DE7301548U - Multistage switch - Google Patents

Description

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Mr. Engineering degree. Labib MARDACH, 85 Nuremberg, Goethestrasse 19

Multistage switch

The invention relates to a multi-stage switch, in particular for printed circuits, which in one. Housing has an approximately cylindrical rotor which protrudes radially Carries contact elements which are provided with approximately parallel and transverse to the rotor axis on at least one lateral contact plate Contact strips cooperate, the contact plates are arranged on the housing in such a way that they each have a lateral longitudinal slot of the housing in addition to the the inner wall of the housing encompassing the rotor and its surface carrying the contact strips is tangential to the circumferential surface of the rotor runs.

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In a known multi-step switch of this type (DT-Gbm j

7 035 997) the rotor is essentially made of one piece j;

manufactured. It is provided with contact elements that et-,

wa have the shape of a ring and are diametrically opposed ^;

overlying points have protruding noses or the like,

j which resiliently against the contact strips of the side j

Contact plates are pressed. This switch is;

each a contact strip of a contact plate with the con!

tact strips of the respective opposite contact plate |

tied together. This well-known multi-stage switch has in particular |;

these have the disadvantage that different switches have to be produced according to the respective number of levels.
There is no variation in the number of levels at a counter
possible. A further disadvantage is that a pair of contact plates must be provided, which of course also results in a complicated line routing on the circuit board. Furthermore, the
known switch of the relatively high material cost for the two opposite contact plates
connecting contact elements are called disadvantageous.

Another shortcoming is that the rotor axis for up \

| J would assume that the spring pressing the contact elements against the opposite contact plates must be perforated, where j

this also complicates their production. -H

There are also multi-stage switches known at however, where the contact plates used to make the connections are located transversely to the axis of rotation of the rotor. It is easily possible to arrange several such switches axially one after the other and on any one Way to connect with each other, whereby of course the number of switching levels can be increased without difficulty can. However, such a procedure has the disadvantage that the connections of the switch are each in several, possibly even a plurality of rows must be arranged transversely to the switch longitudinal axis on the circuit board, whereby circuit difficulties can also arise. In addition, the extension of the switch is only in each case at the same time by a relatively large number of contact strips or the like possible, i.e. by a number that corresponds to the total Assignment corresponds to a contact plate. This is true because of the possibility of using "printed" contact plates not noticeable increase in costs. However, there are possible errors when wiring the switches, in case the empty contacts are accidentally occupied.

The aim of the invention is to design a multi-stage switch of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it can be enlarged or reduced in size according to the respective requirements, that a particularly simple structure results for the switch and, finally, with simple line

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routing on the circuit board a variety of circuit options or setting options of the switch is given.

To solve this problem, it is proposed according to the invention that in the multi-stage switch explained at the beginning the rotor can be assembled from several identical, axially successive individual elements, each of which Have a plurality of recesses distributed over its circumference for receiving a contact element, the axial Overall length of the housing by a multiple of the length of the individual elements of the length Rotors corresponding intermediate pieces changeable *, and daas the contact elements have such a length that they (in each case at least two axially successive contact strips connect a contact plate. *is

The invention is based on the basic idea, contrary to the previously known procedure, of several to produce axially successive parts. In this way it is appropriate, if at the same time the housing is divided, easily possible, the length of the switch and thus the number of available Adapt contacts to the respective needs without difficulty. It is particularly cheap if according to the proposal of the invention, the contact elements

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are provided on the circumference of the rotor and the switching function is effected on one and the same contact plate. In this way, there is a great deal of freedom with regard to equipping with contact elements. Normally, for example, six recesses for contact elements are provided on the circumference of an individual element of the rotor, so that this already results in a large number of switching options depending on the actual placement of the recesses. The number of possible switch positions can, of course, be increased considerably if not just six but, for example, ten or twelve recesses are provided for attaching contact elements. While the switch known from utility model 7 035 997 could only fulfill two switching functions per plane of the rotor, a switch according to the invention offers significantly more options due to the fact that the contact elements only have one and the same contact plate cooperate.

To facilitate the assembly of the contact elements on the individual elements, provision is made for the approximately cylindrical individual elements of the rotor to have recesses extending from an end face into which the contact elements can be inserted. In this design, the contact elements can be easily installed by simply pushing them in from the front side . In this context

According to the invention, it is further proposed that the recesses are formed between the circumferential surface and a longitudinal slot extending from an end face of the annular groove of the individual elements, and that the contact elements extend from the annular groove to over the circumferential surface and laterally protruding retaining strips over the respective longitudinal slot exhibit. With this design, both the individual elements of the rotor and the contact elements can be produced very easily. Nevertheless, the contact elements are held reliably

The contact elements are expediently pressed resiliently against the contact plates. In order to accomplish this in a simple manner, the invention provides that the contact elements are bent approximately U-shaped from sheet metal in cross-section and, in the position of use, overlap one end of a compression spring pressing them against the contact plates, the second end of which is supported on the bottom of the respective recess. The second end of the compression spring, ie the end facing away from the contact element, preferably engages in a recess on the inner wall of the annular groove opposite the longitudinal slots, thereby preventing the spring from deflecting to the side. To simplify assembly, the indentations on the end face of the individual elements from which the annular groove extends must also be open. In order to be centered in this type of indentation

to reach the spring, it is preferred to proceed as follows, that the face of the individual elements is within the Ring groove so far outside the front face the ring groove jumps back, that the (axial) length of the recess is approximately equal to its width, and that the the end face facing away from the annular groove has a projecting part in the center, corresponding to the recess on the other end face.

In order to drive and support the individual elements of the rotor, it is expedient to proceed in such a way that the individual elements centrally have a polygonal recess for inserting a corresponding polygonal switching axis, wherein if necessary, the corresponding side surfaces formally identical recesses of different individual elements of one Rotors include different angles with a plane of symmetry going through the element axis. Through the The use of a polygonal axis ensures that the individual rotor elements are driven properly In general, a special definition of the elements on the axis can be dispensed with. Usually, only the length of the housing is attached to the rotor in this way adapted that an axial displacement of the individual elements is impossible in the assembled state.

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A particularly simple construction of the switch results when the intermediate pieces of the housing are designed in the shape of a shell öiud. and add in pairs, where then the upper and lower parts can be the same, so that the number of different components can be reduced. The intermediate pieces expediently each have two parallel lateral contact surfaces for the contact plates. Are According to the invention, the intermediate pieces can be connected to one another and to end pieces of the housing by means of a plug connection, in this way, perfect alignment of the intermediate pieces can be achieved in a simple manner. The definition the intermediate pieces to each other and the final cohesion of the housing can be achieved in a simple manner by that the end pieces of the housing against one another via lateral clamping bolts that simultaneously press the contact plates are pressable.

Finally, it is within the scope of the invention that a latching mechanism is accommodated in an end piece of the housing.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of a preferred one Exemplary embodiment of the multi-stage switch based on the drawing *

7301S48-Z.8.73

demonstrate:

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FIG. 2 shows an axial section along line XI-II in Figure 3 and

FIG. 3 shows an end view (from above in FIG. 1) of individual rotor elements;

FIG. 4 shows, in an exploded view, individual elements of a switch according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows a possible embodiment for a contact plate to a switch according to the invention;

Figure 6 in side view and

FIG. 7 shows the assembled multistage switch in a plan view.

As the drawing clearly shows, the switch has According to the invention, a housing that can be assembled from a number of individual parts and is denoted by 1 as a whole is. This housing is provided with a cylindrical bore 2, in which a total of 3 designated rotor means an axis 4 is rotatably housed. The housing is in a manner known per se on both of its long sides

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provided with a longitudinal slot 5, the contact elements 6 of the rotor 3 gives the possibility of attacking the contact plates 7 and 7a provided on both sides. The contact plates 7 are also provided with contact strips 8 and 8a in a manner known per se. The contact strips 8 run in connection lugs 9, which are used to connect the multiple switch to a circuit board, e.g. a "printed" Serve circuit. As the drawing (Figures 4, 5) clearly shows, the contact strips 8 run, 8a each transverse to the longitudinal axis 10 of the switch and parallel to one another. In the case of the contact plates 7, the contact strips are 8 each led individually to the connection lugs 9. The contact plate 7a, on the other hand, is designed in such a way that that only one half of the contact strips, namely the contact strips 8 each individually to a connection lug 9 are performed, while the respective intermediate contact strips 8a connected to one another and jointly to one only contact tabs 9a are led.

As FIG. 4 clearly shows, the rotor 3 consists of several basically identical individual elements 11, the precise design of which can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 3. Several such individual elements are pushed axially directly adjacent to one another onto the rectangular axis 4, with a terminating piece 12 adjoining at least one side. As a result of the use of |

an axis 4, which is rectangular in the illustrated embodiment, and a corresponding recess 13 in the individual elements 11, the individual elements can be carried along properly when the axis 4 is rotated. Of course, the axis and recess could also have other shapes exhibit. In addition, in order to increase the versatility or the number of switching positions of the switch, the possibility, corresponding to the dash-dotted line 14 in Figure 3, the side surfaces of the recess 13 in the to arrange various individual elements at different angles to the plane of symmetry 15, so that the contact elements 6 of adjacent individual elements 11 in the circumferential direction are offset from one another, although per se the angular distance between the individual recesses 16 for receiving of the contact elements 6 is equal to 1st.

Figures 1 to 3 clearly show that the recesses 16 for the contact elements 6 have the shape of longitudinal slots which are made in a ring 18 standing up from a base 17 of the individual elements Individual elements outgoing annular groove 20 are formed. A substantially cylindrical part 21 remains within the annular groove 20, the end face 22 of which jumps back somewhat with respect to the end face 19. On the side of the individual element 11 opposite the end face 22 there is an approximately cylindrical

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Set 23 over the corresponding face 24 about as far before how the end face 22 jumps back relative to the end face 19.

On the circumferential wall 25 are approximately in the center of the recesses 16 for the contact elements 6 recesses 26 are provided, which, as FIG. 1 shows in particular, towards the end face 22 are open. If the individual elements 11 are in the position of use shown in FIG. 4, i.e. several are closed Individual elements 11 axially adjacent to one another, so the recesses 26 in the area of the end face 22 are formed by the extension 23 locked.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the contact elements 6 have an approximately U-shape in cross section. Close to the legs 27 of the contact elements 6, which are generally bent from sheet metal lateral strips 28 which, in the position of use, lie from the inside against the ring 18 in the area of the longitudinal slots 16.

The contact elements 6 are held in their position of use by a compression spring 29 and are resiliently pressed against the contact plates 7, one end of which is against the contact surface 30 of the contact elements 6 and with their the other end is supported against the bottom of the depressions 26. Due to the central arrangement of the depressions 26 opposite

the longitudinal slots 16 and the closure of the recesses 26 by the extension 23 is a falling out of the springs 29 practically impossible after assembly. On the other hand, the contact elements 6 with the Springs 29, which probably does not require any further explanation, can be installed in a simple manner in that they are axially ** (from above in FIGS. 1 and 2) into the slots 16 or the depressions 26.

In Figure 3, a single element 11 is shown which is only equipped with a single contact element 6. Of course, it is also possible to use a other equipment to be provided. In addition, it would also be conceivable “not just six recesses 16 but one larger one or a smaller number to be provided. At this point it should also be pointed out that, of course, it is very important is that the axial extension of the contact surface 30 the contact element 6 is so large that a contact element 6 always has at least two contact strips 8 or 8a connects.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing of the multi-stage switch consists of one end piece 31 » which is hollow, a second end piece 32, one with longitudinal slots 5 and the cylindrical bore 2 provided Approach and possibly from a

or several intermediate pieces 34, each in pairs. | are provided. To connect the end pieces 31 »32 with

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in particular for the mutual alignment of these parts, are on the end pieces 31 »32 and on the intermediate pieces 34 pin 35 and, of course, corresponding bores, which cannot be seen from the drawing, are provided. In use, the housing of the multiple switch is now by plugging together the two end parts 31 »32 and - Depending on the number of individual elements 11 of the rotor - possibly one or more pairs of intermediate pieces 34 then the final

Switch on an appropriate base. Finally, the end plates 36 are braced against one another by means of screw bolts 38 engaging in lateral notches 37 of the end plates 36 and end pieces 31, 32 and nuts 39 screwed onto them, whereby the individual parts of the housing are secured against loosening. Before the screw bolts 38 are inserted into the notches 37, however, the contact plates 7 must be placed laterally on the corresponding contact surfaces 40 of the intermediate pieces 34 or end pieces 31 »32. In general, the contact plates 7 are secured in this position by means of any suitable means, for example latching elements. - «become

From FIG. 4 of the drawing it can finally be seen that in the hollow end piece 31 a latching mechanism designated overall by 41 can be accommodated = this latching mechanism consists of a toothed plate 42 with which it is resilient to the outside pressed pawl elements 43 cooperate in a recess 44 of a drive shaft 45, which is normally the Actuating button carries, are guided. Two toothed rings 46 with protruding lugs 47 serve to limit the rotation of this For this purpose, the lugs 47 interact with stops 48 of the corresponding end plate 36.

On the basis of the above description it can be seen that according to the invention there are a number of very different switch positions having switches with very different ones Build large, i.e. different number of levels. Since the contact elements 6 normally with a contact plate 7 cooperate, it would of course also be conceivable to meet the switch training so that only on one Side a contact plate 7 is provided, while the longitudinal slot 5 of the other side is closed, in which case then not a pair of intermediate pieces but rather individual intermediate pieces could be provided. It it is clear that the (axial) length of the spacers is equal to an integral multiple of the length of the Must be individual elements.

Claims (3)

- 16 - • (Protection) claims: 1. Multi-stage switch, in particular for printed circuits, which has an approximately cylindrical rotor in a housing, which carries radially protruding contact elements which cooperate with contact strips provided approximately parallel and transversely to the rotor axis on at least one lateral contact plate, the contact plates being arranged on the housing in this way that they each close a lateral longitudinal slot of the housing in addition to the inner wall of the housing encompassing the rotor and that their surface carrying the contact strips runs tangentially to the rotor circumferential surface, characterized in that the rotor (3) can be composed of several identical, axially successive individual elements , each of which has a plurality of recesses (16) distributed over its circumference for receiving a contact element (6), that the axial length of the housing (1) by means of an integer multiple of the length of the individual elements of the rotor between them gap (34) is variable, and that the contact elements have such a length that they each connect at least two axially successive contact strips (8, 3a) of a contact plate (7 »7a). -ι. ι. η 2. Multi-stage switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the approximately cylindrical individual elements (11) of the rotor (3) have recesses (16) extending from an end face (19) into which the Contact elements (6) can be used. ■ 3. Multi-stage switch according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that ÖT «kV4M * WV ι * VAMAV V, N * w * υ W ** hAW V» V »hrf h ^ ^ V **« A «* ^> ^» »^ β ^ rj W ν» * Wi ^ v "" A "n ^ Ι see the circumferential surface and one of an end face t ■ before (19) outgoing annular groove (20) of the individual elements (11) extending longitudinal slots are formed, and that the contact elements (6) extend from the annular groove to over the circumferential surface and over the respective » Ligen longitudinal slot laterally protruding retaining strips (28) have. A,. Multi-stage switch according to claim 2 or 3 »characterized in that the contact elements (6) in cross section are bent approximately U-shaped from sheet metal and in use position one end of them against the contact plates (7, 7a) engaging pressure spring (29), the second end of which is at the bottom of the respective Recess (26) is supported. 5. Multi-stage switch according to claim 3 and 4, characterized in that that the second end of the compression spring (28) • I · < - 18 - into a recess (26) on the opposite of the longitudinal slots Inner wall (25) of the annular groove (20) penetrated 6. Multi-stage switch according to claim 5> characterized in that that the depressions (26) to the end face (19) of the individual elements (11) from which the annular groove (20) are also open. 7. Multi-stage switch according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the end face (22) of the individual elements (1i) within the annular groove (20) so far with respect to the end face (19) outside of the annular groove springs back that the (axial) length of the depressions (26) is approximately the same width, and that the end face (24) facing away from the annular groove has a central one has protruding part (23) corresponding to the recess on the other end face. 8. Multi-stage switch according to ainam or several of the preceding, Claims, characterized in that the individual elements (11) have a polygonal recess in the center (13) for inserting a corresponding, polygonal switch axis (A). 7301341-2.8.71 t · ι t ι • III - 19 - 9. Multi-stage switch according to claim 8, characterized in that the corresponding side surfaces formally identical recesses (is) different Individual elements (11) of a rotor (3) different angles with a through the element axis (10) Include going symmetry plane (15). 10. Multi-stage switch according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate pieces (34) of the housing (1) are shell-shaped and complement each other in pairs. 11 · Multi-stage switch according to claim 10, characterized in that the intermediate pieces (34) each have swei have parallel lateral contact surfaces (40) for the contact plates (7, 7a). 12. Multi-stage switch according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate pieces (34) can be connected to one another and to end pieces (31, 32) of the housing (1) by means of a plug connection (35). 13 · Multi-stage switch according to claim 12, characterized in that the end pieces (31, 32) of the housing (i) Via the side contact plates (7, 7a) press the clamping bolts (3ö) against each other 14. Multi-stage switch according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a latching mechanism (41) is accommodated in an end piece (31) of the housing (1).