Capsule-shaped push button for speaker

Abstract

A push button comprising: - an actuating member; - a flexible, generally flat base with a first hole and a rib extending from one face of the base around the first hole; - an elastic membrane having one end connected to one end of the actuating 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 such that, when pressure is applied to one end of the actuating member, the membrane deforms and the actuating member moves translationally along its axis towards the base, and such that when the pressure is released, the actuating member returns to its initial position. (Figure from the summary: Fig. 2)

Description

Title of the invention: Capsule-shaped push button for speakers

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

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] It is envisaged to design an acoustic enclosure having curved external surfaces, and in particular an enclosure having a "capsule" shape. This enclosure may optionally include a support allowing it to be positioned vertically on a flat surface (of a piece of furniture, for example). The enclosure may also be placed directly in a horizontal position on this flat surface.

[0004] The speaker is, for example, a so-called "satellite" speaker intended to be connected to a device configured to play audio content, such as a set-top box (or STB). The set-top box itself may incorporate one or more speakers.

[0005] Such an enclosure typically comprises a soundproof box. This is a sealed housing in which one or more loudspeakers are integrated. The housing may be made of a single piece or may be obtained by assembling several pieces.

[0006] The acoustic enclosure, which also has a shape similar to that of a capsule, defines a technical volume necessary for implementing the technical functions of the audio section of the speaker. The enclosure delimits the acoustic volume and integrates the loudspeakers and the connections for delivering the audio signals to the loudspeakers. This technical volume can also be used to integrate components implementing "transversal" functions: control, communication (Wi-Fi interface, for example), power supply, etc.

[0007] The acoustic 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 holes to allow the sound generated by the speakers to escape. These protective pieces also contribute to the enclosure's aesthetic appearance. A fabric sometimes covers the protective pieces entirely or partially, and in this case, the fabric also serves as a support for the fabric.

[0008] A speaker typically includes one or more buttons that allow the user to interact with the speaker.

[0009] It is known, for example, to use a mechanical button of the tactile switch type, or of the slide switch type. Pushbuttons are known, for instance, which are mounted on a printed circuit board integrated into an enclosure, and which include an actuation element (moving part of the button) that passes through the enclosure housing and is accessible from outside the enclosure.

[0010] Prior art buttons present a number of disadvantages in the case of an enclosure, and in particular an enclosure with curved external surfaces.

[0011] Most of these buttons have an actuation element that is relatively short. 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 element of most prior art buttons is not long enough to reach the outer surface of the enclosure.

[0012] Furthermore, the length of the actuation mechanism of prior art buttons is limited to a list of standard dimensions, predefined by the manufacturer, and therefore does not allow for button customization. However, the capsule-shaped enclosure in question here has a very particular design that is not compatible with most commercially available buttons.

[0013] Furthermore, the speaker enclosure must be perfectly acoustically sealed. Using prior art buttons 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 the assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, prior art buttons are generally made of one or more rigid materials, such as polyamide. They therefore vibrate strongly when subjected to vibrations of the enclosure during operation.

[0015] These buttons themselves, and their actuation member in particular, are also sources of vibrations (in the button itself or between the actuation member and the adjacent parts and components).

[0016] OBJECT

[0017] The invention relates to the design of a push button:

[0018] - which can be integrated into a sound enclosure (or any other equipment) having curved external surfaces;

[0019] - which can be easily customized;

[0020] - which is robust and compact;

[0021] - which limits vibrations;

[0022] - whose interface with the rest of the enclosure is watertight, without requiring additional components.

[0023] SUMMARY

[0024] To achieve this goal, a push button is proposed, comprising:

[0025] - an actuating member, elongated in shape along an axis;

[0026] - a base, flexible and generally flat in shape, which extends perpendicularly to the axis, and which includes a first hole and a rib which extends from a first face of the base around the first hole;

[0027] - 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;

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The elongated shape of the actuation element allows the button to cooperate 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 an enclosure, or any other electrical equipment, that has curved external surfaces.

[0031] The rib on the base of the push button can be crushed against an internal surface of the speaker enclosure (or more generally, the housing of electrical equipment), thereby ensuring the acoustic sealing of the enclosure. No additional parts are required to achieve this sealing.

[0032] The elastic mechanical characteristics of the button make it possible to limit vibrations.

[0033] A push button as previously described is also proposed, comprising a first electrically conductive disc which is positioned on one face of the first end of the actuation member.

[0034] A push button as previously described is also proposed, comprising at least one second electrically conductive pad, which is positioned on a second face of the base.

[0035] A push button as previously described is also proposed, comprising at least one electrically conductive ring, which is positioned on a second face of the base and which is centered on the axis.

[0036] A push button as previously described is also proposed, comprising at least one protrusion extending radially from the base outwards.

[0037] A push button as previously described is also proposed, in which the actuation member, the base and the membrane form a single piece made of elastomer.

[0038] A push button as previously described is further proposed, 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.

[0039] A device is further proposed 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 device being 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 on 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, 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.

[0040] We further 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.

[0041] We further propose equipment as previously described, the first contact device comprising at least two portions of conductive track printed on the printed circuit, 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.

[0042] Equipment such as previously described is further proposed, wherein the printed circuit board comprises at least one second contact device arranged to detect at least one second electrically conductive pad, which is optionally present on a second side of the push button base, the processing unit being arranged to configure the equipment according to a number and / or position of second detected pellets.

[0043] Equipment as previously described is further proposed, wherein the printed circuit board includes at least one third contact device arranged to detect at least one protrusion, optionally present extending radially from the base of the push button outwards, the processing unit being arranged to configure the equipment according to a number and / or position of detected protrusions.

[0044] We further propose equipment such as previously described, in which the equipment is an acoustic enclosure.

[0045] We further propose equipment such as previously described, in which the configuration of the speaker consists of giving it a position in a multichannel audio system.

[0046] The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description of particular, non-limiting embodiments of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0047] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, among which:

[0048] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of an enclosure incorporating the push button;

[0049] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of the enclosure of [Fig.1];

[0050] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure of [Fig.1];

[0051] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of the button positioned inside the enclosure, and the printed circuit board;

[0052] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the horizontally positioned push button;

[0053] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the push button positioned vertically;

[0054] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a conductive track of a first contact device;

[0055] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents a detection circuit according to a first mode of realization, connected to the first contact device;

[0056] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents a detection circuit according to a second embodiment, connected to the first contact device;

[0057] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 5], according to another embodiment of the push button;

[0058] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a view of the second face of the base of the button, which is provided with an outgrowth;

[0059] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] shows side views of the enclosure and its support, before and after mounting the support on the enclosure, according to a mounting configuration known as "table stand";

[0060] [Fig.13] [Fig.13] is a figure similar to [Fig.12], according to a mounting configuration known as "wall attachment";

[0061] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] represents a front view of the support in the "table leg" configuration, and a front view of the support in the "wall attachment" configuration;

[0062] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] represents views of the support according to a particular embodiment, before and after the bending of the curved part;

[0063] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] represents several views illustrating the support according to a particular embodiment, in which the curved part is butted onto the base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] With reference to figures 1 and 2, the acoustic enclosure 10 comprises curved external surfaces and more precisely has the shape of a “capsule”.

[0065] The acoustic enclosure 10 comprises: an acoustic enclosure 11; a first hull 12; a second hull 13; a protective piece 14; a support 15.

[0066] In its nominal operating position, the enclosure 10 is positioned vertically. All positioning terms used here must be interpreted assuming that the enclosure 10 is in this nominal operating position.

[0067] The acoustic box 11 comprises a central part 16 and two ends 17a, 17b of hemispherical shape.

[0068] 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 comprises lateral faces including a front face 20, a rear face 21, a left face 22 and a right face 23 of the box 11.

[0069] The acoustic box 11 also has the general shape of a capsule, but which is flattened at the front face 20 and its rear face 21. All external surfaces of the box 11 are curved surfaces.

[0070] Two loudspeakers 25 are integrated here into the acoustic box 11.

[0071] The speaker 25a is a woofer-type speaker. This type of speaker reproduces low frequencies, for example between 100 Hz and 2 kHz. It is also referred to as a bass speaker.

[0072] The speaker 25b is a tweeter-type speaker. This type of speaker reproduces high frequencies, for example, between 2 kHz and 20 kHz. It is also referred to as a tweeter. The diameter of the diaphragm of speaker 25a is larger than that of the diaphragm of speaker 25b.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The second shell 13 is intended to protect the rear face 21 and the lower face 19 of the housing 11. The second shell 13 is fixed to the housing by screws 28.

[0076] The protective piece 14 is intended in particular to protect the front face 20 and the upper face 18 of the casing 11.

[0077] Support 15 will be described further down in this description.

[0078] With reference to figures 3 and 4, the enclosure 10 further integrates an electrical board 35 which includes a printed circuit board 36 and electronic components 37 (and software) mounted on the printed circuit board 36.

[0079] 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 digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, or a programmable logic circuit such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). 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.

[0080] The electronic components 37 also include audio components, communication components, etc.

[0081] The printed circuit board 36 is integrated into the acoustic box 11. It comprises a first face 40 which is oriented towards the rear face 21 of the box 11 (and which is parallel to it), and a second face 41 which is oriented towards the front face 20 of the box 11.

[0082] The speaker 10 also incorporates a push button 42 which allows at least one predefined action to be performed by the speaker 10. This predefined action consists, for example, of turning the speaker 10 on / off, but may also consist of configuring the speaker in a particular way, or of performing a Bluetooth pairing, etc.

[0083] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the push button 42 comprises three distinct parts:

[0084] - an actuation member 43;

[0085] - a base 44;

[0086] - a membrane 45.

[0087] 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.

[0088] By "elongated", it is meant 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 than 5 x D.

[0089] The actuation member 43 is provided at the first face 47a of its first end 46a, with a first electrically conductive pellet 48, which covers a part of the first face 47a. The first pellet 48 is here made of carbon.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The push button 42 exists in several versions, which differ in the number of second electrically conductive pads 55 positioned on the second face 52 of the base 44 of the push button 42. This number may be zero. The maximum number of second pads 55 is, for example, five.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 the materials used in conventional buttons. The push button 42 is therefore significantly less rigid and brittle than push buttons of the prior art.

[0098] 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 removed, the actuating member 43 returns to its initial position.

[0099] The second end 46b of the actuation member 43 is accessible from outside the enclosure 10. Therefore, the length L of the actuation member 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 actuation member 43 thus depends on the shape of the enclosure 10. Here, the actuation member 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.

[0100] The push button 42 is provided with at least one venting device, here 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.

[0101] Each drainage device includes a second hole 57 passing 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] We are now interested in how the push button 42 is integrated into the acoustic housing 11 of the enclosure 10.

[0104] 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.

[0105] During 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 inner 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 inner 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.

[0106] Advantageously, the groove 60 has the effect of contributing to the centering of the push button 42.

[0107] However, the groove 60 is optional. In the event that the groove is not implemented, the rib 51 is configured to crush against a flat surface, which has the advantage of ensuring better sealing.

[0108] We are now interested in how the push button 42 cooperates with the rest of the enclosure 10.

[0109] The printed circuit board 36 includes a first contact device.

[0110] With reference to [Fig.7], the first contact device here comprises a conductive track 61, printed on the printed circuit 36. The conductive track here comprises two track portions 61a, 61b.

[0111] With reference to [Fig.8], the card 35 further includes a detection circuit 63, which is connected to the processing unit 38 and the conductive track 61. The detection circuit 63 includes a pull-up resistor (RI) which has a first terminal to which a DC supply voltage VDD is applied and a second terminal connected to the portion of track 61a. The portion of track 61b is connected to ground (or another reference voltage). The processing unit 38 is connected to the second terminal of the resistor RL.

[0112] Portions of track 61a, 61b include "teeth" which are arranged in an interlocking comb arrangement.

[0113] 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).

[0114] In a second embodiment, shown in [Fig. 9], the detection circuit 64 includes a pull-down resistor R2, which has 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.

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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).

[0117] The processing unit 38 then commands the implementation of the predefined action.

[0118] The printed circuit board 36 also includes at least one second contact device, here for example five second contact devices (not shown).

[0119] Each second contact device is possibly similar to the first contact device.

[0120] 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.

[0121] It has therefore been described that the number of second contact devices is equal to the maximum number of second pads (here equal to 5), which allows the maximum number of combinations to be detected. The maximum number of second pads and second contact devices may be different from 5.

[0122] 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 a second contact device.

[0123] The maximum number of second pads and the number of second contact devices may be different.

[0124] Here, the base 44 only includes three second pads 55, and therefore only three second contact devices detect second conductive pads 55.

[0125] 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.

[0126] The configuration of the speaker 10 here consists of giving it a position in a multi-channel audio system.

[0127] 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).

[0128] If the number of second detected pads 55 was different, the processing unit 38 would have configured the speaker 10 differently (e.g. front right, front left, woofer, etc.).

[0129] It is 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.

[0130] According to an alternative embodiment, visible in [Fig. 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.

[0131] In a second embodiment, visible in [Fig.1 1], 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.

[0132] It can be seen in [Fig. 11] that the button 42 includes an outgrowth 62 which extends from the base 44, projecting radially, from the outer periphery 53 of the base 44 towards the outside of it. This protrusion 62 belongs to the same part as the base 44 and the rest of the button 42, and is therefore made here of elastomer.

[0133] The 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 dome-shaped metal switch.

[0134] The processing unit 38 is connected to the third detection device. The processing unit 38 configures the enclosure 10 according to a number and / or position of detected growths.

[0135] 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.

[0136] Again, the configuration may consist of giving the speaker 10 a position in a multi-channel audio system.

[0137] We are now more specifically interested in the support 15 of the enclosure 10.

[0138] It is known that, on the market, there are different types of speaker stands. Some stands allow the speaker to be placed only on a horizontal surface (for example on a table) while other stands allow the speaker to be attached only to a vertical surface (for example wall mounting).

[0139] 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).

[0140] There is therefore a need to design a versatile speaker stand, that is, a single stand capable of mounting / fixing a speaker on different types of external supports (horizontal or vertical). In particular, the speaker stand must fulfill the following two functions:

[0141] - the so-called "table stand" function for positioning the speaker on a horizontal surface;

[0142] - the so-called "wall mount" function for positioning the speaker on a vertical surface.

[0143] The support must also have a shape adapted to the capsule enclosure and its curved external surfaces.

[0144] The support must ensure aesthetic consistency with the shape of the enclosure, particularly in the case of a capsule-shaped enclosure, i.e. having curved surfaces.

[0145] With reference to Figures 12 and 13, the support 15 of the enclosure 10 comprises:

[0146] - a base 100;

[0147] - a curved part 101.

[0148] The base 100 is generally flat and comprises 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).

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] Figure 12 illustrates the first mounting configuration of the support on the enclosure. This configuration is referred to as the "table stand".

[0152] 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 enclosure 10 is done from the rear of the enclosure 10. The flat surface 107 is therefore attached to the rear face of the enclosure 10.

[0153] Fig. 13 illustrates the second mounting configuration of the bracket 15 on the enclosure 10. This configuration is called "wall attachment".

[0154] 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.

[0155] Figure 14 shows front views of the support 15 in the "table leg" configuration (left drawing) and in the "wall bracket" configuration (right drawing).

[0156] 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).

[0157] 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, in particular in the "wall mount" configuration.

[0158] The base 100 includes fastening means for fixing the support to a surface of the external support (for example, by screwing the support 15 to a wall). For example, these fastening means include one or more tapped holes formed in the thickness of the base and intended to receive a screw or screw wheel. These fastening means are not shown here.

[0159] 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 falls within said surface.

[0160] 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.

[0161] The flat surface 107 of the second end 106 of the curved portion 101 includes fastening means for attaching the bracket to the 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 screw knob. Here, the fastening means include a single hole 110.

[0162] Consequently, the capsule enclosure 10 includes one or more tapped hole(s) arranged opposite the hole(s) or opening(s) 110 of the flat surface 107.

[0163] The flat surface 107 of the second end 106 of the curved portion 101 further includes a lug 111, visible in [Fig. 12] and [Fig. 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 portion 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.

[0164] Here, the curved part 101 has a thickness of between 3mm and 6mm, preferably 5mm. Thus, the support 15 is sufficiently robust 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.

[0165] It is possible to make the curved part 101 out of plastic. However, there is a risk that the support 15 of the enclosure 10 may not be rigid enough and may vibrate with the enclosure 10.

[0166] To improve the rigidity of the support and limit the vibrations of the enclosure / support assembly when the enclosure 10 is operating, several embodiments are advantageous.

[0167] In a first embodiment, the curved part 101 is made of metal (for example, aluminum) rather than plastic. In a particular embodiment, the entire support is made of metal, for example the same metal as that used for base 100 (for example aluminium), in which case support 15 is a single piece of metal (which has the advantage of being robust and limiting vibrations compared to plastic).

[0168] In a second embodiment, the curved portion 101 is made of plastic but further 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.

[0169] In a third embodiment, shown in [Fig. 15], the support 115 can be made from a folded piece of metal (e.g., aluminum). Advantageously, the support 115 is formed from a single piece.

[0170] The left-hand drawing of [Fig. 15] represents the support 115 before folding, and the right-hand drawing 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.

[0171] In a fourth embodiment, shown in [Fig. 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.

[0172] The riveting is particularly advantageous for fixing 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.

[0173] The first end 218 of the curved portion 217 comprises 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 comprises 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] Although the actuating member is cylindrical in shape here, it is possible that it is of another shape.

[0177] 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.

[0178] Although the membrane is described as having a conical skirt shape, it is possible that this membrane may have a different shape: pyramidal, formed by flexible rods, by a spring, etc.

[0179] The first end of the actuating member is not necessarily provided with a conductive pad. The actuating member could, for example, cooperate "mechanically" with a first "mechanical" contact device, and for example with a mechanical switch. The interaction with the printed circuit board could also be a contactless interaction (capacitive, for example).

[0180] The base of the button could be provided with both conductive pad(s) and / or protrusion(s) and / or ring(s)

[0181] The push button is not necessarily integrated into the acoustic enclosure of a speaker. It could be integrated into the housing of any type of electrical equipment, regardless of the shape of said housing.

Claims

Demands

1. Push button (42), comprising: - an actuating member (43), elongated along an axis (Z); - a base (44), flexible and generally flat in shape, extending perpendicularly to the axis (Z), and comprising a first hole (49) and a rib (51) extending from a first face (50) of the base around the first hole; - an elastic membrane (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 push button being arranged so 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 so that when the pressure ceases, the actuating member returns to its initial position.

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

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

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

5. Push button according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one protrusion (62) extending radially from the base (44) outwards from the base.

6. Push button according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating member (43), the base (44) and the diaphragm (45) form a single piece made of elastomer.

7. A push button according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one evacuation device allowing to evacuate air from an internal volume of the push button delimited by the membrane (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 membrane (45) and the rib (51), and a conduit (58) connecting the internal volume to the second hole.

8. Equipment comprising a housing, a printed circuit board (36) integrated in the housing, fixed to an internal surface of the housing, and on which is located a first contact device (61), and a push button (42) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is also integrated in the housing, the equipment being arranged such that the base (44) 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 on the second face of the base so that the rib (51) is crushed against the internal surface of the housing, the first contact device is positioned in the first hole of the base, the actuating 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 (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.

9. Equipment according to claim 8, the internal surface of the housing comprising a groove (60) in which the rib (51) of the first face of the base of the push button is positioned.

10. Equipment according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a push button according to claim 2, the first contact device comprising at least two portions of conductive track (61a, 61b) printed on the printed circuit board (36), the first pad being arranged to short-circuit the two portions of conductive track when the first end of the actuation member (43) comes into contact with the two portions of conductive track.

11. Equipment according to any one of claims 8 to 10, the printed circuit board (36) comprising at least one second contact device arranged to detect at least one second pad (55), electrically conductive, 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.

12. Equipment according to any one of claims 8 to 11, the printed circuit board (36) comprising at least one third contact device arranged to detect at least one protrusion (62), optionally present extending radially from the base of the push button outwards therefrom, the processing unit being arranged to configure the equipment according to a number and / or position of detected protrusions.

13. Equipment according to any one of claims 8 to 12, the equipment being a sound enclosure (10).

14. Equipment according to claim 13 and any one of claims 11 or 12, the enclosure configuration consisting of giving it a position in a multichannel audio system.

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