DE102007049166A1 - Mechanically operable electrical switch for light in motor vehicle, has contact separating piece, where force/distance characteristic linearly increases in area from physical separation of contact pieces during separating piece manipulation - Google Patents

Abstract

The switch has two switching contact pieces (1, 2) that are separated from each other in the course of switching process or brought in contact and pressed on each other by a contact spring. A contact separating piece (9) i.e. isolating pusher, is made of an insulation material and separates the switching contact pieces in the course of the switching process. The force or distance characteristic linearly increases in an area from the physical separation of the contact pieces during manipulation of the contact separating piece. Contact handles extend to a side along the pusher.

Description

The Invention is in the field of electrical engineering, more particularly on the Area mechanically actuated electrical switch.

such Electrical switches are especially in the low voltage area known in various forms. Especially then, if at low powers of a few 10 watts of voltages must be switched in the range far below 100 volts, are the electrical requirements for the actual switching process only small. In this case, however, often special requirements to the simplicity of the design, a low production price with high quality of function and reliability as well other requirements, specifically from the field of application of the depend on each switch.

at the switches used specifically in the automotive sector, for example in the interior of a vehicle, a high reliability, a long life and low susceptibility to changing environmental conditions required. Appropriate contacts are allowed only minimal corrode and the operation of such a switch must be simple if done manually and particularly reliable, if they are caused by a mechanical or with the vehicle Operation is performed automatically.

A Another special requirement is because of the particularly light and deformable nature of the internals of a vehicle in that only low actuation forces for actuation of the respective switch are necessary. Otherwise, that can happen adjust the effect that upon actuation of such Switch first the plastic part to which the switch is fastened, is significantly deformed before the switching pieces of the switch are moved against each other.

from time to time It can also happen that automatically moving switch opposite an actuating movement develop a significant drag, such as when an electrical switch of lighting a glove box with the closing of the same automatically is pressed.

It in such a case, ensure that the operating forces not too big for the switch.

From the state of the art, such low-power circuit breakers are known in at least two types:
A first type relates to a separation path between two terminals that can be closed by means of an electrically conductive bridge contact piece to bring the switch into an on position, wherein the bridge contact piece is removed to bring the switch in an off position.

Such constructions are for example from the DE 3110971 A1 and the DE 3344893 A1 as well as the GDR patent specification DD 227281 A1 known.

From the DE 3110971 A1 is known an electrical thrust switch in which a symmetrical spring clip between conductive pads of two contact pieces is slidably movable. Where the conductive pads are interrupted, the switch finds a switch-off, in which the spring bridge does not connect the contacts together.

From the DE 3344893 an electrical switch with a spring bridge is known, which initially produces a contact when pushed onto two fixed contacts and loses contact with the contact pieces by further pushing on insulating pads of the contacts.

From the DD 227281 A1 a push switch is known, which also receives by means of a bridge-like contact piece a sliding contact with two fixed contact pieces.

Another switching principle is a direct electrical contact between two fixed contact pieces, which, however, can be temporarily interrupted by inserting a release contact piece. Such a switch is for example from the DE OS 2447248 known. There, a rod-shaped plunger is driven between two contact springs to separate the electrical contact.

From the DE 3324253 is an electrical switch with also two contact pieces at the end of two contact springs known, wherein the contact pieces are pressed together by the contact springs and separated by inserting a contact separator piece. By a special design of the contact separation piece is avoided that this comes directly into contact with the surfaces of the contacts.

Of the present invention is in the light of the prior art the task is based on a particularly simple construction for to provide such an electrical switch, wherein the mechanical Forces to operate as low as possible stay and a high compatibility different lengths Switching paths of the contact separation piece consists.

The object is in accordance with the invention the features of claim 1.

Of the The invention is based on the idea that by inserting a contact separator the contacts as possible separable continuously and without a sudden increase in counterforce should be in order to operate in a first area to allow the switch, without its attachment on the one hand or the power transmission to the contact separator on the other hand are particularly stressed.

A advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the force / displacement characteristic upon actuation of the contact separator in a second area that adjoins the first area immediately connects, linear and approximately horizontal.

The Providing a second region with almost horizontal force / displacement characteristics, that is, the contact separator is practical further shiftable without further increase of counter-forces is, essentially causes a high insensitivity to further actuation of the contact separation piece. In this movement range has the contact part only the function, the constant distance between the contact pieces too hold.

A Further embodiment of the invention provides that the contact separation piece is designed as insulating ram, whose the Contact pieces diverging flanks linear wedge-shaped to run towards each other.

By the linear wedge-shaped course of the edges of the Isolierstößels is a uniform increase in the distance of the Contact pieces when inserting the plunger and thus a linear force / displacement characteristic during actuation the insulating plunger realized associated with a linear relationship between the path of the plunger and caused by displacement of the plunger Distance between the contact pieces.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention results from that the Isolierstößel rod-shaped is, with a peak formed by the flanks.

A Such tip is particularly good for penetration between the contacts and suitable for their spacing.

there can also be provided with particular advantage that the Isolierstößel to the area of the tip then a length range having constant cross-section.

In In the area of constant cross-section, the Isolierstößel be moved axially without this being the distance between affected the contact pieces. This movement can force-free, or if a return spring is provided exclusively against the force of the return spring be provided so that to compensate for installation tolerances or Movement tolerances in the operation of the switch a further movement margin can be provided without effect for the switching process.

It can also be advantageously provided that at least one of Contact pieces firmly connected with a contact clip is one end connected to a contact carrier is and acts as a contact spring.

Of the corresponding contact clip can be made of a metallic, resilient material such as a copper alloy and the respective contact piece, for example, by the End or another prominent area of the contact stirrup be formed. It is important that the deformation of the contact clip remains low due to the insertion of the insulating plunger, so that all movements in the elastic, not permanently deforming, Play the area.

In Further development of the invention it can also be provided that both Contact pieces on spring-loaded contact clips are arranged.

In In this case, the contact bracket, for example be positioned mirror-symmetrically to each other and also be attached to the same contact carrier. The insulating ram can then be pushed longitudinally between the contact clip are to push them apart and thus the contact pieces to space. In this case, the spring force of the contact clip be formed differently after closing of the contact yet another spring of the stronger To obtain contact bracket, whereby the two contact pieces rub against each other, especially of oxides and others Clean contaminants.

One simple constructive structure with the features mentioned results the fact that the contact bars are each on one Side along the Isolierstößels extend.

additionally can be advantageously provided that the isolating contact piece is acted upon by a return spring, the at least so strong is that they work together with those of the contact springs the contact separator acting forces this can drive in an off position of the switch.

Thereby the isolating contact piece is only in one direction, for example to disconnect the contacts, to actively operate, be it from Hand by means of a manual switch or while moving a mobile Part of the motor vehicle, for example when closing a glove box.

The Closing the contacts then results automatically when the counterforce is removed, for example when opening of the glove box, characterized in that the return spring the Isolating ram from the open position drives back and causes a contact of the contact pieces. With a Such return spring thus results in a higher Ease of use.

In an even more advantageous development of the invention can be provided be that the return spring is at most so strong is that the common with the of the contact springs on the contact separator acting forces at most twice, in particular at most 1.5 times the force required to drive the contact separation piece is necessary.

hereby is beyond the automatic reset the switch also causes the actuation of the switch requires the least possible force, if necessary at the expense of a longer actuation path.

hereby arises especially in the interior of a motor vehicle but also in other similar environments the advantage is that the forces on other parts of the interior, for example, the switch wear or transmit a switching force, very low being held.

Just There, where many plastic parts, especially soft plastic parts can be used, appropriate ways at high Shift forces are relatively large, so that Parts visibly or noticeably deform, resulting in a lower perceived value and also leads to a reduced functionality.

Especially at low for the switching process or the Provision of necessary forces it is important that the movement of the contact separation piece by two stops is limited in both directions.

there should be provided advantageous that the possible way the contact separation piece at least two, in particular three or five times as long as the way to the traveled maximum spacing of the contacts becomes.

hereby Ensures that even an overstroke of the switch is picked up easily and that any fault tolerances during assembly or during actuation of the Switch compensated in particular by further involved moving parts can be.

The Invention refers to an electrical switch as described above in addition to a light for a motor vehicle with a housing, an electric Switch according to one of claims 1 to 12 and one with a contact piece and another Connection connected lighting element.

Just the application of the switch described on a constructive with this connected and summarized in a housing in a confined space Luminaire brings advantages, since this combined component is versatile can be used without special adjustments in many applications.

in the The following is the invention with reference to an embodiment shown in a drawing and then described.

there shows

1 a schematic structure of the switch according to the invention;

2 a modification of the switch with a spring clip;

3 a force / displacement characteristic of a switch according to the invention;

4 another force / displacement characteristic with a return spring;

5 a combination of a lamp and a switch in a common housing in the on state as well

6 the constellation 5 in the off state.

In the 1 are two switching contact pieces 1 . 2 represented, which are brought into contact with each other in the train of a switching movement or separated from each other. The 1 shows the disconnected state.

In this case, the first switching contact piece 1 fixed in place and by means of an electrical connection 3 to an energy source 4 connected.

The second switching contact piece 2 is with a contact pressure spring 5 connected by a spring guide 6 is positioned and the contact carrier 7 in the direction of the arrow 8th on the first switching contact piece 1 to press. This will be in the absence a contact separating piece of the contact between the switching contact pieces closed.

Will the contact separator 9 For example, which consists entirely of an insulating material, for example a plastic, in the direction of the arrow 10 on the contact pieces 1 . 2 shifted to push so the flanks 12 . 13 the top 11 the contact separating piece between the contact pieces and separate them from each other.

Because the flanks 11 . 12 are formed straight, results for the longitudinal movement of the contact separation piece 9 , which can be referred to as insulating ram, a linear force / displacement characteristic, as shown in the 3 between points 0 and S1.

As soon as the insulating plunger 9 so far between the contacts 1 . 2 pressed is that the straight contour 14 located between the contact pieces, so no further spring force to move the Isolierstößels 9 overcome and the force / displacement characteristic continues to run horizontally, as in the 3 shown from the point S1.

Is in the 1 the contact between the contact pieces 1 . 2 closed, so will the consumer 15 For example, a luminous body, by the energy source 4 energized.

In the 2 is a modification of the electric switch from the 1 illustrated in which the Isolierstößel 16 asymmetrically constructed and only on one side an oblique flank 17 having. This ensures that when moving the Isolierstößels 16 in the direction of the arrow 18 the contact piece 19 attached to a springy contact bar 20 is attached, in the direction of the arrow 21 and thus from the first contact piece 1 is moved away. In this case, no separate contact spring is provided, but the spring clip 20 Himself in a carrier 22 is clamped, causes by its resilient properties a corresponding contact pressure on the first switching contact 1 to.

In addition, in the 2 one with the Isolierstößel 16 connected actuator button 23 represented, for example, can be operated by a driver of a motor vehicle.

Basically, it is assumed that the contact pressure of the contact spring 5 or the spring clip 20 is applied, is not large enough, by the wedge effect the Isolierstößel 9 . 16 in the direction of the arrows 24 . 25 push back.

For this reason, a return spring is advantageous 26 provided in the 5 is shown in the embodiment shown there.

The 5 shows a constructive combination of a lamp 27 with an electrical connection 28 which is connected to a voltage source.

The other connection 29 the lamp is connected to an electric switch, the two spring clip 30 . 31 having, in each case at their ends a contact 32 . 33 wear.

The contact hanger 30 . 31 have a spring characteristic that the contact pieces 32 . 33 pushes each other and thus establishes a contact.

The spring clips 30 . 31 are with a contact carrier 34 connected.

The light 27 remote terminal of the switch is connected to a second terminal of a voltage source, with which the connection 28 the lamp is connected.

Consequently As a result, when the contact is closed, the connections the lamp are connected to the power supply and these turned on is.

In the figure is a Isolierstößel 35 presented that a bit 36 made of an insulating material, with two straight flanks that the contact bracket 30 . 31 or the contacts 32 . 33 on an upward movement in the direction of the arrow 37 drift apart.

Here is a return spring 26 provided between a flange 38 of the insulating ram 35 and the contact carrier 34 is inserted as a compression spring and a provision of the Isolierstößels 35 causes as soon as this in the direction of the arrow 37 has been moved to separate the contacts. Against the action of this return spring, the switch can be locked or latched, for example by a kind of ballpoint pen mechanism.

In the 6 the constellation is shown in the off state by the plunger 35 pushed up and the return spring 26 is compressed.

It is shown that the insulating plunger 35 about the disconnected position of the contacts 32 . 33 In addition, a relatively large distance can be moved further in order to be able to absorb corresponding over strokes. However, the movement of the plunger is due to the compression of the return spring 26 set a limit, as well as the return movement of the plunger through the flange 38 on the housing 39 a limit is set.

The corresponding force / displacement characteristic with the return spring results from the 4 , where it is found that the force of the return spring together with the low restoring forces resulting from the contact pressure forces results in a steeper force / displacement characteristic, the slope being given essentially by the return spring and only in the region up to point S2 by the wedging action of the flanks the insulating plunger is reinforced in connection with the contact pressure springs.

It results in a minimized by the illustrated construction constructive effort with reduced operating forces and possibly extended operating distances, which is also desirable to compensate for overstroke are.

1, 2

Switching contact pieces

3

electrical connection

4

energy

5

Contact pressure spring

6

leadership

7

contact support

8th

print direction the contact pressure spring

9

Contact separator

10

Displacement direction of the contact separator

11 36

top

12 13

flanks

14

just contour

15

consumer

16 35

Isolierstößel

17

slope flank

18

Displacement direction of the insulating ram

19

contact piece

20

contact bow

21

movement direction of the contact piece

22

carrier

23

actuating button

24 25

return movement of the insulating ram

26

Return spring

27

lamp

28

electrical connection

29

Another electrical connection

30 31

Spring clip / contact bow

32 33

contacts

34

contact support

37

upward movement the contact clip

38

flange

39

casing

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3110971 A1 [0008, 0009]
• - DE 3344893 A1 [0008]
• - DD 227281 A1 [0008, 0011]
• - DE 3344893 [0010]
• - DE 2447248 [0012]
• - DE 3324253 [0013]

Claims (13)

Electric switch, in particular for use in a motor vehicle with two switching contact pieces ( 1 . 2 . 32 . 33 ), which are separated or brought into contact in the course of a switching operation and which are pressed by means of at least one contact spring toward each other and with a contact separator piece ( 9 . 16 . 35 ) of an insulating material, the switching contact pieces from each other in the course of a switching operation, characterized in that the force / displacement characteristic in the operation of the contact separation piece in a first region of the physical separation of the contact pieces is linearly increasing. Electric switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the force / displacement characteristic during the actuation of the contact separation piece ( 9 . 16 . 35 ) in a second region, which immediately adjoins the first region, linear and proceeds approximately horizontally. Electric switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact separating piece ( 9 . 16 . 35 ) is designed as insulating ram, whose the contact pieces apart flanks ( 12 . 13 ) linearly wedge-shaped towards each other. Electric switch according to claim 3, characterized in that the insulating ram ( 9 . 16 . 35 ) is rod-shaped, with a through the flanks ( 12 . 13 ) formed tip. Electric switch according to claim 4, characterized in that the insulating ram ( 9 . 16 . 35 ) to the region of the tip then a length range ( 14 ) has a constant cross-section. Electric switch according to Claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that at least one of the contact pieces ( 1 . 2 . 19 ) with a contact clip ( 20 . 30 . 31 ), one end of which is connected to a contact carrier ( 34 ) is connected and acts as a contact spring. Electric switch according to Claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that both contact pieces ( 32 . 33 ) on spring-loaded contact clips ( 30 . 31 ) are arranged. Electric switch according to claim 7, characterized in that the contact stirrups ( 30 . 31 ) each on one side along the Isolierstößels ( 9 . 16 . 35 ). Electric switch according to Claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that the isolating contact piece ( 9 . 16 . 35 ) with a return spring ( 26 ) which is at least strong enough, together with that of the contact springs ( 30 . 31 ) forces acting on the contact separator can drive this in an off position of the switch. Electric switch according to claim 9, characterized in that the return spring ( 26 ) is at most so strong that, together with that of the contact springs ( 30 . 31 ) forces acting on the contact separating piece amount to at most twice, in particular at most 1.5 times, the force which is necessary for driving the contact separating piece. Electric switch according to Claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that the movement of the contact separating piece ( 9 . 16 . 35 ) by two stops ( 38 ) is limited in both directions. Electric switch according to claim 11, characterized in that the possible way of the contact separation piece ( 9 . 16 . 35 ) is at least two, in particular three or five times as long as the path which is traveled to the maximum spacing of the contact pieces. Luminaire for a motor vehicle with a housing ( 39 ), an electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 12 and a lighting element connected to a contact piece and a further connection ( 27 ).