EP0841674A1 - Electrical push button - Google Patents

Electrical push button Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0841674A1
EP0841674A1 EP97402606A EP97402606A EP0841674A1 EP 0841674 A1 EP0841674 A1 EP 0841674A1 EP 97402606 A EP97402606 A EP 97402606A EP 97402606 A EP97402606 A EP 97402606A EP 0841674 A1 EP0841674 A1 EP 0841674A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
key
contact
deformable
button
element according
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Granted
Application number
EP97402606A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0841674B1 (en
Inventor
Daniel Demari
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Apem
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Apem
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Publication of EP0841674A1 publication Critical patent/EP0841674A1/en
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    • 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
    • H01H13/7006—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 comprising a separate movable contact element for each switch site, all other elements being integrated in layers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical push button element which can be used, for example, with electrical keyboards to establish electrical contact and produce a particular command or control signal.
  • an element forming an electrical push button of the type comprising a key which can be inserted into a fixed body in order to deform a metallic contact cup from a determined stroke of the key and to establish an electrical contact.
  • this known push-button element is designed in such a way that the force for pressing the button depends solely on the force necessary to deform the electrical contact cup.
  • the invention provides an element forming an electrical push button comprising a key which can be inserted into a fixed body in order to deform a metallic contact cup from a determined stroke of the key and to establish an electrical contact, and which is characterized in that it comprises a part made of an elastically deformable material housed in the fixed body below the key so as to adjust, depending on the material used for the deformable part, the force of pressing the key to deform the contact cup.
  • the element key is supported, on the one hand, on a peripheral part of the part deformable by a lower face of a peripheral rim of the key formed in the lower part thereof and, on the other hand, by the reaction force of the deformable part, on a peripheral edge of the fixed body, which delimits an opening for passage of the key, by the upper face of the peripheral rim of the key.
  • the lower face of the peripheral rim of the key is in abutment on the deformable part by means of a circular bead secured to this face.
  • the key comprises a central stud bearing on the top of the contact cup and a height substantially equal to the thickness of the deformable part.
  • This deformable part is preferably in the form of a washer, the central hole of which contains the contact cup.
  • the deformable part comprises a base part on the upper face of which is supported the circular bead of the key and in contact on the top of the contact cup; a first annular projecting portion integral with the underside of the base portion and bearing on a portion forming the bottom of the fixed body so as to form with the base portion a housing for holding the contact cup; and a second annular projecting part secured to the upper face of the base part and pressing on the lower part of the key.
  • the base part of the deformable part comprises a central recess in the form of a concave spherical cap in which is housed the apex of the conjugate shape of the contact cup.
  • the first and second annular projecting parts have the same height and the second annular part is of a diameter less than that of the first annular part situated approximately in line with the circular bead.
  • the deformable part is made of foam or elastomeric material.
  • the invention also provides a keyboard device with at least one push button element as defined above and which is characterized in that the body of the push button element is fixed to a flexible membrane of the keyboard by the intermediate a rigid fixing plate located on the other side of the flexible membrane and the contact cup comprises several tabs connected to electrical contact points of the membrane connected to at least one particular electrical control or command circuit.
  • the keyboard device is used to control the audible warning circuit of a motor vehicle and is mounted in the steering wheel of this vehicle.
  • the flexible membrane of the keyboard device is arranged behind an air bag integrated into the vehicle's steering wheel.
  • the flexible membrane comprises four elements forming a push button respectively fixed substantially at the four corners thereof.
  • Figure 1 is a sectional view of an element forming an electrical push button according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a device forming a keyboard with several elements forming a push button according to a second embodiment of the invention and mounted behind the airbag integrated into the steering wheel of a motor vehicle.
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the part circled in III of a push button element of the second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of a flexible membrane with at least one element forming an electrical push button of the invention which can be used in the device forming the keyboard of FIG. 2.
  • the element forming an electrical push button as shown in FIG. 1 is of the type comprising a body 1 of generally cylindrical shape fixed to a support 2, such as a printed circuit board, a flexible membrane, or the like, which can be part of a device forming keyboard; a key 3 retained in the fixed body 1 and which can sink axially therein to deform a metallic contact cup 4 from a determined stroke of the key 3 and establish an electrical contact.
  • the contact cup 4, housed in the body 1, comprises, as is known per se, a certain number of tabs (not shown), for example four in number, electrically connected respectively to metallic points of electrical contact of the support 2 connected to one or more particular electrical circuits via conductive tracks of the support 2 (not shown).
  • the deformation by the button 3 of the cup 4 causes the latter to come into contact with a central point of electrical contact to circulate current between the various electrical contact points associated respectively with the tabs of the cup.
  • the body 1 is fixed to the membrane 2 by means of a rigid plate or fixing base 5 situated on the side of the membrane 2 opposite to that where the body 1 rests so that this membrane is sandwiched between the body 1 and the fixing plate 5, which can be circular.
  • the attachment of the body 1 to the plate 5 can be carried out by small cylindrical metallic axes (not shown) force fitted into the plate 5 and the body 1 by crossing the membrane 2 transversely thereto as symbolized by the dashed lines. in figure 1.
  • the push-button element also comprises a part 6 made of an elastically deformable material housed in the body 1 between the button 3 and the support 2 forming the bottom of the body 1 so as to adjust, depending on the material used for the deformable part 6, the force of pressing the button 3 to deform the contact cup 4.
  • the deformable part 6 is made of a foam plastic material which at the same time seals the element forming a push button.
  • the deformable part 6 is preferably in the form of a washer, in the central hole 6a of which is housed and maintained the contact cup 4.
  • the key 3 is supported on an upper peripheral part of the deformable part 6 by a lower face of a peripheral rim 3a of the key 3 formed in the lower part of this key and, on the other hand, by the reaction force of the deformable part 6, on a peripheral edge 1a of the body 1, which delimits an opening 1b for passage of the cylindrical external part 3b of the key, by the upper face of the peripheral rim 3a of this key.
  • the lower face of the peripheral rim 3a of the key 3 is in abutment on the deformable part 6 by means of a circular bead 7 secured to this face.
  • the key 3 also comprises a central cylindrical stud 8 bearing on the top of the contact cup 4 and of a height substantially equal to the thickness of the deformable part 6.
  • the operator To deform the contact cup 4 and thus establish an electrical contact by it on the support 2, the operator must exert an effort on the key 3 predetermined penetration dependent on the material used to make the deformable part 6.
  • the force required to press the key 3 and deform the metal cup 4 is also changed.
  • the material of the part 6 is defined in the factory according to the desired pressing force of the key.
  • FIG. 2 represents in a nonlimiting manner the particular application of a device forming a keyboard of the flexible membrane type of the kind of that represented in FIG. 1 for controlling an electrical sound warning circuit of a motor vehicle, the device forming a keyboard then being mounted in the steering wheel thereof, preferably behind the air bag system housed in a housing 9 integrated into the steering wheel.
  • the flexible membrane of this keyboard device can comprise a certain number of elements forming a push-button of the type represented in FIG. 1, for example four elements forming a push-button fixed respectively to four corners of the membrane as will be seen with reference to Figure 4 so as to allow the driver of the motor vehicle to use the audible warning device by actuating, by pressing on the steering wheel, one of these four elements.
  • FIG. 2 in conjunction with FIG. 3, shows another possible embodiment of each element forming a push button of the invention which can be mounted on the membrane 2 in place of the element of FIG. 1.
  • the deformable part 6 comprises a base part 6b on the upper face of which is supported the circular bead 7 of the key 3, the part 6b being in contact on the top of the contact cup 4; a first annular projecting part 6c secured to the underside of the base part 6b of the part 6 and bearing on the membrane 2 so as to form with the base part 6b a housing for holding the contact cup 4; and a second annular projecting part 6d secured to the upper face of the base part 6b and resting on the lower part of the key 3 comprising the annular rim 3a.
  • the first and second annular projecting parts 6c, 6d have the same height and the second annular part 6d is of a smaller diameter than that of the first annular part 6c which is situated approximately in line with the circular bead 7.
  • the base part 6b of the deformable part 6 comprises a central recess 6e in the form of a concave spherical cap in which is housed the apex of conjugate form of the contact cup 4 so as to positively hold the cup under the deformable part 6.
  • Each circular fixing plate 5 of a push-button element fixed to the membrane 2 is embedded in a recess of conjugate shape 10 produced in the upper surface of a plate 11 for fixing the assembly to the steering wheel with the membrane 2 resting on this upper face.
  • FIG. 4 represents a flexible membrane 2 of a device forming a keyboard mounted in the steering wheel of a motor vehicle for actuating the audible warning device thereof.
  • This figure shows the membrane 2 provided with a complete push button element fixed to the right corner and whose body 1, the key 3 can be seen, as well as, by transparency, the fixing plate or base 5.
  • the other elements forming push-buttons located respectively in the other three corners of the membrane 2 have not been completely represented, since only the metallic contact cup 4 of each of them is visible and comprises the four tabs 4a electrically connected to the electrical contact points corresponding 12 which can be seen in part in FIG. 4 and which are electrically connected to the conductive tracks 13 etched in the membrane 2.
  • the conductive tracks 13 are connected to a sheet 14 with conductive connecting tracks 15 connected to the electrical signaling circuit of the motor vehicle so as to activate the latter when one of the keys 3 of a push button element is pressed.
  • the push button element described above of the invention has a pressing force on its corresponding button independent of the electrical contact and / or of the mechanism for controlling this contact, unlike the known push button elements.
  • the deformable part of this element effectively suppresses the vibrations of the corresponding cup capable of inducing parasitic noise.
  • the push button element of the invention can be applied to any type of keyboard for forming so-called tactile keys.

Abstract

The contact has a push button cap (3) which has a central contact block (8). This block makes contact with an electrical contact (4). The cap has a circular foot (7) which is mounted on a flexible material pad (6). The cap is held in place by a fixed outer section (1) around the flexible material.

Description

La présente invention concerne un élément formant bouton-poussoir électrique pouvant être utilisé, par exemple, avec des claviers électriques pour établir un contact électrique et produire un signal de commande ou de contrôle particulier.The present invention relates to an electrical push button element which can be used, for example, with electrical keyboards to establish electrical contact and produce a particular command or control signal.

On connaît un élément formant bouton-poussoir électrique du type comprenant une touche pouvant s'enfoncer dans un corps fixe pour déformer une coupelle métallique de contact à partir d'une course déterminée de la touche et établir un contact électrique.There is known an element forming an electrical push button of the type comprising a key which can be inserted into a fixed body in order to deform a metallic contact cup from a determined stroke of the key and to establish an electrical contact.

Cependant, cet élément formant bouton-poussoir connu est conçu de telle façon que l'effort d'enfoncement de la touche dépend uniquement de l'effort nécessaire pour déformer la coupelle de contact électrique.However, this known push-button element is designed in such a way that the force for pressing the button depends solely on the force necessary to deform the electrical contact cup.

Il peut être avantageux dans certaines applications de réaliser un élément formant bouton-poussoir électrique permettant d'ajuster l'effort d'enfoncement de la touche indépendamment du contact électrique et/ou du mécanisme de commande du contact.It may be advantageous in certain applications to produce an element forming an electrical push button making it possible to adjust the pressing force of the key independently of the electrical contact and / or of the contact control mechanism.

A cet effet, l'invention propose un élément formant bouton-poussoir électrique comprenant une touche pouvant s'enfoncer dans un corps fixe pour déformer une coupelle métallique de contact à partir d'une course déterminée de la touche et établir un contact électrique, et qui est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une pièce en un matériau élastiquement déformable logée dans le corps fixe en dessous de la touche de manière à ajuster, suivant le matériau utilisé pour la pièce déformable, l'effort d'enfoncement de la touche pour déformer la coupelle de contact.To this end, the invention provides an element forming an electrical push button comprising a key which can be inserted into a fixed body in order to deform a metallic contact cup from a determined stroke of the key and to establish an electrical contact, and which is characterized in that it comprises a part made of an elastically deformable material housed in the fixed body below the key so as to adjust, depending on the material used for the deformable part, the force of pressing the key to deform the contact cup.

La touche de l'élément est en appui, d'une part, sur une partie périphérique de la pièce déformable par une face inférieure d'un rebord périphérique de la touche formé en partie inférieure de celle-ci et, d'autre part, par la force de réaction de la pièce déformable, sur un bord périphérique du corps fixe, qui délimite une ouverture de passage de la touche, par la face supérieure du rebord périphérique de la touche.The element key is supported, on the one hand, on a peripheral part of the part deformable by a lower face of a peripheral rim of the key formed in the lower part thereof and, on the other hand, by the reaction force of the deformable part, on a peripheral edge of the fixed body, which delimits an opening for passage of the key, by the upper face of the peripheral rim of the key.

Avantageusement, la face inférieure du rebord périphérique de la touche est en appui sur la pièce déformable par l'intermédiaire d'un bourrelet circulaire solidaire de cette face.Advantageously, the lower face of the peripheral rim of the key is in abutment on the deformable part by means of a circular bead secured to this face.

Selon un mode de réalisation, la touche comprend un plot central en appui sur le sommet de la coupelle de contact et d'une hauteur sensiblement égale à l'épaisseur de la pièce déformable.According to one embodiment, the key comprises a central stud bearing on the top of the contact cup and a height substantially equal to the thickness of the deformable part.

Cette pièce déformable est, de préférence, en forme de rondelle dont le trou central contient la coupelle de contact.This deformable part is preferably in the form of a washer, the central hole of which contains the contact cup.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, la pièce déformable comprend une partie de base sur la face supérieure de laquelle est en appui le bourrelet circulaire de la touche et en contact sur le sommet de la coupelle de contact ; une première partie annulaire en saillie solidaire de la face inférieure de la partie de base et en appui sur une partie formant fond du corps fixe de manière à former avec la partie de base un logement de maintien de la coupelle de contact ; et une seconde partie annulaire en saillie solidaire de la face supérieure de la partie de base et en appui sur la partie inférieure de la touche.According to another embodiment, the deformable part comprises a base part on the upper face of which is supported the circular bead of the key and in contact on the top of the contact cup; a first annular projecting portion integral with the underside of the base portion and bearing on a portion forming the bottom of the fixed body so as to form with the base portion a housing for holding the contact cup; and a second annular projecting part secured to the upper face of the base part and pressing on the lower part of the key.

La partie de base de la pièce déformable comprend un évidement central en forme de calotte sphérique concave dans lequel est logé le sommet de forme conjuguée de la coupelle de contact.The base part of the deformable part comprises a central recess in the form of a concave spherical cap in which is housed the apex of the conjugate shape of the contact cup.

De préférence, les première et seconde parties annulaires en saillie ont la même hauteur et la seconde partie annulaire est d'un diamètre inférieur à celui de la première partie annulaire située approximativement en aplomb du bourrelet circulaire.Preferably, the first and second annular projecting parts have the same height and the second annular part is of a diameter less than that of the first annular part situated approximately in line with the circular bead.

Avantageusement, la pièce déformable est en matériau mousse ou élastomère.Advantageously, the deformable part is made of foam or elastomeric material.

L'invention propose également un dispositif formant clavier à au moins un élément formant bouton-poussoir tel que défini précédemment et qui est caractérisé en ce que le corps de l'élément formant bouton-poussoir est fixé sur une membrane souple du clavier par l'intermédiaire d'une plaque rigide de fixation située de l'autre côté de la membrane souple et la coupelle de contact comprend plusieurs pattes reliées à des points de contact électriques de la membrane reliés à au moins un circuit électrique de contrôle ou de commande particulier.The invention also provides a keyboard device with at least one push button element as defined above and which is characterized in that the body of the push button element is fixed to a flexible membrane of the keyboard by the intermediate a rigid fixing plate located on the other side of the flexible membrane and the contact cup comprises several tabs connected to electrical contact points of the membrane connected to at least one particular electrical control or command circuit.

De préférence, le dispositif formant clavier est utilisé pour commander le circuit avertisseur sonore d'un véhicule automobile et est monté dans le volant de direction de ce véhicule.Preferably, the keyboard device is used to control the audible warning circuit of a motor vehicle and is mounted in the steering wheel of this vehicle.

Dans une telle application, la membrane souple du dispositif formant clavier est disposée en arrière d'un air-bag intégré au volant de direction du véhicule.In such an application, the flexible membrane of the keyboard device is arranged behind an air bag integrated into the vehicle's steering wheel.

De préférence, la membrane souple comprend quatre éléments formant bouton-poussoir fixés respectivement sensiblement aux quatre coins de celle-ci.Preferably, the flexible membrane comprises four elements forming a push button respectively fixed substantially at the four corners thereof.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres buts, caractéristiques, détails et avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description explicative qui va suivre faite en référence aux dessins annexés donnés uniquement à titre d'exemple illustrant deux modes de réalisation de l'invention et dans lesquels :The invention will be better understood and other objects, characteristics, details and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the explanatory description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings given solely by way of example illustrating two modes of realization of the invention and in which:

La figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'un élément formant bouton-poussoir électrique suivant un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.Figure 1 is a sectional view of an element forming an electrical push button according to a first embodiment of the invention.

La figure 2 est une vue schématique d'un dispositif formant clavier à plusieurs éléments formant bouton-poussoir suivant un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention et monté en arrière de l'airbag intégré au volant de direction d'un véhicule automobile.FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a device forming a keyboard with several elements forming a push button according to a second embodiment of the invention and mounted behind the airbag integrated into the steering wheel of a motor vehicle.

La figure 3 est une vue agrandie de la partie cerclée en III d'un élément formant bouton-poussoir du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the part circled in III of a push button element of the second embodiment of the invention.

La figure 4 est une vue de dessus d'une membrane souple à au moins un élément formant bouton-poussoir électrique de l'invention pouvant être utilisée dans le dispositif formant clavier de la figure 2.FIG. 4 is a top view of a flexible membrane with at least one element forming an electrical push button of the invention which can be used in the device forming the keyboard of FIG. 2.

L'élément formant bouton-poussoir électrique tel que représenté en figure 1 est du type comprenant un corps 1 de forme générale cylindrique fixé à un support 2, tel qu'une plaque de circuit imprimé, une membrane souple, ou analogue, pouvant faire partie d'un dispositif formant clavier ; une touche 3 retenue dans le corps fixe 1 et pouvant s'enfoncer axialement dans celui-ci pour déformer une coupelle métallique de contact 4 à partir d'une course déterminée de la touche 3 et établir un contact électrique. La coupelle de contact 4, logée dans le corps 1, comporte, comme cela est connu en soi, un certain nombre de pattes (non représentées), par exemple au nombre de quatre, reliées électriquement respectivement à des points métalliques de contact électrique du support 2 reliés à un ou plusieurs circuits électriques particuliers par l'intermédiaire de pistes conductrices du support 2 (non représentées). La déformation par la touche 3 de la coupelle 4 amène celle-ci à venir en contact avec un point central de contact électrique pour faire circuler du courant entre les différents points de contact électrique associés respectivement aux pattes de la coupelle.The element forming an electrical push button as shown in FIG. 1 is of the type comprising a body 1 of generally cylindrical shape fixed to a support 2, such as a printed circuit board, a flexible membrane, or the like, which can be part of a device forming keyboard; a key 3 retained in the fixed body 1 and which can sink axially therein to deform a metallic contact cup 4 from a determined stroke of the key 3 and establish an electrical contact. The contact cup 4, housed in the body 1, comprises, as is known per se, a certain number of tabs (not shown), for example four in number, electrically connected respectively to metallic points of electrical contact of the support 2 connected to one or more particular electrical circuits via conductive tracks of the support 2 (not shown). The deformation by the button 3 of the cup 4 causes the latter to come into contact with a central point of electrical contact to circulate current between the various electrical contact points associated respectively with the tabs of the cup.

Dans le cas où le support 2 est constitué par une membrane souple en matière plastique dans laquelle sont gravés les points de contact électriques et les pistes conductrices ci-dessus mentionnés, le corps 1 est fixé à la membrane 2 par l'intermédiaire d'une plaque rigide ou embase de fixation 5 située du côté de la membrane 2 opposé à celui où repose le corps 1 de façon que cette membrane soit prise en sandwich entre le corps 1 et la plaque de fixation 5, qui peut être circulaire. La fixation du corps 1 à la plaque 5 peut s'effectuer par de petits axes métalliques cylindriques (non représentés) emmanchés à force dans la plaque 5 et le corps 1 en traversant la membrane 2 transversalement à celle-ci comme symbolisé par les traits mixtes en figure 1.In the case where the support 2 is constituted by a flexible plastic membrane in which the electrical contact points and the conductive tracks mentioned above are engraved, the body 1 is fixed to the membrane 2 by means of a rigid plate or fixing base 5 situated on the side of the membrane 2 opposite to that where the body 1 rests so that this membrane is sandwiched between the body 1 and the fixing plate 5, which can be circular. The attachment of the body 1 to the plate 5 can be carried out by small cylindrical metallic axes (not shown) force fitted into the plate 5 and the body 1 by crossing the membrane 2 transversely thereto as symbolized by the dashed lines. in figure 1.

Selon l'invention, l'élément formant bouton-poussoir comprend également une pièce 6 en un matériau élastiquement déformable logée dans le corps 1 entre la touche 3 et le support 2 formant fond du corps 1 de manière à ajuster, suivant le matériau utilisé pour la pièce déformable 6, l'effort d'enfoncement de la touche 3 pour déformer la coupelle de contact 4.According to the invention, the push-button element also comprises a part 6 made of an elastically deformable material housed in the body 1 between the button 3 and the support 2 forming the bottom of the body 1 so as to adjust, depending on the material used for the deformable part 6, the force of pressing the button 3 to deform the contact cup 4.

De préférence, la pièce déformable 6 est réalisée en un matériau mousse plastique qui assure en même temps l'étanchéité de l'élément formant bouton-poussoir.Preferably, the deformable part 6 is made of a foam plastic material which at the same time seals the element forming a push button.

La pièce déformable 6 est, de préférence, en forme de rondelle, dans le trou central 6a de laquelle est logée et maintenue la coupelle de contact 4.The deformable part 6 is preferably in the form of a washer, in the central hole 6a of which is housed and maintained the contact cup 4.

La touche 3 est en appui sur une partie périphérique supérieure de la pièce déformable 6 par une face inférieure d'un rebord périphérique 3a de la touche 3 formé en partie inférieure de cette touche et, d'autre part, par la force de réaction de la pièce déformable 6, sur un bord périphérique 1a du corps 1, qui délimite une ouverture 1b de passage de la partie externe cylindrique 3b de la touche, par la face supérieure du rebord périphérique 3a de cette touche.The key 3 is supported on an upper peripheral part of the deformable part 6 by a lower face of a peripheral rim 3a of the key 3 formed in the lower part of this key and, on the other hand, by the reaction force of the deformable part 6, on a peripheral edge 1a of the body 1, which delimits an opening 1b for passage of the cylindrical external part 3b of the key, by the upper face of the peripheral rim 3a of this key.

De préférence, la face inférieure du rebord périphérique 3a de la touche 3 est en appui sur la pièce déformable 6 par l'intermédiaire d'un bourrelet circulaire 7 solidaire de cette face.Preferably, the lower face of the peripheral rim 3a of the key 3 is in abutment on the deformable part 6 by means of a circular bead 7 secured to this face.

La touche 3 comprend également un plot central cylindrique 8 en appui sur le sommet de la coupelle de contact 4 et d'une hauteur sensiblement égale à l'épaisseur de la pièce déformable 6.The key 3 also comprises a central cylindrical stud 8 bearing on the top of the contact cup 4 and of a height substantially equal to the thickness of the deformable part 6.

Pour déformer la coupelle de contact 4 et établir ainsi un contact électrique par celle-ci sur le support 2, l'opérateur doit exercer sur la touche 3 un effort d'enfoncement prédéterminé dépendant du matériau utilisé pour réaliser la pièce déformable 6. Ainsi, en changeant de type de matériau utilisé pour réaliser la pièce déformable 6, la force nécessaire pour enfoncer la touche 3 et déformer la coupelle métallique 4 est également changée. Le matériau de la pièce 6 est défini en usine suivant la force d'enfoncement souhaitée de la touche.To deform the contact cup 4 and thus establish an electrical contact by it on the support 2, the operator must exert an effort on the key 3 predetermined penetration dependent on the material used to make the deformable part 6. Thus, by changing the type of material used to make the deformable part 6, the force required to press the key 3 and deform the metal cup 4 is also changed. The material of the part 6 is defined in the factory according to the desired pressing force of the key.

La figure 2 représente de manière non limitative l'application particulière d'un dispositif formant clavier du type à membrane souple du genre de celle représentée en figure 1 pour commander un circuit électrique avertisseur sonore d'un véhicule automobile, le dispositif formant clavier étant alors monté dans le volant de direction de celui-ci, de préférence en arrière du système air-bag logé dans un boîtier 9 intégré au volant de direction.FIG. 2 represents in a nonlimiting manner the particular application of a device forming a keyboard of the flexible membrane type of the kind of that represented in FIG. 1 for controlling an electrical sound warning circuit of a motor vehicle, the device forming a keyboard then being mounted in the steering wheel thereof, preferably behind the air bag system housed in a housing 9 integrated into the steering wheel.

La membrane souple de ce dispositif à clavier peut comporter un certain nombre d'éléments formant bouton-poussoir du type représenté en figure 1, par exemple quatre éléments formant bouton-poussoir fixés respectivement à quatre coins de la membrane comme on le verra en référence à la figure 4 de manière à permettre au conducteur du véhicule automobile de faire usage du dispositif avertisseur sonore en actionnant, par appui sur le volant de direction, l'un de ces quatre éléments.The flexible membrane of this keyboard device can comprise a certain number of elements forming a push-button of the type represented in FIG. 1, for example four elements forming a push-button fixed respectively to four corners of the membrane as will be seen with reference to Figure 4 so as to allow the driver of the motor vehicle to use the audible warning device by actuating, by pressing on the steering wheel, one of these four elements.

Cependant, la figure 2, en liaison avec la figure 3, montre un autre mode de réalisation possible de chaque élément formant bouton-poussoir de l'invention pouvant être monté sur la membrane 2 à la place de l'élément de la figure 1.However, FIG. 2, in conjunction with FIG. 3, shows another possible embodiment of each element forming a push button of the invention which can be mounted on the membrane 2 in place of the element of FIG. 1.

Selon cet élément, dont les composants identiques à ceux de l'élément de la figure 1 ou accomplissant les mêmes fonctions portent les mêmes références, la pièce déformable 6 comprend une partie de base 6b sur la face supérieure de laquelle est en appui le bourrelet circulaire 7 de la touche 3, la partie 6b étant en contact sur le sommet de la coupelle de contact 4 ; une première partie annulaire en saillie 6c solidaire de la face inférieure de la partie de base 6b de la pièce 6 et en appui sur la membrane 2 de manière à former avec la partie de base 6b un logement de maintien de la coupelle de contact 4 ; et une seconde partie annulaire en saillie 6d solidaire de la face supérieure de la partie de base 6b et en appui sur la partie inférieure de la touche 3 comportant le rebord annulaire 3a.According to this element, whose components identical to those of the element in Figure 1 or performing the same functions bear the same references, the deformable part 6 comprises a base part 6b on the upper face of which is supported the circular bead 7 of the key 3, the part 6b being in contact on the top of the contact cup 4; a first annular projecting part 6c secured to the underside of the base part 6b of the part 6 and bearing on the membrane 2 so as to form with the base part 6b a housing for holding the contact cup 4; and a second annular projecting part 6d secured to the upper face of the base part 6b and resting on the lower part of the key 3 comprising the annular rim 3a.

Les première et seconde parties annulaires en saillie 6c, 6d ont la même hauteur et la seconde partie annulaire 6d est d'un diamètre inférieur à celui de la première partie annulaire 6c qui est située approximativement en aplomb du bourrelet circulaire 7.The first and second annular projecting parts 6c, 6d have the same height and the second annular part 6d is of a smaller diameter than that of the first annular part 6c which is situated approximately in line with the circular bead 7.

En modifiant les hauteurs des parties annulaires en saillie 6c, 6d de la pièce déformable 6, pour un même matériau de celle-ci, on modifie également la force d'enfoncement nécessaire de la touche 3 pour déformer la coupelle de contact 4. Ainsi, il est possible, pour chaque type de volant de direction, d'utiliser un élément formant bouton-poussoir à force d'enfoncement appropriée de sa touche en adoptant une pièce déformable 6 dont les parties annulaires 6c, 6d de celle-ci ont une hauteur prédéterminée en usine suivant le type de volant utilisé.By modifying the heights of the annular projecting parts 6c, 6d of the deformable part 6, for the same material thereof, one also modifies the pressing force necessary for the key 3 to deform the contact cup 4. Thus, it is possible, for each type of steering wheel, to use a push-button element with an appropriate pressing force on its button by adopting a deformable part 6 whose annular parts 6c, 6d thereof have a height factory preset according to the type of flywheel used.

La partie de base 6b de la pièce déformable 6 comprend un évidement central 6e en forme de calotte sphérique concave dans lequel est logé le sommet de forme conjuguée de la coupelle de contact 4 de manière à maintenir positivement la coupelle sous la pièce déformable 6.The base part 6b of the deformable part 6 comprises a central recess 6e in the form of a concave spherical cap in which is housed the apex of conjugate form of the contact cup 4 so as to positively hold the cup under the deformable part 6.

Chaque plaque circulaire de fixation 5 d'un élément formant bouton-poussoir fixé à la membrane 2 est encastrée dans un évidement de forme conjuguée 10 réalisé dans la surface supérieure d'une plaque 11 de fixation de l'ensemble au volant de direction avec la membrane 2 en appui sur cette face supérieure.Each circular fixing plate 5 of a push-button element fixed to the membrane 2 is embedded in a recess of conjugate shape 10 produced in the upper surface of a plate 11 for fixing the assembly to the steering wheel with the membrane 2 resting on this upper face.

La figure 4 représente une membrane souple 2 d'un dispositif formant clavier monté dans le volant de direction d'un véhicule automobile pour actionner le dispositif avertisseur sonore de celui-ci.FIG. 4 represents a flexible membrane 2 of a device forming a keyboard mounted in the steering wheel of a motor vehicle for actuating the audible warning device thereof.

Cette figure montre la membrane 2 pourvue d'un élément formant bouton-poussoir complet fixé au coin de droite et dont on aperçoit le corps 1, la touche 3 ainsi que, par transparence, la plaque ou embase de fixation 5. Les autres éléments formant bouton-poussoir situés respectivement dans les trois autres coins de la membrane 2 n'ont pas été complètement représentés, puisque seule la coupelle métallique de contact 4 de chacun d'eux est apparente et comprend les quatre pattes 4a électriquement reliées aux points de contact électriques correspondant 12 que l'on entrevoit en partie en figure 4 et qui sont reliés électriquement aux pistes conductrices 13 gravées dans la membrane 2. Les pistes conductrices 13 sont reliées à une nappe 14 à pistes conductrices de liaison 15 raccordées au circuit électrique avertisseur sonore du véhicule automobile de façon à activer celui-ci lorsque l'une des touches 3 d'un élément formant bouton-poussoir est enfoncée.This figure shows the membrane 2 provided with a complete push button element fixed to the right corner and whose body 1, the key 3 can be seen, as well as, by transparency, the fixing plate or base 5. The other elements forming push-buttons located respectively in the other three corners of the membrane 2 have not been completely represented, since only the metallic contact cup 4 of each of them is visible and comprises the four tabs 4a electrically connected to the electrical contact points corresponding 12 which can be seen in part in FIG. 4 and which are electrically connected to the conductive tracks 13 etched in the membrane 2. The conductive tracks 13 are connected to a sheet 14 with conductive connecting tracks 15 connected to the electrical signaling circuit of the motor vehicle so as to activate the latter when one of the keys 3 of a push button element is pressed.

En fixant le dispositif formant clavier pourvu de la membrane 2 et de ses éléments formant bouton-poussoir en arrière de l'air-bag du volant de direction du véhicule, on préserve l'intégralité de ce dispositif lorsque l'air-bag explose lors d'un choc frontal du véhicule.By attaching the keyboard device provided with the membrane 2 and its push button elements behind the air bag of the vehicle steering wheel, this entire device is preserved when the air bag explodes during a frontal impact on the vehicle.

L'élément formant bouton-poussoir ci-dessus décrit de l'invention présente une force d'appui de sa touche correspondante indépendante du contact électrique et/ou du mécanisme de commande de ce contact, contrairement aux éléments formant bouton-poussoir connus. De plus, la pièce déformable de cet élément supprime efficacement les vibrations de la coupelle correspondante susceptibles d'induire des bruits parasites. L'élément formant bouton poussoir de l'invention peut s'appliquer à tout type de clavier pour former des touches dites tactiles.The push button element described above of the invention has a pressing force on its corresponding button independent of the electrical contact and / or of the mechanism for controlling this contact, unlike the known push button elements. In addition, the deformable part of this element effectively suppresses the vibrations of the corresponding cup capable of inducing parasitic noise. The push button element of the invention can be applied to any type of keyboard for forming so-called tactile keys.

Claims (14)

Elément formant bouton-poussoir électrique comprenant une touche (3) pouvant s'enfoncer dans un corps fixe (1) pour déformer une coupelle métallique de contact (4) à partir d'une course déterminée de la touche (3) et établir un contact électrique, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une pièce en un matériau élastiquement déformable (6) logée dans le corps fixe (1) en dessous de la touche (3) de manière à ajuster, suivant le matériau utilisé pour la pièce déformable (6), l'effort d'enfoncement de la touche (3) pour déformer la coupelle de contact (4).Electric push button element comprising a button (3) which can be inserted into a fixed body (1) to deform a metallic contact cup (4) from a determined stroke of the button (3) and establish contact electric, characterized in that it comprises a part made of an elastically deformable material (6) housed in the fixed body (1) below the key (3) so as to adjust, according to the material used for the deformable part (6 ), the pressing force of the button (3) to deform the contact cup (4). Elément selon la revendication 1 caractérisé en ce que la touche (3) est en appui, d'une part, sur une partie périphérique de la pièce déformable (6) par une face inférieure d'un rebord périphérique (3a) de la touche (3) formé en partie inférieure de celle-ci et, d'autre part, par la force de réaction de la pièce déformable (6), sur un bord périphérique (1a) du corps fixe (1), qui délimite une ouverture de passage de la touche (3), par la face supérieure du rebord périphérique (3a) de la touche (3).Element according to claim 1 characterized in that the key (3) is supported, on the one hand, on a peripheral part of the deformable part (6) by a lower face of a peripheral rim (3a) of the key ( 3) formed in the lower part thereof and, on the other hand, by the reaction force of the deformable part (6), on a peripheral edge (1a) of the fixed body (1), which delimits a passage opening of the button (3), by the upper face of the peripheral rim (3a) of the button (3). Elément selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la face inférieure du rebord périphérique (3a) de la touche (3) est en appui sur la pièce déformable par l'intermédiaire d'un bourrelet circulaire (7) solidaire de cette face.Element according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower face of the peripheral rim (3a) of the key (3) bears on the deformable part by means of a circular bead (7) integral with this face. Elément selon la revendication 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que la touche (3) comprend un plot central (8) en appui sur le sommet de la coupelle de contact (4) et d'une hauteur sensiblement égale à l'épaisseur de la pièce déformable (6).Element according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the key (3) comprises a central stud (8) resting on the top of the contact cup (4) and a height substantially equal to the thickness of the deformable part (6). Elément selon l'une des revendications 2 à 4, caractérisé en ce que la pièce déformable (6) est en forme de rondelle dont le trou central (6a) contient la coupelle de contact (4).Element according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the deformable part (6) is in the form of a washer, the central hole (6a) of which contains the contact cup (4). Elément selon les revendications 1 à 3 considérées en combinaison, caractérisé en ce que la pièce déformable (6) comprend une partie de base (6b) sur la face supérieure de laquelle est en appui le bourrelet circulaire (7) de la touche (3) et en contact sur le sommet de la coupelle de contact (4) ; une première partie annulaire en saillie (6c) solidaire de la face inférieure de la partie de base (6b) est en appui sur une partie formant fond du corps fixe (1) de manière à former avec la partie de base (6b) un logement de maintien de la coupelle de contact (4) ; et une seconde partie annulaire en saillie (6d) solidaire de la face supérieure de la partie de base (6b) et en appui sur la partie inférieure de la touche (3).Element according to claims 1 to 3 considered in combination, characterized in that the deformable part (6) comprises a base part (6b) on the upper face of which is supported the circular bead (7) of the key (3) and in contact on the top of the contact cup (4); a first annular projecting part (6c) integral with the underside of the base part (6b) is supported on a part forming the bottom of the fixed body (1) so as to form with the base part (6b) a housing maintaining the contact cup (4); and a second annular projecting part (6d) integral with the upper face of the base part (6b) and pressing on the lower part of the key (3). Elément selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la partie de base (6b) de la pièce déformable (6) comprend un évidement central en forme de calotte sphérique concave (6e) dans lequel est logé le sommet de forme conjuguée de la coupelle de contact (4).Element according to claim 6, characterized in that the base part (6b) of the deformable part (6) comprises a central recess in the form of a concave spherical cap (6e) in which is housed the apex of conjugate shape of the cup contact (4). Elément selon la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisé en ce que les première et seconde parties annulaires en saillie (6c, 6d) ont la même hauteur et la seconde partie annulaire (6d) est un diamètre inférieur à celui de la première partie annulaire (6c) située approximativement en aplomb du bourrelet circulaire (7).Element according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first and second annular projecting parts (6c, 6d) have the same height and the second annular part (6d) is smaller in diameter than that of the first annular part (6c ) located approximately in line with the circular bead (7). Elément selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que la pièce déformable (6) est en matériau mousse ou en élastomère.Element according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the deformable part (6) is made of foam material or elastomer. Elément selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que la pièce déformable (6) assure également l'étanchéité de l'élément.Element according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the deformable part (6) also seals the element. Dispositif formant clavier à au moins un élément formant bouton-poussoir tel que défini dans l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que le corps (1) de l'élément est fixé sur une membrane souple (2) par l'intermédiaire d'une plaque rigide de fixation (5) et situé de l'autre côté de la membrane (2) et la coupelle de contact (4) comprend plusieurs pattes (4a) fixées par soudage à des points de contact électrique (12) de la membrane (2) reliés à au moins un circuit électrique.Keyboard device with at least one push button element as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the body (1) of the element is fixed to a flexible membrane (2) by the 'via a rigid fixing plate (5) and located on the other side of the membrane (2) and the contact cup (4) comprises several lugs (4a) fixed by welding to electrical contact points (12 ) of the membrane (2) connected to at least one electrical circuit. Dispositif formant clavier selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce qu'il est utilisé pour commander le circuit avertisseur sonore d'un véhicule automobile et est monté dans le volant de direction de ce véhicule.Keyboard device according to claim 11, characterized in that it is used to control the audible warning circuit of a motor vehicle and is mounted in the steering wheel of this vehicle. Dispositif formant clavier selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que la membrane (2) à au moins un élément formant bouton-poussoir est disposée en arrière d'un air-bag intégré au volant de direction du véhicule.Keyboard device according to claim 12, characterized in that the membrane (2) with at least one push button element is arranged behind an air bag integrated into the vehicle steering wheel. Dispositif selon la revendication 12 ou 13, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend quatre éléments formant bouton-poussoir fixés respectivement aux quatre coins de la membrane souple (2).Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it comprises four elements forming a push button fixed respectively to the four corners of the flexible membrane (2).
EP97402606A 1996-11-06 1997-10-31 Electrical push button Expired - Lifetime EP0841674B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9613536A FR2755534B1 (en) 1996-11-06 1996-11-06 ELECTRIC PUSH BUTTON FORMING ELEMENT
FR9613536 1996-11-06

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0841674A1 true EP0841674A1 (en) 1998-05-13
EP0841674B1 EP0841674B1 (en) 2002-06-19

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EP97402606A Expired - Lifetime EP0841674B1 (en) 1996-11-06 1997-10-31 Electrical push button

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US (1) US6008460A (en)
EP (1) EP0841674B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH10188722A (en)
KR (1) KR19980042158A (en)
FR (1) FR2755534B1 (en)
NO (1) NO975098L (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO975098D0 (en) 1997-11-05
FR2755534A1 (en) 1998-05-07
FR2755534B1 (en) 1998-12-11
NO975098L (en) 1998-05-07
JPH10188722A (en) 1998-07-21
EP0841674B1 (en) 2002-06-19
US6008460A (en) 1999-12-28
KR19980042158A (en) 1998-08-17

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