DE102012001985A1 - Electric switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical switch (1) comprising a housing (2), a contact system (5) located in the housing (2) and a movable actuating member (6) projecting from the housing (2) for switching over the contact system (5 ) between two switch positions. The actuating member (6) is connected to a guide cam (13) in the manner of a switching heart, in which a pin (14) engages in operative connection, such that by the interaction of pin (14) and guide cam (13), the actuating member (6). can be locked in at least one of the switching positions. In the housing (2) a movement means (15) for the pin (14) is arranged. As a result, the pin (14) in and / or out of the guide cam (13) is movable, in particular such that the switch (1) is switchable from one lockable switching position to the other switching position.

Description

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

Such electrical switches are used for switching on and / or off of electrical devices by a manual pressure operation of a user. In particular, these pressure switches are used for example in the home appliance industry for household appliances, such as coffee machines, vacuum cleaners o. The like., For devices in the entertainment industry, etc.

Such an electrical switch may have a housing. The housing contains a contact system. From the housing protrudes a movable actuator for switching the contact system between two switching positions, namely an off-switching position and an on-switching position, out. The actuating member is in operative connection with a guide cam in the manner of a switching heart into which a latching means designed as a pin can be engaged, so that the actuating member can be locked in at least one of the switching positions by the interaction of latching means and guide cam. In particular, the actuator is locked or locked in the on-switching position, whereby the switch remains in the on-switching position after switching. However, this switch can be switched off only by renewed manual actuation of the actuator.

The invention has for its object to further develop the switch such that the switch is non-manually switchable from the lockable switching position to the other switching position. In particular, such a pressure switch should be unlocked both mechanically, ie manually by the user, as well as electrically / electronically, ie without manual intervention. In addition, optionally in a variant of the pressure switch should only turn on mechanically and can be switched off electrically / electronically.

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

In the electric switch according to the invention, a movement means for the latching means is provided, such that the latching means is movable in and / or out of engagement with the guide cam. In particular, the actuator located in the locked switching position is thereby unlocked, so that the contact system is switched from one lockable switching position to the other switching position. And that is the switch "electrical / electronic" at least switched off. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

To protect the switch from harmful influences, the switch may expediently have a housing. The contact system is located in the housing. The actuator protrudes from the housing. Electrical connections for supplying the electrical voltage for the switch protrude from the housing. The moving means is arranged in the housing.

In a particularly simple and compact design, the movement means may consist of a controllable actuator, such that the latching means is moved when the actuator is actuated. Preferably, the actuator is a solenoid having a coil. The latching means may consist of a pin in a simple manner, wherein the pin may be hinged to the armature located in the coil of the electromagnet. Furthermore, it makes sense that the guide cam is arranged movable in the transverse direction to the actuating direction and fixed in the direction of actuation of the actuating member on the actuator. Finally, the pin of wire in the manner of an L-shaped bracket can be designed in a cost effective manner.

To an electrical appliance after a certain time, for example, in which the electrical appliance is in standby mode to be able to switch off automatically, the switch, a programmable electronics, which in particular comprises a timer for controlled unlocking of the actuator from the lockable switching position. Conveniently, the electronics are arranged on a circuit board located in the housing. For example, then in standby, the timer can be set in motion to turn off a coffee after a certain time.

In order to detect the actuation of the actuating member, in a further embodiment, the switch can have an additional auxiliary contact. In particular, the auxiliary contact then detects the locked switching position of the actuating member. Furthermore, the guide curve can be configured such that only a mechanical / manual switching into the lockable switching position, but no mechanical / manual switching is made possible in the other switching position by means of the actuator. The electrical / electronic unlocking of the switch from the lockable switching position is then optionally initiated via a further auxiliary contact.

In another embodiment, the guide curve is configured such that only after two or Also repeated manual actuation of the actuator, a mechanical switching from the lockable switching position is possible. For this purpose, a second detent position may be provided in the switching heart, so that the switch is also located in the on-switching state in the second detent position. Only from the second detent position then a manual switching off the switch is possible. Such a design thus enables the switching off of the electrical appliance even if the automatic shutdown fails.

In a further embodiment, the switch has a resistor in the manner of a shunt for current measurement. In a compact and simple configuration, the resistance can be integrated in a meandering manner in a connection of the switch. The current measurement can be used, for example, to detect the standby mode for the electrical appliance. So it can then be detected in a particular flowing stream that, for example, the coffee machine is in operation. In this case, the coffee machine is not turned off because it is not yet in standby.

If the switch is designed to be illuminated, the switch can be provided with a lighting. For this purpose, in the usual way, a light source, such as a light emitting diode, an incandescent lamp, a glow lamp o. The like., Be located in the housing of the switch. Appropriately, the light source is arranged on the circuit board in the housing.

For particularly preferred embodiments of the switch according to the invention is to be determined below.

The pressure switch, which optionally has additional lighting, is provided with a built-in, movable switching heart for mechanical switching on and / or off. The switching heart is movable in the transverse direction to the actuating direction, but firmly arranged in the direction of actuation. A wire in the form of an L-shaped bracket engages the switching heart for locking. Furthermore, the switch has an integrated coil for electrical / electronic unlocking or switching off the switch. For this purpose, the wire is hinged to the armature of the coil, so that it can be pulled out of the switching heart.

The pressure switch is in a variant with an integrated circuit board and a programmable electronics for controlled unlocking, so provided for switching off the switch. If the electrical appliance, for example a coffee machine, goes into standby mode, a timer in the electronics is set in motion to switch off the coffee machine after a certain time. In this variant with programmable electronics integrated in the switch, the duration until unlocking or switching off of the switch is thus determined via a program. Optionally, the load state of the switch can be detected.

The pressure switch is provided in a further variant with an additional auxiliary contact which detects the operation of the pusher. In this variant, therefore, the mechanical auxiliary contact is activated when pressing the trigger. Furthermore, the pressure switch has a movable switching heart for mechanically switching on the switch. A mechanical switching off is not possible with this accordingly shaped switching heart. An electrical switch-off of the switch is then initiated via an auxiliary contact. In this variant, therefore, only the auxiliary contact is closed by a single press of the pusher in the ON-switching state. As a result, the elimination of the switch is caused electrically / electronically.

In a further variant, the pressure switch is provided with a switching heart shaped in such a way that switching off the switch is enabled only after two or more mechanical actuations. In particular, the switching heart for this purpose has a second detent position, wherein the ON-switching state is maintained even in the second detent position. Only from the second detent position is a manual switch off possible. If the automatic switch-off of the switch fails, the option of manual switch-off remains. In this variant, the switch is thus switched off mechanically by pressing the pusher again.

The advantages achieved by the invention are, in particular, that a compact small design and a simple construction of the switch by the integrated coil and / or by the integrated coil with electronics is possible. The small design further contributes to the integrated coil with solenoid and jumper wire as a locking means, the jumper wire engages in a laterally displaceably mounted in the pusher switching heart and can be unlocked mechanically and / or electrically. By interchangeability of the switching heart different variants of the switch are possible in a simple manner. Various connection options also allow easy adjustment of the switch for various installation variants in the electrical appliance.

By detecting the operation of the pusher, a delayed shutdown of the device can be realized. This, for example, brings advantages in coffee machines, where a cleaning cycle can be initiated before the device is disconnected from the mains. This is also advantageous in consumer electronics devices that only after completion be galvanically isolated from the mains for a specific action. The electronic shutdown can optionally be overridden by pressing the trigger several times. It is also possible in a simple manner different input and / or Ausschaltmöglichkeiten for the switch.

Another advantage is a significant increase in comfort, as can be optimally set by detecting the load conditions of the shutdown. At the same time, the standby consumption for the electrical appliance is reduced, which saves energy.

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

1 an exploded electric switch,

2 an electrical switch according to another embodiment in exploded view,

3 an electrical switch according to yet another embodiment in exploded view and

4 the actuator of the switch 1 in an enlarged view.

In 1 is an electrical switch 1 shown in exploded view. The desk 1 has a housing 2 coming from a pedestal 3 and a lid 4 consists. In the case 2 There is a designed in the form of a snap system contact system 5 , From the case 2 protrudes against a return spring 11 movable actuator 6 for manually switching the contact system 5 between two switch positions out. In one switching position is the off-switching position and in the other switching position to the on-switching position of the contact system 5 ,

The contact system 5 includes a fixed contact 7 and a movable switching contact 8th , The fixed contact 7 is located at an electrical connection 24 , The switching contact 8th is in a knife edge bearing 27 at an electrical connection 24 ' movably mounted. The out of the case 2 outstanding electrical connections 24 . 24 serve to supply the electrical voltage for the switch 1 , One in the case 2 movably mounted shift lever 9 stands with the actuator 6 in active connection. A tension spring 10 is on the one hand on the shift lever 9 and on the other hand on the switch contact 8th hooked. This will switch the contact system 5 upon movement of the actuator 6 by the user and the associated movement of the shift lever 9 snapping between the off-switching position, in which the switching contact 8th at a stop 12 in the pedestal 3 is present, as well as the on-switching position in which the switching contact 8th on the fixed contact 7 electrically contacting rests to.

The actuator 6 is in at least one of the switching positions, in the present case in the on-switching position, lockable. This is the actuator 6 with a guide curve 13 in the manner of a switching heart in operative connection. In the guide curve 13 engages a locking means consisting of a pin 14 a, such that through the interaction of pen 14 and guide curve 13 the actuator 6 in the on-switching position arresting or locking is held. In the case 2 is a means of movement 15 for the pen 14 arranged so that the pin 14 in and / or out of engagement with the guide curve 13 is movable. As a result, the actuator is in the locked switching position 6 unlocked and the contact system 5 of the switch 1 is switched from one lockable switching position in the other switching position, without requiring manual actuation of the actuator 6 is necessary by the user. The unlocking of the switch 1 from the lockable switch position is effected by the pin 14 from the guide curve 13 is pulled out, in which case due to the action of the return spring 11 the actuator 6 put back and doing the contact system 5 is switched. In other words, here is the switch 1 , manually by means of the actuator 6 is switched on, at least not manually switched off.

To enable a non-manual "electronic" shutdown, there is the moving means 15 from a controllable actuator, which the pin 14 moved with appropriate control. The actuator is again a coil 16 having electromagnet. The pencil 14 , which is made of wire in the manner of an L-shaped bracket, is in the coil 16 located anchor 17 of the electromagnet 15 hinged. The anchor 17 is by means of a compression spring 23 resettable.

How to continue the 4 can take, is the guide curve 13 located in an element that is movable in the transverse direction 18 to the direction of actuation 19 and firmly in the direction of actuation 19 of the actuator 6 on the actuator 6 is arranged.

For the controlled "electronic" switching off of the switch 1 by unlocking the actuator 6 can the switch 1 a programmable electronics 31 comprising, for example, a timer. The Electronic 31 is on one in the housing 2 located circuit board 20 arranged as in 2 you can see. Thus, in the standby state of the electrical appliance on which the switch 1 is set, the timer will be set in motion. After a predetermined time then the electrical appliance, such as the coffee machine is switched off electronically. For easy assembly of the circuit board 20 in the case 2 to enable is at the pedestal 3 another cover 4 ' arranged. In 2 is yet another out of the case 2 excellent electrical connection 21 to see for an electrically neutral conductor responsible for the function of the electronics 31 is needed.

The desk 1 can also be switched off by external control. For this purpose, the switch 1 according to 3 an additional auxiliary contact 29 with contact bridge 30 on. About the auxiliary contact 29 together with contact bridge 30 can the actuation of the actuator 6 in the locked switching position and thus the switch-on position of the contact system 5 be detected. The contact system 5 as well as the means of movement 15 stand over connecting pins 28 , what a 2 are shown with the circuit board 20 in electrical connection. Furthermore, the switching heart 13 be configured such that by means of the actuator 6 only a mechanical or manual switching in the lockable switching position, but no manual switching to the other switching position is possible. The electrical or electronic release of the switch 1 from the lockable switch position is by appropriate control over more, from the housing 2 outstanding auxiliary contacts 22 , what a 3 to be seen, initiated.

In an extension of this concept, which is not shown further, the switching heart 13 be designed such that only after two or more manual actuation of the actuator 6 a mechanical switching from the lockable switching position, in which the contact system 5 is in the on position, in the unlocked or non-locked switching position in which the contact system 5 in the off position is possible. For this purpose, the switching heart 13 a second detent position, wherein the on-switching state of the contact system 5 remains in addition to the first detent position in the second detent position. In contrast to the first detent position, in which only an automatic electronic switching off can take place, but only from the second detent position, a manual switching off the contact system 5 in the off-switching state by means of the Betätigungsssorgans 6 possible. The second detent position serves mm manual switch off the switch 1 if, for example, in the event of a fault, the automatic switch-off fails.

The desk 1 may have a resistance in the form of a shunt for current measurement. How to continue the 2 can take, is the resistance 25 meandering afterwards 24 of the switch 1 integrated. As long as about the connection 24 a certain current flows, which by means of the resistor 25 can be measured, the operation of the electrical device can be detected. For example, this can detect the operation of the coffee machine, so as to prevent automatic shutdown. Only when the coffee machine is in standby, which at best a reduced power through the connection 24 flows, the automatic shutdown of the coffee maker is triggered. Finally, the switch 1 provided with a lighting, including a light emitting diode 26 on the circuit board 20 is located.

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. So can such an electrical switch 1 not only for coffee machines but also in other electrical appliances, where automatic switching should be possible, as well as other household appliances, gardening tools, power tools o. The like. Find use.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

(electrical) switch

2

casing

3

base

4, 4

cover

5

Contact system

6

actuator

7

fixed contact

8th

switching contact

9

gear lever

10

Tension spring (for contact system)

11

Return spring (for actuator)

12

attack

13

Guide curve / switching Heart

14

Locking means / pen

15

Means / solenoid

16

Kitchen sink

17

anchor

18

transversely

19

operating direction

20

circuit board

21

(electrical) connection

22

auxiliary contact

23

Compression spring (for anchors)

24, 24 '

(electrical) connection

25

resistance

26

led

27

cutting camp

28

connecting pin

29

(additional) auxiliary contact

30

Contact bridge

31

electronics

Claims (9)

Electric switch with a contact system ( 5 ) and a movable actuator ( 6 ) for switching the contact system ( 5 ) between two switch positions, the actuator ( 6 ) with a guide curve ( 13 ) is in operative connection in the manner of a switching heart and a latching means ( 14 ) in engagement with the guide curve ( 13 ) can be brought, so that by the interaction of locking means ( 14 ) and guide curve ( 13 ) the actuator ( 6 ) is lockable in at least one of the switching positions, characterized in that a movement means ( 15 ) for the locking means ( 14 ) is provided, such that the latching means ( 14 ) in and / or out of engagement with the guide curve ( 13 ) is movable, in particular such that the actuator located in the locked switching position ( 6 ) is unlocked so that the contact system ( 5 ) is switched from the one lockable switching position in the other switching position. Electric switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the switch ( 1 ) a housing ( 2 ), that preferably the contact system ( 5 ) in the housing ( 2 ) is located, that further preferably the actuating member ( 6 ) out of the housing ( 2 ) protrudes that even more preferably electrical connections ( 24 . 24 ' ) for supplying the electrical voltage for the switch ( 1 ) out of the housing ( 2 ), and that even more preferably the movement means ( 15 ) in the housing ( 2 ) is arranged. Electric switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movement means ( 15 ) consists of a controllable actuator, such that the latching means ( 14 ) is moved when the actuator is actuated, and that it is preferably in the actuator to a coil ( 16 ) having electromagnets ( 15 ). Electric switch according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the latching means ( 14 ) consists of a pen, in particular the pen ( 14 ) in the coil ( 16 ) anchor ( 17 ) of the electromagnet ( 15 ) is hinged, that preferably the guide curve ( 13 ) movable in transverse direction ( 18 ) to the actuating direction ( 19 ) and firmly in the direction of actuation ( 19 ) of the actuator ( 6 ) on the actuator ( 6 ) is arranged, and that further preferably the pin ( 14 ) is configured of wire in the manner of an L-shaped bracket. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the switch ( 1 ) a programmable electronics ( 31 ), which in particular comprises a timer for the controlled release of the actuator ( 6 ) from the lockable switching position, and that preferably the electronics ( 31 ) on one in the housing ( 2 ) located circuit board ( 20 ) is arranged. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the switch ( 1 ) an additional auxiliary contact ( 29 ), wherein the auxiliary contact ( 29 ) the actuation of the actuator ( 6 ), in particular in the locked switching position, detects that preferably the guide curve ( 13 ) is configured such that by means of the actuating member ( 6 ) only switching to the lockable switching position and no switching to the other switching position is made possible, and that further preferably the unlocking of the switch ( 1 ) from the lockable switching position via an auxiliary contact ( 22 ) is initiated. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the guide curve ( 13 ) is designed such that only after two or more actuation of the actuating member ( 6 ) Switching from the lockable switch position is possible. Electric switch according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the switch ( 1 ) a resistor ( 25 ) in the manner of a shunt for current measurement, and that preferably the resistance ( 25 ) meandering into a connection ( 24 ) of the switch ( 1 ) is integrated. Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the switch ( 1 ) is provided with a lighting.

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