WO2007132082A1 - Switching module and assembly controlled via a flexible skin - Google Patents

Switching module and assembly controlled via a flexible skin Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007132082A1
WO2007132082A1 PCT/FR2007/000790 FR2007000790W WO2007132082A1 WO 2007132082 A1 WO2007132082 A1 WO 2007132082A1 FR 2007000790 W FR2007000790 W FR 2007000790W WO 2007132082 A1 WO2007132082 A1 WO 2007132082A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
switching
flexible skin
protective member
opening
plane
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2007/000790
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thierry Bernard
Pascal Rumigny
Original Assignee
Faurecia Interieur Industrie
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Faurecia Interieur Industrie filed Critical Faurecia Interieur Industrie
Publication of WO2007132082A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007132082A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00—Applications
    • H01H2231/026—Car
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/01—Application power window

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a switching module and a switching assembly, in particular for the control of electrical components, such as a window regulator, intended to be incorporated. to interior packing members in a non-prominent manner.
  • the control of a car window lifter must allow two operations, the raising and lowering of a window.
  • the operator must have two different commands.
  • this document describes a switching module comprising an operating member disposed in a protective member and having a pattern formed by holes which constitutes a mark indicating the function of the operating member. For the operator, only the pattern is apparent. He therefore knows that he has to press on the motive to control the maneuvering organ.
  • the switch actuator which may belong to a window regulator control, is placed very close to the skin, so that the slightest contact with the skin in the region of the actuator causes the triggering of the actuator.
  • an object placed on the armrest or the simple support of the arm on one armrest can cause control of the operating member.
  • the object of the invention is to remedy this drawback.
  • the flexible skin there exists between the smallest distance between the walls of the protective member which contains the operating member and the stroke that the flexible skin must have a relation such that the switching module can not be triggered by even great pressure applied over a large area.
  • This relationship substantially limits the operation of the switching member to maneuver by a finger, and prevents maneuvering by a larger member such as the palm of the hand, the elbow, etc.
  • the invention relates to a switching module controlled by an operating member via a flexible skin, of the type which comprises a switching member carried by a support, a switching member of the switching member. movable in a displacement range in which is a trigger position of the switching member, a protective member carried by the support and disposed on either side of the actuating member, a flexible skin disposed on the side the protective member opposite to that of the support, the protective member defining an opening plane adjacent to the flexible skin; according to the invention, if x is the distance, expressed in millimeters, between the trigger position and the plane of the opening, in the direction perpendicular to this plane, the minimum dimension, expressed in millimeters, of the opening, on both sides of the actuator and in the plane of the opening is less than 2 [x. (40 - x)] 1/2 .
  • the protective member comprises two walls whose spacing, on either side of the operating member and in the plane of the opening, is less than or equal to 30 mm.
  • the flexible skin is disposed substantially in contact with the protective member in the opening plane, when the module is in the rest position of the operating member.
  • the flexible skin has a layer of foam that is in substantially contact with the protective member in the rest position of the module.
  • the distance x is preferably determined at the end of this range of distances closest to the home position.
  • the invention also relates to a switching assembly comprising at least two modules according to the preceding paragraphs, comprising a common rigid support which carries the two modules and a common flexible skin which covers the two modules; the flexible skin has two different marks, each mark being substantially centered on one of the modules and evoking the function of the particular switching module.
  • the assembly comprises a single protective member for the two modules, the protective member having two walls between which are arranged the actuators.
  • the assembly comprises foam around the protective member between the support and the skin.
  • FIG. 1 represents a switching module according to the invention intended for a door armrest or a car center console
  • Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 but shows a displacement of the skin insufficient to trigger the switching module
  • Figure 3 which is similar to Figures 1 and 2, shows the trigger position by a finger.
  • FIG. 1 shows an automobile lining member which comprises a substantially rigid support 10 separated from a flexible skin 12 by a space 14 which is advantageously formed of a layer of foam. There is also shown a circuit board 16 for carrying a switching member described below.
  • a protective member 18 is disposed on the card 16. It comprises flanges for attachment to the card 16 and defines a housing which, in the example shown, has a parallelepiped shape and opens on the side of the skin by a rectangular opening.
  • the skin 12, in this example, is substantially in contact with the opening of the protective member 18.
  • An operating member 20 is mounted in the housing of the protective member 18. This operating member 20 can slide in openings of the support 10 and the card 16 and has hooks 22 which delimit its displacement position towards the skin, under the action of a return spring 24 hooked to a projection 26 of the support 10.
  • the controlled switching member is referenced 28, and is shown in the form of a simple switch.
  • the object of the invention is to enable the control of the switching member 28 by a finger, but to prevent this control by a bend, the palm of a hand or a similar extended surface object.
  • a relationship is determined between the smallest dimension d of the spacing of the walls of the protective member 18 and the distance x that the skin must travel before triggering the switching member.
  • the dimension d corresponds to the smallest dimension delimited by the protective member 18.
  • the protective member 18 may be formed by two long angles arranged perpendicularly to the plane of FIG. 2 and between which be placed several switching members. In this case, obtains a switching assembly which may include a plurality of actuators.
  • the relation is such that, if x is the distance, expressed in millimeters, between the trigger position and the plane of the opening, in the direction perpendicular to this plane, the minimum dimension d expressed in millimeters the opening, on both sides of the operating member and in the plane of the opening, is less than 2 [x. (40 - x)] 1/2 .
  • a sufficiently large bending object such as a finger, is required for the movement of the skin beyond the triggering position of the switching member to be achieved.
  • the "plane of the opening" of the protective organ is referred to as the plane of a flat surface placed on the ends of the walls of the protective organ on the side of the skin.
  • the ends of the walls are not necessarily straight, and can be for example crenellated or slotted.
  • the operating member had a trip position coinciding with its rest position.
  • the actuator 20 controls the switching member 28.
  • the distance x is not the distance between the inner surface of the skin 12 and the outer surface of the operating member 20, as shown in FIG. 2, but is the distance determined at the beginning of the vacuum stroke of the operating member 20.
  • Figure 3 shows the position of a finger.
  • a spacing of the walls of the protective member 18 is advantageously less than or equal to 30 mm, for example 24 mm.
  • the soft skin it is advantageous for the soft skin to bear a mark.
  • each mark is centered on the module and evokes the function of the particular module, for example the rise or fall of the window.
  • the mark may be made by printing, embossing, punching or any other known marking operation.
  • the mark is formed by local deformation of the skin, for example at the position indicated in FIG. 2. The user sees a cavity of the skin and places a finger in the cavity to control the module.
  • the opening may have a closed contour, for example square, rectangular, circular, oval, etc.
  • the opening is circular when the protective member forms a hollow cylinder of circular section.
  • a cylindrical shape is not essential, since the delimited housing may for example be truncated, flared or tapered.
  • the opening may have an open contour, for example when it is delimited by two spaced and parallel walls, as indicated for the switching assembly according to the invention.
  • the skin 12 is in direct contact with the opening of the protective organ 18, the skin can be provided with inside, a layer of foam.
  • the distance x mentioned above must take into account the compressibility of this layer of foam.
  • the invention also relates to such an assembly thus comprising at least two modules, mounted on a rigid support under a flexible skin.
  • the skin must bear a mark.
  • each mark is centered on the module and evokes the function of the particular module, for example the rise or fall of the window.
  • the mark may be made by printing, embossing, punching or any other known marking operation.
  • the invention has been described in its application to an automobile window regulator, because such a member, when it is placed on an armrest, is very much at risk of inadvertent contact, the invention is applies to the control of any control member, for example a control member whose displacement of a first amplitude causes a first command and a displacement of greater amplitude causes a second command.
  • the device according to the invention has been called a "module” because it is advantageously used in duplicate in the case of a window regulator control, such a “module” can be used alone as control member of a single electrical member or the like.
  • an operating member 20 actuates the control button of a switch 28
  • the operating member may be constituted by the control button itself.

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching module controlled by an operating device via a flexible skin, comprising a switching member (28), a control member (20) movable through a movement range that includes a position in which the switching member (28) is activated, a protective member (18) arranged on either side of the operating member (20), and a flexible skin (12), wherein the protective member (18) defines an opening plane adjacent to the flexible skin (12). If the distance between the activation position and the opening plane is referred to as x, the minimum dimension of the opening, on either side of the operating member, is less than 2[x. (40 - x)]1/2. The invention is suitable for use in motor vehicle window lift controls.

Description

Module et ensemble de commutation commandés par l'intermédiaire d'une peau souple La présente invention concerne un module de commutation et un ensemble de commutation, notamment pour la commande d'organes électriques, tels qu'un lève-vitre, destinés à être incorporés à des organes de garnissage intérieur de façon non proéminente . The present invention relates to a switching module and a switching assembly, in particular for the control of electrical components, such as a window regulator, intended to be incorporated. to interior packing members in a non-prominent manner.
La commande d'un lève-vitre d'automobile doit permettre deux opérations, la montée et la descente d'une vitre. L'opérateur doit donc disposer de deux commandes différentes .The control of a car window lifter must allow two operations, the raising and lowering of a window. The operator must have two different commands.
Le document US-5 448 028 décrit un accoudoir ayant des commandes de divers accessoires électriques , notamment de lève-vitre d'une automobile, par des organes de commutation placés sous des saillies dépassant de l'accoudoir, une inscription voisine d'organes de manoeuvre indiquant à l'opérateur la fonction de l ' organe particulier de commutation . Cette disposition a l ' inconvénient de former des saillies et de pouvoir être commandée intempestivement. Le document US-6 652 128 décrit un organe de commande de commutation formé dans un élément de garnissage comprenant un support d'une couche de mousse qui porte elle-même une peau extérieure apparente . Un organe protecteur délimite un canal dans lequel sont logés un organe de commande de commutateur et une source de lumière, la partie de peau surmontant l ' organe de manoeuvre étant traversée par des trous qui laissent passer la lumière de la source de lumière.Document US Pat. No. 5,448,028 describes an armrest having controls of various electrical accessories, in particular of a window regulator of an automobile, by switching members placed under projections projecting from the armrest, an adjacent inscription of operation indicating to the operator the function of the particular switching member. This arrangement has the disadvantage of forming projections and being able to be controlled unexpectedly. US-6,652,128 discloses a switching control member formed in a lining member comprising a support of a foam layer which itself bears an apparent outer skin. A protective member delimits a channel in which a switch control member and a light source are housed, with the skin portion surmounting the actuating member being traversed by holes which pass light from the light source.
Ainsi, ce document décrit un module de commutation comprenant un organe de manoeuvre disposé dans un organe protecteur et ayant un motif formé de trous qui constitue une marque indiquant la fonction de l ' organe de manoeuvre . Pour l'opérateur, seul le motif est apparent. Il sait donc qu ' il doit appuyer sur le motif pour commander l ' organe de manoeuvre . Dans ce document, l'organe de manoeuvre de commutateur, qui peut appartenir à une commande de lève-vitre, est placé très près de la peau, si bien que le moindre contact avec la peau dans la région de l ' organe de manoeuvre provoque le déclenchement de l ' organe de manoeuvre . Par exemple, un objet posé sur l'accoudoir ou le simple appui du bras sur 1 ' accoudoir peut provoquer une commande de l ' organe de manoeuvre . L'invention a pour objet de remédier à cet inconvénient. Plus précisément, selon l'invention, il existe entre la plus petite distance entre les parois de l ' organe protecteur qui contient l ' organe de manoeuvre et la course que doit avoir la peau souple une relation telle que le module de commutation ne peut pas être déclenché par une pression même importante appliquée sur une grande surface. Cette relation limite pratiquement la manoeuvre de l ' organe de commutation à la manoeuvre par un doigt, et empêche une manoeuvre par un organe plus grand tel que la paume de la main, le coude, etc .Thus, this document describes a switching module comprising an operating member disposed in a protective member and having a pattern formed by holes which constitutes a mark indicating the function of the operating member. For the operator, only the pattern is apparent. He therefore knows that he has to press on the motive to control the maneuvering organ. In this document, the switch actuator, which may belong to a window regulator control, is placed very close to the skin, so that the slightest contact with the skin in the region of the actuator causes the triggering of the actuator. For example, an object placed on the armrest or the simple support of the arm on one armrest can cause control of the operating member. The object of the invention is to remedy this drawback. More precisely, according to the invention, there exists between the smallest distance between the walls of the protective member which contains the operating member and the stroke that the flexible skin must have a relation such that the switching module can not be triggered by even great pressure applied over a large area. This relationship substantially limits the operation of the switching member to maneuver by a finger, and prevents maneuvering by a larger member such as the palm of the hand, the elbow, etc.
Plus précisément, l'invention concerne un module de commutation commandé par un organe de manoeuvre par l ' intermédiaire d'une peau souple, du type qui comporte un organe de commutation porté par un support, un organe de manoeuvre de l'organe de commutation, mobile dans une plage de déplacement dans laquelle se trouve une position de déclenchement de l ' organe de commutation, un organe protecteur porté par le support et disposé de part et d'autre de l'organe de manoeuvre, une peau souple disposée du côté de l'organe protecteur opposé à celui du support, l'organe protecteur délimitant un plan d'ouverture adjacent à la peau souple ; selon l'invention, si on appelle x la distance, exprimée en millimètres , comprise entre la position de déclenchement et le plan de l ' ouverture, en direction perpendiculaire à ce plan, la dimension minimale, exprimée en millimètres, de 1 ' ouverture, de part et d' autre de l ' organe de manoeuvre et dans le plan de l'ouverture, est inférieure à 2[x. (40 - x)]1/2.More specifically, the invention relates to a switching module controlled by an operating member via a flexible skin, of the type which comprises a switching member carried by a support, a switching member of the switching member. movable in a displacement range in which is a trigger position of the switching member, a protective member carried by the support and disposed on either side of the actuating member, a flexible skin disposed on the side the protective member opposite to that of the support, the protective member defining an opening plane adjacent to the flexible skin; according to the invention, if x is the distance, expressed in millimeters, between the trigger position and the plane of the opening, in the direction perpendicular to this plane, the minimum dimension, expressed in millimeters, of the opening, on both sides of the actuator and in the plane of the opening is less than 2 [x. (40 - x)] 1/2 .
De préférence, l'organe protecteur comporte deux parois dont l'espacement, de part et d'autre de l'organe de manoeuvre et dans le plan de l'ouverture, est inférieur ou égal à 30 mm. De préférence, la peau souple est disposée pratiquement au contact de l'organe protecteur dans le plan d'ouverture, lorsque le module est dans la position de repos de l'organe de manoeuvre . Dans un mode de réalisation, la peau souple porte une couche de mousse qui est au contact pratiquement de l'organe protecteur dans la position de repos du module .Preferably, the protective member comprises two walls whose spacing, on either side of the operating member and in the plane of the opening, is less than or equal to 30 mm. Preferably, the flexible skin is disposed substantially in contact with the protective member in the opening plane, when the module is in the rest position of the operating member. In one embodiment, the flexible skin has a layer of foam that is in substantially contact with the protective member in the rest position of the module.
Lorsque la position de déclenchement de l ' organe de commutation pouvant varier sur une gamme de distances , la distance x est avantageusement déterminée à l'extrémité de cette gamme de distances la plus proche de la position de repos .When the triggering position of the switching member can vary over a range of distances, the distance x is preferably determined at the end of this range of distances closest to the home position.
L'invention concerne aussi un ensemble de commutation comportant au moins deux modules selon les paragraphes pré- cédents , comprenant un support rigide commun qui porte les deux modules et une peau souple commune qui recouvre les deux modules ; la peau souple porte deux marques différentes , chaque marque étant pratiquement centrée sur un des modules et évoquant la fonction du module de commutation particulier.The invention also relates to a switching assembly comprising at least two modules according to the preceding paragraphs, comprising a common rigid support which carries the two modules and a common flexible skin which covers the two modules; the flexible skin has two different marks, each mark being substantially centered on one of the modules and evoking the function of the particular switching module.
De préférence , l ' ensemble comporte un seul organe protecteur pour les deux modules , l ' organe protecteur comportant deux parois entre lesquelles sont disposés les organes de manoeuvre . Dans un mode de réalisation avantageux, l'ensemble comprend de la mousse autour de l'organe protecteur entre le support et la peau .Preferably, the assembly comprises a single protective member for the two modules, the protective member having two walls between which are arranged the actuators. In an advantageous embodiment, the assembly comprises foam around the protective member between the support and the skin.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention seront mieux compris à la lecture de la description qui va suivre d'un exemple de réalisation, faite en référence au dessin annexé sur lequel : la figure 1 représente un module de commutation selon l'invention, destiné à un accoudoir de porte ou à une console centrale d'automobile ; la figure 2 est analogue à la figure 1 mais représente un déplacement de la peau insuffisant pour déclencher le module de commutation ; et la figure 3 , qui est analogue aux figures 1 et 2 , représente la position de déclenchement par un doigt.Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the appended drawing in which: FIG. 1 represents a switching module according to the invention intended for a door armrest or a car center console; Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 but shows a displacement of the skin insufficient to trigger the switching module; and Figure 3, which is similar to Figures 1 and 2, shows the trigger position by a finger.
La figure 1 représente un organe de garnissage d'automobile qui comprend un support sensiblement rigide 10 séparé d'une peau souple 12 par un espace 14 qui est avantageusement formé d'une couche de mousse. On a aussi représenté une carte 16 de circuit, destinée à porter un organe de commutation décrit dans la suite.Figure 1 shows an automobile lining member which comprises a substantially rigid support 10 separated from a flexible skin 12 by a space 14 which is advantageously formed of a layer of foam. There is also shown a circuit board 16 for carrying a switching member described below.
Un organe protecteur 18 est disposé sur la carte 16. II comporte des flasques de fixation à la carte 16 et délimite un logement qui , dans l ' exemple représenté , a une forme parallélépipédique et débouche du côté de la peau par une ouverture rectangulaire. La peau 12, dans cet exemple, est pratiquement au contact de l ' ouverture de l ' organe protec- teur 18.A protective member 18 is disposed on the card 16. It comprises flanges for attachment to the card 16 and defines a housing which, in the example shown, has a parallelepiped shape and opens on the side of the skin by a rectangular opening. The skin 12, in this example, is substantially in contact with the opening of the protective member 18.
Un organe de manoeuvre 20 est monté dans le logement de l'organe protecteur 18. Cet organe de manoeuvre 20 peut coulisser dans des ouvertures du support 10 et de la carte 16 et a des crochets 22 qui délimitent sa position de dépla- cément vers la peau, sous l'action d'un ressort 24 de rappel accroché à une saillie 26 du support 10. L'organe commandé de commutation porte la référence 28, et il est représenté sous forme d'un simple interrupteur.An operating member 20 is mounted in the housing of the protective member 18. This operating member 20 can slide in openings of the support 10 and the card 16 and has hooks 22 which delimit its displacement position towards the skin, under the action of a return spring 24 hooked to a projection 26 of the support 10. The controlled switching member is referenced 28, and is shown in the form of a simple switch.
L'invention a pour objet de permettre la commande de l'organe de commutation 28 par un doigt, mais d'empêcher cette commande par un coude, la paume d'une main ou un objet de surface étendue analogue .The object of the invention is to enable the control of the switching member 28 by a finger, but to prevent this control by a bend, the palm of a hand or a similar extended surface object.
A cet effet, on détermine une relation entre la plus petite dimension d de l ' espacement des parois de l ' organe protecteur 18 et la distance x que doit parcourir la peau avant de provoquer un déclenchement de l ' organe de commutation .For this purpose, a relationship is determined between the smallest dimension d of the spacing of the walls of the protective member 18 and the distance x that the skin must travel before triggering the switching member.
Il faut noter que la dimension d correspond à la plus petite dimension délimitée par l'organe protecteur 18. Par exemple, l'organe protecteur 18 peut être formé par deux cornières de grande longueur disposées perpendiculairement au plan de la figure 2 et entre lesquelles peuvent être placés plusieurs organes de commutation . Dans ce cas , on obtient un ensemble de commutation qui peut comprendre plusieurs organes de manoeuvre .It should be noted that the dimension d corresponds to the smallest dimension delimited by the protective member 18. For example, the protective member 18 may be formed by two long angles arranged perpendicularly to the plane of FIG. 2 and between which be placed several switching members. In this case, obtains a switching assembly which may include a plurality of actuators.
On pourrait supposer qu ' il suffit de donner à la dimension d une valeur suffisamment petite pour qu'une paume de la main ou un coude soit retenu, mais suffisamment grande pour qu'un doigt puisse passer entre les parois de l'organe protecteur. En effet, comme l'indique la figure 3, il est préférable que les parois de l ' organe protecteur 18 soient suffisamment espacées pour qu'un index puisse passer entre elles. Cependant, une autre condition est nécessaire. Ainsi, dans le dispositif de commutation décrit par le document précité US-6 652 128, comme l'organe de manoeuvre est très proche de la peau, il peut être déclenché par le simple contact d'un avant-bras. Selon l'invention, la relation est telle que, si on appelle x la distance, exprimée en millimètres, comprise entre la position de déclenchement et le plan de l ' ouverture, en direction perpendiculaire à ce plan, la dimension minimale d exprimée en millimètres de l ' ouverture, de part et d'autre de l'organe de manoeuvre et dans le plan de l'ouverture, est inférieure à 2[x.(40 - x) ] 1/2. Avec cette relation, il faut un objet de courbure suffisamment grande, tel qu'un doigt, pour que le déplacement de la peau au-delà de la position de déclenchement de l ' organe de commutation soit obtenu.One might suppose that it is enough to give the size of a value sufficiently small that a palm of the hand or a bend is retained, but large enough that a finger can pass between the walls of the protective organ. Indeed, as shown in Figure 3, it is preferable that the walls of the protective member 18 are sufficiently spaced apart so that an index can pass between them. However, another condition is necessary. Thus, in the switching device described by the aforementioned document US Pat. No. 6,652,128, since the operating member is very close to the skin, it can be triggered by the simple contact of a forearm. According to the invention, the relation is such that, if x is the distance, expressed in millimeters, between the trigger position and the plane of the opening, in the direction perpendicular to this plane, the minimum dimension d expressed in millimeters the opening, on both sides of the operating member and in the plane of the opening, is less than 2 [x. (40 - x)] 1/2 . With this relationship, a sufficiently large bending object, such as a finger, is required for the movement of the skin beyond the triggering position of the switching member to be achieved.
Dans le présent mémoire, on appelle "plan de l'ouverture" de l'organe protecteur le plan d'une surface plane posée sur les extrémités des parois de l ' organe protecteur du côté de la peau . Les extrémités des parois ne sont pas forcément rectilignes, et peuvent être par exemple crénelées ou encochées .In this specification, the "plane of the opening" of the protective organ is referred to as the plane of a flat surface placed on the ends of the walls of the protective organ on the side of the skin. The ends of the walls are not necessarily straight, and can be for example crenellated or slotted.
Sur la figure 2 , on a considéré que l ' organe de manoeuvre avait une position de déclenchement confondue avec sa position de repos. En d'autres termes, on a supposé que dès que l'organe de manoeuvre 20 commence à être déplacé, il commande l'organe de commutation 28. Cependant, en pratique, il existe souvent une gamme de déplacement ou course à vide avant que l'organe de commutation 28 ne soit commandé. Dans ce cas, la distance x n'est pas la distance comprise entre la surface interne de la peau 12 et la surface extérieure de l'organe de manoeuvre 20, comme représenté sur la figure 2 , mais est la distance déterminée au début de la course à vide de l'organe de manoeuvre 20.In FIG. 2, it has been considered that the operating member had a trip position coinciding with its rest position. In other words, it has been assumed that as soon as the actuator 20 starts to be moved, it controls the switching member 28. However, in practice, there is often a range of displacement or idle stroke before the switching member 28 is not ordered. In this case, the distance x is not the distance between the inner surface of the skin 12 and the outer surface of the operating member 20, as shown in FIG. 2, but is the distance determined at the beginning of the vacuum stroke of the operating member 20.
La figure 3 indique la position d'un doigt. Compte tenu de la dimension des doigts, un espacement des parois de l'organe protecteur 18 est avantageusement inférieur ou égal à 30 mm, par exemple de 24 mm. Pour que l'utilisateur sache où appliquer une pression pour commander le module de commutation, il est avantageux que la peau souple porte une marque . De préférence, chaque marque est centrée sur le module et évoque la fonction du module particulier, par exemple la montée ou la descente de la vitre. La marque peut être réalisée par impression, par gaufrage en relief, par perforation ou par tout autre opération connue de marquage. Dans un exemple, la marque est formée par déformation locale de la peau, par exemple à la position indiquée sur la figure 2. L'utilisateur voit une cavité de la peau et place un doigt dans la cavité pour commander le module.Figure 3 shows the position of a finger. Given the size of the fingers, a spacing of the walls of the protective member 18 is advantageously less than or equal to 30 mm, for example 24 mm. In order for the user to know where to apply pressure to control the switching module, it is advantageous for the soft skin to bear a mark. Preferably, each mark is centered on the module and evokes the function of the particular module, for example the rise or fall of the window. The mark may be made by printing, embossing, punching or any other known marking operation. In one example, the mark is formed by local deformation of the skin, for example at the position indicated in FIG. 2. The user sees a cavity of the skin and places a finger in the cavity to control the module.
Bien qu ' on ait considéré un exemple dans lequel le logement délimité dans l ' organe protecteur a une forme parallélépipédique, la seule caractéristique dimensionnelle importante est la plus petite dimension de l'ouverture dans son plan. Dans ce plan, l'ouverture peut avoir un contour fermé, par exemple carré, rectangulaire, circulaire, ovale, etc. Ainsi, l'ouverture est circulaire lorsque l'organe protecteur forme un cylindre creux de section circulaire . Cependant, une forme cylindrique n'est pas indispensable, puisque le logement délimité peut par exemple être tronco- nique, évasé ou effilé . De même, dans son plan, l ' ouverture peut avoir un contour ouvert, par exemple lorsqu'elle est délimitée par deux parois espacées et parallèles, comme indiqué pour l ' ensemble de commutation selon l ' invention .Although an example has been considered in which the housing delimited in the protective member has a parallelepipedal shape, the only important dimensional characteristic is the smallest dimension of the opening in its plane. In this plane, the opening may have a closed contour, for example square, rectangular, circular, oval, etc. Thus, the opening is circular when the protective member forms a hollow cylinder of circular section. However, a cylindrical shape is not essential, since the delimited housing may for example be truncated, flared or tapered. Similarly, in its plane, the opening may have an open contour, for example when it is delimited by two spaced and parallel walls, as indicated for the switching assembly according to the invention.
Bien qu ' on ait représenté un mode de réalisation dans lequel la peau 12 est directement au contact de l ' ouverture de l'organe protecteur 18, la peau peut être munie, vers l'intérieur, d'une couche de mousse. Dans ce cas, la distance x précitée doit tenir compte de la compressibilité de cette couche de mousse.Although an embodiment has been shown in which the skin 12 is in direct contact with the opening of the protective organ 18, the skin can be provided with inside, a layer of foam. In this case, the distance x mentioned above must take into account the compressibility of this layer of foam.
Comme on l ' a indiqué précédemment, il peut être avan- tageux de regrouper plusieurs modules de commutation. Par exemple, dans le cas d'un lève-vitre, l'opérateur souhaite soit la montée , soit la descente de la vitre . Il est donc nécessaire de disposer de deux organes de commande différents, avantageusement juxtaposés. L'invention concerne aussi un tel ensemble comprenant ainsi au moins deux modules , montés sur un support rigide sous une peau souple. Pour distinguer les deux organes de manoeuvre l'un de l'autre, la peau doit porter une marque. De préférence, chaque marque est centrée sur le module et évoque la fonction du module particulier, par exemple la montée ou la descente de la vitre . La marque peut être réalisée par impression, par gaufrage en relief, par perforation ou par tout autre opération connue de marquage .As mentioned previously, it may be advantageous to group several switching modules together. For example, in the case of a window regulator, the operator wishes either the rise or the descent of the window. It is therefore necessary to have two different control devices, advantageously juxtaposed. The invention also relates to such an assembly thus comprising at least two modules, mounted on a rigid support under a flexible skin. To distinguish the two organs of maneuver from each other, the skin must bear a mark. Preferably, each mark is centered on the module and evokes the function of the particular module, for example the rise or fall of the window. The mark may be made by printing, embossing, punching or any other known marking operation.
Bien qu ' on ait décrit l ' invention dans son application à un lève-vitre d'automobile, parce qu'un tel organe, lorsqu'il est placé sur un accoudoir, risque beaucoup de subir un contact intempestif, l'invention s'applique à la commande de n ' importe quel organe de commande, par exemple un organe de commande dont un déplacement d' une première amplitude provoque une première commande et un déplacement de plus grande amplitude provoque une seconde commande .Although the invention has been described in its application to an automobile window regulator, because such a member, when it is placed on an armrest, is very much at risk of inadvertent contact, the invention is applies to the control of any control member, for example a control member whose displacement of a first amplitude causes a first command and a displacement of greater amplitude causes a second command.
En outre, bien qu'on ait appelé "module" le dispositif selon l ' invention parce qu ' il est avantageusement utilisé en deux exemplaires dans le cas d'une commande de lève-vitre, un tel "module" peut être utilisé seul comme organe de commande d'un seul organe électrique ou autre.In addition, although the device according to the invention has been called a "module" because it is advantageously used in duplicate in the case of a window regulator control, such a "module" can be used alone as control member of a single electrical member or the like.
Bien qu'on ait représenté un mode de réalisation dans lequel un organe de manoeuvre 20 actionne le bouton de commande d'un interrupteur 28, l'organe de manoeuvre peut être constitué par le bouton de commande lui-même . Although there is shown an embodiment in which an operating member 20 actuates the control button of a switch 28, the operating member may be constituted by the control button itself.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Module de commutation commandé par un organe de manoeuvre par l'intermédiaire d'une peau souple, du type qui comporte un organe de commutation (28) porté par un support (10, 16), un organe de manoeuvre (20) de l'organe de commutation (28) , mobile dans une plage de déplacement dans laquelle se trouve une position de déclenchement de l ' organe de commutation (28) , un organe protecteur (18) porté par le support (10, 16) et disposé de part et d'autre de l'organe de manoeuvre (20) , une peau souple (12) disposée du côté de l'organe protecteur (18) opposé à celui du support (10, 16) , l'organe protecteur (18) délimitant un plan d'ouverture adjacent à la peau souple (12) , caractérisé en ce que, si on appelle x la distance, exprimée en millimètres, comprise entre la position de déclenchement et le plan de l ' ouverture, en direction perpendiculaire à ce plan, la dimension minimale exprimée en millimètres de l'ouverture, de part et d' autre de l ' organe de manoeuvre et dans le plan de l'ouverture, est inférieure à 2[x.(40 - x) ] 1/2. 1. Switching module controlled by an operating member via a flexible skin, of the type which comprises a switching member (28) carried by a support (10, 16), an actuating member (20) of the switching member (28), movable in a displacement range in which a triggering position of the switching member (28) is located, a protective member (18) carried by the support (10, 16) and arranged on both sides of the operating member (20), a flexible skin (12) disposed on the side of the protective member (18) opposite to that of the support (10, 16), the protective member (18) ) delimiting an opening plane adjacent to the flexible skin (12), characterized in that, if x is the distance, expressed in millimeters, between the triggering position and the plane of the opening, in a direction perpendicular to this plane, the minimum dimension expressed in millimeters of the opening, on both sides of the body of maneuver e and in the plane of the opening, is less than 2 [x. (40 - x)] 1/2 .
2. Module selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'organe protecteur (18) comporte deux parois dont l'espacement, de part et d'autre de l'organe de manoeuvre (20) et dans le plan de l'ouverture, est inférieur ou égal à 30 mm. 2. Module according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective member (18) comprises two walls whose spacing on either side of the actuating member (20) and in the plane of the opening , is less than or equal to 30 mm.
3. Module selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que la peau souple (12) est disposée pratiquement au contact de l'organe protecteur (18) dans le plan de l'ouverture, lorsque le module est dans la position de repos de l'organe de manoeuvre (20) . 3. Module according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the flexible skin (12) is disposed substantially in contact with the protective member (18) in the plane of the opening, when the module is in the rest position of the operating member (20).
4. Module selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la peau souple (12) porte une couche de mousse qui est au contact pratiquement de l'organe protecteur (18) dans la position de repos du module . 4. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible skin (12) carries a layer of foam which is in substantially contact with the protective member (18) in the rest position of the module.
5. Module selon l ' une quelconque des revendications précédentes , dans lequel la position de déclenchement de l'organe de commutation (28) peut varier sur une gamme de distances, caractérisé en ce que la distance x est déterminée à l ' extrémité de cette gamme de distances la plus proche de la position de repos .5. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the tripping position of the switching member (28) can vary over a range of distances, characterized in that the distance x is determined at the end of this range of distances closest to the rest position.
6. Ensemble de commutation comportant au moins deux modules selon l ' une quelconque des revendications précé- dentés, comprenant un support rigide commun (10, 16) qui porte les deux modules et une peau souple commune (12) qui recouvre les deux modules, caractérisé en ce que la peau souple (12) porte deux marques différentes, chaque marque étant pratiquement centrée sur un des modules et évoquant la fonction du module de commutation particulier.6. Switching assembly comprising at least two modules according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a common rigid support (10, 16) which carries the two modules and a common flexible skin (12) which covers the two modules, characterized in that the flexible skin (12) bears two different marks, each mark being substantially centered on one of the modules and evoking the function of the particular switching module.
7. Ensemble selon la revendication 6 , caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un seul organe protecteur (18) pour les deux modules, l'organe protecteur (18) comportant deux parois entre lesquelles sont disposés les organes de manoeuvre (20) .7. The assembly of claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a single protective member (18) for the two modules, the protective member (18) having two walls between which are arranged the actuating members (20).
8. Ensemble selon l ' une des revendications 6 et 7 , caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend de la mousse (14) autour de l'organe protecteur (18) entre le support (10, 16) et la peau (12) . 8. Assembly according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that it comprises foam (14) around the protective member (18) between the support (10, 16) and the skin (12).
PCT/FR2007/000790 2006-05-11 2007-05-10 Switching module and assembly controlled via a flexible skin WO2007132082A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0604191 2006-05-11
FR0604191A FR2901054B1 (en) 2006-05-11 2006-05-11 MODULE AND SWITCH ASSEMBLY CONTROLLED THROUGH FLEXIBLE SKIN

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WO2007132082A1 true WO2007132082A1 (en) 2007-11-22

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5448028A (en) * 1993-12-10 1995-09-05 Davidson Textron, Inc. Armrest electrical switch arrangement with soft interior trim panel
US5856641A (en) * 1998-01-08 1999-01-05 Packard Hughes Interconnect Company Switch having raised contact features and a deflectable substrate
US20020101738A1 (en) * 2001-01-31 2002-08-01 Misaras David M. Backlighting method for an automotive trim panel

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5448028A (en) * 1993-12-10 1995-09-05 Davidson Textron, Inc. Armrest electrical switch arrangement with soft interior trim panel
US5856641A (en) * 1998-01-08 1999-01-05 Packard Hughes Interconnect Company Switch having raised contact features and a deflectable substrate
US20020101738A1 (en) * 2001-01-31 2002-08-01 Misaras David M. Backlighting method for an automotive trim panel

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FR2901054B1 (en) 2008-09-12
FR2901054A1 (en) 2007-11-16

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