EP2251883B1 - Arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board and associated assembly method - Google Patents

Arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board and associated assembly method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2251883B1
EP2251883B1 EP20090160304 EP09160304A EP2251883B1 EP 2251883 B1 EP2251883 B1 EP 2251883B1 EP 20090160304 EP20090160304 EP 20090160304 EP 09160304 A EP09160304 A EP 09160304A EP 2251883 B1 EP2251883 B1 EP 2251883B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit board
printed circuit
conductive plate
arrangement
contact
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP20090160304
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2251883A1 (en
Inventor
Hassan Bahman
Jean-Pierre Le Solleu
Roland Lobstein
Kiran Kumar Gadhamsetty
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Delphi Technologies Inc
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Delphi Technologies Inc
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Publication date
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Priority to EP20090160304 priority Critical patent/EP2251883B1/en
Publication of EP2251883A1 publication Critical patent/EP2251883A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2251883B1 publication Critical patent/EP2251883B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H15/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for actuation in opposite directions, e.g. slide switch
    • H01H15/02—Details
    • H01H15/06—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H15/10—Operating parts
    • H01H15/102—Operating parts comprising cam devices
    • 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
    • H01H1/24—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting with resilient mounting
    • H01H1/26—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting with resilient mounting with spring blade support

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board, in particular a switch controlled by a lever in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.
  • the present invention more particularly relates to the arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board in a so-called top-of-column module, that is to say a module assembled at the top of the steering column of a motor vehicle. and grouping together a set of functions such as the electronic control of the indicators of change of direction of the vehicle.
  • the steering indicators are controlled by means of a pivoting control lever relative to a fixed plate of the top column module.
  • the control lever has a gripping end for the user and an opposite end which serves to actuate the switch associated with the change of direction indicators.
  • This type of arrangement may be subject to reliability issues.
  • the repetition of the sliding of the conductive blades on the contact tracks tends to cause rapid wear of the contact tracks, which leads to a decrease in the quality of the electrical contact, therefore to a lower reliability of the switching and which limits the lifetime of the switch.
  • the manufacturers can increase the thickness of deposition of the conductive material on the contact tracks, but this increases the manufacturing costs of the switch.
  • the document DE 2 321 993 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention proposes the arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board comprising at least one electrical connection terminal and an electrical contact pad, the switch comprising at least a first and a second switching state, the first switching state corresponding to an open state of the electrical circuit between the terminal and the contact pad and the second switching state corresponding to a closed state of the electrical circuit between the terminal and the contact pad, wherein an actuator is provided for actuating an intermediate electrical contact member for controlling the switch in one of its two switching states, of the type in which the intermediate electrical contact member is constituted by a conductive plate which is fixed on the circuit board printed, said conductive plate having a fixed portion in electrical contact with the terminal and a flexible portion whose flexure The actuation is controlled by the actuator so that, in the closed state of the electrical circuit, the flexible portion is in electrical contact with the contact pad, characterized in that the conductive plate is supported on the printed circuit board by intermediate the fixed portion and at least one support leg, the fixed portion and the support leg being
  • An important advantage of the arrangement according to the invention is that it is very insensitive to wear and mechanical fatigue since there is no friction of the intermediate electrical contact member on the contact pads. contact of the printed circuit board. The reliability of the electrical contact is thus improved.
  • the arrangement according to the invention makes use of components that are easier to manufacture and to assemble.
  • the conductive plate can be easily achieved at low cost by implementing simple manufacturing techniques such as cutting, stamping, and stamping.
  • it can be assembled at low cost by a brazing or bonding process identical to that used to mount electronic components on the printed circuit board. This type of mounting is called Surface Mount Technology and allows the mounting of electronic components on the surface of the printed circuit board without the need for plate piercing and through-legs for the components.
  • the support bracket both ensures a minimum height between the flexible portion and the printed circuit board, and ensures a stable and accurate position of the conductive plate on the printed circuit board.
  • Another advantage of the arrangement according to the invention is that it eliminates the assembly of a sliding carriage on the printed circuit board which greatly simplifies the assembly operations of the switch.
  • the support lug is in electrical contact with a contact pad of the printed circuit board, which makes it possible to use the same fixing technology as for the fixed portion on the connection terminal.
  • the fixed portion and the leg of each support comprises at least one bearing section which is intended to be pressed against the printed circuit board.
  • the flexible portion is constituted by at least one elastically deformable blade, said deformable blade having a bump-shaped section above the printed circuit board and an electrical contact section.
  • the actuator has a control surface that is adapted to move over the printed circuit board in a plane substantially parallel to the plate so that, to switch the switch from its open state to its closed state, the control surface bears against the bump-shaped section and causes the deformable blade to bend towards the printed circuit board, against an elastic return force, until the contact section arrives in support against the associated contact area.
  • the actuator comprises a carriage slidably mounted in a direction of sliding substantially parallel to the printed circuit board and the control surface is made of a single piece with the cart.
  • the carriage is simple to manufacture since it does not have to wear electrical contact elements and it can be made in one piece.
  • the actuator comprises a lever pivotally mounted about an axis substantially orthogonal to the printed circuit board, and the control surface is made in one piece with the lever.
  • the lever can directly control the switching of the switch by dispensing with the use of a sliding carriage which reduces the number of parts and facilitates assembly operations.
  • the conductive plate comprises at least one auxiliary flexible portion which is designed to come into contact with an associated auxiliary contact pad of the printed circuit board when the actuator occupies a third position.
  • actuator corresponding to a third switching state. It is thus possible to increase the number of switching states since a first switching state is obtained when the main flexible portion is in contact with its contact pad, a second switching state when the auxiliary flexible portion is in contact with its range. contact, and a third switching state when the two flexible portions are in contact with their respective contact pads.
  • each flexible portion comprises at least two elastically deformable blades.
  • redundancy is created in the electrical contact members which makes it possible to overcome any breakage of one of the blades used for the electrical contact, or a defect in the electrical contact between one of the blades and the associated contact area. .
  • the arrangement according to the invention is thus more reliable, more tolerant with regard to manufacturing defects, and it offers a better resistance to wear.
  • the fixing material is deposited on a contact pad associated with the support lug
  • the tab the support material is brought into contact with the fastening material deposited on the associated contact pad, and the treatment of the fastening material causes adhesion of the support pad on the associated contact pad.
  • the fixing material is deposited on at least one location intended to receive an electronic component
  • the electronic component is arranged on the location, and treatment of the fastening material causes adhesion of the electronic component to the printed circuit board.
  • the fixing material is a solder paste and the fixing is obtained by soldering after melting of the solder paste.
  • the fixing material is an adhesive
  • the assembly method according to the invention has the particular advantage of allowing the assembly and electrical connection of the conductive plate on the printed circuit board in the same manner as a conventional electronic component SMT type. This joining technique is proven. It brings great reliability and ease of implementation.
  • the conductive plate may be packaged in the same form as certain electronic components, that is to say in the form of a plastic tape containing a series of identical conductive plates ready to be assembled on printed circuit boards. . This avoids contamination of the conductive plate by dust during handling.
  • switch will be used even when the operation corresponds to that of a switch.
  • the carriage 84 has three control surfaces 88, 90, 92 constituted by three bosses offset longitudinally relative to each other and arranged vis-à-vis the printed circuit board 36. Each boss here has a semi-cylindrical shape transverse axis.
  • the first boss 88 is aligned longitudinally with the main flexible portion 50 so that, when the carriage 84 occupies a first longitudinal switching position, only the main flexible portion 50 is in contact with its main contact area 44.
  • the second boss 90 is aligned longitudinally with the auxiliary flexible portion 80 so that, when the carriage 84 occupies a second longitudinal switching position, only the auxiliary flexible portion 80 is in contact with its auxiliary contact pad 82.

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  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUETECHNICAL AREA

La présente invention concerne l'agencement d'un commutateur sur une plaque à circuits imprimés, notamment un commutateur commandé par un levier dans un habitacle de véhicule automobile.The present invention relates to the arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board, in particular a switch controlled by a lever in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

ARRIERE-PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUE DE L'INVENTIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention concerne plus particulièrement l'agencement d'un commutateur sur une plaque à circuits imprimés dans un module dit de haut de colonne, c'est-à-dire un module assemblé en haut de la colonne de direction d'un véhicule automobile et regroupant un ensemble de fonctions telles que la commande électronique des indicateurs de changement de direction du véhicule.The present invention more particularly relates to the arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board in a so-called top-of-column module, that is to say a module assembled at the top of the steering column of a motor vehicle. and grouping together a set of functions such as the electronic control of the indicators of change of direction of the vehicle.

Généralement, la commande des indicateurs de direction est réalisée au moyen d'un levier de commande pivotant par rapport à une platine fixe du module de haut de colonne. Le levier de commande comporte une extrémité de préhension pour l'utilisateur et une extrémité opposée qui sert à actionner le commutateur associé aux indicateurs de changement de direction.Generally, the steering indicators are controlled by means of a pivoting control lever relative to a fixed plate of the top column module. The control lever has a gripping end for the user and an opposite end which serves to actuate the switch associated with the change of direction indicators.

Sur la figure 1, on a représenté un exemple d'agencement 10 de type connu pour un commutateur 12 associé aux indicateurs de changement de direction. Selon cet agencement 10, le commutateur 12 comporte un chariot 14 qui coulisse suivant une direction longitudinale par rapport à une plaque à circuits imprimés 16 agencée sur une platine 18. Un support 20 formant glissière est monté sur la plaque à circuits imprimés 16 et le chariot 14 est monté coulissant dans la glissière. L'extrémité d'actionnement du levier de commande (non représenté) est prévue pour être articulée sur un pion 21 formé sur le chariot 14. Le chariot 14 porte un organe de contact électrique intermédiaire 22 comportant deux lames métalliques conductrices 24, 26 qui glissent sur des pistes conductrices 28, 30, 31 agencées sur la surface supérieure de la plaque à circuits imprimés 16. Les lames métalliques 24, 26 coopèrent par contact électrique avec les pistes 28, 30, 31 pour produire plusieurs états de commutation.On the figure 1 , there is shown an example of arrangement 10 of known type for a switch 12 associated with the change of direction indicators. According to this arrangement 10, the switch 12 comprises a carriage 14 which slides in a longitudinal direction with respect to a printed circuit board 16 arranged on a plate 18. A support 20 forming a slide is mounted on the printed circuit board 16 and the carriage 14 is slidably mounted in the slide. The operating end of the control lever (not shown) is provided to be articulated on a pin 21 formed on the carriage 14. The carriage 14 carries an intermediate electrical contact member 22 comprising two conductive metal blades 24, 26 which slide on conductive tracks 28, 30, 31 arranged on the upper surface of the printed circuit board 16. The metal blades 24, 26 cooperate by electrical contact with the tracks 28, 30, 31 to produce a plurality of switching states.

Ce type d'agencement peut être sujet à des problèmes de fiabilité. En effet, la répétition du glissement des lames conductrices sur les pistes de contact tend à provoquer une usure rapide des pistes de contact, ce qui conduit à une baisse de la qualité du contact électrique donc à une moindre fiabilité de la commutation et ce qui limite la durée de vie du commutateur. Pour limiter l'usure des pistes de contact, les fabricants peuvent augmenter l'épaisseur de dépôt du matériau conducteur sur les pistes de contact mais cela augmente les coûts de fabrication du commutateur.This type of arrangement may be subject to reliability issues. In indeed, the repetition of the sliding of the conductive blades on the contact tracks tends to cause rapid wear of the contact tracks, which leads to a decrease in the quality of the electrical contact, therefore to a lower reliability of the switching and which limits the lifetime of the switch. To limit the wear of the contact tracks, the manufacturers can increase the thickness of deposition of the conductive material on the contact tracks, but this increases the manufacturing costs of the switch.

Par ailleurs, ce type d'agencement nécessite de nombreuses opérations d'assemblage puisqu'il est nécessaire de monter les lames conductrices sur le chariot puis de monter le support à glissière sur la plaque à circuits imprimés, puis de monter le chariot dans la glissière. Dans le cas d'un module de haut de colonne, l'assemblage de ces différentes pièces est rendu particulièrement difficile par les faibles dimensions des pièces et le peu d'espace disponible sur la platine.Furthermore, this type of arrangement requires many assembly operations since it is necessary to mount the conductive blades on the carriage and then mount the slide support on the printed circuit board, then mount the carriage in the slide . In the case of a column top module, the assembly of these different parts is made particularly difficult by the small dimensions of the parts and the limited space available on the plate.

Le document DE 2 321 993 décrit un dispositif selon le préambule de la revendication 1.The document DE 2 321 993 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

RESUME DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention vise à remédier aux problèmes mentionnés précédemment. Dans ce but, l'invention propose l'agencement d'un commutateur sur une plaque à circuits imprimés comportant au moins une borne de connexion électrique et une plage de contact électrique, le commutateur comportant au moins un premier et un second états de commutation, le premier état de commutation correspondant à un état ouvert du circuit électrique entre la borne et la plage de contact et le second état de commutation correspondant à un état fermé du circuit électrique entre la borne et la plage de contact, dans lequel un actionneur est prévu pour actionner un organe de contact électrique intermédiaire en vue de commander le commutateur dans l'un de ses deux états de commutation, du type dans lequel l'organe de contact électrique intermédiaire est constitué par une plaque conductrice qui est fixée sur la plaque à circuits imprimés, ladite plaque conductrice comportant une portion fixe en contact électrique avec la borne et une portion flexible dont le fléchissement est commandé par l'actionneur de manière que, dans l'état fermé du circuit électrique, la portion flexible est en contact électrique avec la plage de contact, caractérisé en ce que la plaque conductrice s'appuie sur la plaque à circuits imprimés par l'intermédiaire de la portion fixe et d'au moins une patte de support, la portion fixe et la patte de support étant agencées de part et d'autre d'une portion intermédiaire de la plaque conductrice qui s'étend au-dessus de la plaque à circuits imprimés, la portion flexible étant formée dans le prolongement de la portion intermédiaire vers une extrémité de la plaque conductrice, et en ce que la plaque conductrice est fixée sur la plaque à circuits imprimés par une technologie de montage en surface.The present invention aims to remedy the problems mentioned above. For this purpose, the invention proposes the arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board comprising at least one electrical connection terminal and an electrical contact pad, the switch comprising at least a first and a second switching state, the first switching state corresponding to an open state of the electrical circuit between the terminal and the contact pad and the second switching state corresponding to a closed state of the electrical circuit between the terminal and the contact pad, wherein an actuator is provided for actuating an intermediate electrical contact member for controlling the switch in one of its two switching states, of the type in which the intermediate electrical contact member is constituted by a conductive plate which is fixed on the circuit board printed, said conductive plate having a fixed portion in electrical contact with the terminal and a flexible portion whose flexure The actuation is controlled by the actuator so that, in the closed state of the electrical circuit, the flexible portion is in electrical contact with the contact pad, characterized in that the conductive plate is supported on the printed circuit board by intermediate the fixed portion and at least one support leg, the fixed portion and the support leg being arranged on either side of an intermediate portion of the conductive plate which extends above the printed circuit board, the flexible portion being formed in the extension of the intermediate portion towards one end of the conductive plate, and in that the conductive plate is fixed to the printed circuit board by surface mount technology.

Un avantage important de l'agencement selon l'invention est qu'il est très peu sensible à l'usure et à la fatigue mécanique puisqu'il n'y a pas de frottement de l'organe de contact électrique intermédiaire sur les plages de contact de la plaque à circuits imprimés. La fiabilité du contact électrique est ainsi améliorée.An important advantage of the arrangement according to the invention is that it is very insensitive to wear and mechanical fatigue since there is no friction of the intermediate electrical contact member on the contact pads. contact of the printed circuit board. The reliability of the electrical contact is thus improved.

Par ailleurs, l'agencement selon l'invention fait appel à des composants plus faciles à fabriquer et à assembler. En particulier, la plaque conductrice peut être réalisée facilement à faible coût en mettant en oeuvre des techniques de fabrication simples telles que le découpage, l'estampage, et l'emboutissage. De plus, elle peut être assemblée à faible coût par un procédé de brasage ou de collage identique à celui utilisé pour monter des composants électroniques sur la plaque à circuits imprimés. Ce type de montage est appelé technologie de montage en surface (Surface Mount Technology) et permet le montage de composants électroniques en surface sur la plaque à circuits imprimés sans nécessiter de perçage de la plaque et de pattes traversantes pour les composants.Moreover, the arrangement according to the invention makes use of components that are easier to manufacture and to assemble. In particular, the conductive plate can be easily achieved at low cost by implementing simple manufacturing techniques such as cutting, stamping, and stamping. In addition, it can be assembled at low cost by a brazing or bonding process identical to that used to mount electronic components on the printed circuit board. This type of mounting is called Surface Mount Technology and allows the mounting of electronic components on the surface of the printed circuit board without the need for plate piercing and through-legs for the components.

La patte de support permet à la fois de garantir une hauteur minimale entre la portion flexible et la plaque à circuits imprimés, et de garantir une position stable et précise de la plaque conductrice sur la plaque à circuits imprimés.The support bracket both ensures a minimum height between the flexible portion and the printed circuit board, and ensures a stable and accurate position of the conductive plate on the printed circuit board.

Un autre avantage de l'agencement selon l'invention est qu'il permet de s'affranchir de l'assemblage d'un chariot coulissant sur la plaque à circuits imprimés ce qui simplifie grandement les opérations d'assemblage du commutateur.Another advantage of the arrangement according to the invention is that it eliminates the assembly of a sliding carriage on the printed circuit board which greatly simplifies the assembly operations of the switch.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, la patte de support est en contact électrique avec une plage de contact de la plaque à circuits imprimés, ce qui permet d'utiliser la même technologie de fixation que pour la portion fixe sur la borne de connexion. Pour faciliter leur fixation, la portion fixe et la patte de support comportent chacune au moins un tronçon d'appui qui est prévu pour être plaqué contre la plaque à circuits imprimés.According to an advantageous embodiment, the support lug is in electrical contact with a contact pad of the printed circuit board, which makes it possible to use the same fixing technology as for the fixed portion on the connection terminal. To facilitate their fixing, the fixed portion and the leg of each support comprises at least one bearing section which is intended to be pressed against the printed circuit board.

Avantageusement, la portion intermédiaire s'étend globalement parallèlement à la plaque à circuits imprimés. Cette portion intermédiaire sensiblement plane permet de faciliter la préhension de la plaque conductrice par un outillage robotisé lors des opérations de montage, notamment par un outillage à ventouse ou à électroaimant.Advantageously, the intermediate portion extends generally parallel to the printed circuit board. This substantially flat intermediate portion facilitates the gripping of the conductive plate by robotic tooling during assembly operations, in particular by suction or electromagnet tooling.

De préférence, la plaque conductrice comporte :

  • un bord d'extrémité proximale qui est fixé sur la borne de connexion et qui s'étend sensiblement parallèlement à la plaque à circuits imprimés pour former la portion fixe,
  • une portion de liaison qui est liée au bord d'extrémité proximale par un premier pli, qui s'étend dans un plan sécant par rapport au plan de la plaque à circuits imprimés, et qui est liée à la portion intermédiaire par un second pli,
et la portion flexible est formée dans le prolongement de la portion intermédiaire vers l'extrémité distale de la plaque conductrice du côté opposé à la portion fixe.Preferably, the conductive plate comprises:
  • a proximal end edge which is attached to the connection terminal and which extends substantially parallel to the printed circuit board to form the fixed portion,
  • a connecting portion which is bonded to the proximal end edge by a first fold, which extends in a plane intersecting the plane of the printed circuit board, and which is bonded to the intermediate portion by a second fold,
and the flexible portion is formed in the extension of the intermediate portion to the distal end of the conductive plate on the opposite side to the fixed portion.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, la portion flexible est constituée par au moins une lame déformable élastiquement, ladite lame déformable comportant un tronçon en forme de bosse au dessus de la plaque à circuits imprimés et un tronçon de contact électrique. L'actionneur comporte une surface de commande qui est prévue pour se déplacer au-dessus de la plaque à circuits imprimés dans un plan sensiblement parallèle à la plaque de manière que, pour faire basculer le commutateur de son état ouvert à son état fermé, la surface de commande vient en appui contre le tronçon en forme de bosse et provoque le fléchissement de la lame déformable vers la plaque à circuits imprimés, à l'encontre d'un effort de rappel élastique, jusqu'à ce que le tronçon de contact vienne en appui contre la plage de contact associée. Ce mode de réalisation permet notamment un faible encombrement en hauteur au-dessus de la plaque à circuits imprimés.According to an advantageous embodiment, the flexible portion is constituted by at least one elastically deformable blade, said deformable blade having a bump-shaped section above the printed circuit board and an electrical contact section. The actuator has a control surface that is adapted to move over the printed circuit board in a plane substantially parallel to the plate so that, to switch the switch from its open state to its closed state, the control surface bears against the bump-shaped section and causes the deformable blade to bend towards the printed circuit board, against an elastic return force, until the contact section arrives in support against the associated contact area. This embodiment in particular allows a small height requirement above the printed circuit board.

Selon une variante de l'invention, l'actionneur comporte un chariot monté coulissant suivant une direction de coulissement sensiblement parallèle à la plaque à circuits imprimés et la surface de commande est réalisée d'une seule pièce avec le chariot. Ainsi, le chariot est simple à fabriquer puisqu'il n'a pas à porter des éléments de contact électrique et il peut être réalisé d'une seule pièce.According to a variant of the invention, the actuator comprises a carriage slidably mounted in a direction of sliding substantially parallel to the printed circuit board and the control surface is made of a single piece with the cart. Thus, the carriage is simple to manufacture since it does not have to wear electrical contact elements and it can be made in one piece.

Selon une autre variante de l'invention, l'actionneur comporte un levier monté pivotant autour d'un axe sensiblement orthogonal à la plaque à circuits imprimés, et la surface de commande est réalisée d'une seule pièce avec le levier. Ainsi, le levier peut commander directement le basculement du commutateur en s'affranchissant de l'utilisation d'un chariot coulissant ce qui diminue le nombre de pièces et facilite les opérations d'assemblage.According to another variant of the invention, the actuator comprises a lever pivotally mounted about an axis substantially orthogonal to the printed circuit board, and the control surface is made in one piece with the lever. Thus, the lever can directly control the switching of the switch by dispensing with the use of a sliding carriage which reduces the number of parts and facilitates assembly operations.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation avantageux de l'invention, la plaque conductrice comporte au moins une portion flexible auxiliaire qui est prévue pour venir en contact avec une plage de contact auxiliaire associée de la plaque à circuits imprimés lorsque l'actionneur occupe une troisième position d'actionnement correspondant à un troisième état de commutation. On peut ainsi augmenter le nombre d'états de commutation puisqu'on obtient un premier état de commutation lorsque la portion flexible principale est en contact avec sa plage de contact, un second état de commutation lorsque la portion flexible auxiliaire est en contact avec sa plage de contact, et un troisième état de commutation lorsque les deux portions flexibles sont en contact avec leurs plages de contact respectives.According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the conductive plate comprises at least one auxiliary flexible portion which is designed to come into contact with an associated auxiliary contact pad of the printed circuit board when the actuator occupies a third position. actuator corresponding to a third switching state. It is thus possible to increase the number of switching states since a first switching state is obtained when the main flexible portion is in contact with its contact pad, a second switching state when the auxiliary flexible portion is in contact with its range. contact, and a third switching state when the two flexible portions are in contact with their respective contact pads.

De préférence, chaque portion flexible comporte au moins deux lames déformables élastiquement. Ainsi, on crée une redondance dans les organes de contact électrique qui permet de pallier à un éventuel bris d'une des lames servant au contact électrique, ou à un défaut dans le contact électrique entre l'une des lames et la plage de contact associée. L'agencement selon l'invention est ainsi plus fiable, plus tolérant vis-à-vis des défauts de fabrication, et il offre une meilleure résistance à l'usure.Preferably, each flexible portion comprises at least two elastically deformable blades. Thus, redundancy is created in the electrical contact members which makes it possible to overcome any breakage of one of the blades used for the electrical contact, or a defect in the electrical contact between one of the blades and the associated contact area. . The arrangement according to the invention is thus more reliable, more tolerant with regard to manufacturing defects, and it offers a better resistance to wear.

La présente invention propose aussi une méthode d'assemblage d'un agencement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte les étapes suivantes :

  • dépôt d'un matériau de fixation sur la borne de connexion de la plaque à circuits imprimés,
  • mise en place de la plaque conductrice sur la plaque à circuits imprimés de manière que la portion fixe soit en contact avec le matériau de fixation déposé sur la borne de connexion,
  • traitement du matériau de fixation déposé sur la plaque à circuits imprimés de manière à fixer la plaque conductrice sur la plaque à circuits imprimés par adhésion de la portion fixe sur la borne de connexion au moyen du matériau de fixation.
The present invention also proposes a method of assembling an arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
  • deposition of a fixing material on the connection terminal of the printed circuit board,
  • placing the conductive plate on the printed circuit board so that the fixed portion is in contact with the fastening material deposited on the connection terminal,
  • treating the fixing material deposited on the printed circuit board so as to fix the conductive plate on the printed circuit board by adhering the fixed portion to the connection terminal by means of the fixing material.

Avantageusement, au cours de l'étape de dépôt du matériau de fixation, le matériau de fixation est déposé sur une plage de contact associée à la patte de support, au cours de l'étape de mise en place de la plaque conductrice, la patte de support est mise en contact avec le matériau de fixation déposé sur la plage de contact associée, et le traitement du matériau de fixation provoque l'adhésion de la patte de support sur la plage de contact associée.Advantageously, during the deposition step of the fixing material, the fixing material is deposited on a contact pad associated with the support lug, during the step of placing the conductive plate, the tab the support material is brought into contact with the fastening material deposited on the associated contact pad, and the treatment of the fastening material causes adhesion of the support pad on the associated contact pad.

Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse, au cours de l'étape de dépôt, le matériau de fixation est déposé sur au moins un emplacement destiné à recevoir un composant électronique, au cours de l'étape de mise en place, le composant électronique est disposé sur l'emplacement, et le traitement du matériau de fixation provoque l'adhésion du composant électronique sur la plaque à circuits imprimés.According to another advantageous characteristic, during the deposition step, the fixing material is deposited on at least one location intended to receive an electronic component, during the placing step, the electronic component is arranged on the location, and treatment of the fastening material causes adhesion of the electronic component to the printed circuit board.

De préférence, le matériau de fixation est une pâte à braser et la fixation est obtenue par brasage après fusion de la pâte à braser.Preferably, the fixing material is a solder paste and the fixing is obtained by soldering after melting of the solder paste.

Selon une variante du procédé selon l'invention, le matériau de fixation est une colle.According to a variant of the method according to the invention, the fixing material is an adhesive.

La méthode d'assemblage selon l'invention présente notamment l'avantage de permettre l'assemblage et le raccordement électrique de la plaque conductrice sur la plaque à circuits imprimés de la même manière qu'un composant électronique classique de type SMT. Cette technique d'assemblage est éprouvée. Elle apporte une grande fiabilité et une grande facilité de mise en oeuvre.The assembly method according to the invention has the particular advantage of allowing the assembly and electrical connection of the conductive plate on the printed circuit board in the same manner as a conventional electronic component SMT type. This joining technique is proven. It brings great reliability and ease of implementation.

Avantageusement, la plaque conductrice peut être conditionnée sous la même forme que certains composants électroniques c'est-à-dire sous la forme d'un ruban en matière plastique contenant une série de plaques conductrices identiques prêtes à être assemblées sur des plaques à circuits imprimés. Cela permet d'éviter la contamination de la plaque conductrice par des poussières lors de manipulations.Advantageously, the conductive plate may be packaged in the same form as certain electronic components, that is to say in the form of a plastic tape containing a series of identical conductive plates ready to be assembled on printed circuit boards. . This avoids contamination of the conductive plate by dust during handling.

De préférence, l'assemblage de la plaque conductrice se fait de manière robotisée sur la chaîne de montage des composants électroniques, donc dans une atmosphère contrôlée, ce qui permet d'éviter les manipulations manuelles susceptibles de contaminer la plaque à circuits imprimés.Preferably, the assembly of the conductive plate is done robotically on the assembly line of the electronic components, therefore in a controlled atmosphere, which avoids manual manipulations likely to contaminate the printed circuit board.

De plus, la qualité de la connexion électrique de la plaque conductrice sur la plaque à circuits imprimés peut être testée in situ de la même manière que pour les composants électroniques.In addition, the quality of the electrical connection of the conductive plate to the printed circuit board can be tested in situ in the same way as for the electronic components.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINSBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

D'autres caractéristiques, buts et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, et en regard des dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemple non limitatif et sur lesquels:

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective qui représente schématiquement l'agencement d'un commutateur selon l'état de la technique ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective qui représente schématiquement l'agencement d'un commutateur sur une plaque à circuits imprimés comprenant un levier de commande et réalisé selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale suivant le plan P1 qui représente l'agencement de la figure 2 et les états de commutation du commutateur,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective similaire à celle de la figure 2 qui représente schématiquement l'agencement d'un commutateur actionné par un chariot coulissant selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe longitudinale suivant le plan P2 qui représente l'agencement de la figure 4 et les états de commutation du commutateur.
Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting example and in which:
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view which schematically shows the arrangement of a switch according to the state of the art;
  • the figure 2 is a perspective view which schematically shows the arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board comprising a control lever and realized according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view along the plane P1 which represents the arrangement of the figure 2 and switch states of the switch,
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view similar to that of the figure 2 which schematically represents the arrangement of a switch actuated by a sliding carriage according to a second embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view along the plane P2 which represents the arrangement of the figure 4 and switch states of the switch.

DESCRIPTION DES MODES DE REALISATION PREFERESDESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Dans la suite de la description on utilisera à titre non limitatif une orientation suivant les directions verticale, longitudinale, et transversale conformément au repère V, L, T représenté sur les figures. Des éléments identiques ou similaires seront désignés par les mêmes références.In the following description will be used without limitation an orientation along the vertical, longitudinal, and transverse directions according to the V, L, T mark shown in the figures. Identical or similar elements will be designated by the same references.

Sur les figures 2 et 3, on a représenté l'agencement 32 d'un commutateur 34 sur une plaque à circuits imprimés 36 conformément à un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.On the Figures 2 and 3 , there is shown the arrangement 32 of a switch 34 on a printed circuit board 36 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Dans la suite de la description, on utilisera le terme de commutateur y compris lorsque le fonctionnement correspond celui d'un interrupteur.In the remainder of the description, the term "switch" will be used even when the operation corresponds to that of a switch.

La plaque à circuits imprimés 36 est par exemple fixée sur une platine 38 appartenant au module de haut de colonne d'un véhicule automobile (non représenté). La face supérieure 40 de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36 est munie d'une borne 42 de connexion électrique et d'une plage principale de contact électrique 44 qui sont réalisés sous la forme de pistes conductrices, ici de formes rectangulaires. La face supérieure 40 comporte aussi un composant électronique 41 du type SMT qui est brasé et connecté en surface sur des pistes conductrices 43 associées formant un emplacement adapté au composant électronique 41.The printed circuit board 36 is for example fixed on a plate 38 belonging to the top column module of a motor vehicle (not shown). The upper face 40 of the printed circuit board 36 is provided with an electrical connection terminal 42 and a main electrical contact area 44 which are in the form of conductive tracks, here of rectangular shapes. The upper face 40 also comprises an electronic component 41 of the SMT type which is soldered and surface-connected on associated conductive tracks 43 forming a location adapted to the electronic component 41.

Conformément aux enseignements de l'invention, un organe de contact électrique intermédiaire 46 réalisé sous la forme d'une plaque conductrice est fixé sur la face supérieure 40 de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36. La plaque conductrice 46 comporte une portion fixe 48 en contact électrique avec la borne 42 et une portion flexible 50 susceptible de se déformer élastiquement de manière à provoquer le basculement du commutateur 34 entre un état de commutation ouvert et un état de commutation fermé, correspondant respectivement à l'ouverture du circuit électrique entre la borne 42 et la plage principale 44, et à la fermeture du circuit électrique entre la borne 42 et la plage principale 44. Dans l'état ouvert, la portion flexible 50 n'est pas en contact avec la plage principale 44, comme représenté en trait fort sur la figure 3, alors que dans l'état fermé, la portion flexible 50 est en contact électrique avec la plage principale 44, comme représenté en trait interrompu sur la figure 3.According to the teachings of the invention, an intermediate electrical contact member 46 made in the form of a conductive plate is fixed on the upper face 40 of the printed circuit board 36. The conductive plate 46 has a fixed portion 48 in contact with each other. with the terminal 42 and a flexible portion 50 capable of elastically deforming so as to cause the switch 34 to switch between an open switching state and a closed switching state, respectively corresponding to the opening of the electrical circuit between the terminal 42 and the main range 44, and closing the electrical circuit between the terminal 42 and the main beach 44. In the open state, the flexible portion 50 is not in contact with the main beach 44, as shown in strong lines on the figure 3 , while in the closed state, the flexible portion 50 is in electrical contact with the main pad 44, as shown in broken line on the figure 3 .

Le fléchissement de la portion flexible 50 est commandé par un actionneur 52 constitué ici d'un levier de commande 54 monté pivotant sur la platine 38 autour d'un axe de pivotement A1 orthogonal à la plaque à circuits imprimés 36.The deflection of the flexible portion 50 is controlled by an actuator 52 consisting here of a control lever 54 pivotally mounted on the plate 38 about a pivot axis A1 orthogonal to the printed circuit board 36.

Selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, la plaque conductrice 46 est réalisée en métal et elle a une forme globalement rectangulaire. En suivant la direction longitudinale L, de la gauche vers la droite en considérant la figure 3, la plaque conductrice 46 comporte :

  • un bord d'extrémité proximale 56 qui est brasé sur la borne 42, qui s'étend sensiblement parallèlement à la plaque à circuits imprimés 36, et qui appartient à la portion fixe 48,
  • une portion de liaison 58 qui est liée au bord d'extrémité proximale 56 par un premier pli 60 et qui s'étend dans un plan globalement perpendiculaire au plan de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36,
  • une portion intermédiaire 62 qui est liée à la portion de liaison 58 par un second pli 64 et qui s'étend sensiblement parallèlement au-dessus de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36.
According to the first embodiment of the invention, the conductive plate 46 is made of metal and has a generally rectangular shape. Following the longitudinal direction L, from left to right considering the figure 3 the conductive plate 46 comprises:
  • a proximal end edge 56 which is brazed to the terminal 42, which extends substantially parallel to the printed circuit board 36, and which belongs to the fixed portion 48,
  • a connecting portion 58 which is bonded to the proximal end edge 56 by a first fold 60 and which extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit board 36,
  • an intermediate portion 62 which is connected to the connecting portion 58 by a second fold 64 and which extends substantially parallel to the above printed circuit board 36.

La portion flexible 50 est formée dans le prolongement de la portion intermédiaire 62 vers l'extrémité distale de la plaque conductrice 46 sous la forme de deux lames 66 parallèles déformables élastiquement. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté, chaque lame 66 comporte un tronçon proximal 68 qui est lié à la portion intermédiaire 62 et qui a un profil en forme de bosse, dans un plan longitudinal vertical, convexe vers le haut, et un tronçon distal 70 de contact électrique qui est prévu pour venir en appui contre la plage principale 44 dans l'état fermé. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté, le profil général du tronçon proximal 68 est globalement celui d'une courbe de Gauss.The flexible portion 50 is formed in the extension of the intermediate portion 62 towards the distal end of the conductive plate 46 in the form of two parallel blades 66 elastically deformable. According to the embodiment shown, each blade 66 comprises a proximal section 68 which is connected to the intermediate portion 62 and which has a bump-shaped profile, in a vertical longitudinal plane, convex upwards, and a distal section 70 of electrical contact which is intended to bear against the main beach 44 in the closed state. According to the embodiment shown, the general profile of the proximal section 68 is generally that of a Gaussian curve.

Selon une variante de réalisation (non représentée) de l'invention, la portion flexible 50 peut être formée d'une seule lame 66 ou de plus de deux lames 66.According to an alternative embodiment (not shown) of the invention, the flexible portion 50 may be formed of a single blade 66 or more than two blades 66.

L'actionneur 52 comporte une surface de commande 72 qui est prévue pour se déplacer au-dessus de la plaque conductrice 46 dans un plan sensiblement parallèle à la plaque à circuits imprimés 36. La surface de commande 72 a ici la forme d'un bossage hémisphérique qui est réalisé d'une seule pièce avec une extrémité libre du levier de commande 54 et qui est agencé du côté de la plaque conductrice 46. La surface de commande 72 constitue une came qui est prévue pour venir en appui longitudinal contre le tronçon proximal 68 en forme de bosse de chaque lame 66 et pour commander le fléchissement de chaque lame 66 vers le bas, par déformation élastique, jusqu'à ce que le tronçon distal 70 vienne en appui contre la plage principale 44.The actuator 52 has a control surface 72 which is provided to move over the conductive plate 46 in a plane substantially parallel to the printed circuit board 36. The control surface 72 here has the shape of a boss hemispherical which is formed in one piece with a free end of the control lever 54 and which is arranged on the side of the conductive plate 46. The control surface 72 is a cam which is provided to bear longitudinally against the proximal section 68 in the form of a bump of each blade 66 and to control the deflection of each blade 66 downwards, by elastic deformation, until the distal section 70 bears against the main strip 44.

Selon le premier mode de réalisation, dans l'état ouvert du commutateur 34, en considérant la figure 3, le profil en forme de bosse du tronçon proximal 68 dépasse la hauteur de la portion intermédiaire 62 par rapport à la plaque à circuits imprimés 36. Lors du pivotement du levier 54, la surface de commande 72 passe au-dessus de la portion intermédiaire 62 sans la toucher mais vient buter contre le tronçon proximal 68.According to the first embodiment, in the open state of the switch 34, considering the figure 3 , the bump-shaped profile of the proximal section 68 exceeds the height of the intermediate portion 62 relative to the printed circuit board 36. On pivoting of the lever 54, the control surface 72 passes over the intermediate portion 62 without touching it but abuts against the proximal section 68.

Selon le premier mode de réalisation, la plaque conductrice 46 est pourvue de deux pattes de support 74, 76, qui sont agencées de part et d'autre de la portion flexible 50 et qui sont formées dans le prolongement de la portion intermédiaire 62 vers l'extrémité distale. Chaque patte de support 74, 76 a la forme d'une lame repliée comportant un tronçon d'appui 77 qui est plaqué contre la plaque à circuits imprimés 36.According to the first embodiment, the conductive plate 46 is provided with two support tabs 74, 76, which are arranged on either side of the flexible portion 50 and which are formed in the extension of the intermediate portion 62 towards the distal end. Each support lug 74, 76 is in the form of a folded blade having a bearing section 77 which is pressed against the printed circuit board 36.

De préférence, le tronçon d'appui 77 de chaque patte de support 74, 76 est brasé sur une piste conductrice non fonctionnelle 78 de la face supérieure de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36, selon le même procédé de brasage que la portion d'extrémité proximale 56 de la plaque conductrice 46.Preferably, the support section 77 of each support lug 74, 76 is brazed on a non-functional conductive track 78 of the upper face of the printed circuit board 36, according to the same brazing process as the end portion. proximal 56 of the conductive plate 46.

Selon une variante de réalisation (non représentée), les pattes de support 74, 76 peuvent être posées sur la plaque à circuits imprimés 36 sans être fixées, ou bien elles peuvent être emboîtées dans des logements complémentaires de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36, ou encore elles peuvent être collées directement sur la surface supérieure de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36.According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the support lugs 74, 76 may be placed on the printed circuit board 36 without being fixed, or they may be nested in complementary housings of the printed circuit board 36, or they can be glued directly to the upper surface of the printed circuit board 36.

Le fonctionnement du commutateur 34 selon l'invention est le suivant. L'état ouvert du commutateur 34 correspond ici à une position neutre du levier de commande 54, représentée en trait fort sur la figure 2. Dans cette position neutre, la surface de commande 72 est décalée longitudinalement par rapport à la portion flexible 50 de manière que celle-ci occupe sa position non fléchie, dans laquelle le tronçon de contact 70 est placé légèrement au-dessus de la plage de contact principale 44.The operation of the switch 34 according to the invention is as follows. The open state of the switch 34 corresponds here to a neutral position of the control lever 54, represented in solid lines on the figure 2 . In this neutral position, the control surface 72 is offset longitudinally with respect to the flexible portion 50 so that it occupies its uninflected position, in which the contact section 70 is placed slightly above the contact area. principal 44.

Pour basculer le commutateur 34 dans son état fermé, on provoque le pivotement du levier de commande 54 autour de son axe A1 de quelques degrés, dans le sens horaire en considérant la figure 2, jusqu'à une position angulaire déterminée dans laquelle la portion flexible 50 est en contact avec la plage de contact principale 44.To switch the switch 34 to its closed state, it causes the pivoting of the control lever 54 about its axis A1 a few degrees, clockwise considering the figure 2 , to a determined angular position in which the flexible portion 50 is in contact with the main contact pad 44.

La surface de commande 72 se déplace dans un plan sensiblement parallèle au plan de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36 et au plan de la plaque conductrice 46, suivant une direction sensiblement longitudinale orientée vers l'extrémité distale de la plaque conductrice 46. Au cours de ce déplacement, la surface de commande 72 glisse sur la face supérieure des lames 66 en exerçant une force d'appui qui provoque la déformation élastique des lames 66, celles-ci fléchissant vers la plaque conductrice 46. L'état fermé est atteint par exemple lorsque la surface de commande 72 est sensiblement alignée verticalement avec le sommet du tronçon proximal 68 en forme de bosse, comme on l'a représenté en trait interrompu sur la figure 2. Dans cet état fermé, le courant électrique peut circuler depuis la borne de connexion 42 jusqu'à la plage de contact 44 à travers la plaque conductrice 46.The control surface 72 moves in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the printed circuit board 36 and the plane of the conductive plate 46, in a substantially longitudinal direction facing the distal end of the conductive plate 46. this displacement, the control surface 72 slides on the upper face of the blades 66 by exerting a bearing force which causes the elastic deformation of the blades 66, the latter bending towards the conductive plate 46. The closed state is reached for example when the control surface 72 is substantially aligned vertically with the top of the bump-shaped proximal section 68, as shown in broken lines on the figure 2 . In this closed state, the electric current can flow from the connection terminal 42 to the contact area 44 through the conductive plate 46.

Pour basculer le commutateur 34 depuis son état fermé vers son état ouvert, il suffit de faire pivoter le levier de commande 54 dans le sens inverse jusqu'à ce que la portion flexible 50 reprenne son état non fléchi par rappel élastique.To switch the switch 34 from its closed state to its open state, it is sufficient to rotate the control lever 54 in the opposite direction until the flexible portion 50 resumes its uninflected state by elastic return.

On décrit maintenant une méthode d'assemblage de l'agencement 32 conforme aux enseignements de l'invention.We now describe a method of assembling the arrangement 32 according to the teachings of the invention.

La méthode d'assemblage comporte principalement les étapes suivantes :

  • dépôt d'une pâte à braser sur la borne de connexion 42, sur les plages de contact 78 associées aux pattes de support 74, 76, et sur les pistes conductrices 43 associées au composant électronique 41,
  • mise en place de la plaque conductrice 46 et du composant électronique 41 sur la plaque à circuits imprimés 36 de manière que la portion fixe 48 soit en contact avec la pâte à braser déposée sur la borne de connexion 42, que les pattes de support 74, 76 soient en contact avec la pâte à braser déposée sur les plages de contact 78, et que le composant électronique 41 soit en contact avec la pâte à braser déposée sur les pistes conductrices 43,
  • traitement de la pâte à braser par passage de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36 dans un four à refusion pour provoquer la fusion de la pâte à braser et la fixation par brasage de la plaque conductrice 46 et du composant électronique 41 sur la plaque à circuits imprimés 36.
The assembly method mainly involves the following steps:
  • deposition of a solder paste on the connection terminal 42, on the contact pads 78 associated with the support tabs 74, 76, and on the conductive tracks 43 associated with the electronic component 41,
  • placing the conductive plate 46 and the electronic component 41 on the printed circuit board 36 so that the fixed portion 48 is in contact with the solder paste deposited on the connection terminal 42, that the support lugs 74, 76 are in contact with the solder paste deposited on the contact pads 78, and that the electronic component 41 is in contact with the solder paste deposited on the conductive tracks 43,
  • treating the solder paste by passing the printed circuit board 36 in a reflow oven to cause the solder paste to melt and solder the conductive plate 46 and the electronic component 41 to the printed circuit board 36.

La plaque à circuits imprimés 36 est ensuite montée sur la platine 38 avec l'actionneur 52.The printed circuit board 36 is then mounted on the plate 38 with the actuator 52.

Selon une variante de réalisation, la pâte à braser pourrait être remplacée par une colle. L'étape de traitement du matériau de fixation devrait alors être adaptée en fonction de la colle choisie pour permettre son séchage et obtenir la fixation appropriée.According to an alternative embodiment, the solder paste could be replaced by an adhesive. The treatment step of the fixing material should then be adapted according to the glue chosen to allow its drying and obtain the appropriate fixation.

Selon un exemple de réalisation, préalablement à son assemblage sur la plaque à circuits imprimés 36, la plaque conductrice 46 est fabriquée selon un procédé comportant les étapes suivantes :

  • découpage de la plaque conductrice 46 dans une plaque métallique en formant deux lames latérales destinées à former les pattes de support 74, 76 et deux lames 66 centrales destinées à former la portion flexible 50,
  • pliage de la plaque conductrice 46 suivant un premier pli 60 pour former la portion d'extrémité proximale 56, et suivant un second pli 64 pour former la portion de liaison 58 et la portion intermédiaire 62,
  • repliage des lames latérales vers le bas pour former les pattes de support 74, 76 et les tronçons d'appui associés 77,
  • pliage des lames 66 centrales selon un profil globalement en forme de courbe de Gauss pour former la portion flexible 50.
According to an exemplary embodiment, prior to its assembly on the printed circuit board 36, the conductive plate 46 is manufactured according to a method comprising the following steps:
  • cutting the conductive plate 46 in a metal plate by forming two lateral blades intended to form the support lugs 74, 76 and two central blades 66 intended to form the flexible portion 50,
  • folding the conductive plate 46 along a first fold 60 to form the proximal end portion 56, and following a second fold 64 to form the connecting portion 58 and the intermediate portion 62,
  • folding the lateral blades downwards to form the support legs 74, 76 and the associated support sections 77,
  • folding the central blades 66 in a generally Gaussian curve shape to form the flexible portion 50.

Sur les figures 4 et 5, on a représenté un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention dans lequel la plaque conductrice 46 comporte une portion flexible auxiliaire 80, en plus de la portion flexible principale 50, qui est prévue pour venir en contact avec une plage auxiliaire de contact 82 associée de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36. La portion flexible auxiliaire 80 est ici identique à la portion flexible principale 50 et agencée parallèlement à celle-ci.On the Figures 4 and 5 there is shown a second embodiment of the invention in which the conductive plate 46 comprises an auxiliary flexible portion 80, in addition to the main flexible portion 50, which is intended to come into contact with an associated auxiliary contact pad 82 of the printed circuit board 36. The auxiliary flexible portion 80 is here identical to the main flexible portion 50 and arranged parallel thereto.

La plage auxiliaire de contact 82 est ici décalée transversalement par rapport à la plage principale 44.The auxiliary contact pad 82 is here shifted transversely with respect to the main pad 44.

L'actionneur 52 comporte ici un chariot 84 qui est monté coulissant suivant une direction de coulissement longitudinale A2 sensiblement parallèle à la plaque à circuits imprimés 36 et sensiblement parallèle à l'orientation longitudinale générale de la plaque conductrice 46. Le chariot 84 est monté coulissant dans une glissière 86 qui est agencée sur la face supérieure 40 de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36.The actuator 52 here comprises a carriage 84 which is slidably mounted in a direction of longitudinal sliding A2 substantially parallel to the printed circuit board 36 and substantially parallel to the general longitudinal orientation of the conductive plate 46. The carriage 84 is slidably mounted in a slide 86 which is arranged on the upper face 40 of the printed circuit board 36.

Le chariot 84 comporte trois surfaces de commande 88, 90, 92 constituées par trois bossages décalés longitudinalement les uns par rapport aux autres et agencés en vis-à-vis de la plaque à circuits imprimés 36. Chaque bossage a ici une forme semi-cylindrique d'axe transversal. Le premier bossage 88 est aligné longitudinalement avec la portion flexible principale 50 de manière que, lorsque le chariot 84 occupe une première position longitudinale de commutation, seule la portion flexible principale 50 est en contact avec sa plage principale de contact 44. Le second bossage 90 est aligné longitudinalement avec la portion flexible auxiliaire 80 de manière que, lorsque le chariot 84 occupe une deuxième position longitudinale de commutation, seule la portion flexible auxiliaire 80 est en contact avec sa plage auxiliaire de contact 82. Enfin le troisième bossage 92 a une dimension transversale qui couvre la largeur des deux portions flexibles 50, 80 et il est aligné longitudinalement avec les deux portions flexibles 50, 80 de manière que, lorsque le chariot 84 occupe une troisième position longitudinale de commutation, les deux portions flexibles 50, 80 sont en contact avec leurs plages de contacts respectives 44, 82.The carriage 84 has three control surfaces 88, 90, 92 constituted by three bosses offset longitudinally relative to each other and arranged vis-à-vis the printed circuit board 36. Each boss here has a semi-cylindrical shape transverse axis. The first boss 88 is aligned longitudinally with the main flexible portion 50 so that, when the carriage 84 occupies a first longitudinal switching position, only the main flexible portion 50 is in contact with its main contact area 44. The second boss 90 is aligned longitudinally with the auxiliary flexible portion 80 so that, when the carriage 84 occupies a second longitudinal switching position, only the auxiliary flexible portion 80 is in contact with its auxiliary contact pad 82. Finally the third boss 92 has a dimension transverse which covers the width of the two flexible portions 50, 80 and is aligned longitudinally with the two flexible portions 50, 80 so that, when the carriage 84 occupies a third longitudinal position of switching, the two flexible portions 50, 80 are in contact with their respective contact pads 44, 82.

Le second mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit permet donc d'obtenir trois états de commutation distincts, en fonction de la position du chariot coulissant 84.The second embodiment which has just been described thus makes it possible to obtain three distinct switching states, as a function of the position of the slide carriage 84.

La position du chariot coulissant 84 peut être commandée par un levier de commande pivotant, comme c'est le cas dans l'art antérieur représenté en figure 1, ou par un autre moyen.The position of the sliding carriage 84 can be controlled by a pivoting control lever, as is the case in the prior art shown in FIG. figure 1 , or by some other means.

Bien entendu, dans le deuxième mode de réalisation, le chariot 84 pourrait être remplacé par un levier de commande pourvu de plusieurs surfaces de commande, à la manière du premier mode de réalisation. De la même façon, dans le premier mode de réalisation, le levier de commande pourrait être remplacé par un chariot coulissant pourvu d'une surface de commande adéquate.Of course, in the second embodiment, the carriage 84 could be replaced by a control lever provided with a plurality of control surfaces, in the manner of the first embodiment. In the same way, in the first embodiment, the control lever could be replaced by a sliding carriage provided with a suitable control surface.

Selon une variante de réalisation (non représentée) de l'invention, la plage auxiliaire de contact 82 pourrait être décalée longitudinalement, par exemple vers l'avant, par rapport à la plage principale 44. La portion flexible auxiliaire 80 aurait alors un profil légèrement différent de la portion flexible principale 50 de manière à lui permettre de venir en contact avec la plage principale 82 qui serait plus éloignée de la portion intermédiaire 62 de la plaque conductrice 46.According to an alternative embodiment (not shown) of the invention, the auxiliary contact pad 82 could be offset longitudinally, for example forward, with respect to the main pad 44. The auxiliary flexible portion 80 would then have a slight profile. different from the main flexible portion 50 so as to allow it to come into contact with the beach main 82 which would be further from the intermediate portion 62 of the conductive plate 46.

Claims (15)

  1. Arrangement (32) of a switch (34) on a printed circuit board (36) comprising at least one electrical connection terminal (42) and one electrical contact pad (44, 82), the switch (34) comprising at least one first and one second switching state, the first switching state corresponding to an open state of the electrical circuit between the terminal (42) and the contact pad (44, 82) and the second switching state corresponding to a closed state of the electrical circuit between the terminal (42) and the contact pad (44, 82), in which an actuator (52) is provided for actuating an intermediate electrical contact member (46) for the purpose of driving the switch (34) into one of its two switching states, of the type in which the intermediate electrical contact member (46) consists of a conductive plate (46) which is fixed to the printed circuit board (36), said conductive plate (46) comprising a fixed portion (48) in electrical contact with the terminal (42) and a flexible portion (50, 80), bending of which is controlled by the actuator (52) in such a way that, in the closed state of the electrical circuit, the flexible portion (50, 80) is in electrical contact with the contact pad (44, 82),
    characterised in that the conductive plate (46) bears on the printed circuit board (36) by means of the fixed portion (48) and at least one support foot (74, 76), the fixed portion (48) and the support foot (74, 76) being arranged either side of an intermediate portion (62) of the conductive plate (46) which extends above the printed circuit board (36), the flexible portion (50, 80) being formed as an extension of the intermediate portion (62) towards one end of the conductive plate (46), and in that the conductive plate (46) is fixed to the printed circuit board (36) by a surface mounting technique.
  2. Arrangement (32) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the support foot (74, 76) is in electrical contact with a contact pad (78) of the printed circuit board (36).
  3. Arrangement (32) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the fixed portion (48) and the support foot (74, 76) each comprise at least one support section (56, 77) which is provided to be applied to the printed circuit board (36).
  4. Arrangement (32) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the intermediate portion (62) extends on the whole parallel to the printed circuit board (36).
  5. Arrangement (32) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the conductive plate (46) comprises:
    - a proximal end edge (56) which is fixed to the connection terminal (42) and which extends substantially parallel to the printed circuit board (36) to form the fixed portion (48),
    - a connecting portion (58) which is connected to the proximal end edge (56) by a first fold (60), which extends in a plane intersecting the plane of the printed circuit board (36), and which is connected to the intermediate portion (62) by a second fold (64), and in that the flexible portion (50, 80) is formed as an extension of the intermediate portion (62) towards the distal end of the conductive plate (46) on the side opposite the fixed portion (48).
  6. Arrangement (32) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flexible portion (50, 80) consists of at least one elastically deformable blade (66), said deformable blade (66) comprising a boss-shaped section (68) above the printed circuit board (36) and an electrical contact section (70), and in that the actuator (52) comprises a control surface (72, 88, 90, 92) which is provided to be displaced above the printed circuit board (36) in a plane substantially parallel to the board (36) in such a way that, in order to flip the switch (34) from its open state to its closed state, the control surface (72, 88, 90, 92) abuts against the boss-shaped section (68) and causes bending of the deformable blade (66) towards the printed circuit board (36), against an elastic return force, until the contact section (70) abuts against the associated contact pad (44, 82).
  7. Arrangement (32) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuator (52) comprises a carriage (84) mounted in sliding relationship in a direction of sliding (A2) substantially parallel to the printed circuit board (36) and in that the control surface (88, 90, 92) is constructed in one piece with the carriage (84).
  8. Arrangement (32) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the actuator (52) comprises a lever (54) mounted in pivoting relationship about an axis (A1) substantially orthogonal to the printed circuit board (36), and in that the control surface (72) is constructed in one piece with the lever (54).
  9. Arrangement (32) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the conductive plate (46) comprises at least one auxiliary flexible portion (80) which is provided to come into contact with an associated auxiliary contact pad (82) of the printed circuit board (36) when the actuator (52) occupies a third actuating position corresponding to a third switching state.
  10. Arrangement (32) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that each flexible portion (50, 80) comprises at least two elastically deformable blades (66) for making electrical contact.
  11. Method for the assembly of an arrangement (32) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises the following steps:
    - deposition of a fixing material on the connection terminal (42) of the printed circuit board (36),
    - placement of the conductive plate (46) on the printed circuit board (36) in such a way that the fixed portion (48) is in contact with the fixing material deposited on the connection terminal (42),
    - treatment of the fixing material deposited on the printed circuit board (36) so as to fix the conductive plate (46) to the printed circuit board (36) by adhesion of the fixed portion (48) to the connection terminal (42) by means of the fixing material.
  12. Method of assembly according to the preceding claim, characterised in that, during the step of deposition of the fixing material, the fixing material is deposited on a contact pad (78) associated with the support foot (74, 76), in that, during the step of placement of the conductive plate (46), the support foot (74, 76) is brought into contact with the fixing material deposited on the associated contact pad (78), and in that treatment of the fixing material causes adhesion of the support foot (74, 76) to the associated contact pad (78).
  13. Method of assembly according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that, during the deposition step, the fixing material is deposited on at least one location (43) designed to receive an electronic component (41), in that, during the placement step, the electronic component (41) is disposed on the location (43), and in that treatment of the fixing material causes adhesion of the electronic component (41) to the printed circuit board (36).
  14. Method of assembly according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the fixing material is a soldering paste and in that fixing is obtained by soldering after melting of the soldering paste.
  15. Method of assembly according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the fixing material is a glue.
EP20090160304 2009-05-14 2009-05-14 Arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board and associated assembly method Not-in-force EP2251883B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20090160304 EP2251883B1 (en) 2009-05-14 2009-05-14 Arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board and associated assembly method

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20090160304 EP2251883B1 (en) 2009-05-14 2009-05-14 Arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board and associated assembly method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2251883A1 EP2251883A1 (en) 2010-11-17
EP2251883B1 true EP2251883B1 (en) 2012-07-11

Family

ID=41078146

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20090160304 Not-in-force EP2251883B1 (en) 2009-05-14 2009-05-14 Arrangement of a switch on a printed circuit board and associated assembly method

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2251883B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2321993A1 (en) * 1973-05-02 1974-11-21 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie ELECTRIC PUSH BUTTON SWITCH
TWI405229B (en) * 2006-08-01 2013-08-11 Hosiden Corp Push push switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2251883A1 (en) 2010-11-17

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