EP4383303A1 - Control module of an electronic apparatus adapted to resist shocks - Google Patents
Control module of an electronic apparatus adapted to resist shocksDownload PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4383303A1 EP4383303A1EP22212590.8AEP22212590AEP4383303A1EP 4383303 A1EP4383303 A1EP 4383303A1EP 22212590 AEP22212590 AEP 22212590AEP 4383303 A1EP4383303 A1EP 4383303A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- switch
- pusher
- control module
- stop member
- striker element
- 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.)
- Pending
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Classifications
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B37/00—Cases
- G04B37/04—Mounting the clockwork in the case; Shock absorbing mountings
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
- H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
- H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
- H01H71/128—Manual release or trip mechanisms, e.g. for test purposes
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/02—Details
- H01H13/26—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members
- H01H13/36—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using flexing of blade springs
- H01H13/38—Single blade moved across dead-centre position
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
- G04B31/02—Shock-damping bearings
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
- G04B3/04—Rigidly-mounted keys, knobs or crowns
- G04B3/048—Operation exclusively by axial movement of a push-button, e.g. for chronographs
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B43/00—Protecting clockworks by shields or other means against external influences, e.g. magnetic fields
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
- G04G17/02—Component assemblies
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
- G04G17/08—Housings
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/02—Details
- H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
- H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H1/00—Contacts
- H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
- H01H1/14—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting
- H01H1/20—Bridging contacts
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/02—Details
- H01H13/04—Cases; Covers
- H01H13/06—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof casings
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
- H01H13/52—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state immediately upon removal of operating force, e.g. bell-push switch
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
- H01H2003/028—Rotating knob or lever or tumbler that can be turned or pushed by hand in only one direction, e.g. by making inaccessible one side of a tumbler
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/036—Return force
- H01H2221/044—Elastic part on actuator or casing
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/064—Limitation of actuating pressure
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2235/00—Springs
- H01H2235/028—Blade spring
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
- H01H2300/016—Application timepiece
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/60—Mechanical arrangements for preventing or damping vibration or shock
Definitions
- the inventionrelates to the field of electronic devices, and in particular organs making it possible to control functions of an electronic device.
- the inventionrelates to a control module of an electronic device adapted to resist shocks.
- the present inventionis particularly suitable for portable electronic devices, for example electronic watches.
- the control elements of electronic devicesare generally made up of switches adapted to authorize or prohibit the passage of a current making it possible, for example, to transmit a setpoint for carrying out a function.
- the switchesare designed so as to occupy a rest position and a connection position in at least one of which they are driven under the action of a user.
- switchescomprising a flexible membrane covering an elastic blade adapted to connect connection terminals together when requested by a user, that is to say when it is constrained, and to prohibit any connection between the terminals when it is at rest.
- Electronic devicesoften include a pusher adapted to be manipulated by the user so as to come into contact with the flexible membrane of the switch, by means of a striker, in order to deform the elastic blade in its connection position.
- the elastic bladeWhen the electronic device suffers an impact at the level of the pusher, the elastic blade is likely to deform plastically under the effect of the forces applied to it, and consequently, it risks presenting irreversible damage.
- a solution to avoid this problemconsists of increasing the dimensions of the contact surface of the striker so that it distributes the transmitted forces as much as possible so as to reduce the pressure to which the elastic blade is subjected.
- this solutionmay not be able to be implemented, for example due to manufacturing constraints.
- Another solutionconsists of providing an extra thickness in the flexible film.
- This filmis generally made of silicone, this extra thickness is designed to deform elastically during an impact in order to absorb the forces.
- the stop memberis distinct from the switch.
- the switchcan therefore advantageously be a standard component available commercially.
- the stop memberadvantageously makes it possible to block the progression of the movable pusher in the event of excessive force applied to the switch.
- the intensity of the maximum force applicable to the switchis controlled and the switch is protected against excessive forces, for example forces due to shocks.
- the inventionmay also include one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.
- the striker elementis provided with an axial projection extending from a bearing surface with which it forms a shoulder.
- the striker elementis configured such that, when it drives the switch in the connected state or in the rest state, the axial projection applies pressure to the switch and the bearing surface rests in support against the stop member.
- the stop memberhas the shape of a wall fixed against the switch and has a through opening intended to receive the axial protrusion of the pusher when the striker element drives the switch in the connected state or idle state.
- the axial projection of the pusheris intended to engage through the opening in order to drive the switch in the connected state or in the rest state.
- the switchcomprises a frame, the stop member having a concavity arranged opposite the switch so that it bears on said frame by a peripheral zone extending at the level of the periphery of the stop member.
- control modulecomprises a shock absorber configured to absorb part of the forces involved by deforming when the striker element drives the switch in the connected state or in the rest state, at least when said forces are greater than a predetermined threshold.
- the shock absorberis arranged on the support surface so as to be stressed in compression when the striker element drives the switch in the connected state or the rest state.
- the shock absorberis in the form of a washer made of elastically deformable material arranged around the axial protrusion.
- the shock absorberis intended to be arranged between a structure of the watch movement and the switch, in the extension of the direction of travel of the pusher.
- the switchcomprises a frame to which are fixed an elastic blade, and connection terminals.
- the elastic bladeis moved to a connection position in which it generates contact between the connection terminals, when the switch is in the connection state, and is moved to a rest state in which it prohibits contact between the connection terminals, when the switch is in the state of rest.
- the stop memberis arranged in the extension of the direction of travel of the pusher against one of the connection terminals so that the latter is interposed between the stop member and the striker element.
- the pushercomprises a pusher head to which is connected a pusher rod slidably engaged in a guide tube and comprising a free end to which the striker element is fixed.
- the pushercomprises a spring interposed between the pusher head and the guide tube so as to force said pusher to move towards its rest position.
- the striker elementcomprises a body of substantially cylindrical shape comprising a radial dimension extending in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the pusher, said radial dimension being less than the external diameter of one end of the guide tube at which it is arranged.
- the present inventionrelates to a watch comprising a case in which an electronic watch movement is housed.
- the lattercomprises a control module as described above, the pusher being engaged through a middle part with which the case is fitted, the switch and the stop member being fixed to a structure of the watch movement.
- the inventionis applied to the field of watchmaking.
- the inventionrelates to a control module 10 here arranged in an electronic watch movement housed in a case of a watch, provided with a middle part 20, and intended for controlling a function upon request, for example an user.
- the control module 10comprises a pusher 11 movable in translation in a direction AA, intended to be activated by the user.
- the pusher 11is engaged through the middle part 20 in order to be accessible to the user.
- the pushercan be mobile in rotation or more generally can be driven by any type of movement.
- the control module 10further comprises a switch 12 intended to be actuated by a user upon request of the pusher 11 and a stop member 13 against which the pusher 11 is intended to rest, that is to say come to bear, when the switch 12 is actuated.
- the switch 12is adapted to occupy a connected state and a rest state, the pusher 11 being configured to, when it activates said switch 12, drive it into one or the other of these states.
- the switch 12may comprise a frame 120 to which are fixed an elastic blade 121 made of electrically conductive material and connection terminals 122 and 123.
- the switch 12may include a connection terminal called "central terminal" 122 arranged in the direction of travel of the pusher 11, that is to say in alignment with the direction AA, and one or more peripheral terminals 123.
- the elastic blade 121is configured to occupy, when the pusher 11 is requested by the user, a connection position in which it generates contact between the central terminal 122 and the peripheral terminal(s) 123. When it is loaded and it drives the elastic blade 121 in the connection position, the pusher 11 is configured to rest against the stop member 13.
- the elastic blade 121when the user presses the pusher 11, the latter applies pressure on the elastic blade 121, so as to deform it in an unstable flat position in which it is in contact with all the central 122 and peripheral terminals 123
- the elastic blade 121is also configured to occupy, when the pusher 11 is not requested by the user, a stable rest position, in which it prevents contact between the central terminals 122 and peripheral terminals 123.
- the elastic blade 121when in this position, can be curved so as to be pre-stressed to present elastic characteristics.
- the switch 12can also include a flexible membrane 124 covering the elastic blade 121, on which the pusher 11 is intended to press when requested.
- this flexible membrane 124is not essential to the invention.
- the pusher 11rests directly against the stop member 13, as described in more detail below.
- the pusher 11rests indirectly against the stop member 13, the switch 12 being interposed between said pusher 11 and said stop member 13.
- the switch 12 and the stop member 13are intended to be fixed to a structure 21 of the watch movement, for example by any means known to those skilled in the art.
- the pusher 11comprises a pusher head 110 extending outside the middle part 20 and intended to be manipulated by the user.
- the pusher 11also comprises a striker element 111 connected to the pusher head 110 via a pusher rod 112 slidably engaged in a guide tube 113 fixed in a through opening of the middle part 20.
- the The striker element 111is screwed into the pusher rod 112, or is fixed by any means suitable to those skilled in the art.
- the guide tube 113comprises, at a first end, a first portion through which it is engaged in the through opening of the middle part 20, and comprises, at a second end, a second portion having a diameter exterior larger than that of the first portion so as to form a shoulder with the latter. As shown in the figure 1 , the guide tube 113 is arranged to rest against the middle part 20 via this shoulder.
- the pusher 11comprises a spring 114 working in compression, interposed between the head pusher 110 and the shoulder of the guide tube 113 so as to force the pusher 11 to move into a rest position.
- the striker element 111rests against the first end of the guide tube 113 when the pusher 11 occupies its rest position. In other words, when it rests against the stop member 13 and against the guide tube 113, the striker element 111 defines end stops of the pusher 11.
- the striker element 111comprises a body of substantially cylindrical shape comprising a radial dimension extending in a direction orthogonal to the direction A-A, said radial dimension being advantageously less than the external diameter of the first portion of the guide tube 113. This characteristic allows to facilitate the assembly of the striker element 111 on the pusher rod 112, insofar as it can be carried out before fixing the pusher 11 to the middle part 20 of the watch, that is to say before its engagement in the through opening of said middle part 20.
- the body of the striker element 111is provided with an axial projection 115 extending from a bearing surface with which it forms a shoulder.
- the striker element 111is configured so as to apply, through the axial protuberance 115, a pressure on the elastic blade 121, when the pusher 11 is requested by the user, in order to cause its deformation until that it occupies the connection position and that the support surface rests against the stop member 13.
- the inventionmakes it possible to avoid the application of excessive stresses on the switch 12 to the extent that the stop member 13 constitutes a stop in translation of the pusher 11 and transfers the forces received to the frame or possibly to the structure 21 of the watch movement.
- the inventionalso makes it possible, therefore, to control the intensity of the maximum force applicable to the switch 12, this being defined in particular by the length of the axial protuberance 115.
- control module 10may include a shock absorber 116 configured to absorb part of the forces involved, by deforming, at least when said forces are greater than a predetermined threshold, when the pusher 11 actuates the switch 12.
- a shock absorber 116configured to absorb part of the forces involved, by deforming, at least when said forces are greater than a predetermined threshold, when the pusher 11 actuates the switch 12.
- itis made of an elastically deformable material, such as an elastomer, or has an elastically deformable structure, such as a compression spring.
- the shock absorber 116is arranged on the support surface so as to be constrained in compression when the elastic blade 121 is driven into the connection position as visible on the figures 1 and 2 .
- the shock absorber 116is in the shape of a washer arranged around the axial protuberance 115.
- the shock absorber 116can be arranged between the structure 21 of the watch movement and the switch 12, in the extension of the direction A-A.
- the switch 12were subjected to too great forces, it would be able to transmit part of these forces by moving or locally deforming slightly in the shock absorber 116 which would absorb the part of the forces transmitted by the switch 12.
- the stop member 13has the shape of a wall provided with a stop surface 130 and through which a through opening 131 extends.
- the bearing surface of the element striker 111is designed to rest against the abutment surface 130 and the axial projection 115 is designed to engage through the through opening 131.
- the stop member 13has, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, a concavity 132 facing the switch 12, arranged so that the stop member 13 bears on the frame 120 of the switch 12 through a peripheral zone extending at the level of the periphery of said stop member 13.
- This characteristicallows, on the one hand, to increase the resistance to mechanical stresses of the stop member 13, said stresses being directed towards its periphery, and on the other hand, to transmit the stresses generated by the loading of the pusher 11 to the frame 120 of the switch 12. In other words, the forces generated by a possible shock are not transferred to the elastic blade 121 and to the central 122 and peripheral terminals 123.
- the stop member 13is arranged against the central terminal 122, directly or indirectly, so that the latter is interposed between the stop member 13 and the striker element 111 when the pusher 11 is activated by the user.
- the stop member 13is arranged at the rear of the central terminal 122, against the latter, if we consider that the front of the switch 12 is opposite the pusher 11.
- the stop member 13is interposed between the central terminal 122 and the structure 21 of the watch movement.
- the stop member 13comprises a sole 133 arranged to rest against the structure 21 of the watch movement and from which extends a projection 134 resting in support, through a free end, against the central terminal 122.
- the body of the striker element 111does not have an axial projection 115.
- the body of the striker element 111only has a flat support surface intended to apply a force against the switch 12, and more precisely, against the elastic blade 121.
- This exemplary embodimentis compatible with the embodiment of the shock absorber 116 in which it is interposed between the structure 21 of the watch movement and the switch 12, in the extension of the direction A-A.
- the sole 133is arranged to rest against the shock absorber 116.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electric Clocks (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
Translated fromFrench
Description
Translated fromFrenchL'invention relève du domaine des appareils électroniques, et notamment des organes permettant de commander des fonctions d'un appareil électronique.The invention relates to the field of electronic devices, and in particular organs making it possible to control functions of an electronic device.
Plus particulièrement, l'invention concerne un module de commande d'un appareil électronique adapté à résister aux chocs.More particularly, the invention relates to a control module of an electronic device adapted to resist shocks.
Avantageusement, la présente invention est particulièrement adaptée aux appareils électroniques portatifs, par exemple aux montres électroniques.Advantageously, the present invention is particularly suitable for portable electronic devices, for example electronic watches.
Les organes de commande des appareils électroniques sont généralement constitués par des interrupteurs adaptés à autoriser ou à interdire le passage d'un courant permettant par exemple de transmettre une consigne pour la réalisation d'une fonction.The control elements of electronic devices are generally made up of switches adapted to authorize or prohibit the passage of a current making it possible, for example, to transmit a setpoint for carrying out a function.
En particulier, afin d'autoriser ou d'interdire le passage d'un courant, les interrupteurs sont conçus de manière à occuper une position de repos et une position de connexion dans au moins une desquelles ils sont entrainés sous l'action d'un utilisateur.In particular, in order to authorize or prohibit the passage of a current, the switches are designed so as to occupy a rest position and a connection position in at least one of which they are driven under the action of a user.
On connait en particulier les interrupteurs comprenant une membrane souple recouvrant une lame élastique adaptée à connecter des bornes de connexion entre elles lorsqu'elle est sollicitée par un utilisateur, c'est-à-dire lorsqu'elle est contrainte, et à interdire toute connexion entre les bornes lorsqu'elle est au repos.We know in particular switches comprising a flexible membrane covering an elastic blade adapted to connect connection terminals together when requested by a user, that is to say when it is constrained, and to prohibit any connection between the terminals when it is at rest.
Les appareils électroniques comportent souvent un poussoir adapté à être manipulé par l'utilisateur de sorte à entrer en contact avec la membrane souple de l'interrupteur, par le biais d'un percuteur, afin de déformer la lame élastique dans sa position de connexion.Electronic devices often include a pusher adapted to be manipulated by the user so as to come into contact with the flexible membrane of the switch, by means of a striker, in order to deform the elastic blade in its connection position.
Lorsque l'appareil électronique subit un choc au niveau du poussoir, la lame élastique est susceptible de se déformer plastiquement sous l'effet des efforts qui lui sont appliqués, et par conséquent, elle risque de présenter des dommages irréversibles.When the electronic device suffers an impact at the level of the pusher, the elastic blade is likely to deform plastically under the effect of the forces applied to it, and consequently, it risks presenting irreversible damage.
Une solution pour éviter ce problème consiste à augmenter les dimensions de la surface de contact du percuteur de sorte qu'elle répartisse au maximum les efforts transmis de sorte à diminuer la pression à laquelle est soumise la lame élastique.A solution to avoid this problem consists of increasing the dimensions of the contact surface of the striker so that it distributes the transmitted forces as much as possible so as to reduce the pressure to which the elastic blade is subjected.
Toutefois, cette solution peut ne pas être envisageable pour des applications dans lesquelles les dimensions constituent des contraintes de conception critiques, par exemple dans des domaines microélectroniques ou micromécaniques, tel que le domaine de l'horlogerie.However, this solution may not be possible for applications in which dimensions constitute critical design constraints, for example in microelectronic or micromechanical fields, such as the field of watchmaking.
En outre, cette solution peut ne pas pouvoir être mise en oeuvre, par exemple pour des contraintes de fabrications.Furthermore, this solution may not be able to be implemented, for example due to manufacturing constraints.
Une autre solution consiste à ménager une surépaisseur dans le film souple Ce film étant généralement réalisé en silicone, cette surépaisseur est prévue pour se déformer élastiquement lors d'un choc afin d'absorber les efforts.Another solution consists of providing an extra thickness in the flexible film. This film is generally made of silicone, this extra thickness is designed to deform elastically during an impact in order to absorb the forces.
Cependant, une telle surépaisseur est inadaptée pour absorber des efforts importants, par exemple ceux générés par un choc correspondant à une décélération de 5000G, tel que spécifiée dans la norme NIHS 91-30. En effet, le film souple se déforme alors tellement sous l'effet des efforts reçus et les transmet à la lame élastique et à la borne qui se déforment plastiquement.However, such extra thickness is unsuitable for absorbing significant forces, for example those generated by an impact corresponding to a deceleration of 5000G, as specified in standard NIHS 91-30. In fact, the flexible film then deforms so much under the effect of the forces received and transmits them to the elastic blade and to the terminal which deform plastically.
Afin de résoudre les inconvénients précités, la présente invention concerne un module de commande d'un appareil électronique comprenant :
- un poussoir comprenant un élément percuteur ;
- un interrupteur adapté à occuper un état connecté et un état de repos, ledit élément percuteur étant configuré pour entraîner l'interrupteur dans l'un ou l'autre des états connecté et de repos lorsque le poussoir est sollicité ;
- un organe de butée contre lequel l'élément percuteur vient en appui lorsqu'il entraîne l'interrupteur dans l'état connecté ou dans l'état de repos.
- a pusher comprising a striker element;
- a switch adapted to occupy a connected state and a rest state, said striker element being configured to drive the switch in one or other of the connected and rest states when the pusher is actuated;
- a stop member against which the striker element comes to bear when it drives the switch in the connected state or in the rest state.
Il y a lieu de noter que, dans la présente invention, l'organe de butée est distinct de l'interrupteur. L'interrupteur peut donc avantageusement être un composant standard disponible dans le commerce.It should be noted that, in the present invention, the stop member is distinct from the switch. The switch can therefore advantageously be a standard component available commercially.
L'organe de butée permet avantageusement de bloquer la progression du poussoir mobile en cas d'effort excessif appliqué sur l'interrupteur. Ainsi, l'intensité de l'effort maximal applicable sur l'interrupteur est maitrisée et l'interrupteur est protégé contre les efforts excessifs, par exemple les efforts dus aux chocs.The stop member advantageously makes it possible to block the progression of the movable pusher in the event of excessive force applied to the switch. Thus, the intensity of the maximum force applicable to the switch is controlled and the switch is protected against excessive forces, for example forces due to shocks.
Dans des modes particuliers de réalisation, l'invention peut comporter en outre l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises isolément ou selon toutes les combinaisons techniquement possibles.In particular embodiments, the invention may also include one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.
Dans des modes particuliers de réalisation, l'élément percuteur est doté d'une excroissance axiale s'étendant depuis une surface d'appui avec laquelle il forme un épaulement. L'élément percuteur est configuré de sorte que, lorsqu'il entraîne l'interrupteur dans l'état connecté ou dans l'état de repos, l'excroissance axiale applique une pression sur l'interrupteur et la surface d'appui repose en appui contre l'organe de butée.In particular embodiments, the striker element is provided with an axial projection extending from a bearing surface with which it forms a shoulder. The striker element is configured such that, when it drives the switch in the connected state or in the rest state, the axial projection applies pressure to the switch and the bearing surface rests in support against the stop member.
Dans des modes particuliers de réalisation, l'organe de butée présente la forme d'une paroi fixée contre l'interrupteur et comporte une ouverture traversante destinée à recevoir l'excroissance axiale du poussoir lorsque l'élément percuteur entraîne l'interrupteur dans l'état connecté ou l'état de repos. Autrement dit, l'excroissance axiale du poussoir est destinée à s'engager à travers l'ouverture afin d'entraîner l'interrupteur dans l'état connecté ou dans l'état de repos.In particular embodiments, the stop member has the shape of a wall fixed against the switch and has a through opening intended to receive the axial protrusion of the pusher when the striker element drives the switch in the connected state or idle state. In other words, the axial projection of the pusher is intended to engage through the opening in order to drive the switch in the connected state or in the rest state.
Dans des modes particuliers de réalisation, l'interrupteur comporte un bâti, l'organe de butée présentant une concavité agencée en regard de l'interrupteur de sorte qu'il porte sur ledit bâti par une zone périphérique s'étendant au niveau de la périphérie de l'organe de butée.In particular embodiments, the switch comprises a frame, the stop member having a concavity arranged opposite the switch so that it bears on said frame by a peripheral zone extending at the level of the periphery of the stop member.
Dans des modes particuliers de réalisation, le module de commande comporte un amortisseur configuré pour absorber une partie des efforts en jeu en se déformant lorsque l'élément percuteur entraîne l'interrupteur dans l'état connecté ou dans l'état de repos, au moins lorsque lesdits efforts sont supérieurs à un seuil prédéterminé.In particular embodiments, the control module comprises a shock absorber configured to absorb part of the forces involved by deforming when the striker element drives the switch in the connected state or in the rest state, at least when said forces are greater than a predetermined threshold.
Dans des modes particuliers de réalisation, l'amortisseur est agencé sur la surface d'appui de sorte à être sollicité en compression lorsque l'élément percuteur entraîne l'interrupteur dans l'état connecté ou l'état de repos.In particular embodiments, the shock absorber is arranged on the support surface so as to be stressed in compression when the striker element drives the switch in the connected state or the rest state.
Dans des modes particuliers de réalisation, l'amortisseur est de la forme d'une rondelle en matériau élastiquement déformable agencée autour de l'excroissance axiale.In particular embodiments, the shock absorber is in the form of a washer made of elastically deformable material arranged around the axial protrusion.
Dans des modes particuliers de réalisation, l'amortisseur est destiné à être agencé entre une structure du mouvement horloger et l'interrupteur, dans le prolongement de la direction de la course du poussoir.In particular embodiments, the shock absorber is intended to be arranged between a structure of the watch movement and the switch, in the extension of the direction of travel of the pusher.
Dans des modes particuliers de réalisation, l'interrupteur comprend un bâti auquel sont fixées une lame élastique, et des bornes de connexion. La lame élastique est déplacée dans une position de connexion dans laquelle elle génère un contact entre les bornes de connexion, lorsque l'interrupteur est dans l'état de connexion, et est déplacée dans un état de repos dans laquelle elle interdit le contact entre les bornes de connexion, lorsque l'interrupteur est dans l'état de repos. L'organe de butée est agencé dans le prolongement de la direction de la course du poussoir contre l'une des bornes de connexion de sorte que cette dernière est interposée entre l'organe de butée et l'élément percuteur.In particular embodiments, the switch comprises a frame to which are fixed an elastic blade, and connection terminals. The elastic blade is moved to a connection position in which it generates contact between the connection terminals, when the switch is in the connection state, and is moved to a rest state in which it prohibits contact between the connection terminals, when the switch is in the state of rest. The stop member is arranged in the extension of the direction of travel of the pusher against one of the connection terminals so that the latter is interposed between the stop member and the striker element.
Dans des modes particuliers de réalisation, le poussoir comprend une tête de poussoir à laquelle est reliée une tige de poussoir engagée en coulissement dans un tube de guidage et comprenant une extrémité libre à laquelle est fixé l'élément percuteur. Le poussoir comprend un ressort interposé entre la tête de poussoir et le tube de guidage de sorte à contraindre ledit poussoir à se déplacer vers sa position de repos.In particular embodiments, the pusher comprises a pusher head to which is connected a pusher rod slidably engaged in a guide tube and comprising a free end to which the striker element is fixed. The pusher comprises a spring interposed between the pusher head and the guide tube so as to force said pusher to move towards its rest position.
Dans des modes particuliers de réalisation, l'élément percuteur comporte un corps de forme sensiblement cylindrique comprenant une dimension radiale s'étendant selon une direction orthogonale à la direction de déplacement du poussoir, ladite dimension radiale étant inférieure au diamètre extérieur d'une extrémité du tube de guidage au niveau de laquelle il est agencée.In particular embodiments, the striker element comprises a body of substantially cylindrical shape comprising a radial dimension extending in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the pusher, said radial dimension being less than the external diameter of one end of the guide tube at which it is arranged.
Selon un autre aspect, la présente invention concerne une montre comprenant une boite dans laquelle est logé un mouvement horloger électronique. Ce dernier comporte un module de commande tel que décrit précédemment, le poussoir étant engagé à travers une carrure dont est dotée la boite, l'interrupteur et l'organe de butée étant fixés à une structure du mouvement horloger.According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a watch comprising a case in which an electronic watch movement is housed. The latter comprises a control module as described above, the pusher being engaged through a middle part with which the case is fitted, the switch and the stop member being fixed to a structure of the watch movement.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée suivante donnée à titre d'exemple nullement limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :
- la
figure 1 représente schématiquement une vue en coupe d'une carrure d'une montre dans laquelle est logé un mouvement horloger électronique comprenant un module de commande selon un exemple préféré de réalisation de l'invention et une vue de détail d'un interrupteur du module de commande ; - la
figure 2 représente une vue en coupe d'une carrure d'une montre dans laquelle est logé un mouvement horloger électronique comprenant un module de commande selon un autre exemple de réalisation de l'invention.
- there
figure 1 schematically represents a sectional view of a middle part of a watch in which is housed an electronic watch movement comprising a control module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and a detailed view of a switch of the control module ; - there
figure 2 represents a sectional view of a middle part of a watch in which is housed an electronic watch movement comprising a control module according to another embodiment of the invention.
On note que les figures ne sont pas nécessairement dessinées à l'échelle pour des raisons de clarté.Note that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale for reasons of clarity.
Dans les exemples de réalisation de l'invention représentés sur les
Tel que visible sur les
Le module de commande 10 comporte en outre un interrupteur 12 destiné à être actionné par un utilisateur sur sollicitation du poussoir 11 et un organe de butée 13 contre lequel est destiné à reposer, c'est-à-dire venir en appui, le poussoir 11 lorsque l'interrupteur 12 est actionné.The
En particulier, l'interrupteur 12 est adapté à occuper un état connecté et un état de repos, le poussoir 11 étant configuré pour, lorsqu'il actionne ledit interrupteur 12, l'entraîner dans l'un ou l'autre de ces états.In particular, the
Comme le montre schématiquement la vue de détail de la
En particulier, lorsque l'utilisateur sollicite le poussoir 11, ce dernier applique une pression sur la lame élastique 121, de sorte à la déformer dans une position plane instable dans laquelle elle est au contact de l'ensemble des bornes centrale 122 et périphériques 123. La lame élastique 121 est également configurée pour occuper, lorsque le poussoir 11 n'est pas sollicité par l'utilisateur, une position de repos, stable, dans laquelle elle interdit le contact entre les bornes centrale 122 et périphériques 123. Comme visible sur la vue de détail de la
L'interrupteur 12 peut également comporter une membrane souple 124 recouvrant la lame élastique 121, sur laquelle le poussoir 11 est destiné à appuyer lorsqu'il est sollicité. Toutefois, cette membrane souple 124 n'est pas essentielle à l'invention.The
Dans l'exemple préféré de réalisation de l'invention représenté sur la
Comme visible sur les
Le poussoir 11 comprend une tête de poussoir 110 s'étendant à l'extérieur de la carrure 20 et destinée à être manipulée par l'utilisateur. Le poussoir 11 comporte également un élément percuteur 111 relié à la tête de poussoir 110 par l'intermédiaire d'une tige de poussoir 112 engagée en coulissement dans un tube de guidage 113 fixé dans une ouverture traversante de la carrure 20. Par exemple, l'élément percuteur 111 est vissé dans la tige de poussoir 112, ou est fixé par tout moyen approprié à la portée de l'homme du métier.The
Le tube de guidage 113 comporte, au niveau d'une première extrémité, une première portion par laquelle il est engagé dans l'ouverture traversante de la carrure 20, et comporte, au niveau d'une seconde extrémité, une seconde portion présentant un diamètre extérieur plus important que celui de la première portion de sorte à former un épaulement avec cette dernière. Comme le montre la
Comme le montre la
L'élément percuteur 111 comporte un corps de forme sensiblement cylindrique comprenant une dimension radiale s'étendant selon une direction orthogonale à la direction A-A, ladite dimension radiale étant avantageusement inférieure au diamètre extérieur de la première portion du tube de guidage 113. Cette caractéristique permet de faciliter l'assemblage de l'élément percuteur 111 sur la tige de poussoir 112, dans la mesure où il peut être réalisé avant la fixation du poussoir 11 à la carrure 20 de la montre, c'est-à-dire avant son engagement dans l'ouverture traversante de ladite carrure 20.The
Dans l'exemple préféré de réalisation représenté sur la
En résumé, l'invention permet d'éviter l'application de contraintes excessives sur l'interrupteur 12 dans la mesure où l'organe de butée 13 constitue un arrêt en translation du poussoir 11 et transfert les efforts reçus sur le bâti ou éventuellement sur la structure 21 du mouvement horloger. L'invention permet également, par conséquent, de contrôler l'intensité de l'effort maximal applicable sur l'interrupteur 12, celle-ci étant notamment définie par la longueur de l'excroissance axiale 115.In summary, the invention makes it possible to avoid the application of excessive stresses on the
Avantageusement, le module de commande 10 peut comporter un amortisseur 116 configuré pour absorber une partie des efforts en jeu, en se déformant, au moins lorsque lesdits efforts sont supérieurs à un seuil prédéterminé, lorsque le poussoir 11 actionne l'interrupteur 12. Préférentiellement, il est constitué en matériau élastiquement déformable, telle qu'en élastomère, ou présente une structure élastiquement déformable, tel qu'un ressort de compression.Advantageously, the
Dans une forme de réalisation de l'invention, l'amortisseur 116 est agencé sur la surface d'appui de sorte à être contraint en compression lorsque la lame élastique 121 est entraînée en position de connexion tel que visible sur les
Dans une autre forme de réalisation de l'invention non représentée sur les figures, l'amortisseur 116 peut être agencé entre la structure 21 du mouvement horloger et l'interrupteur 12, dans le prolongement de la direction A-A. Ainsi, si l'interrupteur 12 était soumis à des efforts trop importants, celui-ci serait apte à transmettre une partie de ces efforts en ce se déplaçant ou se déformant localement légèrement dans l'amortisseur 116 qui absorberait la partie des efforts transmise par l'interrupteur 12.In another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the
Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté sur la
Avantageusement, l'organe de butée 13 présente, dans l'exemple préféré de réalisation de l'invention, une concavité 132 en vis-à-vis de l'interrupteur 12, agencée de sorte que l'organe de butée 13 porte sur le bâti 120 de l'interrupteur 12 par une zone périphérique s'étendant au niveau de la périphérie dudit l'organe de butée 13. Cette caractéristique permet, d'une part, d'augmenter la résistance aux contraintes mécaniques de l'organe de butée 13, lesdites contraintes étant dirigées vers sa périphérie, et d'autre part, de transmettre les contraintes générées par la sollicitation du poussoir 11 au bâti 120 de l'interrupteur 12. En d'autres termes, les efforts générés par un choc éventuel ne sont pas transférés à la lame élastique 121 et aux bornes centrale 122 et périphériques 123.Advantageously, the
Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté sur la
Il y a lieu de noter que, dans cet exemple de réalisation, comme le montre la
Plus précisément, l'organe de butée 13 comporte une semelle 133 agencée en appui contre la structure 21 du mouvement horloger et depuis laquelle s'étend une excroissance 134 reposant en appui, par une extrémité libre, contre la borne centrale 122.More precisely, the
Dans cet exemple de réalisation, le corps de l'élément percuteur 111 ne présente pas d'excroissance axiale 115. En effet, comme le montre la
Cet exemple de réalisation est compatible avec la forme de réalisation de l'amortisseur 116 dans laquelle il est interposé entre la structure 21 du mouvement horloger et l'interrupteur 12, dans le prolongement de la direction A-A. Dans ce cas, la semelle 133 est agencée en appui contre l'amortisseur 116. La description de l'invention est réalisée dans le cadre d'une application de l'invention à un appareil électronique formé par une montre. Toutefois, il va de soi que l'invention n'est pas limitée à cette application et qu'elle pourrait être avantageusement utilisée avec tout autre appareil électronique portatif ou non.This exemplary embodiment is compatible with the embodiment of the
De manière plus générale, il est à noter que les modes de mise en oeuvre et de réalisation considérés ci-dessus ont été décrits à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, et que d'autres variantes sont par conséquent envisageables.More generally, it should be noted that the modes of implementation and embodiment considered above have been described by way of non-limiting examples, and that other variants are therefore possible.
Claims (12)
Translated fromFrenchPriority Applications (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP22212590.8AEP4383303A1 (en) | 2022-12-09 | 2022-12-09 | Control module of an electronic apparatus adapted to resist shocks |
| JP2023182969AJP7649360B2 (en) | 2022-12-09 | 2023-10-25 | CONTROL MODULE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONFIGURING TO WITHstand shock - Patent application |
| US18/503,484US20240194431A1 (en) | 2022-12-09 | 2023-11-07 | Control module for an electronic device adapted to withstand shocks |
| KR1020230172441AKR20240086560A (en) | 2022-12-09 | 2023-12-01 | Control module for an electronic device adapted to withstand shocks |
| CN202311685988.5ACN118169993A (en) | 2022-12-09 | 2023-12-08 | Control module for electronic device suitable for resisting vibration |
| CN202323353128.XUCN221993775U (en) | 2022-12-09 | 2023-12-08 | Control module for electronic device and meter having the control module |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP22212590.8AEP4383303A1 (en) | 2022-12-09 | 2022-12-09 | Control module of an electronic apparatus adapted to resist shocks |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP4383303A1true EP4383303A1 (en) | 2024-06-12 |
Family
ID=84487576
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP22212590.8APendingEP4383303A1 (en) | 2022-12-09 | 2022-12-09 | Control module of an electronic apparatus adapted to resist shocks |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20240194431A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP4383303A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP7649360B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20240086560A (en) |
| CN (2) | CN221993775U (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4007347A (en)* | 1975-07-28 | 1977-02-08 | Haber Terry M | Simplified actuating switch for electronic timepieces |
| EP2607972A1 (en)* | 2011-12-22 | 2013-06-26 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. | Watertight push button for watch |
| US20170148588A1 (en)* | 2015-11-20 | 2017-05-25 | Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited | Button module and electronic device having the same |
| US20200110365A1 (en)* | 2018-10-03 | 2020-04-09 | Casio Computer Co., Ltd. | Push button and timepiece |
| EP4092490A1 (en)* | 2021-05-19 | 2022-11-23 | Meco S.A. | Device for controlling a timepiece movement with touch return and timepiece, in particular a watch, including such a device |
- 2022
- 2022-12-09EPEP22212590.8Apatent/EP4383303A1/enactivePending
- 2023
- 2023-10-25JPJP2023182969Apatent/JP7649360B2/enactiveActive
- 2023-11-07USUS18/503,484patent/US20240194431A1/enactivePending
- 2023-12-01KRKR1020230172441Apatent/KR20240086560A/enactivePending
- 2023-12-08CNCN202323353128.XUpatent/CN221993775U/enactiveActive
- 2023-12-08CNCN202311685988.5Apatent/CN118169993A/enactivePending
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4007347A (en)* | 1975-07-28 | 1977-02-08 | Haber Terry M | Simplified actuating switch for electronic timepieces |
| EP2607972A1 (en)* | 2011-12-22 | 2013-06-26 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. | Watertight push button for watch |
| US20170148588A1 (en)* | 2015-11-20 | 2017-05-25 | Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited | Button module and electronic device having the same |
| US20200110365A1 (en)* | 2018-10-03 | 2020-04-09 | Casio Computer Co., Ltd. | Push button and timepiece |
| EP4092490A1 (en)* | 2021-05-19 | 2022-11-23 | Meco S.A. | Device for controlling a timepiece movement with touch return and timepiece, in particular a watch, including such a device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN221993775U (en) | 2024-11-12 |
| JP7649360B2 (en) | 2025-03-19 |
| CN118169993A (en) | 2024-06-11 |
| US20240194431A1 (en) | 2024-06-13 |
| JP2024083243A (en) | 2024-06-20 |
| KR20240086560A (en) | 2024-06-18 |
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