FR2861214A1 - Joystick switch for use in mobile phone includes pivoting actuator with spring and ball pressed against selected contact within fixed contact ring - Google Patents

Abstract

The electrical switch includes a fixed contact carrier (12) and an actuator (18) which is mobile about a vertical axis. In one of a number of inclined positions, the actuator presses a ball against a selection contacts (C3) arranged in a ring, linking it to a release element and hence the fixed contacts in the carrier. The electrical switch includes a fixed contact carrier (12) and a single upper actuator (18). This is mounted to be mobile about a vertical axis to act upon a release element (14): it may adopt one of several inclined selection positions. The release element (14) is an elastically deformable conducting plate which is able to adopt a low position in which it makes contact with fixed contacts (P1, P2) in the base of the carrier. The lower end of the actuator includes a sphere (22) which is pressed against the upper surface of the release element (14). Fixed selection contacts (C3) are arranged in a ring around the sphere, so that according to the inclination of the actuator, the sphere makes contact with one of these contacts, linking it to the release element and hence the fixed contacts in the carrier.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical switch enabling, by means of a

  actuator or single actuator, to perform separate electrical switching operations for example for the control of a function

  an electronic device following choices made by selection in a menu or list of a display screen.

  Recent developments and the rapid evolution of telecommunications means, such as mobile telephones, laptops and other devices for which the control of various functions provides for example to move a cursor accurately and quickly on a screen, require have electromechanical components of smaller and smaller dimensions and, in particular in the field mentioned above, allow the scanning of menus, the movement of a symbol on a screen and, more generally, the combination in a single component of several electrical switching functions.

  It is particularly desirable, in the case of an application to a mobile phone (for example GSM or UMTS) whose dimensions are increasingly reduced and that the user must be able to manipulate and control with one hand, that such a multiple switch can be manipulated with the thumb being implanted on the front main face of the phone including the keyboard, or on one of the two main side edges of the phone housing, or under the main face of the phone.

  The need for a compact control device and very small dimensions for moving a cursor on a screen, and / or scrolling menus (Scanning), also called "browser", is increasingly important on devices type "Mobile phone" or "Personal Digital Assistant" offering more and more functions and services including calling choices on one or more screens, similar to the use of a laptop.

  It is thus desirable to have a multi-channel switch electrical switch using a single actuating member in the general form of a lever or handle, also called "joystick", which can be operated with a finger that acts directly on its upper free end which protrudes outside the device, or on a button attached to this upper end.

  Such maneuvers, for example by means of the underside of the thumb of the hand which holds the apparatus, must be easy and can be carried out in as many directions as possible, with great ergonomics and maneuvering efforts. weak (<2N).

  In addition, such a miniaturized component must provide the user with a tactile sensation that reflects the validity of the maneuvers performed.

  The touch sensation transmitted by the switch to the user is a very important parameter for its performance and ergonomics.

  The sensitivity of the user's touch is such that it allows him to perceive variations, discrete or continuous, very fine, and that it is thus possible to transmit to the finger or the hand of the user a "message" very complex.

  The finger is thus a prime contractor (or issuer) for moving a cursor on the screen and / or for selecting a position of the cursor, and it is also a sensor (or receiver) which receives tactile information in return by the intermediate of the single actuating member.

  It is thus desirable to provide the user with tactile sensations that are produced directly in response to the movement of the finger on the actuator, that is, in its transmitter function.

  In the case of a scanning movement (Scanning), such information or tactile sensations are, for example, click pulses or mechanical "clicks" corresponding to each electrical signal or pulse produced by the switch intended for electronic circuits for processing data. signals or data from the device.

  The production of electrical selection pulses is thus carried out by "scanning" the space by maneuvers in which the actuating member is inclined at different orientations with respect to a central rest position in which it extends. in a so-called vertical orientation and to which it is recalled elastically as soon as the user releases its action on the upper end of maneuvering.

  The same single actuating member also allows a validation operation by depression, that is to say that the production of the electrical validation pulse is obtained by moving the actuating member vertically downwards when it is in position. its central vertical position of rest.

  The research that led to the new design according to the present invention aims in particular to have a switch that satisfies the following requirements: - at least n direct switching channels for the selection "scanning", with an electrical connection output for each of the n channels, with moreover a very great modularity for the number n of channels which is for example equal to eight and which is not necessarily an even number; a validation switching channel; tactile effects in selection mode and validation mode; - a very high reliability and a lifetime of the product allowing at least one million cycles by switching, a total minimum of nine million cycles; - perfect dust tightness - very good centering of the actuating axis with respect to the switch housing; a return, or return, without play of the actuator in vertical rest position; s - a height or very small total thickness of the case of the order of 1.25mm.

  - Overall external dimensions of the housing also reduced to about 6.5x6.5 mm.

  These requirements have notably led to the elimination of the solutions, such as those described for example in US-A-6,348,664 or WO-A02 / 035513, which are solutions (currently used for most joysticks at n = 4). selection switching channels and a selection path available on the market) which are based on the pivoting of an axis provided with lateral radial branches each of which selectively actuate an associated monostable dome, or a trigger dome portion.

  Indeed, these solutions lead to a very difficult segregation of the selection switching channels when their number is equal to or greater than eight, and result in a relatively large thickness of the housing, a significant fragility of the branches or radial arms of the domes triggering, as well as a great difficulty to ensure dust tightness.

  In order to overcome these drawbacks, it has already been proposed in document US-A-4,739,128, a one-way switch and at least two selection channels of the type comprising a lower body of insulating material 31, 32 which carries fixed contacts 44, and a single upper actuator 33, 40 in the general form of validation pushbutton whose upper free end section 33 is capable of being operated by a user: a) which is mounted movably relative to the lower body along a generally vertical axis of validation for acting on a validation triggering member 38; b) and which is pivotally mounted substantially around a pivot center 40 located substantially on the validation axis, to occupy several selection angular positions 26 in each of which the actuator 33, 40, 42 is inclined relative to the vertical and establishes an electrical connection between the lower conductive end 39 of the actuator and a fixed electrical contact 44 of associated selection carried by the lower body 32.

  However, this document does not propose any industrial design that, in particular, satisfies the series of requirements mentioned above.

  In order to remedy these drawbacks, the invention proposes a switch of the type which has just been mentioned, characterized in that the validation release member is a central body made of conductive material and of generally convex shape which is elastically deformable. from a stable and high rest position to a low validation position to establish an electrical connection between two fixed contacts, in that the lower conductive end of the actuator is a sphere which is permanently axially supported on the upper face of the validation release member, and in that the fixed selection contacts are arranged in a ring, with radial clearance, around the lower conductive sphere of the actuator so that the tilting of the actuator is capable of causing the sphere to come into contact with at least one fixed selection contact (facing the internal cylindrical lateral wall of the crown) to establish at least one selection switching path.

  According to other characteristics of the invention: the upper face of the central triggering member comprises a concave central well for centering the sphere in the center of the crown and for centering the actuator in the central vertical rest position.

  - The centering well is conical or frustoconical profile; the lower conductive sphere of the actuator is elastically biased permanently bearing against the upper face of the central triggering member; the actuator comprises a compression spring which is interposed axially between an upper actuating pusher and the lower conductive sphere; the lower conductive sphere of the actuator is a conductive ball which is clamped axially between a concave seat of the actuator and the upper face of the central triggering member; - The actuator comprises a lower guide part of the conductive ball in which is formed said concave seat; - The lower guide piece is slidably mounted axially relative to the pusher; the switch comprises stop means which determine an upper axial position of rest of the actuator relative to the lower body; it comprises a tubular upper body for guiding the actuator; - It comprises an annular seal which is interposed radially between a portion vis-à-vis the inner wall of the tubular upper body and a cylindrical side face of the actuator; - The fixed selection contacts are carried by an intermediate plate which is centrally pierced with a hole defining said ring, and which is housed in the lower body; - The validation trigger member is interposed vertically between the horizontal bottom of the lower body and the intermediate plate which carries the fixed selection contacts; the fixed selection contacts are arranged in the same horizontal plane; the central tripping member is capable of establishing an electrical connection between at least one common fixed electrical contact with which the validation tripping member is always in contact and, on the other hand, another contact. fixed electrical validation, arranged in a horizontal bottom of the lower body; the switch comprises means of prohibition which prevent any tilting of the actuator when the latter is in the lower / depressed validation position.

  Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the main components; a first embodiment of an electrical switch according to the teachings of the invention; FIGS. 2 to 7 are perspective views at an angle similar to that of FIG. 1, which illustrate the successive steps of setting up and assembling the various components illustrated in FIG. 1, until obtaining a complete switch with its closed case as shown in Figure 7; - Figure 8 is a top view on a larger scale of the lower body; - Figure 9 is a side view along the arrow F9 of Figure 8; - Figure 10 is a perspective view from above of the intermediate plate which carries the fixed selection contacts; Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the intermediate plate of Figure 10; - Figure 12 is a top view and on a larger scale of the intermediate plate; Figure 13 is a side view along the arrow F13 of Figure 12; Figures 14 and 15 are perspective views of detail, from above and below the upper body forming a cover of the switch housing according to the invention; Figure 16 is an enlarged sectional view, taken along the vertical plane 16-16 of Figure 8, illustrating the switch in the home position; - Figure 17 is a view similar to that of Figure 16, according to the vertical plane 17-17 of Figure 8; FIG. 18 is a view analogous to that of FIG. 16, in which the actuator is shown in a tilted selection position according to a first embodiment of the actuator with a view to setting up a track. switching selection; FIG. 19 is a view similar to that of FIG. 18 in which the actuator is shown in a pivoted selection position similar to that of FIG. 18, but according to a second mode of implementation of the actuator; FIG. 20 is a view similar to that of FIG. 16 in which the actuator is shown in the depressed validation position in order to establish the validation commutation path voluntarily; FIGS. 21A to 21D are four diagrams which represent, in a view from above, the central part of the intermediate plate with the eight fixed selection contacts and the conductive switching ball in different consecutive angular positions without going back to the stable rest position. ; - Figures 22 to 25 are views similar to those of Figures 16 and 18 to 20 which illustrate a second embodiment of the switch actuator according to the invention; FIGS. 26 to 29 are views similar to that of FIG. 16 which further illustrate four other embodiments of the actuator of the switch according to the invention; FIGS. 30 and 31 are views similar to that of FIG. 16 which illustrate two alternative embodiments of the embodiment of the actuator illustrated in FIG. 28 which comprise means for illuminating the pusher of the actuator; FIG. 32 is a detailed view of an illumination diode or "LED" used in the switches shown in FIGS. 29 to 31; FIG. 33 is a perspective detail view of the contact spring used in FIG. and 31; - Figures 34 to 37 are figures illustrating the combination of a switch according to the invention with an operating knob 10 or manipulation.

  Without limitation, we will adopt a vertical orientation, horizontal with reference to the orientation of the components in the figures.

  Similarly, the terms longitudinal, transverse and vertical 15 will be used with reference to the trihedron L, V, T shown in the figures.

  As can be seen in FIG. 1, the electric switch 10 according to the invention consists of an axial stack, along the general axis A, of five main components, comprising vertically from bottom to top: a lower body 12 carries contacts fixed, a central triggering actuator 14, an intermediate plate 16 carries fixed selection contacts, an actuator 18, and a top closure body 20 which, together with the lower body 12, constitutes the housing of the switch 10.

  In the first embodiment which is illustrated in particular in Figure 1, the actuator 18 is constituted by an axial stack of four components comprising, vertically from bottom to top, a conductive ball 22, a lower part 24 for guiding the ball 22, a helical compression spring 26, and an upper pusher 28 for manipulating the actuator 18.

  Finally, as can also be seen in FIG. 5, an O-ring 30, which is a standard "o-ring" seal, is interposed radially between the pusher 28 and the upper body 20.

  As can be seen in Figures 2, 8 and 9, the lower body 12 is essentially constituted by an insulated molded plastic part of generally square parallelepiped shape whose upper face is open to give access to a housing or cavity internal 32 delimited by a horizontal bottom 34.

  In the bottom 34, according to a known technique in the field of switches, the lower body 12 comprises a series of conductive pads Pi which are coplanar with the horizontal bottom 34 and each of which provides a fixed contact function.

  In known manner and as can be seen in FIG. 12, each conductive pad Pi belongs to a pre-cut metal strip of conductive material, a free end projecting laterally outside the body 12 to constitute an external terminal Bi of electrical connection. of the corresponding beach.

  Thus, considering FIG. 8, the lower body 12 comprises a central enabling contact P1, a conductive peripheral pad P2 which is arranged substantially in a ring around the central validation pad P1 and which comprises in particular four P2a contact portions which are arranged in a star at the four corners of the bottom 34.

  For the purposes of the invention, the conductive peripheral zone P2 constitutes a common fixed contact which is common on the one hand to the selection channels and, on the other hand, to the validation channel of the switch 10, as well as to the circuit supply of illumination means when these are provided.

  The conductive pad P2 is associated with two external connection terminals B2, whereas the central validation area P1 is connected to an external connection terminal B1.

  The lower body 12 here comprises eight selection conductive areas P3 which are angularly distributed 2861214 II regularly around the axis A, in pairs along the internal vertical lateral faces 36 which laterally delimit the cavity 32 of the support of the lower body 12 .

  Each conducting conductive pad P3 is associated with an external connecting conductive terminal B3.

  Finally, the bottom 34 of the lower body 12 comprises an additional conductive pad of mass P4 which is arranged between two conducting conduction pads P3, in the median vertical plane PVM of symmetry of the lower body 12 (see FIG. 8), and which is connected to an outer conductive terminal B4 opposite the conductive terminal BI associated with the conductive pad P1.

  The upper face 38 of the lower body 12 constitutes a horizontal bearing surface for the upper body 20 and it has four positioning and crimping pins 40 for mounting and fixing the upper body 20 on the lower body 12.

  The lower body 12 is delimited vertically downwards by its outer lower horizontal face 42 which is intended to come into vertical abutment, for example, on a printed circuit board (not shown) of an electronic apparatus equipped with the switch 10.

  As can be seen for example in FIG. 16, the design of each of the external connection terminals Bi is identical, and each comprises a contact section Ti which is flush with the lower face 42 and which extends vertically outwards. upward facing an outer side face of the body 12 by a branch or free blade electrical connection.

  The lower body 12 thus comprises twelve electrical connection terminals Bi distributed regularly by three along each external lateral face 37 of the insulating body 12 so as to balance the orientation and the placement of the lower body on the upper face of the circuit board. printed that carries the switch, when going into reflow.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the upper closure body 20 of the switch housing 10 is, for example, a metal part or cage which is made by cutting and stamping (or bar turning), which is constituted essentially by a lower horizontal closure plate 44 whose lower face 46 is provided to bear on the upper face 38 of the lower body 12 and which has four holes 47 for the passage of the pins 40 to crimp.

  The upper body 20 also comprises a tubular central portion 48 and which extends vertically upwardly above the plate 44 and which delimits a vertical cylindrical internal bore 49 which opens vertically downwards into the lower face 46 and which is open vertically upwards.

  More specifically, the central tube 48 for guiding the actuator 18 comprises an upper flange 50 which extends radially inwards to define a hole or orifice 52 for passage of the pusher 28 and to constitute a lower horizontal surface 53 forming a the vertical abutment shoulder upwards for the pusher 28 and the actuator 18.

  In known manner, the central triggering member 14 is a part made of conductive material, preferably metal, and which is shaped so as to naturally occupy a stable resting position from which it is elastically deformable to a non-rigid position. stable.

  The piece 14 is made in the general shape of a dome 56 with its convexity oriented vertically upwards and which extends vertically downwards by four radial arms 57 regularly arranged in a star and each of which terminates in a lower foot 58 which in assembled position and assembly of the components of the switch 10, is in abutment and in permanent electrical contact on one of the vis-à-vis portions P2a of the common conductive pad P2 of the lower body 12.

  The radial arms 57 and the feet 58 are received in complementary housings 59 of the cavity 32 of the lower body 12 so as to position the tripping member angularly in the bottom 34 and along the horizontal axes L, T without the possibility of displacements of the dome 14 according to these directions.

  The largest dimension of the trigger member between two opposing feet arranged along a diagonal of the cavity is of the order of 6mm.

  In the stable rest position of the trigger member 14, as can be seen in FIG. 16, the conformation of the dome 56 is such that its central portion extends vertically above the conductive central conduction zone P1 arranged in the bottom 34 of the lower body 12 with a vertical play between them, that is to say without electrical contact. In known manner, acting in a vertical direction from top to bottom on the dome 56, it can trigger the latter, that is to say, cause its "collapse" (also called "collapse") which deforms elastically to come in contact with the central conducting area of validation P1 and thus establish an electrical connection between the conductive pads P2 and P1.

  According to a feature of the invention, the central axial portion of the dome 56 comprises a centering shaft 60 of substantially conical profile flared with its concavity oriented vertically upwards.

  This well 60 or dimple (also called "dimple") is delimited by a peripheral edge 62.

  The convex lower face 64 in relief and oriented vertically towards the bottom of the well 60 constitutes the central part of the dome 56 which is capable of coming into electrical contact, which is substantially punctual, with the central conducting area of validation P1 opposite the lower body 12.

  According to the arrangement of the invention illustrated in the figures, the central trigger member 14 is interposed axially and vertically between the bottom 34 of the lower body 12 on which it is in vertical support by the lower free ends of its radial arms 58 , and the intermediate plate 16 which carries the fixed selection contacts.

  The intermediate plate 16, which will now be described in more detail, is intended to be housed in the cavity 32 of the lower body 12. For this purpose, as can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the intermediate plate 16 is a molded part of insulating plastic material which is delimited by a plane and horizontal lower face 65 and by a parallel upper face 66.

  The peripheral contour of the intermediate plate 16 is of generally square shape and is dimensioned to allow its arrangement in the cavity 32 between the inner lateral faces 36.

  In the mounted and assembled position of the components, the lower face 64 bears vertically downwards on three studs 68 formed integrally with the lower body 12 and which are arranged above the plane of the bottom 34 along three lateral faces. 36 respectively.

  As can be seen in FIG. 16, the lower face 46 of the plate 44 of the upper body 20 is then in vertical abutment on the upper face 66 of the intermediate plate 16.

  The plate 16 has a hole or central hole 70 which passes vertically through the plate 16.

  The internal concave cylindrical periphery 72 of the hole 70 comprises, in the example illustrated in the figures, eight fixed selection contacts C3 which are angularly arranged in a regular manner to constitute a ring of fixed selection contacts which are all arranged in the same horizontal plane. corresponding substantially to the median horizontal plane of the intermediate plate 16.

  Each fixed selection contact C3 is thus an angular sector of conductive concave cylindrical surface of vertical axial orientation. Each contact C3 is the free end, radially inner, of a strip of conductive material constituting an insert embedded in the body of the intermediate plate 16 and the other free end, radially outer, is shaped as a conductive contact blade L3.

  The blade L3 extends laterally outside the insulating body of the intermediate plate 16 and vertically downwards in the form of a "C" folded free end strand which projects vertically downwards from the insulating body of the intermediate plate 16 and vertically downwards. below the plane of the lower horizontal face 65 and each of which is in resilient vertical bearing without play and in electrical contact on a selection conductive pad P3 facing the bottom 34 of the lower body 32. This ensures an axial "tightening" without play for the reliability of the electrical contacts.

  Thus, in the mounted and assembled position of the components, is each fixed selection contact C3, is electrically connected to a selection conductive pad P3, and therefore to an external connection terminal B3.

  As can be seen in the figures, each fixed selection contact C3 is separated and electrically isolated from the two other contacts C3 which are adjacent thereto by an insulating radial pad 74. The molding of the plate 16, and therefore its overmolding around the strips conductive metal, is made in a mold whose conformation is such that, as can be seen in Figures 10 and 11, the concave surfaces of the fixed selection contacts C3 project radially inside the central hole 70 of the plate 16 beyond the radially inner face 76 of each insulating radial stud 74.

  In a view from above, and as can be seen more particularly in FIGS. 21A to 21D, each fixed selection contact is in arc along a circle which is radially internal with respect to the circle along which the faces 76 of the pads 74 extend. Thus, the ball never comes into contact with a portion of insulating plastic 74, 76.

  The intermediate plate 16 also comprises an additional strip, which is also made in the form of an insert and which is shaped into a "C" -shaped blade L4 so as to be permanently in abutment and in electrical contact with the conductive pad of mass P4 (and therefore with the ground electrical connection terminal B4), and also so that its upper horizontal face 78 extends over a lower grounding pad 80 of the lower horizontal plate 44, and therefore the upper cage 20, the pad 80 being obtained by stamping.

  Thus, in the assembled position of the components, the metallic and conductive upper body 20 is electrically connected to the ground conducting pad P4, and therefore to the ground connection terminal B4.

  In the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 20, the actuator 18 consists of four pieces stacked axially.

  The upper pusher 28 is a tubular piece closed at its upper free end by a horizontal partition 82 and which is open at its lower free end so that the lower part 24 for guiding and centering of the conductive ball 22 is slidably mounted axially and telescopically within the pusher 28, with axial interposition of the compression coil spring 26 which is permanently in a compressed state so as to continuously "increase" the axial length of the actuator 18.

  For this purpose, the lower axial end of the spring 26 bears axially on the upper end face 84 of the part 24 whose lower free end, which is permanently protruding axially downward from the internal bore 86 of the pusher 28, has a concave seat 88 facing downwards which rotatably receives the upper portion of the spherical ball 22.

  The conformation and the respective dimensions of the concave seat 88 and the conductive ball 22 are such that the ball 22 can never escape from the seat 88.

  According to the first embodiment, these dimensions are such that the contact between the ball 22 and the seat is established along a circular edge 89 of the seat 88.

  The body of the pusher is made of conductive material (metal) or insulating material.

  The tubular body of the pusher 28 is staggered and has an upper section 28S of smaller diameter whose outer diameter is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the hole 52.

  It also comprises a lower section 281 of larger diameter which is housed permanently inside the tubular portion 48.

  The upper and lower sections of the pusher 28 are separated by an outer radial flange 90 whose horizontal upper face 92 constitutes an abutment shoulder which, under the action of the helical compression spring 26, is biased upwards against the axial abutment. horizontal lower face 53 of the flange 50 thus defining the vertical rest position of the pusher 28 relative to the upper body 20.

  The collar also has a peripheral fillet 55 to ensure a linear contact in the tilted position (see Figure 18).

  The lower section 281 also has an outer radial groove 94 which permanently receives the O-ring 30 whose dimensions are such that it is mounted radially compressed between the radial bottom of the groove 94 and the wall of the internal bore. vertical cylindrical 49.

  In addition, above the radial flange 90, the upper portion 281 of the actuating pusher has a profiled inner radial groove 96 which, as will be explained later, allows the tilting movements of the actuator 18 relative to to the upper body 20 and lower 12 of the switch housing.

  The use of a ball of very small size (for example about 0.7mm), made of very hard steel, and coated with a precious metal alloy coating (for example PbNi very wear-resistant on a ball metal), makes it possible to minimize the coated surface of the precious metal of the conductive member that it constitutes, and to reduce wear through its rolling on the dome of the conductive member, as well as to reduce significantly the Machining to the extent that the ball is a standard piece of trade made in very large quantities.

  As can be seen in FIG. 16, the diameter of the ball is such that, in the centered resting position, there is a substantially uniform radial clearance "J" between the peripheral surface of the ball and the fixed selection contacts C3 which constitute the teeth of the ring of selection contacts according to the invention.

  We will now describe the operation and use of the electrical switch 10 according to the first embodiment which has just been described in detail.

  In the stable rest position shown in particular in Figures 16 and 17, due to the relative setting of the compression spring 26 and the central trigger member 14, the latter is in its stable state of rest, with the central part of the dome 56 in the "up" position.

  Due to the action of the spring 26, the conductive ball 22 is clamped axially between the guide member 24, 88 and the trigger member 14 More specifically, the ball bears and in electrical contact with the upper face 61 Well 60.

  Unlike the concave seat 88, the profile of the flared well 60 is such that it will allow, for a selection actuation, the conductive ball 22 out of the well.

  The selection function or "scanning" and the associated tactile sensation can be obtained, for all the combinations of the various embodiments and the variants described and shown, according to two different modes depending on the sizing and the chosen force / arrow diagram. for the compression spring 26 and the trigger member 14.

  According to a first mode illustrated in FIG. 18, the electrical switching conductive ball 22 escapes outside the well 60, during the tilting of the actuator, by an angle α with respect to the vertical axis A, without actuate "the dome 56. According to this mode, the closure of the electrical channel switching selection" scanning "is obtained without causing closure of the switching channel validation.

  The tilting is performed generally around a tilting center C 15 located on the axis A. The tactile effect is obtained by the exhaust of the conductive member that constitutes the ball 22 out of the well and that comes "percussion "the inner radial periphery of the central hole 70 by providing a radial snapping or" snapping "effect.

  This effect or tactile sensation can be amplified in the configurations, which will be described later, of Figures 26 and 27 (and their combinations with hemispherical tip variants) by the radial elastic deformation of the lower end section of the compression spring 26. .

  A well-shaped dome-shaped central trigger member 60 may also be used in all configurations if the selectable tactile effect is not desired, for example in applications for games in which the minimum effort is desired in the manipulation of the "joystick" to minimize fatigue of the user's finger, and in which it is instead the speed of the selection-scanning action is sought.

  The tilting of the actuator 18 causes a compression of the spring 26 whose vertical component Fv is that exerted by the conductive ball 22 on the dome 56.

  When the angle of tilt reaches its maximum value which is about 10 degrees in the examples shown, the value of this component Fv remains lower than the actuating force of the dome and it is therefore not "collapsed".

  The compression of the spring 26 creates a horizontal component Fh (zero at rest a = 0) which increases as the compression force of the compression spring increases when the angle a goes from 0 at 10 degrees.

  Towards the end of the tilting, the value of the component Fh becomes greater than the horizontal component of the retention force Fr of the conductive ball in the dome well 56. The value of the retention force Fr depends on the diameter of the ball 22 , of the shape and dimensions of the well 60, and it is proportional to the component Fv which itself varies proportionally with Fh during tilting, and the conductive member that constitutes the ball 22 escapes suddenly from the well 60, creating thus a snapping effect followed by the abrupt stop of the ball. The dome 56 itself being an elastic member, it collapses slightly but without collapsing, also participating in the slamming effect of the ball 22 leaving the well 60.

  The closing of the validation path (FIG. 20) is obtained by pressing up and down on the actuator 18.

  The descent stroke of the actuator will, in a first step (with a 0.2 to 0.3mm pre-stroke), compress the spring 26 until its turns are contiguous.

  The further descent of the actuator (whose total stroke is equal to about 0.4 to 0.5 mm) is then transmitted to the dome 56, by means of rigid parts 24 and 22 thus causing the collapse ( "collapsing") of the trigger member 12. This further descent of the actuator 18 will "lock" the actuator in vertical orientation by the cooperation of the upper portion 28S of the pusher 28 with the hole 52 for its passage. Thus, in the validation position illustrated in FIG. 20, it is no longer possible to tilt the actuator 18 into the selection position.

  By choosing precisely the setting of the compression spring 26 with respect to the elastic force of the dome 56 and with respect to the kinematics of the ball 22 (in "Selection" and "Validation"), the collapse of the dome can also be obtained without the turns of the spring becoming joined.

  For this it is necessary that, after a stroke of 0.2-0.3mm of the actuator, the compression force of the spring 26 reaches the value of the force of the dome, then exceeds it during the continuation of the race of the actuator. But it is also necessary that during the switching of the actuator to the selected position, the vertical compression component of the spring 26 remains lower than the force of the dome.

  According to the second mode of implementation illustrated in FIG. 19, the conductive ball 22 escapes from the housing or well 60 (during the tilting of the actuator 18) by "actuating" the dome 56 of the central triggering member 14 which "collapses" producing a very important tactile sensation.

  According to this second embodiment, the closure of the selection switching path, corresponding to the angular orientation of the actuator, is accompanied by the almost simultaneous closing of the validation switch channel by the triggering member 14.

  The advantage of this second mode is to provide an excellent tactile sensation, greater than that obtained with the simple escape of the conductive ball out of the well. In return, the software of the electronic device equipped with the switch 10, which analyze all the signals and state changes, manage this "parasitic" switching of the validation switching channel.

  For this purpose and by way of example, the interface (not shown) of the electronic device has its inputs connected to the nine switching signal outputs (eight selection channels and one switch validation channel) and implements the following algorithm.

  The interface continuously monitors the status of these nine outputs (state 0 = switch channel "open" - state 1 = switch channel "closed").

  When a signal is detected, "Selection" and / or (inclusive) "Validation", the interface temporarily stores this information and, after a determined waiting time T (for example T = 25 ms), the interface searches again. The waiting time T makes it possible to dispense with the timing of the change of state of the "Selection" outputs relative to that of the validation output.

  If the (or possibly both) output (s) "Selection" is (are) again detected in state 1, this (or possibly these two) output (s) "Selection" is (are) confirmed (s) in state 1, regardless of the status of the "Validation" output.

  If only the "Validation" output is again detected in state 1, the validation output must first be "authorized" to be confirmed in state 1. The authorization of "Validation" consists in verifying that, during the scan that preceded that of the "provisional" scan, the state of the "Selection" was state 0.

  This avoids any risk of confusion if the actuator switched to "Selection" on a selection channel, is very slightly released and then changed back to "Selection" and that during this operation the electrical contact "Selection" s 'is open then closed, while the electrical contact' Validation 'has remained closed (risk that depends on the chronology mentioned above and it is better to eliminate).

  According to the second mode of operation with "collapse" of the dome 56, the slamming effect obtained during the switching of the actuator in selection function (a = 10 degrees in the examples shown) is the sum of two simultaneous phenomena.

  A first slamming effect is due to the escape of the ball 22 out of the well 60 of the dome 56 and at its stop in contact with the ring of contacts. This effect is amplified by the additional expansion of the compression spring resulting from the collapse of the dome during its collapse.

  A second effect constituted by the collapse of the dome whose tactile effect is transmitted to the actuator by the rigid intermediate parts.

  The tactile effect resulting from these two phenomena is naturally stronger than that previously described according to the first embodiment without collapse of the dome 56. The descent of the actuator is continued (0.4 / 0.5mm total stroke) will of course also "lock" the actuator in the vertical position.

  During the validation, the compression of the spring 26, resulting from the vertical support on the actuator, causes the collapse of the dome as soon as the compression force reaches and then exceeds the force of the dome (after a 0.2 0.3mm).

  As can be seen in FIGS. 21A to 21D, the design according to the invention makes it possible to carry out a "circular scanning" in the selection position.

  Indeed, after having switched the actuator to establish a first selection switching channel (FIG. 21A), it is then possible, without releasing the actuator, to effect a rotation around the axis A and the center C ( for example, clockwise to the figures) to establish a new switching channel with the immediately adjacent fixed contact C3, and so on.

  As seen in the figures, the conducting sphere 22 is always in contact with at least one contact C3.

  The conformation of the contacts C3 can provide the user with a tactile sensation of the passage from one contact C3 to the next.

  Likewise, during a tilting of the actuator for a selection action, the ball 22 can land directly on two contacts C3 (FIG. 21C). With appropriate processing software, it is thus possible to have a switch with sixteen selection switching channels.

  In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 25, the lower part of the actuator 18 is modified in that the lower part 24 mounted to slide telescopically inside the pusher 28 is made in one piece with the "ball" 22, which is then, as can be seen in the figures, in the form of a lower half-sphere formed at the lower free end of the part 24 which extends axially continuously outside the 28S lower section of the pusher 28.

  In the same way as the ball 22 according to the first embodiment, which may be a metal ball in the mass, or a ball coated with a coating layer of electrically conductive and in particular a metal coating, the sphere 22 integral with the guide piece 24 may be made of metal, or an insulating material coated with a layer of conductive material.

  In the latter case, it is not necessary that the upper cylindrical body of the guide piece 24 itself be conductive.

  The convex cylindrical peripheral surface of the guide element 24 may for example be provided with a low-friction coating layer in cooperation with the inner wall of the bore 49 and / or insulating.

  All the modes of operation and operation of the switch illustrated in Figures 22 to 25 is identical to what has been described above with reference to the first embodiment.

  However, it is noted that the conductive sphere 22 is of course not likely to roll on the central trigger member 14, but it can only slide on the upper face of the latter.

  In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26, the lower part 24 for guiding the conductive ball 22 has been removed. Consequently, it is the last lower turn 27 of the helical compression spring 26 which is directly in contact with the upper portion of the ball 22, this turn 22 of lower end internally defining the concave seat 88 for guiding and holding the ball 22.

  The radial elasticity of the lower section of the spring can also increase the "snapping" effect at the moment of the escape of the ball.

  All the modes of operation and operation of the switch illustrated in Figures 22 to 25 is identical to what has been described above with reference to the first embodiment.

  The embodiment of the actuator 18 which is illustrated in Figure 27 again comprises a lower part 24 for guiding and holding the conductive ball 22, with a lower concave seat 88 of conical profile.

  However, the cylindrical upper body of the part 24 is axially received inside the lower free end section of the compression spring 26.

  Thus, the part 24 is mounted indirectly sliding and telescopic with respect to the pusher 28.

  The spring 26 is advantageously of greater length and acts, via its lower end turn 27, on an outer radial flange 25 of the piece 24.

  Regarding the embodiment shown in Figure 29, it is substantially similar to the first embodiment, but it is noted that the upper body of the guide piece 24 and tubular is hollow so as to accommodate a compression spring 26 of greater length which is received in the internal bore 23 of the piece 24.

  In the variant embodiment of FIG. 28, the guide piece 24, a lower end piece comprising the conductive half-sphere 22, is axially fitted into the body of the part 24. This design makes it possible to electrically isolate the conductive member that constitutes the sphere 22 of the pusher 28 and the upper conductive cage and connected to the ground 20.

  Examples of illumination means 10 integrated in the pusher 28 of the actuator will now be described with reference in particular to FIGS. 30 and 31.

  The illumination of a button 118 which is the appearance part inserted on the upper pusher 28 of the actuator 18 (see FIG. 34 and following), is a desired effect to facilitate, for example, the vision of the location of the browser of a mobile phone (or PDA ...) in the dark.

  Most known and applied solutions on current products are based on the principle of a light pipe that extends between the button and one or more light-emitting diodes, also called "LEDs", arranged on the printed circuit board. the electronic device. This light pipe complicates the assembly, generally has a low efficiency for the transmission of light and causes unwanted light leakage, for example around the button and other interstices, especially around the button.

  The invention therefore proposes to place the light source directly below or inside the actuator.

  The proposed solution is to place the "LED" shown in detail in FIG. 32 inside the actuator 18 near its upper end.

  For this purpose, the upper portion 28S of the pusher comprises an orifice 98 allowing the light rays to directly illuminate the inside of the button since this end 28S is in the button.

  There are "LEDs" having high luminosities and whose dimensions are: - rectangular section: 0.5x0.6mm - length: l mm s These "LEDs" are housed in the cylindrical cavity of the upper section 28S of the pusher 28 of the actuator whose outer diameter is equal to 1.5 mm in the examples shown.

  The length of the "LED" 100 is oriented along the axis of the pusher 28 so that one 102 of the electrodes of the LED (for example the cathode) is in contact with the upper inner face 104 of the upper cavity 106. pusher electrically conductive material, and that its second electrode 103 (eg the anode) is in contact with the upper end turn 29 of the compression spring 26.

  The LED also has a printed circuit board 101 between the electrodes and a transparent housing 105.

  The shape of the stepped internal bore of the pusher 28 is such that it avoids any risk of short-circuiting between the two electrodes 102, 103 of the "LED" 100 and minimizes the possibilities of pivoting the "LED" in its housing. .

  The compressive force applied by the compression spring 26 establishes the necessary support forces of the electrodes 102, 103, respectively with the conductive pusher 28 and with the compression spring 26.

  To facilitate the holding in position of the spring 26 on the "LED" 100, the last turn 29 can be flared to "belt" (not shown) the electrode of the lower part of the "LED" 100.

  The electrical supply circuit of the "LED" 100 is the following: The upper electrode 102 is in contact with the pusher 28 is reduced to the potential of the output corresponding to the mass of the cage 20 which is itself connected to the ground connection terminal B4.

  Due to the mobility of the actuator 18 in the tubular cavity 48 of the cage 20, it is advantageous to add a conical compression spring 108 with two or three turns and conductor of electricity (see FIGS. 31 and 33). , the smallest upper end turn 110 of which is fitted elastically on the lower end piece 112 of the pusher 28 of the actuator, and whose lower turn 114 is wedged (by radial elastic deformation of this turn) between the insulating body of the intermediate plate 16 and the base of the tubular cavity 48 of the cage 20.

  This conical compression spring 108 has a low force and great flexibility to follow all the angular and vertical movements of the actuator 28, and it only has the function of short-circuiting the electrical connection 18 actuator cage 20 for make reliable the electrical connection of the "LED" 100.

  Like the spring 26, the spring 108 must for this purpose be electrically conductive.

  The lower electrode 103, in contact with the turn 29 of the compression spring 26, is brought back to the potential of the dome (and its corresponding outlets P2 on the lower stationary contact holder 12) via the ball 22, which is it -also always in pressing pressure on the dome 56. It is therefore necessary that the guide piece 24 is made of insulating material to avoid the short circuit between the two electrodes 102, 103 and that its bottom is pierced so that the bottom turn 27 is in contact with the ball (see Figure 30).

  It is also possible to use a bi-material guide piece 24 as in FIG. 29 in which this piece comprises an insulating tubular upper body 24S and a hemispherical lower end piece 241 made of conductive material which is fitted into the lower end of the spring 26 and whose head 116 is in electrical contact with the last lower turns of the spring 26.

  The orifice 98 of the pusher 28 can be closed by a transparent material to optimize the sealing of the product, although the establishment of the button can be sufficient in most cases to minimize this risk.

  FIGS. 34 to 36 show a first example of a joystick-type button 118 represented at rest and in section in FIG. 34, in the tilted position of selection in FIG. 35 and in the vertical position depressed in FIG. FIG. 34 shows the path of the light from the diode 100 through the button 118. In these figures, the relative position of the button 118 with respect to an upper wall 120 belonging to the electronic device equipped with FIG. switch 100 with its button 118.

  Figure 37 is a view similar to that of Figure 34 with a button 118 "flat". With the button, the two operations are generally in the vertical direction V, and are differentiated by acting vertically in the center (validation) or to the periphery of the button (selection).

  The button of course multiplies the movements and efforts that are applied to it.

  The switch according to the invention makes it possible to change the direction, for example along a diagonal of a screen, without releasing it and without going back through a "neutral" or zero.

  The invention allows a very high modularity by modifying the intermediate plate 16 with a number of fixed contacts C3 different.

  The other components are identical.

  The "revolution" components of the actuator and the ball may advantageously be made of metal by bar turning and are then very rigid which allows to achieve a very large number of operating cycles.

  The spring 26 can be eliminated if the elastic force exerted permanently by the dome 14 is sufficient to ensure the axial "tightening" without play of the ball 22.

  The invention is not limited to a sphere or a section of sphere, home can use any similar form providing the same function, for example ellipsoid.

Claims (16)

  An electrical switch (10) with a validation channel and at least two selection channels of the type comprising a lower body of insulating material (12) which carries fixed contacts (Pi), and a single upper actuator (18) in the form of general validation pushbutton whose upper free end section (28) is capable of being operated by a user: a) which is movably mounted relative to the lower body (12) along a generally vertical axis (A) of validation for acting on a validation triggering member (14, 56); b) and which is pivotally mounted to occupy several angular positions of selection in each of which the actuator (18) is inclined relative to the vertical and establishes an electrical connection between the conductive lower end of the actuator and a fixed electrical contact associated selection member carried by the lower body (12), characterized in that the validation triggering member (14) is a central member made of conductive material and generally curved in shape which is elastically deformable from a stable position and high rest to a low validation position to establish an electrical connection between two fixed contacts (P1, P2), in that the lower conductive end of the actuator is a sphere (22) which is permanently axially supported on the upper face of the validation triggering member (14), and in that the fixed selection contacts (C3) are arranged in a ring, with radial clearance (J), at turn of the lower conductive sphere (22) of the actuator so that the tilting of the actuator (18) is capable of causing the sphere (22) to come into contact with at least one fixed selection contact (C3) to establish at least one selection switching path.   2. Switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper face of the central trigger member (14, 56) comprises a concave central well (60) for centering the sphere (22) in the center of the crown and of centering the actuator (18) in central vertical rest position.   3. Switch according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the centering well (60) is conical or frustoconical profile.   4. Switch according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the lower conductive sphere of the actuator (22) is resiliently biased permanently bearing against the upper face of the central actuating member (14) .   5. Switch according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuator (18) comprises a compression spring (26) which is interposed axially between an upper actuating pusher (28) and the lower conductive sphere (22).   6. Switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower conductive sphere of the actuator is a conductive ball (22) which is clamped axially between a concave seat (88) of the actuator (18, 24). ) and the upper face of the central triggering member (14).   7. Switch according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 5, characterized in that the actuator comprises a lower part (24) for guiding the conductive ball (22) in which is formed said concave seat (88).   8. Switch according to claim 7, characterized in that the lower guide piece (24) is slidably mounted axially relative to the pusher (28).   9. Switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises stop means (53, 92) which determine an upper axial position of rest of the actuator (18, 28) relative to the lower body .   10. Switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a tubular upper body (48) for guiding the actuator (28).   11. Switch according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises an annular seal (30) which is interposed radially between a portion vis-à-vis the inner wall (49) of the tubular upper body (48). ) and a cylindrical side face (94) of the actuator.   12. Switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fixed selection contacts (C3) are carried by an intermediate plate (16) which is pierced centrally by a hole (70) delimiting said crown, and which is housed in the lower body.   13. Switch according to claim 12, characterized in that the validation triggering member (14) is interposed vertically between the horizontal bottom (34) of the lower body (12) and the intermediate plate (16) which carries the fixed contacts. of selection (C3).   14. Switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed selection contacts (C3) are arranged in the same horizontal plane.   15. Electrical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central triggering member (14) is capable of establishing an electrical connection between on the one hand at least one common fixed electrical contact (P2) with which the validation tripping member (14) is always in contact and, on the other hand, another fixed electrical validation contact (P1), arranged in a horizontal bottom (34) of the lower body (12).   16. Switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means of prohibition which prevent any tilting of the actuator when the latter is in the lower / depressed position of validation.