Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
A PUSH BUTTON AND A SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2022/195045
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A push button comprising: a shell structure (9); a base (1); a support structure (2) that is movable with respect to the base (1) and along a first direction (T1) that is normal to a surface (2b) of the support structure and along a second direction (T2) that is parallel to said surface; a set of connection structures (3, 4, 5, 6) hingedly connected to the base (1) at respective first connection points (1 a) and to the support structure (2) at respective second connection points (2a) which are movable in parallel to each other and to the support structure; a pressable structure (10) that is movable along the first direction and slidably attached to the support structure, the support structure being between the pressable structure (10) and the base (1); the shell structure (9) is arranged to restrict the pressable structure (10) from moving along the second direction.

Inventors:
ZAFEIRAKIS NIKOLAOS (GR)
ZAFEIRAKI ELENI (GR)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2022/057069
Publication Date:
September 22, 2022
Filing Date:
March 17, 2022
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
ZAFEIRAKIS NIKOLAOS (GR)
ZAFEIRAKI ELENI (GR)
International Classes:
H01H3/12; E03D5/09; E05B1/00
Foreign References:
JP2004134260A2004-04-30
JP2008021428A2008-01-31
US20140246297A12014-09-04
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
INGENIAS CREACIONES, SIGNOS E INVENCIONES, S.L.P. (ES)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1 . A push button comprising a shell structure (9); a base (1); a support structure (2) that is movable with respect to the base (1), the support structure (2) being simultaneously movable along a first direction (T 1 ) that is normal to a surface (2b) of the support structure and along a second direction (T2) that is parallel to said surface (2b); a set of connection structures (3, 4, 5, 6) hingedly connected to the base (1) at respective first connection points (1 a) and to the support structure (2) at respective second connection points (2a), the second connection points (2a) being movable in parallel to each other and in parallel to the support structure (2) and the latter's surface; a pressable structure (10) that is movable along the first direction (T1) and is slidably attached to the support structure, the support structure being between the pressable structure (10) and the base (1); wherein, the shell structure (9) is arranged to restrict the pressable structure (10) from moving along the second direction (T2).

2. A push button according to claim 1 , wherein the set of connection structures (3, 4, 5, 6) comprises one or two connection structures each of which is connected to the base at two of the corresponding first connection points and is also connected to the support structure at two of the corresponding second connection points.

3. A push button according to claim 1 , wherein the set of connection structures comprise a number of, preferably four, arms, each arm having two corresponding distal ends across its length, wherein one of the distal ends of each arm is hingedly connected to the base and the other distal end of each arm is hingedly connected to the support structure, preferably the arms having an equal length with respect to each other.

4. A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein at an interface between the pressable and the support structures (2, 10) the latter two are smooth and/or the push button further comprises bearings by means of which the pressable structure (10) is slidably attached to the support structure (2).

5. A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein: the push button further comprises at least one complementary structure (13, 14) that is hingedly attached, at a respective attachment point (3a, 4a), to a corresponding one (3, 4) of the connection structures (3, 4, 5, 6); the corresponding connection structure (3, 4) has a length that extends from the base to the supporting structure; the at least one complementary structure (13, 14) has a different length which is half the corresponding connection structure's length; the respective attachment point (3a, 4a) is midway along the length of the corresponding connection structure (3, 4); the at least one complementary structure (13, 14) lengthwise has two distal opposite to each other ends the first of which is at the respective attachment point (3a, 4a) and the second one (20, 21 ) is movable, with respect to the support structure, along a direction that is opposite to the second direction (T2).

6. A push button according to any of the previous claims, further comprising an intermediate structure (15) that is attached, preferably firmly, to the pressable structure (10) and which with respect to the support structure (2) is slidable along a direction that is opposite to the second direction (T2), wherein the pressable structure (10) is attached to the support structure (2) by means of said intermediate structure (15) which is in between said support structure's surface (2b) and the pressable structure (10).

7. A push button according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the second end of the at least one complementary structure (13, 14) is connected, preferably hingedely, to the intermediate structure (15) and is movable together with the latter towards oppositely to the second direction (T2).

8. A push button according to any of claims 6-7, wherein the intermediate structure (15) is shaped to slidably engage the support structure (2) so that the latter is movable along the second direction and with respect to the intermediate structure, preferably the intermediate structure (15) having two distal and opposite to each other folded lateral sections (15a, 15b) each of which defines a respective channel which slidably lodges a corresponding one of two lateral and opposite to each other sections (22, 2d) of the support structure (2).

9. A push button according to any of claims 6-8, wherein the intermediate structure (15) or at least a central portion of the intermediate structure (15) is shaped as a plate, preferably a rectangular plate which has a face which is normal to the first direction (T1).

10. A push button according to any of claims 6-9, wherein the intermediate structure (15) or a central portion thereof is parallel to the base and/or to the support structure.

11. A push button according to any of claims 6-10, wherein the support structure (2) has longitudinal protrusions (2e) which extend along the second direction (T2), said protrusions preferably facing or protruding towards the base (1 ).

12. A push button according to any of claims 6-11 , wherein the support structure (2) is a platform structure.

13. A push button according to any of claims 6-12, wherein the pressable structure (10) comprises a protrusion (12) which extends away from the pressable structure (10) and towards the support structure (2), the protrusion (12) passing through an opening (11 ) of the support structure (2), the protrusion (12) and the support structure’s opening (11) being sized and shaped to allow the protrusion (12) slidably moving along the support structure’s opening (11) and oppositely to the second direction (T2), most preferably each of the protrusion (12) and the support structure’s opening (11) being T-shaped.

14. A push button according to claim 13, wherein the protrusion (12) is a termination of the pressable structure (10) and the support structure's opening (11) is a slot.

15. A push button according to claim 5, further comprising an additional structure (24) that is attached to the pressable structure (10) and which with respect to the support structure (2) is slidable along a direction that is opposite to the second direction (T2).

16. A push button according to claim 15, wherein the second end of the at least one complementary structure (13, 14) is connected, preferably hingedely, to the additional structure (24) and is movable together with the latter towards oppositely to the second direction (T2).

17. A push button according to claim 16, wherein the additional structure (24) comprises a first and a second opposite to each other ends, and wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the additional structure comprises attachment means (32) configured to removably attach the additional structure to the pressable structure.

18. A push button according to claim 17, wherein the additional structure comprises a frame, and wherein the support structure with respect to the additional structure is slidable along the second direction.

19. A push button according to claim 16, wherein the additional structure (24) is a T-shaped structure which comprises two members, wherein one of the members is an elongated member (26a) in between the support structure and the base and the other member (26b) is hingedly connected to the at least one complementary structure (13, 14).

20. A push button according to claim 19, wherein the additional structure (24) comprises one or more fixation means (25a, 25b), wherein the additional structure (24) is connected to the pressable structure (10) via said fixation means (25a, 25b).

21. A push button according to any of claims 15-20, wherein the support structure (2) comprises at least two first elements (27, 28) which lengthwise extend along the second direction and which are parallel to each other; and at least one second element (29, 30, 31) which is perpendicular to the at least two first elements (27, 28).

22. A push button according to claim 21 , wherein the at least two first elements are in contact with the pressable structure (10).

23. A push button according to any of claims 15-22, wherein the additional structure (24) is, at least partially, in between the support structure (2) and the base (1).

24. A push button according to any of the previous claims, further comprising elastic means (29) configured to reverse the movement of the support structure (2) in the first (T 1 ) and second directions (T2) and the movement of the pressable structure (10) in the second direction (T2).

25. A push button according to claim 24, further comprising a support plate (33) which is perpendicular to the base (1 ), wherein the elastic means are configured to press against the support plate (33).

26. A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein the base (1 ) or a corresponding central portion of the base (1) is shaped as a plate, preferably a rectangular plate which has a face which is normal to the first direction (T 1 ).

27. A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein the pressable structure (10) or a corresponding central portion of the pressable structure is shaped as a plate, preferably a rectangular plate which has a face which is normal to the first direction (T1).

28. A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein the base (1 ) and the support structure (2) or respective central portions thereof are parallel to each other.

29. A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein the base (1) and/or the support structure (2) are substantially flat.

30. A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shell structure (9) has an opening which allows a user pressing the pressable structure (10) along the first direction and towards the base (1).

31 . A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shell structure (9) encloses the base (1), the support structure (2) and, preferably, partially the pressable structure (10).

32. A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first and second connection points form a geometrical parallelepiped that is articulated.

33. A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein the pressable structure (10) of a part thereof protrudes from the shell structure (9).

34. A push button according to any of the previous claims, further comprising connection means for the hinging of the connection structures to the base and the support structure, preferably said connection means having a male-female configuration.

35. A push button according to claim 34, wherein the connection means comprise slots (1 b, 2f) and elongated protrusions or rods (16, 17, 18, 19) which lodge in the slots (1b, 2f), preferably said slots (1 b, 2f) and elongated protrusion or rods (16, 17, 18, 19) are lengthwise normal to the first and second directions.

36. A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein the connection structures comprise rods (16, 17, 18, 19) which lengthwise are normal to the first and second directions (T1 , T2), preferably at least some of said rods (16, 17, 18, 19) extending between two respective ones of the first connection points at the base and/or of the second connection points at the support structure.

37. A push button according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support structure (2) being simultaneously movable along the first direction and the second direction amounts to the support structure (2) being movable along a geometrical circular arc.

38. Use a of press button according to any of the previous claims, in any a switch, a toilet cistern flushing system, a lock or a door.

39. A system comprising a press button which is according to any claims 1-36, the system being any of a switch, a toilet cistern flushing system, a lock or a door.

Description:
A PUSH BUTTON AND A SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present disclosure concerns a push button, the latter’s use, and a system comprising said push button. The system may be any of a switch, a toilet cistern flushing system, a lock or a door.

Background

Push buttons are used in switches, toilet cistern flushing, locks, etc. Push buttons are usually round and move in one axis which is normal to the moving surface.

Usually in order for such a push button to work smoothly, its surface is relatively small so as not to create excessive torque when it is not pressed along its axis of movement. In some cases, expensive high-precision bearings are required so that the push button does not stick while moving. Hence, there is a need for a press button which can be made to be large and at the same time, for working properly and reliably, does not need expensive high-precision bearings or other excessively complex and expensive elements.

Summary of the Invention

The solution provided by the present invention ensures that the surface on which the force is applied may move, i.e. displaced, staying parallel to the plane on which it is when starting moving, and may remain normal to the direction of displacement regardless of the size of the button and regardless of where the force is applied on the surface.

The present invention in its first aspect concerns a push button comprising: a shell structure; a base; a support structure that is movable with respect to the base, the support structure being simultaneously movable along a first direction that is normal to a surface of the support structure and along a second direction that is parallel to said surface; a set of connection structures hingedly (hingedely) connected to the base at respective first connection points and to the support structure at respective second connection points, the second connection points being movable in parallel to each other and in parallel to the support structure and the latter ' s surface; a pressable structure that is movable along the first direction and is slidably attached to the support structure, the support structure being between the pressable structure and the base; wherein, the shell structure is arranged to restrict the pressable structure from moving along the second direction. Preferably the first direction may be towards the base, and most preferably normal (perpendicular) to the base. In the present specification references regarding motion "along" a direction, may preferably be understood as meaning motion "towards or oppositely to" said direction, or as meaning motion towards any direction of a respective axis (i.e. an axis that corresponds to the direction of movement).

From the above it can be understood that the support structure is arranged to slide, along the second direction, with respect to the pressable structure when the latter moves along the first direction. Hence, when using the push button, the force or pressure being applied by a user on the pressable structure for displacing the latter along the first direction, can cause the slide of the support structure along the second direction with respect to the pressable structure, and can also cause the movement of the support structure along the first direction. Hence, under said force or pressure applied by the user, the support structure can move towards the base while at the same time slide with respect to the pressable structure. It can also be understood that the pressable structure may have a well-defined surface on which the user presses, and said surface may be further decorated, e.g. with indicia, instructions and/or coloration readable by the user. Likewise, for the purpose of advantageously further facilitating a smooth and easy relative movement of the support structure with respect to the pressable structure, preferably at an interface between the pressable and the support structures the latter two are smooth and/or the push button further comprises bearings by means of which the pressable structure is slidably attached to the support structure.

Advantageously the elements of the push button may ensure that the movement of a switch or a surface of the push button may be parallel to itself and its axis may not be displaced. In particular, the restrictive effect that the shell may have on a movement of the pressable structure, may ensure that the said movement may substantially be only along the second direction and not along the first direction. The connection points, being movable towards the first and the second directions which are effectively normal to each other, may move along a circular arc, when preferably said motions on the first and second direction combinedly amount to a motion along said circular arc. The simultaneous motion along the first and second directions is enabled by the connection structures which are hinged to the support structure. Hence, the support structure may also follow the motion of the connection structures, and may preferably also follow a trajectory across said circular arc. Hence, in a preferred embodiment the support structure being simultaneously movable along the first direction and the second direction amounts to the support structure being movable along a geometrical circular arc.

In an embodiment the set of connection structures comprises one or two connection structures each of which is connected to the base at two of the corresponding first connection points and is also connected to the support structure at two of the corresponding second connection points. Advantageously this may improve the robustness of the mechanism and reduce the number of its moving parts, which may render the push button simpler to fabricate.

In also a preferred embodiment the set of connection structures comprise a number of, preferably four, arms, each arm having two corresponding distal ends across its length, wherein one of the distal ends of each arm is hingedly connected to the base and the other distal end of each arm is hingedly connected to the support structure. Further preferably the arms have an equal length with respect to each other, which is an optional characteristic that may advantageously allow reduce the number of the button’s different elements, and may also optimize the uniformity of the motion of the support structure and of the second connection points thereat.

The shell structure primarily serves to restrict the motion of the pressable structure nevertheless may preferably also act as a cover for protecting several of the button’s elements from being hit or damaged or corroded. For example, the shell structure may prevent water from entering and corroding or otherwise damaging the hinged connections of the button, or may prevent the user from accidently touching the movable parts of the push button except, preferably, the pressable structure. Hence, in an embodiment the shell structure encloses the base, the support structure and, preferably, partially the pressable structure. Likewise, in an embodiment the shell structure has an opening which allows a user pressing the pressable structure along the first direction and towards the base. Likewise, preferably the shell structure is shaped as a substantially orthogonal or square box which on one side has the aforementioned opening which permits a user pressing the pressable structure. In an embodiment the button ' s base may optionally act as one of the sides/faces of said orthogonal or square box and the box ' s other sides or faces may be the shell structure. Hence, there is contemplated that in an embodiment the pressable structure of a part thereof protrudes from the shell structure.

As mentioned earlier, an effect of the push button ' s configuration is that the support structure may, along the second direction, slide with respect to the pressable structure. For advantageously further optimizing and facilitating said sliding of the support structure with respect to the pressable structure, in one embodiment that is according to the first aspect of the invention there are the following additional optional features: the push button further comprises at least one complementary structure that is hingedly attached, at a respective attachment point, to a corresponding one of the connection structures; the corresponding connection structure has a length that extends from the base to the supporting structure; the at least one complementary structure has a different length which is half the corresponding connection structure ' s length; the respective attachment point is midway along the length of the corresponding connection structure; the at least one complementary structure lengthwise has two distal opposite to each other ends the first of which is at the respective attachment point and the second one is movable, with respect to the support structure, along a direction that is opposite to the second direction. Said second one of the complementary structure’s distal ends, since it is movable opposite to the second direction, may advantageously offer neutralizing a drag which may be caused by the support structure’s motion along the second direction. The effect of the optional complementary structure may be better understood considering some of the following embodiments.

In an embodiment, the push button further comprises an intermediate structure that is attached, preferably firmly, to the pressable structure and which with respect to the support structure is slidable along a direction that is opposite to the second direction, wherein the pressable structure is attached to the support structure by means of said intermediate structure which is in between said support structure ' s surface and the pressable structure. Advantageously said intermediate structure may prevent the direct contact between the pressable structure and the support structure and, hence, may prevent a damage that the support structure could potentially cause by friction on the pressable structure if the said two structures are in direct contact to each other. In an embodiment that comprises both the intermediate structure and the at least one complementary structure configured as mentioned above, the second end of the at least one complementary structure is connected, preferably hingedly, to the intermediate structure and is movable together with the latter towards oppositely to the second direction. Hence, in said embodiment the complementary structure by means of each potential aforementioned motion may act on the intermediate structure and neutralize the effect of relative motion of the support structure with respect to the intermediate structure. This may advantageously inhibit or restrict, during the use of the push button, a motion of the intermediate structure and of the pressable structure along the second direction with respect to the base, during the possible moving, also with respect to the base, of the support structure along said second direction. Overall, this optional configuration may improve the functionality of the push button by making smoother the motion of the pressable structure during the use of the button.

In an embodiment wherein the push button comprises said intermediate structure, the intermediate structure is shaped to slidably engage the support structure so that the latter moves along the second direction and with respect to the intermediate structure, preferably the intermediate structure having two distal and opposite to each other folded lateral sections each of which defines a respective channel which slidably lodges a corresponding one of two lateral and opposite to each other sections of the support structure. When the intermediate structure is shaped to slidably engage the support structure as described above, this may advantageously improve the robustness of the overall structure, and may guide the relative motion of the support structure with respect to the intermediate structure. Likewise, when optionally the intermediate structure is shaped to slidably engage the two lateral sections of the support structure as describe above, this may also improve the mechanical stability of the push button.

For advantageously further enabling that the push button is easy to make and assemble, preferably said optional intermediate structure or a central portion of the intermediate structure is shaped as a plate, preferably a rectangular plate, which has a face which is normal to the first direction. Likewise, preferably the intermediate structure or a central portion thereof is parallel to the base and/or to the support structure, for also advantageously optimizing the ease with which the push button can be made and assembled. Hence, in an embodiment of the invention the intermediate structure or at least a central portion of the intermediate structure is shaped as a plate, preferably a rectangular plate which has a face which is normal to the first direction. Likewise, in an embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the intermediate structure or a central portion thereof is parallel to the base and to the support structure.

Advantageously, the durability of the support structure may be improved when the latter has protrusions which extend along the second direction and the latter is parallel to the direction of a length of the support structure. Hence, in an embodiment according to the invention, the support structure has longitudinal protrusions which extend along the second direction, said protrusions preferably facing or protruding towards the base. In another embodiment according to the invention, the support structure is a platform structure. The platform structure may preferably be a plate or comprise a flat surface that may substantially extend longitudinally in the second direction and is simultaneously movable along the first direction that is normal to the flat surface of the platform structure and along a second direction that is parallel to said surface.

It may be beneficial that the support structure’s motion along the second direction, which effectively is a relative motion with respect to the pressable structure, is further guided with respect to the pressable structure in a way that further advantageously prevents unwanted relative motions between the pressable and the support structures. For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment the pressable structure comprises a protrusion which extends away from the pressable structure and towards the support structure, the protrusion passing through an opening of the support structure, the protrusion and the support structure’s opening being sized and shaped to allow the protrusion slidably moving along the support structure’s opening and oppositely to the second direction. Said protrusion and the corresponding opening on the support structure are optional features which in combination may advantageously aid to securing the pressable structure on the support structure without prohibiting the desired relative motion of one structure with respect to the other. For the same purpose, more preferably, each of the protrusion and the support structure’s opening are T- shaped, which is a feature that may prevent the pressable structure from easily disengaging from the support structure. Said optional protrusion may be a termination of the pressable structure, and said support structure ' s opening may be a slot.

In an embodiment, the push button may further comprise an additional structure that is attached, preferably firmly, to the pressable structure and which with respect to the support structure is slidable along a direction that is opposite to the second direction. Preferably, the additional structure is attached to the pressable structure and the support structure is at least partially located or placed in between the additional and pressable structures. Hence, the pressable structure and the additional structure may be movable along the first direction, while the support structure may be movable along the first and second directions.

In an embodiment of a push button according to the invention, in order to achieve that the support structure and the additional structure are movable along the second direction, while the support structure is movable along the first and second directions, it is contemplated that the second end of the at least one complementary structure is connected, preferably hingedly, to the additional structure and is movable together with the latter towards oppositely to the second direction.

In an embodiment, the additional structure may comprise a first and a second opposite to each other ends, and wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the additional structure comprises attachment means configured to removably attach the additional structure to the pressable structure. The additional structure comprising attachment means may advantageously allow to avoid the use of fixing means such as screws or others, facilitating the removal of the pressable structure if required, e.g. if an element of the push button is to be replaced.

In a further embodiment, the additional structure may comprise a frame, and the support structure with respect to the additional structure is slidable along the second direction. Therefore, the support structure may be configured to slide over the frame. In this particular embodiment, the additional structure comprising a frame may reduce the contact surface between the support structure and the additional structure, thereby reducing the friction between both structures.

In an embodiment of the push button according to the invention, the additional structure may be or comprise a T-shaped structure, wherein the T-shaped structure comprises two members, wherein one of the members is an elongated member in between the support structure and the base and the other member may be hingedly connected to the at least one complementary structure. The elongated member may be in between the support structure and the base, while the other member, which is perpendicular to the elongated member, may extend beyond the support structure and be connected to the at least one complementary structure.

A possible friction between the pressable structure and the support structure may advantageously be reduced or avoided by incorporating a separation between the support structure and the pressable structure. Hence, in an embodiment wherein the push button comprises an additional structure, the additional structure may comprise one or more fixation means, preferably two, and the one or more fixation means may comprise a respective rim or spacer. Preferably, the additional structure as a T-shaped structure is connected to the pressable structure via said fixation means, and for this purpose, in an embodiment there are screws which screw on the fixation means and the pressable structure for keeping the latter firmly attached to the T-shaped additional structure. Therefore, the respective rim of the one or more fixation means may serve as a spacer between the support structure and the pressable structure, thereby reducing the friction between the support and pressable structures. In a different embodiment, the additional structure may be connected or fixed to the pressable structure through fixing means, and is away, by a predetermined distance, from the pressable structure. Moreover, each of said rims may optionally be configured to remain in contact with the pressable structure.

In an embodiment, the support structure may be a frame. The support structure being a frame may allow to attach or fix the pressable structure to the additional structure through the frame, for example by using screws or similar means passing through the empty spaces delimited by the frame. Advantageously, the friction between the pressable structure and the support structure may be reduced in some embodiments wherein the support structure comprises at least two first elements which lengthwise extend along the second direction and which are parallel to each other; and at least one second element which is perpendicular to the at least two first elements .

In an embodiment, the at least two first elements are in contact with the pressable structure. The at least one second element may be further away from the pressable structure compared to the first elements. Therefore, the at least one second element which connects the at least two first elements may be separated (distanced) from the pressable structure. In an embodiment, the additional structure may be at least partially in between the support structure and the base. Since the support structure may be in between or restricted between the pressable structure and the additional structure, the movement of the different elements may be stabilized. When the additional structure is at least partially in between the support structure and the base means, optionally a part of the additional structure may extend beyond the support structure.

Many of the aforementioned motions are described with respect to the base which acts as a reference with respect to which some of the button ' s elements move. Nevertheless, the base is not necessity immobile with respect to a user of the push button, and in fact said base may optionally be attached to, and move with, a movable entity on which the push button is connected to, such as for example a door. Hence, the base may be used for attaching or connecting the push button to another system. Plate shaped structures are easy to firmly attach to other surfaces. Accordingly, the base or a corresponding central portion of the base is shaped as a plate, preferably as a rectangular plate, which has a face which is normal to the first direction.

For improving the button’s simplicity and ease of fabrication and assembly, for further ensuring a better distribution of the user applied pressure, and for optimizing the translation of said pressure into a motion of the support structure and of the thereat hingedly connected connection structures thereat, preferably any or both of the support structure and the pressing structure, or corresponding central portions thereof, is/are shaped as a plate (or plates), preferably a rectangular plate which has a face which is normal to the first direction. Likewise, for advantageously improving the ease with which the button may be fabricated and assembled, preferably the base and the support structure or respective central portions thereof are parallel to each other. Likewise, preferably the base and/or the support structure is/are substantially flat.

In the push button according to the invention preferably the first and second connection points form a geometrical parallelepiped that is articulated. This may advantageously allow making a push button that is substantially shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped and easy to integrate in a larger system, for example in a door. For advantageously rendering the push button easy to assemble or repair, it is contemplated that preferably the push button further comprises connection means for the hinging of the connection structures to the base and the support structure, preferably said connection means having a male-female configuration. In one embodiment said optional connection means comprise elongated slots and elongated protrusions or rods which lodge in the slots. Preferably said slots and elongated protrusion or rods are lengthwise normal to the first and second directions. In particular if the support structure and/or base is/are flat, said rods are preferably substantially parallel to respectively the support structure and/or base. There is also contemplated that in one embodiment the connection structures comprise rods which lengthwise are normal to the first and second directions, preferably at least some of said rods extending between two respective ones of the first connection points at the base and/or of the second connection points at the support structure.

In an embodiment, the push button may further comprise elastic means configured to reverse the movement of the support structure in the first and second directions and the movement of the pressable structure in the first direction. In other words, the push button may additionally comprise elastic means configured to reverse the movement of the different movable elements from a second position to a first or initial position.

In an embodiment, the elastic means may further comprise a support plate which is perpendicular to the base, wherein the elastic means are configured to press against the support plate.

The push button according to the invention can be used in a variety of applications, and indeed can be integrated and used with various different systems. Hence, the present disclosure in its second aspect concerns the use of the push button of the first aspect of the invention, particularly the use of the press button in any of a switch, a toilet cistern flushing system, a lock or a door. Likewise, a further aspect of the invention concerns a system comprising a press button that is according to the first aspect of the invention, the system particularly being any of a switch, a toilet cistern flushing system, a lock or a door. In a non limiting example, the push button is integrated in a door and is used for manually opening the latch of the door, wherein the support structure is hingedly connected via a beam to the latch such that when the support structure moves along the second direction, e.g. when the user presses the pressable structure towards the first direction, the latch also moves substantially towards to the second direction thereby allowing the door to open. If the latch is configured to automatically move oppositely to the second direction once the user stops applying the pressure, then via the said beam which may be hingedly connected to both the latch and the support structure the latter preferably may also follow said movement towards oppositely the second direction. Likewise, the connection structures of the push button at their connections to the base may optionally comprise torsion springs which are configured to move the connection structures oppositely to the second direction once a user stops applying pressure towards the first direction to the pressable structure.

Brief Description of Drawinq

FIG. 1 in its upper part shows elements of an embodiment of the push button, and in its lower part also shows said elements assembled.

FIG. 2 shows elements of an embodiment of the push button, and in its lower part at the right also shows said elements assembled.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 shows parts of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 in its upper part shows elements of an embodiment of the push button, and in its lower part also shows said elements assembled.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view drawing of an embodiment of the push button.

FIG. 7 shows assembled some of the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows assembled some of the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows assembled some of the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 shows some elements of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 shows assembled some of the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 shows assembled some of the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 13 shows part of the embodiment of FIG. 6 assembled and in two different positions. FIG. 14 shows assembled some of the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 15 shows assembled the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 16 shows assembled some elements of an embodiment of a push button.

FIG. 17 shows assembled the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 16 with a support structure.

FIG. 18 shows assembled the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 17 with an additional structure. FIG. 19 shows assembled the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 18 with a pressable structure.

FIG. 20 shows assembled the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 19 with a shell structure. FIG. 21 shows assembled some elements of an embodiment of a push button.

FIG. 22 shows assembled the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 16 with an additional structure.

FIG. 23 shows assembled the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 17 with a support structure.

FIG. 24 shows assembled the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 18 with a support structure.

FIG. 25 shows assembled the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 19 with a pressable structure.

FIG. 26 shows assembled the elements of the embodiment of FIG. 19 with a shell structure. FIG. 27 shows assembled some of the elements of an embodiment of a push button according to the invention comprising elastic means.

Detailed Description

With reference to FIG. 1-4 and the embodiment shown therein, the push button comprise a shell structure 9; a base 1 ; a support structure 2 that is movable with respect to the base 1 , the support structure 2 being simultaneously movable along a first direction T1 (indicated in FIG. 5 which concerns a similar embodiment) that is normal to a surface 2b of the support structure and along a second direction T2 that is parallel to said surface 2b; a set of connection structures 3, 4, 56 hingedly (hingedely) connected to the base 1 at respective first connection points 1a and to the support structure 2 at respective second connection points 2a, the second connection points 2a being movable in parallel to each other and in parallel to the support structure 2 and the latter ' s surface 2b; a pressable structure 10 that is movable along the first direction and is slidably attached to the support structure, the support structure being between the pressable structure 10 and the base 1 ; wherein, the shell structure 9 is arranged to restrict the pressable structure 10 from moving along the second direction T2. In the shown embodiment, the second direction T2 is normal to the first direction T1 which is towards the base. As indicated in FIG. 1 there is the connection structure 56 which comprises two links 5, 6 and a rod 7, and therefore the particular connection structure 56 is connected to the base 1 at two of the corresponding first connection points 1a and is also connected to the support structure 2 at two of the corresponding second connection points 2a. Flence from FIG. 1 it can be understood that in the shown embodiment the set of connection structures 3, 4, 56 comprise four arms 3, 4, 5, 6 , said arms also called links, each arm 3, 4, 5, 6 having two corresponding distal ends across its length, wherein one of the distal ends of each arm is hingedly connected to the base and the other distal end of each arm is hingedly connected to the support structure, the arms having an equal length with respect to each other. Hence, it can be understood that FIG. 1 shows a mechanism which has a fixed base 1 and arms 3 - 6 mounted on it, which are parallel to each other so that the opposing/moving surface 2 always remains parallel to the base. FIG. 2 particularly displays the push button and the shell in which it is mounted. As shown In FIG. 3 the mechanism resulting from the assembled parts thereon has the form of an articulated parallelogram mechanism. In FIG. 3 said articulated parallelogram mechanism is displayed, before being placed in the shell with the push button. In FIG.4 The full push button mechanism is displayed. In FIG. 1 there is also shown a small rod 8 that is used to connect arm 6 to the respective first connection point 1 a at the base 1 .

In accordance to the above it can be understood that plane 1 (plane object) in FIG. 1 is the base of the embodiment and is steady while the plane 2 (plane object 2) opposite it is the moving one, where the force is exercised. It can be understood that plane 2 is the support structure and more particularly a platform structure. However, it is contemplated that the platform structure may be substituted by other type of support structure such as a frame. In the particular embodiment, the equal length links 3, 4, 5, 6 connect the planes 1 and 2 and always keep them parallel to each other. Plane 2 moves approaching the base parallel to it, but due to articulated parallelogram kinematics (links 3, 4, 5 and 6) there is a displacement of the plane 2 in the direction parallel to the base. Links 3, 4, 5 and 6, can be made in two pieces instead of four, depending on design / fabrication. In FIG. 2 the push button 10 protrudes from the shell 9; when pressed, it moves into the shell. When placing the push button on plane 2, its movement would be in two axes since it follows the displacement of plane 2 (parallel and normal to the base). From this system of parallel planes only the movement along one axis (normal to the base) is generally allowed for the pressable structure. The shell 9 limits the push button motion along the other (parallel to the base) axis T1. Figure 3 shows the individual parts of the mechanism before integrating them into a system (push button) as shown in Figure 4.

FIG. 5 concerns an embodiment that is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 -4 and particularly illustrates a way that is used in the particular embodiment to secure that the push button (the pressable structure) is displayed on the parallel mechanism (support structure). In the particular embodiment plane 1 (not shown) is the base of the system and the shell, together with the push button, enclose the mechanism with the parallel planes. In the embodiment of FIG. 5 the pressable structure 10 may be fixed on one axis on the plane 2 with a termination 12 which passes through a slot 11 on plane 2 (support structure). In this way plane 2 moves on one axis relative to the push button but cannot be removed. In the embodiment of FIG. 5 at an interface between the pressable and the support structures (2, 10) the latter two are smooth. In other embodiments the push button further comprises bearings by means of which the pressable structure 10 is slidably attached to the support structure 2.

FIG. 1 -4 further show that the embodiment shown therein has the following features: the base 1 is shaped as a rectangular plate which has a face which is normal to the first direction; the pressable structure 10 is shaped as a rectangular plate which has a face which is normal to the first direction; the base 1 and the support structure 2 are parallel to each other; the base 1 and the support structure 2 are substantially flat; the shell structure 9 has an opening which allows a user pressing the pressable structure 10 along the first direction and towards the base 1 ; the shell structure 9 encloses the base 1 , the support structure 2 and, preferably, partially the pressable structure 10; the first and second connection points 1a, 2a form a geometrical parallelepiped that is articulated; a part of the pressable structure 10 protrudes from the shell structure 9.

FIG. 6-15 show an embodiment that is according to the first aspect of the invention, and moreover wherein: the push button further comprises at least one complementary structure 13, 14 that is hingedly attached, at a respective attachment point 3a, 4a to a corresponding one 3, 4 of the connection structures; the corresponding connection structure 3, 4 has a length that extends from the base to the supporting structure; the at least one complementary structure 13, 14 has a different length which is half the corresponding connection structure ' s length; the respective attachment point 3a, 4a is midway along the length of the corresponding connection structure; the at least one complementary structure 13, 14 lengthwise has two distal opposite to each other ends the first of which is at the respective attachment point 3a, 4a and the second one 20, 21 is movable, with respect to the support structure, along a direction that is opposite to the second direction. Likewise, the embodiment of FIG. 6-15 further comprises an intermediate structure 15 that is firmly attached to the pressable structure 10 and which with respect to the support structure 2 is slidable along a direction that is opposite to the second direction, wherein the pressable structure 10 is attached to the support structure 2 by means of said intermediate structure 15 which is in between said support structure ' s surface 2b and the pressable structure 10. As is also illustrated in FIG. 6-15, in the respective embodiment the second end of the at least one complementary structure 13, 14 is hingedly connected to the intermediate structure 15 and is movable together with the latter towards oppositely to the second direction T2. The first direction T1 and the second direction T2 which is normal to T1 and to the support structure as well as to the base, are indicated in FIG. 6. As is shown in FIG. 10 in the respective embodiment the intermediate structure 15 is shaped to slidably engage the support structure 2 so that the latter is movable along the second direction and with respect to the intermediate structure, the intermediate structure 15 having two distal and opposite to each other folded lateral sections (or parts) 15a, 15b each of which defines a respective channel which slidably lodges a corresponding one of two lateral and opposite to each other sections 2c, 2d of the support structure 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6-15 a central portion of the intermediate structure 15 is shaped as a plate which is rectangular and has a face which is normal to the first direction; likewise, said central portion of the intermediate structure 15 is substantially parallel to the base 1 and to the support structure 2. Moreover, FIG. 10 shows that the support structure 2 in the particular embodiment has longitudinal protrusions 2e which extend along the second direction, said protrusions facing and protruding towards the base. As is also shown in FIG. 6-15 the embodiment shown therein further comprises connection means for the hinging of the connection structures to the base and the support structure, said connection means having a male-female configuration. Particularly, said connection means of the embodiment of FIG. 6-15 comprise slots 1b, 2f and elongated rods 16, 17, 18, 19 which lodge in the slots, wherein said slots and elongated protrusion or rods 16, 17, 18, 19 are lengthwise normal to the first T1 and second T2 directions. From FIG. 6- 15 it may be further understood that for the respective embodiment the connection structures comprise rods 16, 17, 18, 19 which lengthwise are normal to the first and second directions T1 , T2, some of said rods 17, 19 extending between two respective ones of the first connection points at the base and some rods 16, 18 extending between two respective ones of the second connection points at the support structure.

Considering the structure of the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 -FIG15, it can be understood that in either of said embodiments shown, the support structure 2 being simultaneously movable along the first direction and the second direction amounts to the support structure 2 being movable along a geometrical circular arc.

Herein there is further disclosed a system comprising a press button that is according to the first aspect of the invention, the system particularly being any of a switch, a toilet cistern flushing system, a lock or a door. In an embodiment of such system, the push button is integrated in a door and is used for manually opening the latch of a door, wherein the support structure is hingedly connected via a beam or solid axis to the latch such that when the support structure moves along the second direction, e.g. when the user presses the pressable structure towards the first direction, the latch also moves substantially towards to the second direction thereby allowing the door to open. If the latch is configured to automatically move oppositely to the second direction once the user stops applying the pressure, then via the said beam which may be hingedly connected to both the latch and the support structure the latter may also follow said movement towards oppositely the second direction.

Regarding the particular embodiment of FIG. 6-15 the following can also be understood. The particular mechanism, i.e. the push button shown in FIG. 6-15, includes two planes which is a bottom plane 2 (the support structure) and an upper plane 15 (the intermediate structure) that can move relative to each other along the horizontal axis (second axis) T2, as one plane encloses the other plane. The bottom plane 2 is connected to the four links that force it to move parallel to the base following the rotational movement of the links 3, 4, 5, 6. The upper plane is connected to the small links 20, 21 which are based on the large links 3, 4 on the other side. The small links 20, 21 are equal to half length of the large links 3, 4 and their connection point passes through the middle of the large links 3,4. The planes, the links and the base comprise a system in which the movement of plane 15 moves the other components. When a vertical force is exerted on the plane 15, the force is transferred to the plane 2 which follows the circular trajectory of the axes 3 and 5. The movement of plane 2 takes place in two axes. On the vertical axis, it approaches plane 1 and on the horizontal axis, it moves to the left. Plane 15 follows the combined movement of the parallel links 3, 4, with the additional small links 20, 21. The result of this combination of movements is to prevent plane 15 from moving in the horizontal direction. Plane 15 is limited to moving only parallel to the base 1 approaching or moving away from it. This is due to the fact that the links 3, 20 and 4, 21 , which join the common rod 22, when following the movement of the planes 2, 15, turn in the opposite direction and neutralize the movement of the rod 23 in the horizontal direction. The button 10 mounted on plane 15 moves only in the vertical direction, parallel to the base. It can be further understood that Figure 6 shows the mechanism components: base 1 , the links 3, 4, 5, 6, the small links 13, 14, the plane 2, the plane 15, the push button 10 and the shell 9. Figure 7 shows the fixed base 1 , to which links 3, 4, 5, 6 are connected. Links 3, 4, 5, 6 rotate around the rods 17 and 19, respectively. Links 3 and 4 have a hole in the middle of their length. Figure 8 shows the links 13, 14 rotating around the rod 22. Rod 22 passes through holes of the links 3 and 4. Links 13 and 14 have half the length of links 3 and 4, respectively. In Figure 9 the links 3, 4 and 5, 6 are connected via the rods 18 and 16 to the holes in the plate 2. This connection ensures the parallel displacement of plane 2 relative to base 1 . In Figure 10 the planes 2 and 15 have a geometry such that they allow one to slide relative to the other only along an axis parallel to the lower base. Also, their shape is such that it increases their rigidity. The longitudinal protrusions of plane 2 increase its stiffness and at the same time limit the displacement of the links 3, 4, 5, 6. In Figure 11 , plane 15 encloses plane 2 and is connected to links 13 and 14 via rod 23. The rods 16, 18 and 23 are located in the same line. Figure 12 shows the system from a different perspective to illustrate the fitting of planes 2 and 15. Figure 13 shows the mechanism in the initial position and in the final position where the upper plates approach the lower plate. When plane 15 is pressed, the links 3, 4, 5, 6 and 20, 21 rotate. Plane 2 approaches base 1 and at the same time moves forward as it slides inside plane 15 while remaining parallel to the base. Plane 15 moves only downwards, approaches base 1 and remains parallel to it. In figure 14 the push buttonl O is placed on top of plane 15. The push button 10 moves the plane 15 when pushed. In Figure 15, the mechanism is enclosed by the protective shell 9. It is noted that it may be understood that Fig.6 shows the components of an advanced large button mechanism. Likewise, it may be understood that FIG.7 shows the base connected to the four links, two of which have a hole in the middle of their length. It may also be understood that FIG.8 shows two additional links wherein the length of the small links is half of the length of the links shown in Figure 7. It may also be understood that Fig.9 shows the moving plate in two axes connected to the links of Figure 7. Likewise, it may be said that Fig.10 shows the second plate that connects with the small links and moves only vertically. It may also be understood that Fig.11 shows the mechanism when both plates are placed, one inside the other, and that Fig.12 shows in detail the placement of the two plates. Likewise, it may be understood that Fig.13 shows the movement of the mechanism when the button is pushed. Similarly, it may be understood that Fig.14 shows the mechanism with the push button, and that Fig.15 shows the mechanism with the protective shell.

FIG. 16-20 show an embodiment of a push button that is according to the first aspect of the invention. In Fig. 18 there is shown of the embodiment of a push button which comprises an additional structure 24 that is attached, preferably firmly, to the pressable structure 10 and which with respect to the support structure 2 is slidable along a direction that is opposite to the second direction T2, the additional structure 24 being partially in between the support structure 2 and the base 1 . As can be understood, in this embodiment the support structure 2 is between the pressable structure 10 and the additional structure 24. In the embodiment of Fig. 18, the additional structure 24 comprises a T-shaped structure which comprises two members, wherein one of the members is an elongated member 25a in between the support structure and the base and the other member 25b is connected to the at least one complementary structure 13, 14. Therefore, in this particular embodiment, only a part of the additional structure is between the support structure 2 and the base 1 , although it is also contemplated that the additional structure may be completely in between the support structure and the base. The second end of the complementary structures 13, 14 are hingedly connected to the additional structure 24 and are movable together with the latter towards oppositely to the second direction T2. It is also contemplated to have only one complementary structure connected to the additional structure 24 and/or that the complementary structure is fixedly connected to the additional structure 24.

In Fig. 18, the additional structure 24 comprises two threaded holes as fixation means 25a, 25b, wherein the additional structure 24 is connected to the pressable structure 10 via said fixation means 25a, 25b. Particularly, the fixation means in Fig. 18 are threaded holes which can be used for fixing the pressable structure to the additional structure via screws. However, it is contemplated other type of fixation means are used, such as removable fixation means or the like. Similarly, in Fig, 18 the additional structure comprises two threaded holes, i.e. two fixation means, however it is also contemplated that the additional structure may comprise one or more than two fixation means. It is also contemplated that the additional structure may comprise rims or spacers. The rims may allow to reduce friction between the pressable structure and the support structure by incorporating a separation between the support structure and the pressable structure. The rims may have any shape or size provided they work as a spacer of the assembled elements, i.e. the pressable structure and the support structure. Moreover, each of the rims may be configured to remain in contact with the pressable structure 10.

In Fig. 16 there are shown assembled some of the elements of a push button according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the push button further comprises two complementary structures 13, 14 that are hingedly attached, at respective attachment points 3a, 4a to corresponding ones 3, 4 of the connection structures; the corresponding connection structures 3, 4 have a length that extends from the base to the supporting structure; the complementary structures 13, 14 have a different length which is half the corresponding connection structure ' s length; the respective attachment points 3a, 4a are midway along the length of the corresponding connection structure; the complementary structures 13, 14 lengthwise have two distal opposite to each other ends the first of which is at the respective attachment point 3a, 4a and the second one 20, 21 is movable, with respect to the support structure, along a direction that is opposite to the second direction. In Fig. 17-18, there is shown an embodiment wherein the support structure 2 is a frame, however it is contemplated that the support structure may be a platform as shown in FIG. 1-15. The support structure being a frame may advantageously allow to attach or fix the pressable structure to the additional structure through the frame, i.e. passing through the empty spaces delimited by the frame.

The frame in embodiments of Fig. 17-18 comprises two first elements 27, 28 which lengthwise extend along the second direction and which are parallel to each other; and three second elements 29, 30, 31 which are perpendicular to the at least two first elements 27, 28. Although in some embodiments the two first elements which extend longitudinally in the second direction are in contact with the pressable structure, the three second perpendicular elements may be also in contact with the pressable structure. In the present embodiment there are shown two first elements and three second elements, notwithstanding it can also be understood that there may be more than two first elements and one or more second elements, the first and second elements forming the frame, i.e. the support structure.

In the embodiments of Fig. 19-20 it is shown an embodiment of a push button comprising a pressable structure and an embodiment comprising a pressable structure and a shell structure, respectively. In Fig. 21 there is provided another embodiment of a push button wherein only some of the assembled elements are shown. In the embodiment of Fig. 22, the additional structure 24 comprises a first and a second opposite to each other ends, and wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the additional structure comprises attachment means 32 configured to removably attach the additional structure 24 to the pressable structure 10, as shown also in Fig. 25. The attachment means may be a flap or insert which is configured to be inserted in a hole or opening in the pressable structure. The additional structure 24 comprises a frame, and the support structure with respect to the additional structure is slidable along the second direction. Although the additional structure may have other shapes or geometry, such as a plate or a T-shaped structure, the additional structure being configured as a frame allows to reduce the material to be used while reducing as well the friction between the additional structure and the support structure.

In Fig. 23-24, there is shown an embodiment wherein the support structure 2 is a frame. In this embodiment, the support structure and the additional structure are frames which are slidably in contact through their longitudinal elements. Flowever, although this configuration may advantageously reduce the friction between said elements, it is contemplated that the support structure and/or the additional structure may have other shapes or configuration. As it can be seen, the additional structure 24 is partially in between the support structure 2 and the base 1. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that the additional structure may be surrounding the support structure or completely between the support structure 2 and the base 1.

In Fig. 25-26 it is shown an embodiment of a push button comprising a pressable structure and an embodiment comprising a pressable structure and a shell structure, respectively

In the embodiment of Fig. 27, wherein said embodiment comprises a support plate 33 which is connected to the base, it is shown that the push button may comprise elastic means 29 configured to reverse the movement of the support structure 2 in the first T1 and second directions T2 and the movement of the pressable structure 10 in the first direction T1. Therefore, upon pushing the push button object of the present invention and displace the support structure and the pressable structures each to a determined position, said elements may recover the initial position by means of the elastic means 29, such as a spring or coil or other means configured to reverse the position of the pressable structure from a first position to a second position. In other words, the pressable structure and other movable elements connected thereto may reversibly move between two positions. In this embodiment, the elastic means is a spring connected to one or more of the connection structures, and is located between the base and the support structure. In the embodiment of Fig. 27, the elastic means may press against the support plate 33. The elastic means may be implemented in any of the previous embodiments, irrespective of whether the push button comprises an intermediate structure or additional structure.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments disclosed here are non-limitative examples, and other embodiments are possible.