de commutation électrique entre les deux contacts fixes 42 et 44. The user causes the concave annular lower face 49 of the central part 50 to come into contact with the part facing the bottom of the lower cavity 20 which here comprises the two contact pads 41 in order to establish an electrical switching channel between the two fixed contacts 42 and 44.
Le relâchement de l'effort de déclenchement appliqué à l'organe de déclenchement 36 provoque le retour de l'organe de déclenchement à son état stable de repos et l'interruption de la voie de commutation électrique précédemment établie. The release of the tripping force applied to the tripping member 36 causes the return of the tripping member to its stable state of rest and the interruption of the previously established electrical switching channel.
A titre non limitatif, et ici pour le passage de la lumière émise par la diode supérieure LEDs, la partie centrale 50 de l’organe de déclenchement 36 comporte un trou central circulaire 51. Without limitation, and here for the passage of the light emitted by the upper diode LEDs, the central part 50 of the trigger member 36 has a circular central hole 51.
La face annulaire supérieure horizontale continue de contour carré 55 des parois latérales verticales 16 et 18 comporte une nervure centrale 56 qui s’étend verticalement vers le haut. The continuous horizontal upper annular face of square outline 55 of the vertical side walls 16 and 18 has a central rib 56 which extends vertically upwards.
Outre le demi-boîtier inférieur 12, le boîtier du commutateur électrique 100 comporte un demi-boîtier supérieur 60 complémentaire qui délimite une cavité supérieure 61. In addition to the lower half-casing 12, the casing of the electrical switch 100 comprises a complementary upper half-casing 60 which defines an upper cavity 61.
Comme on peut le voir à la figure 6, avec la cavité inférieure 20, la cavité supérieure 61 constitue la cavité interne 20-61 du boîtier en deux parties 20 et 60 du commutateur électrique 100. Le demi-boîtier supérieur 60 est délimité par deux paires de parois latérales verticales opposées transversales 62 et longitudinales 64 et il est ouvert verticalement à ses deux extrémités opposées qui sont délimitées par une face annulaire inférieure horizontale 66 de contour carré et par une face annulaire supérieure horizontale 68 de contour carré respectivement. Verticalement vers le bas au-delà de la face annulaire inférieure 66, chaque paroi transversale 62 se prolonge vers le bas par une patte 70 d’accrochage du demi-boîtier supérieur 60 sur des crans complémentaires 58 formées sur les faces externes de chacune des deux parois transversale 16 du demi- boîtier inférieur 12. As can be seen in Figure 6, with the lower cavity 20, the upper cavity 61 constitutes the internal cavity 20-61 of the two-part housing 20 and 60 of the electrical switch 100. The upper half-housing 60 is delimited by two. pairs of opposite vertical sidewalls transverse 62 and longitudinal 64 and it is open vertically at its two opposite ends which are bounded by a horizontal lower annular face 66 of square outline and by a horizontal upper annular face 68 of square outline respectively. Vertically downward beyond the lower annular face 66, each transverse wall 62 is extended downwards by a lug 70 for hooking the upper half-casing 60 onto complementary notches 58 formed on the outer faces of each of the two. transverse walls 16 of the lower half-casing 12.
Le demi-boîtier supérieur 60 constitue ainsi une cage de fermeture du demi- boîtier inférieur 12. A titre non limitatif, le commutateur électrique 100 comporte une membrane souple 72 de fermeture étanche de la cavité 20 du demi-boîtier inférieur 12 et d’actionnement de l’organe de déclenchement 36. The upper half-casing 60 thus constitutes a cage for closing the lower half-casing 12. In a non-limiting way, the electrical switch 100 comprises a flexible membrane 72 for sealing the cavity 20 of the lower half-casing 12 and for actuating it. of the trigger 36.
Lorsqu’une diode supérieure LEDs est présente, la membrane souple 72 est réalisée dans un matériau transparent ou translucide. La membrane souple 72 est déformable élastiquement et son bord périphérique 74 est monté comprimé axialement entre la face annulaire 66 et la face annulaire supérieure 55. When an upper diode LEDs is present, the flexible membrane 72 is made of a transparent or translucent material. The flexible membrane 72 is elastically deformable and its peripheral edge 74 is mounted compressed axially between the annular face 66 and the upper annular face 55.
Pour son positionnement, la membrane souple 72 comporte une rainure inférieure 76 dans laquelle est reçue la nervure 56 du demi-boîtier inférieur 12. For its positioning, the flexible membrane 72 comprises a lower groove 76 in which the rib 56 of the lower half-casing 12 is received.
Dans sa face inférieure 71, la membrane souple 72 comporte un bourrelet annulaire inférieur circulaire 78 qui est en appui sur la portion annulaire en vis-à-vis de la face supérieure annulaire convexe 52 de la partie centrale 50 de l’organe de déclenchement 36. Dans sa face supérieure 73 et sensiblement verticalement au droit du bourrelet annulaire inférieur 78, la membrane souple 72 comporte un logement annulaire circulaire 80. In its lower face 71, the flexible membrane 72 comprises a lower circular annular bead 78 which bears on the annular portion facing the convex annular upper face 52 of the central part 50 of the trigger member 36 In its upper face 73 and substantially vertically in line with the lower annular bead 78, the flexible membrane 72 comprises a circular annular housing 80.
Le demi-boîtier supérieur 60 comporte une nervure interne horizontale continue 82 qui est délimitée par une face annulaire horizontale inférieure continue 84 de contour carré. The upper half-casing 60 comprises a continuous horizontal internal rib 82 which is delimited by a continuous lower horizontal annular face 84 of square outline.
La cavité supérieure 61 du demi-boîtier supérieur 60 loge un actionneur 86, ou organe d’actionnement mécanique, en matériau rigide. Lorsqu’une diode supérieure LEDs est présente, l’actionneur rigide 86 est réalisé dans un matériau transparent ou translucide pour constituer un diffuseur supérieur de la lumière émise par la diode LEDs. The upper cavity 61 of the upper half-casing 60 houses an actuator 86, or mechanical actuator, made of rigid material. When an upper LEDs diode is present, the rigid actuator 86 is made of a transparent or translucent material to constitute an upper diffuser of the light emitted by the LEDs diode.
L’actionneur rigide 86 se présente sous la forme d’un bloc de forme générale cubique qui, au voisinage de face inférieure horizontale 88, comporte une nervure externe horizontale continue 90 qui est délimitée par une face annulaire horizontale supérieure continue 92 de contour carré. The rigid actuator 86 is in the form of a block of generally cubic shape which, in the vicinity of the horizontal lower face 88, comprises a continuous horizontal outer rib 90 which is delimited by a continuous upper horizontal annular face 92 of square outline.
Dans sa face inférieure 85, l’actionneur rigide 86 comporte un bourrelet annulaire inférieur circulaire 94 qui est reçu dans le logement supérieur 80 de la membrane souple 72. In its lower face 85, the rigid actuator 86 comprises a lower circular annular bead 94 which is received in the upper housing 80 of the flexible membrane 72.
Le bourrelet annulaire inférieur circulaire 94 est en appui sans jeu sur le fond du logement supérieur 80 de la membrane souple 72. The circular lower annular bead 94 bears without play on the bottom of the upper housing 80 of the flexible membrane 72.
Comme on peut le voir à la figure 5, en position assemblée des différents composants, la nervure externe 90 de l’actionneur rigide 86 s’étend en- dessous de la face inférieure 84 de la nervure interne 82 du demi-boîtier supérieur 60. As can be seen in Figure 5, in the assembled position of the various components, the outer rib 90 of the rigid actuator 86 extends below the lower face 84 of the inner rib 82 of the upper half-housing 60.
A titre non limitatif, dans sa face supérieure horizontale 87, l’actionneur rigide 86 comporte un logement parallélépipédique 96 dans lequel est agencé un bloc obturateur rigide 98. A la figure 10, on a représenté de manière schématique l’implantation cachée dans un panneau d’habillage 200 d’un véhicule automobile, d’un commutateur électrique 100 selon l’exemple de réalisation qui vient d’être décrit. Without limitation, in its horizontal upper face 87, the rigid actuator 86 comprises a parallelepipedal housing 96 in which is arranged a rigid shutter block 98. In FIG. 10, the location hidden in a panel is shown schematically. cover 200 of a motor vehicle, an electrical switch 100 according to the embodiment which has just been described.
Selon l’axe V du commutateur électrique 100, le panneau d’habillage 200 comprend une armature arrière 202 de panneau, une couche intermédiaire 204 de mousse qui est positionnée sur l’armature arrière de panneau 202, et une peau avant 206 d’aspect externe du panneau d’habillage 200. Along the V axis of the electrical switch 100, the trim panel 200 comprises a rear panel frame 202, an intermediate layer 204 of foam which is positioned on the rear panel frame 202, and a front skin 206 of appearance. outer casing panel 200.
Le commutateur électrique 100 est caché par la peau d’aspect 206 du panneau d’habillage 200 et la peau d’aspect 206 du panneau d’habillage comporte une zone déformable 208 d’actionnement du commutateur électrique 100. On a aussi représenté schématiquement une plaque à circuits imprimés PCB pour le raccordement électrique des pattes 28, 30, 46 et 48 de raccordement électrique du commutateur électrique 100. The electrical switch 100 is hidden by the appearance skin 206 of the trim panel 200 and the appearance skin 206 of the trim panel includes a deformable zone 208 for actuating the electrical switch 100. There is also shown schematically a printed circuit board PCB for the electrical connection of the electrical connection tabs 28, 30, 46 and 48 of the electrical switch 100.
L’armature arrière de panneau 202 est par exemple une plaque d’armature dont la face avant 203 porte un doigt rigide de guidage 210 qui s’étend axialement d’avant en arrière. The rear panel frame 202 is for example a frame plate whose front face 203 carries a rigid guide finger 210 which extends axially from front to back.
Le doigt de guidage 210 est par exemple de section carrée et il est reçu avec jeu dans la cavité supérieure 61 du demi-boîtier supérieur 60. The guide finger 210 is for example of square section and it is received with play in the upper cavity 61 of the upper half-housing 60.
Le doigt de guidage 210 est délimité axialement par une face arrière 212 orthogonale à l’axe V qui est en appui axial contre la face annulaire horizontale supérieure continue 92 de l’actionneur rigide 86 du commutateur électrique 100. The guide finger 210 is delimited axially by a rear face 212 orthogonal to the axis V which bears axially against the continuous upper horizontal annular face 92 of the rigid actuator 86 of the electrical switch 100.
Outre la fonction de positionnement et de guidage du commutateur électrique 100 assurée par le doigt de guidage 210, la face arrière 212 du doigt de guidage 210 constitue une surface rigide d’appui pour l’actionneur rigide 86. Comme on peut le voir à la figure 10, l’actionnement du commutateur électrique 100 est effectué, à travers la peau d’aspect 206. In addition to the function of positioning and guiding the electric switch 100 provided by the guide finger 210, the rear face 212 of the guide finger 210 constitutes a rigid bearing surface for the rigid actuator 86. As can be seen in FIG. FIG. 10, the actuation of the electric switch 100 is carried out, through the appearance skin 206.
A cet effet, par exemple au moyen d’un doigt 214, l’utilisateur exerce un effort d’actionnement sur la face inférieure 13 du demi-boîtier inférieur 12, ici à travers la plaque rigide 19 formant diffuseur de lumière. To this end, for example by means of a finger 214, the user exerts an actuating force on the lower face 13 of the lower half-housing 12, here through the rigid plate 19 forming a light diffuser.
En agissant ainsi, l’utilisateur provoque un déplacement relatif -selon l’axe V et d’arrière en avant - du demi-boîtier inférieur 12 par rapport au doigt de guidage 210. By doing so, the user causes a relative displacement - along the V axis and from back to front - of the lower housing half 12 relative to the guide finger 210.
Ce déplacement relatif provoque l’application d’un effort de commande ou d'actionnement sur le commutateur électrique 100. This relative movement causes the application of a control or actuation force on the electrical switch 100.
Cet effort est transmis à l'organe de déclenchement 36. This force is transmitted to the trigger member 36.
En agissant sur l'organe de déclenchement 36, l’utilisateur provoque son changement brusque d'état, ce qui provoque la venue en contact électrique de la face inférieure conductrice 49 de la partie centrale 50 contre les pastilles 39 de contact. By acting on the trigger member 36, the user causes its abrupt change of state, which causes the conductive underside 49 of the central part 50 to come into electrical contact against the contact pads 39.
L’organe de déclenchement établit alors un raccordement électrique des contacts fixes 42 et 44 et donc un changement d’état du commutateur électrique 100 qui passe ici à son état fermé. Le changement d'état brusque de l'organe en forme de dôme de déclenchement 36 provoque la génération d'un effet tactile mécanique qui est transmis à l'utilisateur qui agit sur la plaque 19, par l'intermédiaire de son doigt 214. Lorsque l'utilisateur relâche son effort d'actionnement appliqué à la face 21 de la plaque 19, l'organe de déclenchement 36 change à nouveau d'état pour revenir à sa position stable de repos illustrée aux figures en interrompant à nouveau la voie de commutation électrique entre les contacts fixes 42 et 44. Parmi les avantages de la conception selon l’invention : - l’aire de la surface plane d’actionnement du commutateur électrique 100 constituée par la face inférieure 13 ou la face inférieure 21 de la plaque 19 est plus importante que celle de l’extrémité libre d’un bouton-poussoir d’actionnement ; The tripping device then establishes an electrical connection of the fixed contacts 42 and 44 and therefore a change of state of the electrical switch 100 which passes here to its closed state. The sudden change in state of the trigger dome-shaped member 36 causes the generation of a mechanical tactile effect which is transmitted to the user who acts on the plate 19, through his finger 214. When the user releases his actuation force applied to the face 21 of the plate 19, the trigger member 36 again changes state to return to its stable rest position illustrated in the figures by again interrupting the switching channel electrical between the fixed contacts 42 and 44. Among the advantages of the design according to the invention: - the area of the flat actuating surface of the electrical switch 100 formed by the lower face 13 or the lower face 21 of the plate 19 is larger than that of the free end of an actuating push button;
- la sensation tactile résultant du changement d’état de l’organe 36 de déclenchement est produite à proximité de l’extrémité du doigt 214 de l’utilisateur ; - the tactile sensation resulting from the change of state of the trigger member 36 is produced near the end of the user's finger 214;
- la mousse 204 procure un effet d’étanchéité entre les deux parties 12 et 60 du boîtier ainsi qu’au niveau du doigt 210 de guidage ; - The foam 204 provides a sealing effect between the two parts 12 and 60 of the housing as well as at the level of the guide finger 210;
- la conception du demi-boîtier inférieur 12 permet en fonction des utilisations, de disposer d’un commutateur électrique 100 comportant une seule ou deux sources de lumière. - The design of the lower half-casing 12 allows, depending on the uses, to have an electrical switch 100 comprising only one or two light sources.
Sans sortir du cadre de l’invention, les modifications ou variantes suivantes (non représentées) sont possibles : Without departing from the scope of the invention, the following modifications or variants (not shown) are possible:
- l’organe de déclenchement peut ne pas comporter de trou central ; - l’organe de déclenchement peut être un dôme en forme de déclenchement avec une conception associée des contacts fixes ; - the trigger device may not have a central hole; - the trigger device can be a dome in the form of a trigger with an associated design of fixed contacts;
- la plaque à circuits imprimés peut être remplacée par un circuit souple ou par des pistes conductrices formées sur la face interne de la peau externe 206 ; - l’ensemble des composants constitués par la membrane souple 72, l’actionneur 86 et le bloc obturateur 98 peut être remplacé par exemple par un composant unique sous la forme d’un organe d’actionnement mécanique interposé axialement entre l’organe de déclenchement 36 et l’armature 202 du panneau. the printed circuit board can be replaced by a flexible circuit or by conductive tracks formed on the internal face of the external skin 206; - all the components constituted by the flexible membrane 72, the actuator 86 and the shutter block 98 can be replaced for example by a single component in the form of a mechanical actuator interposed axially between the trigger member 36 and the frame 202 of the panel.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Commutateur électrique (100), notamment pour un véhicule automobile, comprenant : 1. Electric switch (100), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising:
- un boîtier (12-60) : - a box (12-60):
-- qui est configuré pour être couplé à un panneau (200) comportant une armature de panneau (202) et une peau (206) externe de panneau liée à une couche (204) de mousse positionnée sur l’armature (202) de panneau ; - which is configured to be coupled to a panel (200) having a panel frame (202) and an outer panel skin (206) bonded to a layer (204) of foam positioned on the panel frame (202) ;
-- qui comporte une plaque de fond (14) délimitée par deux faces opposées interne (15) et externe (13) ; - Which comprises a bottom plate (14) delimited by two opposite inner (15) and outer (13) faces;
-- et qui délimite une cavité (20) qui est délimitée verticalement par la face interne (15) de la plaque de fond (14) ; - And which delimits a cavity (20) which is delimited vertically by the internal face (15) of the base plate (14);
- un organe (36) de déclenchement électrique et de retour d’information tactile qui est agencé la cavité (20) du boîtier (12-60) et qui est couplé à la face interne (15) de la plaque de fond 14 du boîtier (12-60) ; - a member (36) for electrical triggering and tactile feedback which is arranged in the cavity (20) of the housing (12-60) and which is coupled to the internal face (15) of the base plate 14 of the housing (12-60);
- et un organe (86) d’actionnement mécanique de l’organe (36) de déclenchement, selon une direction axiale(V) d’actionnement, qui est interposé axialement entre l’organe (36) de déclenchement et l’armature (202) du panneau. - And a member (86) for mechanical actuation of the triggering member (36), in an axial direction (V) of actuation, which is interposed axially between the triggering member (36) and the armature ( 202) of the panel.
2. Commutateur électrique (100) selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte une source de lumière (LEDi) qui est configurée pour éclairer à travers la peau (206) externe du panneau (200) d’habillage, qui est portée par le boîtier (12-60), qui est agencée à l’extérieur de ladite cavité (20-61) du boîtier (12-60), et qui est couplée à la face externe (13) de la plaque de fond (14) du boîtier (12-60) opposée à ladite face interne (15). 2. Electric switch (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a light source (LEDi) which is configured to illuminate through the skin (206) external of the panel (200) of the covering, which is carried by the housing (12-60), which is arranged outside said cavity (20-61) of the housing (12-60), and which is coupled to the outer face (13) of the base plate ( 14) of the housing (12-60) opposite to said internal face (15).
3. Commutateur selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la source de lumière (LEDi) est configurée pour éclairer à travers la peau externe (206) du panneau d’habillage (200) en réponse à un changement d’état de l’organe (36) de déclenchement. 3. Switch according to claim 2, characterized in that the light source (LEDi) is configured to illuminate through the outer skin (206) of the trim panel (200) in response to a change of state of the. trigger member (36).
4. Commutateur électrique (100) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte une feuille ou une plaque (19) de diffusion de la lumière émise par la source de lumière (LEDi) qui est agencée dans ladite face externe (13) de la plaque de fond (14) du boîtier (12-60).4. Electric switch (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a sheet or a plate (19) for diffusing the light emitted by the light source (LEDi) which is arranged in said outer face (13) of the bottom plate (14) of the housing (12-60).
5. Commutateur électrique (100) selon l’une des revendications 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que la source de lumière comporte au moins une diode électroluminescente (LEDi) agencée dans ladite face externe (13) de la plaque de fond (14) du boîtier (12-60). 5. Electric switch (100) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the light source comprises at least one light emitting diode (LEDi) arranged in said outer face (13) of the base plate (14) housing (12-60).
6. Commutateur électrique (100) selon la revendication 4 prise en combinaison avec la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que la diode électroluminescente (LEDi) est agencée axialement entre ladite face externe (13) de la plaque de fond (14) du boîtier (12-60) et la plaque ou feuille de diffusion (19). 6. Electric switch (100) according to claim 4 taken in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the light emitting diode (LEDi) is arranged axially between said outer face (13) of the base plate (14) of the housing ( 12-60) and the diffusion plate or sheet (19).
7. Commutateur électrique (100) selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que l’armature (202) du panneau comporte un organe (210) de guidage des déplacements axiaux du boîtier (12-60) par rapport à l’armature (202) du panneau, et en ce que cet organe de guidage (210) est reçu en coulissement axial à l’intérieur de la cavité (61 ) du boîtier (12-60). 7. Electric switch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the frame (202) of the panel comprises a member (210) for guiding the axial movements of the housing (12-60) relative to to the frame (202) of the panel, and in that this guide member (210) is axially slidably received inside the cavity (61) of the housing (12-60).
8. Commutateur selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que l’organe de guidage des déplacements axiaux du boîtier (12-60) par rapport à l’armature du panneau est un doigt de guidage (210) qui est reçu en coulissement axial à l’intérieur de la cavité du boîtier (12-60) et dont une extrémité libre (212) coopère avec l’organe (86) d’actionnement mécanique de l’organe (36) de déclenchement. 8. Switch according to claim 6, characterized in that the member for guiding the axial movements of the housing (12-60) relative to the frame of the panel is a guide finger (210) which is received in axial sliding motion. inside the cavity of the housing (12-60) and a free end (212) of which cooperates with the member (86) for mechanical actuation of the trigger member (36).
9. Panneau d’habillage (200), notamment pour un véhicule automobile, comprenant une armature (202) de panneau, une peau (206) externe de panneau liée à une couche de mousse (204) positionnée sur l’armature (202) de panneau, et au moins un commutateur électrique (100) caché par la peau externe (206) du panneau qui comporte :9. Trim panel (200), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a panel frame (202), an outer panel skin (206) linked to a layer of foam (204) positioned on the frame (202) panel, and at least one electrical switch (100) hidden by the outer skin (206) of the panel which comprises:
- un boîtier (12-60) : - a box (12-60):
- qui est configuré pour être couplé au panneau d’habillage (200) ;- which is configured to be coupled to the trim panel (200);
- qui comporte une plaque de fond (14) délimitée par deux faces opposées interne (15) et externe (13) ; - Which comprises a bottom plate (14) delimited by two opposite inner (15) and outer (13) faces;
- et qui délimite une cavité (20) qui est délimitée verticalement par la face interne (15) de la plaque de fond (14) du boîtier (12-60) ; - and which delimits a cavity (20) which is delimited vertically by the internal face (15) of the base plate (14) of the housing (12-60);
- un élément (36) de retour de sensation tactile qui est agencé à l’intérieur de la cavité (20-61 ) du boîtier (12-60) et qui est couplé à la face interne (15) de la plaque de fond (14) du boîtier (12-60) ; - a tactile sensation feedback element (36) which is arranged inside the cavity (20-61) of the housing (12-60) and which is coupled to the internal face (15) of the base plate ( 14) of the housing (12-60);
- un organe (36) de déclenchement électrique et de retour de sensation tactile qui est agencé dans la cavité (20-61) du boîtier (12- 60), qui est couplé à la face interne (15) de la plaque de fond (14) du boîtier (12-60), et qui est agencé axialement entre l’organe (36) de déclenchement et l’armature (202) du panneau d’habillage (200) ;- a member (36) for electrical triggering and feedback of tactile sensation which is arranged in the cavity (20-61) of the housing (12- 60), which is coupled to the internal face (15) of the base plate ( 14) of the housing (12-60), and which is arranged axially between the trigger member (36) and the frame (202) of the covering panel (200);
- et dans lequel la peau externe (206) du panneau d’habillage (200) comporte une zone déformable (208) d’actionnement du commutateur électrique (100) qui est agencée en regard de la face externe (13) de la plaque de fond (14) du boîtier (12-60) opposée à ladite face interne (15). - And in which the outer skin (206) of the covering panel (200) comprises a deformable zone (208) for actuating the electrical switch (100) which is arranged opposite the outer face (13) of the control plate. bottom (14) of the housing (12-60) opposite to said internal face (15).
10. Panneau selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte une source de lumière (LEDi) configurée pour éclairer à travers la peau externe (206) du panneau d’habillage en réponse à un changement d’état de l’organe (36) de déclenchement, qui est portée par le boîtier (12-60), qui est agencée à l’extérieur de ladite cavité (20- 61 ) du boîtier (12-60) et qui est couplée à la face externe (13) de la plaque de fond (14) du boîtier (12-60) opposée à ladite face interne (15). 10. Panel according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a light source (LEDi) configured to illuminate through the outer skin (206) of the covering panel in response to a change of state of the organ. (36) trigger, which is carried by the housing (12-60), which is arranged outside said cavity (20- 61) of the housing (12-60) and which is coupled to the outer face (13 ) of the bottom plate (14) of the housing (12-60) opposite to said internal face (15).
11.Panneau selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que la lumière émise par la source de lumière (LEDi) traverse au moins en partie une portion de ladite zone déformable (208) d’actionnement. 11. Panel according to claim 10, characterized in that the light emitted by the light source (LEDi) passes at least in part through a portion of said deformable zone (208) of actuation.
12. Procédé d’actionnement du commutateur électrique (100) du panneau d’habillage (200) selon l’une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11 prise en combinaison avec l’une des revendications 7 ou 8, caractérisé en ce que l’actionnement est effectué à travers la peau d’aspect (206) au moyen d’un doigt (214) d’un utilisateur qui exerce un effort d’actionnement sur la face externe (13) de la plaque de fond (14) du boîtier (12-60) pour provoquer un déplacement vertical relatif du boîtier inférieur (12-60) par rapport à l’armature (202). 12. A method of actuating the electrical switch (100) of the covering panel (200) according to any one of claims 9 to 11 taken in combination with one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the actuation is effected through the appearance skin (206) by means of a finger (214) of a user which exerts an actuating force on the outer face (13) of the bottom plate (14) of the housing ( 12-60) to cause relative vertical displacement of the lower housing (12-60) with respect to the frame (202).
PCT/EP2021/055733 2020-03-10 2021-03-08 Haptic electric switch incorporated into a motor vehicle trim panel WO2021180624A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202190000345.0U CN217944915U (en) 2020-03-10 2021-03-08 Electric switch and decorative panel

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2002359A FR3108066B1 (en) 2020-03-10 2020-03-10 ELECTRIC SWITCH WITH TOUCH EFFECT INTEGRATED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE DRESSING PANEL
FR2002359 2020-03-10

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WO2021180624A1 true WO2021180624A1 (en) 2021-09-16

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PCT/EP2021/055733 WO2021180624A1 (en) 2020-03-10 2021-03-08 Haptic electric switch incorporated into a motor vehicle trim panel

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CN (1) CN217944915U (en)
FR (1) FR3108066B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2021180624A1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5448028A (en) * 1993-12-10 1995-09-05 Davidson Textron, Inc. Armrest electrical switch arrangement with soft interior trim panel
DE10010088C1 (en) * 2000-03-02 2001-06-21 Grammer Ag Method for manufacturing car door lining, dashboard or central console with connector comprises casting skin from flexible coating material, attaching layer of foam to its inside and rigid bearing layer to inside of foam layer
US6652128B2 (en) 2001-01-31 2003-11-25 Textron Automotive Company, Inc. Backlighting method for an automotive trim panel
US20080156051A1 (en) * 2005-06-06 2008-07-03 Faurecia Innenraum Systeme Gmbh Instrument Panel
FR2967932A1 (en) 2010-11-26 2012-06-01 Perramant Chain guide for use in e.g. electric chain saw to cut plants, has receiving unit to receive tooth, where space between tooth and end of chain guide or between two consecutive teeth is determined based on selected receiving unit
US20190326908A1 (en) 2018-04-23 2019-10-24 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Hidden switch assembly

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5448028A (en) * 1993-12-10 1995-09-05 Davidson Textron, Inc. Armrest electrical switch arrangement with soft interior trim panel
DE10010088C1 (en) * 2000-03-02 2001-06-21 Grammer Ag Method for manufacturing car door lining, dashboard or central console with connector comprises casting skin from flexible coating material, attaching layer of foam to its inside and rigid bearing layer to inside of foam layer
US6652128B2 (en) 2001-01-31 2003-11-25 Textron Automotive Company, Inc. Backlighting method for an automotive trim panel
US20080156051A1 (en) * 2005-06-06 2008-07-03 Faurecia Innenraum Systeme Gmbh Instrument Panel
US7651145B2 (en) 2005-06-06 2010-01-26 Faurecia Innenraum Systeme Gmbh Instrument panel
FR2967932A1 (en) 2010-11-26 2012-06-01 Perramant Chain guide for use in e.g. electric chain saw to cut plants, has receiving unit to receive tooth, where space between tooth and end of chain guide or between two consecutive teeth is determined based on selected receiving unit
US20190326908A1 (en) 2018-04-23 2019-10-24 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Hidden switch assembly

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FR3108066A1 (en) 2021-09-17
CN217944915U (en) 2022-12-02
FR3108066B1 (en) 2022-08-12

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