EP2140466B1 - Electric switch - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an electrical switch according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Such switches are mainly used in electric hand tools, which have a power tool housing and a powered by a power source, located in the power tool housing electric motor, used as a power switch for switching on and / or off of the electric motor. These power tools may be drills, screwdrivers, angle grinders, saws, planers, grinders, orbital sanders, circular saws, or the like. To achieve a continuous operation in the on state, the switch can be designed lockable in the manner of a so-called lock-ON. On the other hand, it may also be desired to reduce the risk of accidents that the switch in the manner of a so-called lock-OFF is equipped with a switch-lock.

From the DE 24 10 871 A1 An electrical switch with a switch housing is known, in which there is a switching between a switch-off and a switch-on contact system. On the switch housing, an actuating member is movably mounted, which serves as a manual handle for switching the contact system. The switch further has a movable approximately transversely to the actuator manually between an initial and an actuated position locking element. By means of the locking element, the actuating member in the off state of the contact system in the manner of a lock-OFF can be blocked and / or fixed in the on state in the manner of a lock-ON. The locking element is elaborately designed and not suitable for all actuators of electrical switches.

Furthermore, in the DE 197 45 100 A1 an electrical switch with a linearly movable actuator which acts by means of a plunger on a contact system in the switch for switching the contact system between a switch-off and a switch-on state described. The switch also has a lock-OFF in the manner of a lock-OFF and / or a lock in the manner of a lock-on for the actuator. A blocking element, which is movable by means of a locking element, cooperates for this purpose with the actuating member or with the plunger in such a way that the actuating member in the OFF state for the lock-OFF is blocked or is held in the ON state for the lock-ON ,

Finally, the shows US Pat. No. 6,812,425 B1 a referred to as "Overhanging Trigger Switch" electrical switch with a pivotally mounted on the switch housing actuator, wherein an eccentrically hinged on the actuating member plunger leads into the switch housing for switching the contact system. The switch in turn has a switch-lock in the manner of a lock-OFF and a lock in the manner of a lock-ON, for this purpose a sliding locking element in the off state of the actuator blocking the actuator and in the on state of the actuator locking with the Actuator cooperates.

The invention has for its object to provide a simply designed realization of the lock-ON and / or lock-off function for an electrical switch, especially for use in power tools, wherein the locking element in a simple manner for use in actuators should be suitable for a so-called "Overhanging Trigger Switch".

This object is achieved in a generic electrical switch by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The switch according to the invention is a so-called Overhanging Trigger Switch. The switch has a switch housing, which serves among other things for receiving the contact system. The actuator is movably mounted on the switch housing. A plunger is in operative connection with the actuator and the contact system for switching the contact system. In contrast to the known switch acts here the locking element for holding and / or blocking the actuator together with the standing in operative connection to the contact system plunger, including an approach in the manner of an extension of the switch housing facing away from the plunger. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In this switch in a preferred embodiment, the actuating member is arranged pivotably about a pivot bearing on the switch housing. The plunger is hinged to the actuator by means of an engaging in a breakthrough on the actuator pin. The opening for the pin has a distance from the pivot bearing in the manner of an eccentric, such that the pivoting movement of the actuating member is substantially converted into a linear sliding movement of the plunger. The serving for switching the contact system plunger is movably mounted in the switch housing leading, for which there is a provided with a seal opening on the switch housing.

In order to allow an ergonomically good operation for the user, the locking element can be slidably mounted in the power tool housing. It is then, for reasons of versatility, to arrange the locking element for the Lock-OFF and the Lock-ON interchangeable in the power tool housing. Appropriately, the locking element by means of an elastic force which can be generated for example by a spring, from the operating position in the initial position recoverable.

In a simple and inexpensive embodiment of the pin is arranged substantially at the transition between the plunger and the approach. Appropriately, one acts Rib at the base with a corresponding receptacle on the locking element for the Lock-ON together. In order to allow a variable operation of the Lock-ON, it is also advisable to arrange the recording on two sides adjacent to a passage in the locking element, which serves for the passage of the approach upon movement of the actuating member. By means of such training is then advantageously the movement of the locking element allows both to the left and to the right for the lock-ON.

A likewise simple and cost-effective embodiment of the lock-OFF is that a locking surface on the approach cooperates with a corresponding mating surface on the locking element for the lock-OFF. Appropriately, there is a passage on the bolt element for the release of the approach. In order to allow a variable operation of the lock-off, it also makes sense here that each one passage is arranged on both sides of the counter surface. Advantageously, in turn, the movement of the locking element is thus possible both to the left and to the right for the lock-OFF. Preferably, the rib is located on the opposite side of the locking surface of the approach.

In an easily manufactured embodiment, the approach is approximately T-shaped. Appropriately, then the blocking surface is located at the top of the crossbar of the T's. The rib, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the crossbeam of the T, in that the rib forms the vertical bar of the T's.

In summary, the following can be said for a particularly preferred embodiment of the locking element. Switching on the switch is blocked with a slider (Lock-OFF). Actuation of the slide enables the switching on. When switching off the slider moves by spring force back into its locked position. The on position of the switch can be held by operating the slider and by means of a locking contour (Lock-ON). By actuating the switch, the slider moves by spring force back into the Ausgangspostion and the lock is released. Then the switch can be moved to the off position.

The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular that the locking element is easy and ergonomic for the user to use. In addition, the locking element is smooth, so that a snagging and / or jamming of the same is excluded. In particular, in the provision of the actuator means such jamming and / or hooking a significant risk of accidents for the user of the power tool. If it is a lock-off, then in such a case, the power tool is switched on unsecured. In a lock (Lock-ON), however, then the power tool is no longer off. It is immediately apparent that with the help of the invention, the reliability of the power tool is significantly increased.

Furthermore, the same switch is suitable both for use with locking and with lock-on. By simply changing the slider, the Lock-ON function can be switched to the Lock-OFF function, but the switch itself as well as the handles of the power tool remain the same. Thus, the storage of the switch is considerably simplified and the electrical switch can also be retrofitted as desired later. Overall, this reduces the cost of the electrical switch.

Fig. 1

ein Elektrowerkzeug mit einem Handgriff, in dem ein elektrischer Schalter angeordnet ist,

Fig. 2

den elektrischen Schalter aus Fig. 1 in Einzelansicht,

Fig. 3

den geöffnet dargestellten Handgriff aus Fig. 1 für die Lock-ON-Version,

Fig. 4

schematisch den Bewegungsablauf für den Lock-ON,

Fig. 5

den geöffnet dargestellten Handgriff aus Fig. 1 für die Lock-OFF-Version, und

Fig. 6

schematisch den Bewegungsablauf für den Lock-OFF.

Embodiments of the invention with various developments and refinements are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1

a power tool with a handle in which an electrical switch is arranged,

Fig. 2

the electrical switch off Fig. 1 in single view,

Fig. 3

the handle shown open Fig. 1 for the Lock-ON version,

Fig. 4

schematically the sequence of movements for the Lock-ON,

Fig. 5

the handle shown open Fig. 1 for the lock-off version, and

Fig. 6

schematically the sequence of movements for the Lock-OFF.

In Fig. 1 is a power tool 1 to see, which is powered by a voltage source. For example, the power tool 1 is a drill, a grinder, a saw, a planer, an angle grinder, a circular saw o. The like., Which has a power tool housing 2 with a handle 3. In the handle 3, the in Fig. 3 can be seen opened in the manner of a housing half shell, there is an electrical switch 4 with a manually movable actuator. 5

The in Fig. 2 shown switch 4 has a switch housing 6, which serves inter alia for receiving a merely schematically indicated, otherwise not shown further known contact system 20. The contact system 20 is switchable between a turn-off and a power-on state to take the power tool 1 into or out of operation. To switch the contact system 20, the actuator 5 is used as a manually operable handle, wherein a in Fig. 3 clearly visible plunger 7 is in operative connection with the actuator 5 and the contact system 20 for switching the contact system 20.

How farther Fig. 3 It is apparent in the power tool housing 2 of the power tool 1, a displaceably mounted locking element 8 is arranged, which is approximately transversely to the actuator 5 manually between an initial and an actuating position is movable. The locking element 8 is used so that the actuator 5 in the off state in the manner of a lock-off and / or in the power-on state in the manner of a lock-on for the contact system 20 can be blocked or retained. The locking element 8 cooperates with the plunger 7 for holding or blocking the contact system. The locking element 8 is arranged interchangeable for the lock-OFF and / or the lock-ON in the power tool housing 2. Next, the locking element 8 by means of an elastic force which is generated by a spring 13, from the operating position in the starting position recoverable.

The actuator 5 is movably mounted on the switch housing 6. For this purpose, the actuating member 5 is pivotally mounted about a pivot bearing 12 on the switch housing 6. The serving for switching the contact system 20 ram 7 is movably mounted on a provided with a seal opening 9 leading into the switch housing 6. Next, the plunger 7 is articulated on the actuating member 5 by means of a pin 10 engaging in an opening 10 on the actuating member 5. As you can see, the opening 10 for the pin 11 is spaced from the pivot bearing 12 in the manner of an eccentric, so that the pivoting movement of the actuator 5 is substantially converted into a linear sliding movement of the plunger 7.

At the plunger 7 is a projection 14 in the manner of an extension, which faces away from the switch housing 6. The pin 11 is disposed substantially in the vicinity of the transition between the plunger 7 and the projection 14. A rib 15 on the projection 14 cooperates with a corresponding receptacle 16 on the locking element 8 for the lock-ON. The receptacle 16, 16 'is arranged on two sides adjacent to a passage 17 in the locking element 8, wherein the passage 17 is used for the passage of the projection 14 during movement of the actuating member 5. Thus, the movement of the locking element 8 for the lock-ON is possible both to the left and / or to the right. This sequence of movements for lock-on is schematically shown in Fig. 4 shown closer.

For the lock-OFF, according to another embodiment in Fig. 5 can be seen, a blocking surface 18 on the lug 14 cooperates with a mating surface 19 corresponding thereto on the locking element 8. On the bolt element 8 is a passage 17 ', 17 "for Preferably, one passage 17 ', 17 "is arranged on both sides of the mating surface 19, so that in turn the movement of the locking element 8 to the left and / or right is made possible Fig. 6 to see closer.

As by comparison of Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 can be seen, the rib 15 is located on the locking surface 18 opposite side of the projection 14. The projection 14 is configured in an approximately T-shaped. In this case, the blocking surface 18 is located at the top of the crossbar of the T's. Furthermore, the rib 15 is located at the bottom of the crossbar of the T's, namely the rib 15 forms the vertical bar of the T's. Thus, if desired, the lock-ON and the lock-OFF can also be arranged in combination for the switch 4 in the power tool 1.

The invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments. Rather, it also encompasses all expert developments within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. Thus, the invention can not only be used in power tool switches in power tools, but can also be found on other lockable and / or lockable and / or lockable switches, such as those for household electrical appliances, electrical gardening equipment, machine tools o.

Reference numeral list:

1:

power tool

2:

Electric tool housing

3:

handle

4:

electrical switch

5:

actuator

6:

Switch housing

7:

tappet

8th:

locking element

9:

Opening (on the switch housing)

10:

Breakthrough (on the actuator)

11:

Pin (on the plunger)

12:

Pivot bearing (for actuator)

13:

Spring (for locking element)

14:

Approach (on the ram)

15:

Rib (at the neck)

16.16 ':

Recording (on the locking element)

17:

Passage (in the locking element for lock-on)

17 ', 17 ":

Passage (in the locking element for Lock-OFF)

18:

Blocking area (at the base)

19:

Counter surface (on the locking element)

20:

Contact system

Claims (13)

1. An electric switch, in particular for an electric tool housing (2) having electric tools (1), such as drilling machines, grinders, saws, planes, right-angle grinders, circular saws or the like, with a contact system (20) that can be switched between a switch-off status and a switch-on status, with a switch housing (6) for receiving the contact system (20), with a movable actuating element (5) for switching the contact system (20), wherein a tappet (7) is in cooperation with the actuating element (5) as well as the contact system (20) for switching the contact system (20), wherein the actuating element (5) is arranged pivotable about a pivot bearing on the switch housing (6), wherein the tappet (7) is hinged at the actuating element (5) in the form of an eccentric spaced apart from the pivot bearing (12), such that the pivoting movement of the actuating element (5) is substantially transformed into a sliding movement of the tappet (7), and with a locking element (8) movable between an initial position and an actuation position, such that the actuating element (5) can be maintained and/or blocked in the switch-off status in the form of a lock-OFF and/or in the switch-on status in the form of a lock-ON of the contact system (20), characterized in that an extension piece (14) in the form of an extension turned away from the switch housing (6) is located on the tappet (7), and that the locking element (8) interacts with the extension piece (14) on the tappet (7) in order to maintain and/or block the actuating element (5).
2. An electric switch according to Claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (8) is movable approximately transverse to the actuating element (5).
3. An electric switch according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tappet (7) is hinged by means of a pin (11) on the actuating element (5) engaging into a breakthrough (10) on the actuating element (5), that the breakthrough (10) for the pin (11) is spaced apart from the pivot bearing (12), and that the tappet (7) serving for the switching of the contact system (20) is mounted guidingly at an opening (9) provided with a seal movable into the switch housing (6).
4. An electric switch according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the locking element (8) is mounted movably in the electric tool housing (2), and that the locking element (8) is resettable from the actuation position into the initial position by means of an elastic force generated by a spring (13).
5. An electric switch according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking element (8) for the lock-OFF and/or the lock-ON is arranged interchangeably in the electric tool housing (2).
6. An electric switch according to any one of Claims 1 to5, characterized in that the pin (11) is arranged substantially at the transition between the tappet (7) and the extension piece (14).
7. An electric switch according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a rib (15) on the extension piece (14) interacts with a receptacle (16, 16') corresponding thereto on the locking element (8) for the lock-ON.
8. An electric switch according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the receptacle (16, 16') is arranged on two sides adjacent to a passage (17) in the locking element (8), which serves for the engagement of the extension piece (14) in case of movement of the actuating element (5).
9. An electric switch according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a locking surface (18) on the extension piece (14) interacts with a counter surface (19) corresponding thereto of the locking element (8) for the lock-OFF.
10. An electric switch according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a passage (17', 17") of the locking element (8) is arranged for the release of the extension piece (14).
11. An electric switch according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the passage (17', 17") is located on both sides of the counter surface (19).
12. An electric switch according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the rib (15) is located on the side of the extension piece (14) opposite the locking surface (18).
13. An electric switch according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the extension piece (14) is designed approximately T-shaped, that the locking surface (18) is located on the upper side of the crossbar of the T, and that the rib (15) is located on the underside of the crossbar of the T, while the rib (15) forms the vertical bar of the T.

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