EP1211704A1 - Acuating element with three active positions - Google Patents

Acuating element with three active positions Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1211704A1
EP1211704A1 EP01402772A EP01402772A EP1211704A1 EP 1211704 A1 EP1211704 A1 EP 1211704A1 EP 01402772 A EP01402772 A EP 01402772A EP 01402772 A EP01402772 A EP 01402772A EP 1211704 A1 EP1211704 A1 EP 1211704A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
button
site
active
active sites
sites
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP01402772A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1211704B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Christophe Villain
Bertrand Cupif
Luc Brisson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alcatel CIT SA
Alcatel Lucent SAS
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Alcatel CIT SA
Alcatel SA
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Publication of EP1211704A1 publication Critical patent/EP1211704A1/en
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Publication of EP1211704B1 publication Critical patent/EP1211704B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
    • H01H25/041—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of organs of control for electronic devices or instruments, especially keys and keyboards for computer devices or telecommunications, and has as its object a control member of the type navigator and keyboard apparatus comprising at least one such member.
  • These devices belong in particular to the group ⁇ telephone fixed or mobile; smart phone called “smartphone” in Anglo-Saxon language ; personal digital assistant; desktop, laptop or of pocket ; remote control ⁇ .
  • the button color it is possible to select the button color so that it matches that of the case and the other buttons, assembling said sub-assembly and the other keys with the housing of the keyboard being carried out during the same manufacturing phase.
  • the possible misalignment can only exist between the sub-assembly and the card and is therefore invisible to the user.
  • buttons and the keys are generally not produced by the same manufacturer.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks aforementioned by proposing a control member of the aforementioned type, the button and the active component can be manufactured separately and do not require any posterior physical assembly, nor are they connected by no physical link, while ensuring high reliability of operation and total discrimination between the different commands likely to be supplied by said body.
  • the subject of the present invention is a device for multi-function key type command, especially key navigation, consisting of a rigid button mounted with limited mobility in translation and rotation and by a separate detection component comprising several active sites, for example pressure sensitive, said button on the underside with formations intended to come into contact each with one of the active sites of said component according to the location, intensity and / or direction of the pressures exerted by the user on the button, characterized in that it has three active sites which are arranged according to the vertices of a triangle and in that between two first of said sites is a non-active support site allowing, alone or in cooperation with the third site, an inclination of said button by pivoting in support on said non-active site towards one of said first two active sites located on either side of the latter until the corresponding training contacts one of said two active sites with a view to its activation, for example by compression or depression.
  • the control member 1 of the multi-function key type in particular navigation key, consists of a rigid button 2 mounted with a limited mobility in translation and rotation and by a component of separate detection 3 comprising several active sites 4, 4 ′ and 5 sensitive to pressure, said button 2 having formations 6, 6 'and 6 "on the underside intended to come into contact each with one of the active sites 4, 4 'and 5 of said component depending on location, intensity and / or direction user pressures on button 2.
  • the detection component 3 of said organ 1 comprises three active sites 4, 4 ′, 5 which are arranged according to the vertices of a triangle and in that between two first of said sites 4, 4 'is arranged a non-active support site 7 authorizing, alone or in cooperation with the third site 5, an inclination of said button 2 by pivoting pressing on said non-active site 7 to one of said first two active sites 4, 4 ′ located on either side of the latter until the formation 6 or 6 ' correspondent comes into contact with one of said two active sites 4, 4 'in view of its activation, preferably by compression or by depression, other activation modes can possibly be provided.
  • organ 1 by association of two elements manufactured so independent and cooperating only because of a relative provision given during assembly of the device receiving them, without using a physical link between these two elements.
  • the forecast of a non-active or inactive support site 7 allows, by a physical constraint, to avoid any simultaneous activation of first two sites 4 and 4 '.
  • the non-active site 7 defines with the third site active 5 a swivel edge or a fictitious axis of rotation for button 2.
  • the pressure on button 2 is necessary to activate the 4 or 4 'site, only the support side having a importance.
  • the three sites 4, 4 ', 5 are arranged according to the vertices of a triangle isosceles and the non-active support site 7 is located centered on the base of said triangle extending between the first two active sites 4 and 4 '.
  • the values of the activation threshold pressures of the first two sites active 4 and 4 ' are substantially identical and the value of the threshold pressure activation of the third site 5 is advantageously significantly greater than that of said first two sites 4 and 4 ', preferably approximately at minus twice as large.
  • This latter arrangement allows a second discrimination between the first two active sites 4 and 4 'on the one hand, and the third active site 4 "on the other hand.
  • discrimination physical support provided by the aforementioned non-active or inactive support site 7, to a impossibility of simultaneous activation by the user of two active sites, among the three aforementioned active sites, whatever the direction, the point and the intensity of the pressure exerted on the button 2.
  • the inactive support site 7 consists of a prominent formation compared to the first two active sites 4 and 4 ', allowing an inclination of the button 2 in the direction of the third active site 5 until the corresponding 6 "formation on the underside button 2 comes into contact with the latter for activation, preferably by compression or depression, this by pivoting in support, by adapted training 8 on the underside, on the contact area of said site 7.
  • the inactive support site 7 could also consist of a non-prominent support zone of the cooperating component 3 with a formation 8 having a height greater than that of the others formations 6, 6 'and 6 "from the underside of button 2 and thereby constituting a privileged fulcrum of button 2 on component 3, preventing, as the first aforementioned variant, simultaneous support of formations 6 and 6 'on the first two sites 4 and 4 'facing each other and securing the latter in the event support centered at high pressure intended to activate the third site 5.
  • the 6, 6 ', 6 "training contact areas and / or site contact areas active 4, 4 ', 4 "and inactive site 7 consist of contact zones surface.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B the button 2 and the component 3 have been voluntarily shifted relative to each other, as in the case of a incorrect assembly, to illustrate the above-mentioned compensation option.
  • the contact zones between formations 6, 6 ', 6 "and 8 and sites 4, 4 ', 5 and 7 can have various forms, for example planes (Fig. 7), it can advantageously be provided, in order to facilitate the manipulation of button 2 by the user, that at least the contact between the inactive support site 7 and the corresponding training 8 opposite located in under the face of button 2, either point or quasi-point in nature, the area of contact of said site 7 or of said formation 8 being a contact zone surface.
  • buttons 4 and 4 'by pivoting of said button pressing on sites 7 and 5 the contact between the third active site 5 and the corresponding formation 6 "on the underside of the button 2 is also of a punctual or quasi-punctual nature, the contacts between the first two active sites 4 and 4 'and the corresponding formations 6 and 6 'of button 2 possibly also being of a point nature or virtually a point.
  • the formations 6, 6 ', 6 "and 8 consist of protruding hemispherical or shaped formations domes, the active sites 4, 4 ′, 4 "possibly also consisting of protruding formations, the cumulative heights of formations 6, 6 ', 6 "and active sites 4, 4 ', 5 respectively opposite being substantially identical and equal to the cumulative height of the inactive support site 7 and the corresponding formation 8 located on the underside of button 2.
  • the sites 4, 4 ', 5 and 7 consist of domed structures and that the areas of contact of formations 6, 6 ', 6 "and 8 are surface in nature, or that the two aforementioned types of structures are variegated between said sites and said training.
  • the two first active sites 4 and 4 correspond to ordering instructions or to opposite functions, such as for example parades or moving in opposite directions in a menu or table, and in that the third active site 5 corresponds to an instruction of command or a validation or confirmation type function.
  • the pressure detection component 3 has a one-piece structure and has an open cavity direction of the button or a 3 'through opening for housing a lighting component by transmission of button 2 made of a material translucent and mounted by insertion molding ( Figures 6A and 6B)
  • Figures 7 show different cases of activation or non-activation sites 4, 4 'and 5 depending on the intensity and direction of the pressures from the user.
  • the direction, the impact zone and the intensity of the applied forces is adapted to activate the 4 'site, respectively 5.
  • the present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising a keyboard 9 comprising a plurality of keys 2 'and at least a multi-function key, for example a navigation key and for selecting several functions displayed on a display means of said device, characterized in that the multifunction key is formed by a control member 1 as described above.
  • the button 2 is made in one piece with the other 2 'keys by insertion molding during the manufacture of the keyboard 9 and the detection component 3 is pre-assembled on a card electronics arranged, after assembly of the corresponding keyboard 9 under the keys 2 'of the latter.
  • button 2 The option for limited movement of button 2 will be provided by the resilience of the material of the tablecloth or plate 2 "connecting the different keys 2 'and button 2.
  • the button 2 can also be separated from the keyboard 9 while retaining the advantage of receiving a front panel delivered with the tablecloth and a navigation button 2 of the appropriate color.

Abstract

The present invention provides an actuator member of the multifunction key type, in particular of the navigation key type, consisting of a rigid button mounted with limited mobility and a separate detector component having a plurality of active sites. The button has underside formations each intended to come into contact with one of the active sites. Three active sites are disposed at the corners of a triangle, wherein a non-active bearing site is disposed between two of the active sites, alone or in conjunction with the third active site, so as to allow tilting of the button by pivoting on the non-active site toward one of the first two active sites situated on respective sides thereof until the corresponding formation comes into contact with one of the active sites to activate it, for example by compressing it or depressing it.

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des organes de commande pour appareils ou instruments électroniques, notamment les touches et les claviers pour des appareils informatiques ou de télécommunications, et a pour objet un organe de commande du type navigateur et appareil à clavier comprenant au moins un tel organe.The present invention relates to the field of organs of control for electronic devices or instruments, especially keys and keyboards for computer devices or telecommunications, and has as its object a control member of the type navigator and keyboard apparatus comprising at least one such member.

Ces appareils appartiennent notamment au groupe {téléphone fixe ou mobile ; téléphone intelligent dit "smartphone" en langue anglosaxonne ; assistant numérique personnel ; ordinateur de bureau, portable ou de poche ; télécommande}.These devices belong in particular to the group {telephone fixed or mobile; smart phone called "smartphone" in Anglo-Saxon language ; personal digital assistant; desktop, laptop or of pocket ; remote control}.

Actuellement, la plupart des organes de commande du type touche multifonction ou touche de navigation se présente sous la forme d'un sous-ensemble préassemblé et prémonté sur la carte électronique s'étendant sous les touches du clavier des appareils, de manière à sécuriser l'interconnexion et la coopération entre le bouton et le composant actif détecteur (voir figures 1 et 2).Currently, most control devices of the type multifunction key or navigation key is in the form of a pre-assembled and pre-assembled sub-assembly on the electronic board extending under the keyboard of the devices, so as to secure the interconnection and cooperation between the button and the active component detector (see Figures 1 and 2).

Il en résulte deux inconvénients majeurs, à savoir, tous les claviers présentent des parties apparentes d'organes de même couleur, le cas échéant mal assortie avec les autres touches et/ou le corps du clavier, et le bouton n'est pas aligné ou centré de manière optimale et fiable avec l'ouverture correspondante dans le boítier ou l'enveloppe du clavier, et ne réalise pas une obturation étanche de cette ouverture.This results in two major drawbacks, namely, all keyboards have visible parts of organs of the same color, if applicable mismatched with the other keys and / or the keyboard body, and the button is not optimally and reliably aligned or centered with the corresponding opening in the case or the keyboard envelope, and not perform a sealed closure of this opening.

Pour tenter de pallier ces inconvénients, il a été proposé de monter le sous-ensemble bouton/composant actif dans le boítier du casier et de relier ledit composant actif par des ressorts à la carte électronique située sous les touches (figures 3 et 4).To try to overcome these drawbacks, it has been proposed to mount the button / active component sub-assembly in the locker box and to connect said active component by springs to the electronic card located under the keys (Figures 3 and 4).

Dans ce cas, il est possible de sélectionner la couleur du bouton pour qu'elle soit assortie à celle(s) du boítier et des autres touches, l'assemblage dudit sous-ensemble et des autres touches avec le boítier du clavier étant effectué pendant la même phase de fabrication. En outre, le possible désalignement ne peut exister qu'entre le sous-ensemble et la carte et est donc invisible pour l'utilisateur.In this case, it is possible to select the button color so that it matches that of the case and the other buttons, assembling said sub-assembly and the other keys with the housing of the keyboard being carried out during the same manufacturing phase. In addition, the possible misalignment can only exist between the sub-assembly and the card and is therefore invisible to the user.

Toutefois, le choix d'un bouton ayant la même couleur que les autres touches est délicat à opérer, voire impossible à réaliser, les boutons et les touches n'étant généralement pas produits par le même fabricant. However, the choice of a button having the same color as the other keys is difficult to operate, even impossible to perform, the buttons and the keys are generally not produced by the same manufacturer.

De plus, cette solution entraíne une opération de prémontage spécifique et fastidieuse dudit sous-ensemble et nécessite la mise en place de liaisons physiques particulières entre le boítier du clavier et la carte électronique.In addition, this solution leads to a pre-assembly operation specific and tedious of said subset and requires the implementation specific physical links between the keyboard box and the card electronic.

La présente invention a pour but de pallier les inconvénients précités en proposant un organe de commande du type précité dont le bouton et le composant actif peuvent être fabriqués de manière séparée et ne nécessitent aucun assemblage physique postérieur, ni ne sont reliés par aucun lien physique, ce tout en garantissant une grande fiabilité de fonctionnement et de discrimination totale entre les différentes commandes susceptibles d'être fournies par ledit organe.The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks aforementioned by proposing a control member of the aforementioned type, the button and the active component can be manufactured separately and do not require any posterior physical assembly, nor are they connected by no physical link, while ensuring high reliability of operation and total discrimination between the different commands likely to be supplied by said body.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet un organe de commande du type touche à fonctions multiples, notamment touche de navigation, constitué par un bouton rigide monté avec une mobilité limitée en translation et en rotation et par un composant séparé de détection comprenant plusieurs sites actifs, par exemple sensibles à la pression, ledit bouton comportant en sous-face des formations destinées à entrer en contact chacun avec un des sites actifs dudit composant en fonction de la localisation, de l'intensité et/ou de la direction des pressions exercées par l'utilisateur sur le bouton, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte trois sites actifs qui sont disposés selon les sommets d'un triangle et en ce qu'entre deux premiers desdits sites est disposé un site d'appui non actif autorisant, seul ou en coopération avec le troisième site, une inclinaison dudit bouton par pivotement en appui sur ledit site non actif vers l'un desdits deux premiers sites actifs situés de part et d'autre de ce dernier ce jusqu'à ce que la formation correspondante entre en contact avec l'un desdits deux sites actifs en vue de son activation, par exemple par compression ou par enfoncement.To this end, the subject of the present invention is a device for multi-function key type command, especially key navigation, consisting of a rigid button mounted with limited mobility in translation and rotation and by a separate detection component comprising several active sites, for example pressure sensitive, said button on the underside with formations intended to come into contact each with one of the active sites of said component according to the location, intensity and / or direction of the pressures exerted by the user on the button, characterized in that it has three active sites which are arranged according to the vertices of a triangle and in that between two first of said sites is a non-active support site allowing, alone or in cooperation with the third site, an inclination of said button by pivoting in support on said non-active site towards one of said first two active sites located on either side of the latter until the corresponding training contacts one of said two active sites with a view to its activation, for example by compression or depression.

L'invention sera mieux comprise, grâce à la description ci-après, qui se rapporte à un mode de réalisation préféré, donné à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et expliqué avec référence aux dessins schématiques annexés, dans lesquels :

  • les figures 5A et 5B sont des vues en élévation latérale et partiellement en coupe, selon deux directions perpendiculaires, d'une partie d'un clavier comprenant un organe de commande selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention,
  • les figures 6A et 6B sont respectivement des vues de dessus et en perspective du composant de détection faisant partie de l'organe de commande représenté sur les figures 5, et,
  • les figures 7A, 7B et 7C sont des vues en élévation latérale similaires à celles des figures 5 montrant, sur la base d'une variante de réalisation de l'invention, la réaction de l'organe de commande selon l'invention en fonction de l'application de différentes pressions par un utilisateur.
    • The invention will be better understood from the description below, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of nonlimiting example, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are views in side elevation and partially in section, in two perpendicular directions, of a part of a keyboard comprising a control member according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are respectively views from above and in perspective of the detection component forming part of the control member shown in FIGS. 5, and,
  • FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are views in side elevation similar to those of FIGS. 5 showing, on the basis of an alternative embodiment of the invention, the reaction of the control member according to the invention as a function of the application of different pressures by a user.

    • Comme le montrent les figures 5 et 7 des dessins annexés, l'organe de commande 1 du type touche à fonctions multiples, notamment touche de navigation, est constitué par un bouton rigide 2 monté avec une mobilité limitée en translation et en rotation et par un composant de détection 3 séparé comprenant plusieurs sites actifs 4, 4' et 5 sensibles à la pression, ledit bouton 2 comportant en sous-face des formations 6, 6' et 6" destinées à entrer en contact chacun avec un des sites actifs 4, 4' et 5 dudit composant en fonction de la localisation, de l'intensité et/ou de la direction des pressions exercées par l'utilisateur sur le bouton 2.As shown in Figures 5 and 7 of the accompanying drawings, the control member 1 of the multi-function key type, in particular navigation key, consists of a rigid button 2 mounted with a limited mobility in translation and rotation and by a component of separate detection 3 comprising several active sites 4, 4 ′ and 5 sensitive to pressure, said button 2 having formations 6, 6 'and 6 "on the underside intended to come into contact each with one of the active sites 4, 4 'and 5 of said component depending on location, intensity and / or direction user pressures on button 2.

    Conformément à l'invention, le composant de détection 3 dudit organe 1 comporte trois sites actifs 4, 4', 5 qui sont disposés selon les sommets d'un triangle et en ce qu'entre deux premiers desdits sites 4, 4' est disposé un site d'appui 7 non actif autorisant, seul ou en coopération avec le troisième site 5, une inclinaison dudit bouton 2 par pivotement en appui sur ledit site non actif 7 vers l'un desdits deux premiers sites actifs 4, 4' situés de part et d'autre de ce dernier ce jusqu'à ce que la formation 6 ou 6' correspondante entre en contact avec l'un desdits deux sites actifs 4, 4' en vue de son activation, préférentiellement par compression ou par enfoncement, d'autres modes d'activation pouvant éventuellement être prévus.According to the invention, the detection component 3 of said organ 1 comprises three active sites 4, 4 ′, 5 which are arranged according to the vertices of a triangle and in that between two first of said sites 4, 4 'is arranged a non-active support site 7 authorizing, alone or in cooperation with the third site 5, an inclination of said button 2 by pivoting pressing on said non-active site 7 to one of said first two active sites 4, 4 ′ located on either side of the latter until the formation 6 or 6 ' correspondent comes into contact with one of said two active sites 4, 4 'in view of its activation, preferably by compression or by depression, other activation modes can possibly be provided.

    Grâce aux dispositions précitées, il est donc possible de réaliser l'organe 1 par association de deux éléments fabriqués de manière indépendante et coopérant uniquement du fait d'une disposition relative donnée lors du montage du dispositif les recevant, sans mise en oeuvre d'un lien physique entre ces deux éléments.Thanks to the aforementioned provisions, it is therefore possible to carry out organ 1 by association of two elements manufactured so independent and cooperating only because of a relative provision given during assembly of the device receiving them, without using a physical link between these two elements.

    En outre, la prévision d'un site d'appui 7 non actif ou inactif permet, par une contrainte physique, d'éviter toute activation simultanée des deux premiers sites 4 et 4'. In addition, the forecast of a non-active or inactive support site 7 allows, by a physical constraint, to avoid any simultaneous activation of first two sites 4 and 4 '.

    Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, facilitant la manipulation de l'organe 1, le site non actif 7 définit avec le troisième site actif 5 une arête de pivotement ou un axe de rotation fictif pour le bouton 2. Ainsi, aucune application précise de la pression sur le bouton 2 n'est nécessaire pour activer le site 4 ou 4', seul le côté d'appui ayant une importance.According to a characteristic of the invention, facilitating the manipulation of organ 1, the non-active site 7 defines with the third site active 5 a swivel edge or a fictitious axis of rotation for button 2. Thus, no precise application of the pressure on button 2 is necessary to activate the 4 or 4 'site, only the support side having a importance.

    Préférentiellement, comme le montrent les figures 6 des dessins annexés, les trois sites 4, 4', 5 sont disposés selon les sommets d'un triangle isocèle et le site d'appui non actif 7 est situé de manière centrée sur la base dudit triangle s'étendant entre les deux premiers sites actifs 4 et 4'.Preferably, as shown in Figures 6 of the drawings annexed, the three sites 4, 4 ', 5 are arranged according to the vertices of a triangle isosceles and the non-active support site 7 is located centered on the base of said triangle extending between the first two active sites 4 and 4 '.

    En outre, conformément à une variante de réalisation avantageuse de l'invention basée sur des sites actifs 4, 4' et 4" sensibles à la pression, les valeurs des pressions seuil d'activation des deux premiers sites actifs 4 et 4' sont sensiblement identiques et la valeur de la pression seuil d'activation du troisième site 5 est avantageusement nettement supérieure à celle desdits deux premiers sites 4 et 4', préférentiellement environ au moins deux fois plus importante.In addition, in accordance with an alternative embodiment advantageous of the invention based on active sites 4, 4 ′ and 4 ″ sensitive to pressure, the values of the activation threshold pressures of the first two sites active 4 and 4 'are substantially identical and the value of the threshold pressure activation of the third site 5 is advantageously significantly greater than that of said first two sites 4 and 4 ', preferably approximately at minus twice as large.

    Cette dernière disposition permet d'établir une seconde discrimination entre les deux premiers sites actifs 4 et 4' d'une part, et le troisième site actif 4" d'autre part. On aboutit ainsi, avec la discrimination physique fournie par le site d'appui 7 non actif ou inactif précité, à une impossibilité d'activation simultanée par l'utilisateur de deux sites actifs, parmi les trois sites actifs précités, ce quelque soit la direction, le point d'application et l'intensité de la pression exercée sur le bouton 2.This latter arrangement allows a second discrimination between the first two active sites 4 and 4 'on the one hand, and the third active site 4 "on the other hand. We end up with discrimination physical support provided by the aforementioned non-active or inactive support site 7, to a impossibility of simultaneous activation by the user of two active sites, among the three aforementioned active sites, whatever the direction, the point and the intensity of the pressure exerted on the button 2.

    Selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, représenté notamment aux figures 5A et 5B des dessins annexés le site d'appui inactif 7 consiste en une formation proéminente par rapport aux deux premiers sites actifs 4 et 4', autorisant une inclinaison du bouton 2 en direction du troisième site actif 5 jusqu'à ce que la formation 6" correspondante en sous-face du bouton 2 entre en contact avec ce dernier en vue de son activation, préférentiellement par compression ou par enfoncement, ce par pivotement en appui, par une formation adaptée 8 en sous-face, sur la zone de contact dudit site 7.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in particular in FIGS. 5A and 5B of the attached drawings, the inactive support site 7 consists of a prominent formation compared to the first two active sites 4 and 4 ', allowing an inclination of the button 2 in the direction of the third active site 5 until the corresponding 6 "formation on the underside button 2 comes into contact with the latter for activation, preferably by compression or depression, this by pivoting in support, by adapted training 8 on the underside, on the contact area of said site 7.

    En variante, le site d'appui inactif 7 pourrait également consister en une zone d'appui non proéminente du composant 3 coopérant avec une formation 8 présentant une hauteur supérieure à celle des autres formations 6, 6' et 6" de la sous-face du bouton 2 et constituant de ce fait un point d'appui privilégié du bouton 2 sur le composant 3, empêchant, comme la première variante précitée, un appui simultané des formations 6 et 6' sur les deux premiers sites 4 et 4' en regard et sécurisant ces derniers en cas d'appui centré à forte pression destiné à activer le troisième site 5.Alternatively, the inactive support site 7 could also consist of a non-prominent support zone of the cooperating component 3 with a formation 8 having a height greater than that of the others formations 6, 6 'and 6 "from the underside of button 2 and thereby constituting a privileged fulcrum of button 2 on component 3, preventing, as the first aforementioned variant, simultaneous support of formations 6 and 6 'on the first two sites 4 and 4 'facing each other and securing the latter in the event support centered at high pressure intended to activate the third site 5.

    Comme le montrent les figures 5 à 7 des dessins annexés, les zones de contact des formations 6, 6', 6" et/ou les zones de contact des sites actifs 4, 4', 4" et du site inactif 7 consistent en des zones de contact surfaciques.As shown in Figures 5 to 7 of the accompanying drawings, the 6, 6 ', 6 "training contact areas and / or site contact areas active 4, 4 ', 4 "and inactive site 7 consist of contact zones surface.

    La présence de zones de contacts surfaciques au niveau des sites actifs 4, 4' et 5, et/ou des formations 6, 6' et 6" en regard, permet d'assurer un fonctionnement fiable de l'organe de commande 1 par une possibilité de compensation des éventuels désalignements latéraux et longitudinaux entre le bouton 2 et le composant 3 (Figures 5A et 5B, 7A, 7B et 7C)The presence of surface contact areas at the level of active sites 4, 4 'and 5, and / or formations 6, 6' and 6 "opposite, allows ensure reliable operation of the control member 1 by a possibility of compensation for any lateral misalignments and longitudinal between button 2 and component 3 (Figures 5A and 5B, 7A, 7B and 7C)

    Sur les figures 5A et 5B, le bouton 2 et le composant 3 ont été volontairement décalés l'un par rapport à l'autre, comme dans le cas d'un mauvais montage, pour illustrer la faculté de compensation précitée.In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the button 2 and the component 3 have been voluntarily shifted relative to each other, as in the case of a incorrect assembly, to illustrate the above-mentioned compensation option.

    Bien que les zones de contact entre des formations 6, 6', 6" et 8 et des sites 4, 4', 5 et 7 puissent présenter des formes diverses, par exemple planes (Fig. 7), il peut être avantageusement prévu, afin de faciliter la manipulation du bouton 2 par l'utilisateur, qu'au moins le contact entre le site d'appui inactif 7 et la formation 8 correspondante en regard située en sous face du bouton 2 soit de nature ponctuelle ou quasi-ponctuelle, la zone de contact dudit site 7 ou de ladite formation 8 étant une zone de contact surfacique.Although the contact zones between formations 6, 6 ', 6 "and 8 and sites 4, 4 ', 5 and 7 can have various forms, for example planes (Fig. 7), it can advantageously be provided, in order to facilitate the manipulation of button 2 by the user, that at least the contact between the inactive support site 7 and the corresponding training 8 opposite located in under the face of button 2, either point or quasi-point in nature, the area of contact of said site 7 or of said formation 8 being a contact zone surface.

    Pour augmenter davantage encore le confort de manipulation du bouton 2, notamment dans le cas de l'activation des sites 4 et 4' par pivotement dudit bouton en appui sur les sites 7 et 5, le contact entre le troisième site actif 5 et la formation correspondante 6" sur le dessous du bouton 2 est aussi de nature ponctuelle ou quasi-ponctuelle, les contacts entre les deux premiers sites actifs 4 et 4' et les formations correspondantes 6 et 6' du bouton 2 étant éventuellement également de nature ponctuelle ou quasi-ponctuelle.To further increase handling comfort of button 2, in particular in the case of activation of sites 4 and 4 'by pivoting of said button pressing on sites 7 and 5, the contact between the third active site 5 and the corresponding formation 6 "on the underside of the button 2 is also of a punctual or quasi-punctual nature, the contacts between the first two active sites 4 and 4 'and the corresponding formations 6 and 6 'of button 2 possibly also being of a point nature or virtually a point.

    Selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, représenté aux figures 5A et 5B des dessins annexés, les formations 6, 6', 6" et 8 consistent en des formations protubérantes hémisphériques ou en forme de dômes, les sites actifs 4, 4', 4" consistant éventuellement également en des formations protubérantes, les hauteurs cumulées des formations 6, 6', 6" et des sites actifs 4, 4', 5 respectivement en regard étant sensiblement identiques et égales à la hauteur cumulée du site d'appui inactif 7 et de la formation 8 correspondante située en sous-face du bouton 2.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 5A and 5B of the accompanying drawings, the formations 6, 6 ', 6 "and 8 consist of protruding hemispherical or shaped formations domes, the active sites 4, 4 ′, 4 "possibly also consisting of protruding formations, the cumulative heights of formations 6, 6 ', 6 "and active sites 4, 4 ', 5 respectively opposite being substantially identical and equal to the cumulative height of the inactive support site 7 and the corresponding formation 8 located on the underside of button 2.

    Bien entendu, il peut également être prévu, en variante que les sites 4, 4', 5 et 7 consistent en des structures en dômes et que les zones de contact des formations 6, 6', 6" et 8 soient de nature surfacique, ou encore que les deux types de structures précitées soient panachées entre lesdits sites et lesdites formations.Of course, it can also be provided, as a variant, that the sites 4, 4 ', 5 and 7 consist of domed structures and that the areas of contact of formations 6, 6 ', 6 "and 8 are surface in nature, or that the two aforementioned types of structures are variegated between said sites and said training.

    Conformément à une caractéristique de l'invention, les deux premiers sites actifs 4 et 4' correspondent à des instructions de commande ou à des fonctions opposées, telles que par exemple des défilements ou des déplacements dans des directions opposées dans un menu ou une table, et en ce que le troisième site actif 5 correspond à une instruction de commande ou à une fonction du type validation ou confirmation.In accordance with a characteristic of the invention, the two first active sites 4 and 4 'correspond to ordering instructions or to opposite functions, such as for example parades or moving in opposite directions in a menu or table, and in that the third active site 5 corresponds to an instruction of command or a validation or confirmation type function.

    Préférentiellement, le composant 3 de détection de pression présente une structure monobloc et comporte une cavité ouverte en direction du bouton ou une ouverture traversante 3' pour le logement d'un composant d'éclairage par transmission du bouton 2 réalisé en un matériau translucide et monté par moulage par insertion (Figures 6A et 6B)Preferably, the pressure detection component 3 has a one-piece structure and has an open cavity direction of the button or a 3 'through opening for housing a lighting component by transmission of button 2 made of a material translucent and mounted by insertion molding (Figures 6A and 6B)

    Les figures 7 montrent différents cas d'activation ou de non-activation des sites 4, 4' et 5 en fonction de l'intensité et de la direction des pressions exercées par l'utilisateur.Figures 7 show different cases of activation or non-activation sites 4, 4 'and 5 depending on the intensity and direction of the pressures from the user.

    Sur les figures 7A et 7C, la direction, la zone d'impact et l'intensité des forces appliquées sont adaptées pour activer le site 4', respectivement 5.In FIGS. 7A and 7C, the direction, the impact zone and the intensity of the applied forces is adapted to activate the 4 'site, respectively 5.

    Sur la figure 7B, l'intensité de la force appliquée est insuffisante pour activer le site 5.In FIG. 7B, the intensity of the applied force is insufficient to activate the site 5.

    La présente invention a également pour objet un appareil comportant un clavier 9 comprenant une pluralité de touches 2' et au moins une touche à fonctions multiples, par exemple une touche de navigation et de sélection de plusieurs fonctions affichées sur un moyen d'affichage dudit appareil, caractérisé en ce que la touche à fonctions multiples est constituée par un organe de commande 1 tel que décrit ci-dessus.The present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising a keyboard 9 comprising a plurality of keys 2 'and at least a multi-function key, for example a navigation key and for selecting several functions displayed on a display means of said device, characterized in that the multifunction key is formed by a control member 1 as described above.

    De manière avantageuse, le bouton 2 est réalisé d'un seul tenant avec les autres touches 2' par moulage par insertion lors de la fabrication du clavier 9 et le composant de détection 3 est prémonté sur une carte électronique disposé, après assemblage du clavier 9 correspondant sous les touches 2' de ce dernier.Advantageously, the button 2 is made in one piece with the other 2 'keys by insertion molding during the manufacture of the keyboard 9 and the detection component 3 is pre-assembled on a card electronics arranged, after assembly of the corresponding keyboard 9 under the keys 2 'of the latter.

    La faculté de mouvements limités du bouton 2 sera fournie par la résilience du matériau de la nappe ou plaque 2" reliant entre elles les différentes touches 2' et le bouton 2.The option for limited movement of button 2 will be provided by the resilience of the material of the tablecloth or plate 2 "connecting the different keys 2 'and button 2.

    En variante, le bouton 2 peut également être séparé du clavier 9 tout en conservant l'avantage de recevoir une face avant livrée avec la nappe et un bouton 2 de navigation de la couleur adéquate.As a variant, the button 2 can also be separated from the keyboard 9 while retaining the advantage of receiving a front panel delivered with the tablecloth and a navigation button 2 of the appropriate color.

    Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation décrit et représenté aux dessins annexés. Des modifications restent possibles, notamment du point de vue de la constitution des divers éléments ou par substitution d'équivalents techniques, sans sortir pour autant du domaine de protection de l'invention.Of course, the invention is not limited to the mode of embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, especially from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without leaving for as much of the scope of protection of the invention.

    Claims (13)

    Organe de commande du type touche à fonctions multiples, notamment touche de navigation, constitué par un bouton rigide monté avec une mobilité limitée en translation et en rotation et par un composant séparé de détection comprenant plusieurs sites actifs, par exemple sensibles à la pression, ledit bouton comportant en sous-face des formations destinées à entrer en contact chacune respectivement avec un des sites actifs dudit composant en fonction de la localisation, de l'intensité et/ou de la direction des pressions exercées par l'utilisateur sur le bouton, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte trois sites actifs (4, 4', 5) qui sont disposés selon les sommets d'un triangle et en ce qu'entre deux premiers desdits sites (4, 4') est disposé un site d'appui (7) non actif autorisant, seul ou en coopération avec le troisième site (5), une inclinaison dudit bouton (2) par pivotement en appui sur ledit site non actif (7) vers l'un desdits deux premiers sites actifs (4, 4') situés de part et d'autre de ce dernier ce jusqu'à ce que la formation (6 ou 6') correspondante entre en contact avec l'un desdits deux sites actifs (4, 4') en vue de son activation, par exemple par compression ou par enfoncement.Control device of the multi-function key type, in particular navigation key, constituted by a rigid button mounted with limited mobility in translation and rotation and by a separate detection component comprising several active sites, for example pressure-sensitive, said button comprising on the underside formations intended to come into contact each respectively with one of the active sites of said component as a function of the location, intensity and / or direction of the pressures exerted by the user on the button, characterized in that it comprises three active sites (4, 4 ', 5) which are arranged according to the vertices of a triangle and in that between two first of said sites (4, 4') is disposed a support site (7) not active authorizing, alone or in cooperation with the third site (5), an inclination of said button (2) by pivoting while pressing on said non-active site (7) towards one of said first two active sites (4, 4 ') sit ues on either side of the latter until the corresponding formation (6 or 6 ') comes into contact with one of said two active sites (4, 4') with a view to its activation, for example by compression or depression. Organe de commande selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le site non actif (7) définit avec le troisième site actif (5) une arête de pivotement ou un axe de rotation fictif pour le bouton (2), les trois sites (4, 4', 5) étant disposés selon les sommets d'un triangle isocèle et le site d'appui non actif (7) étant situé de manière centrée sur la base dudit triangle s'étendant entre les deux premiers sites actifs (4 et 4').Control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-active site (7) defines with the third active site (5) a pivot edge or a fictitious axis of rotation for the button (2), the three sites (4 , 4 ', 5) being arranged along the vertices of an isosceles triangle and the non-active support site (7) being located in a centered manner on the base of said triangle extending between the first two active sites (4 and 4 '). Organe de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que les valeurs des pressions seuil d'activation des deux premiers sites actifs (4 et 4') sont sensiblement identiques et en ce que la valeur de la pression seuil d'activation du troisième site (5) est nettement supérieure à celle desdits deux premiers sites (4 et 4'), préférentiellement environ au moins deux fois plus importante.Control device according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the values of the activation threshold pressures of the first two active sites (4 and 4 ') are substantially identical and in that the value of the threshold pressure activation of the third site (5) is significantly higher than that of said first two sites (4 and 4 '), preferably approximately at least twice as high. Organe de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le site d'appui inactif (7) consiste en une formation proéminente par rapport aux deux premiers sites actifs (4 et 4'), autorisant également une inclinaison du bouton (2) en direction du troisième site actif (5) jusqu'à ce que la formation (6") correspondante en sous-face du bouton (2) entre en contact avec ce dernier en vue de son activation, préférentiellement par compression ou par enfoncement, ce par pivotement en appui, par une formation adaptée (8) en sous-face, sur la zone de contact dudit site (7).Control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inactive support site (7) consists of a prominent formation relative to the first two active sites (4 and 4 '), also allowing an inclination of the button (2) towards the third active site (5) until the corresponding formation (6 ") on the underside of the button (2) comes into contact with the latter with a view to its activation, preferably by compression or by depression, this by pivoting in support, by a suitable formation (8) on the underside, on the contact zone of said site (7). Organe de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que les zones de contact des formations (6, 6', 6") et/ou les zones de contact des sites actifs (4, 4', 4") et du site inactif (7) consistent en des zones de contact surfaciques.Control unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the contact zones of the formations (6, 6 ', 6 ") and / or the contact zones of the active sites (4, 4', 4 ") and the inactive site (7) consist of surface contact zones. Organe de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le contact entre le site d'appui inactif (7) et la formation (8) correspondante en regard située en sous face du bouton (2) est de nature ponctuelle ou quasi-ponctuelle, la zone de contact dudit site (7) ou de ladite formation (8) étant une zone de contact surfacique.Control device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the contact between the inactive support site (7) and the corresponding formation (8) opposite situated on the underside of the button (2) is point or quasi-point nature, the contact zone of said site (7) or of said formation (8) being a surface contact zone. Organe de commande selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le contact entre le troisième site actif (5) et la formation correspondante (6") sur le dessous du bouton (2) est de nature ponctuelle ou quasi-ponctuelle, les contacts entre les deux premiers sites actifs (4 et 4') et les formations correspondantes (6 et 6') du bouton (2) étant éventuellement également de nature ponctuelle ou quasi-ponctuelle.Control device according to claim 6, characterized in that the contact between the third active site (5) and the corresponding formation (6 ") on the underside of the button (2) is of a punctual or quasi-punctual nature, the contacts between the first two active sites (4 and 4 ') and the corresponding formations (6 and 6') of the button (2) possibly also being of a punctual or quasi-punctual nature. Organe de commande selon la revendication 6 et 7, caractérisé en ce que les formations (6, 6', 6" et 8) consistent en des formations protubérantes hémisphériques ou en forme de dômes, les sites actifs (4, 4', 4") consistant éventuellement également en des formations protubérantes, les hauteurs cumulées des formations (6, 6', 6") et des sites actifs (4, 4', 5) respectivement en regard étant sensiblement identiques et égales à la hauteur cumulée du site d'appui inactif (7) et de la formation (8) correspondante située en sous-face du bouton (2).Control unit according to claim 6 and 7, characterized in that the formations (6, 6 ', 6 "and 8) consist of protruding hemispherical or domed formations, the active sites (4, 4', 4" ) possibly also consisting of protruding formations, the cumulative heights of the formations (6, 6 ', 6 ") and of the active sites (4, 4', 5) respectively facing each other being substantially identical and equal to the cumulative height of the site d 'inactive support (7) and the corresponding formation (8) located on the underside of the button (2). Organe de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que les deux premiers sites actifs (4 et 4') correspondent à des instructions de commande ou à des fonctions opposées, telles que par exemple des défilements ou des déplacements dans des directions opposées dans un menu ou une table, et en ce que le troisième site actif (5) correspond à une instruction de commande ou à une fonction du type validation ou confirmation.Control device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first two active sites (4 and 4 ') correspond to control instructions or to opposite functions, such as for example scrolling or displacements in opposite directions in a menu or a table, and in that the third active site (5) corresponds to an order instruction or to a function of the validation or confirmation type. Organe de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que le composant (3) de détection de pression présente une structure monobloc et comporte une cavité ouverte en direction du bouton ou une ouverture transversante (3') pour le logement d'un composant d'éclairage par transmission du bouton (2) réalisé en un matériau translucide.Control device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pressure detection component (3) has a one-piece structure and has a cavity open in the direction of the button or a transverse opening (3 ') for the housing of a lighting component by transmission of the button (2) made of a translucent material. Organe de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que le bouton (2) est monté par moulage par insertion.Control device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the button (2) is mounted by insertion molding. Appareil comportant un clavier comprenant une pluralité de touches et au moins une touche à fonctions multiples, par exemple une touche de navigation et de sélection de plusieurs fonctions affichées sur un moyen d'affichage dudit appareil, caractérisé en ce que la touche à fonctions multiples est constituée par un organe de commande (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11.Apparatus comprising a keyboard comprising a plurality of keys and at least one multifunction key, for example a navigation key and for selecting several functions displayed on a display means of said apparatus, characterized in that the multifunction key is constituted by a control member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Appareil selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que le bouton (2) est réalisé d'un seul tenant avec les autres touches (2') par moulage par insertion lors de la fabrication du clavier (9).Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the button (2) is produced integrally with the other keys (2 ') by insertion molding during the manufacture of the keyboard (9).
    EP01402772A 2000-11-30 2001-10-25 Actuating element with three active positions Expired - Lifetime EP1211704B1 (en)

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    FR0015485A FR2817388B1 (en) 2000-11-30 2000-11-30 THREE ACTIVE POSITION CONTROL BODY
    FR0015485 2000-11-30

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    EP (1) EP1211704B1 (en)
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    DE60101446T2 (en) 2004-12-02
    EP1211704B1 (en) 2003-12-10
    CN100342308C (en) 2007-10-10
    JP3960783B2 (en) 2007-08-15
    FR2817388A1 (en) 2002-05-31
    US20020063045A1 (en) 2002-05-30
    CN1356615A (en) 2002-07-03
    US6525278B2 (en) 2003-02-25
    JP2002237235A (en) 2002-08-23
    ES2210110T3 (en) 2004-07-01
    ATE256333T1 (en) 2003-12-15
    FR2817388B1 (en) 2003-02-07
    DE60101446D1 (en) 2004-01-22

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