EP2135269B1 - Electric switch - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric switch with flexible, fork-shaped contactor having an end area with first and second contact points. At least one tension strip and at least one arched section extends from the contactor in such manner that changing the switch from a normal position, in which the first contact point is in contact with a first contact surface, to a switched position, in which the second contact point is in contact with a second contact surface, and vice-versa, takes place by deformation of the tension strip while an angle formed at the transition, between the arched section and the end area of the contactor, remains substantially unchanged.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical switch with an elastically deformable contactor, which can be moved against a spring force from a basic position to a switching position, wherein a connection of the contactor changes from a first to a second selective contact body. A switch of this kind is used for example in EP 0 837 483 A2 mentioned as prior art and is shown in Fig. 24 of the document.

In this known switch, a common contact body for both switching states, an elastically deformable contactor, an actuating element, a first and a second selective contact body and a lever is arranged in a housing in a housing. The elastically deformable contactor has a substantially elongated pull tab and a curved portion arranged in parallel to the pull tab in plan view. The contactor further comprises an area connecting the pull tab and the arched area, which has a contact point arranged on both sides of the curvature. By an actuating element which can be actuated from the outside, the elastic contactor is elastically deformed from a basic position in which it is in communication with a first selective contact body in such a way that the contactor is brought into contact with a second elective contact body. By releasing the actuator, the elastically deformable contactor relaxes at least partially and returns to its normal position, whereby the actuator returns to its original position.

Switches of this type are executed, inter alia, in the miniature or subminiaturbereich and serve switching tasks in which a normally closed electrical contact is temporarily interrupted by mechanical action on the actuator or a connection to a second contact is made, which for the time in which the actuator in the switching position is maintained. In a further application, however, the actuating element or the contactor can also be locked.

Switches of this type are particularly suitable for tasks of position detection in automatic processes. However, typical application areas can also be locking systems, body and interior areas of a vehicle as well as various position queries in household appliances or other mechanisms.

From the DE 1 989 468 the expert gets the indication that a relative movement between the contact points, which is substantially perpendicular to the switching direction, is advantageous so that the contact points remain free of abrasion or dirt particles. The relative movement in the switch is achieved by a longitudinal expansion of a divided into two areas central spring / switching spring. In this case, a rigid region of the switching spring is moved in the longitudinal direction of the switch via an angle, which in turn is deflected by an actuating spring. In this elongation of the switching spring of the lower meandering part of the switching spring is elastically deformed This happens in that the actuating spring is deflected by the common attachment point with the switching spring in the housing, wherein the switching spring is limited in their freedom of movement by the two contacts. This results in a deflection movement of the actuating spring beyond the abutment points of the switching spring to a relative movement acting in the longitudinal direction of the actuating spring between the actuating spring and the switching spring such that the contact point on the connection point is moved parallel to the respective contact plane. This elaborate mechanism not only has the disadvantage that three components are necessary to produce a relative movement between the contacts, but also the disadvantage that for the linear movement of the switching spring to be generated, a large rotary deflection of the actuating spring is necessary, which in turn leads to a large Construction of the switch leads.

Auslegeschrift 1 168 993 also deals with an electric snap-action switch with the aim of making the friction and rolling movements of the contact pieces stronger. In this case, a rigid contact arm, which is articulated at its end facing away from the contact points, reciprocated by a switching arm between two terminals. The switching arm is in turn deflected by an actuating element at one end. The other end of the switching arm is articulated to a common terminal. To support a first contact in the basic position of the switch is a C-spring, which is more overarched upon actuation of the actuator. The overall articulation of the rigid contact arm and the circular deflection of the switching arm effect only very small linear movements of the contact point of the rigid contact arm on the contact point of the terminal. Again, there is no linear movement of the contact point of the contact on the contact surface of the terminal instead.

DE 1 917 411 U describes an electrical switch with a one-piece elastically deformable contactor, which is composed of three areas: a flat in all switching states leaf spring area, a portion of a compression spring tongue and a free end portion. On the leaf spring / Umschaltfederbereich a first and a second contact point are arranged on the opposite surfaces. From the Umschaltfederbereich extends a compression spring tongue, which is supported on a cutting edge bearing. The free end portion is bent over the Umschaltfeder by about 180 ° and is supported on a projection on the housing. Upon transfer of the switch from a home position in which the switching spring is in communication with an upper contact, in a switching position in which the switching spring is in contact with a contact, the compression spring tongue is arched, at the same time the leaf spring area (without experiencing a deformation ) is guided by the actuator in the direction of the switching point. After passing the switching point, the switching spring snaps from the upper contact to the lower contact.

Due to the change in the over-arching of the compression spring tongue, until the change-over point on the connection piece (contact) is reached, a slight frictional movement of the switch-over spring occurs on the contact point of the upper connection piece. It is found that the smaller the design of the switch and the shorter the switching paths of the switch are selected, the smaller the friction movement of the switching spring on the respective fittings.

In the known switch from the in EP 0 837 483 A2 cited prior art, which is assumed as the closest prior art, a spring mechanism for the contactor is known, which is responsible for switching from a first contact point to a second contact point. In particular, the distance between the two selector contact body and the spring strength of the leaf spring are important influencing factors. Thus, it is advantageous for the known switch to use a relatively strong leaf spring in the arched area to ensure the contact forces at the first and second contact safely. By such a strong leaf spring inevitably increase the actuation forces for such a switch and the pull tab must therefore be formed as rigid as possible.

The support of the curved portion with its free end on the common contact body causes the contactor is pushed upward, the system at the first contact point causes a torque such that the free end of the pull tab which is attached to the lever, the Push lever together with the actuator in the starting position. When the actuator is moved into the housing, the free end of the pull tab moves towards the support point of the arched area, and when this is achieved, there is an equilibrium such that further movement of the free end of the pull tab will result in linear movement of the end portion the contactor is triggered from the first contact point to the second contact point. However, before the contactor releases from the first contact point, ie before the pull tab reaches the support point of the arched area, a linear movement in the longitudinal direction of the pull tab is effected at the first contact point. This occurs because the pull tab on the lever which rotates in the Housing is attached, performs a circular arc movement about the pivot point of the lever. At the same time the end portion of the contactor is inhibited by the contact point of the contact point in its movement in the direction of the contact surface and therefore performs only the part of the movement of the pull tab, which is directed in the longitudinal direction of the switch.

After passing the switching point, i. After the pull tab has passed the support point of the curved portion, the end portion changes from the first contact point to the second contact point. This is done in an approximately linear, directed perpendicular to the pull tab movement or by a substantially parallel displacement of the contactor in the direction of actuation of the actuating element. After switching the second contact point of the contactor completes another arcuate movement with further movement of the pull tab, wherein the second contact point rolls on its support point in the same direction as the arcuate movement of the pull tab. It therefore comes on the second contact point to a greatly reduced linear motion or to a greatly reduced sliding or rubbing of the contact point on the contact surface in the longitudinal direction of the switch. Under certain geometric conditions, the linear movement of the contact points on the contact surfaces goes to zero.

Thus, even with often required low actuation forces, can be reliably switched between the two contact points, a linear movement in or against the pulling direction of the pull tab, ie, substantially in the longitudinal direction on both contact points take the recording or the housing. By such a linear movement on the individual contact surfaces whose cleanliness is maintained and it can be switched larger loads at the same contact pressure as if such a linear movement does not take place.

For the known electrical switch, this means that a higher load could be switched at the first selection contact than at the second selection contact. Thus, the second contact point in the known switch determines the switchable by the electrical switch load.

Short current and voltage spikes, as e.g. occur when switching capacitor or induction loads, can lead to welding of the contacts. Due to the linear friction movement of the contact surfaces to each other during the operation of the switch welds of the contacts are promptly broken again. Thus, the smaller the linear friction path, the more likely contact welding will be. In the known switch, at the second contact point, the linear friction movement is transferred by the rotary movement of the contactor into a pure unwinding of the contact point on the contact surface. Impurities or particles deposit on the contact surfaces over their lifetime and lead to welds between the contact points and the contact surfaces.

In the case of stronger impurities or larger particles, such a rolling-off can lead to an electrical failure of the switch, since these particles are not removed from the contact surfaces by a frictional movement of the contact points.

US 3,548,132 describes a miniature precision snap-action switch which has a one-piece elastically deformable contactor. The contactor is bent at an end portion substantially at 180 °, with its end is firmly received on a common contact. The substantially parallel to the folded area extending leaf spring area has a built-in freed Überwölbung which presses in interaction with the folded area a contact against a first selector switch. By squeezing the folded area over an actuating element snaps after sweeping a dead center of the contact from first selector switch to a second selector switch. In this position, the leaf spring can be elastically deformed due to the contact of the contact on the second selection contact body by further Hineinbewegen of the actuating element within the switch housing, since the contact is pressed with respect to the actuating force on an abutment. The elastic deformation of the leaf spring region causes a movement of the contact directed perpendicular to the actuating force on the contact surface, which is possible only on the second contact surface. Since the geometric conditions do not permit such a deformation of the leaf spring at the first contact point, the current which can be switched via the first contact point limits the currents which can be switched with the switch.

US 3,578,926 describes an electrical switch with a canted, elastically deformable contactor according to the preamble of claim 1.

The object of the invention is to provide an electrical switch with a spring mechanism in which a sufficient linear movement takes place both on a first contact surface and on a second contact surface and thus the disadvantages of the prior art are avoided. It should be ensured a simple structure, ease of manufacture and easy installation and reliable operation with a long life.

The solution of this object is achieved with a switch with the features of claim 1.

Preferred developments of the switch according to the invention are specified in the dependent subclaims.

The elastically deformable contactor of the switch according to the invention is so movable as in the prior art that the contactor with the contact points is alternately with two contact surfaces of elective contact bodies in conductive or non-conductive connection. By a more flexible design of the pull tab relative to the curved portion is achieved that when moving the lever to which the tension spring is connected, a deformation of the tension spring is effected and an end portion of the contactor, in its angled position with respect to the curved portion of the contactor almost unchanged is held. By maintaining the angle between the arched region and the end region, it is achieved that no rotational movement takes place between the contact point and the contact surface around the contact point of the contact point on the contact surface. At the same time forced by the forced arcuate movement of the pull tab of the contact point on the contact surface in a linear movement in the longitudinal direction of the recording, since the abutment of the end portion of a contact surface prevents movement in the direction of the surface normal of the contact surface.

In the longitudinal direction of the switch while the Hauptausdehnungsrichtung the pull tab is referred to in the normal position of the switch. Regardless of the mounting position of the switch according to the invention, this direction should also be referred to as the horizontal direction of the switch. The vertical direction of the switch is defined by the distance between the two contact surfaces, where "top" refers to the side of the contactor in which the actuator is in the home position.

Due to the maintenance or only slight or minimal change in the angle between the end portion of the contactor and the curved portion of the contactor rotation of the contact point is avoided at the contact point on the contact surface at both contact surfaces. Therefore, even on the second contact surface, a linear movement takes place in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle, and impurities or particles can be effectively removed therefrom. Even a welding of the contact point with the contact surface can be prevented as far as possible. If welding still occurs, they can be broken by the forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the switch.

Preferably, the contactor is configured so that it has two curved areas spaced from each other, between which a pull tab formed in such a way that it is without the angle between the arched area and end to change range, is elastically deformable. In plan view, the two arched areas are substantially parallel to the flexible pull tab. The end region of the contactor connects on one side or at one end the two curved regions and one end of the pull tab. The contactor thus has an approximately fork-like appearance in plan view, which has at least two projections or prongs. At least one extension is designed as a pull tab and an extension as a curved portion. The end of the arched area is based in the installed state on the necessary for both switching states for the passage of an electrical signal common contact body from the end of the pull tab is attached to an end portion of the rotatably mounted lever. If the rotatably mounted lever is deflected by the actuating element, essentially only the pull tab deforms, the deformation remaining in the elastic range. The attachment point of the pull tab on the end portion of the lever simultaneously describes an arcuate movement by the forced arcuate movement of the attachment point or the connection point between pull tab and lever and the simultaneous support of the end portion via the contact points on the contact surfaces is achieved that generates a force in the longitudinal direction of the switch becomes, which moves the contact point on the contact surface linearly approximately horizontally. Due to the relative to the pull tab relatively rigid connection of the curved portion of the contactor to the end portion of the contactor, an angle in the transition region between the curved portion and the end portion is not changed during deflection of the lever.

In another embodiment, only a curved region is provided on the contactor, which is arranged centrally in plan view between two webs of the pull tab. In this case, the curved area is designed so stable that there is no change in angle between the curved area and the end area upon deformation of the lateral Zuglaschenbereiche. The free end of the arched area is in turn supported on the common contact body and the two Zuglaschenbereiche are at the end, which faces away from the end portion, connected to each other and attached to the lever in a deflection of the lever or the connection point of the Pull tab on the lever substantially only the pull tab or the pull tab areas, which are arranged laterally adjacent to the curved area, deformed .. Simultaneously with the deformation of the pull tab is the curvature of the curved area However, the angle, which is strictly mathematically spanned by a tangent to the curved portion at the crease line between curved portion and end portion and the end portion, during the movement of the connection point of the pull tab is not changed substantially. By supporting the contact points on the respective contact surfaces of the selector contact body, the arcuate movement which takes place the connection point of the pull tab on the lever is forced into a linear movement in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle or the switch. This takes place both at the first contact surface, in which the electrical switch is in the basic position, and at the second contact surface, when the electrical switch is in a switching position.

The inventively enforced linear movements of the contact points on the contact surfaces both on the first selection contact body and on the second selection contact body is achieved that disturbing foreign layers are mechanically eliminated. The frictional movement of the contact points on the contact surfaces is also important if the switch must be operated under adverse environmental conditions and occur, for example, oxide layers, silicate layers or other undesirable deposits on the contact surfaces. Due to the simple design of the contactor according to the invention can thus be achieved that a self-cleaning of the contact surfaces and the contact points in the electrical switch with spring mechanism according to the invention. Due to the friction movements on both contact surfaces, a welding of the contact points is counteracted with the contact surfaces. This has the consequence that with the switch according to the invention larger loads than with the switch according to the prior art can be switched with equally trained contact spring / contactor.

By deformable in the elastic region without much effort pull tab can with little effort, i. With a low switching actuation force, a high contact force can be generated by a suitable design of the curved area, while at the same time achieving a large friction path, ie h. the length of the friction movement on the respective contact surface.

With regard to the embodiment of the switch according to the invention is not limited to embodiments, as they are known for example from the above-mentioned prior art, but is essential to the invention, in contrast, a rigid connection of the curved Area of the contactor to the end of the contactor and a flexible connection of the pull tab to the end, ie a slightly deformable in the elastic region designed tension spring. The tension spring moves the end portion of the contactor substantially linear and parallel to the contact surfaces of the selector contact body with simultaneous elastic over-buckling of the curved portion of the contactor.

According to the invention, it does not matter whether a pivot point of the lever, which is deflected by the actuating element, is arranged in the longitudinal direction in front of or behind the contact region of the contact point and the contact surfaces. Preferably, however, the contact area of the switch between the attachment point of the pull tab on the lever and the pivot point of the lever is arranged. By such an arrangement, the angular movement of the lever in the fulcrum and thus the loss of force occurring is reduced to a minimum and thus kept the operating force as low as possible. The lever arm, which is effective for the rotary movement of the lever, oscillates around its maximum.

In addition, by a possible elongated design of the lever, i. achieved by an arrangement of the pivot point and the attachment point on different sides of the contact area, that despite high contact forces, which result from the arched area and provide the necessary contact force, the actuation forces for the switch using leverages remain low.

Preferably, the actuating element is moved in a linear direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces of the selector contact body and thereby deflects the lever so that the connection point at the non-rotatably mounted end of the lever describes a circular motion. This circular movement is counteracted by the support of the points of contact of the contact points on the contact surfaces via the pull tab into a linear movement of the points of contact of the contact surfaces on the contact surfaces. the rotation of the lever can also be effected by a rotational movement of the actuating element with a suitable arrangement of the actuating element. It is conceivable, for example, that an actuating element forms an extension of the pull tab or of the lever.

Conventionally, the actuating element is brought by pressing from a basic position to a switching position in which the second contact point touches the second contact surface. Upon release of the actuator, the contactor and the actuator due to the elastic tension within the pull tab and the curved portion brought back into the basic position by the lever, which is in contact with the actuating element.

In a further embodiment, the actuating element can also be locked in the switching position in order, for example, to be brought back into the basic position upon repeated actuation of the actuating element by the elastic partial relaxation of the contactor.

Preferably, the convex side of the curved portion of the elastically deformable contactor on the actuating element, ie upwards. In this case, the support point of the curved region is chosen so that it is supported on the common contact body on the side of the flexible pull tab on which the curvature is not. Further, the supporting point of the curved portion is arranged on the common contact body at a distance from the flexible pull tab, so that the spring force of the biased mounted curved portion generates a torque in the basic position of the contactor and so the first contact point at the end portion of the contactor with a first contact surface the first selector contactor is biased in communication and the actuator remains in its initial position.

Upon deflection of the lever to which the pull tab is attached to a point where the vertical distance between the flexible pull tab and the support point of the arched portion to the common contact body becomes zero, the first contact location remains in communication with the first contact surface. Here, the switching point is reached, since at this point the torque which presses the first contact point on the first contact point, because of the lack of lever arm is also zero. Preferably, the switching point or the switching time is reached half way of the actuating element from the basic position to the switching position. However, such a configuration is not mandatory.

If the lever is further deflected and the pull tab further away from the curved portion, the end portion of the contactor is pulled by the pull tab on the second contact surface. In this case, the end region describes a nearly linear, substantially vertical movement and the second contact point is in communication with the second contact surface. Here, the force exerted on the actuator deforms the flexible pull tab, forcing it on a curved path. At the same time, the arched area is elastically arched over by the arcuate movement of the pull tab.

Due to the bulging of the arched area, the angle, which is spanned by the curved area and the end area, not changed. Rather, the joint of end and arched area remains unchanged in their relative position to each other and is only changed by the arcuate trajectory of the pull tab in their spatial position. The farther the lever is deflected, which is preferably done via a perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation of the recording, the more the curved area is pulled together by the pull tab and arched over. At the same time the pull tab is further elastically deformed, being moved in its spatial arrangement in the receptacle on an arcuate path.

By this further movement of the pull tab on the arcuate path and by the support or the support of the second contact point on the second contact surface, a linear movement of the contact point in the longitudinal direction of the end portion is generated on the second contact surface.

Specifically, in the movement of the flexible pull tab from the switching point to the switching position, in which the second contact point is in communication with the second contact surface is achieved by the almost invariability of the angle between the arched portion and end portion that the end portion and the pull tab is not in a plane lie. Due to the relatively rigid connection between the arched region and the end region to which the pull tab is also attached, and the forced arcuate path, the end region is moved approximately parallel to the contact surfaces in the direction of the connection point of the pull tab with the lever. In this case, the second contact point is supported with its support point on the contact surface, so that the movement component perpendicular to the contact surface of the end portion can not be performed, and the contact force can act in this direction.

In the preferred embodiment, the contactor is arranged in the receptacle, that its curved portion is arranged on the same side of the pull tab as the actuating element. However, an inverted arrangement of the contactor, ie with the curved area on the other side, d. h under the pull tab possible, with a suitable choice of the support point of the curved portion of the common Contact body, the basic position and the switching position are interchanged with each other over the above-described embodiment. However, the position of the actuating element does not change in the basic position. However, the actuating element can not only be arranged such that it causes a deflection of the lever by pressing, but this can also be done by a pulling movement or a rotary movement. Suitable reversal of the movement sequences or lever ratios as well as appropriate change of the translatory movement of the actuating element into a rotary or arcuate movement are suitable means for a person skilled in the art to adapt the switch to its operating conditions.

Preferably, the contactor is made of only one material. By this, it can be understood, for example, that the arched area, the end area and the flexible pull tab are produced from a flat flat strip material by longitudinal cuts and suitable plastic deformations. The contactor can be made of any electrically conductive material, which can be elastically deformed within the limits of movement, especially the pull tab. Furthermore, the material of the contactor in the connecting region of the curved region with the end region should have a rigidity such that the angle which is clamped between the curved region and the end region is not changed in the case of elastic deformations of the pull tab.

Of course, with proper bonding of the arched portion to the end portion, always on the premise that the angle between the arched portion and the end portion is substantially unchanged upon deformation of the arched portion and the pull tab, the pull tab, arched portion, or end portion may be used each formed of a different material. Another possibility of forming the contactor would be an integrally formed curved portion with an invariably angled in its end portion, to which a pull tab is so rotatably mounted, for example, that it can be connected to the lever, and so a tensile force in the direction of the pull tab on the Transfers end, whereby on the one hand the linear movements of the contact points is ensured on the contact surfaces, and on the other hand, the change of contact points from one contact surface to the other contact surface is accomplished by deflecting the lever.

In the embodiment of the contactor so many possibilities are conceivable, but always the immutability of the angle between the curved portion and end portion of the contactor with elastic deformation of the contactor and a continuous conductivity of the contact point of the contactor with the support point of the curved portion on the common Contact body must be guaranteed. However, it is conceivable that one of the two sides of the end portion of the contactor on one of the two selective contact body does not form a conductive connection to form solely a switch, which accomplished either a conductive connection or a non-conductive connection. A so-called on / off switch.

As for the contactor also applies to the material of the contact points of the contact body, that this does not have to match the material of the contactor and preferably may consist of the material of the contact surfaces of the selector contact body

Furthermore, the contact surfaces which are applied to the selector contact bodies must not consist of the material of the selector contactors, just as the materials of the two selector contact bodies need not correspond to one another. However, the common contact body and the two selector contact bodies with the contact surfaces must be - at least for one Contact contact body with contact surface - have an electrically conductive material, so that the function of the switch is guaranteed. Preferably, however, one will choose the material of the contact points equal to the material of the contact surfaces.

Preferably, the actuating element, the common contact body, the contactor and the two selector contact body is arranged in a housing which is closed by a lid. However, this case can also be a receptacle that is largely unlocked. If the switch is used in moist outdoor areas, it is preferred in addition to a suitable seal between the housing and cover that the actuating element, which is movable, is additionally sealed by, for example, a membrane with respect to the housing or the lid.

Even if the linear movement of the contact points effected on the contact surfaces according to the invention provides good protection against welding of the contact points with the contact surfaces, this protection can be enhanced by turning the contact points about an axis, which is preferably parallel to the pull tab, or a detachment the welding be favored. Through a so-designed twisting of the end region with respect to the pull tab occurs at the forced linear movement at the same time to a kind of screw movement on the contact surfaces and the welds of the contact points with the contact surfaces can be easily broken or solved each other.

Figur 1:

eine Schnittdarstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfin- dungsgemäßen Schalters,

Figur 2:

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Schalters aus Figur 1,

Figuren 3 a) bis d):

zeigen den erfindungsgemäßen Schalter gemäß Figur 1 in den verschiedenen Schaltstellungen,

Figuren 4 a) und b):

zeigen weitere Ausführungsformen des Kontaktgebers.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated in the figures. The figures show:

FIG. 1:

a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the inventive switch,

FIG. 2:

a perspective view of the switch FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 3 a) to d):

show the switch according to the invention according to FIG. 1 in the different switch positions,

FIGS. 4 a) and b):

show further embodiments of the contactor.

FIG. 1 1 shows a contact transmitter 8 which is arranged approximately centrally in a receptacle 2 or in a housing 2 and has a curved region 16, a pull tab 14 and an end region 18. Between the end portion 18 and the curved portion 16, an angle 17 is clamped, which remains almost unchanged with elastic deformation of the contactor.

In the in the FIG. 1 In the basic position illustrated switch according to the invention is a first contact point 10 in the end portion 18 of the contactor 8 to a first contact surface 22 of a first Wahlkontaktkörpers 20 and forms over the support point 34 is a continuous conductive connection between the common contact body 6, the contactor 8, the first contact point 10, the support point 34, the first contact surface 22 and the first select contact body 20. In the FIG. 1 Below and approximately parallel to the contactor 8, or to its pull tab 14 is arranged in parallel, there is a lever 28 which is rotatably mounted in the housing 2 with an end region in the pivot point 30. The lever 28 is further connected to an attachment point 32 with the pull tab 14 of the contactor 8. If the lever 28 by pressing the actuator 4 to the Fulcrum 30 is rotated, the pull tab 14 is guided in an arcuate path around the pivot point 30.

At the same time the contactor 8 is attached to the free end of the curved portion 16 at the support point 36 on the contact body 6 such that the elastic deformation of the curved portion 16 via the support point 36 which is mounted below the pull tab 14, a torque on the contactor exerts, so that the support point 34 is pressed against the first contact surface 22. Due to the much stronger design of the curved portion 16 relative to the pull tab 14, the torque released by it pushes the support point 34 further against the first contact surface 22, while the pull tab 14 is forced into the arcuate path until the pull tab 14 reaches the support point 36. In this case, only the force component directed in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle 2 shifts the end region 18 of the contactor 8 in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle 2 on the contact surface 22.

This means that a linear movement of the support point 34 on the contact surface 22 is achieved by the arcuate movement of the pull tab 14 about the pivot point 30.

The arrangement of the two selector contact body 20 and 24 and the common contact body 6, the contactor 8 and the actuating element 4 is only one embodiment, which can be modified to meet a variety of conditions of use of such a switch.

In FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the switch off FIG. 1 Here, it can be clearly seen that the curved region 16 of the contactor 8 is substantially stronger, ie more stable, than the pull tab 14. The end region 18, angled relative to the curved region, can also be seen, which extends in FIG FIG. 2 In the initial position, that is, the first contact point 10 is in conductive connection with the first election contact body 20. By easily deformable in the elastic region pull tab 14 is achieved that upon transfer of the contactor from the basic position to the switching point and further into the switching position, in Essentially only the pull tab 14 is elastically deformed and the radius of curvature of the curved portion is more curved due to the linear movement of the end portion. Next is out FIG. 2 It can be seen that the angular position between the curved area and the end area will not change.

The FIGS. 3 a) to d ) show the switch according to the invention according to FIG. 1 in different positions. It shows FIG. 3 a) the switch in the home position, in which the first contact point 10 is in conductive connection with the first contact surface 22 on the first select contact body 20. Due to the vertical spacing of the support point 36 of the curved region on the common contact body 6, a torque is generated by the curved region 16, which presses the contact point 10 against the contact surface 22,

Upon actuation of the actuating element 4, the lever 28 is first in the switching point, which in FIG. 3 b) is shown brought. In this position, the vertical distance between pull tab 14 and support point 36 is no longer present and thus the torque which presses the contact point 10 to the contact surface 22 has dropped to zero. As compared to the Figures 3 a) and 3b ) is recognizable, is essentially only elastically deformed by the deflection of the lever 28, the pull tab 14. On the curved area 16, however, a slight decrease in the radius of curvature can be observed. However, the end portion undergoes virtually no change in its angular position with respect to the lever or with respect to the selector contact body 20. The support point 34 is moved closer to the contact body 6 only in its horizontal position by the linear movement, as from the distance between the two vertical lines, which from the support point 34 in the FIGS. 3 a) and 3 b ) downwards or upwards, recognizable. This distance represents the length of the friction path or the linear movement of the contact point 10 on the contact surface 22.

If the lever 28 in FIG. 3 b) pressed further down, the vertical movement is first transmitted directly to substantially directly without further deformation of the contactor 8 and the contactor 8 includes a conductive connection with the second selection contact body 24 after the end portion 18 of the contactor 8 has completed a vertical movement. Now the second contact point 12 is located on a second contact point 35 on the second contact surface 26. Upon further movement of the actuator 4, the lever 28 is further deflected and forces the pull tab 14 further on an arcuate path around the pivot point 30 of the lever 28. Since the support point 35, the arcuate movement of the pull tab 14 due to its abutment on the second contact surface 26 does not follow can, upon further deflection of the lever 28 of the support point 35 moves approximately horizontally on the second contact surface 26 to the common contact body 6. The friction path of the support point 35 between the switching time, which also in FIG. 3 d) is shown, and the switching position, which in FIG. 3 c) is represented by the distance between the two vertical lines, that of the two FIGS. 3 c) and 3 d ), from the support point 35 up or down, clarifies. This distance represents the length of the friction path or the linear movement of the contact point 12 on the contact surface 26. This friction path improves the self-cleaning of the contact surface 26 and at the same time makes it difficult to weld the contact point 12 to the contact surface 26.

The switch according to the invention is of the switching position of FIG. 3 c) in the switching point of FIG. 3 d) transferred by the pressure on the actuator 4 is reduced, so that the potential energy stored in the elastically deformable contactor 8, the actuator 4 moves in the plane up. The pull tab covers the switching point, as in FIG. 3 d) shown and in which the pull tab is at the level of Abstützpunktes 36, causes a further movement of the pull tab 14 upwards simultaneously a linear movement of the end portion 18 upwards, whereby the second contact point 12 lifts from the second contact surface 26 and the first contact point 10 again the first contact surface 22 enters into conductive connection.

The further relaxation of the elastically deformed contactor 8 leads to a further lifting of the pull tab 14 and thereby to a return of the actuating element 4 in its initial position and the contactor 8 in its normal position, which in FIG. 3 a) is shown. This can from the FIGS. 3 a) to d ) a complete switching cycle are taken, which is shown here but only by way of example on an embodiment of an electrical switch with spring mechanism.

In the FIGS. 4 a) and 4 b ) show two embodiments of a contactor 8, wherein in the FIG. 4 a) the curved region 16 has two bulges outside a centrally arranged pull tab 14. The contactor, which in FIG. 4 b) is shown, has a central curved portion 16, on whose outer edges in each case the pull tab 14 is guided past, which are connected to each other at the ends 18 opposite ends.

From the two embodiments in Figure 4 a) and 4 b ), it can easily be seen that the curved region 16 is made considerably more stable in comparison to the pull tab 14, and thus the connection of the end region 18 to the curved region 16 is so stable, that at an elastic deformation of the pull tab 14, an angle 17 between the end portion 18 and the curved portion 16 is not changed substantially.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

admission

3

cover

4

actuator

6

common contact body

8th

contactor

10

first contact point

12

second contact point

14

pull tab

16

arched area

17

angle

18

end

20

first elective contact body

22

first contact surface

24

second selection contact body

26

second contact surface

28

lever

30

pivot point

32

fastening point

34

first point of support

35

second point of support

36

support point

Claims (14)

1. Electrical switch having an integral, elastically deformable, in particular fork-like, contact-making mechanism (8) which has an end region (18) on which a first contact point (10) and a second contact point (12) are arranged, and from which end region (18) at least one pull tab (14) and at least one curved region (16) extend, with an operating element (4) being moved from a basic position, in which the first contact point (10) is connected to a first contact area (22), to a switching position, in which the second contact point (12) is connected to a second contact area (26), and vice versa, characterized in that the pull tab (14) is elastically deformed when the operating element (4) is operated by deflecting a lever (28), and thus the curvature of the curved region (16) is elastically deformed by linear displacement of the contact points (10; 12) onto the respective contact areas (22; 26).
2. Electrical switch according to Claim 1, having a receptacle in which the following are arranged:

   a) a common contact body (6),

   b) the elastically deformable contact-making mechanism (8) which has the first contact point (10) on the convex side of the end region (18) and which has the second contact point (12) on the concave side of the end region (18), and that end of the curved region (16) which is opposite the end region (18) is supported on the common contact body (6),

   c) an operating element (4) which, when it is operated, moves the switch from the basic position to the switching position,

   d) a first selection contact body (20) with the first contact area (22) and a second selection contact body (24) with the second contact area (26), it being possible to switch the end region (18) of the contact-making mechanism (8) to and fro between the two contact areas (22; 26),

   e) a lever (28) having two end regions, with one end region being rotatably mounted about a fulcrum (30) and the pull tab (14) of the contact-making mechanism (8) being attached to the other end region which bears against the operating element (4).
3. Switch according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the pull tab (14) is of more flexible design and/or is more easily deformable in comparison to the curved region (16).
4. Electrical switch according to one of the preceding claims, in which, when the operating element (4) is operated, the contact points (10; 12) execute movements in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle on the respectively associated contact area (22; 26) before and after a change in connection.
5. Electrical switch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the convex side of the curved region (16) of the contact-making mechanism (8) faces or is averted from the operating element (4).
6. Electrical switch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the distance between the fulcrum (30) of the lever (28) and the attachment point (32) of the pull tab (14) on the lever (28) is greater or less than the distance between a bearing point (34; 35) of a contact point (10; 12) on the associated contact area (22; 26) and the attachment point (32) of the pull tab (14).
7. Electrical switch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the switch or the contact-making mechanism (8) can be temporarily locked in the switching position.
8. Electrical switch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the contact points (10; 12) of the contact-making mechanism (8) are composed of a different material to the pull tab (14) and/or the curved region (16).
9. Electrical switch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the contact areas (22; 26) of the selection contact body (20; 24) are composed of the same material as the contact points (10; 12).
10. Electrical switch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the selection contact body (20; 24) is composed of a different material to the contact areas (22; 26).
11. Electrical switch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the receptacle (2) is a housing which is closed by a cover (3).
12. Electrical switch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the contact points (10; 12) can be rotated about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the receptacle.
13. Electrical switch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the contact points (10; 12) are substantially not rotated about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the receptacle when the switch is operated.
14. Electrical switch according to one of the preceding claims, in which one of the two contact areas serves only as a boundary for the contact-making mechanism and is not conductive.

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