EP2458608B1 - Electric switch - Google Patents
Electric switch Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2458608B1 EP2458608B1 EP20110188449 EP11188449A EP2458608B1 EP 2458608 B1 EP2458608 B1 EP 2458608B1 EP 20110188449 EP20110188449 EP 20110188449 EP 11188449 A EP11188449 A EP 11188449A EP 2458608 B1 EP2458608 B1 EP 2458608B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- dome
- switch
- actuation
- switch according
- lever
- 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
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
- H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
- G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
- G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
- G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
- H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
- H01H25/041—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls
- H01H2025/043—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls the operating member being rotatable around wobbling axis for additional switching functions
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
- H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a joystick-type switch with a silicone keypad, comprising an elastic element adapted to take up the clearance in the mechanism and a dual-lever actuation mechanism.
- Joystick-type switches are known in the automotive field which comprise mechanisms including, for example, a lever which, when actuated by means of a control knob, drags a slide carrying the electric contacts that provide the switching function.
- Said push rod and said spring also perform the function of taking up any clearance of the mechanism.
- said clearance take-up function carried out by the spring and by the push rod determines the sensitivity perceived by the user when operating said switch, depending on the mechanical/physical characteristics thereof.
- Such unsatisfactory mechanical characteristics include the following: relatively great forces must be applied to said switch; excessive strokes of the various mechanisms, in view of the reductions in size that must be obtained; the noise generated by such devices when switching takes place.
- the use of sliding contacts involves both an increase in the generated noise and the necessity of employing long components' travels to allow for proper switching.
- Normally joystick-type switches are used, for example, for adjusting rearview side mirrors of vehicles such as cars, campers, trucks, etc.
- the present invention aims at providing a joystick-type switch comprising a dual-lever actuation mechanism acting upon a silicone keypad, which optimizes the required forces and the stroke of the mechanisms while reducing noise and making said switch suitable for the new requirements of the automotive market.
- the present invention also reduces the number of components necessary for manufacturing the switch, thus making it easier to assemble.
- the object of the present invention is to provide a joystick-type switch having the features set out in the appended claim 1.
- the joystick-type switch comprises at least one control knob 10 integrally secured to a control lever 1 and adapted to be handled by the user; at least one electronic circuit 6, preferably a printed circuit, which comprises a plurality of electric tracks 7.
- Said joystick further comprises at least one pad 3, comprising a plurality of domes or bubbles 4 and an elastic element 5; an actuation lever 2, which are adapted to permit the closing of at least one electric circuit, comprised in the electronic circuit 6, for the activation of at least one command as a function of the handling of knob 10 by the user.
- Said switch can take the following operating conditions when operated by a user:
- said actuation lever 2 preferably made of plastic material, has a substantially discoidal shape at the centre of which, on the upper face, there is a protuberance 21 adapted to house actuation portion 9.
- Control lever 1 preferably made of plastic material, has a substantially cylindrical shape and comprises actuation portion 9 at the lower end of lever 1 itself; and a spherical joint, comprising two protuberances 91 arranged at the centre of the spherical joint, perpendicular to axis "Z", and adapted to rotatably drag a second constraining means.
- Said spherical joint is adapted to act as a fulcrum for said control lever 1, without preventing the possibility of rotating about axis "Z".
- domes 4 included in pad 3 depends on the characteristics of the switch and on the functions that must be carried out.
- said domes 4 are arranged radially and are evenly spaced.
- domes 4 e.g. two arranged along an axis "X” and two arranged along an axis "Y", wherein said axes "X" and "Y" are perpendicular to each other.
- electronic circuit 6 comprises tracks 7 adapted to generate at least one electric circuit, which must be closed to activate a corresponding command.
- each bubble or dome 4 comprises a junction portion 31 adapted both to join single domes 4 with pad 3 and to deform as a function of the forces applied onto pad 3 by the levers included in the switch, thus allowing dome 4 to move along an axis parallel to axis "Z".
- Said junction portion 31 contributes to taking up the clearance in the plurality of mechanisms comprised in the switch.
- Said dome 4 has a radial bevel 12, connected to junction portion 31 and adapted to limit the influence upon said bubbles or domes 4 by forces other than the one exerted for actuation.
- Radial bevel 12 is specifically sized to limit the compression of the neighbouring domes when a dome 4 is compressed, thus limiting the influence upon the switch.
- the silicone-based material ensures better control of the movements of domes 4, improving the sensitivity of the switch.
- Elastic means 5, positioned at the centre of pad 3, comprises a plurality of junction elements 13 adapted to join elastic means 5 itself to pad 3 and to minimize the influence of forces other than the actuation ones.
- Each junction element 13 and elastic means 5 cooperate to take up the clearance in the plurality of mechanisms included in the switch.
- said junction element 13 essentially is an arm made of silicone-based material which is adapted to deform as a function of the forces applied onto pad 3 by the levers included in the switch.
- junction portions 13 is preferably equal to the number of domes 4 in the switch; for example, there is a junction portion 13 for each dome 4.
- electronic circuit 6 is a printed circuit which also performs a support function for the devices comprised in the switch according to the present invention.
- Each bubble or dome 4 comprises, preferably in its upper portion, a conductive layer 11 made of conductive materials suited to transporting electric current.
- Said conductive layer 11 is adapted to close an electric circuit on electronic circuit 6 when said dome 4 is moved by actuation lever 2.
- said conductive layer 11 abuts on a portion of electronic circuit 6, thus closing an electric circuit that comprises tracks 7, which activates a command associated therewith.
- the electric connection between a dome 4 and electronic circuit 6 is established by a contact portion 62, which is interposed between dome 4 and at least one track 7 of circuit 6.
- Said contact portion 62 which is made of a conductive material such as, for example, copper or equivalent materials, is supported by circuit 6 or is secured to pad 3 and/or to rear housing 82 and/or to printed circuit 6 itself.
- the shape and thickness of said contact portion 62 are adapted to allow portion 62 to subside when subjected to a force.
- dome 4 presses against said contact portion 62.
- control lever 1 is tilted as well and acts upon actuation lever 2 through actuation portion 9.
- Said actuation lever 2 will then be tilted relative to fulcrum 8 in the direction opposite to the inclination of knob 10 relative to axis "Z".
- said actuation lever 2 will thus rise, at an angle with respect to axis "Z", in the direction of inclination of control knob 10.
- said actuation lever 2 abuts on a lower housing 82, thus defining the end-of-travel position of said lever and preventing a greater force from being exerted on electronic circuit 6.
- the raised portion of lever 2 acts upon corresponding dome 4 in a manner such that conductive layer 11 abuts on tracks 7 of electronic circuit 6, thereby closing the corresponding electric circuit.
- junction portion 31 associated with same dome 4 deforms, thereby storing elastic energy.
- Said elastic energy contributes to taking said switch back to the idle condition when the user stops applying force onto knob 10.
- junction elements 13 When the switch is put into the actuated operating condition, junction elements 13 will deform; in particular, junction element 13 corresponding to the dome being moved will tend to grow longer, opposite element 13 will be compressed, and junction elements 13 in the remaining places will only undergo slight deformations, depending on their position.
- Fig. 1 shows a switch that comprises an upper covering 81 with a hole 811, on which control knob 10 is arranged and secured integrally with control lever 1; a display portion 812 referring, by means of writings and/or icons, to a plurality of commands available on said switch and the direction of the force to be applied onto knob 10 in order to activate each command.
- Said upper covering 81 accommodates a first constraining means 83 and a second constraining means 84 adapted to constrain control lever 1 to predetermined movements by means of a plurality of elastic means 85, appropriately arranged.
- the switch also comprises a lower housing 82, which comprises electric contacts 821 for interfacing to the plurality of devices included in the vehicle.
- Said lower housing 82 accommodates actuation lever 2 and pad 3, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 .
- Elastic element 5 is inserted into protuberance 21 of actuation lever 2, and junction elements 13 are inserted into suitable grooves comprised in protuberance 21, so that pad 3 made of silicone-based material can be properly positioned on actuation lever 2.
- Electronic circuit 6 is secured to said housing 82, above the pad 3, by means of joining or welding means.
- Electronic circuit 6 is positioned in a manner such that, above each dome 4, there is at least one electric circuit comprising a plurality of tracks 7 on the underside of said circuit.
- Electronic circuit 6 comprises a through hole 61 into which protuberance 21 comprised in actuation lever 2 is inserted during assembly.
- the same protuberance 21 also houses actuation portion 9, as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3 .
- Said protuberance is preferably so designed as to hold inside actuation portion 9 when the switch is operated.
- actuation portion 9 inside protuberance 21 allows transmitting the movement of knob 10, controlled by the user, to corresponding dome 4.
- Upper covering 81 is finally assembled together with lower housing 82, and the switch can be installed in the vehicle.
- the switch according to the present invention allows control knob 10 to rotate, so that other functions can be assigned to such a switch, e.g. by turning control knob 10 to control other devices installed in the vehicle.
- electronic circuit 6 comprises an electronic device adapted to detect the rotation of knob 10 about axis "Z" and, depending on said rotation, to associate different functions with domes 4 acting upon tracks 7.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
- Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
- Relay Circuits (AREA)
- Oscillators With Electromechanical Resonators (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a joystick-type switch with a silicone keypad, comprising an elastic element adapted to take up the clearance in the mechanism and a dual-lever actuation mechanism.
- Joystick-type switches are known in the automotive field which comprise mechanisms including, for example, a lever which, when actuated by means of a control knob, drags a slide carrying the electric contacts that provide the switching function.
- Normally said lever is pushed into the idle position by a push rod and a spring.
- Said push rod and said spring also perform the function of taking up any clearance of the mechanism.
- Furthermore, said clearance take-up function carried out by the spring and by the push rod determines the sensitivity perceived by the user when operating said switch, depending on the mechanical/physical characteristics thereof.
- This known solution has inherent mechanical characteristics that in many cases no longer meet the latest requirements of the automotive industry.
- Such unsatisfactory mechanical characteristics include the following: relatively great forces must be applied to said switch; excessive strokes of the various mechanisms, in view of the reductions in size that must be obtained; the noise generated by such devices when switching takes place. The use of sliding contacts involves both an increase in the generated noise and the necessity of employing long components' travels to allow for proper switching. Normally joystick-type switches are used, for example, for adjusting rearview side mirrors of vehicles such as cars, campers, trucks, etc.
- In addition, this typology of switches can be used for controlling many other devices included in a vehicle.
- It's known from the European patent application
EP1804261 a key, notably for electronic devices, and specifically for joysticks of game machines, which has a soft rubber body which interior has a hollow airbag, and a top made of soft rubber body. - The present invention aims at providing a joystick-type switch comprising a dual-lever actuation mechanism acting upon a silicone keypad, which optimizes the required forces and the stroke of the mechanisms while reducing noise and making said switch suitable for the new requirements of the automotive market.
- The present invention also reduces the number of components necessary for manufacturing the switch, thus making it easier to assemble.
- The object of the present invention is to provide a joystick-type switch having the features set out in the appended
claim 1. - Accessory features will be set out in the dependent claims. The features and advantages of said switch will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:
-
Fig. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the joystick-type switch according to the present invention; -
Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of the switch ofFig. 1 in the idle operating condition; -
Fig. 3 is a sectional side view of the switch ofFig. 1 in the active operating condition; -
Fig. 4 shows a detail of the switch according to the present invention, which includes a contact portion ensuring the closing of an electric circuit. - With reference to the above-listed drawings, the joystick-type switch comprises at least one
control knob 10 integrally secured to acontrol lever 1 and adapted to be handled by the user; at least oneelectronic circuit 6, preferably a printed circuit, which comprises a plurality ofelectric tracks 7. - Said joystick further comprises at least one
pad 3, comprising a plurality of domes orbubbles 4 and anelastic element 5; anactuation lever 2, which are adapted to permit the closing of at least one electric circuit, comprised in theelectronic circuit 6, for the activation of at least one command as a function of the handling ofknob 10 by the user. - The closing of an electric circuit occurs through the movement of
corresponding dome 4 by saidactuation lever 2,fulcrum 8 of which being at the base of the lever itself, which in turn is moved by anactuation portion 9, preferably spherical, comprised at the lower end ofcontrol lever 1. - Said switch can take the following operating conditions when operated by a user:
- an idle condition, wherein
knob 10 and associatedcontrol lever 1 are arranged parallel to a vertical longitudinal axis "Z" of the switch itself; - an actuated condition, wherein a force is applied to
knob 10 to tilt it by an angle such that bothcontrol lever 1 andactuation lever 2 are moved, thereby activating the associated command. - In the embodiment shown in
Fig. 1 , saidactuation lever 2, preferably made of plastic material, has a substantially discoidal shape at the centre of which, on the upper face, there is aprotuberance 21 adapted tohouse actuation portion 9. -
Control lever 1, preferably made of plastic material, has a substantially cylindrical shape and comprisesactuation portion 9 at the lower end oflever 1 itself; and a spherical joint, comprising twoprotuberances 91 arranged at the centre of the spherical joint, perpendicular to axis "Z", and adapted to rotatably drag a second constraining means. - Said spherical joint is adapted to act as a fulcrum for said
control lever 1, without preventing the possibility of rotating about axis "Z". - The number of
domes 4 included inpad 3 depends on the characteristics of the switch and on the functions that must be carried out. - Preferably, said
domes 4 are arranged radially and are evenly spaced. - As shown in
Fig. 1 , there are fourdomes 4, e.g. two arranged along an axis "X" and two arranged along an axis "Y", wherein said axes "X" and "Y" are perpendicular to each other. - At each
dome 4,electronic circuit 6 comprisestracks 7 adapted to generate at least one electric circuit, which must be closed to activate a corresponding command. - In the embodiment shown in
Fig. 2 , each bubble ordome 4 comprises ajunction portion 31 adapted both to joinsingle domes 4 withpad 3 and to deform as a function of the forces applied ontopad 3 by the levers included in the switch, thus allowingdome 4 to move along an axis parallel to axis "Z". - Said
junction portion 31 contributes to taking up the clearance in the plurality of mechanisms comprised in the switch. - Said
dome 4 has aradial bevel 12, connected tojunction portion 31 and adapted to limit the influence upon said bubbles ordomes 4 by forces other than the one exerted for actuation. -
Radial bevel 12 is specifically sized to limit the compression of the neighbouring domes when adome 4 is compressed, thus limiting the influence upon the switch. The silicone-based material ensures better control of the movements ofdomes 4, improving the sensitivity of the switch. - Elastic means 5, positioned at the centre of
pad 3, comprises a plurality ofjunction elements 13 adapted to joinelastic means 5 itself topad 3 and to minimize the influence of forces other than the actuation ones. - Each
junction element 13 and elastic means 5 cooperate to take up the clearance in the plurality of mechanisms included in the switch. - In the explanatory and non-limiting embodiment shown in the drawings, said
junction element 13 essentially is an arm made of silicone-based material which is adapted to deform as a function of the forces applied ontopad 3 by the levers included in the switch. - The number of said
junction portions 13 is preferably equal to the number ofdomes 4 in the switch; for example, there is ajunction portion 13 for eachdome 4. - In the embodiment shown in
Figs. 1 ,2 and3 ,electronic circuit 6 is a printed circuit which also performs a support function for the devices comprised in the switch according to the present invention. - Each bubble or
dome 4 comprises, preferably in its upper portion, aconductive layer 11 made of conductive materials suited to transporting electric current. - Said
conductive layer 11 is adapted to close an electric circuit onelectronic circuit 6 when saiddome 4 is moved byactuation lever 2. - In the actuated operating condition, said
conductive layer 11 abuts on a portion ofelectronic circuit 6, thus closing an electric circuit that comprisestracks 7, which activates a command associated therewith. - In an alternative embodiment, the electric connection between a
dome 4 andelectronic circuit 6 is established by acontact portion 62, which is interposed betweendome 4 and at least onetrack 7 ofcircuit 6. Saidcontact portion 62, which is made of a conductive material such as, for example, copper or equivalent materials, is supported bycircuit 6 or is secured topad 3 and/or torear housing 82 and/or to printedcircuit 6 itself. - The shape and thickness of said
contact portion 62 are adapted to allowportion 62 to subside when subjected to a force. - When switching to the actuated operating condition, dome 4 presses against said
contact portion 62. - Due to the compression exerted by
dome 4, saidcontact portion 62, shown inFig. 4 , subsides and presses againstelectronic circuit 6, thus closing an electric circuit comprising at least onetrack 7. - As shown in
Fig. 3 , whencontrol knob 10 is tilted in one direction,control lever 1 is tilted as well and acts uponactuation lever 2 throughactuation portion 9. - Said
actuation lever 2 will then be tilted relative tofulcrum 8 in the direction opposite to the inclination ofknob 10 relative to axis "Z". - Thanks to the dual-lever system, said
actuation lever 2 will thus rise, at an angle with respect to axis "Z", in the direction of inclination ofcontrol knob 10. - In the portion opposite to that at which
dome 4 is raised, saidactuation lever 2 abuts on alower housing 82, thus defining the end-of-travel position of said lever and preventing a greater force from being exerted onelectronic circuit 6. - The raised portion of
lever 2 acts uponcorresponding dome 4 in a manner such thatconductive layer 11 abuts ontracks 7 ofelectronic circuit 6, thereby closing the corresponding electric circuit. - As
actuation lever 2 is pressing againstcorresponding dome 4,junction portion 31 associated withsame dome 4 deforms, thereby storing elastic energy. - Said elastic energy contributes to taking said switch back to the idle condition when the user stops applying force onto
knob 10. - As each
dome 4 is being activated,elastic element 5 undergoes a deformation and releases elastic energy, whereaslink element 13 contributes to taking said switch back to the idle condition when the user stops applying force ontoknob 10. - When the switch is put into the actuated operating condition,
junction elements 13 will deform; in particular,junction element 13 corresponding to the dome being moved will tend to grow longer,opposite element 13 will be compressed, andjunction elements 13 in the remaining places will only undergo slight deformations, depending on their position. - The exploded view of
Fig. 1 shows a switch that comprises anupper covering 81 with ahole 811, on whichcontrol knob 10 is arranged and secured integrally withcontrol lever 1; adisplay portion 812 referring, by means of writings and/or icons, to a plurality of commands available on said switch and the direction of the force to be applied ontoknob 10 in order to activate each command. - Said upper covering 81 accommodates a first constraining means 83 and a second constraining means 84 adapted to constrain
control lever 1 to predetermined movements by means of a plurality ofelastic means 85, appropriately arranged. - The switch also comprises a
lower housing 82, which compriseselectric contacts 821 for interfacing to the plurality of devices included in the vehicle. - Said
lower housing 82 accommodatesactuation lever 2 andpad 3, as shown inFigs. 2 and3 . -
Elastic element 5 is inserted intoprotuberance 21 ofactuation lever 2, andjunction elements 13 are inserted into suitable grooves comprised inprotuberance 21, so thatpad 3 made of silicone-based material can be properly positioned onactuation lever 2. -
Electronic circuit 6 is secured to saidhousing 82, above thepad 3, by means of joining or welding means. -
Electronic circuit 6 is positioned in a manner such that, above eachdome 4, there is at least one electric circuit comprising a plurality oftracks 7 on the underside of said circuit. -
Electronic circuit 6 comprises a throughhole 61 into which protuberance 21 comprised inactuation lever 2 is inserted during assembly. - The
same protuberance 21 also housesactuation portion 9, as clearly shown inFigs. 2 and3 . - Said protuberance is preferably so designed as to hold inside
actuation portion 9 when the switch is operated. - The insertion of
actuation portion 9 insideprotuberance 21 allows transmitting the movement ofknob 10, controlled by the user, tocorresponding dome 4. -
Upper covering 81 is finally assembled together withlower housing 82, and the switch can be installed in the vehicle. The switch according to the present invention allowscontrol knob 10 to rotate, so that other functions can be assigned to such a switch, e.g. by turningcontrol knob 10 to control other devices installed in the vehicle. - In an alternative embodiment (not shown),
electronic circuit 6 comprises an electronic device adapted to detect the rotation ofknob 10 about axis "Z" and, depending on said rotation, to associate different functions withdomes 4 acting upontracks 7. -
- 1
- Control lever
- 2
- Actuation lever
- 21
- Protuberance
- 4
- Domes or bubbles
- 6
- Electronic circuit
- 62
- Contact portion
- 8
- Fulcrum
- 811
- Hole
- 82
- Lower housing
- 10
- Control knob
- 3
- Pad
- 5
- Elastic element
- 61
- Through hole
- 7
- Electric tracks
- 81
- Upper covering
- 812
- Display portion
- 821
- Electric contacts
- 83
- First constraining means
- 84
- Second constraining means
- 9
- Actuation portion
- 12
- Radial bevel
- 31
- Junction portion
- 85
- Elastic means
- 11
- Conductive layer
- 13
- Junction elements
Claims (10)
- Electric switch comprising at least one knob (10), integrally secured to a control lever (1) and adapted to be handled by the user, at least one electronic circuit (6) comprising a plurality of electric tracks (7),
said switch comprises:• at least one pad (3), comprising a plurality of domes or bubbles (4) and an elastic element (5);• an actuation lever (2);which are adapted to permit the closing of at least one electric circuit, comprised in the electronic circuit (6), for the activation of at least one corresponding command as a function of the handling of the knob (10) by the user; characterized in that the closing of an electric circuit occurs through the movement of a corresponding dome (4) by said actuation lever (2), the fulcrum (8) of which being at the base of the actuation lever (2) itself, which in turn is moved by an actuation portion (9) comprised at the lower end of the control lever (1). - Switch according to claim 1, wherein the pad (3) is made of silicone-based material.
- Switch according to claim 2, wherein each bubble or dome (4) comprises a junction portion (31) adapted to join each dome (4) with the pad (3), allowing movement along an axis parallel to a vertical longitudinal axis (Z) of the switch as a function of the thrust applied by the actuation lever (2).
- Switch according to claim 2, wherein the elastic means (5) comprises a plurality of junction elements (13) adapted both to join the elastic means (5) itself with the pad (3) and to deform as a function of the forces applied onto the pad (3) by the actuation lever (2), thus contributing to taking the switch back to an idle operating condition.
- Switch according to claim 3, wherein as the actuation lever (2) is exerting a thrust against the corresponding dome (4), the junction portion (31) associated with said dome (4) deforms, thus storing elastic energy which contributes to taking the switch back to an idle operating condition when the user stops applying a force onto the knob (10).
- Switch according to claim 2, wherein each dome (4) comprises a conductive layer (11) adapted to ensure the closing of at least one electric circuit positioned on the electronic circuit (6) when said dome (4) is moved.
- Switch according to claim 2, wherein at each dome (4) there is a contact portion (62), interposed between the dome (4) and at least one track (7), secured to the circuit (6), adapted to close at least one electric circuit when said dome (4) is moved.
- Switch according to claim 1, wherein the spherical actuation portion (9) is inserted into a protuberance (21) comprised at the centre of the actuation lever (2), thus allowing for the transmission of the movement of the knob (10), controlled by the user, to the corresponding dome (4).
- Switch according to claim 2, wherein the control knob (10) rotates about the axis (Z) and allows other functions to be assigned to said switch to control another set of devices.
- Switch according to claim 3, wherein each dome (4) has a radial bevel (12) adapted to limit the influence upon said bubbles or domes (4) by forces other than the one exerted for actuation.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ITTO2010A000937A IT1405079B1 (en) | 2010-11-26 | 2010-11-26 | ELECTRIC SWITCH |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2458608A1 EP2458608A1 (en) | 2012-05-30 |
EP2458608B1 true EP2458608B1 (en) | 2013-08-28 |
Family
ID=43743100
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20110188449 Not-in-force EP2458608B1 (en) | 2010-11-26 | 2011-11-09 | Electric switch |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2458608B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2439074T3 (en) |
IT (1) | IT1405079B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP7446841B2 (en) * | 2020-02-07 | 2024-03-11 | キヤノン株式会社 | Information input device and its imaging device |
JP7422465B2 (en) * | 2020-02-07 | 2024-01-26 | キヤノン株式会社 | Information input device and its imaging device |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE8428052U1 (en) * | 1984-09-24 | 1984-12-20 | Heinrich Kopp Gmbh & Co Kg, 8756 Kahl | Rocker switch / brightness control combination |
EP1804261A1 (en) * | 2005-12-29 | 2007-07-04 | Hsien-Ta Huang | Key, notably for electronic devices, and specifically for joysticks of game machines |
-
2010
- 2010-11-26 IT ITTO2010A000937A patent/IT1405079B1/en active
-
2011
- 2011-11-09 ES ES11188449T patent/ES2439074T3/en active Active
- 2011-11-09 EP EP20110188449 patent/EP2458608B1/en not_active Not-in-force
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ITTO20100937A1 (en) | 2012-05-27 |
ES2439074T3 (en) | 2014-01-21 |
IT1405079B1 (en) | 2013-12-16 |
EP2458608A1 (en) | 2012-05-30 |
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