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EP0611481B1 - Electric switch - Google Patents

Electric switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0611481B1
EP0611481B1 EP92923068A EP92923068A EP0611481B1 EP 0611481 B1 EP0611481 B1 EP 0611481B1 EP 92923068 A EP92923068 A EP 92923068A EP 92923068 A EP92923068 A EP 92923068A EP 0611481 B1 EP0611481 B1 EP 0611481B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cap
base
contact
switch
switch according
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
EP92923068A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0611481A1 (en
Inventor
Winfried LÜTTE
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.)
Doduco Solutions GmbH
Original Assignee
Doduco GmbH and Co KG Dr Eugen Duerrwaechter
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 Doduco GmbH and Co KG Dr Eugen Duerrwaechter filed Critical Doduco GmbH and Co KG Dr Eugen Duerrwaechter
Publication of EP0611481A1 publication Critical patent/EP0611481A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0611481B1 publication Critical patent/EP0611481B1/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
    • 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
    • H01H21/22—Operating parts, e.g. handle
    • H01H21/24—Operating parts, e.g. handle biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/006—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button adapted for connection with printed circuit boards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H23/14—Tumblers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/20—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch wherein an auxiliary movement thereof, or of an attachment thereto, is necessary before the main movement is possible or effective, e.g. for unlatching, for coupling

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrical switch with the features specified in the preamble of claim 1.
  • the basic structure of such a switch is described in two variants in "Luegers” Lexikon dertechnik, Vol. 14 (1969) pp. 115, 116.
  • a switching fork which is in the rest position and which is in contact with a fixed contact is moved towards an opposite fixed contact and pressed against it by actuating a stylus. If the actuating force on the stylus decreases, the shift fork springs back to the starting position. According to the second variant, the switching is done by a spring, the dead point of which is overcome.
  • the switching mechanism for both versions of the microswitch is located in a housing from which the connection parts for the contacts protrude on the one hand and into which the stylus leads on the other hand. At least along the stylus, soldering vapors can penetrate into the switch housing and adversely affect the switching system when the connecting parts are soldered on.
  • An electrical switch with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from US-A-4,575,592.
  • This well-known Switch has a base with a cylindrical recess with an opening parallel to the cylinder axis.
  • An iw cylindrical cap is inserted into the recess, which has a radial extension that protrudes from the recess.
  • the cap is open towards the base and receives the contact springs of the switch, which can be deflected by turning the cap. Because of the necessary mobility of the base and cap against each other there are gaps between them, through which soldering vapors and moisture can penetrate.
  • the present invention has for its object to protect the switch housing of a switch equipped with a movable mechanism for direct switching in a simple manner against the penetration of soldering fumes.
  • the invention does not go the obvious way to try to seal the guide channel of the stylus in a conventional microswitch. Instead, it is provided to use a switch housing which consists of a base and a cap which can be closed by the base. Connection parts arranged on the base are guided tightly through this to the outside, so that in the closed position of the switch, no soldering vapors can penetrate into the housing while the connection parts are being soldered on.
  • the switch can also be easily transported and stored in the closed position without dirt, vapors or moisture being able to penetrate.
  • the switch is actuated in a simple manner by deflecting the cap to one side or the other and taking the contact spring, which projects into the cap, with it until it makes contact.
  • the cap is therefore not only a means of temporarily enclosing the contact springs in cooperation with the base on all sides and hermetically shielding them, but is also a means of actuating the switch, in a very simple way, because the pivotable cap can act directly on the contact spring to be deflected, without any transmission elements with levers and joints, as are otherwise customary in microswitches, and also determine and limit their service life.
  • the switch according to the invention has considerable advantages in terms of service life because of the simple mechanical construction and can be manufactured more cheaply.
  • the cap is not a fixed connection to the Base needed; since it is adjustable between a closed position, in which it cannot be pivoted, and a use position, in which it can be pivoted, it can also be completely pulled off the base, so it can be a loose part.
  • This has the advantage that different bases, possibly with different contact spring sets, and different caps can be combined with one another for different applications and installation positions, so that a switch family can be put together in the modular system with the least effort.
  • the cap In the use position, the cap can in principle be pivoted in both directions and thereby deflect one or the other contact spring, so that the switch can be used in more versatile ways than known microswitches. If desired, the switch can also be designed so that it can only be actuated by pivoting the cap in one direction.
  • the cap advantageously carries two mutually opposite extensions at its open end.
  • the extensions are designed so that they each have a cutout for inclusion of the corresponding pin and have a waisted section inside the cutout, which divides the cutout and can be overcome by elastic bending of the extensions, so that the cap both on one side of the waist in the closed position and on the other side of the waist in the position of use can snap into place and cannot accidentally change from one position to the other.
  • the recesses in the extensions can have the shape of an elongated hole with a waist, but they can also be designed as an incision with a waist. In this case, you need a constriction at the beginning of the incision - similar to the waist, which holds the cap in its locked position.
  • the switch is particularly simple in construction and function, yet versatile. It allows different contact arrangements without leaving the basic structure. So both contacts of a switch can be attached to contact springs, and then both contact springs can be operated by pivoting the housing of your choice. On the other hand, it is also possible to design the mating contact for a contact piece located on a contact spring as an immovable contact piece (fixed contact), either indirectly attached to the base or attached directly to the inside of the cap, the lead to this fixed contact also passing through the cap to the outside could be performed.
  • the switch can be built as a break contact and a make contact.
  • a third contact spring is brought between two contact springs, with which either the one or the other contact spring makes contact by pivoting the cap.
  • the contact spring In order to keep the necessary swivel angle (actuation path) of the cap small, it is advantageous to make a stop in the cap for the contact spring to be deflected in each case. This is preferably arranged in such a way that when the switch is open, the contact spring in question rests against the stop with little pretension.
  • the stop is preferably adjustable, e.g. in that it is designed as an electrically insulating set screw which is inserted in a threaded hole in the cap and is accessible from the outside.
  • the contact springs have elongated, crosswise arranged and welded onto the contact springs contact profiles and the base and the stops consist of an insulating material.
  • the switch shown is an air-open switch.
  • Its housing 1 consists of a base 2 and a cap 3 which can be closed by the base 2.
  • the base 2 carries two pins 6 for receiving the cap 3 opposite it and a collar 14 for sealing in the closed position of the cap 3 are led outwards, the connecting parts 4 of two contact springs 5 and 10, which extend from the base 2 into the opposite cap 3.
  • the cap 3 which can be pushed onto the base 2 has at its open end two mutually opposite extensions 7. To receive the pins 6 there is a cutout 8 in each extension 7. The cutouts 8 are divided by a waist 9. The arrangement of the waist is such that there are two detent positions for receiving the pins 6.
  • the cutout 8 is narrower than the diameter of the pins 6, so that the cap 3 can only be completely pulled off the base 2 by bending the extensions 7 elastically.
  • the contact springs 5 and 10 protruding into the cap 3 each lie on a stop 13 which is formed in the cap 3.
  • the cap 3 is in its closed position (FIGS. 2 and 4 and 5).
  • the cap 3 is pulled into its second latching position (FIG. 1). It can now be pivoted and, if desired, press the contact spring 5 against the contact spring 10 or the contact spring 10 against the contact spring 5.
  • the switch shown in Figure 4 is a make contact.
  • Figure 6 shows a modified switch as a break contact. Identical or corresponding parts are designated in FIG. 6 with the same reference numbers as in FIG. 4.
  • the contact springs 5 and 10 are bent towards one another and extended beyond the contact pieces 17.
  • the stops 13 are omitted and replaced by a middle stop 18, which is between the ends of the contact springs lies and - depending on the pivoting direction of the cap 3 - either one contact spring 5 or the other contact spring 10 deflects and thereby opens the switch.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Tumbler Switches (AREA)
  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
  • Relay Circuits (AREA)
  • Oscillators With Electromechanical Resonators (AREA)

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/EP92/02534 Sec. 371 Date May 6, 1994 Sec. 102(e) Date May 6, 1994 PCT Filed Nov. 5, 1992 PCT Pub. No. WO93/09554 PCT Pub. Date May 13, 1993An electric microswitch includes a base and a cap. The base has a bottom pair of terminals downwardly extending that are hermetically sealed because they are integrally formed as part of the base, while the same terminals extend upwardly from the top of the base, and are in the form of spring contacts. The housing has a pair of apertured extensions that receive a pair of pins located on the housing. The cap includes internal stops that push the spring contacts together when the cap is acted upon while in a pivotable position so that contact pieces on the springs complete the circuit. When the housing is in a non-movable position, the spring contacts and contact pieces are hermetically sealed by the housing acting against a shoulder on the base.

Description

Die Erfindung geht aus von einem elektrischen Schalter mit den im Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 angegebenen Merkmalen. Der prinzipielle Aufbau eines solchen Schalters wird in zwei Varianten in "Luegers" Lexikon der Technik, Bd. 14 (1969) S. 115, 116, beschrieben.The invention relates to an electrical switch with the features specified in the preamble of claim 1. The basic structure of such a switch is described in two variants in "Luegers" Lexikon der Technik, Vol. 14 (1969) pp. 115, 116.

Bei dem bekannten Schalter wird durch Betätigen eines Taststiftes eine sich in Ruhestellung befindliche Schaltgabel, die an einem Festkontakt anliegt, nach einem gegenüberliegenden Festkontakt hin bewegt und an diesen angedrückt. Läßt die Betätigungskraft auf den Taststift nach, federt die Schaltgabel in die Ausgangslage zurück. Nach der zweiten Variante erfolgt das Umschalten durch eine Springfeder, deren Totpunkt überwunden wird. Die Schaltmechanik für beide Ausführungen des Mikroschalters befindet sich in einem Gehäuse, aus welchem einerseits die Anschlußteile für die Kontakte herausragen und in welches andererseits der Taststift hineinführt. Zumindest entlang des Taststiftes können beim Anlöten der Anschlußteile Lötdämpfe in das Schaltergehäuse eindringen und das Schaltsystem beeinträchtigen.In the known switch, a switching fork which is in the rest position and which is in contact with a fixed contact is moved towards an opposite fixed contact and pressed against it by actuating a stylus. If the actuating force on the stylus decreases, the shift fork springs back to the starting position. According to the second variant, the switching is done by a spring, the dead point of which is overcome. The switching mechanism for both versions of the microswitch is located in a housing from which the connection parts for the contacts protrude on the one hand and into which the stylus leads on the other hand. At least along the stylus, soldering vapors can penetrate into the switch housing and adversely affect the switching system when the connecting parts are soldered on.

Ein elektrischer Schalter mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1 ist aus der US-A-4,575,592 bekannt. Dieser bekannte Schalter hat einen Sockel mit einer zylindrischen Ausnehmung mit einer zur Zylinderachse parallelen Öffnung. In die Ausnehmung ist eine i.w. zylindrische Kappe eingesetzt, die einen radialen Fortsatz hat, der aus der Ausnehmung herausragt. Die Kappe ist zum Sockel hin offen und nimmt die Kontaktfedern des Schalters auf, welche durch Verdrehen der Kappe ausgelenkt werden können. Wegen der notwendigen Beweglichkeit von Sockel und Kappe gegeneinander bestehen zwischen ihnen Spalte, durch die Lötdämpfe und Feuchtigkeit eindringen können.An electrical switch with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from US-A-4,575,592. This well-known Switch has a base with a cylindrical recess with an opening parallel to the cylinder axis. An iw cylindrical cap is inserted into the recess, which has a radial extension that protrudes from the recess. The cap is open towards the base and receives the contact springs of the switch, which can be deflected by turning the cap. Because of the necessary mobility of the base and cap against each other there are gaps between them, through which soldering vapors and moisture can penetrate.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, das Schaltergehäuse eines mit einem beweglichen Mechanismus zum direkten Schalten ausgestatteten Schalters auf einfache Weise gegen das Eindringen von Lötdämpfen zu schützen.The present invention has for its object to protect the switch housing of a switch equipped with a movable mechanism for direct switching in a simple manner against the penetration of soldering fumes.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch einen Schalter mit den im Anspruch 1 angegebenen Merkmalen. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.This object is achieved by a switch with the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Die Erfindung geht nicht den naheliegenden Weg, zu versuchen, bei einem üblichen Mikroschalter den Führungskanal des Taststiftes abzudichten. Stattdessen ist vorgesehen, ein Schaltergehäuse zu verwenden, das aus einem Sockel und aus einer durch den Sockel verschließbaren Kappe besteht. Am Sockel angeordnete Anschlußteile werden dicht durch diesen hindurch nach aussen geführt, so dass in der Schließstellung des Schalters während des Anlötens der Anschlußteile keine Lötdämpfe in das Gehäuse eindringen können. Der Schalter läßt sich in der geschlossenen Stellung auch problemlos transportieren und lagern, ohne dass Schmutz, Dämpfe oder Feuchtigkeit eindringen können.The invention does not go the obvious way to try to seal the guide channel of the stylus in a conventional microswitch. Instead, it is provided to use a switch housing which consists of a base and a cap which can be closed by the base. Connection parts arranged on the base are guided tightly through this to the outside, so that in the closed position of the switch, no soldering vapors can penetrate into the housing while the connection parts are being soldered on. The switch can also be easily transported and stored in the closed position without dirt, vapors or moisture being able to penetrate.

Vorteilhafterweise ergibt sich für die Handhabung des Schalters eine Gebrauchsstellung, die dadurch erreicht wird, dass die Kappe aus der Schließstellung heraus von dem Sockel abgezogen wird. In der Gebrauchsstellung erfolgt auf einfache Art und Weise die Betätigung des Schalters, indem die Kappe nach der einen oder anderen Seite hin ausgelenkt wird und dabei die in die Kappe hineinragende, zu betätigende Kontaktfeder mitnimmt, bis sie Kontakt gibt. Die Kappe ist deshalb nicht nur ein Mittel, um die Kontaktfedern im Zusammenwirken mit dem Sockel zeitweise allseitig zu umschließen und hermetisch abzuschirmen, sondern ist zugleich ein Mittel, um den Schalter zu betätigen, und zwar auf sehr einfache Art und Weise, weil die verschwenkbare Kappe unmittelbar auf die auszulenkende Kontaktfeder einwirken kann, ohne irgendwelche Übertragungsglieder mit Hebeln und Gelenken, wie sie sonst bei Mikroschaltern gebräuchlich sind und deren Lebensdauer mitbestimmen und begrenzen. Der erfindungsgemässe Schalter hat demgegenüber wegen des einfachen mechanischen Aufbaus erhebliche Vorteile hinsichtlich der Lebensdauer und kann preiswerter hergestellt werden. Hinzu kommt, dass die Kappe keine feste Verbindung zum Sockel benötigt; da sie ohnehin zwischen einer Schließstellung, in welcher sie nicht verschwenkbar ist, und einer Gebrauchsstellung, in welcher sie verschwenkbar ist, verstellbar ist, kann sie auch vollständig vom Sockel abgezogen werden, kann also ein loses Teil sein. Das hat den Vorteil, dass man für unterschiedliche Anwendungsfälle und Einbaulagen unterschiedliche Sockel, ggfs. mit unterschiedlichen Kontaktfedersätzen, und unterschiedliche Kappen miteinander kombinieren kann, so dass mit geringstem Aufwand eine Schalterfamilie im Baukastensystem zusammengestellt werden kann.Advantageously, there is a use position for handling the switch, which is achieved in that the cap is pulled out of the base from the closed position. In the position of use, the switch is actuated in a simple manner by deflecting the cap to one side or the other and taking the contact spring, which projects into the cap, with it until it makes contact. The cap is therefore not only a means of temporarily enclosing the contact springs in cooperation with the base on all sides and hermetically shielding them, but is also a means of actuating the switch, in a very simple way, because the pivotable cap can act directly on the contact spring to be deflected, without any transmission elements with levers and joints, as are otherwise customary in microswitches, and also determine and limit their service life. The switch according to the invention, on the other hand, has considerable advantages in terms of service life because of the simple mechanical construction and can be manufactured more cheaply. In addition, the cap is not a fixed connection to the Base needed; since it is adjustable between a closed position, in which it cannot be pivoted, and a use position, in which it can be pivoted, it can also be completely pulled off the base, so it can be a loose part. This has the advantage that different bases, possibly with different contact spring sets, and different caps can be combined with one another for different applications and installation positions, so that a switch family can be put together in the modular system with the least effort.

In der Gebrauchsstellung kann die Kappe grundsätzlich in beiden Richtungen verschwenkt werden und dabei die eine bzw. die andere Kontaktfeder auslenken, so dass der Schalter vielseitiger einsetzbar ist als bekannte Mikroschalter. Wenn gewünscht kann der Schalter aber auch so ausgelegt werden, dass er nur durch Verschwenken der Kappe in nur einer Richtung betätigt werden kann.In the use position, the cap can in principle be pivoted in both directions and thereby deflect one or the other contact spring, so that the switch can be used in more versatile ways than known microswitches. If desired, the switch can also be designed so that it can only be actuated by pivoting the cap in one direction.

Vorteilhaft für eine leichte und definierte Auslenkbarkeit der Kappe und die damit verbundene Gewährleistung der Funktion des Schalters sind zwei auf dem Sockel angeordnete Zapfen, um die die Kappe schwenkbar gelagert ist.Advantageous for easy and defined deflectability of the cap and the associated guarantee of the function of the switch are two pins arranged on the base, around which the cap is pivotally mounted.

Um zwei Raststellungen der Kappe zu ermöglichen, trägt sie an ihrem offenen Ende vorteilhafterweise zwei einander gegenüberliegende Fortsätze. Die Fortsätze sind so gestaltet, dass sie jeweils einen Ausschnitt zur Aufnahme des entsprechenden Zapfens besitzen und innerhalb des Ausschnittes einen taillierten Abschnitt haben, der den Ausschnitt unterteilt und unter elastischem Aufbiegen der Fortsätze überwunden werden kann, so dass die Kappe sowohl auf der einen Seite der Taille in der Schließstellung als auch auf der anderen Seite der Taille in der Gebrauchsstellung einrasten kann und nicht zufällig von der einen in die andere Stellung übergehen kann.In order to enable two locking positions of the cap, it advantageously carries two mutually opposite extensions at its open end. The extensions are designed so that they each have a cutout for inclusion of the corresponding pin and have a waisted section inside the cutout, which divides the cutout and can be overcome by elastic bending of the extensions, so that the cap both on one side of the waist in the closed position and on the other side of the waist in the position of use can snap into place and cannot accidentally change from one position to the other.

Die Ausnehmungen in den Fortsätzen können die Gestalt eines Langloches mit Taille haben, sie können aber auch als Einschnitt mit Taille ausgebildet sein. In diesem Fall benötigt man am Beginn des Einschnitts eine Engstelle - ähnlich der Taille, die die Kappe in ihrer Raststellung zurückhält.The recesses in the extensions can have the shape of an elongated hole with a waist, but they can also be designed as an incision with a waist. In this case, you need a constriction at the beginning of the incision - similar to the waist, which holds the cap in its locked position.

Der Schalter ist in Aufbau und Funktion besonders einfach und doch vielseitig. Er erlaubt unterschiedliche Kontaktanordnungen, ohne den grundsätzlichen Aufbau zu verlassen. So können beide Kontakte eines Schalters an Kontaktfedern angebracht werden, und dann lassen sich beide Kontaktfedern durch Verschwenken des Gehäuses nach Wahl betätigen. Andererseits ist es auch möglich, den Gegenkontakt für ein an einer Kontaktfeder befindliches Kontaktstück als unbewegliches Kontaktstück (Festkontakt) auszubilden, entweder mittelbar am Sockel befestigt oder direkt an der Innenseite der Kappe angebracht, wobei die Zuleitung zu diesem Festkontakt auch durch die Kappe hindurch nach aussen geführt werden könnte. Der Schalter kann als Öffner und als Schließer gebaut werden.The switch is particularly simple in construction and function, yet versatile. It allows different contact arrangements without leaving the basic structure. So both contacts of a switch can be attached to contact springs, and then both contact springs can be operated by pivoting the housing of your choice. On the other hand, it is also possible to design the mating contact for a contact piece located on a contact spring as an immovable contact piece (fixed contact), either indirectly attached to the base or attached directly to the inside of the cap, the lead to this fixed contact also passing through the cap to the outside could be performed. The switch can be built as a break contact and a make contact.

Wahlweise besteht ferner die einfache Möglichkeit, dem Schalter durch Einbringen einer weiteren Kontaktfeder die Funktion eines Umschalters zu geben. Hierbei wird zwischen zwei Kontaktfedern eine dritte Kontaktfeder gebracht, mit welcher durch Verschwenken der Kappe entweder die eine oder die andere Kontaktfeder Kontakt gibt.Optionally, there is also an easy way to Switch by inserting another contact spring to give the function of a switch. Here, a third contact spring is brought between two contact springs, with which either the one or the other contact spring makes contact by pivoting the cap.

Um den nötigen Schwenkwinkel (Betätigungsweg) der Kappe klein zu halten, ist es von Vorteil, in der Kappe für die jeweils auszulenkende Kontaktfeder einen Anschlag anzubringen. Dieser wird vorzugsweise so angeordnet, dass bei geöffnetem Schalter die betreffende Kontaktfeder allenfalls mit geringer Vorspannung am Anschlag anliegt. Vorzugsweise ist der Anschlag justierbar, z.B. dadurch, dass er als elektrisch isolierende Stellschraube ausgebildet ist, die in einer Gewindebohrung der Kappe steckt und von aussen zugänglich ist.In order to keep the necessary swivel angle (actuation path) of the cap small, it is advantageous to make a stop in the cap for the contact spring to be deflected in each case. This is preferably arranged in such a way that when the switch is open, the contact spring in question rests against the stop with little pretension. The stop is preferably adjustable, e.g. in that it is designed as an electrically insulating set screw which is inserted in a threaded hole in the cap and is accessible from the outside.

Üblicherweise tragen die Kontaktfedern längliche, über Kreuz angeordnete und auf die Kontaktfedern aufgeschweißte Kontaktprofile und bestehen der Sockel und die Anschläge aus einem isolierenden Werkstoff.Usually, the contact springs have elongated, crosswise arranged and welded onto the contact springs contact profiles and the base and the stops consist of an insulating material.

Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in den beigefügten Zeichnungen dargestellt.

Figur 1
zeigt einen Schalter in Schrägansicht in Gebrauchsstellung,
Figur 2
zeigt den Schalter in Schrägansicht in Schließstellung,
Figur 3
zeigt den Schalter in Schrägansicht mit abgezogener Kappe,
Figur 4
zeigt den Schalter in Seitenansicht mit geschnittener Kappe,
Figur 5
zeigt den Schalter in Seitenansicht aus Richtung des Pfeiles V, und
Figur 6
zeigt in einer Darstellung wie in Figur 4 einen abgewandelten Schalter.
Embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1
shows a switch in an oblique view in the use position,
Figure 2
shows the switch in an oblique view in the closed position,
Figure 3
shows the switch in an oblique view with the cap removed,
Figure 4
shows the switch in side view with cut cap,
Figure 5
shows the switch in side view from the direction of arrow V, and
Figure 6
shows in a representation as in Figure 4 a modified switch.

Bei dem dargestellten Schalter handelt es sich um einen luftoffenen Schalter. Sein Gehäuse 1 besteht aus einem Sockel 2 und einer durch den Sockel 2 verschließbaren Kappe 3. Der Sockel 2 trägt zur Aufnahme der ihm gegenüberliegenden Kappe 3 zwei Zapfen 6 und zum Abdichten in Schließstellung der Kappe 3 einen Bund 14. Durch den Sockel 2 hindurch dicht nach aussen geführt sind die Anschlußteile 4 von zwei Kontaktfedern 5 und 10, die sich von dem Sockel 2 in die gegenüberliegende Kappe 3 erstrecken.The switch shown is an air-open switch. Its housing 1 consists of a base 2 and a cap 3 which can be closed by the base 2. The base 2 carries two pins 6 for receiving the cap 3 opposite it and a collar 14 for sealing in the closed position of the cap 3 are led outwards, the connecting parts 4 of two contact springs 5 and 10, which extend from the base 2 into the opposite cap 3.

Die auf den Sockel 2 aufschiebbare Kappe 3 trägt an ihrem offenen Ende zwei einander gegenüberliegende Fortsätze 7. Zur Aufnahme der Zapfen 6 befindet sich in jedem Fortsatz 7 ein Ausschnitt 8. Die Ausschnitte 8 werden durch eine Taille 9 unterteilt. Die Anordnung der Taille ist so getroffen, dass sich für die Aufnahme der Zapfen 6 zwei Raststellungen ergeben.The cap 3 which can be pushed onto the base 2 has at its open end two mutually opposite extensions 7. To receive the pins 6 there is a cutout 8 in each extension 7. The cutouts 8 are divided by a waist 9. The arrangement of the waist is such that there are two detent positions for receiving the pins 6.

An den abgerundeten Enden 16 der einander gegenüberliegenden Fortsätze 7 ist der Ausschnitt 8 enger als der Durchmesser der Zapfen 6, damit die Kappe 3 nur unter elastischem Aufbiegen der Fortsätze 7 ganz vom Sockel 2 abgezogen werden kann. Die in die Kappe 3 hineinragenden Kontaktfedern 5 und 10 liegen bei geöffnetem Schalter an je einem Anschlag 13, der in der Kappe 3 ausgebildet ist. Während der Lagerung, beim Transport und beim Anlöten der Anschlußfahnen 4 des Schalters befindet sich die Kappe 3 in ihrer Schließstellung (Fig. 2 und 4 und 5). Zur Ingebrauchnahme des Schalters wird die Kappe 3 in ihre zweite Raststellung (Fig. 1) gezogen. Sie kann nun verschwenkt werden und nach Wahl die Kontaktfeder 5 gegen die Kontaktfeder 10 oder die Kontaktfeder 10 gegen die Kontaktfeder 5 drücken.At the rounded ends 16 of the mutually opposite extensions 7, the cutout 8 is narrower than the diameter of the pins 6, so that the cap 3 can only be completely pulled off the base 2 by bending the extensions 7 elastically. When the switch is open, the contact springs 5 and 10 protruding into the cap 3 each lie on a stop 13 which is formed in the cap 3. During storage, transport and when soldering the terminal lugs 4 of the switch, the cap 3 is in its closed position (FIGS. 2 and 4 and 5). To put the switch into use, the cap 3 is pulled into its second latching position (FIG. 1). It can now be pivoted and, if desired, press the contact spring 5 against the contact spring 10 or the contact spring 10 against the contact spring 5.

Eine Erweiterung zur Bildung eines Umschalters ist einfach dadurch möglich, dass zwischen den Kontaktfedern 5 und 10 eine dritte Kontaktfeder angeordnet wird. Auf den Kontaktfedern 5 und 10 befinden sich Kontaktstücke 17 in Form von Profildrähten, welche über Kreuz angeordnet sind.An extension to form a changeover switch is possible simply by arranging a third contact spring between the contact springs 5 and 10. On the contact springs 5 and 10 there are contact pieces 17 in the form of profile wires which are arranged crosswise.

Der in Figur 4 dargestellte Schalter ist ein Schließer. Figur 6 zeigt einen abgewandelten Schalter als Öffner. Gleiche oder entsprechende Teile sind in Figur 6 mit denselben Bezugszahlen wie in Figur 4 bezeichnet. Gegenüber der Figur 4 sind die Kontaktfedern 5 und 10 aufeinander zu gebogen und über die Kontaktstücke 17 hinaus verlängert. Die Anschläge 13 sind entfallen und durch einen mittleren Anschlag 18 ersetzt, welcher zwischen den Enden der Kontaktfedern liegt und - je nach Schwenkrichtung der Kappe 3 - entweder die eine Kontaktfeder 5 oder die andere Kontaktfeder 10 auslenkt und dadurch den Schalter öffnet.The switch shown in Figure 4 is a make contact. Figure 6 shows a modified switch as a break contact. Identical or corresponding parts are designated in FIG. 6 with the same reference numbers as in FIG. 4. Compared to FIG. 4, the contact springs 5 and 10 are bent towards one another and extended beyond the contact pieces 17. The stops 13 are omitted and replaced by a middle stop 18, which is between the ends of the contact springs lies and - depending on the pivoting direction of the cap 3 - either one contact spring 5 or the other contact spring 10 deflects and thereby opens the switch.

Claims (9)

  1. An electric switch comprising a switching mechanism including at least two contact pieces (17), which are disposed in a housing (1), from which terminals (4) extend, which are connected to the contact pieces (17), and comprising actuating means for at least one of the contact pieces (17), which is mounted on a contact spring (5, 10), wherein the housing (1) consists of a base (2) and a cap (3), which is adapted to be closed by the base (2), and at least the terminal (4) for the contact piece (17) which is to be actuated extends out through and is sealed to the base (2) and at least the contact spring (5, 10) extends into the cap (3) in such an arrangement that the contact spring (5) is adapted to be deflected by a pivotal movement of the cap (3),
    characterised in that the cap (3) when it is in its closed position is adapted to be pulled from the base (2) to a position for use in which the cap (3) is pivoted to the base (2).
  2. A switch according to claim 1, characterised in that two pins (6) are provided on the base (2) and the cap (3) is pivoted to said pins (6).
  3. A switch according to claim 2, characterised in that the cap (3) is provided at its open end with two mutually opposite extensions (7), each extension (7) is formed with an aperture (8) for receiving one of the pins (6), each aperture (8) has two portions, which are separated by a waist (9) and serve to receive the associated pin (6), and the width of the waist (9) is smaller than the diameter of the pin.
  4. A switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that each contact piece (11) is mounted on a contact spring (5, 10).
  5. A switch according to claim 4, characterised in that a third contact spring is arranged between two mutually opposite contact springs (5, 10) and the cap (3) deflects one of the two outer contact springs (5) as the cap (3) is pivotally moved in one direction and the other (10) of the two outer contact springs (5) as the cap (3) is pivotally moved in the other direction.
  6. A switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a stop (13) for the respective contact spring (5, 10) to be deflected is provided in the cap (3).
  7. A switch according to claim 6, characterised in that the stop (13) is adjustable.
  8. A switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cap (1) is a loose part and can entirely be pulled from the base (2).
  9. A switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that for its actuation the cap (3) is pivotally movable in two directions form a position of rest and in doing so carries different contact springs (5, 10) along.
EP92923068A 1991-11-07 1992-11-05 Electric switch Expired - Lifetime EP0611481B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4136576A DE4136576A1 (en) 1991-11-07 1991-11-07 ELECTRIC SWITCH
DE4136576 1991-11-07
PCT/EP1992/002534 WO1993009554A1 (en) 1991-11-07 1992-11-05 Electric switch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0611481A1 EP0611481A1 (en) 1994-08-24
EP0611481B1 true EP0611481B1 (en) 1995-10-04

Family

ID=6444227

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92923068A Expired - Lifetime EP0611481B1 (en) 1991-11-07 1992-11-05 Electric switch

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5610377A (en)
EP (1) EP0611481B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE128788T1 (en)
DE (2) DE4136576A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2080524T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1993009554A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10042237C1 (en) * 2000-08-28 2002-04-18 Aeg Niederspannungstech Gmbh Bearing journal for rotary and pivoting components of switching device is formed in one piece with switching device housing part, has blind axial bore in which stiffening pin is inserted

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3221131A (en) * 1963-11-12 1965-11-30 Illinois Tool Works Push button switch for individual use or in an assembly of similar switches
DE1765235A1 (en) * 1968-04-23 1971-07-08 Zentrallaboratorium Rundfunk Switching module for the construction of multiple switching devices, preferably key switches, for communications equipment, especially for radio receivers, and a method for its production
US4185178A (en) * 1978-08-31 1980-01-22 Drees Anthony J Control cover for power window or power door lock
US4359611A (en) * 1980-07-22 1982-11-16 Northern Telecom, Inc. Modular switch
US4575592A (en) * 1984-12-21 1986-03-11 Amp Incorporated Electrical switch
DK165144C (en) * 1989-03-14 1993-02-22 Microtronic As SELF-MAKING, SELF-CLEANING ELECTRICAL SWITCHES
US4943692A (en) * 1989-03-28 1990-07-24 Mitsuku Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Cover integrated leaf switch
US5099095A (en) * 1989-05-15 1992-03-24 Daiichi Denso Buhin Co., Ltd. Lever switch device
JPH03111100A (en) * 1989-09-25 1991-05-10 Toshiba Corp Washer
DE3941100A1 (en) * 1989-12-13 1991-06-20 Philips Patentverwaltung Switch with leaf spring tongues - has movable ends of tongues surrounded by protective casing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE4136576A1 (en) 1993-05-13
DE59203922D1 (en) 1995-11-09
US5610377A (en) 1997-03-11
WO1993009554A1 (en) 1993-05-13
ATE128788T1 (en) 1995-10-15
ES2080524T3 (en) 1996-02-01
EP0611481A1 (en) 1994-08-24

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