FR3048121B1 - PUSH BUTTON FOR IDENTIFIER FOR MOTOR VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a push button (10) for an identifier (1) for a motor vehicle, according to which said push button (10) comprises: - a bearing zone (11); at least one transparent pictogram (12); - a transparent membrane (13) disposed opposite said at least one transparent pictogram (12) for diffusing light (4) towards said transparent pictogram (12); - a transparent film (14) disposed opposite said transparent membrane (13) for diffusing light (4) in the direction of said transparent membrane (13) from a light beam (5); a microswitch (15); - A light source (16) arranged to produce said light beam (5) in the direction of the transparent film (14) substantially parallel to a plane (3) of said push button (10).

Description

PUSH BUTTON FOR IDENTIFIER FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a push button for a motor vehicle identifier.

It finds a particular but non-limiting application for the identifiers that make it possible to unlock / lock a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to those skilled in the art to include a pictogram in a push button of an identifier for a motor vehicle, the pictogram indicating the function performed by the push button. Such a function is for example the unlocking or locking of the motor vehicle. A switch inserted between two thin polymeric films called in English "film switch" is disposed under the pictogram, said switch to activate the function of the push button when the user presses said push button.

A light source in the push button is arranged just below said switch so as to illuminate the pictogram. The light source emits a light beam which illuminates the pictogram when, for example, the user presses on said pushbutton comprising said pictogram.

A disadvantage of this state of the art lies in the fact that this illumination of a pictogram does not illuminate the pictogram on its entire surface. The lighting is indeed localized.

In this context, the present invention aims to solve the aforementioned drawback.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To this end, the invention proposes a push button for an identifier for a motor vehicle, according to which said push button comprises: a support zone; at least one transparent pictogram; a transparent membrane disposed facing said at least one transparent pictogram for diffusing light towards said transparent pictogram; a transparent film disposed opposite said transparent membrane for diffusing light in the direction of said transparent membrane from a light beam; - a microswitch; - A light source arranged to produce said light beam in the direction of the transparent film substantially parallel to a plane of said push button.

Thus, as will be seen in detail below, the transparent film which directly receives the light beam of the light source makes it possible to diffuse the light of the light beam over its entire surface, said light being then diffused thanks to the transparent membrane towards the transparent pictogram on the entire surface of said transparent pictogram.

According to non-limiting embodiments, the push button may further comprise one or more additional characteristics from the following.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the light source is a semiconductor emitter chip.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the transparent membrane is adapted to diffuse light substantially perpendicularly to said plane.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the transparent film is made of transparent plastic material.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the film has a rough surface state.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the transparent membrane is made of silicone.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the light source is adjacent to said transparent film.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the pictogram is arranged on the same plane as said support zone.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said push button further comprises a support on which are disposed said microswitch and said light source.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the light source comprises a housing, said housing being disposed perpendicularly to said plane.

According to a nonlimiting embodiment, the transparent membrane and the transparent film comprise a surface greater than or equal to that of the transparent pictogram.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the microswitch is arranged opposite the transparent film.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the transparent film extends on either side of said microswitch.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the microswitch is adapted to trigger the execution of a function relating to said motor vehicle.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said function is: a locking / unlocking of said motor vehicle; an opening / closing of an opening of said motor vehicle; - a starting of said motor vehicle; - a check of the tires.

It is also proposed an identifier for a motor vehicle comprising at least one push button according to any one of the preceding features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention and its various applications will be better understood on reading the description which follows and on examining the figures that accompany it. - Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an identifier for a motor vehicle comprising a push button according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a sectional diagram of a pushbutton for an identifier of FIG. 1 according to a first nonlimiting embodiment; and FIG. 3 is a sectional diagram of a pushbutton for an identifier of FIG. 1 according to a second nonlimiting embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Identical elements, structure or function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

A push button 10 for identifier 1 for a motor vehicle 2 according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.

By motor vehicle, we mean any type of motorized vehicle.

The pushbutton 10 is part of an identifier 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. The identifier 1 comprises a housing 100 comprising a lower shell and an upper shell in which at least one pushbutton 10 is housed. In a non-conventional embodiment limiting, the identifier 1 comprises a plurality of push buttons 10, namely three in the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 1. The identifier 1 is adapted to communicate remotely with a control unit (not shown) of the vehicle automobile 2 in particular to allow the performance of functions relating to the motor vehicle, such as in a non-limiting example the unlocking / locking of the motor vehicle 2 at a distance. In a non-limiting example, the communication is via the Bluetooth® protocol. Such remote communication being known to those skilled in the art, it is not described here.

As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the push button 10 comprises the following elements: - a bearing zone 11; at least one transparent pictogram 12; a transparent membrane 13; a transparent film 14; a microswitch 15; and - a light source 16.

In a non-limiting embodiment, said push button 10 further comprises a support 17 on which are disposed said microswitch 15 and said light source 16. In a non-limiting embodiment, this support 17 is a printed circuit board PCBA called in English "Printed Circuit Board Assembly". It is adapted to power the microswitch 15 and the light source 16.

The different elements of the push button 10, apart from the light source 16, are arranged parallel to a plane 3 (illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) of the pushbutton 10.

In a first non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the elements 12, 13, 14 and 15 are arranged in successive layers along a vertical axis Z perpendicular to the plane 3.

In a second nonlimiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the elements 12, 13, 14 are arranged in successive layers along the vertical axis Z.

In the remainder of the description, the transparent pictogram 12 will also be called pictogram 12, the transparent membrane 13 will also be called membrane 13, and the transparent film 14 will also be called film 14.

The various elements of the push button 10 are described in detail below. • Zo_n_e_çf support

The support zone 11 is an area on which a user of the identifier 1 can press with a finger. This zone will deform so that the pressure Fo exerted by the finger is transmitted to the microswitch 15 which will be activated which will trigger the execution of a function f1 (described below) relative to said motor vehicle 2. • picto ^ ramrnejransparent

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transparent pictogram 12 is located in the support zone 11, the latter extending on either side of said pictogram 12. It is thus surrounded by said support zone. 11.

Note that the pictogram 12 also forms a support zone for the finger of the user.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the pictogram 12 is located substantially on the same plane as said bearing zone 11 and parallel to the plane 3.

In another embodiment, it is located substantially recessed with respect to the bearing zone 11 so as to form a hollow.

In another embodiment, it is located substantially protruding from the bearing zone 11 so as to form a protuberance.

The transparent pictogram 12 comprises a surface S1. It is associated with a function f1 relating to the motor vehicle 2.

Thus, in the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIG. 1: a pictogram representing an open padlock is associated with an unlocking function of the motor vehicle 2; a pictogram representing a closed padlock is associated with a locking function of the motor vehicle 2; and a pictogram representing a tire is associated with a tire check function.

The transparency of the transparent pictogram 12 allows the light from the light source 16 to illuminate it so that the user can see said transparent pictogram 12 illuminated.

In Figure 1, we can see a pictogram 12 when it is not lit (reference A) and when illuminated (reference B). • M_emjDra_n_e transparent

The transparent membrane 13 is arranged facing the transparent pictogram 12, namely below it as illustrated in the sectional view of Figures 2 and 3, and parallel to the plane 3.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the transparent membrane 13 comprises a surface S2 greater than or equal to the surface S1 of the transparent pictogram 12. In this way it is ensured that said pictogram 12 is illuminated over its entire surface S1.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the transparent membrane 13 extends beyond the bearing zone 11. It is thus maintained peripherally on the housing 100 of the identifier 1, in particular between the lower shell and the shell upper case of said casing 100. In this case, it does not need to be glued on the bearing zone 11 and / or on the pictogram 12.

Of course, in a non-limiting embodiment, it can be glued, for example if its surface S2 is equal to the surface S1 of the pictogram 12.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the transparent membrane 13 is made of silicone. This makes it possible to seal the push button 10 and in particular to prevent water from reaching the light source 16 and the microswitch 15.

The transparent membrane 13 makes it possible to diffuse light in all the directions and in particular in a direction perpendicular to the plane 3. The perpendicularly diffused light 4 makes it possible to illuminate the transparent pictogram 12.

The transparent membrane 13 also co-operates with the transparent film 14 since it is the latter which brings it light 4. • Transparent film

The transparent film 14 is arranged facing the transparent membrane 13, namely below it as shown in the sectional view of Figures 2 and 3, and parallel to the plane 3.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the film 14 is bonded to the membrane 13.

In another non-limiting embodiment, there is clearance between the membrane and the film 14.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the transparent film 14 is made of transparent plastic. In non-limiting embodiments, the film 14 is composed of thermo-polyurethane, and / or silicone.

The transparent film 14 makes it possible to diffuse light 4 over its entire surface S3 from a light beam 5. The light is thus diffused in the transparent film 14 substantially parallel to the plane 3. Because of its transparency and the material used, the light is diffused in the film 14 homogeneously.

The transparent film 14 which is adjacent to the transparent membrane 13 thus makes it possible to diffuse light 4 into said membrane 13.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the transparent film 14 comprises a surface S3 greater than or equal to that S1 of the transparent pictogram 12. In this way it is ensured that said pictogram 12 is illuminated over its entire surface S1.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the transparent film 14 has a smooth surface state. The light is thus diffused by the film 14 to the membrane 13 in a homogeneous manner without light effect.

In another non-limiting embodiment, the transparent film 14 has a rough surface state. The light is thus diffused by the film 14 to the membrane 13 in a homogeneous manner with effect of light.

In non-limiting embodiments, the rough surface condition is obtained by graining or by laser etching. The graining is obtained by erosion of the surface (via a strong current that creates arches that erode the surface) or by chemical etching. The rough surface state makes it possible to modify the way the light is diffused by the film 14 to the membrane 13, and thus to obtain a light effect. In non-limiting examples, as a function of the rough surface condition achieved, it is thus possible to obtain a gradient of light for the pictogram 14, a more or less pronounced illumination for the pictogram 14 (for example if the surface state comprises grooves) etc.

The transparent film 14 cooperates with the microswitch 15 and the light source 16 described below. • Micro switch

In a first non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the sectional view of FIG. 2, the microswitch 15 is arranged facing the transparent film 14, namely below it, and parallel to the plane 3. In this case, in a non-limiting embodiment, the film 14 is bonded to the membrane 13.

In a second nonlimiting embodiment illustrated in the sectional view of FIG. 3, the transparent film 14 surrounds the microswitch 15, namely it extends on either side of the microswitch 15. The microswitch 15 is thus all or part of the thickness of the transparent film 14. In this case, in a non-limiting embodiment, the film 14 is bonded to the support 17.

Note that the sectional views of Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the microswitch 15 when activated, ie switched on. That is to say when a user presses with his finger on the push button 10 and thus exerts a force Fo on the support zone 11 of the push button 10.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the microswitch 15 is connected to the support 17, the latter thus making it possible to feed it.

The microswitch 15 makes it possible to trigger the execution of a function f1 relating to said motor vehicle 2.

In non-limiting examples, the function f1 is: a locking and / or unlocking of said motor vehicle 2; opening and / or closing of an opening (doors, boot, tailgate, etc.) of said motor vehicle 2; a starting of said motor vehicle 2; - a tire check, etc.

Thus, in the example of FIG. 1, when the user presses the pushbutton 10 comprising the pictogram 12 of the closed padlock, this activates the microswitch 15 and the locking function f1 is triggered. The motor vehicle 2 is thus locked.

The microswitch 15 is released, namely deactivated (it resumes an initial rest position) when there is no Fo force exerted on him by the finger of the user. • Sojjjce. bright

The light source 15 is arranged so as to generate said light beam 5 in the direction of the transparent film 14 substantially parallel to the plane 3. For this purpose, in a non-limiting embodiment, the light source 15 is adjacent to said transparent film 14 Due to the assembly, it will be noted that there may be a clearance (of a few tenths of millimeters for example) between said light source 15 and said film 14.

Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, the light source 15 comprises a housing 18, said housing 18 being disposed perpendicularly to the plane 3, namely at 90 ° with respect to the surface of the transparent film 14, that is to say - say in relation to said plan 3.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the light source 15 (and more particularly its housing 18) is connected to the power supply support 17 which thus enables it to be powered.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the light source 15 is disposed at the edge of this support 17. This makes it possible to keep room for the microswitch 15 and other electronic components, and to arrange the transparent film 14 above. or around said microswitch 15. Indeed, at the edge of the feed support 17, there are fewer electronic components.

Thus, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light source 15 is not arranged directly under the transparent film 14 or under the microswitch 15.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the light source 15 is a semiconductor emitter chip.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the semiconductor emitter chip is part of a light emitting diode. By light-emitting diode is meant any type of light-emitting diode, whether in non-limiting examples of LEDs ("Light Emitting Diode"), an OLED ("Organic LED") or an AMOLED ("Active-Matrix-Organic LED"). >>), or a FOLED ("Flexible OLED").

In non-limiting embodiments, the light source 16 is activated, namely it generates the light beam 5 to illuminate the pictogram 12: - when the identifier 1 enters a communication zone with the motor vehicle 2, in one example not limited to around 10 meters; or - as soon as the outside lighting becomes too weak for the user to see the pictogram (s) 12; or - when the user presses the push button 10. In this case, the illumination of the pictogram 12 makes it possible to acknowledge the fact that an order has been sent to the motor vehicle 2; to acknowledge the fact that the function f1 has been executed, for example once the motor vehicle 2 has started, or once the motor vehicle 2 has been locked, etc. In this case, the illumination of the pictogram 12 makes it possible to have a feedback on the execution of said function f1 associated with the pushbutton 10.

In non-limiting embodiments, the light source 16 is deactivated: when the identifier 1 leaves the communication zone with the motor vehicle 2; or - as soon as the outside lighting becomes sufficient for the user to see the pictogram (s) 12; or - when the user no longer presses the pushbutton 10; or - after a certain time after the function f1 has been executed.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the light source 16 can produce one or more colors. Thus, in non-limiting examples it can produce a light beam 5 of red color, or green or yellow etc.

In order to control the light modes of the light source 16, the latter is controlled by a control device (not shown): - which is part of the support 17, namely the PCBA printed circuit board in the example not limitative taken; and which communicates with a control unit of the motor vehicle via said printed circuit board 17.

Of course, the description of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, a push button 10 may include several transparent pictograms.

Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, a push button 10 can comprise several light sources 15.

Thus, the disclosed invention has the following advantages in particular: it makes it possible to illuminate in a uniform manner a pictogram 12 of a push button 10 over its entire surface and to no longer have a light spot located in the center of said pictogram 12; it makes it possible to obtain a sealed push button thanks to the transparent membrane 13; by virtue of having deported the light source 16 to the side and having it arranged at 90 ° with respect to the plane of the push button 10 so as to illuminate the transparent film 14 over its entire surface, it makes it possible to obtain a push button 10 illuminated on its entire surface, unlike a solution in which the housing of the light source is disposed parallel to the plane of the push button, just next to the microswitch, with the transparent film that covers the whole, this solution not presenting no homogeneity of light since in this case the light source generates a light beam directly perpendicular to the plane of the push button, the push button therefore presenting only an intense light spot at the light source with a scattering of light around, the spot light is also offset from the microswitch and therefore from the transparent pictogram.

Claims (12)

1. Push button (10) for identifier (1) for a motor vehicle (2), wherein said push button (10) comprises: - a bearing zone (11); at least one transparent pictogram (12); - a transparent membrane (13) disposed opposite said at least one transparent pictogram (12) for diffusing light (4) towards said transparent pictogram (12); - a transparent film (14) disposed opposite said transparent membrane (13) for diffusing light (4) in the direction of said transparent membrane (13) from a light beam (5); a microswitch (15); a light source (16) arranged to produce said light beam (5) in the direction of the transparent film (14) substantially parallel to a plane (3) of said push button (10), characterized in that the light source ( 15) comprises a housing (18), said housing (18) being disposed perpendicular to said plane (3). 2. Push button (10) according to claim 1, wherein the transparent membrane (13) is adapted to diffuse light (4) substantially perpendicular to said plane (3). The pushbutton (10) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the transparent film (14) is of transparent plastics material. The pushbutton (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the film has a rough surface condition. The pushbutton (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transparent membrane (13) is silicone. 8. Push button (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light source (16) is adjacent to said transparent film (14). 7. Push button (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pictogram (12) is arranged on the same plane as said support zone (11). 8. Push button (10) according to any one of reversdications 1 to 7, wherein said push button (10) further comprises a support (17) on which are disposed said microswitch (15) and said light source (16) . 9. Push button (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the transparent membrane (13) and the transparent film (14) comprise a surface (S2, S3) greater than or equal to that (S1) of transparent pictogram (12). 10. Pushbutton (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, according to which microswitch (15) is disposed opposite the transparent film (14). 11. Push button (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the transparent film (14) extends on either side of said microswitch (15). 12. A pushbutton (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, according to which microswitch (15) is adapted to trigger the execution of a function (f1) relative to said motor vehicle (2). 13. Push button (10) according to the preceding claim 12, wherein said function (f 1) is: - a locking / unlocking of said motor vehicle (2); an opening / closing of an opening of said motor vehicle (2); - A starting of said motor vehicle (2); - a check of the tires. 14. Identifier (1) for a motor vehicle (2) comprising at least one push button (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13.