Push button and capsule-shaped loudspeaker

Abstract

Pushbutton, comprising: - an actuation member; - a flexible base, generally flat in shape, comprising a first hole and a rib extending from a first face of the base around the first hole; - an elastic membrane, having a first end connected to a first end of the actuation member and a second end connected to the first face of the base between the first hole and the rib; the pushbutton being arranged so that, when pressure is exerted on a second end of the actuation member, the membrane deforms and the actuation member undergoes a translational movement along the axis towards the base, and so that when the pressure ceases, the actuation member returns to its initial position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of push buttons for electrical equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] We are considering designing a speaker enclosure with curved external surfaces, specifically one shaped like a capsule. This enclosure may include a stand allowing it to be positioned vertically on a flat surface (such as a piece of furniture). The enclosure can also be placed directly horizontally on this flat surface.

[0003] The speaker is, for example, a so-called "satellite" speaker designed to be connected to a device configured to play audio content, such as a set-top box (or STB, for Set-Top Box ). The decoder box itself may include one or more speakers.

[0004] Such a speaker typically includes an acoustic enclosure. This is a sealed box containing one or more loudspeakers. The enclosure can be made from a single piece or assembled from several pieces.

[0005] The acoustic enclosure, which also has a shape similar to that of a capsule, defines the technical volume necessary for implementing the audio functions of the speaker. The enclosure delimits the acoustic volume and integrates the drivers and the connections that carry the audio signals to them. This technical volume can also be used to integrate components implementing "transferable" functions: control, communication (Wi-Fi interface, for example), power supply, etc.

[0006] The speaker enclosure also includes one or more protective pieces mounted on the cabinet that cover (at least) the speaker diaphragms to protect them from external damage. These protective pieces have openings to allow the sound generated by the speakers to escape. These protective pieces also contribute to the enclosure's aesthetic appeal. A fabric sometimes covers the protective pieces entirely or partially, and in this case, the fabric also serves as a support for the fabric.

[0007] A speaker typically includes one or more buttons that allow the user to interact with the speaker.

[0008] For example, it is known to use a mechanical button of the touch switch type ( tact switch ), or of the slide switch type ( slider For example, pushbuttons are known to be mounted on a printed circuit board integrated into an enclosure, and to include an actuation element (the moving part of the button) that passes through the enclosure and is accessible from outside the enclosure. Pushbuttons of this type are described, for example, in US patent 8,693,201 B2.

[0009] Prior art knobs present a number of disadvantages in the case of an enclosure, and particularly an enclosure with curved external surfaces.

[0010] Most of these buttons have a relatively short actuation mechanism. However, due to the shape of the enclosure, the printed circuit board must be set back and away from the outer surface of the enclosure. The actuation mechanism of most prior art buttons is not long enough to reach the outer surface of the enclosure.

[0011] Furthermore, the length of the actuation mechanism of the buttons in the prior art is limited to a list of standard dimensions, predefined by the manufacturer, and therefore does not allow for customization ( customisation ) of the button. However, the capsule-shaped speaker in question here has a very particular design that is not compatible with most commercially available buttons.

[0012] Furthermore, the speaker enclosure must be perfectly airtight. Using prior art knobs requires adding extra parts or components to ensure the enclosure is airtight (gasket, adhesive foam, support elements, etc.). These parts increase the cost and complexity of assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, buttons from earlier models are generally made of rigid materials, such as polyamide. They therefore vibrate strongly when subjected to the vibrations of the speaker during operation.

[0014] These buttons themselves, and their actuation mechanism in particular, are also sources of vibrations (in the button itself or between the actuation mechanism and adjacent parts and components). OBJECT

[0015] The invention aims to design a push button: which can be integrated into an acoustic enclosure (or any other equipment) having curved external surfaces; which can be easily customized; which is robust and compact; which limits vibrations; whose interface with the rest of the enclosure is sealed, without requiring additional components. SUMMARY

[0016] To achieve this goal, a push button is proposed, comprising: an actuation member, elongated in shape along an axis; a base, flexible and generally flat in shape, extending perpendicularly to the axis, and comprising a first hole and a rib extending from a first face of the base around the first hole; an elastic membrane, having a first end connected to a first end of the actuation member and a second end connected to the first face of the base between the first hole and the rib; the push button being arranged so that, when pressure is exerted on a second end of the actuating member, the diaphragm deforms and the actuating member undergoes a translational movement along the axis towards the base, and so that when the pressure ceases, the actuating member returns to its initial position.

[0017] The push button is very simple. It can be a single piece, both compact and robust. The manufacturing process for this part is very simple, and the button is therefore easily customizable.

[0018] The elongated shape of the actuation mechanism allows the button to interact with a contact device mounted on a printed circuit board that is significantly removed from the external surface of the enclosure. The button is therefore compatible with enclosures, or any other electrical equipment, that have curved external surfaces.

[0019] The rib at the base of the push button can be pressed against an internal surface of the speaker enclosure (or more generally, the casing of electrical equipment), thus ensuring the enclosure is acoustically sealed. No additional parts are required to achieve this seal.

[0020] The elastic mechanical characteristics of the button help to limit vibrations.

[0021] We also propose a push button as previously described, comprising a first electrically conductive pad, which is positioned on one face of the first end of the actuation member.

[0022] We also propose a push button as previously described, comprising at least one second electrically conductive pad, which is positioned on a second face of the base.

[0023] We also propose a push button as previously described, comprising at least one electrically conductive ring, which is positioned on a second face of the base and which is centered on the axis.

[0024] We also propose a push button as previously described, comprising at least one protrusion extending radially from the base outwards.

[0025] We also propose a push button as previously described, in which the actuation element, the base and the membrane form a single piece made of elastomer.

[0026] We further propose a push button as previously described, comprising at least one evacuation device for evacuating air from an internal volume of the push button delimited by the membrane and by a plane in which a second face of the base extends, the evacuation device comprising a second hole through the base and positioned between the second end of the membrane and the rib, and a conduit connecting the internal volume to the second hole.

[0027] We further propose equipment comprising a housing, a printed circuit board integrated into the housing and fixed to an internal surface of the housing, on which is located a first contact device, and a push button as previously described, which is also integrated into the housing. The equipment is arranged so that the base of the push button is located between the printed circuit board and the internal surface of the housing. The first face of the base is in contact with said internal surface of the housing, and a second face of the base is in contact with the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board presses against the second face of the base so that the rib is crushed against the internal surface of the housing. The first contact device is positioned in the first hole of the base, and the actuation member extends through the housing.and a second end of the actuating member is accessible from outside the housing such that when pressure is exerted on the second end of the actuating member, the diaphragm deforms and the first end of the actuating member comes into contact with the first contact device, and such that when the pressure ceases, the actuating member returns to its initial position, the equipment further comprising a processing unit connected to the first contact device and arranged to command a predefined action when the first end of the actuating member comes into contact with the first contact device.

[0028] We also propose equipment as previously described, in which the internal surface of the housing includes a groove in which the rib of the first face of the base of the push button is positioned.

[0029] We also propose equipment as previously described, the first contact device comprising at least two portions of conductive track printed on the printed circuit board, the first pad being arranged to short-circuit the two portions of conductive track when the first end of the actuation member comes into contact with the two portions of conductive track.

[0030] We further propose equipment as previously described, in which the printed circuit board includes at least one second contact device arranged to detect at least one second electrically conductive pad, which is optionally present on a second face of the base of the push button, the processing unit being arranged to configure the equipment according to a number and / or position of second pads detected.

[0031] We further propose equipment as previously described, wherein the printed circuit board includes at least one third contact device arranged to detect at least one protrusion, optionally present by extending from the base of the push button, radially, outwards from it, the processing unit being arranged to configure the equipment according to a number and / or position of detected protrusions.

[0032] We also propose equipment such as previously described, in which the equipment is a soundproof enclosure.

[0033] We also propose equipment such as previously described, in which the speaker configuration consists of giving it a position in a multi-channel audio system.

[0034] The invention will be better understood in light of the following description of particular, non-limiting embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, among which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a perspective view of an enclosure incorporating the push button; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is an exploded view of the enclosure of the figure 1 ; Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure of the figure 1 ; Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the button positioned inside the enclosure, and of the printed circuit board; Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a perspective view of the horizontally positioned push button; [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 is a perspective view of the push button positioned vertically; [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 represents a conductive track of a first contact device; [ Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 represents a detection circuit according to a first embodiment, connected to the first contact device; [ Fig. 9 ] there figure 9 represents a detection circuit according to a second embodiment, connected to the first contact device; [ Fig. 10 ] there figure 10 is a view similar to that of the figure 5 , according to another embodiment of the push button; [ Fig. 11 ] there figure 11 is a view of the second face of the button's base, which has a protrusion; [ Fig. 12 ] there figure 12 represents side views of the speaker and its stand, before and after the stand was mounted on the speaker, in a so-called "tabletop stand" mounting configuration; Fig. 13 ] there figure 13 is a figure similar to the figure 12 , according to a mounting configuration known as "wall mount"; [ Fig. 14 ] there figure 14 represents a front view of the support in the "table leg" configuration, and a front view of the support in the "wall mount" configuration; [ Fig. 15 ] there figure 15 represents views of the support according to a particular embodiment, before and after the folding of the curved part; [ Fig. 16 ] there figure 16 represents several views illustrating the support according to a particular embodiment, in which the curved part is butted onto the base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] With reference to figures 1 And 2 , the acoustic speaker 10 here is a portable speaker which includes curved external surfaces and which more precisely has the shape of a “capsule”.

[0037] The 10-inch acoustic enclosure includes: an acoustic box 11; a first shell 12; a second shell 13; a protective piece 14; a support 15.

[0038] In its nominal operating position, the enclosure 10 is positioned vertically. All positioning terms used here should be interpreted assuming that the enclosure 10 is in this nominal operating position.

[0039] The acoustic box 11 comprises a central part 16 and two hemispherical ends 17a, 17b.

[0040] The end 17a forms an upper face 18 of the box 11. The end 17b forms an lower face 19 of the box 11. The central part 16 includes lateral faces comprising a front face 20, a rear face 21, a left face 22 and a right face 23 of the box 11.

[0041] The acoustic box 11 also has the general shape of a capsule, but which is flattened at the front face 20 and the rear face 21. All external surfaces of the box 11 are curved surfaces.

[0042] Two 25 speakers are integrated here into the acoustic enclosure 11.

[0043] The 25a speaker is a type Woofer. This is a loudspeaker that reproduces low frequencies, for example between 100 Hz and 2 kHz. This type of loudspeaker is also called a bass speaker.

[0044] The 25b speaker is a type Tweeter. This is a loudspeaker that reproduces high frequencies, for example, between 2 kHz and 20 kHz. This type of loudspeaker is also called a tweeter. The diameter of the diaphragm of loudspeaker 25a is larger than that of the diaphragm of loudspeaker 25b.

[0045] The loudspeaker 25a is integrated into the acoustic enclosure 11 so that its diaphragm is positioned, for example, at the lower portion of the front face 20 of the acoustic enclosure 11. The loudspeaker 25b is integrated into the acoustic enclosure 11 so that its diaphragm is positioned, for example, at the upper portion of the front face 20 of the acoustic enclosure 11.

[0046] The first shell 12 is intended to protect the left face 22 and the right face 23 of the box 11. The first shell 12 is fixed to the box by screws 27.

[0047] The second shell 13 is intended to protect the rear face 21 and the lower face 19 of the box 11. The second shell 13 is fixed to the box by screws 28.

[0048] The protective piece 14 is intended in particular to protect the front face 20 and the top face 18 of the casing 11.

[0049] Support 15 will be described further down in this description.

[0050] With reference to figures 3 And 4 , the enclosure 10 also incorporates an electrical board 35 which includes a printed circuit board 36 and electronic components 37 (and software) mounted on the printed circuit board 36.

[0051] These electronic components 37 include a processing unit 38. The processing unit 38 includes at least one processing component, which is, for example, a "general-purpose" processor, a processor specialized in signal processing (or DSP, for Digital Signal Processor ), a microcontroller, or a programmable logic circuit such as an FPGA (for Field Programmable Gate Arrays ) or an ASIC (for Application Specific Integrated Circuit The processing unit 38 also includes one or more memories, connected to or integrated into the processing component. At least one of these memories forms a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored at least one computer program comprising instructions that lead the processing unit 38 to execute the steps of the configuration process that will be described below.

[0052] The electronic components 37 also include audio components, communication components, etc.

[0053] The printed circuit board 36 is integrated into the acoustic enclosure 11. It comprises a first face 40 which is oriented towards the rear face 21 of the enclosure 11 (and which is parallel to it), and a second face 41 which is oriented towards the front face 20 of the enclosure 11.

[0054] Speaker 10 also incorporates a push button 42 which allows at least one predefined action performed by speaker 10. This predefined action consists, for example, of turning speaker 10 on / off, but can also consist of configuring the speaker in a particular way, or performing a pairing. Bluetooth, etc.

[0055] With reference to figures 5 And 6 The push button 42 comprises three distinct parts: an actuation organ 43; a base 44; a membrane 45.

[0056] The actuation member 43 is elongated along an axis Z. The actuation member 43 is here cylindrical with axis Z. The actuation member 43 has two ends: a first end 46a at the end of which is a face 47a, and a second free end 46b, at the end of which is a face 47b.

[0057] By "elongated", we mean here that the length L of the actuation member 43 is greater than its diameter D. The length L is typically greater than 3 x D, and even here 5 x D.

[0058] The actuation member 43 is provided at the first face 47a of its first end 46a, with a first electrically conductive pad 48, which covers a part of the first face 47a. The first pad 48 is here made of carbon.

[0059] The base 44 of the push button 42 is flexible and is in the shape of a flat disc having two opposite faces and a first hole 49 in its center. The base 44 extends perpendicularly to the Z axis.

[0060] The base 44 comprises a first face 50 from which extends a flexible rib 51, and a second face 52 which is intended to be pressed against the printed circuit 36. The rib 51 extends here around the periphery of the base 44, over its entire circumference.

[0061] The base 44 therefore has an external perimeter 53, and the first hole 49 in the middle of the disc forms an internal perimeter 54 belonging to the base 44.

[0062] The push button 42 exists in several versions, which differ in the number of electrically conductive second pads 55 positioned on the second face 52 of the base 44 of the push button 42. This number can be zero. The maximum number of second pads 55 is, for example, five.

[0063] Here, the second face 52 of the base 44 is provided with three second conductive pads 55. These second conductive pads 55 are here made of carbon.

[0064] The membrane 45 is an elastic element of the button 42, forming here a conical skirt, and having two ends, allowing the connection element between the actuation member 43 and the base 44 to be formed. A first end 56a of the membrane 45 is connected to the first end 46a of the actuation member 43, and a second end 56b of the membrane 45 is connected to the first face 50 of the base 44, between the first hole 49 and the rib 51. More precisely, here, the second end 56b of the membrane 45 coincides with the inner rim 54 of the base 44.

[0065] The membrane 45 thus connects the actuation member 43 to the base 44 to form the push button 42. The three parts which form the push button 42, namely the actuation member 43, the base 44 and the membrane 45, therefore form a single piece.

[0066] Advantageously, this one-piece component is made of a material capable of absorbing the vibrations generated during the operation of the enclosure 10, and preferably of an elastomer, whose elastic properties are more favorable than those of conventional button materials. The push button 42 is therefore significantly less rigid and brittle than prior art push buttons.

[0067] As we have seen, the membrane 45 is elastic. Thus, when pressure is exerted on the second end 46b of the actuating member 43, the actuating member 43 undergoes a translational movement along its Z-axis towards the base 44. The membrane 45 deforms and the first end 46a of the actuating member 43 is pushed into the first hole 49 of the base 44. When the pressure is released, the actuating member 43 returns to its initial position.

[0068] The second end 46b of the actuator 43 is accessible from outside the enclosure 10. Therefore, the length L of the actuator 43 is defined as the distance between the printed circuit board 36 and the external surface of the enclosure 10, plus the stroke length required to actuate the button 42. The length L of the actuator 43 thus depends on the shape of the enclosure 10. Here, the actuator 43 has a length L of 24 mm. The stroke length is 1.5 mm. The total length of the button 42, along the Z-axis, is 25.5 mm.

[0069] The push button 42 is provided with at least one venting device, in this case two venting devices. The venting devices allow air to be evacuated from an internal volume of the push button 42 delimited by the membrane 45 and by a plane in which the second face 52 of the base 44 extends. The two venting devices are positioned diametrically opposite each other with respect to the first hole 49.

[0070] Each drainage device includes a second hole 57 through the base 44 and positioned between the second end 56b of the membrane 45 and the rib 51, and a conduit 58 connecting the internal volume to said second hole 57.

[0071] When pressure is applied to the second end 46b of the actuating member 43, the diaphragm 45 deforms, the internal volume decreases, and air is expelled through the venting devices. When the diaphragm 45 returns to its original shape, air enters the internal volume through the venting devices.

[0072] We are now interested in how the push button 42 is integrated into the acoustic housing 11 of the enclosure 10.

[0073] The acoustic box 11 includes an internal surface which has a hole 59 through the box 11, and a groove 60 which surrounds the hole 59 and which has a shape complementary to the rib 51 of the first face 50 of the base 44.

[0074] At the time of assembly, the push button 42 is integrated into the housing 11 so that the actuation member 43 extends into the hole 59, and the rib 51 of the base 44 is positioned in the groove 60 of the internal surface of the housing 11. Then, the printed circuit board 36 is installed so that the base 44 of the push button 42 is located between the printed circuit board 36 and the internal surface of the housing 11, and parallel to them. The printed circuit board 36 is fixed, here by screws, to the inner surface of the housing 11. The first face 50 of the base 44 of the push button 42 is in contact with the inner surface of the housing 11, and the second face 52 of the base 44 of the push button 42 is in contact with the printed circuit board 36. The printed circuit board 36 presses against the second face 52 of the base 44, so that the rib 51 of the base 44 is crushed against the inner surface of the housing 11, in the groove 60. This ensures the acoustic sealing of the housing 11.The second end 46b of the actuation member 43 is then accessible from outside the casing 11.

[0075] Advantageously, groove 60 helps to center the push button 42.

[0076] However, groove 60 is optional. If the groove is not used, rib 51 is configured to press against a flat surface, which has the advantage of providing a better seal.

[0077] We are now interested in how the push button 42 cooperates with the rest of the enclosure 10.

[0078] Printed circuit board 36 includes a first contact device.

[0079] With reference to the figure 7 , the first contact device here includes a conductive track 61, printed on the printed circuit 36. The conductive track here includes two portions of track 61a, 61b.

[0080] With reference to the figure 8 The card 35 further includes a detection circuit 63, which is connected to the processing unit 38 and to the conductive track 61. The detection circuit 63 includes a resistor R1 ( pull-up ) which includes a first terminal to which a DC supply voltage VDD is applied and a second terminal connected to portion of track 61a. Portion of track 61b is connected to ground (or another reference voltage). The processing unit 38 is connected to the second terminal of resistor R1.

[0081] The runway sections 61a, 61b include "teeth" which are arranged in a nested comb pattern.

[0082] When the first pad 48 comes into contact with the track portions 61a, 61b, it short-circuits these track portions and the voltage applied to the input of the processing unit 38 goes from a "high" voltage to a "low" voltage, equal to 0V (or to the other reference voltage).

[0083] In a second embodiment, visible on the figure 9 The detection circuit 64 includes a resistor R2 (pull-down) which includes a first terminal connected to the first portion of track 61a and a second terminal connected to ground (or another reference voltage). The portion of track 61b is connected to the DC supply voltage VDD. The processing unit 38 is connected to the first terminal of resistor R2.

[0084] When the first pad 48 comes into contact with the track portions 61a, 61b, the voltage applied to the input of the processing unit 38 changes from a "low" voltage to a "high" voltage (VDD).

[0085] When the enclosure 10 is assembled, the first detection device (and therefore the two track portions 61a, 61b) is located in the first hole 49 of the base 44. When the user presses the actuation member 43, the first pad 48 comes into contact with the track portions 61a, 61b, short-circuits them, and the processing unit 38 detects the change in voltage (on edge or on level).

[0086] The processing unit 38 then commands the implementation of the predefined action.

[0087] The printed circuit board 36 also includes at least one second contact device, here for example five second contact devices (not shown).

[0088] Each second contact device is possibly similar to the first contact device.

[0089] The five second contact devices are positioned on the printed circuit 36 ​​to detect a maximum of five second conductive pads 55 possibly present on the second face 52 of the base 44 of the button 42.

[0090] We have therefore described that the number of second contact devices is equal to the maximum number of second pads (here equal to 5), which allows for the detection of the maximum number of combinations. The maximum number of second pads and second contact devices can be different from 5.

[0091] The maximum number of second pads and second contact devices depends on the size of the base 44 relative to the size of a second pad or second contact device.

[0092] The maximum number of second pads and the number of second contact devices may be different.

[0093] Here, base 44 only includes three second pads 55, and therefore only three second contact devices detect second conductive pads 55.

[0094] The processing unit 38 will then configure the enclosure 10 according to the number and / or position of the second pads 55 detected. Here, only the number of second pads is taken into account.

[0095] The configuration of speaker 10 here consists of giving it a position in a multi-channel audio system.

[0096] Here, the processing unit 38 detects the presence of three second pads 55. The processing unit 38 will interpret the presence of these three second pads 55 as a particular configuration order of the speaker 10 corresponding to a particular position in the multichannel audio system (for example: rear left speaker).

[0097] If the number of second detected pellets 55 was different, the processing unit 38 would have configured the enclosure 10 differently (for example, front right, front left, woofer, etc.).

[0098] It should be noted that the push button 42 and the printed circuit board 36 or the housing 11 may have positioning means for angularly positioning the base 44 relative to the printed circuit board 36, so that the position of the second conductive pads 55 corresponds to the position of the second contact devices. These means include, for example, a lug on the inner surface of the housing 11 and a hole on the base 44 that fits into the lug.

[0099] According to an alternative embodiment, visible on the figure 10 The push button 42 has at least one conductive ring 65 (here only one) formed on the second face 52 of the base 44. The ring 65 is centered on the Z axis. Thus, the second contact device(s) of the printed circuit board 36 can detect the presence or absence of the ring 65 regardless of the angular position of the push button 42.

[0100] In a second embodiment, visible on the figure 11 The push button 42 exists in several versions which differ according to the number and / or position of protrusions 62. Here, only two versions of the button exist: a version of the button with a protrusion 62, and a version without protrusion 62.

[0101] We can see on the figure 11 that the button 42 includes a protrusion 62 which extends radially from the base 44, projecting outwards from the outer edge 53 of the base 44. This protrusion 62 belongs to the same part as the base 44 and the rest of the button 42, and is therefore made of elastomer.

[0102] Printed circuit board 36 includes at least one third detection device, here only one third detection device (not shown). The third detection device includes, for example, a switch ( switch ) dome-shaped metal.

[0103] The processing unit 38 is connected to the third detection device. The processing unit 38 configures the enclosure 10 according to the number and / or position of detected growths.

[0104] Here, the processing unit 38 configures the enclosure 10 according to a first configuration if an outgrowth is detected, and according to a second configuration if no outgrowth is detected.

[0105] Again, the configuration may involve assigning speaker 10 a position in a multi-channel audio system.

[0106] We are now focusing more specifically on support 15 of speaker 10.

[0107] We know that there are different types of speaker stands on the market. Some stands only allow the speaker to be placed on a horizontal surface (for example on a table) while other stands only allow the speaker to be attached to a vertical surface (for example wall mounting).

[0108] However, the same support does not allow the speaker to be positioned on a horizontal surface (for example on a piece of furniture) or on a vertical surface (for example against a wall).

[0109] Therefore, there is a need to design a versatile speaker stand, that is, a single stand capable of mounting / fixing a speaker on different types of external surfaces (horizontal or vertical). In particular, the speaker stand must fulfill the following two functions: the so-called "table stand" function for positioning the speaker on a horizontal surface; the so-called "wall mount" function for positioning the speaker on a vertical surface.

[0110] The support must also have a shape adapted to the capsule cavity and its curved external surfaces.

[0111] The stand must ensure aesthetic consistency with the shape of the speaker, particularly in the case of a capsule-shaped speaker, i.e., one with curved surfaces.

[0112] With reference to figures 12 And 13The 15-inch speaker stand for the 10-inch speaker includes: a base 100; a curved part 101.

[0113] The base 100 is generally flat and includes a first face 102 and a second face 103. The first face 102 is intended to be in contact with an external support (for example a table, a wall).

[0114] The curved portion 101 extends from the second face 103. The curved portion 101 comprises a first end 105 connected to the base 100 and a second, free end 106. The curved portion 101 extends radially from the base 100, from its first end 105, to its second end 106.

[0115] Preferably, the curved part 101 includes a flat surface 107, oriented perpendicular to the base 100, and including means for fixing the flat surface 107 to a surface of the enclosure 10. Here, the flat surface 107 of the curved part 101 is located at the second end 106 of the curved part 101.

[0116] There figure 12 illustrates the first mounting configuration of the stand on the speaker. This configuration is called "table stand".

[0117] In this configuration, the first face 102 of the base 100 of the support 15 is placed on a flat horizontal surface (of a table for example), and the attachment of the curved part 101 to the speaker 10 is done from the rear of the speaker 10. The flat surface 107 is therefore attached to the rear face of the speaker 10.

[0118] There figure 13 illustrates the second mounting configuration of the bracket 15 on the enclosure 10. This configuration is called "wall mount".

[0119] In this configuration, the first face 102 of the base 100 of the support 15 is attached to the wall and the attachment of the curved part 101 to the enclosure 10 is made below the enclosure 10. The flat surface 107 is therefore attached to the lower face of the enclosure 10.

[0120] We can see on the figure 14 front views of support 15 in the "table leg" configuration (left drawing) and in the "wall attachment" configuration (right drawing).

[0121] Preferably, the base 100 and the curved part 101 of the support 15 are formed in a monobloc fashion (i.e. in one piece, for example in aluminium).

[0122] For example, the surface of the base 100 is dimensioned to ensure the stability of the enclosure 10, when it is fixed to the curved part 101 of the support 15, particularly in the "wall mount" configuration.

[0123] The base 100 includes fasteners for attaching the bracket to an external surface (for example, by screwing the bracket 15 to a wall). For example, these fasteners include one or more tapped holes formed in the thickness of the base and intended to receive a screw or screw head. These fasteners are not shown here.

[0124] The base 100 is arranged so that, when the enclosure 10 and the support 15 are assembled, the axis of revolution X of the enclosure 10 coincides with the center of the base 100. Also, the surface of the base 100 of the support 15, in contact with the table, is dimensioned so that the projection of the center of gravity of the enclosure 10 is inscribed within said surface.

[0125] Preferably, the curved part 101 has a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the curved external surface of the capsule enclosure 10, so that the curved part 101 follows the curved shape of the enclosure 10 without, however, being as likely to come into contact with it.

[0126] The flat surface 107 of the second end 106 of the curved portion 101 includes fastening means for attaching the bracket to the speaker enclosure, either to the rear face of the enclosure according to the first mounting configuration, or to the lower part of the enclosure according to the second mounting configuration. The fastening means include, for example, one or more holes or openings 110, each intended to receive a screw or tightening knob. Here, the fastening means include a single hole 110.

[0127] Therefore, the capsule enclosure 10 includes one or more threaded hole(s) arranged opposite the hole(s) or opening(s) 110 of the flat surface 107.

[0128] The flat surface 107 of the second end 106 of the curved part 101 further includes a lug 111, visible on the figure 12 and on the figure 14 This lug 111 is designed to fit into a hole (not shown) formed on one face of the enclosure 10, so as to secure the enclosure 10 in its vertical position when it is fixed to the support. Thus, there is no risk of the enclosure 10 pivoting around the screw passing through the opening 110 formed through the flat surface 107 of the curved part 101. This is advantageous during the step of fixing the enclosure 10 to its support 15 (i.e., during installation), but also prevents the enclosure 10 from pivoting due to vibrations emitted during its operation.

[0129] Here, the curved part 101 has a thickness of between 3mm and 6mm, preferably 5mm. Thus, the support 15 is robust enough to hold the speaker 10 vertically and prevent it from tilting under its own weight, and without causing the speaker 10 to oscillate on the support when a user handles it or due to vibrations emitted during operation.

[0130] It is possible to make the curved part 101 out of plastic. However, there is a risk that the support 15 for the speaker 10 will not be rigid enough and will vibrate with the speaker 10.

[0131] To improve the rigidity of the support and limit the vibrations of the speaker / support assembly when the speaker 10 is operating, several embodiments are advantageous.

[0132] In one embodiment, the curved part 101 is made of metal (for example, aluminum) rather than plastic. In another embodiment, the entire support is made of metal, for example, the same metal as that used for the base 100 (for example, aluminum), in which case the support 15 is a single piece of metal (which has the advantage of being robust and limiting vibrations compared to plastic).

[0133] In a second embodiment, the curved portion 101 is made of plastic but also includes a rib on the back of the curved portion. In a particular embodiment, the entire part is made of plastic, preferably in one piece, in which case the rib can be easily formed in the curved portion 101.

[0134] In a third embodiment, visible on the figure 15 The support 115 can be made by folding a cut piece of metal sheet (for example, aluminum). Advantageously, the support 115 is formed from a single piece.

[0135] The drawing on the left of the figure 15 Figure 115 represents the support before folding, and the drawing on the right represents the support 115 after folding. Again, the support 115 comprises a base 116 and a curved portion 117 having at its free end a flat surface 118, provided with a fixing hole 119, onto which the enclosure is fixed.

[0136] In a fourth embodiment, visible on the figure 16 The support 215 can be split into two separate parts. The support 215 then comprises, for example, a plastic base 216 and a curved metal part 217. The first end 218 (tab) of the curved metal part 217 (for example, aluminum) is riveted to the bottom 220 of the first face 221 of the base.

[0137] The riveting method is particularly advantageous for attaching the curved part 217 to the base 216 for the same reasons as previously stated (i.e., no additional parts, no risk of vibration, reduced size, very robust connection). Plastic pins 222 extend vertically from the bottom 220 of the first face 221 of the base 216. The base 216 also includes a slot 223.

[0138] The first end 218 of the curved portion 217 includes a flat surface 224, which extends orthogonally to the flat surface 225 of the second end 226 of the curved portion. The flat surface 225 is in the shape of a circular disc. The flat surface 224 includes holes 228 and slots 229 formed in the edges of the flat surface 224. Here, the flat surface 224 is square; the holes 228 are located in the corners of the flat surface 224, and the slots 229 are located at the midpoints of the three free edges of the flat surface 224.

[0139] The flat surface 224 is inserted into the slot 223 and then applied against the bottom 220 of the first face 221 of the base 216, so that the pins 222 are inserted into the holes 228 and the slots 229. The flat surface 224 is then fixed by riveting to the bottom 220 of the first face 221 of the base 216.

[0140] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0141] Although the actuation element is cylindrical in shape here, it is possible that it could be of another shape.

[0142] Although here the base of the button is described as having a disc shape, it is possible that it has another shape, rectangular for example.

[0143] Although the membrane is described as having a conical skirt shape, it is possible that this membrane has a different shape: pyramidal, formed by flexible rods, by a spring, etc.

[0144] The first end of the actuator does not necessarily have a conductive pad. The actuator could, for example, interact "mechanically" with a first "mechanical" contact device, such as a mechanical switch. The interaction with the printed circuit board could also be contactless (capacitive, for example).

[0145] The base of the button could be fitted with both conductive pad(s) and / or protrusion(s) and / or ring(s)

[0146] The push button is not necessarily integrated into the acoustic enclosure of a speaker. It could be integrated into the casing of any type of electrical equipment, regardless of the shape of that casing.

Claims

1. A pushbutton (42), comprising: - an actuating member (43), of elongate shape along an axis (Z); - a base (44), flexible and generally flat in shape, that extends perpendicularly to the axis (Z), and that comprises a first hole (49) and a rib (51) that extends from a first face (50) of the base around the first hole; - an elastic diaphragm (45), having a first end (56a) connected to a first end (46a) of the actuating member and a second end (56b) connected to the first face of the base between the first hole and the rib; the pushbutton being arranged in such a manner that, when pressure is exerted on a second end (46b) of the actuating member, the diaphragm deforms and the actuating member undergoes a translational movement along the axis (Z) towards the base, and in such a manner that, when the pressure ceases, the actuating member returns to its initial position, the pushbutton being characterized in that it further comprises, at least one evacuation device enabling to evacuate air from an inner volume of the pushbutton delimited by the diaphragm (45) and by a plane in which extends a second face (52) of the base (44), the evacuation device comprising a second hole (57) passing through the base and positioned between the second end (56b) of the diaphragm (45) and the rib (51), and a duct (58) connecting the inner volume to the second hole.

2. The pushbutton according to claim 1, comprising a first pad (48), electrically conductive, which is positioned on a face (47a) of the first end of the actuating member (43).

3. The pushbutton according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least a pad, called second pad (55), electrically conductive, which is positioned on the second face (52) of the base (44) .

4. The pushbutton according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one ring (65) electrically conductive, which is positioned on the second face (52) of the base (44) and which is centred on the axis (Z).

5. The pushbutton according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one protrusion (62) that extends from the base (44), radially outward from it.

6. The pushbutton according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating member (43), the base (44) and the diaphragm (45) form a one-piece part made of elastomer.

7. An equipment comprising a casing, a printed circuit (36) integrated in the casing, fixed to an inner surface of the casing, and on which is located a first contact device (61), and a pushbutton (42) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is also integrated in the casing, the equipment being arranged such that the base (44) of the pushbutton is located between the printed circuit and the inner surface of the casing, the first face of the base is in contact with said inner surface of the casing and the second face of the base is in contact with the printed circuit, the printed circuit presses on the second face of the base such that the rib (51) is crushed against the inner surface of the casing, the first contact device is positioned in the first hole of the base, the actuating member extends through the casing, and the second end of the actuating member is accessible from the outside of the casing such that when pressure is exerted on the second end of the actuating member (43), the diaphragm (45) deforms and the first end of the actuating member comes into contact with the first contact device, and such that when the pressure ceases, the actuating member returns to its initial position, the equipment further comprising, a processing unit (38) connected to the first contact device and arranged to control a predefined action when the first end of the actuating member comes into contact with the first contact device.

8. The equipment according to claim 7, the inner surface of the casing comprising a groove (60) in which the rib (51) of the first face of the base of the pushbutton is positioned.

9. The equipment according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a pushbutton according to claim 2, the first contact device comprising at least two conductive track portions (61a, 61b) printed on the printed circuit (36), the first pad being arranged to short-circuit the two conductive track portions when the first end of the actuating member (43) comes into contact with the two conductive track portions.

10. The equipment according to any one of claims 7 to 9, the printed circuit (36) comprising at least a second contact device arranged to detect at least a second pad (55) electrically conductive which is optionally present on the second face of the base of the pushbutton, the processing unit being arranged to configure the equipment depending on a number and / or a position of the detected second pads.

11. The equipment according to any one of claims 7 to 10, the printed circuit (36) comprising at least one contact device, called third contact device, arranged to detect at least one protrusion (62), optionally present by extending from the base of the pushbutton, radially, outward from it, the processing unit being arranged to configure the equipment depending on a number and / or a position of the detected protrusions.

12. The equipment according to any one of claims 7 to 11, the equipment being a speaker (10).

13. The equipment according to claim 12 and one of claims 10 or 11, the configuration of the speaker consisting in giving it a position in a multi-channel audio system.

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