EP0043900B1 - Switch disc for an electric time switch - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a switching disc for an electrical timer according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such switching disks for electrical timers have found widespread use wherever certain circuits, such as for heating systems of various types, cooling and ventilation systems, continue to be switched on and off for automatically controlled systems in the most general sense, precisely in time and generally in accordance with a definable program must be, either because the facility in question requires a time-controlled mode of operation or because - especially in more recent times - the energy requirement should be kept to a minimum. In recent times, the demands on the time switches have become increasingly stringent in two ways, firstly because the time levels of the switching program need to be set smaller and smaller so that the time program can be adjusted as precisely as possible, and secondly because the program is larger Periods, e.g. B. a week, wants to put together more and more variable from different sections.

• Umfang : ca. 188,50 mm
• 7 Tage ä 12 Abschnitte : (2 Std. Schaltzeit) Breite : ca. 2,24 mm,

wovon noch ein fertigungstechnisch notwendiger Abstand von mindestens 0,2 mm zwischen den Schaltelementen abzuziehen ist.As such, time switches for such purposes are already known in various designs and according to different principles, be it with switching tabs, switching pins - one for switching on and off, - or with switching segments, the latter representing the time program on the circumference of a switching disk enable, which is sensed by a sensing device, which in turn transfers a switch from the off position to the on position and vice versa. Since the shortest switching time is determined by the smallest possible distance between the switching tabs or switching pins or by the - measured in the circumferential direction - width of the switching elements, the limit of the achievable minimum times has been reached in the previously known devices, taking into account the technical reliability and the manufacturing possibilities For a size according to the relevant standards, ie a maximum diameter of the switching disc of 60 mm for a weekly disc, the following limit data result:

• Circumference: approx.188.50 mm
• 7 days with 12 sections: (2 hours switching time) Width: approx.2.24 mm,

from which a distance of at least 0.2 mm between the switching elements that is necessary in terms of production technology must be subtracted.

• Umfang ca. 119,38 mm
• 48 Abschnitte (entsprechend 0,5 Std.) Breite : ca. 2,48 mm.

Because of these limits, the choice was made to use two or more switching disks that work together, whereby a relatively small switching distance of about 38 mm is achieved with the daytime disk with an understandably smaller diameter - if the scales are one inside the other:

• Circumference approx. 119.38 mm
• 48 sections (corresponding to 0.5 hours) width: approx.2.48 mm.

The weekly disk, again with a diameter of approx. 60 mm, can then (see above) be divided into 84 sections, so that each time range of 4 x 0.5 hours switching time can be switched on or off together, in other words, that Resolution is not really reduced or improved to 0.5 hours for the whole week. In addition, the setting of the weekly program is very complicated with a combination of two or more switching disks and is difficult or impossible for operators who are not technically trained.

It may seem obvious to enable shorter switching times by choosing the switching elements even thinner, but one can see from the above calculation for an example of practice that switching elements with a thickness of approx. 0.9 mm (2, 24: 2 - 0.2 mm = 1.12 - 0.2 = approx. 0.9 mm), which are by no means strong enough to apply the lateral (tangential) force for actuating the sensing element of the switching device; then the switching element yields elastically, so that the switching time shifts and possibly additional damage or destruction occur in the switching elements.

The described problem of the limits for the subdivision of the scope has a particularly strong effect because the switching elements should be displaceable if one wants to get the advantage of the captivity, which can only be achieved with this type. In addition, in known devices, an additional weakening of the switching elements has to be accepted because locking means, such as grooves for a bead on a disc, and webs for guiding the switching elements in grooves or openings, further shares in the maximum available use up a standing fraction of the circumference. These additional weakenings for latching means or webs for chambers for guiding make, as can be easily recognized, the more the weaker the switching elements are.

DE-A-1 615034 describes a switching disk for an electrical timer according to the preamble of claim 1. The switching elements there have to because of the transverse grooves for the Detent in the two operating positions are very weak in terms of their rigidity and also have a guide bar in the middle over their entire length, but only on the side facing the base plate, have a certain minimum thickness. It follows from this that the program shown on the circumference, divided into switching stages according to the number of switching elements, either permits fewer switching stages, or that the diameter of the switching disk and thus the time switch itself must be dimensioned larger. Since the switching segments are guided exclusively in the grooves of the base plate, they are deflected laterally by the force of the lever or cam scanning the circumference of the switching plate, so that the switching time is not transferred exactly to the switching lever and the switching program is inaccurate.

The present invention has for its object to improve a switching disc intended for use in a timer according to the preamble of claim 1 in the sense that it enables significantly shorter switching times than the previously known, without the also essential secondary requirements of captivity the switching elements - which is not fulfilled from the outset with switch riders or switching pins - and sufficient rigidity compared to the sensing element, as well as a responsible manufacturing effort, d. H. manufacturing with the simplest tools possible, despite ensuring the required dimensional accuracy.

This object is achieved according to the invention in an object according to the preamble of claim 1 by the characterizing features of claim 1.

• d. h. ca. 188 mm Umfang : (7 x 24)
• eine Breite von 188 : (7 x 24) = 1,12 mm abzüglich einem Luftspalte von 0,2 mm also ca. 0,9 mm aufweisen. Bei einer Tagesscheibe der gleichen Größe lassen sich mit ähnlichen Werten, d. h. ca. 60 mm Durchmesser und einer Breite von
• 188 mm : (6 x 24) = 1,3 mm, also netto von 1,3 - 0,2 = 1,1 mm Schaltzeiten von 10 Minuten verwirklichen. Der Aufwand für Werkzeuge liegt deswegen in absolut zulässigen, d. h. niedrigen Grenzen, weil die Scheiben eine einfache Form, nämlich lediglich Nuten und eine Ringwulst, aber keine Schlitze oder Durchbrüche aufweisen und andererseits die Schaltelemente ebenfalls nur ein einfaches Werkzeug ohne Schieber und ähnliche Zusatzvorrichtungen erfordert.

This training additionally conveys the technical progress that the production costs of a time switch are reduced because, as a result of the reduction in the switching distance to approximately half the values currently achievable or even less, a time switch for longer periods of time, such as a week, is equipped exclusively with a single switching disk must be for switching times of 1 hour, ie 7 x 24 sections with a diameter of 60 mm,

• ie approx. 188 mm circumference: (7 x 24)
• a width of 188: (7 x 24) = 1.12 mm minus an air gap of 0.2 mm, i.e. approximately 0.9 mm. With a daily disk of the same size, similar values, ie approx. 60 mm in diameter and a width of
• 188 mm: (6 x 24) = 1.3 mm, i.e. net of 1.3 - 0.2 = 1.1 mm, implement switching times of 10 minutes. The effort for tools is therefore absolutely permissible, ie low limits, because the disks have a simple shape, namely only grooves and an annular bead, but no slots or openings, and on the other hand, the switching elements also only require a simple tool without a slide and similar additional devices.

The basic idea of the invention is that the individual necessary functions of the switching elements and the concentric discs different, z. B. certain, particularly suitable radial or axial zones are assigned so that the guide area is used only for guidance, and the detent and operation in other, for. B. radial and axial zones more expedient for this purpose, so that they in turn are not burdened by the management task. This principle leads to the crucially important feature that the circumferential fractions falling on each switching element can be used in their full size for the width of the switching element plus a fit-air gap that is necessary in terms of production technology and not partially required for the webs between the openings or the like will.

If in a special way the guide web on the switching element, d. H. whose basic body, which is arranged or formed flush with a side surface and with a constant width - in contrast to the wedge-shaped switching elements - and this side surface thus remains in the same surface through the axis of the switching disc when the switching element is displaced, are the geometric relationships particularly effective because the switching element in question in the disengaged position against the direction of rotation of the switching disc, d. H. is supported under the contact pressure of the sensing element of the switching device against the adjacent disengaged or non-disengaged switching element, that is to say it behaves as if it were at least twice the stiffness. In addition, the associated tool, with which the switching elements are injection molded or similarly thermoformed, can be designed with fewer and larger steps, i. H. be easier.

Another advantage is brought about by the asymmetrical design of the cross section of the bead ring in the direction of displacement, because a smaller force has to be applied for disengaging the switching elements than for engaging, which is very convenient for the operation.

• Figur 1a die Unteransicht der Deckscheibe, teilweise bestückt mit Schaltelementen ;
• Figur 1b die Seiten- und Vorderansicht eines Schaltelements
• Figur 1c die Draufsicht auf die Grundscheibe, teilweise bestückt mit Schaltelementen ;
• Figur 2 einen in der Höhe teilweise abgesetzten Schnittverlauf « A-A für Fig. 1a und einen « A'-A' » für Fig. 1c in dem Querschnitt durch die komplette Schaltscheibe mit ausgezogen gezeichneter Lage des eingerückten Schaltelements und gestrichelt gezeichneter Lage des ausgerückten Schaltelements ;
• Figur 3 eine Variante der Schaltscheibe mit axialer Verschiebung der Schaltelemente statt der radialen bei der Variante von Fig. 1 und 2.

The embodiment of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. An exemplary embodiment is explained below with reference to the drawing. It shows:

• Figure 1a shows the bottom view of the cover plate, partially equipped with switching elements;
• Figure 1b the side and front view of a switching element
• Figure 1c, the top view of the base plate, partially equipped with switching elements;
• FIG. 2 shows a section course “AA for FIG. 1a, partially offset in height, and an“ A'-A '”. for Fig. 1c in cross section through the complete switching disc with the drawn position of the engaged switching element and dashed position of the disengaged switching element;
• 3 shows a variant of the switching disc with an axial displacement of the switching elements instead of the radial one in the variant of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In Fig. 1a, the undersides 1, 2 are shown in partial section «A-A through the hub 3 (see FIG. 2) of the cover plate 4, which is partially equipped with the switching elements 5 to 9 and of which the switching element 8 is disengaged; These undersides 1, 2 thus face the switching elements 5 to 9 and thus also the base plate (see FIG. 2) removed from the switching plate and in the outer radius area 10 with radial grooves (e.g. 11) of constant width over the entire length 12 at a distance 13 from each of the one side surfaces 14, 15 is equal to the circumferential fraction corresponding to the number of time stages of the switching program which is periodically equivalent to the rotation of the switching disk, i.e. H. up to that radius at which the switching elements, as will still be shown in connection with FIG. 2, find their displacement stop for the engaged position. The partition walls of chambers (breakthroughs) in one of the two concentric disks for limiting the stop, which was previously necessary, are thus eliminated. H. the captivity of the switching segments. It can therefore be seen that, for. B. switching element 8 when disengaging with its one side surface 16 in the entire area up to the disengaged position along the adjacent side surface 17 of the switching element 9 except for a manufacturing luff gap that is unavoidable, which is inevitable, thus practically non-positive, namely hardly elastically yielding to the adjacent one Switching element 9 is applied, that is to say it is supported in the weakest situation in the direction of rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, it is assumed that the switching disk rotates in the direction of the dashed circle arrow 18, so that the sensing element indicated by the solid line 19 as arrow 19 practically does not bend when striking the disengaged switching element 8 and thus does not distort the switching time.

In Fig. 1 b, a side view of the switching element is shown on the left; the main part is formed from the upright, flat cuboid 31 with the nose integrally formed on it at one end, both of which have the maximum thickness of the wedge-shaped base body. On the two sliding surfaces 33, 34 opposite the concentric disks (not shown here), the webs 35, 36 are integrally formed with a smaller but constant thickness 37, 38 (cf. right half of FIG. 1b). The upper web 35 extends to the inner end 39 of the nose 32, the lower web 36 over the entire length of the wedge-shaped base body. The lower surface 40 of the lower web 36 is formed on an inner part 41 of the length of the short web 42, which, as will be shown, serves to limit the displacement in the direction of the disengaged position.

Finally, the arm 44 is integrally attached to the inner end 43 of the base body, so that it - as a tongue-shaped spring element 45 - has the smallest thickness 46 (cf. right half of FIG. 1b) of the wedge-shaped base body. These different thicknesses 37, 38, 46 and 47 at different points on the wedge-shaped base body, namely the cuboid 31, the nose 32, the tongue-shaped spring element 45 and the webs 35, 36 are special in the front view of the switching element of the right half of FIG. 1b good to see. So that the short web 42 does not cause any additional friction effects and only the longitudinal displacement limitation, it is weakened in a wedge shape along its length towards the lower end, so its thickness does not completely fill the width of the short web.

1c shows a top view of the base plate 67 partially equipped with switching elements 61 to 63 (not disengaged), 64 (disengaged) and 65, 66 (not disengaged) with the base plate 67 cut along “A'-A '” (FIG. 2) Hub 68, the cut sleeve 68a as an annular part of the hub 68 and the axis 69. At the outer end, the lugs 70, 71, ... 75 are integrally formed, at the inner end the tongue-shaped spring elements are z. B. 76 and between this and the nose z. B. 70 are the upper webs z. B. 77 molded in one piece.

Since the grooves, e.g. B. 78 for the invisible lower webs, as they have a constant thickness 79 over their entire length, the switching element 64 remains well fed in the disengaged position along the switching element 63, even if compared to the adjacent switching element 65 on the other side due to the taper of all switching elements, there is an enlarged air gap 80; however, this does not have a negative effect on the stability of the switching element 64, because this can be supported against the switching element 63 when the switching disc rotates in the direction of the ring arrow 81 when loaded by the sensing element symbolically indicated by the arrow 82. Both for Fig. 1a for the cover plate and in Fig. Lc for the base plate, it is clearly evident that the thickness of the switching elements in the engaged displacement position is equal to the number of the circumference of the switching plate divided by its number at each displacement point minus a manufacturing air gap which is necessary for production purposes, thus has the maximum possible value at all.

The groove 78 has in the inner part a section or a short groove 83 with a greater depth for the short web 42 (FIG. 1b); this lower part of the groove serves at its outer end 84 as a stop for the disengaged position of the switching element, while it is closed inwards by the outer wall 85 of the annular bead 86. The wedge-shaped annular bead 86 which can be seen from above in FIG. 1c will also be explained in detail in connection with the cross-sectional illustration of FIG. 2.

The cross-sectional drawing in FIG. 2 shows the zone 101, which is formed here in the inner, ie radial, towards the engaged position of the switching elements, in a form-fitting manner with respect to one another and with one another connected to the axis 102 concentric disks of the complete switching disc, which in the adjoining zone 103 form a cylindrical circular empty zone perpendicular to the direction of displacement 104 for the form-fitting accommodation of the switching elements, ie more precisely their upright-flat cuboid 106 sufficient height 105. The cover disk 107 is composed of the inner hub-shaped part in the radial zone 101 and the ring disk-shaped part 108 formed above, the outer ring zone of which the radial grooves z. B. 109 with a constant depth over the length 110 with a radial arrangement according to FIG. 1a.

The base disk 111 is positively placed on the actual hub 112 of the hub-shaped part of the cover disk 107 and then contains the annular bead 113 and the cylindrical-circular, ie. H. approximately disc-shaped empty zone 114, which contains the groove 115 with the inner short groove 116 over its entire radial length, of greater but otherwise constant depth than the outer piece of the groove 115. In the grooves 109 of the cover plate and the grooves 115 of the base plate, which are assigned to one another, the upper web 117 and the lower web 118 of the switching element in question (see FIG. 1b) are displaceably guided in the radial displacement direction 104, the displacement after is limited on the inside by the stop of the nose 119 on the outer edge of the cover plate 107 and on the outside by the stop of the short web 120 on the outer wall 121 of the short groove 116. In the engaged position, there thus remains both between the inner end of the upper web 117 and the inner wall 122 of the groove 109, and between the inner wall 123 of the lower web 118 or the short web 120 and the inner end of the groove 115 with the short groove 116 a fit-tolerance air gap, so that the two positions of displacement outwards and inwards by only one stop each, d. H. on the outer wall 121 of the short groove 116 or on the outer edge 124 of the cover plate 107, are clearly defined.

For the resilient latching of the switching element, the arm 126, which serves as a tongue-shaped spring element 125, is integrally formed on the core part formed as an upright flat cuboid 106 (cf. also FIG. 1b), the cams 127 of which slide on the surface of the annular bead 113. This design permits lower demands on the design of the tool for the switching element, because the demolding is easier due to the partial shapes associated with the individual different functions of guidance, actuation and detent in the direction of displacement — here radial.

Since the boom 126 or the tongue-shaped spring element 125 slides on the piece 128 of the annular bead 113 with a fairly small pitch when pushed out into the disengaged position, the switching element can be applied with a correspondingly small force on the nose 119, for. B. with a finger, by hand without any other aids; Conversely, a greater force must be applied for the engagement from the position 129 shown in dashed lines because of the relatively high steepness of the back piece 130 on which the back flank 131 'slides, but this is readily available because the entire area of a finger is open the outer surface 132 of the nose 119 can be pressed. Since the tongue-shaped spring element 125 itself can take over the elastic function in connection with the detent, the cover plate 107, which does not require any radial slots at a distance from the division of the circumference, is also simplified and thus also simplifies the tool for the cover plate.

In the two positions of displacement of the switching element - drawn (132 and dashed (129)) - the sensing element - symbolically indicated by arrow 133 - can at least be in the disengaged position on the outer surface of the switching element and bring about one of the two operating states of the switching device readily recognizable that the inner surface 134 or also the upper outer surface 135 of the nose 119 can also be used in an analogous manner, that is to say partially in a reciprocal manner. It should also be mentioned that the base plate is integrally formed on its lower outer surface Ring beads of rectangular (136) or semicircular (137) cross section is equipped, which for assembly reasons including the fit to the rest of the assembly group, for reasons of stiffening of the base plate, ie to ensure dimensional accuracy, especially because of the many and sometimes deep grooves or the like Reasons may be appropriate en; the cover disk has a closed surface, at least in an annular area 108, which is suitable for the application of markings, for example a 24-hour daily scale or a 7 × 24-hour weekly scale.

FIG. 3 shows a variant analogous to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, which essentially differs from the latter only in that the direction 201 of the displacement of the switching element 202 is parallel to the axis 203 of the switching disc, which also composed of concentric disks, namely the cylindrical cover disk 204 and the pot-shaped base disk 205 with a form-fitting design and connection in the inner radial zone 206 in the lower part of the base disk 205 and the circular cylindrical empty zone 207 for the core piece 208 of the switching elements 202 is, the webs 212, 213 and the short web 214 in the axial grooves 209, 210 and 211 - exactly analog and correspondingly as in the case of FIG. 2 - out. When the switching element 202 is axially displaced by pressing or pulling on the nose 215, 215 'with one finger, the latching being carried out by means of the tongue-shaped spring element 216 and the wedge-shaped annular bead 217 analogous to the design according to FIGS. 1 and FIG the sensing element symbolically indicated by the arrows 218, 218 ', 218 "as three variants and by means of which the switching device (not shown) is switched to one or the other operating state -" on or "off". All other peculiarities of the invention are either identical or analogously easily transferable corresponding to those that have been described in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 or are derived therefrom.

Claims (7)

1. Switch disc for an electric timer switch, comprising two concentric discs, namely a cover disc (107, 205) and a base disc (111, 204) which is set in rotation about an axis (69, 102, 203) by a clockwork-driven shaft, and apertures, such as grooves (109), piercings or the like,

with switch elements (61 to 66 ; 202) non-losably guided therebetween for displacement between a rest position and at least one working position, the number of which elements es equal to the number of selectable time stages for a switch programme, which is periodical according to the revolution of the switch disc, and which comprise side faces (14 to 16) which lie in an plane containing the axis (102 ; 203) of the shaft,

with a switch device to which there pertains a switch for an electric current circuit, which switch is transferable by the switch elements (62 to 66, 202), by exploration of the circumference of the switch disc, into one of its operational conditions, possibly by means of a lever device and/or in combination with a dog,

with detent means and stops according to the displacement position of the switch elements (61 to 66, 202) necessary for the operational positions to be effected, characterised in that

a) in a first inner zone (101) the discs are formed with such shaping and concentric uniting that in the direction of displacement (104, 201) they form several cylindrical-circular zones, and these adjoin the inner zone (101) towards the opposite edge, namely

b) a second as empty zone (114) of sufficient height (105, 207) at right angles to the direction (104, 201) of displacement, between parallel sliding faces, which serves exclusively for the shape-engaging sliding guidance of the switch elements (61 to 66, 202), in that

b₁) in this empty (114), as core parts of the switch elements, edgewise-flat squares (106) of integrally closed form with straight peripheral lines fill out the height (105) of the empty zone (114) in shape-engaging manner and

b₂) the switch elements (61 to 66, 202) in this empty zone (114) have a thickness (47) which is equal to the circumference of the switch disc divided by their number, less a fitting air gap necessary in manufacturing,

b₃) and the switch elements (61 to 66, 202) comprise, at right angles to the direction of displacement (104, 201), on both sliding faces (33, 34), parallel to and in the displacement direction, flanges (117, 118 and short flange 120),

b₃.₁) the side walls (14 to 16) of which are parallel and the thickness of which is equal to half the thickness of the switch elements (62 to 66, 202) within the empty zone,

bg_.2) and prossess outside the empty zone (114) at their end (124) lying opposite to the inner zone (101) a nose (119) for manual variation of the setting of the switch elements (61 to 66, 202),

c) a further third zone adjoining at right angles to the direction of displacement (104, 201) over a part of the length of the empty zone (114), with apertures (for example groove 109 and short groove 116) of constant depth (110) in the direction of displacement and/or width is arranged lying opposite to one another in the mutually facing faces of the empty zone (114),

_C1) the longitudinal ends of which serve in the direction of displacement (104, 201) as stops for the short flange (120) and the nose (119) and

c₂) the width (11) of which, apart from tolerance deviations on account of the necessary play, is equal to half the thickness (47) of the switch elements (61 to 66, 202) in the region of the empty zone (114),

d) and finally a fourth zone is present between the first (101) and the empty zone (114) with an annular bead (113) on one of the discs (107,111, 205, 204) for the simultaneously returning click-stopping of the switch elements (61 to 66, 202) in the operation position in each case by an arm (126), formed as spring element (125) of tongue form, of the switch element (61 to 66, 202), in the direction towards the first inner zone (101).

2. Switch disc for an electric timer switch according to Claim 1, characterised in that apertures (for example the grooves 109, 115, short groove 116, piercings) are arranged radially in the discs and stand at right angles to the axis (102) of the shaft.

3. Switch disc for an electric timer switch according to Claim 2, characterised in that one (115) of the grooves comprises as recess with a part (short groove 116) of greater depth offset to the eod position in the one direction of displacement and the pertinent flange by way of a short flange (120) shortened by the displacement distance for correspondingly greater height with equal width at the point of forming attachment, while the end (outer wall 121) of the groove-short groove (116)-of greater depth serves as stop for the short flange (120).

4. Switch disc for an electric timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that one (the upper flange 117) of the two flanges (116, 117) is arranged in the displacement direction (104, 201) inwards, adjoining the nose (119, 215) of the switch element (61 to 66, 202) and the groove (109) allocated to this flange (117) extends in the displacement direction (104, 201) as far as the outer edge (124) of the one disc (111, 205).

5. Switch disc for an electric timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the apertures (for example grooves 11, 78, short groove 83 and/or piercings or flanges 35, 77) are arranged flush with the one side face (16) of the switch elements (61 to 66, 202) which lies in the surface containing the axis (69) and/or is supported on the side face of the adjacent switch element (63) abutting by way of the fitting air gap, in the case of loading by mechanical parts (arrow 82) of the switch apparatus.

6. Switch disc for an electric timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the concentric discs forming the empty zone (114) are formed individually in common as one-piece cylindrical-circular guide piece.

7. Switch disc for an electric timer switch according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the cross-sectional form of the annular bead (113) protruding in wedge form, that is its wedge-shaped cross- section in the displacement direction (104), is made with asymmetric height rise, especially with greater rise of the rear flank (130) in the direction of the rest operating position of the switch elements (Figure 2).

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