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EP0599002B1 - Switch - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP0599002B1
EP0599002B1 EP93114618A EP93114618A EP0599002B1 EP 0599002 B1 EP0599002 B1 EP 0599002B1 EP 93114618 A EP93114618 A EP 93114618A EP 93114618 A EP93114618 A EP 93114618A EP 0599002 B1 EP0599002 B1 EP 0599002B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switching
switching element
switch according
actuating
section
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93114618A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0599002A1 (en
Inventor
Christian Wolski
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eaton GmbH
Eaton GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Eaton GmbH
Eaton GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eaton GmbH, Eaton GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Eaton GmbH
Publication of EP0599002A1 publication Critical patent/EP0599002A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0599002B1 publication Critical patent/EP0599002B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H19/00—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H19/54—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand the operating part having at least five or an unspecified number of operative positions
    • H01H19/60—Angularly-movable actuating part carrying no contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H21/00—Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H21/02—Details
    • H01H21/18—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H21/36—Driving mechanisms
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H21/00—Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H21/02—Details
    • H01H21/18—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H21/00—Switches operated by an operating part in the form of a pivotable member acted upon directly by a solid body, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H21/02—Details
    • H01H21/18—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H21/36—Driving mechanisms
    • H01H21/40—Driving mechanisms having snap action

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a switch, with at least one switching element, which has a contact surface which is opposite a counter contact surface, and with an actuating element for pivoting the switching element with its contact surface from an unactuated to an actuated position, the contact surface and the counter contact surface in the one position are spaced from each other and touch in the other position.
  • Switches of this type are known, for example, as so-called rocker switches. These have two switching elements which are firmly connected to one another and can be pivoted about a common axis and each carry an electrically conductive contact surface. Each contact surface is opposite to a counter contact surface. In order to move a switching element from the unactuated to the actuated position, brief finger pressure is exerted. A respective switching element itself or a cover firmly connected to it serves as the actuating element.
  • actuating element is a rotating element arranged next to the switching element with an axis of rotation extending transversely to the pivot axis of the switching element, and in that the actuating element has an actuating part which is oriented transversely with respect to its axis of rotation and which is one of the pivot axis spaced switching part of the switching element engages on the side thereof pointing towards the pivoting direction when switching into the actuated position.
  • the switch according to the invention is switched between the unactuated and the actuated position by a rotary movement of its actuating element.
  • the rotary movement is converted into a pivoting movement of the switching element, which ultimately results in a kind of lifting movement of the contact surface.
  • the switch can be equipped with only one or in particular with two switching elements, in the latter case the switching element to be actuated being selected via the direction of rotation of the actuating element.
  • the arrangement can be such that the switching element automatically returns from the actuated position to the unactuated position when the actuating element is released.
  • the switch expediently includes a supporting wall, which may well be part of any other component that is to be equipped with a switch.
  • the supporting wall is formed by a printed circuit board, which expediently also carries the mating contact surface.
  • switches can easily be arranged on a common support wall or circuit board.
  • the rotatable actuating element is expediently rotatably mounted on or in the supporting wall. It can be designed as a pin and can be rotatably received in a complementary recess in the supporting wall.
  • Suitable measures can be used to provide a so-called snap effect in order to define a clear switching point.
  • the adjusting torque counteracting the actuating element is not constant or increases linearly, but has an apex, after which it drops. This can be achieved, for example, by connecting a respective switching element at a distance from the pivoting area to the associated supporting wall via a connecting web or connecting collar, which is somewhat flexible and whose deformation as part of the pivoting movement results in the explained course of the adjusting torque.
  • the switch is made of material with rubber-elastic properties, silicone material being particularly recommended.
  • silicone material being particularly recommended.
  • the swivel areas are formed here by bending points, which are specified, for example, by parts with a reduced material thickness compared to adjacent areas. This arrangement could also be called a safety mat.
  • a circuit board 2 which forms a supporting wall 3 for an electrical switch 1, which is fixed on one flat side of the circuit board 2. It is a double switch which has two switching elements 4, 5 lying next to one another, each of which has a contact element 6, 7 with contact surface 8 pointing down to the supporting wall 3. According to the example, the contact elements 6, 7 are located on the underside of the switching elements 4, 5.
  • the switching elements 4, 5 can be pivoted with respect to the supporting wall 3, the axes of the pivoting movement indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 2 (hereinafter referred to as pivot axes 11, 11 'for simplification) to run essentially parallel to the supporting wall plane.
  • pivot axes 11, 11 'for simplification In the pivoting path of a respective contact element 6, 7 covered when the switching elements 4, 5 are pivoted, there is a mating contact surface 12 which is provided on the supporting wall 3, for example.
  • the pairs of contact and counter-contact surfaces 8, 12 which are respectively assigned to one another lie at a distance from one another.
  • the counter-contact surface 12 can be formed, for example, by one or more conductor tracks or other contacts (not shown in more detail).
  • the switch 1 further comprises an actuating element 13 which is rotatably mounted on the supporting wall 3 in the exemplary embodiment and is designed as a rotary element.
  • This actuating part 14 is in engagement with the switching elements 4, 5 and can preferably be rotated a little by hand.
  • the rotary movement is transformed into the mentioned pivoting movement of one or the other switching element 4, 5.
  • the two switching elements 4, 5 are connected to one another in one piece. They each have a base body 15, 15 ', which are arranged back to back at a distance from one another, so that there is an intermediate space 16 which is bridged by a connecting part 17 which integrally connects the two base bodies 15, 15'.
  • the latter preferably has a web-like character, and it is located in the lower area of the switching elements 4, 5 facing the supporting wall 3.
  • the connecting part 17 delimits the space 16 downwards, which is otherwise open laterally and upwards, so that it is a slot-like shape.
  • the support section 18 extends transversely to the switching element arrangement and has a hump or rib-shaped Shape. Their width expediently corresponds to the width of the intermediate space 16. In the contact area with the supporting wall 3, its outer contour is expediently rounded when viewed from the side, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3.
  • the two switching elements 4, 5 can be pivoted relative to one another while widening or narrowing the intermediate space 16, the pivoting region 22 being located in the region of the connecting part 17.
  • the switching unit 23 which is composed of the two basic bodies 15, 15 ', the connecting part 17 and the supporting part 18, is made of rubber-elastic material, preferably a plastic material such as silicone.
  • the contact elements 6, 7 are arranged at a distance from the swivel area 22 and are fixed to the opposite end areas of the base bodies 15, 15 'on the underside thereof. They are, for example, platelet-shaped parts made of electrically conductive material, which can be vapor-deposited or attached in some other way.
  • the contact elements 6, 7 are raised, between them and the support section 18 there is a pivot space 24, which ensures an unimpeded pivoting movement between the two possible positions.
  • the support section 18 expediently runs in a common plane with the intermediate space 16.
  • FIG. 1 shows the switch 1 with both switching elements 4, 5 in the unactuated position, in which both contact elements 6, 7 are arranged at a distance from the associated counter surface 12.
  • one or the other switching element 4, 5 can optionally be brought into the actuated position, which is indicated in FIG. 3 by means of the switching element 5 on the right.
  • the other switching element 4 maintains the unactuated position. Since the support section 18 practically represents a thickening of the connecting section 17, different axes 11, 11 'for the pivoting movement can result for the two switching elements 4, 5, which lie approximately in the transition region between the support section 18 and a respective base body 4, 5.
  • the exemplary embodiment is of course not a physical axis of rotation, but rather the axes are represented by areas of compliance or bending areas of the elastic material.
  • the actuating element 13 is located in the area of one of the long sides of the switching unit 23 laterally next to the two switching elements 4, 5, its axis of rotation 25 extending transversely and in particular at right angles to the two pivot axes 11, 11 '.
  • the exemplary embodiment is a columnar or pin-shaped actuating element 13, the longitudinal axis of which coincides with the axis of rotation 25 and which can moreover run at right angles to the plane of the supporting wall 3.
  • the actuating element 13 is rotatably received with a circular cylindrical bearing section 26 in a complementary bearing recess 27 and extends past the switching elements 4, 5 upwards, where there is a not shown Handling section is located, which allows easy manual turning.
  • the above-mentioned actuating section 14 of the actuating element 13 is designed like a finger in the exemplary embodiment and projects transversely to the axis of rotation 25 into the intermediate space 16.
  • both switching elements 4, 5 are engaged behind on the sides facing one another, the corresponding parts of the switching elements 4, 5 are referred to below as switching parts 28.
  • the width of the actuating section 14 is expediently matched to that of the intermediate space 16 in such a way that both switching sections 28 bear against the actuating section 14 in the unactuated position with the surfaces 33 delimiting the intermediate space 16 and pointing towards the actuated position against the pivoting direction 32.
  • Said surfaces 33 are rounded in the exemplary embodiment, at least in the contact area with the actuating part 14 when viewed in the direction of arrow II, so that the intermediate space 16 gradually widens on both sides, starting from the central area.
  • the surfaces 33 can rest against the actuating part 14 under pretension in the unactuated position.
  • the switch 1 is actuated by rotating the actuating element 13 in one or the other of the two possible directions of rotation, the actuating part 14 pressing against one or the other switching part 28, as a result of which the associated switching element together with its contact surface is displaced into the actuated position.
  • Such a constellation is expediently achieved by arranging the two switching elements 4, 5 at a slight angle to one another at an obtuse angle when viewed in plan view.
  • the arrangement can be such that a respective pivot axis 11, 11 'seen in the actuated position of the associated switching element 4, 5 runs approximately parallel to the longitudinal extent of the actuating part 14.
  • a self-contained circumferential connecting collar 34 On the edge of the underside of the switching unit 23 is a self-contained circumferential connecting collar 34, which is relatively thin-walled and extends in the direction of the supporting wall 3.
  • This connecting collar 34 is preferably connected in one piece to the switching unit 23 and is used to anchor it to the supporting wall 3.
  • the connecting collar 34 merges into a plate-like fastening part 35 which rests on the supporting wall 3 with its lower surface facing away from the switching unit 23 this is set in any way.
  • the outer edge 36 of the fastening part 35 can be raised away from the supporting wall 3.
  • the switching unit 23, the connecting collar 34 and the fastening part 35 constitute an integral component.
  • the connecting collar 34 has a web-like shape. Above all, it gives hold to the switching element that is not actuated and fixes it in this position when the other switching element is actuated. It prevents the entire switching unit 23 from rolling around the support section 18 on the supporting wall 2.
  • the connecting collar 34 is, however, so flexible or elastic that it offers little or no resistance to the pivoting movement of the switching elements 4, 5 from the unactuated to the actuated position. As can be seen in FIG. 3, a type of folding process can take place in which the connecting collar 34 folds.
  • the switching unit 23 is suspended practically flexibly on the fastening part 35 via the connecting collar 34.
  • the connecting collar 34 also preferably has a protective function in that, when the switch 1 is mounted on the support wall 3, it seals off the area below the switching unit 23 from the surroundings.
  • the switching unit 23 which has an incision forming the intermediate space 16 at a central point from above, so that a web-like connecting part 17 remains at the bottom.
  • the finger-like actuation section 14 projects into the incision and extends here at right angles to the axis of rotation 25. If the actuating element 13 is turned to the left or right, the actuating part 14 pivots laterally against the switching parts 28 which rise up like a dome and which are thus pivoted. A lateral evasion of the switching unit 23 is prevented because of the attachment to the support wall 3.
  • the fastening part 35 can be positively connected to the supporting wall 3, for example by means of the centering edge 36.
  • a respective switching element 4, 5 When actuated by the actuating part 14, a respective switching element 4, 5 only has the possibility of pivoting in the manner of a circular movement. Depending on the design of the connecting part 17 and / or the choice of material, the pivot axes 11, 11 'for both switching elements 4, 5 may also coincide.
  • the pivoting movement can be accompanied by a tilting or rolling of the support section 18 on the supporting wall 3, on which the support section 18 is only loosely supported. As a result of the connecting collar 34, the support section 18 is pulled onto the supporting wall 3. It is advantageous that when a respective switching element is reset the actuating element 13 automatically returns to the starting position.

Landscapes

  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Schalter, mit mindestens einem Schaltelement, das eine Kontaktfläche aufweist, der eine Gegenkontaktfläche gegenüberliegt, und mit einem Betätigungselement zum Verschwenken des Schaltelementes mit seiner Kontaktfläche aus einer unbetätigten in eine betätigte Stellung, wobei die Kontaktfläche und die Gegenkontaktfläche in der einen Stellung einander gegenüber beabstandet sind und sich in der anderen Stellung berühren.The invention relates to a switch, with at least one switching element, which has a contact surface which is opposite a counter contact surface, and with an actuating element for pivoting the switching element with its contact surface from an unactuated to an actuated position, the contact surface and the counter contact surface in the one position are spaced from each other and touch in the other position.

Schalter dieser Art sind beispielsweise als sogenannte Wippschalter bekannt. Diese besitzen zwei fest miteinander verbundene und um eine gemeinsame Achse verschwenkbare Schaltelemente, die jeweils eine elektrisch leitende Kontaktfläche tragen. Jeder Kontaktfläche liegt eine Gegenkontaktfläche gegenüber. Um ein Schaltelement aus der unbetätigten in die betätigte Stellung überzuführen, übt man kurzzeitig einen Fingerdruck aus. Als Betätigungselement dient ein jeweiliges Schaltelement selbst oder eine mit diesem fest verbundene Abdeckung.Switches of this type are known, for example, as so-called rocker switches. These have two switching elements which are firmly connected to one another and can be pivoted about a common axis and each carry an electrically conductive contact surface. Each contact surface is opposite to a counter contact surface. In order to move a switching element from the unactuated to the actuated position, brief finger pressure is exerted. A respective switching element itself or a cover firmly connected to it serves as the actuating element.

Die unmittelbare Druckbetätigung des bekannten Schalters hat sich in manchen Fällen als ungünstig erwiesen. Es ist daher die Aufgabe der Erfindung, einen Schalter mit einem anderen Betätigungsprinzip zu entwickeln, der bei einfachem Aufbau und leichter Betätigung funktionssicher schaltet.The direct pressure actuation of the known switch has proven to be unfavorable in some cases. It is therefore the object of the invention to develop a switch with a different actuation principle which switches in a functionally reliable manner with a simple construction and easy actuation.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem Schalter der eingangs genannten Art dadurch gelöst, daß das Betätigungselement ein neben dem Schaltelement angeordnetes Drehelement mit quer zur Schwenkachse des Schaltelementes verlaufender Drehachse ist, und daß das Betätigungselement eine bezüglich seiner Drehachse quer ausgerichtete Betätigungspartie aufweist, die eine von der Schwenkachse beabstandete Schaltpartie des Schaltelementes an deren beim Umschalten in die betätigte Stellung entgegen der Schwenkrichtung weisenden Seite hintergreift.This object is achieved in a switch of the type mentioned above in that the actuating element is a rotating element arranged next to the switching element with an axis of rotation extending transversely to the pivot axis of the switching element, and in that the actuating element has an actuating part which is oriented transversely with respect to its axis of rotation and which is one of the pivot axis spaced switching part of the switching element engages on the side thereof pointing towards the pivoting direction when switching into the actuated position.

Der erfindungsgemäße Schalter wird durch eine Drehbewegung seines Betätigungselementes zwischen der unbetätigten und der betätigten Stellung umgeschaltet. Die Drehbewegung wird in eine Schwenkbewegung des Schaltelementes umgewandelt, was letztlich in einer Art Hubbewegung der Kontaktfläche resultiert. Der Schalter kann mit lediglich einem oder insbesondere mit zwei Schaltelementen ausgestattet sein, wobei im letzteren Falle über die Drehrichtung des Betätigungselementes das zu betätigende Schaltelement ausgewählt wird. Die Anordnung kann so getroffen sein, daß das Schaltelement aus der betätigten Stellung beim Loslassen des Betätigungselementes automatisch selbsttätig in die unbetätigte Stellung zurückkehrt.The switch according to the invention is switched between the unactuated and the actuated position by a rotary movement of its actuating element. The rotary movement is converted into a pivoting movement of the switching element, which ultimately results in a kind of lifting movement of the contact surface. The switch can be equipped with only one or in particular with two switching elements, in the latter case the switching element to be actuated being selected via the direction of rotation of the actuating element. The arrangement can be such that the switching element automatically returns from the actuated position to the unactuated position when the actuating element is released.

Besonders vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen aufgeführt.Particularly advantageous developments of the invention are listed in the subclaims.

Zu dem Schalter gehört zweckmäßigerweise eine Tragwand, die durchaus Bestandteil eines beliebigen anderen Bauteiles sein kann, das mit einem Schalter bestückt werden soll. Beispielsweise ist die Tragwand von einer Leiterplatte gebildet, die zweckmäßigerweise auch die Gegenkontaktfläche trägt. Es können problemlos mehrere Schalter an einer gemeinsamen Tragwand bzw. Leiterplatte angeordnet werden.The switch expediently includes a supporting wall, which may well be part of any other component that is to be equipped with a switch. For example, the supporting wall is formed by a printed circuit board, which expediently also carries the mating contact surface. Several switches can easily be arranged on a common support wall or circuit board.

Das drehbare Betätigungselement ist zweckmäßigerweise an oder in der Tragwand drehgelagert. Es kann stiftartig ausgebildet und in einer komplementären Ausnehmung der Tragwand drehbar geführt aufgenommen sein.The rotatable actuating element is expediently rotatably mounted on or in the supporting wall. It can be designed as a pin and can be rotatably received in a complementary recess in the supporting wall.

Man kann durch geeignete Maßnahmen einen sogenannten Shnappeffekt vorsehen, um einen klaren Schaltpunkt zu definieren. Hier ist also das dem Betätigungselement entgegenwirkende Verstellmoment nicht konstant oder linear ansteigend, sondern hat einen Scheitelpunkt, nach dessen Erreichen es abfällt. Man kann dies beispielsweise dadurch realisieren, daß man ein jeweiliges Schaltelement im Abstand zum Schwenkbereich über einen Verbindungssteg oder Verbindungskragen mit der zugeordneten Tragwand verbindet, der in gewisser Weise flexibel ist und bei dessen im Rahmen der Schwenkbewegung vorgenommener Verformung sich der erläuterte Verlauf des Verstellmomentes einstellt.Suitable measures can be used to provide a so-called snap effect in order to define a clear switching point. Here, therefore, the adjusting torque counteracting the actuating element is not constant or increases linearly, but has an apex, after which it drops. This can be achieved, for example, by connecting a respective switching element at a distance from the pivoting area to the associated supporting wall via a connecting web or connecting collar, which is somewhat flexible and whose deformation as part of the pivoting movement results in the explained course of the adjusting torque.

Es ist von Vorteil, wenn der Schalter, abgesehen vom Betätigungselement, den Kontaktflächen und der Tragwand aus Material mit gummielastischen Eigenschaften besteht, wobei Silikonmaterial besonders empfehlenswert ist. Bei einfachster Herstellung erzielt man hier einen äußerst verschleißfreien funktionssicheren Aufbau. Die Schwenkbereiche werden hier von Biegestellen gebildet, die beispielsweise von Partien mit gegenüber benachbarten Bereichen reduzierter Materialstärke vorgegeben werden. Man könnte diese Anordnung auch als Schaltmatte bezeichnen.It is advantageous if, apart from the actuating element, the contact surfaces and the supporting wall, the switch is made of material with rubber-elastic properties, silicone material being particularly recommended. With the simplest manufacture, an extremely wear-free, functionally reliable construction is achieved here. The swivel areas are formed here by bending points, which are specified, for example, by parts with a reduced material thickness compared to adjacent areas. This arrangement could also be called a safety mat.

Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand der beiliegenden Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen im einzelnen:

Figur 1
eine besonders vorteilhafte Bauform des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters im Längsschnitt gemäß Schnittlinie I-I aus Figur 2, wobei die von einer Leiterplatte gebildete Tragwand nochmals aufgebrochen ist, um die Drehlagerstelle für das Betätigungselement zu verdeutlichen; es ist die unbetätigte Stellung gezeigt,
Figur 2
die Anordnung aus Figur 1 in Draufsicht von oben gemäß Pfeil II,
Figur 3
den Schalter aus Figur 1 in einer betätigten Stellung im Längsschnitt gemäß Schnittlinie III-III aus Figur 4, und
Figur 4
die Anordnung aus Figur 3 in Draufsicht von oben gemäß Pfeil IV.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. The individual shows:
Figure 1
a particularly advantageous design of the switch according to the invention in longitudinal section according to section line II of Figure 2, wherein the support wall formed by a circuit board is broken again to clarify the pivot bearing for the actuating element; the unactuated position is shown
Figure 2
the arrangement of Figure 1 in plan view from above according to arrow II,
Figure 3
the switch of Figure 1 in an actuated position in longitudinal section along section line III-III of Figure 4, and
Figure 4
the arrangement of Figure 3 in plan view from above according to arrow IV.

In der Zeichnung ist eine Leiterplatte 2 angedeutet, die eine Tragwand 3 für einen elektrischen Schalter 1 bildet, der an der einen Flachseite der Leiterplatte 2 festgelegt ist. Es handelt sich um einen Doppelschalter, der über zwei nebeneinanderliegende Schaltelemente 4, 5 verfügt, die jeweils ein Kontaktele6, 7 mit nach unten zur Tragwand 3 weisender Kontaktfläche 8 aufweisen. Beispielsgemäß befinden sich die Kontaktelemente 6, 7 an der Unterseite der Schaltelemente 4, 5.In the drawing, a circuit board 2 is indicated, which forms a supporting wall 3 for an electrical switch 1, which is fixed on one flat side of the circuit board 2. It is a double switch which has two switching elements 4, 5 lying next to one another, each of which has a contact element 6, 7 with contact surface 8 pointing down to the supporting wall 3. According to the example, the contact elements 6, 7 are located on the underside of the switching elements 4, 5.

Die Schaltelemente 4, 5 sind gegenüber der Tragwand 3 verschwenkbar, wobei die in Figur 2 strichpunktiert angedeuteten Achsen der Schwenkbewegung (nachfolgend zur Vereinfachung als Schwenkachsen 11, 11' bezeichnet) im wesentlichen parallel zur Tragwandebene verlaufen. In dem beim Verschwenken der Schaltelemente 4, 5 zurückgelegten Schwenkweg eines jeweiligen Kontaktelementes 6, 7 befindet sich eine Gegenkontaktfläche 12, die beispielsgemäß an der Tragwand 3 vorgesehen ist. In der in Figur 1 gezeigten unbetätigten Stellung des Schalters liegen sich die einander jeweils zugeordneten Paare von Kontakt- und Gegenkontaktflächen 8, 12 mit Abstand gegenüber. In der betätigten Stellung - das in Figur 3 rechts liegende Schaltelement 5 nimmt eine solche ein - liegt das am betreffenden Schaltelement 5 angeordnete Kontaktelement 7 mit seiner Kontaktfläche 8 an der zugewandten Gegenkontaktfläche 12 an. Die Gegenkontaktfläche 12 kann beispielsweise von einer oder mehreren nicht näher dargestellten Leiterbahnen oder sonstigen Kontakten gebildet sein.The switching elements 4, 5 can be pivoted with respect to the supporting wall 3, the axes of the pivoting movement indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 2 (hereinafter referred to as pivot axes 11, 11 'for simplification) to run essentially parallel to the supporting wall plane. In the pivoting path of a respective contact element 6, 7 covered when the switching elements 4, 5 are pivoted, there is a mating contact surface 12 which is provided on the supporting wall 3, for example. In the unactuated position of the switch shown in FIG. 1, the pairs of contact and counter-contact surfaces 8, 12 which are respectively assigned to one another lie at a distance from one another. In the actuated position - the switching element 5 on the right in FIG. 3 assumes such a position - the contact element 7 arranged on the relevant switching element 5 rests with its contact surface 8 on the facing counter-contact surface 12. The counter-contact surface 12 can be formed, for example, by one or more conductor tracks or other contacts (not shown in more detail).

Der Schalter 1 umfaßt ferner ein beim Ausführungsbeispiel an der Tragwand 3 drehgelagertes und als Drehelement ausgebildetes Betätigungselement 13. Dieses steht mit einer Betätigungspartie 14 in Eingriff mit den Schaltelementen 4, 5 und ist vorzugsweise von Hand ein Stück weit verdrehbar. Die Drehbewegung wird in die erwähnte Schwenkbewegung des einen oder anderen Schaltelementes 4, 5 transformiert. Je nach Drehrichtung wird dabei jeweils eines der beiden Schaltelemente 4, 5 aus der unbetätigten in die betätigte Stellung verschwenkt, während das jeweils andere Schaltelement unverändert in der unbetätigten Stellung verbleibt.The switch 1 further comprises an actuating element 13 which is rotatably mounted on the supporting wall 3 in the exemplary embodiment and is designed as a rotary element. This actuating part 14 is in engagement with the switching elements 4, 5 and can preferably be rotated a little by hand. The rotary movement is transformed into the mentioned pivoting movement of one or the other switching element 4, 5. Depending on the direction of rotation, one becomes of the two switching elements 4, 5 pivoted from the unactuated to the actuated position, while the other switching element remains unchanged in the unactuated position.

Ersichtlich kann bei dem Schalter 1 eines der beiden Schaltelemente entfallen, so daß nur noch ein einziges Schaltelement vorhanden ist. Die Beschreibung der Erfindung soll allerdings anhand des abgebildeten Doppelschalters erfolgen, wobei die Ausführungen für den Einfachschalter sinngemäß gelten.Obviously, one of the two switching elements can be omitted from switch 1, so that only a single switching element is still present. The description of the invention is, however, to be made with the aid of the double switch shown, the explanations applying analogously to the single switch.

Bei dem abgebildeten Schalter sind die beiden Schaltelemente 4, 5 einstückig miteinander verbunden. Sie verfügen jeweils über einen Grundkörper 15, 15', die Rücken an Rücken mit Abstand zueinander angeordnet sind, so daß sich ein Zwischenraum 16 ergibt, der von einer die beiden Grundkörper 15, 15' einstückig miteinander verbindenden Verbindungspartie 17 überbrückt wird. Letztere hat vorzugsweise stegähnlichen Charakter, und sie befindet sich im unteren, der Tragwand 3 zugewandten Bereich der Schaltelemente 4, 5. Die Verbindungspartie 17 begrenzt den Zwischenraum 16 nach unten hin, der im übrigen seitlich und nach oben hin offen ist, so daß er eine schlitzähnliche Gestalt erhält.In the switch shown, the two switching elements 4, 5 are connected to one another in one piece. They each have a base body 15, 15 ', which are arranged back to back at a distance from one another, so that there is an intermediate space 16 which is bridged by a connecting part 17 which integrally connects the two base bodies 15, 15'. The latter preferably has a web-like character, and it is located in the lower area of the switching elements 4, 5 facing the supporting wall 3. The connecting part 17 delimits the space 16 downwards, which is otherwise open laterally and upwards, so that it is a slot-like shape.

Eine ebenfalls einstückig mit den Grundkörpern 15, 15' ausgebildete Abstützpartie 18 erstreckt sich ausgehend von der Verbindungspartie 17 nach unten bis zur Tragwand 3, an der sie insbesondere lose anliegt. Die Abstützpartie 18 verläuft quer zu der Schaltelementenanordnung und hat eine höcker- oder rippenförmige Gestalt. Ihre Breite entspricht zweckmäßigerweise der Breite des Zwischenraumes 16. Im Kontaktbereich mit der Tragwand 3 ist ihre Außenkontur bei Blickrichtung von der Seite her gesehen zweckmäßigerweise abgerundet, was man den Figuren 1 und 3 entnehmen kann.A support section 18, likewise formed in one piece with the base bodies 15, 15 ', extends from the connection section 17 down to the support wall 3, against which it lies, in particular, loosely. The support section 18 extends transversely to the switching element arrangement and has a hump or rib-shaped Shape. Their width expediently corresponds to the width of the intermediate space 16. In the contact area with the supporting wall 3, its outer contour is expediently rounded when viewed from the side, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Die beiden Schaltelemente 4, 5 lassen sich einander gegenüber unter Aufweitung bzw. Verengung des Zwischenraumes 16 verschwenken, wobei sich der Schwenkbereich 22 im Bereich der Verbindungspartie 17 befindet. Beim Verschwenken findet im Bereich der Verbindungspartie 17 ein Biegevorgang statt. Zugunsten einer leichtgängigen und verschleißarmen Verformung besteht die sich aus den beiden Grundkörpern 15, 15', der Verbindungspartie 17 und der Abstützpartie 18 zusammensetzenden Schalteinheit 23 aus gummielastischem Material, vorzugsweise ein Kunststoffmaterial wie Silikon.The two switching elements 4, 5 can be pivoted relative to one another while widening or narrowing the intermediate space 16, the pivoting region 22 being located in the region of the connecting part 17. When pivoting, a bending process takes place in the area of the connecting part 17. In favor of a smooth-running and low-wear deformation, the switching unit 23, which is composed of the two basic bodies 15, 15 ', the connecting part 17 and the supporting part 18, is made of rubber-elastic material, preferably a plastic material such as silicone.

Die Kontaktelemente 6, 7 sind mit Abstand zum Schwenkbereich 22 angeordnet und sind an den einander entgegengesetzten Endbereichen der Grundkörper 15, 15' an deren Unterseite festgelegt. Bei ihnen handelt es sich beispielsweise um plättchenförmige Teile aus elektrisch leitendem Material, die aufgedampft oder auf sonstige Weise befestigt sein können. Die Kontaktelemente 6, 7 sind erhaben, zwischen ihnen und der Abstützpartie 18 befindet sich jeweils ein Schwenkfreiraum 24, der für eine ungehinderte Schwenkbewegung zwischen den beiden möglichen Stellungen sorgt. Die Abstützpartie 18 verläuft zweckmäßigerweise in einer gemeinsamen Ebene mit dem Zwischenraum 16.The contact elements 6, 7 are arranged at a distance from the swivel area 22 and are fixed to the opposite end areas of the base bodies 15, 15 'on the underside thereof. They are, for example, platelet-shaped parts made of electrically conductive material, which can be vapor-deposited or attached in some other way. The contact elements 6, 7 are raised, between them and the support section 18 there is a pivot space 24, which ensures an unimpeded pivoting movement between the two possible positions. The support section 18 expediently runs in a common plane with the intermediate space 16.

Die Figur 1 zeigt den Schalter 1 mit beiden Schaltelementen 4, 5 in der unbetätigten Stellung, bei der beide Kontaktelemente 6, 7 mit Abstand zur zugeordneten Gegenfläche 12 angeordnet sind. Ausgehend von dieser Konstellation läßt sich wahlweise das eine oder das andere Schaltelement 4, 5 in die betätigte Stellung verbringen, die in Figur 3 anhand des rechtsliegenden Schaltelementes 5 angedeutet ist. Das andere Schaltelement 4, behält solange die unbetätigte Stellung bei. Da die Abstützpartie 18 praktisch eine Verdickung der Verbindungspartie 17 darstellt, können daraus für die beiden Schaltelemente 4, 5 unterschiedliche Achsen 11, 11' für die Schwenkbewegung resultieren, die etwa im Übergangsbereich zwischen der Abstützpartie 18 und einem jeweiligen Grundkörper 4, 5 liegen. Beim Ausführungsbeispiel handelt es sich dabei natürlich nicht um körperliche Drehachsen, die Achsen werden vielmehr durch Nachgiebigkeitsbereiche bzw. Biegebereiche des Elastikmaterials repräsentiert.FIG. 1 shows the switch 1 with both switching elements 4, 5 in the unactuated position, in which both contact elements 6, 7 are arranged at a distance from the associated counter surface 12. Based on this constellation, one or the other switching element 4, 5 can optionally be brought into the actuated position, which is indicated in FIG. 3 by means of the switching element 5 on the right. The other switching element 4 maintains the unactuated position. Since the support section 18 practically represents a thickening of the connecting section 17, different axes 11, 11 'for the pivoting movement can result for the two switching elements 4, 5, which lie approximately in the transition region between the support section 18 and a respective base body 4, 5. The exemplary embodiment is of course not a physical axis of rotation, but rather the axes are represented by areas of compliance or bending areas of the elastic material.

Das Betätigungselement 13 befindet sich im Bereich einer der Längsseiten der Schalteinheit 23 seitlich neben den beiden Schaltelementen 4, 5, wobei seine Drehachse 25 quer und insbesondere rechtwinklig zu den beiden Schwenkachsen 11, 11' verläuft. Es handelt sich beim Ausführungsbeispiel um ein säulen- oder stiftförmiges Betätigungselement 13, dessen Längsachse mit der Drehachse 25 zusammenfällt und die überdies im rechten Winkel zur Ebene der Tragwand 3 verlaufen kann. Beispielsgemäß ist das Betätigungselement 13 mit einem kreiszylindrischen Lagerabschnitt 26 in einer komplementären Lagerausnehmung 27 verdrehbar aufgenommen und erstreckt sich an den Schaltelementen 4, 5 vorbei nach oben, wo sich eine nicht näher dargestellte Handhabungspartie befindet, die ein leichtes manuelles Drehen ermöglicht.The actuating element 13 is located in the area of one of the long sides of the switching unit 23 laterally next to the two switching elements 4, 5, its axis of rotation 25 extending transversely and in particular at right angles to the two pivot axes 11, 11 '. The exemplary embodiment is a columnar or pin-shaped actuating element 13, the longitudinal axis of which coincides with the axis of rotation 25 and which can moreover run at right angles to the plane of the supporting wall 3. For example, the actuating element 13 is rotatably received with a circular cylindrical bearing section 26 in a complementary bearing recess 27 and extends past the switching elements 4, 5 upwards, where there is a not shown Handling section is located, which allows easy manual turning.

Die oben bereits erwähnte Betätigungspartie 14 des Betätigungselementes 13 ist beim Ausführungsbeispiel fingerähnlich ausgebildet und ragt quer zur Drehachse 25 in den Zwischenraum 16 hinein. Dadurch werden beide Schaltelemente 4, 5 an den einander zugewandten Seiten hintergriffen, die entsprechenden Partien der Schaltelemente 4, 5 seien nachfolgend als Schaltpartien 28 bezeichnet. Die Breite der Betätigungspartie 14 ist zweckmäßigerweise so auf diejenige des Zwischenraumes 16 abgestimmt, daß beide Schaltpartien 28 in der unbetätigten Stellung mit den den Zwischenraum 16 begrenzenden und beim Umschalten in die betätigte Stellung entgegen der Schwenkrichtung 32 weisenden Flächen 33 an der Betätigungspartie 14 anliegen. Besagte Flächen 33 sind beim Ausführungsbeispiel zumindest im Kontaktbereich mit der Betätigungspartie 14 bei Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil II gesehen abgerundet, so daß sich der Zwischenraum 16 ausgehend vom zentralen Bereich zu beiden Seiten hin allmählich erweitert. Die Flächen 33 können in der unbetätigten Stellung unter Vorspannung an der Betätigungspartie 14 anliegen.The above-mentioned actuating section 14 of the actuating element 13 is designed like a finger in the exemplary embodiment and projects transversely to the axis of rotation 25 into the intermediate space 16. As a result, both switching elements 4, 5 are engaged behind on the sides facing one another, the corresponding parts of the switching elements 4, 5 are referred to below as switching parts 28. The width of the actuating section 14 is expediently matched to that of the intermediate space 16 in such a way that both switching sections 28 bear against the actuating section 14 in the unactuated position with the surfaces 33 delimiting the intermediate space 16 and pointing towards the actuated position against the pivoting direction 32. Said surfaces 33 are rounded in the exemplary embodiment, at least in the contact area with the actuating part 14 when viewed in the direction of arrow II, so that the intermediate space 16 gradually widens on both sides, starting from the central area. The surfaces 33 can rest against the actuating part 14 under pretension in the unactuated position.

Die Betätigung des Schalters 1 erfolgt durch Verdrehen des Betätigungselementes 13 in die eine oder andere der beiden möglichen Drehrichtungen, wobei die Betätigungspartie 14 gegen die eine oder andere Schaltpartie 28 drückt, wodurch das zugeordnete Schaltelement zusammen mit seiner Kontaktfläche in die betätigte Stellung verlagert wird.The switch 1 is actuated by rotating the actuating element 13 in one or the other of the two possible directions of rotation, the actuating part 14 pressing against one or the other switching part 28, as a result of which the associated switching element together with its contact surface is displaced into the actuated position.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn die Schwenkachsen 11, 11' so ausgerichtet sind, daß sie in Richtung zur Drehachse 25 unter insbesondere einem spitzen Winkel aufeinander zulaufen (Figur 2). Eine derartige Konstellation erzielt man zweckmäßigerweise dadurch, daß man die beiden Schaltelemente 4, 5 in Draufsicht gesehen leicht winkelig unter einem stumpfen Winkel zueinander anordnet. Die Anordnung kann so getroffen sein, daß eine jeweilige Schwenkachse 11, 11' in der betätigten Stellung des zugeordneten Schaltelementes 4, 5 gesehen in etwa parallel zur Längserstreckung der Betätigungspartie 14 verläuft.It is advantageous if the pivot axes 11, 11 'are oriented such that they converge towards one another in the direction of the axis of rotation 25, in particular at an acute angle (FIG. 2). Such a constellation is expediently achieved by arranging the two switching elements 4, 5 at a slight angle to one another at an obtuse angle when viewed in plan view. The arrangement can be such that a respective pivot axis 11, 11 'seen in the actuated position of the associated switching element 4, 5 runs approximately parallel to the longitudinal extent of the actuating part 14.

An die Unterseite der Schalteinheit 23 schließt sich randseitig ein in sich geschlossener umlaufender Verbindungskragen 34 an, der relativ dünnwandig ausgebildet ist und sich in Richtung zur Tragwand 3 erstreckt. Dieser Verbindungskragen 34 ist vorzugsweise einstückig mit der Schalteinheit 23 verbunden und dient zur Verankerung derselben gegenüber der Tragwand 3. Beispielsgemäß geht der Verbindungskragen 34 in ein plattenähnliches Befestigungsteil 35 über, das mit seiner von der Schalteinheit 23 wegweisenden unteren Fläche auf der Tragwand 3 aufliegt und an dieser auf beliebige Art festgelegt ist. Zur Versteifung und/oder zur Zentrierung kann der äußere Rand 36 des Befestigungsteiles 35 von der Tragwand 3 weg hochgestellt sein. Beispielsgemäß stellen die Schalteinheit 23, der Verbindungskragen 34 und das Befestigungsteil 35 ein integrales Bauteil dar.On the edge of the underside of the switching unit 23 is a self-contained circumferential connecting collar 34, which is relatively thin-walled and extends in the direction of the supporting wall 3. This connecting collar 34 is preferably connected in one piece to the switching unit 23 and is used to anchor it to the supporting wall 3. According to the example, the connecting collar 34 merges into a plate-like fastening part 35 which rests on the supporting wall 3 with its lower surface facing away from the switching unit 23 this is set in any way. For stiffening and / or for centering, the outer edge 36 of the fastening part 35 can be raised away from the supporting wall 3. For example, the switching unit 23, the connecting collar 34 and the fastening part 35 constitute an integral component.

Im Längsschnitt gemäß Figuren 1 und 3 gesehen hat der Verbindungskragen 34 eine stegähnliche Gestalt. Er gibt vor allem dem jeweils nicht betätigten Schaltelement Halt und fixiert es in dieser Position, wenn das jeweils andere Schaltelement betätigt wird. Es verhindert, daß sich die gesamte Schalteinheit 23 um die Abstützpartie 18 an der Tragwand 2 abrollt. Andererseits ist der Verbindungskragen 34 jedoch so flexibel oder elastisch ausgebildet, daß er der Schwenkbewegung der Schaltelemente 4, 5 aus der unbetätigten in die betätigte Stellung keinen oder nur wenig Widerstand entgegensetzt. Wie man in Figur 3 erkennt, kann dabei eine Art Faltvorgang stattfinden, im Rahmen dessen sich der Verbindungskragen 34 in Falten legt. Insbesondere durch geeignete Gestaltung des Verbindungskragens 34 wäre es auch möglich, einen Schnappeffekt beim Übergang von der unbetätigten in die betätigte Stellung des jeweiligen Schaltelementes 4, 5 zu erzielen, um einen exakten Schaltpunkt zu erreichen. Beim Verdrehen des Betätigungselementes 13 ließe sich dieser Schaltpunkt durch einen Abfall des Verstellmomentes nach einem vorausgehenden Anstieg desselben registrieren.Seen in longitudinal section according to Figures 1 and 3, the connecting collar 34 has a web-like shape. Above all, it gives hold to the switching element that is not actuated and fixes it in this position when the other switching element is actuated. It prevents the entire switching unit 23 from rolling around the support section 18 on the supporting wall 2. On the other hand, the connecting collar 34 is, however, so flexible or elastic that it offers little or no resistance to the pivoting movement of the switching elements 4, 5 from the unactuated to the actuated position. As can be seen in FIG. 3, a type of folding process can take place in which the connecting collar 34 folds. In particular, by suitable design of the connecting collar 34, it would also be possible to achieve a snap effect during the transition from the unactuated to the actuated position of the respective switching element 4, 5 in order to achieve an exact switching point. When the actuating element 13 is rotated, this switching point can be registered by a drop in the adjusting torque after a previous increase in the same.

Über den Verbindungskragen 34 ist die Schalteinheit 23 praktisch flexibel an dem Befestigungsteil 35 aufgehängt. Der Verbindungskragen 34 hat außerdem vorzugsweise noch eine Schutzfunktion, indem er bei an der Tragwand 3 montiertem Schalter 1 den unterhalb der Schalteinheit 23 liegenden Bereich zur Umgebung hin abschottet.The switching unit 23 is suspended practically flexibly on the fastening part 35 via the connecting collar 34. The connecting collar 34 also preferably has a protective function in that, when the switch 1 is mounted on the support wall 3, it seals off the area below the switching unit 23 from the surroundings.

Da die beiden Schaltelemente 4, 5 über den Schwenkbereich 22 gummielastisch miteinander verbunden sind, wirkt beim Auslenken eines Schaltelementes 4, 5 in die betätigte Stellung automatisch eine federnde Rückstellkraft. Diese sorgt beim Ausführungsbeispiel für eine selbsttätige Rückstellung in die unbetätigte Stellung, wenn die Stellkraft des Betätigungselementes 13 verringert wird, was bei manueller Betätigung durch Loslassen geschieht.Since the two switching elements 4, 5 are elastically connected to one another via the pivoting range 22, a resilient restoring force automatically acts when a switching element 4, 5 is deflected into the actuated position. In the exemplary embodiment, this ensures an automatic reset to the unactuated one Position when the actuating force of the actuating element 13 is reduced, which happens when released by manual actuation.

Beim Ausführungsbeispiel liegt also ein die Schalteinheit 23 bildender Elastikkörper vor, der an zentraler Stelle von oben her einen den Zwischenraum 16 bildenden Einschnitt aufweist, so daß unten eine stegartige Verbindungspartie 17 verbleibt. In den Einschnitt ragt beispielsgemäß die fingerähnliche Betätigungspartie 14, die sich hier rechtwinklig zur Drehachse 25 erstreckt. Dreht man das Betätigungselement 13 nach links oder rechts, so schwenkt die Betätigungspartie 14 seitlich gegen die domähnlich hochragenden Schaltpartien 28, die mithin verschwenkt werden. Ein seitliches Ausweichen der Schalteinheit 23 ist dabei wegen der Befestigung an der Tragwand 3 verhindert. Das Befestigungsteil 35 kann hierzu formschlüssig mit der Tragwand 3 verbunden sein, beispielsweise unter Vermittlung des zentrierend wirkenden Randes 36. Bei Beaufschlagung durch die Betätigungspartie 14 hat ein jeweiliges Schaltelement 4, 5 nur die Möglichkeit, nach Art einer Kreisbewegung zu verschwenken. Je nach Ausgestaltung der Verbindungspartie 17 und/oder der Materialwahl können dabei die Schwenkachsen 11, 11' für beide Schaltelemente 4, 5 unter Umständen auch zusammenfallen. Die Schwenkbewegung kann mit einem Abkippen bzw. Abrollen der Abstützpartie 18 auf der Tragwand 3 einhergehen, auf der die Abstützpartie 18 sich lediglich lose abstützt. Infolge des Verbindungskragens 34 wird die Abstützpartie 18 an die Tragwand 3 herangezogen. Von Vorteil ist, daß bei der Rückstellung eines jeweiligen Schaltelementes automatisch auch das Betätigungselement 13 in die Ausgangsstellung zurückkehrt.In the exemplary embodiment there is therefore an elastic body forming the switching unit 23, which has an incision forming the intermediate space 16 at a central point from above, so that a web-like connecting part 17 remains at the bottom. According to the example, the finger-like actuation section 14 projects into the incision and extends here at right angles to the axis of rotation 25. If the actuating element 13 is turned to the left or right, the actuating part 14 pivots laterally against the switching parts 28 which rise up like a dome and which are thus pivoted. A lateral evasion of the switching unit 23 is prevented because of the attachment to the support wall 3. For this purpose, the fastening part 35 can be positively connected to the supporting wall 3, for example by means of the centering edge 36. When actuated by the actuating part 14, a respective switching element 4, 5 only has the possibility of pivoting in the manner of a circular movement. Depending on the design of the connecting part 17 and / or the choice of material, the pivot axes 11, 11 'for both switching elements 4, 5 may also coincide. The pivoting movement can be accompanied by a tilting or rolling of the support section 18 on the supporting wall 3, on which the support section 18 is only loosely supported. As a result of the connecting collar 34, the support section 18 is pulled onto the supporting wall 3. It is advantageous that when a respective switching element is reset the actuating element 13 automatically returns to the starting position.

Claims (15)

  1. Switch with one or more switching elements (4, 5), with a contact surface (8) lying opposite a mating contact surface (12), and with an actuating element (13) to swivel the switching element with its contact surface (8) from an unactuated to an actuated position, wherein the contact surface (8) and the mating contact surface (12) are spaced apart opposite one another in one position and in contact with one another in the other position, characterized in that the actuating element is a rotating element located next to the switching element (4, 5) with its rotation axis at right-angles to the swivel axis (11, 11') of the switching element (4, 5), and that the actuating element (13) has an actuating section (14) aligned at right-angles to its axis of rotation and engaging from behind with a switching section (28) of the switching element (4, 5) which is clear of the swivel axis (11, 11') at that side (33) of it facing away from the swivel direction (32) during changeover to the actuated position.
  2. Switch according to claim 1, characterized in that each switching element (4, 5) is located on a support wall (3) formed e.g. by a printed circuit board (2).
  3. Switch according to claim 2, characterized in that each switching element (4, 5) rests on the support wall (3) in the vicinity of the swivel area (22) via a support section (18), wherein a swivel clearance (24) may be provided next to the support section (18) between the switching element (4, 5) and the support wall (3).
  4. Switch according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the actuating element (13) is pivotably mounted on or in the support wall (3).
  5. Switch according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each switching element (4, 5) is so mounted that its swivel axis (11, 11'), viewed in the actuated position, runs roughly parallel to the longitudinal extension of the actuating section (14).
  6. Switch according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each switching element (4, 5), after removal of the actuating force, automatically reverts from the actuated to the unactuated position, while at the same time the actuating element (13) expediently likewise resets.
  7. Switch according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the transfer from the unactuated to the actuated position of each switching element (4, 5) involves a snap action.
  8. Switch according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each switching element (4, 5) has a base (15, 15') of material with rubber-elastic properties such as silicone, which carries the contact surface (8), which is expediently provided on an e.g. chip-shaped contact element (6, 7) of electrically-conductive material fixed to the base (15, 15').
  9. Switch according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that two switching elements (4, 5) with facing switching sections (28) are provided, and with opposite swivel directions (32) in switching from the unactuated to the actuated position, wherein the actuating section (14) extends into an intermediate space (14) between the two switching sections (28).
  10. Switch according to claim 9, characterized in that the bases (15, 15') of the two switching elements (4, 5) are joined elastically to one another in one piece via a connection section (17), in particular web-like, wherein the intermediate space (16) for the actuating section (14) is in the form of a slit.
  11. Switch according to claim 8 or 9 in combination with claim 3, characterized in that there is a support section (18) forming both switching elements (4, 5) together and expediently a one-piece constituent of the base (15, 15'), which is preferably aligned in the same plane as the intermediate space (16).
  12. Switch according to any of claims 9 to 11 in combination with claim 2, characterized in that each switching element (4, 5) is connected to the support wall (3) via a connection web (34) with clearance from the swivel area (22), while the connection web (34) is so designed that on the one hand it holds the one switching element (4) fast while actuating the other switching element (5) into the unactuated position, and on the other hand it allows a swivel movement between the unactuated and the actuated positions.
  13. Switch according to claim 12, characterized in that the connection webs are part of a ring-like self-contained connection collar (34) extending between the switching elements (4, 5) and the support wall (3).
  14. Switch according to claim 13, characterized in that the connection collar (34) is joined integrally to an attachment part (35), in particular plate-like, which can be fixed to the support wall (3) and may have a highly-placed external edge (36) serving in particular for centring.
  15. Switch according to claim 14, characterized in that the attachment part (35), the connection collar (34), the support section (18), the connection section (17) and the bases (15, 15') are formed integrally of material with rubber-elastic properties.
EP93114618A 1992-11-25 1993-09-11 Switch Expired - Lifetime EP0599002B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4239513 1992-11-25
DE4239513A DE4239513C2 (en) 1992-11-25 1992-11-25 switch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0599002A1 EP0599002A1 (en) 1994-06-01
EP0599002B1 true EP0599002B1 (en) 1996-02-28

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93114618A Expired - Lifetime EP0599002B1 (en) 1992-11-25 1993-09-11 Switch

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0599002B1 (en)
DE (2) DE4239513C2 (en)
TR (1) TR28490A (en)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2001118467A (en) * 1999-10-15 2001-04-27 Yazaki Corp Switch device
DE10117596C1 (en) * 2001-04-07 2002-11-28 Itt Mfg Enterprises Inc Rocker and / or push button switch
DE10261369A1 (en) * 2002-12-30 2004-09-30 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Safety switch for electrical kitchen appliances
US7439459B2 (en) 2005-09-05 2008-10-21 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Switch device and steering switch apparatus equipped with the switch device
DE102009020520B4 (en) * 2009-05-08 2011-06-09 Preh Gmbh Impulsdrehtastbedienelement
DE102010037497B4 (en) 2010-09-13 2021-09-09 Preh Gmbh Impulse rotary pushbutton control element and its use
US10269520B2 (en) * 2017-08-10 2019-04-23 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Permanent magnet contactor

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2252829A (en) * 1940-05-02 1941-08-19 William B Bell Switch plate
CH609526B (en) * 1977-02-16 Ebauches Sa ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVICE.
DE7923660U1 (en) * 1979-08-18 1979-11-08 Gebr. Vedder Gmbh, 5885 Schalksmuehle INSTALLATION SWITCH
GR69904B (en) * 1979-10-27 1982-07-20 Ego Elektro Blanc & Fischer
JPH01149329A (en) * 1987-12-04 1989-06-12 Toshiba Silicone Co Ltd Push button switch and its manufacture
DE3913789A1 (en) * 1989-04-26 1990-10-31 Ruf Kg Wilhelm Roller switch with centre position setting - has spring that acts in either direction from central position
DE9001434U1 (en) * 1990-02-08 1990-04-12 Herbert Waldmann GmbH & Co, 7730 Villingen-Schwenningen Electrical switch for dust and water-proof devices, especially lights

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE4239513C2 (en) 2002-05-29
DE59301723D1 (en) 1996-04-04
EP0599002A1 (en) 1994-06-01
DE4239513A1 (en) 1994-05-26
TR28490A (en) 1996-09-10

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