DE19833980A1 - Switch component manufacturing method has material band used for flat switch arm acting as part of mold for formation of molded component in which switch arm is embedded - Google Patents

Abstract

The manufacturing method is used to provide a molded switch component (11) in which at least one flat switch arm provided with a switch contact is supported, the flat material band (28,29) for the switch arm acting as part of the mold for formation of the molded switch component and extending between adjacent molded components for linking them together during subsequent manufacturing stages. An Independent claim for a switch component is also included.

Description

APPLICATION AREA AND PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a method for producing a Switch part with a molded body in which at least one a switching arm having a contact head made of flat material is supported.

Such switch parts are in switchgear or the like. used, the actuation and / or storage by the molded body is made. There are manufacturing processes at which a molded body is made with a receptacle slot in which a switching arm with a contact head is set. An attachment of the switching arm in the molded body per can for example by gluing, jamming or Caulking. Known manufacturing processes the disadvantage that the attachment of the switching arm in can solve the molded body. Furthermore, such Her positioning process as very complex for a mass product tion viewed.  

TASK AND SOLUTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a manufacturing method for a switch part with one held in a molded body Switch arm to create the disadvantages of the prior art Technology avoids for mass production of switches sharing, is simple and the manufacturing process ren of an assembly for switchgear simplified.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 solved. Advantageous developments of the invention result from the subclaims. The fact that the flat material in the manufacture of the shaped body in the manufacturing mold located and from the plastically deformable material of the Shaped body completely at least in sections is a safe and permanent hold of the switching arm in the molded body guaranteed. The introduction of the switching arms in a coherent form, preferably as a band itself, enables a kind of assembly line production for the moldings. Multiple contiguous switch parts can be easily Be processed further.

After the molded article has been produced, compounds of Switch arms to each other or to the flat material strip at least partially severed. Which continue to be related Switch parts are preferably stored before they are fed to a further processing stage, wherein magazines like a volume or a Chain particularly suitable. One possibility is a magazine tion by rolling up, for example in drum form, wherein the drum diameter should be chosen so that the Switch arms and switch parts not too forcefully are acted upon or bent.  

Advantages can be achieved by feeding the switch parts in magazine form for an assembly direction for a switch device can be achieved, since such a feed a easier mechanical gripping by the magazine Switch parts arranged in the correct position. In a Mounting device can switch parts from each other or from the rest of the magazine by disconnecting the connections be separated from each other and then into the switch be installed. A preferred application is a so-called clocking power control device for electric heat devices in which with a switch part according to the invention at least one switching operation is triggered.

An improvement in the variety of applications and opportunities he can reduce the size of a switching device aims that at least two switching arms in at the same time the mold can be introduced to be held in a molded body to be incorporated. Are preferred in one form Gang produced at least two moldings, whereby the Form and an associated machine can be better utilized. Flat switching arms are preferably parallel to one another in shape arranged one another, particularly preferably in parallel Levels. Several switching arms can be on a flat material band hanging into the mold one behind the other and especially in a line. The flat material band can consist essentially of switching arms. Another Possibility provides for at least two flat material strips parallel, in particular spaced, to introduce into the mold. The switching arms for have a switch part, whereby switch parts with two Switch arms can be produced. For switch parts with one an additional number of switching arms can corresponding number of flat material strips with the ge  desired distance of the switching arms introduced into the mold become.

The switching arms can in one embodiment of the invention in approximately in the direction of the feed direction of the flat material strip run. The switching arms can only by approximately right-angled cutting of the flat material strip made become. In this way, material waste and processing processing effort can be saved.

Alternatively, it is possible to have several connected to each other Flat material strips for the production of switching arms too use. These can be plane-parallel, for example as by spacers, in particular insulating stands, coupled to the manufacturing process to further simplify. The final shape of the shift arms can be achieved by bending and / or deforming. Of Another is a direct connection of several flat materials bands possible with each other.

Transporting or feeding the flat material and / or the switching arms to the manufacturing mold for the molded body and / or a magazine device can be provided with recesses o. The like can be improved on the flat material strip. Thereby is also an improved supply of the switch parts a magazine in a mounting device for switchgear or the like possible.

At least two flat material strips advantageously have different material thicknesses, causing the shift arms adapt to different uses or tasks let, especially different currents. Is possible further an embodiment of the invention, in which for a Shaped switching arms in different widths and / or  Lengths are used. With magazines by opening roll it is advantageous if thinner flat material strips radially outside.

Before the magazine parts of the switch parts are preferred Switch arms of at least one flat material strip at least partially, preferably completely, separated from one another. This is particularly preferred in one embodiment of the Invention in which two flat material strips in parallel the shape and two switching arms for one Switch part are provided. With a magazine through Only the radially inner ones are preferably rolled up Flat material tapes or switching arms are not ge from each other separates. This allows deformations of the outer switching arms due to different winding radii due to the distance Avoid switching arms as much as possible.

The flat material strip is preferably bear by punching processed or cut into switching arms and / or isolated. Alternatively or additionally, other methods are the same as for for example laser cutting possible.

The contact heads of the switching arms are preferred before Introducing the flat material into the mold, especially before moves when the switching arms are worked out of a flat material band, manufactured or attached to the switching arms. One option is to apply arched contact head on the end areas of the switching arms, for example by riveting or welding. An alternative possibility speed is the production of contacts by embossing or the like. of the flat material strip, preferably point by point. It is possible to use a switch part with several switching arms to provide different contacts. Particularly preferred switch arms made of stronger material with contact heads  provided for switching larger electrical outputs. For switching smaller electrical powers becomes switching arms with embossed contact heads are considered sufficient.

A manufacturing method for the molded body is a spray pour from an electrically insulating plastic. Advantage it has a high thermal resistance. Before a switch part is added with a switch cam if necessary Serving molded body made of plastic injection in a spray mold made in or by which at least two parallel flat material strips that form the switching arms, are led. The flat material strips can be arranged in this way and / or edited that for a magazine by Roll up only essentially in one plane Bands related.

A method within the scope of the present invention can essentially comprise at least four steps:

• 1. Application / manufacture of contact heads on flat material tapes;
• 2. Inserting the flat material strips into an injection molding molded, molded around the tapes in the molded body become;
• 3. at least partially cutting the tapes preferably all except the radially innermost at subsequent magazine and
• 4. Magazine the switch strips by opening roll.

Further steps are advantageous.

By a method within the scope of the present invention a switch part, in particular by one described above  Process manufactured, made available from a Shaped body with at least one switching arm, which in the Shaped body is held and at least in one section is completely enclosed by the material of the molded body and has at least one contact head. Here is the Switch arm preferably enclosed in one piece by a molded body sen.

If the at least one switching arm in its central area in the molded body and contacts in the area of the Has molded body projecting ends, preferably all Contacts in the same direction is a closing or Through-plating through an inventive switch part in a switching device possible. By aligning the con Unidirectional clock heads can be a switch part for an im essential linear motion. Alternatively a rotation is possible, especially with a rotation axis that runs through the molded body, the contacts with ends of the molded body protruding on two sides Switch arms point in opposite directions.

The molded body for holding a plurality of switches is advantageous arms essentially cuboid. With a linear actuation by a non-linearly moving actuator ment he can get one to run on an operating curve of the Actuator trained latch on one of his Wear end faces with which he lies against it. Especially an actuation by one on a control axis is preferred se seated actuating roller or cam disc.

A copper spring plate with a mate can be used as the flat material thickness between 0.1 mm and 1 mm can be used. A preferred strength is depending on the application and required electrical switching capacity, between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm. The  Width of the switching arms can vary between 2 mm and 10 mm, about 3 mm are preferred. The length of the switching arms can be in Range between 5 mm and 100 mm, are preferred viewed about 30 to 40 mm.

A preferred embodiment of a fiction according switch part sees two parallel and the same length Switch arms in front, which are enclosed in the center by the molded body are, with a switching arm made of stronger material and carries welded contact heads in the area of its ends, and the other switching arm is made of thinner material and Area of its ends with contact heads made by embossing wearing. The switch part can be used as a slide switch against fixed contacts of the switching device on one of its Undersides with a longitudinal projection for engaging in one corresponding longitudinal guide groove in a base of the Switchgear on which it runs in a lane. The contact heads all point in one direction.

These and other features go beyond the claims also from the description and the drawings, wherein the individual features individually or separately several in the form of sub-combinations in one execution tion form of the invention and realized in other fields his and advantageous as well as protectable execution can represent conditions for which protection is claimed here. The division of the application into individual sections as well Subheadings limit those made under them Statements are not generally applicable.  

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment according to the invention is in the Drawings shown and will be explained in more detail below tert. In the drawings:

Fig one switch part. 1 prepared by a process according to the invention having a molded body with two switching arms,

Fig. 2 is a front view of the switch portion of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a method for producing a in Fig. 1 Darge presented switch part and

Fig. 4 is a switching device in which a switch part according to FIG. 1 is installed as a slide switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Fig. 1 shows a switch section 11, which is constructed for use as a sliding switch. A molded body 12 has a continuous thin switching arm 13 and a continuous thick switching arm 14 , the central region of which is continuously enclosed by the molded body. Except for the different material thickness, the switching arms 13 and 14 are essentially the same and are arranged to overlap in the longitudinal direction of the molded body 12 , as shown in FIG. 2. In the area of the ends of the thin switching arm 13 are embossed contact heads 31 by embossing, in this case approximately into the plane of the drawing. The thick switching arm 14 also carries contact heads on the invisible side in approximately the same area.

A triangular, rounded latching lug is formed on the front end face 17 of the molded body 12 . On its top and bottom it is provided with paragraphs 19 which are used for guidance and are explained below. On the rear end face 20 of the molded body 12 a quaderför shaped foam block 21 is attached, for example by gluing or injection, which serves as a suspension of the switch part. Injection is possible, for example, in the injection molding process for producing the molded body 12 by inserting a foam block 21 . To save material, the shaped body 12 is provided in the center with an approximately rectangular recess 22 , which, however, does not extend to the switching arms running through the shaped body or to the underside. The recess 22 is further dimensioned in such a way that it does not impair the stability of the molding required for the function. On the sides between the switching arms, the molded body 12 carries shortly before the switching arm 13 guide cams 23 , which serve both to guide the switch part 11 and to stop the same in or against the device S device.

FIG. 2 shows the switch part 11 from FIG. 1 from the front. It can be seen that the molded body 12 protrudes above and below the thick switching arm 14 and also over the thin switching arm 13 and thus completely surrounds them. The locking lug 18 is reset by the shoulders 19 behind the top 16 and the bottom 25 . The underside 25 has an essentially over its entire length longitudinal projection 26 which is approximately rectangular with chamfered edges.

Fig. 3 shows schematically a possible manufacturing process according to the invention, which essentially comprises four sections, which are shown in the process direction R running. First, contacts are made on two spaced and parallel flat material strips 28 and 29 , the strip 28 being thin and the strip 29 being thicker, by welding contact heads 30 or by embossed embossed contact heads 31 . The tapes 28 and 29 provided with the contacts are guided through an injection mold 33 which belongs to an injection molding device (not shown). It can be seen that two pairs of a thin flat material band 28 and a thick flat material band 29 run through the injection mold 33 . In this form, the shaped bodies 12 are produced by extrusion coating the flat material tapes, as indicated in FIG .

After the injection molding process as the second section a third section the thin flat strips cut exactly between two embossed contact heads, so that thin switching arms are formed, which are no longer part of the flat material strip. The are held together Switch parts subsequently through the thick flat material band.

In the last step, the switch parts are stored in a magazine, in the example shown by rolling them onto a drum 34 . The thick flat material band 29 adapts to the outer circumference of the drum 34 approximately and, as can be seen in FIG. 3, is slightly bent. The separate, thin switching arms 13 of the thin flat material strip, on the other hand, are only held on the shaped bodies 12 and retain their straight shape in wesent union. The switch parts 11 thus stored in magazines can be fed with the rolled-up switch part to an assembly device for a switching device.

To avoid bending of the thick flat material band 29 , which could cause permanent curvature of the thick switching arms 14 , a weakening of the material can be made between the contact heads 30 by embossing or punching. This can, advantageously with a not too great tensile stress in the switch sub-band, cause the thick flat material band 29 to bend at the material weakenings without being torn off, and in this way the flat material band in sections or in each case in the region of a thick switching arm 14 is not or only insignificantly bent.

Of course, it is possible to guide more than two switch tapes through an injection mold for the molded body. Likewise, a switch sub-band can consist of three or more flat material bands, which can also be connected. When magazining by rolling onto a drum 34 or the like, it should be noted, however, that all flat material strips should be severed except for the radially innermost one.

FIG. 4 shows a switch part 11 from FIG. 1 as a slide switch in a clocking power control device 36 as a switching device. Opposite the embossing contact heads 31 and the contact heads 30 , counter contact heads 37 are arranged at the same distance, between which the switching arms 13 and 14 are each intended to make contact. A bent metal ash 38 , which protrudes upward from the switchgear base 35 , is partially placed over the foam block 21 and fixes it to the switchgear base. The advantage of a firm connection of the foam block 21 to the switch part 11 is, inter alia, that the switch part is mounted in a fixed manner in this way. Lateral slipping can be avoided by the longitudinal projection 26 which engages in a longitudinal groove (not shown) in the switchgear base. Instead of a foam block 21 , a spring element can be used, which can be designed, for example, as a spiral spring, advantageously made of metal.

The locking lug 18 of the molded body 12 lies against a cam disk 40 , which sits on a flattened control axis 41 . The cam disk 40 is essentially circular with a switching recess 42 . The radial depth of the switching recess 42 corresponds to the distance of the contact heads from the counter contact heads shown or somewhat above. The switching recess can define a specific position of the control axis 41 . By turning the control axis 41 , as soon as the locking lug 18 is moved out of the switching recess 42 and bears against the larger radius, the switch part 11 is pushed away in the sliding direction S against the resilient resistance of the foam block 21 , the contact heads of the switching arms approaching the mating contact heads 37 and touch or be pressed.

Furthermore, the switchgear base 35 carries a snap switch 46 , which rests with a grinder 47 on another cam disk, not shown, on the control axis.

Instead of a foam block 21 , a spring element can be used, which can be formed, for example, as a spiral spring, before some of metal.

Claims (18)

1. A method for producing a switch part with a molded body, in which at least one switching arm having a contact head is held from flat material, characterized in that the flat material as a band ( 28 , 29 ) with the switching arm ( 13 , 14 ) in a mold ( 33 ) for the production of the molded body ( 12 ) is introduced from plastically deformable material and forms part of the shape limitation, and the switching arm is completely enclosed at least in one section by the material and then the switch part ( 11 ) thus produced is connected to further switch parts in a further manner Processing is fed. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the flat material strip ( 28 , 29 ) after the production of the shaped body ( 12 ) is at least partially severed at the connections of switching arms ( 13 , 14 ), preferably before the switch parts ( 11 ) connected be magazine. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switch parts ( 11 ) are rolled up in the manner of a tape for magazine, preferably rolled up in drum form. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switch parts ( 11 ) are supplied in magazine form of a mounting device for a switching device, in particular for a clocking power control device ( 36 ) for electric heating devices, therein by completely separating the connections different Switch parts, especially on connections of switching arms ( 13 , 14 ), are isolated and installed in the switching device. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two switching arms ( 13 , 14 ) are introduced into the mold ( 33 ) and at least two moldings ( 12 ) are produced in a molding process, preferably at least two moldings, each with two Switch arms are manufactured. 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of switching arms ( 13 , 14 ) one behind the other on a flat material strip ( 28 , 29 ) are introduced into the mold ( 33 ), in particular a plurality of switching arms running in a line. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two Flachma material tapes ( 28 , 29 ) in parallel, preferably beabstan det, are introduced into the mold ( 33 ), in particular two flat material tapes in each case the switching arms ( 13 , 14 ) for a switch part ( 11 ). 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching arms ( 13 , 14 ) along the feed direction (R) of the flat material band of ( 28 , 29 ), which preferably runs in the feed direction, are aligned, in particular the flat material band in essentially consists only of the Schaltar men. 9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two flat mate rial tapes ( 28 , 29 ) have different material thicknesses, the thinner flat material tape ( 28 ) preferably lying radially on the outside when rolling up by rolling. 10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that before a magazine of the switch parts ( 11 ), the switching arms ( 13 , 14 ) of a flat material strip ( 28 , 29 ), in particular when magazine by rolling up the switching arms ( 13 ) of the radially outside lying flat material strip ( 28 ), at least partially, preferably completely, are separated from one another. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaped body ( 12 ) is produced by injection molding, in particular made of an electrically insulating plastic. 12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact heads ( 30 , 31 ), in particular before working out the switching arms ( 13 , 14 ) from flat material strip ( 28 , 29 ), at least partially by applying curved contact heads ( 30 ) are produced, which are preferably welded in the region of the ends of the switching arms, in particular additional contact heads ( 31 ) being produced by embossing or the like. of the flat material strip. 13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a switch part ( 11 ) from an optionally serving as a switching cam molded body ( 12 ) made of plastic injection molding in an injection mold ( 33 ) is injected into or through the at least two parallel, in two different parallel planes, as switching arms ( 13 , 14 ) provided flat material tapes ( 28 , 29 ) made of copper spring sheet, the flat material tapes being arranged and / or processed such that for rolling up magazine only substantially flat sheet tapes running in one plane related. 14. Switch part, which is produced in particular by a method according to claim 1, for an electrical switching device ( 36 ), characterized in that it consists of a molded body ( 12 ) with at least one switching arm held therein ( 13 , 14 ), which at least has a section completely enclosed in the molded body and at least one contact head ( 30 , 31 ). 15. Switch part according to claim 14, characterized in that the at least one switching arm ( 13 , 14 ) is mounted in its central region in the shaped body ( 12 ) and has contact heads ( 30 , 31 ) in the region of its ends, which preferably as a slightly curved contact head are releasably applied, in particular by welding, preferably all contact heads pointing in the same direction. 16. Switch part according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the shaped body ( 12 ) is made of electrically insulating plastic, in particular cuboid, wherein it is preferably a latch ( 18 ) designed to run on an actuation curve ( 40 ) on one Front side ( 17 ) carries. 17. Switch part according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the flat material ( 28 , 29 ) is a copper spring plate with a material thickness in the range between 0.01 mm and 1 mm, in particular between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm . 18. Switch part according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that two parallel and equally long switching arms ( 13 , 14 ) are surrounded centrally by the shaped body ( 12 ), a switching arm ( 14 ) made of stronger material ( 29 ) and at its ends welded contact heads ( 30 ) and a switching arm ( 13 ) made of thinner material ( 28 ) and at its ends carries embossed contact heads ( 31 ), and all contact heads point in the same direction, the switch part ( 11 ) as Slide switch for placing against fixed mating contacts ( 37 ) of the switching device ( 36 ) on an underside ( 25 ) of the molded body is provided with a longitudinal projection ( 26 ) for engaging in a corresponding longitudinal guide groove in a base ( 35 ) of the switching device.