DK2385206T3

DK2385206T3 - Switching device

Info

Publication number: DK2385206T3
Application number: DK11161081.2T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Horst Grein
Original assignee: Gummi Welz Gmbh & Co Kg Gummi Kunststofftechnik Schaumstoffe
Priority date: 2010-05-07
Filing date: 2011-04-04
Publication date: 2019-02-18
Also published as: PL2385206T3; EP2385206A2; EP2385206B1; DE202010008757U1; PT2385206T; ES2703743T3; DE102011001792A1; EP2385206A3; TR201816097T4

Description

The invention relates to a switching assembly comprising a chaining together of a number of switching elements, which in the rest position are conductively connected to each other at contact points and of which at least two switching elements can be moved out of the rest position and the conductive connection under the action of an external force.

In document EP 0 103 726 B1 a safety strip of this type is described, which comprises a plurality of switching elements with a cylindrical insulating body and a contact pin embedded therein. The contact pins protrude from both sides of the insulating body. The switching elements are arranged in sequence inside a hose and in the rest position are pressed together at their contact points under the effect of the tightening of the hose, so that a quiescent current can flow. If an external force acts on the hose, the hose with the switching elements is bent and the switching elements execute a tilting movement relative to each other, so that the contact or current flow is interrupted.

In a closing edge protection means in accordance with DE 38 21 305 C2, which comprises a number of switching elements lined up in rows on sash cords, the end faces oriented towards each other of the adjacent switching elements are inclined in the same direction, while a contact conductor and a rivet are arranged centrally on both sides on a flat surface and form a conductive contact. The described design of the end faces produces a wedge effect for the actuation of the switching strip.

In a further closing edge protection means, disclosed in DE 198 61 101 C2, spheres with circumferential electrical contact surfaces are arranged in a row along a sash cord in such a way that they are pressed on to each other with a certain tension at their adjoining areas. A chain formed from these spheres is inserted into a hose. When an external deformation force is applied, the balls are pulled apart and their quiescent current is interrupted. DE 39 09 617 A1, which has a switching assembly with the features of the preamble of claim 1, describes the collision safety devices which comprise the individual chain links, between which switches are arranged, which comprise the contact elements and mating contacts. The chain elements are arranged in a bellows. If the bellows is deformed, the adjacent chain links are bent in a snakelike manner. The front end of the contact element slides over the bearing surface and the contact is broken.

The object of the invention is to create a switching assembly with a number of switching elements, which is characterized by a secure conductive connection in the rest position.

This object is achieved by the invention in a switching assembly having the features of claim 1. Advantageous extensions of the switching assembly according to the invention form the subject matter of the dependent claims. A switching assembly according to the invention therefore comprises a number of switching elements chained together, which in the rest position are conductively connected to each other at contact points and at least two switching elements of which can be moved out of the rest position and the conductive connection under the action of an external force. More specifically, the switching elements consist of a non-conducting base body and are coupled to each other by means of coupling sections each received in a holder such that they can be freely rotated. The holders are concave and the coupling sections have a complementary convex shape. The base body is fitted with a conductive contact area on each of the coupling sections, wherein the two conductive contact areas of a base body are conductively connected to each other. Under the action of an external force a twisting occurs in one contact section, causing a movement of its conductive contact area away from the adjacent conductive contact area and hence a separation of the conductive connection.

The assembled, coupled-together switching elements form a kind of chain as a result of being linked together in a line. A rotary motion gives rise to an interruption in the current flow. The switching signal is triggered independently of temperature.

Due to the freely rotatable coupling of adjacent switching elements, these are able to rotate in all directions. This allows the switching assembly according to the invention to always function reliably even if a spatially complex arrangement is necessary due to the circumstances of the installation. In the case of the rest position in which the switching elements are deflected in a plane (e.g. arrangement along a curved line), the contacting areas on the coupling sections must be appropriately designed, so that the contact is broken under the action of force and deflection from said plane. Even in the case of the usual linear arrangement, as a result of the high mobility (due to the ease of rotation) a ready response to the exertion of a force is ensured.

In one embodiment of the switching elements according to the invention, the conductive contact area of one or both of the coupling sections, in particular of the ends of the base body, is movably mounted and can be implemented, for example, as an elastically pre-tensioned, conductive contact part. This measure ensures a good conductive connection at all times. The contact part is preferably spring-loaded.

The contact part can be designed to end in a point or with a convex outer contour, in particular as a sphere. The latter design is particularly suitable for use in combination with a concave holder, preferably with a form fit.

In another embodiment of the switching elements according to the invention, the conductive contact area of one or both of the coupling sections, in particular of the ends of the base body, is fixedly mounted. A covering layer of conductive material or a metal insert can be provided, for which no application of spring loading is required to ensure a good contact.

This enables a simple manufacture of the switching elements, because it provides a common fixing of neighbouring ends of adjoining switching elements. In one design the base body is formed with two convex ends and, in accordance with the invention, a common fixing element with corresponding concave receptacles is provided for the two adjacent ends of adjoining switching elements, which it surrounds.

The convex end of one switching element, which in an advantageous embodiment of the invention is spherical, but can also have a different contour (e.g. elliptical), is seated in the designated receptacle of the adjacent switch element as a ball and socket joint. The assembled switching elements in turn form a kind of chain as they are strung together. Due to the form-fitting mounting - with the necessary play - and the interruption of the flow of current facilitated by a rotary motion, as has already been stated, a temperature-independent triggering of a switching signal is possible. This is also the case in the design in which a common fixing element is provided.

In the exemplary embodiment described above of switching elements which are each designed with one convex end and one end with a concave receptacle, the contact areas can also be designed differently. Thus, two floating-mounted contact parts or two fixed-mounted contact parts can be provided.

The shape of the switching elements defines the degree of rotation which is possible within the chain. In an advantageous design of the switching elements a region of smaller diameter is provided between the concave and the convex end of a switching element. This, for example, neck-shaped area is used as an abutment to limit the rotary movement when the switching element is rotated in the receptacle. For this purpose, for example, the concave receptacle can be bounded by walls which are designed facing each other in a hook-like manner at their outer end. In the event of a rotary movement of the adjacent switching element with its convex end mounted in the receptacle, one of the hooked ends comes into engagement with the neck-like region and blocks any further rotation.

It is possible to design the switching elements without a stop. The important factor is that they are chained together in a sufficiently mobile manner. Advantageously they are mounted with their convex end in the receptacle of the adjacent switching element with a degree of play, so that they are supported by the receptacle enclosing them, and so an additional support such as a cord or the like can be omitted. For this purpose, in the case of a spherical end for example, the receptacle surrounding this end is designed such that it encloses an angle of more than 180°, e.g. 230° or 260°.

The movable switching part can therefore be provided either in the end of the switching element of the concave receptacle or in the convex end. The complementary conductive region is then accordingly provided at the other end. Instead of an intermediately positioned spring, the movable switching part itself can be designed to be flexible and pre-tensioned, in order to provide a secure conductive contact with the associated conductive region.

The conductive region can be made of a conductive material. It can also consist of a conductive material combination, such as a plastic with an appropriate proportion of conductive material.

The contact part is preferably spring-loaded. The spring force ensures that the contact part, or its contact end, presses on the adjacent element with sufficient force so that the conductive connection is always ensured in the rest or central position.

If the contact part ends externally in a point, a defined changeover can be achieved if the convex end of the relevant switching element is rotated in the receptacle and the contact part leaves the conductive section.

The conductive contact part and the conductive section of a switching element can be maintained in contact by a force fit. If a spring rests directly against the contact part and the conductive section, the electrical contact between them can be provided by the spring.

In an advantageous embodiment of the switching element according to the invention the conductive contact part and the conductive section are connected by a wire to maintain the electrical connection. In the case of a spring, the wire can be passed through this and it should have sufficient length to enable an elasticity-induced displacement of the contact part without causing it to break. The spring can be supported, for example, on the housing, in which case it does not act as a conductive connection between the contact part and the conductive section.

The invention is explained in further detail below by reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawing. This explanation is intended for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to restrict the invention to the specific combinations of features indicated. Shown are:

Fig. 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of a switching element of a switching assembly,

Fig. 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of a switching assembly with switching elements in accordance with Fig. 1 in the assembled condition,

Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the switching assembly of Fig. 2 under the action of a force (point load) and

Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the switching assembly of Fig. 2 under the action of a force (surface load),

Fig. 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of a switching element of a switching assembly,

Fig. 6 a schematic cross-sectional view of a switching assembly with switching elements in accordance with Fig. 5 in the assembled condition,

Fig. 7 a schematic representation of the switching assembly of Fig. 6 under the action of a force (point load) and

Fig. 8 a schematic representation of the switching assembly of Fig. 6 under the action of a force (surface load),

Fig. 9 a schematic cross-sectional view of two adjacent switching elements of a switching assembly according to the invention and

Fig. 10 a schematic representation of the two switching elements of Fig. 9 under the action of a force.

In the following the structure of a switching element 2 of a switching assembly is described by reference to Fig. 1. It consists of a base body 4 made of non-con-ductive plastic. This has a convex shaped end 6 and is formed with a concave receptacle 8 at the other end. The walls 10 which bound the receptacle 8 are implemented facing each other in a hook-like manner at the outer end 12. Between the convex end 6 and the end which has the concave receptacle 8, the switching element body is neck-shaped with a region 14 of smaller diameter.

The switching element 2 comprises a central through passage 16. With distance from the receptacle 8 the through passage is widened in a step 18 in the manner of a flange and tapers towards the receptacle 8, where it ends with an opening area 20. The area of the through passage 16 from the step 18 to the opening area 20 is filled by a metal insert 22. Instead, for example, a plastic material with an electrically conductive property could also be provided. The metal insert 22 is used as a counter-bearing for a contact spring 24, which is shown in the non-loaded state. The contact spring 24 presses against a contact pin 26, which ends with an external point 28.

Fig. 2 shows a number of such switching elements 2 in the mounted condition. The contact pin 26 is pressed against the opposite metal insert 22 and the contact spring 24 is compressed. The switching elements 2 of the switching assembly are seated one inside another, thus forming a chain. A conductive connection exists through the length of this chain by means of the elements: metal insert 22 - contact spring 24 - contact pin 26 - metal insert 22, etc. A rubber profile 30 surrounds the arrangement.

Since the switching elements 2 are movably seated inside one another, they can rotate with respect to each other under the action of a force. At the same time the convex end of the particular switching element 2 or a plurality of switching elements 2 then rotates in the associated receptacle 8 of the switching element 2 adjacent to it, until the outer end 12 of the corresponding wall 10 of the latter ultimately comes into contact with the neighbouring area 14. The contact pin 26 is brought out of contact with the associated conductive region 22 and the conductive connection in the chain of switching elements is interrupted. This then gives rise to a signal from the associated monitoring device in the usual manner, and a security measure can then be triggered, for example, a roller shutter is retracted, etc.

Fig. 3 illustrates the force deflection that occurs when a point load (force Kp) acts on the switching assembly. This locally impresses the rubber profile 30 at the point 32, causing a corresponding bulging at the opposite point 34. This causes a deflection or twisting of two switching elements 102, 202, the convex ends 106, 206 of which rotate in their receptacles 8, 208. Their concave designed ends 108, 208 accordingly rotate around the corresponding convex ends 6, 106 of the neighbouring switching elements 2, 102. During the rotation, the area 114 of the switching element 102 comes to rest on the hook-like end 212 of the switching element 202 facing the impressed portion 32. The twisting of the switching elements 102, 202 releases the conductive connection between the conductive region 222 of the switching element 202 and the contact pin 126 of the switching element 102. Due to the disconnection of the conductive connection the switching assembly outputs a signal, as described above. At the same time, the contact pins 26 and 226 of the switching elements 2, 202 adjacent to the switching element 102 will almost disengage or break contact with the corresponding conductive areas 122, 22 of the switching elements 102, 2.

Fig. 4 illustrates the force-induced deflection in the event of a surface load (force Kf) acting on the switching assembly. This impresses the rubber profile 30 in an area 36 with length y to a depth x. On the opposite side of the impression (area 38) the rubber profile 30 is subject to corresponding bulging, also approximately over the length y. This results in a deflection or twisting of two switching elements 102, 202 at the edge of the area 36, i.e. these switching elements are located at the junction between the deflected area 36 with the remaining area of the rubber profile 30 which remains at rest. The convex ends 106, 206 of the switching elements 102, 202 rotate in their receptacles 8 during the twisting action, while their concave shaped ends or receptacles 108, 208 rotate about the convex ends 6 of the neighbouring switching elements 2 that they receive. During the twisting of the switching element 102, the area 114 of the switching element 102 comes to rest on the hook-like end 12 of the neighbouring switching element 2 facing the impressed portion or deflection 36 in the deflected region 36. The hook-shaped end 112 of the switching element 102, on the side facing away from the force, comes to a stop at the region 14 of the neighbouring switching element 2, which is located in the non-deflected area of the rubber profile. In an analogous way, the area 214 of the switching element 202 comes to rest against the hook-shaped end 12 of the neighbouring switching element 2 in the non-deflected area of the rubber profile 30, and engagement occurs between the hook-shaped end 212 of the switching element 202 and the area 14 of the neighbouring switching element in the deflected area 36 of the rubber profile 30. The convex ends 6 and the receptacles 8 of the switching elements 2 can be designed, however, in such a way that under the action of a force the end 12 does not necessarily come to rest on the area 14 of a neighbouring switching element 2. The twisting of the switching elements 102, 202 releases the conductive connection between their contact pins 126, 226 and conductive areas 122, 222 to the respectively adjacent conductive region 222, 22 or the respectively adjacent contact pin 26, 126. Due to the release of the conductive connection the switching assembly outputs a signal, as described above.

By reference to Fig. 5 the structure of a switching element 2 of a switching assembly will be described next. The switching element 2 is designed substantially in the same way as the switching element shown in Fig. 1. The parts are designated with the same reference numerals and will not be described again. However, the metal insert 22 is provided in the convex end 6 and the contact pin 26 loaded by the contact spring 24 protrudes into the receptacle 8 in the non-assem-bled condition. This arrangement is therefore the reverse of the arrangement in the first exemplary embodiment. The function is the same, as will become clear from the following description and the drawing figures.

Fig. 6 shows a number of such switching elements 2 in the assembled condition. The contact pin 26 is pressed against the opposite metal insert 22 and the contact spring 24 is compressed. The switching elements 2 of the switching assembly, seated one inside another, form a chain as in the first exemplary embodiment and are also conductively connected via the metal inserts 22, contact springs 24, contact pins 26, etc. Under the application of a force, the switching elements 2 also rotate. Given sufficient rotation, the relevant contact pin 26 no longer presses against the neighbouring conductive area 22 and the conductive connection in the chain is interrupted at this point.

Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate, in the same manner as the first exemplary embodiment, the force deflection for the case of a point load (force Kp) acting on the switching assembly and for the case of a surface load (force Kf) acting on the switching assembly. The deflection of the switching elements 102, 202 is shown and proceeds in the same way as the deflection of the corresponding switching elements in the first exemplary embodiment. The conductive connection is interrupted when the conductive connection of the contact pins 126, 226 and the conductive areas 122, 222 to their respective adjacent conductive areas or contact pins is broken.

Fig. 9 illustrates the structure of a switching assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the switching elements are fixed to each other by means of fixing elements. This embodiment is very straightforward to assemble. The switching element 2 has a similar structure to the previously described switching elements, except that the ends 6, 66 are both convex and the conductive contact area is embodied in the form of spring-loaded spheres 70, 72, which are e.g. made of metal. In this example the spheres are made of stainless steel. Other materials are possible. The parts corresponding to the previously described exemplary embodiments are designated with the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The function is the same, as will become clear from the following description and the drawing figures.

The through passage 16 is tapered at the ends, so that the metal spheres 70, 72 are contained. On one side of the switching element the diameter of the through passage 16 decreases towards the end 6, and is ultimately smaller than the sphere diameter, so that the metal sphere 70 is confined externally by, for example, a hook-like annular section 61 of the end 6. At the other end 66 the through passage 16 is extended in width in a step-like manner and in the area of the step, i.e. the extended region, is padded out by means of a non-conductive sleeve 74 which has the same internal diameter. At the outer end the internal diameter of the sleeve 74 similarly decreases and surrounds the metal sphere 72 externally with an annular section 75. Due to this design, the switching elements 2 can be mounted in a pre-assembled condition, and during the assembly their orientation is immaterial. They need only be inserted into the fixing elements described below. A fixing element 80 made of plastic, for example, with two concave receptacles 82, 84 encloses the adjoining convex ends 66, 606 of adjacent switching elements 2, 102 in a form-fitting manner. The ends 66, 606 can rotate freely in all directions in the receptacles 82, 84. The base of the receptacles 82, 84 is provided with a central opening 86. The spheres 72, 170 of the switching elements are pressed against each other by the contact springs 24, 124 and impinge upon each other at the level of the opening 86. In this way, the switching elements 2, 102 are conductively connected to each other at the points of contact. In the base area, i.e. the area around the opening 86, the outer diameter of the fixing element is reduced, which causes the walls 88, 90, in a similar manner to the walls of the first exemplary embodiment, to have a certain elasticity for the assembly of the parts.

Fig. 10 illustrates the switching elements 2, 102 of Fig. 9 after the application of a force which has twisted the switching element 102. This has caused the metal sphere 170 to move away from the contact with the metal sphere 72 of the switching element 2, so that it now rests against the interior surface of the receptacle 84. The metal sphere 72 rests against the outer surface of the end 606, so that the interruption in the contact is obvious.

Claims

A switching device comprising a plurality of switching parts (2) arranged in a resting position at contact points linked to each other and in which, during the development of an external force, at least two switching parts (101,202) can be moved away from a resting position and a conductive connection, wherein the switching parts (2) consist of a non-conductive, two-ended base body (4), and are connected to each other by means of convex coupling sections (6, 66), each pivotally arranged in a concave container (82, 84) and wherein the base body (4) is provided at its ends with conductive contact areas (70, 72) which are interconnected and where under the influence of an external force (Kp, Kf) a rotating an end of the base body (4) so that a movement of the conductive contact area of the base body can be effected quickly from the adjacent conductive contact surfaces, thereby separating the conductive connection and the convex coupling section are (6, 66) each accommodated in a complementary concave container (82, 84) and freely rotatable therein, characterized in that the concave container (82, 84) is formed at both ends by a fixing member (80) in the switching device connecting the convex coupling sections (6, 66) to two adjacent body members (4), and the convex coupling sections (6, 66) being protruding sections, especially the ends or end regions, of the switching device (2); and that the conductive contact areas (70, 72) are centrally located at the ends or end regions.

Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductive contact area (70,72) is movably mounted at one or both coupling sections (6, 66), in particular at the ends of the base body (4).

Switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact area (70, 72) is formed as an elastic, prestressed, in particular spring-actuated conductive contact area (70, 72).

Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the contact area (70, 72) is formed with a convex outer contour, and is in particular shaped as a ball.

Switching device according to one of claims 1 or 4, characterized in that the conductive contact area of one or both coupling sections, in particular the ends of the base body, is fixedly mounted.

Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two adjacent ends of the adjacent switching parts (1, 102) are fixed together.

Switching device according to claim 6, characterized in that the base body (4) is preferably provided with two convex sections (6, 66) and a common complementary concave fastening means (80) at the two adjacent ends of the adjacent one another. adjacent switch parts (2).

Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a smaller diameter region (14) is located between the two sections (6, 66) in a switching part (2).

Switching device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the concave container (82, 84) is constrained by walls (10) which are shaped at each outer end (12) in a hook-like manner.

Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the convex section (6) of the switching part (2) is spherical and the concave container (82, 84) is similarly shaped.

Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the concave container in a fixing means (80) is designed so that the convex section (6, 66) is secured to an adjacent switch part (2). .

Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the conductive contact sections (22) are of a conductive material or a conductive material combination.

Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the conductive regions of a basic body are electrically connected by means of a wire.

Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the switching parts (2) form part of a flexible profile, in particular a rubber profile (30).