EP1162521A1 - Snap-action actuating device and watch provided with such a device - Google Patents

Snap-action actuating device and watch provided with such a device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1162521A1
EP1162521A1 EP00202007A EP00202007A EP1162521A1 EP 1162521 A1 EP1162521 A1 EP 1162521A1 EP 00202007 A EP00202007 A EP 00202007A EP 00202007 A EP00202007 A EP 00202007A EP 1162521 A1 EP1162521 A1 EP 1162521A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pusher
spring element
support
spring
box
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
EP00202007A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1162521B1 (en
Inventor
Baptist Wyssbrod
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.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Original Assignee
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG, Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches filed Critical Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Priority to ES00202007T priority Critical patent/ES2340355T3/en
Priority to DE60044023T priority patent/DE60044023D1/en
Priority to AT00202007T priority patent/ATE461472T1/en
Priority to EP00202007A priority patent/EP1162521B1/en
Publication of EP1162521A1 publication Critical patent/EP1162521A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1162521B1 publication Critical patent/EP1162521B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/001—Electromechanical switches for setting or display
    • 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
    • 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
    • H01H13/48—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using buckling of disc springs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H01H2215/02—Reversed domes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a click control device comprising a support, a pusher mounted mobile on the support so as to have a translational travel along an axis, and a spring element capable of exerting on the push a reactive force which passes through a maximum during the stroke of the pusher.
  • the invention also relates to a watch comprising a case and a device of this type.
  • Such a snap-action control device also called a snap action
  • a snap action is usable in particular for actuating a contact blade of a switch electric, in particular for controlling functions of an electronic device portable.
  • the push-button of such a device can also produce a command. purely mechanical.
  • Such devices are used, for example, to control the start and stopping mechanical or electric chronograph watches.
  • the click function causes the pusher to remain ineffective as long as the pressure exerted does not exceed one reactive force limit value, then this limit being exceeded, the device changes abruptly because the pressure required to complete the function is less than this limit value. It is thus possible to start or stop a counter with precision.
  • the parts ensuring the click function make usually part of the chronograph mechanism and are fixed on a bridge or on the movement plate.
  • the force to be overcome is generated by a device of the type long necklace, with a spring working in flexion, which cooperates with a cam, like the provides for example the patent CH 642 220.
  • Devices of this type require a large volume, which is a serious handicap in a watch.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a control device with simple and space-saving click. Additionally, the device should be easy to manufacture and assemble and reliable in operation.
  • the present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a click-type control device of the type indicated in the preamble, characterized in that the spring element comprises an elongated sheet of elastic material, interposed between the pusher and the support and having at least one central zone arranged in its central part and at least one pair of support zones located at the ends of said sheet, the pair of support zones and the central zone being intended to rest one against the pusher and the other against the support so that the stroke of the pusher tends to flex longitudinally said sheet, and in that said leaf has at rest a curved or V-shaped cross section
  • the spring element does not need to be rigidly attached to the support, which should therefore not be particularly robust. It suffices that the bearing areas of the spring element are maintained at the correct locations, for example by the pusher or by a housing in which this element is freely fitted. In fact, the spring element does not need to be fixed neither to the support nor to the pusher. Another advantage is that such an element can be very small, especially no larger than the pusher head, and which can be produced and mount the entire device at a very low price.
  • the latter comprises, in its central part, an orifice through which passes a rod of the pusher.
  • said pair of support zones is located on a concave face, and the middle zone on a convex face of the element to spring.
  • the support is in abutment against the concave face and the push against the convex face.
  • the spring element is positioned relative to the support and push button.
  • it includes cutouts in the vicinity of its opposite ends in contact with the pusher.
  • the latter is provided with protrusions engaged in these cutouts to ensure the relative positioning of the spring element and the pusher.
  • the pusher itself can be guided in a way classic compared to the support.
  • the present invention also relates to a watch fitted with a box and a control device as defined above.
  • the box forms the support for the control device
  • the pusher has a head arranged outside of the box and a rod engaged in a hole in the box and opening out inside the latter.
  • the spring element is arranged in a recess of a outer face of the box and cooperates with the head of the pusher.
  • both the pusher head and the spring element of the control can be elongated, preferably oval.
  • the device shown in the drawing comprises a support formed by a box of shows 10, a pusher 12 mounted movable in translation along an axis A-A on the box 10, and a spring element 14 interposed between the box 10 and the pusher 12.
  • the box 10 can be made of any solid material, for example made of metal or plastic. It has a middle part 16 and a bottom 17, which define a housing 18 in which is disposed a watch movement 20. In the watch described here, the base 17 forms the plate of the movement 20.
  • the middle part 16 is pierced with a cylindrical hole 22 whose axis, coincident with the axis A-A, is oriented radially, connecting the housing 18 outside the box 10.
  • the middle part 16 comprises on its external surface an elongated recess 24 whose side wall 24a is for example in the shape of an oval cylinder.
  • the bottom of the recess 24 has two opposite recesses 24b, adjacent to the wall 24a, and a curved central portion 24c having a shape of a spherical cap whose center is on the axis A-A pusher 12.
  • the pusher 12 comprises a cylindrical rod 26, preferably made of metal, engaged in the hole 22, and a head 28 advantageously made of plastic, fixed to the rod 26 by overmolding and disposed outside of the box 10.
  • the rod 26 has a diameter slightly less than that of hole 22, so that it can slide there freely. It is provided with two grooves 26a and 26b arranged so that, when the pusher 12 is in place, the groove 26a is inside the housing 18, flush with the inner wall of the middle part 16, and the groove 26b in the part median of hole 22.
  • An O-ring 34 disposed in the groove 26b, is in contact with the wall of the hole 22 all around, to seal the passage of the pusher 12 in the hole 22 of the middle 16.
  • the head 28 of the pusher 12 has an elongated shape which corresponds to that of the recess 24, so that it can slide there but without being able to rotate.
  • She here has a cap shape having a domed outer portion 28a, integral of the rod 26, and an oval cylindrical portion 28b extending from the outer portion towards the middle part 16, inside the recess 24.
  • the head 28 has a 28d concave inner surface in the shape of a truncated cone.
  • the cylindrical portion 28b is provided, on its internal face, with two protrusions formed by fingers 28c extending respectively from the head to the interior of each recess 24b and of which the function will be specified later.
  • Spring 14 is formed from a thin sheet of stainless steel, shaped general oval and provided in its center with a round orifice 14a whose diameter is slightly higher than that of the rod 26, so that the latter can slide there freely.
  • the oval shape has a large axis B-B and a small axis C-C, these axes being perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the axis A-A of hole 22.
  • the sheet forming the spring 14 is notched at the two ends of the major axis of the oval, to form cutouts 14b intended to receive the fingers 28c. She is curved or folded so as to have a shape inscribed on a surface geometric generated by a generator parallel to the longitudinal axis B-B, with a concave face 14c and a convex face 14d.
  • the spring has a shape general roof which has two flat walls connected to each other by a portion rounded, thus forming a substantially V-shaped cross section.
  • the spring has rotational symmetry about the axis A-A, thus that symmetry with respect to its median longitudinal plane passing through the axes A-A and B-B.
  • the spring element 14 is arranged in the recess 24, so that the rod 26 passes through the hole 14a when it is engaged in the hole 22 and its face concave 14c is in abutment against the head 28, on at least one pair of bearing zones 36 located near the ends of its oval shape, while its convex face 14d is in abutment against the central portion 24c of the support by at least one zone median 38 near the push rod.
  • the spring element 14 is positioned relative to the pusher 12 by the engagement of the fingers 28c in the cutouts 14b, so that it does not rub against the side wall 24a.
  • the support zones of the spring 14 against the head 28 are found along the edges of the cutouts 14b. In the initial position shown in Figure 1, there are in fact two of these support zones 36 on either side of each cutout 14b.
  • the convex face of the central part of the spring 14 bears against the box 10 on two median zones 38 located on either side of the orifice 14a.
  • the spring 14 behaves like a beam supported in its middle part and subjected to a force at its two ends.
  • the beam tends to bend on the one hand in the direction of its length, but also to flatten in its transverse direction C-C because of the tensile stresses which act along its two edges parallel to B-B.
  • the curved or V-shaped shape of the spring tends to open.
  • the arrangement of the spring and its bearing zones is symmetrical with respect to its plane longitudinal median, the forces and deformations are also symmetrical and do not require no fixing means to stabilize the spring.
  • the reaction force of the beam is a function of its deflection and the moment static inertia of its cross section.
  • this moment of inertia is all the more high that the V is closed.
  • the V deviates during the stroke of the pusher, which reduces the moment static inertia.
  • the force necessary to make flexing the beam decreases as the arrow increases.
  • maintaining the pressure causes a sudden push in of the pusher, which gives rise to the function of click.
  • the leaf spring 30 then suddenly comes into contact with the pin 32, thus ensuring the desired electrical contact.
  • the transverse spacing between the two support zones 36 at each end of the spring 14 also contributes to flattening the cross section thereof, but this effect complementary is not essential.
  • the spring 14 described above can not only be made inexpensively, but also is very easy to assemble and does not require great robustness of the support, since the greatest force applied to it is the pressure on the pusher. If this pressure exceeds the maximum reactive force of the spring, it will be absorbed by the fingers 28c abutting the watch case.
  • the spring element could be turned over if the bearing surfaces corresponding to the box and the pusher are reversed. Many others solutions are possible.
  • the spring element could for example have a round or rectangular shape, or even have a left surface.
  • the static moment of inertia must decrease when the element is subjected to a bending. This condition is satisfied when the section of the element according to a plane defined by the axes A-A and C-C, which is perpendicular to the axis B-B along which flexion takes place, is curved in a rest position, i.e. when the element is not subjected to elastic deformation.
  • the spring element could also be placed inside the box, or even in a housing made in the box and intended for this purpose. On the other hand, the spring element could be extended by one or more blades carrying out themselves the electrical contact in place of the leaf spring 30.
  • the device could also be used for push buttons used in devices other than watches, such as phones or computers.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

The clicker mechanism, comprising a support (10) and a pusher (12), has a spring (14) in the form of a plate of an elastic material, e.g. thin stainless steel, fitted between the pusher and support and having thrust zones (36) at its ends. The spring plate is oval in shape with a V-shaped cross-section, and flexes about its lengthwise axis under the action of the pusher, while being fixed to neither the pusher or support.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif de commande à déclic comportant un support, un poussoir monté mobile sur le support de façon à avoir une course de translation selon un axe, et un élément à ressort capable d'exercer sur le poussoir une force réactive qui passe par un maximum pendant la course du poussoir. L'invention concerne aussi une montre comportant une boíte et un dispositif de commande de ce type.The present invention relates to a click control device comprising a support, a pusher mounted mobile on the support so as to have a translational travel along an axis, and a spring element capable of exerting on the push a reactive force which passes through a maximum during the stroke of the pusher. The invention also relates to a watch comprising a case and a device of this type.

Un tel dispositif de commande à déclic, dit aussi à action brusque, est utilisable en particulier pour actionner une lame de contact d'un interrupteur électrique, notamment pour commander des fonctions d'un appareil électronique portable. Cependant le poussoir d'un tel dispositif peut aussi produire une commande purement mécanique.Such a snap-action control device, also called a snap action, is usable in particular for actuating a contact blade of a switch electric, in particular for controlling functions of an electronic device portable. However, the push-button of such a device can also produce a command. purely mechanical.

De tels dispositifs sont utilisés, par exemple, pour commander le départ et l'arrêt des montres chronographes mécaniques ou électriques. La fonction de déclic fait que le poussoir reste sans effet tant que la pression exercée ne dépasse pas une valeur limite de la force réactive, puis cette limite étant dépassée, le dispositif change brusquement d'état, car la pression nécessaire à terminer la fonction est inférieure à cette valeur limite. Il est ainsi possible de faire partir ou arrêter un compteur avec précision.Such devices are used, for example, to control the start and stopping mechanical or electric chronograph watches. The click function causes the pusher to remain ineffective as long as the pressure exerted does not exceed one reactive force limit value, then this limit being exceeded, the device changes abruptly because the pressure required to complete the function is less than this limit value. It is thus possible to start or stop a counter with precision.

Dans de telles montres connues, les pièces assurant la fonction de déclic font d'habitude partie du mécanisme de chronographe et sont fixées sur un pont ou sur la platine du mouvement. La force à vaincre est engendrée par un dispositif de type sautoir, avec un ressort travaillant en flexion, qui coopère avec une came, comme le prévoit par exemple le brevet CH 642 220. Les dispositifs de ce type nécessitent un volume important, ce qui est un lourd handicap dans une montre.In such known watches, the parts ensuring the click function make usually part of the chronograph mechanism and are fixed on a bridge or on the movement plate. The force to be overcome is generated by a device of the type long necklace, with a spring working in flexion, which cooperates with a cam, like the provides for example the patent CH 642 220. Devices of this type require a large volume, which is a serious handicap in a watch.

Il a également été proposé de réaliser des poussoirs à déclic dans lesquels cette fonction est assurée par un élément à ressort monté sur la boíte ou le poussoir. Une solution de cet ordre est représentée dans le brevet CH 629 647. Dans ce document, l'élément à ressort est réalisé au moyen d'une pièce annulaire, déformable radialement, qui glisse sur une surface de came et franchit une bosse de cette surface. Une telle solution nécessite peu de place, mais il est difficile de maítriser le point de déclic et la force à appliquer pour assurer la fonction.It has also been proposed to produce click pushers in which this function is provided by a spring element mounted on the box or the pusher. A solution of this order is represented in patent CH 629 647. In this document, the spring element is produced by means of an annular, deformable part radially, which slides on a cam surface and crosses a bump of this area. Such a solution requires little space, but it is difficult to control the click point and the force to be applied to ensure the function.

On connaít par ailleurs, dans le domaine spécifique des interrupteurs électriques, des dispositifs de commande utilisant des ressorts à déclic pour produire une action brusque. Un type de ressort à déclic peu encombrant, illustré par exemple dans le brevet US 4 234 769, est formé par une lame flexible droite qui est maintenue courbée longitudinalement par compression entre deux butées fixes. Toutefois ce ressort a deux positions stables et, dans une commande par bouton-poussoir, cela nécessite un ressort de rappel supplémentaire. Un autre inconvénient est que la compression permanente exige un support assez robuste qui peut constituer un élément gênant dans un petit appareil tel qu'une montre.We also know, in the specific field of switches electrical, control devices using snap springs to produce sudden action. A space-saving type of snap spring, illustrated for example in US Patent 4,234,769, is formed by a straight flexible blade which is held curved longitudinally by compression between two fixed stops. However this spring has two stable positions and, in a push button control, this requires an additional return spring. Another disadvantage is that the permanent compression requires a fairly robust support which can constitute a annoying element in a small device such as a watch.

On peut pallier en partie ces inconvénients en incorporant la lame courbée par compression dans une lame-ressort plus grande qui forme un cadre autour d'elle et qui sera elle-même fléchie par le poussoir, par exemple comme le montre le brevet US 5 075 524. Ce système nécessite toutefois une course relativement grande du poussoir et s'avère donc trop encombrant dans un appareil aussi petit qu'une montre. En outre, la fixation de cet élément à ressort exige aussi un support robuste et un certain encombrement.These disadvantages can be partially overcome by incorporating the curved blade compression in a larger leaf spring which forms a frame around it and which will itself be bent by the pusher, for example as shown in the patent US 5,075,524. However, this system requires a relatively large stroke of the push button and is therefore too bulky in a device as small as a watch. In addition, fixing this spring element also requires a sturdy support and a some bulk.

Un but de la présente invention est de réaliser un dispositif de commande à déclic simple et peu encombrant. A titre additionnel, le dispositif devrait être facile à fabriquer et à monter et fiable en fonctionnement.An object of the present invention is to provide a control device with simple and space-saving click. Additionally, the device should be easy to manufacture and assemble and reliable in operation.

Dans ce but, la présente invention concerne, selon un premier aspect, un dispositif de commande à déclic du genre indiqué en préambule, caractérisé en ce que l'élément à ressort comporte une feuille allongée en matériau élastique, interposée entre le poussoir et le support et ayant au moins une zone médiane disposée dans sa partie centrale et au moins une paire de zones d'appui situées aux extrémités de ladite feuille, la paire de zones d'appui et la zone médiane étant destinées à s'appuyer l'une contre le poussoir et l'autre contre le support de sorte que la course du poussoir tend à fléchir longitudinalement ladite feuille, et en ce que ladite feuille présente au repos une section transversale incurvée ou en forme de V.To this end, the present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a click-type control device of the type indicated in the preamble, characterized in that the spring element comprises an elongated sheet of elastic material, interposed between the pusher and the support and having at least one central zone arranged in its central part and at least one pair of support zones located at the ends of said sheet, the pair of support zones and the central zone being intended to rest one against the pusher and the other against the support so that the stroke of the pusher tends to flex longitudinally said sheet, and in that said leaf has at rest a curved or V-shaped cross section

Un avantage de cet agencement est que l'élément à ressort n'a pas besoin d'être fixé rigidement au support, lequel ne doit donc pas être particulièrement robuste. Il suffit que les zones d'appui de l'élément à ressort soient maintenues aux emplacements corrects, par exemple par le poussoir ou grâce à un logement dans lequel cet élément est librement emboíté. En fait, l'élément à ressort n'a besoin d'être fixé ni au support, ni au poussoir. Un autre avantage est qu'un tel élément peut être très petit, notamment pas plus grand que la tête du poussoir, et qu'on peut fabriquer et monter l'ensemble du dispositif à un prix très bas.An advantage of this arrangement is that the spring element does not need to be rigidly attached to the support, which should therefore not be particularly robust. It suffices that the bearing areas of the spring element are maintained at the correct locations, for example by the pusher or by a housing in which this element is freely fitted. In fact, the spring element does not need to be fixed neither to the support nor to the pusher. Another advantage is that such an element can be very small, especially no larger than the pusher head, and which can be produced and mount the entire device at a very low price.

De préférence, afin d'assurer de bonnes conditions de travail du poussoir et de l'élément à ressort, ce dernier comporte, dans sa partie centrale, un orifice à travers lequel passe une tige du poussoir. Preferably, in order to ensure good working conditions for the pusher and the spring element, the latter comprises, in its central part, an orifice through which passes a rod of the pusher.

Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, ladite paire de zones d'appui est située sur une face concave, et la zone médiane sur une face convexe de l'élément à ressort. De manière avantageuse, le support est en appui contre la face concave et le poussoir contre la face convexe.In a preferred embodiment, said pair of support zones is located on a concave face, and the middle zone on a convex face of the element to spring. Advantageously, the support is in abutment against the concave face and the push against the convex face.

Pour garantir que les conditions de travail restent les mêmes au cours de la vie du produit, il est souhaitable que l'élément à ressort soit positionné par rapport au support et au poussoir. Il comporte, à cet effet, des découpes au voisinage de ses extrémités opposées en contact avec le poussoir. En outre, ce dernier est muni de protubérances engagées dans ces découpes pour assurer le positionnement relatif de l'élément à ressort et du poussoir. Le poussoir lui-même peut être guidé de manière classique par rapport au support.To ensure that working conditions remain the same throughout life of the product, it is desirable that the spring element is positioned relative to the support and push button. To this end, it includes cutouts in the vicinity of its opposite ends in contact with the pusher. In addition, the latter is provided with protrusions engaged in these cutouts to ensure the relative positioning of the spring element and the pusher. The pusher itself can be guided in a way classic compared to the support.

De bonnes conditions de fabrication ont été obtenues lorsque la forme de l'élément à ressort comporte deux parois planes reliées entre elles par une portion arrondie. Cette structure permet, en outre, de garantir un déclic net et de bien maítriser la force à appliquer, de manière à ce que, pour un même modèle, elle soit pratiquement la même d'une pièce à l'autre.Good manufacturing conditions have been obtained when the form of the spring element has two flat walls connected to each other by a portion rounded. This structure also makes it possible to guarantee a clear click and good control the force to be applied, so that, for the same model, it is practically the same from one room to another.

La présente invention se rapporte également à une montre munie d'une boíte et d'un dispositif de commande tel que défini plus haut. Dans cette montre, la boíte forme le support du dispositif de commande, le poussoir comporte une tête disposée à l'extérieur de la boíte et une tige engagée dans un trou de la boíte et débouchant à l'intérieur de cette dernière. L'élément à ressort est disposé dans un évidement d'une face extérieure de la boíte et coopère avec la tête du poussoir.The present invention also relates to a watch fitted with a box and a control device as defined above. In this watch, the box forms the support for the control device, the pusher has a head arranged outside of the box and a rod engaged in a hole in the box and opening out inside the latter. The spring element is arranged in a recess of a outer face of the box and cooperates with the head of the pusher.

L'épaisseur des montres joue un rôle important du point de vue esthétique. Aussi, afin de réduire cette épaisseur autant que possible tout en ayant des poussoirs faciles à manipuler, tant la tête du poussoir que l'élément à ressort du dispositif de commande peuvent être de forme allongée, de préférence ovale.The thickness of the watches plays an important role from an aesthetic point of view. Also, in order to reduce this thickness as much as possible while having pushers easy to handle, both the pusher head and the spring element of the control can be elongated, preferably oval.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention ressortiront de la description suivante d'un mode de réalisation préféré, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en plan partiellement coupée d'une partie d'une boíte de montre équipée d'au moins un dispositif de commande à poussoir selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue éclatée en perspective de l'objet de la figure 1, et
  • la figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 2, mais sous un autre angle.
    • Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a partially cut plan view of part of a watch case fitted with at least one push-button control device according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the object of FIG. 1, and
  • Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, but from another angle.

    • Le dispositif représenté au dessin comporte un support formé d'une boíte de montre 10, un poussoir 12 monté mobile en translation selon un axe A-A sur la boíte 10, et un élément à ressort 14 interposé entre la boíte 10 et le poussoir 12. The device shown in the drawing comprises a support formed by a box of shows 10, a pusher 12 mounted movable in translation along an axis A-A on the box 10, and a spring element 14 interposed between the box 10 and the pusher 12.

    La boíte 10 peut être réalisée en n'importe quel matériau solide, par exemple en métal ou en plastique. Elle comporte une carrure 16 et un fond 17, qui définissent un logement 18 dans lequel est disposé un mouvement de montre 20. Dans la montre décrite ici, le fond 17 forme la platine du mouvement 20. La carrure 16 est percée d'un trou cylindrique 22 dont l'axe, confondu avec l'axe A-A, est orienté radialement, reliant le logement 18 à l'extérieur de la boíte 10. Au voisinage du trou 22, la carrure 16 comprend sur sa surface externe un évidement allongé 24 dont la paroi latérale 24a est par exemple en forme de cylindre ovale. Le fond de l'évidement 24 comporte deux renfoncements opposés 24b, adjacents à la paroi 24a, et une portion centrale bombée 24c présentant une forme de calotte sphérique dont le centre se trouve sur l'axe A-A du poussoir 12.The box 10 can be made of any solid material, for example made of metal or plastic. It has a middle part 16 and a bottom 17, which define a housing 18 in which is disposed a watch movement 20. In the watch described here, the base 17 forms the plate of the movement 20. The middle part 16 is pierced with a cylindrical hole 22 whose axis, coincident with the axis A-A, is oriented radially, connecting the housing 18 outside the box 10. In the vicinity of the hole 22, the middle part 16 comprises on its external surface an elongated recess 24 whose side wall 24a is for example in the shape of an oval cylinder. The bottom of the recess 24 has two opposite recesses 24b, adjacent to the wall 24a, and a curved central portion 24c having a shape of a spherical cap whose center is on the axis A-A pusher 12.

    Le poussoir 12 comporte une tige cylindrique 26, de préférence en métal, engagée dans le trou 22, et une tête 28 avantageusement en plastique, fixée à la tige 26 par surmoulage et disposée à l'extérieur de la boíte 10. La tige 26 présente un diamètre légèrement inférieur à celui du trou 22, de façon qu'elle puisse y coulisser librement. Elle est munie de deux gorges 26a et 26b disposées de manière que, lorsque le poussoir 12 est en place, la gorge 26a se trouve à l'intérieur du logement 18, affleurant la paroi intérieure de la carrure 16, et la gorge 26b dans la partie médiane du trou 22.The pusher 12 comprises a cylindrical rod 26, preferably made of metal, engaged in the hole 22, and a head 28 advantageously made of plastic, fixed to the rod 26 by overmolding and disposed outside of the box 10. The rod 26 has a diameter slightly less than that of hole 22, so that it can slide there freely. It is provided with two grooves 26a and 26b arranged so that, when the pusher 12 is in place, the groove 26a is inside the housing 18, flush with the inner wall of the middle part 16, and the groove 26b in the part median of hole 22.

    Un ressort-lame 30, faisant partie d'une pièce métallique 29 fixée sur le mouvement et reliée à l'un des pôles de la pile électrique alimentant le mouvement 20, comporte une échancrure 31 pour s'engager dans la gorge 26a et empêcher ainsi le poussoir 12 d'être retiré du trou 22. Il assure en outre une fonction de contact électrique, son extrémité libre allant s'appliquer contre une goupille 32 d'une carte à circuits imprimés 33 fixée au fond 17, lorsque le poussoir 12 est pressé suffisamment, comme on l'expliquera plus loin.A leaf spring 30, forming part of a metal part 29 fixed on the movement and connected to one of the poles of the electric battery supplying the movement 20, has a notch 31 to engage in the groove 26a and thus prevent the pusher 12 to be removed from the hole 22. It also provides a contact function electric, its free end going to be applied against a pin 32 of a card to printed circuits 33 fixed to the bottom 17, when the pusher 12 is pressed enough, as will be explained later.

    Un joint torique 34, disposé dans la gorge 26b, est en contact avec la paroi du trou 22 sur tout son pourtour, pour assurer l'étanchéité du passage du poussoir 12 dans le trou 22 de la carrure 16.An O-ring 34, disposed in the groove 26b, is in contact with the wall of the hole 22 all around, to seal the passage of the pusher 12 in the hole 22 of the middle 16.

    La tête 28 du poussoir 12 a une forme allongée qui correspond à celle de l'évidement 24, de sorte qu'elle peut y coulisser mais sans pouvoir tourner. Elle présente ici une forme de calotte ayant une portion extérieure bombée 28a, solidaire de la tige 26, et une portion cylindrique ovale 28b s'étendant de la portion extérieure en direction de la carrure 16, à l'intérieur de l'évidement 24. La tête 28 présente une surface intérieure concave 28d en forme de tronc de cône. La portion cylindrique 28b est munie, sur sa face interne, de deux protubérances formées par des doigts 28c s'étendant respectivement de la tête à l'intérieur de chaque renfoncement 24b et dont la fonction sera précisée plus loin.The head 28 of the pusher 12 has an elongated shape which corresponds to that of the recess 24, so that it can slide there but without being able to rotate. She here has a cap shape having a domed outer portion 28a, integral of the rod 26, and an oval cylindrical portion 28b extending from the outer portion towards the middle part 16, inside the recess 24. The head 28 has a 28d concave inner surface in the shape of a truncated cone. The cylindrical portion 28b is provided, on its internal face, with two protrusions formed by fingers 28c extending respectively from the head to the interior of each recess 24b and of which the function will be specified later.

    Le ressort 14 est formé d'une feuille mince d'acier inoxydable, de forme générale ovale et munie en son centre d'un orifice rond 14a dont le diamètre est légèrement supérieur à celui de la tige 26, de manière à ce que cette dernière puisse y coulisser librement. La forme ovale a un grand axe B-B et un petit axe C-C, ces axes étant perpendiculaires entre eux et perpendiculaires à l'axe A-A du trou 22.Spring 14 is formed from a thin sheet of stainless steel, shaped general oval and provided in its center with a round orifice 14a whose diameter is slightly higher than that of the rod 26, so that the latter can slide there freely. The oval shape has a large axis B-B and a small axis C-C, these axes being perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the axis A-A of hole 22.

    La feuille formant le ressort 14 est entaillée aux deux extrémités du grand axe de l'ovale, pour former des découpes 14b destinées recevoir les doigts 28c. Elle est incurvée ou pliée de manière à présenter une forme inscrite sur une surface géométrique engendrée par une génératrice parallèle à l'axe longitudinal B-B, avec une face concave 14c et une face convexe 14d.The sheet forming the spring 14 is notched at the two ends of the major axis of the oval, to form cutouts 14b intended to receive the fingers 28c. She is curved or folded so as to have a shape inscribed on a surface geometric generated by a generator parallel to the longitudinal axis B-B, with a concave face 14c and a convex face 14d.

    Dans le mode de réalisation représenté au dessin, le ressort a une forme générale en toit qui présente deux parois planes reliées entre elles par une portion arrondie, formant ainsi une section transversale sensiblement en forme de V. On relèvera que le ressort présente une symétrie de rotation autour de l'axe A-A, ainsi qu'une symétrie par rapport à son plan longitudinal médian passant par les axes A-A et B-B.In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the spring has a shape general roof which has two flat walls connected to each other by a portion rounded, thus forming a substantially V-shaped cross section. will note that the spring has rotational symmetry about the axis A-A, thus that symmetry with respect to its median longitudinal plane passing through the axes A-A and B-B.

    L'élément à ressort 14 est disposé dans l'évidement 24, de manière que la tige 26 le traverse par l'orifice 14a lorsqu'elle est engagée dans le trou 22 et que sa face concave 14c soit en appui contre la tête 28, sur au moins une paire de zones d'appui 36 situées à proximité des extrémités de sa forme ovale, tandis que sa face convexe 14d est en appui contre la portion centrale 24c du support par au moins une zone médiane 38 à proximité de la tige du poussoir. L'élément à ressort 14 est positionné relativement au poussoir 12 par l'engagement des doigts 28c dans les découpes 14b, de sorte qu'il ne frotte pas contre la paroi latérale 24a.The spring element 14 is arranged in the recess 24, so that the rod 26 passes through the hole 14a when it is engaged in the hole 22 and its face concave 14c is in abutment against the head 28, on at least one pair of bearing zones 36 located near the ends of its oval shape, while its convex face 14d is in abutment against the central portion 24c of the support by at least one zone median 38 near the push rod. The spring element 14 is positioned relative to the pusher 12 by the engagement of the fingers 28c in the cutouts 14b, so that it does not rub against the side wall 24a.

    Dans l'exemple représenté, les zones d'appui du ressort 14 contre la tête 28 se trouvent le long des bords des découpes 14b. Dans la position initiale représentée en figure 1, il y a en fait deux de ces zones d'appui 36 de part et d'autre de chaque découpe 14b. La face convexe de la partie centrale du ressort 14 s'appuie contre la boíte 10 sur deux zones médianes 38 situées de part et d'autre de l'orifice 14a.In the example shown, the support zones of the spring 14 against the head 28 are found along the edges of the cutouts 14b. In the initial position shown in Figure 1, there are in fact two of these support zones 36 on either side of each cutout 14b. The convex face of the central part of the spring 14 bears against the box 10 on two median zones 38 located on either side of the orifice 14a.

    Lorsque l'utilisateur d'une montre munie d'un dispositif tel que décrit plus haut actionne le poussoir 12, il exerce sur la tête 28 une pression manuelle qui tend à faire pénétrer la tige 26 à l'intérieur de la boíte 10. La tête 28 prend appui, au voisinage de ses doigts 28c, contre la face concave 14c du ressort 14, plus précisément sur les deux paires de zones d'appui 36 situés aux extrémités du ressort 14, dont les zones médianes 38 sont en appui contre la portion centrale 24c bombée du logement 24. La pression engendre ainsi une force qui tend à déformer le ressort 14.When the user of a watch fitted with a device as described above actuates the pusher 12, it exerts on the head 28 a manual pressure which tends to make penetrate the rod 26 inside the box 10. The head 28 is supported, in the vicinity of his fingers 28c, against the concave face 14c of the spring 14, more precisely on the two pairs of bearing zones 36 situated at the ends of the spring 14, the zones of which medians 38 bear against the domed central portion 24c of the housing 24. The pressure thus generates a force which tends to deform the spring 14.

    De la sorte, le ressort 14 se comporte comme une poutre appuyée dans sa partie médiane et soumise à une force à ses deux extrémités. Sous l'effet de la pression manuelle sur le poussoir, la poutre tend à fléchir d'une part dans le sens de sa longueur, mais aussi à s'aplatir dans sa direction transversale C-C à cause des contraintes de traction qui agissent le long de ses deux bords parallèlement à B-B. Autrement dit, la forme incurvée ou en V du ressort tend à s'ouvrir. Comme la disposition du ressort et de ses zones d'appui est symétrique par rapport à son plan longitudinal médian, les efforts et les déformations sont également symétriques et ne nécessitent aucun moyen de fixation pour stabiliser le ressort.In this way, the spring 14 behaves like a beam supported in its middle part and subjected to a force at its two ends. Under the effect of manual pressure on the pusher, the beam tends to bend on the one hand in the direction of its length, but also to flatten in its transverse direction C-C because of the tensile stresses which act along its two edges parallel to B-B. In other words, the curved or V-shaped shape of the spring tends to open. As the arrangement of the spring and its bearing zones is symmetrical with respect to its plane longitudinal median, the forces and deformations are also symmetrical and do not require no fixing means to stabilize the spring.

    La force de réaction de la poutre est fonction de sa flèche et du moment d'inertie statique de sa section transversale. Or, ce moment d'inertie est d'autant plus élevé que le V est fermé. En d'autres termes, en soumettant la poutre à une force suffisante, le V s'écarte durant la course du poussoir, ce qui diminue le moment d'inertie statique. Il arrive un moment au-delà duquel la force nécessaire pour faire fléchir la poutre diminue lorsque la flèche augmente. Passé ce point, le maintien de la pression provoque un enfoncement brutal du poussoir, ce qui engendre la fonction de déclic. Le ressort-lame 30 entre alors brusquement en contact avec la goupille 32, assurant ainsi le contact électrique voulu.The reaction force of the beam is a function of its deflection and the moment static inertia of its cross section. However, this moment of inertia is all the more high that the V is closed. In other words, by subjecting the beam to a force sufficient, the V deviates during the stroke of the pusher, which reduces the moment static inertia. There comes a time beyond which the force necessary to make flexing the beam decreases as the arrow increases. After this point, maintaining the pressure causes a sudden push in of the pusher, which gives rise to the function of click. The leaf spring 30 then suddenly comes into contact with the pin 32, thus ensuring the desired electrical contact.

    L'espacement transversal entre les deux zones d'appui 36 à chaque extrémité du ressort 14 contribue aussi à aplatir la section transversale de celui-ci, mais cet effet complémentaire n'est pas indispensable.The transverse spacing between the two support zones 36 at each end of the spring 14 also contributes to flattening the cross section thereof, but this effect complementary is not essential.

    En relâchant le poussoir, celui-ci revient seul à sa place, sous l'action conjuguée du ressort 14 et du ressort-lame 30. Comme le ressort 14 fournit une force de rappel sur toute la course du poussoir, la force du ressort-lame 30 n'est pas indispensable. Ce dernier pourrait aussi être rappelé par le ressort 14 par l'entremise de la tige 26.By releasing the pusher, it returns to its place alone, under the action conjugate of the spring 14 and the leaf spring 30. As the spring 14 provides a force return over the entire stroke of the pusher, the force of the leaf spring 30 is not essential. The latter could also be recalled by the spring 14 via rod 26.

    Des essais effectués ont montré qu'avec un ressort 14 réalisé à partir d'une tôle de 0,06 mm d'épaisseur, ayant une largeur de 3,50 mm, une longueur active de 5,00 mm (définie par la distance entre les deux découpes 14b), un trou central 14a de 1,40 mm de diamètre et une ouverture du V égale à 140°, la force à appliquer sur le poussoir est égale à environ 7 N.Tests carried out have shown that with a spring 14 produced from a sheet of 0.06 mm thick, having a width of 3.50 mm, an active length of 5.00 mm (defined by the distance between the two cutouts 14b), a central hole 14a of 1.40 mm in diameter and a V opening equal to 140 °, the force to be applied to the pusher is approximately 7 N.

    On comprend aisément que le ressort 14 décrit ci-dessus peut non seulement être fabriqué à peu de frais, mais aussi est très facile à monter et ne nécessite pas une grande robustesse du support, puisque la plus grande force qui lui est appliquée est la pression sur le poussoir. Si cette pression dépasse la force réactive maximale du ressort, elle sera absorbée par les doigts 28c butant contre la boíte de montre.It is easily understood that the spring 14 described above can not only be made inexpensively, but also is very easy to assemble and does not require great robustness of the support, since the greatest force applied to it is the pressure on the pusher. If this pressure exceeds the maximum reactive force of the spring, it will be absorbed by the fingers 28c abutting the watch case.

    Il est bien évident que le mode de réalisation décrit n'est qu'une variante parmi d'autres. L'élément à ressort pourrait être retourné si les surfaces d'appui correspondantes de la boíte et du poussoir sont inversées. De nombreuses autres solutions sont envisageables. L'élément à ressort pourrait par exemple avoir une forme ronde ou rectangulaire, ou encore présenter une surface gauche. Dans tous les cas, il faut que le moment d'inertie statique diminue lorsque l'élément est soumis à une flexion. Cette condition est satisfaite lorsque la section de l'élément selon un plan défini par les axes A-A et C-C, qui est perpendiculaire à l'axe B-B le long duquel s'effectue la flexion, est incurvée dans une position de repos, c'est-à-dire quand l'élément n'est pas soumis à une déformation élastique.It is obvious that the embodiment described is only one variant among others. The spring element could be turned over if the bearing surfaces corresponding to the box and the pusher are reversed. Many others solutions are possible. The spring element could for example have a round or rectangular shape, or even have a left surface. In all the case, the static moment of inertia must decrease when the element is subjected to a bending. This condition is satisfied when the section of the element according to a plane defined by the axes A-A and C-C, which is perpendicular to the axis B-B along which flexion takes place, is curved in a rest position, i.e. when the element is not subjected to elastic deformation.

    L'élément à ressort pourrait également être disposé à l'intérieur de la boíte, voire dans un logement pratiqué dans la boíte et destiné à cet effet. D'autre part, l'élément à ressort pourrait être prolongé par une ou plusieurs lames réalisant elles-mêmes le contact électrique à la place du ressort-lame 30.The spring element could also be placed inside the box, or even in a housing made in the box and intended for this purpose. On the other hand, the spring element could be extended by one or more blades carrying out themselves the electrical contact in place of the leaf spring 30.

    Le dispositif pourrait également être utilisé pour des boutons-poussoirs utilisés dans d'autres appareils que les montres, par exemple des téléphones ou des ordinateurs.The device could also be used for push buttons used in devices other than watches, such as phones or computers.

    Claims (10)

    Dispositif de commande à déclic comportant un support (10), un poussoir (12) monté mobile sur le support de façon à avoir une course de translation selon un axe (A-A), et un élément à ressort (14) capable d'exercer sur le poussoir une force réactive qui passe par un maximum pendant la course du poussoir, caractérisé en ce que l'élément à ressort (14) comporte une feuille en matériau élastique, interposée entre le poussoir (12) et le support (10) et ayant au moins une zone médiane (38) située dans sa partie centrale et au moins une paire de zones d'appui (36) situées aux extrémités de ladite feuille, la paire de zones d'appui et la zone médiane étant destinées à s'appuyer l'une contre le poussoir (12) et l'autre contre le support (10) de sorte que la course du poussoir tend à fléchir ladite feuille le long d'un axe longitudinal (B-B), et en ce que ladite feuille présente au repos une section transversale incurvée ou en forme de V.Snap-on control device comprising a support (10), a pusher (12) movably mounted on the support so as to have a translation travel along an axis (AA), and a spring element (14) capable of acting on the pusher a reactive force which passes through a maximum during the stroke of the pusher, characterized in that the spring element (14) comprises a sheet of elastic material, interposed between the pusher (12) and the support (10) and having at least one central zone (38) located in its central part and at least one pair of support zones (36) situated at the ends of said sheet, the pair of support zones and the central zone being intended to bear one against the pusher (12) and the other against the support (10) so that the stroke of the pusher tends to flex said sheet along a longitudinal axis (BB), and in that said sheet presents to the rests a curved or V-shaped cross section Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément à ressort (14) n'est fixé ni au support (10), ni au poussoir (12).Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (14) is fixed neither to the support (10), nor to the pusher (12). Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que l'élément à ressort (14) comporte dans sa partie centrale un orifice (14a) à travers lequel passe une tige (26) du poussoir.Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring element (14) has in its central part an orifice (14a) through which a rod (26) of the pusher passes. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite paire de zones d'appui (36) est située sur une face concave (14c), et la zone médiane (38) sur une face convexe (14d) de l'élément à ressort.Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pair of bearing zones (36) is located on a concave face (14c), and the middle zone (38) on a convex face (14d) of the spring element. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que la face concave (14c) de l'élément à ressort (14) est en appui contre le support (10), et en ce que la face convexe (14d) dudit élément à ressort (14) est en appui contre le poussoir (12).Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the concave face (14c) of the spring element (14) bears against the support (10), and in that the convex face (14d) of said spring element ( 14) bears against the pusher (12). Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que l'élément à ressort (14) comporte des découpes (14b) au voisinage de ses extrémités opposées et en ce que le poussoir comporte des protubérances (28c) engagées dans lesdites découpes pour assurer un positionnement relatif de l'élément à ressort et du poussoir.Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the spring element (14) has cutouts (14b) in the vicinity of its opposite ends and in that the pusher has protrusions (28c) engaged in said cutouts to ensure positioning relative of the spring element and the pusher. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 4 à 6, caractérisé en ce que l'élément à ressort (14) est symétrique par rapport à son plan longitudinal passant par l'axe du poussoir.Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the spring element (14) is symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal plane passing through the axis of the pusher. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 4 à 7, caractérisé en ce que l'élément à ressort comporte deux parois planes reliées entre elles par une portion arrondie.Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the spring element comprises two flat walls connected to each other by a rounded portion. Montre comportant une boíte (10) et un dispositif de commande selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que : la boíte (10) forme le support du dispositif de commande; le poussoir (12) comporte une tête (28), disposée à l'extérieur de la boíte, et une tige (26) engagée de manière coulissante dans un trou (22) de la boíte et débouchant à l'intérieur (28) de cette dernière; et l'élément à ressort (14) est disposé dans un évidement (24) d'une face extérieure de la boíte (10) et coopère avec une tête (28) du poussoir (12). Watch comprising a case (10) and a control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that : the box (10) forms the support of the control device; the pusher (12) comprises a head (28), disposed outside the box, and a rod (26) slidably engaged in a hole (22) in the box and opening out inside (28) the latter; and the spring element (14) is disposed in a recess (24) on an outer face of the box (10) and cooperates with a head (28) of the pusher (12). Montre selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que la tête (28) du poussoir et l'élément à ressort (14) ont tous deux une forme allongée, notamment ovale.Watch according to claim 9, characterized in that the head (28) of the pusher and the spring element (14) both have an elongated shape, in particular an oval shape.
    EP00202007A 2000-06-07 2000-06-07 Snap-action actuating device and watch provided with such a device Expired - Lifetime EP1162521B1 (en)

    Priority Applications (4)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    ES00202007T ES2340355T3 (en) 2000-06-07 2000-06-07 RATCHET CONTROL AND WATCH DEVICE PROVIDED WITH SUCH DEVICE.
    DE60044023T DE60044023D1 (en) 2000-06-07 2000-06-07 Snap action actuator and clock equipped with such a device
    AT00202007T ATE461472T1 (en) 2000-06-07 2000-06-07 ACTUATING DEVICE WITH SNAP EFFECT AND WATCH EQUIPPED WITH SUCH DEVICE
    EP00202007A EP1162521B1 (en) 2000-06-07 2000-06-07 Snap-action actuating device and watch provided with such a device

    Applications Claiming Priority (1)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    EP00202007A EP1162521B1 (en) 2000-06-07 2000-06-07 Snap-action actuating device and watch provided with such a device

    Publications (2)

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    EP1162521A1 true EP1162521A1 (en) 2001-12-12
    EP1162521B1 EP1162521B1 (en) 2010-03-17

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    EP00202007A Expired - Lifetime EP1162521B1 (en) 2000-06-07 2000-06-07 Snap-action actuating device and watch provided with such a device

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    EP (1) EP1162521B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE461472T1 (en)
    DE (1) DE60044023D1 (en)
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    EP1589552A1 (en) * 2004-04-21 2005-10-26 Hosiden Corporation Push-on Switch
    CN100501890C (en) * 2004-04-21 2009-06-17 星电株式会社 Push-on switch
    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

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    FR2335930A1 (en) * 1975-12-20 1977-07-15 Telefonbau & Normalzeit Gmbh Electrical pushbutton switch for romote control system - has deflecting strip making contact with printed circuit conductors
    US4234769A (en) 1978-02-22 1980-11-18 Aktieselskabet Mec Mekanisk Elektrisk Compagni Af 1975 Electrical switch having a floating bridge member
    CH629647GA3 (en) 1978-03-24 1982-05-14
    US5075524A (en) 1989-08-30 1991-12-24 Stocko Metallwarenfabriken Henkels Und Sohn Gmbh & Co. Electric pushbutton switch

    Cited By (6)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    FR2851845A1 (en) * 2003-02-27 2004-09-03 Itt Mfg Enterprises Inc SWITCHING DEVICE THAT CAN BE EQUIPPED WITH A CENTRAL LIGHT SOURCE, AND KEYBOARD KEY OF AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A SWITCHING DEVICE.
    WO2004077474A1 (en) * 2003-02-27 2004-09-10 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises Inc. A switch device capable of being fitted with a central light source, and a keypad key for electrical equipment including such a switch device
    EP1589552A1 (en) * 2004-04-21 2005-10-26 Hosiden Corporation Push-on Switch
    US6995324B2 (en) 2004-04-21 2006-02-07 Hosiden Corporation Push-on switch
    CN100501890C (en) * 2004-04-21 2009-06-17 星电株式会社 Push-on switch
    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
    DE60044023D1 (en) 2010-04-29
    EP1162521B1 (en) 2010-03-17
    ATE461472T1 (en) 2010-04-15
    ES2340355T3 (en) 2010-06-02

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