EP0405196B1 - Switch with several operating positions - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a switch with a plurality of switching positions for switching electrical actuating variables, in particular for motor vehicles, with a housing, with a switching part which is mounted in the housing, with a cavity in the switching part which receives a compression spring and a contact part, with a first Contact track, which consists of a predetermined number of individual contact elements, each of which can be connected via the contact part to a second continuous contact track, which are arranged next to the first contact track.

From the German utility model G 19 13 693 a switch with several switch positions for switching electrical manipulated variables is known. This switch has two contact tracks arranged next to one another, the first contact track consisting of a predetermined number of individual contacts. The second contact path is designed as a continuous contact path. The switch also has a switching part with a cavity for receiving a compression spring and a contact part. The contact part is pressed against the contact tracks by the compression spring. In each switching position, the contact part connects an individual contact of the first contact path with the second contact path.

It turns out to be disadvantageous here that if the switch is to be used to switch electrical manipulated variables, each individual contact must be connected to a control device via a separate connection, with a voltage value having to be assigned to each switching position in such a control device, as a result of which a simple and inexpensive construction of the Switch and also a control unit is often not possible. Due to the large number of connections to a control unit, the Switches are often not compact. In addition, there is the disadvantage that in the event of any necessary changes in the electrical manipulated variables, a control unit connected to the switch or the switch must be structurally changed, which is often associated with great effort and is therefore not cost-effective.

The invention has for its object to provide a switch that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, that delivers a predetermined voltage value in each switching position, that has the smallest possible tolerances, that can be easily adapted to different actuating variables to be switched without having to make design changes is and has the smallest possible dimensions.

The object is achieved in that the contact elements of the first contact path are connected to one another via resistors, that the first contact element is connected to a first connector, that the last contact element is connected to a second connector, that the first connector and the second connector are connected to a supply voltage are connected and that the second contact track is connected to a third connector.

It is advantageous that the contact elements of the first contact path are connected to one another via resistors, that the first contact element is connected to a first connector, that the last contact element is connected to a second connector, that the first connector and the second connector are connected to a supply voltage are connected and that the second contact path is connected to a third connector because a voltage divider arrangement is thus created in a simple and inexpensive manner, which on the one hand makes it possible to manufacture the switch as simply and inexpensively as possible and on the other hand it is as compact as possible construction of the switch enables the switch, when only three plugs are used, to deliver a predetermined voltage value on one of the plugs in each switching position, which corresponds to a predetermined electrical manipulated variable. In addition, there is the advantage that the voltage values supplied by the switch in the individual switch positions, as a result of the use of the resistors, have the smallest possible tolerances and thus the safety when driving a control device is increased. In particular, there is the advantage that the switch can be adapted simply and inexpensively to the different actuating variables and control devices to be switched simply by the different configuration of the resistors, since the voltage values applied to the third connector depend solely on the ratio and the absolute values of the resistors .

Further advantageous refinements and developments of the switch according to the invention result from the subclaims.

It is advantageous that the contact elements of the first contact path and / or the plugs are stamped conductor tracks, because this ensures that the switch can be manufactured as simply and inexpensively as possible and also enables the switch to have the most compact dimensions possible.

These advantages result in particular when the first contact element with the first connector and / or the last contact element with the second connector and / or the second contact path with the third connector are each formed in one piece.

Characterized in that the first contact track and the second contact track have opposite recesses and that the contact part as a contact roller is formed, there is the advantage that the contact part securely latches in each switch position of the switch, that reliable contacting takes place in each switch position and that, in addition, the contact part can be easily and safely changed as a result of the contact roller being designed.

It is advantageous that the last contact element is connected to the second connector via a terminating resistor, because the voltage values applied to the third connector and corresponding to the respective switching positions can thus be adapted in a simple and inexpensive manner.

It is advantageous that the switching part is designed as a setting wheel mounted in the housing by means of an axis of rotation, which protrudes with part of its circumference through an opening in an end wall of the housing, because the housing can thus have the smallest possible dimensions, so that the switch occupies as little space as possible and also enables safe and simple operation adapted to the function to be switched.

In this context, it is particularly advantageous that the adjusting wheel has a switching arm with the cavity and that the contact tracks are adapted to the switching path of the switching arm, because the switch is as simple as possible and, moreover, reliable and reliable contacting and latching of the contact part in the locking recesses is ensured, which increases safety when using the switch.

Characterized in that the housing is constructed from a base part and a cover part and that the base part is releasably connectable to the cover part, there is the advantage of a very simple and inexpensive construction and simple manufacture of the switch, and in addition It is ensured that maintenance and repair work can be carried out in a simple manner in the event of defects in the switch.

It is advantageous that the base part has receptacles for the contact tracks and openings for the plugs, because in addition to simple and inexpensive manufacture, this ensures that the contact tracks and plugs can be connected securely and securely to the base part, thereby ensuring contact security the contact paths and the plug and thus the safety during operation of the switch is increased. The fact that a first stop and a second stop are connected to the base part and that the first stop and the second stop limit the rotary movement of the adjusting wheel in each direction of rotation results in the advantage that the adjusting wheel cannot be moved further over the last switching position , which ensures in a simple manner that, in particular when the switch is used in a motor vehicle, a predetermined end position of the switch is maintained, which increases safety.

It is advantageous that the housing has fasteners on its outside, because thus a simple and inexpensive attachment of the switch in the opening of a wall, the z. B. the wall of a dashboard of a motor vehicle can be enabled.

Characterized in that the housing has a light source and at least one light guide, there is the advantage that symbols on the end wall of the housing and / or the adjusting wheel can be illuminated in a simple and inexpensive manner, thereby ensuring the safety when operating the switch, also at Darkness, is increased.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

• Figur 1 eine Seitenansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters in Schnittdarstellung,
• Figur 2 eine Draufsicht auf das Grundteil des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters,
• Figur 3 eine Schnittdarstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters, die um 90° gegenüber Figur 1 gedreht ist.

Show it

• FIG. 1 shows a side view of the switch according to the invention in a sectional view,
• FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the base part of the switch according to the invention,
• Figure 3 is a sectional view of the switch according to the invention, which is rotated by 90 ° compared to Figure 1.

Identical or equivalent components of the switch according to the invention are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

Figure 1 shows a side view of the switch according to the invention in a sectional view. The switch is designed here, for example, as a rotary switch. In another embodiment, the switch can also be designed as a slide switch. The housing (G) consists here, for example, of a cover part (DT) and a base part (GT) in order to ensure simple and inexpensive manufacture. The cover part (DT) can be detachably connected to the base part (GT) via a locking connection, not shown here.

In order to enable simple and secure fastening of the housing (G) in the opening in a wall, the housing (G) can have fastening elements (E1, E2) on its outside, which are designed here as latching elements and consist of metal. In another exemplary embodiment, the fastening elements (E1, E2) can also be connected to the base part (GT).

The switching part of the switch is designed here as an adjusting wheel (SR) mounted in the housing (G) by means of an axis of rotation (D). The setting wheel (SR) is here, for example, approximately semi-wheel-shaped and projects with part of its circumference through an opening (Ö) in an end wall (ST) of the housing (G). On the side of the adjusting wheel (SR) facing away from the opening (Ö), the switching part has a switching arm (SA). The switching arm (SA) has a cavity (H) which receives a compression spring (F) and a contact part which is designed as a contact roller (T).

In Figure 1, the first contact path (B1) is also shown. The first contact path here consists, for example, of four individual contact elements (K1, K2, K3, KN), which are firmly connected to the base part. In another embodiment, the number of contact elements (K1, K2, ... KN) can be larger or smaller depending on the specified requirements. The first contact element (K1) is electrically conductively connected to a first plug (S1). The last contact element (KN) is electrically conductively connected to a second connector (S2). It is not shown in FIG. 1 that the individual contact elements (K1, K2, ... KN) are connected to one another via resistors (W1, W2, ...).

The first contact element (K1) is connected here by way of example to the first plug (S1) via a first connecting element (V1). In another exemplary embodiment, the first contact element (K1) and the first plug (S1) can also be formed in one piece. The last contact element (KN) is connected here to the second connector (S2) by way of example via a terminating resistor (WA), not shown, and a second connecting element (V2). In another exemplary embodiment, the last contact element (KN) and the second connector (S2) can also be formed in one piece, the last contact element (KN) can also be connected directly to the second connector (S2) via the terminating resistor (WA).

The switch can be connected to a predetermined supply voltage via the second connector (S2) and the first connector (S1).

The contact elements (K1, K2, ... KN) and / or the plugs (S1, S2) can be conductor tracks punched from a lead frame in order to enable simple and inexpensive production. The first contact path (B1) is designed such that it is adapted to the switching path of the switching arm (SA) of the setting wheel (SR). Each contact element (K1, K2, ..., KN) has a locking recess (R1, R2, ... RN) so that the contact roller (T) of the switching part can lock securely.

In order to avoid that the adjusting wheel is turned out over the last switching position, the base part (GT) has a first stop (A1) and a second stop (A2), which limit the rotary movement of the adjusting wheel (SR) in each direction of rotation.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the base part (GT) of the housing (G).

As already described under Figure 1, the first contact path (B1) has a predetermined number of individual contact elements (K1, K2, ..., KN) which are firmly connected to the base part (GT). The first contact element (K1) is connected here by way of example to the first plug (S1) via a first connecting element (V1). In addition, the first contact element (K1) is connected to the second contact element (K2) via a first resistor (W1). The second contact element (K2) is electrically conductively connected to the third contact element (K3) via a second resistor (W2). The third contact element (K3) is electrically conductive via a third resistor (W3) connected to the last contact element (KN). The last contact element is connected here to the second connector (S2) by way of example via a terminating resistor (WA) and a second connecting element (V2). Each of the contact elements (K1, K2, ..., KN) consists here, for example, of a part standing vertically on the base part (GT) and a part lying horizontally on the base part (GT), which are formed in one piece and conductor tracks stamped from a lead frame are.

As already described under FIG. 1, the first contact element (K1) can also be connected in one piece to the first plug (S1). The last contact element (K1) can also be connected in one piece to the second connector (S2). The last contact element (KN) can also be connected directly to the second connector (S2) via the terminating resistor (WA).

In addition to the first contact path (B1), a second contact path (B2) is arranged here. The second contact path (B2) is here, for example, perpendicular to the base part (GT) and is firmly connected to it. This second contact path (B2) is continuous and is preferably connected in one piece to a third connector (S3).

The course of the first contact path (B1) and the second contact path (B2) is adapted to the switching path of the switching arm (SA). As already described under Figure 1, each contact element (K1, K2, ..., KN) has a locking recess (R1, R2, ..., RN). The second contact track (B2) also has latching recesses (R1, R2, ..., RN) which lie directly opposite the latching recesses (R1, R2, ..., RN) of the first contact track (B1), so that the contact roller (T) in each switching position both firmly engages with the first contact path (B1) and with the second contact path (B2).

The second contact track (B2) can be punched from the same lead frame as the contact elements (K1, K2, ... KN) of the first contact track (B1) in order to ensure that the switch can be produced simply and inexpensively.

In addition to a one-piece connection of the second contact track (B2) to the third connector (S3), it is also possible, as shown in FIG. 2, for the second contact track (B2) to be connected to the third connector (S3) via a third connecting element (V3). connected is.

So that the contact roller (T) comes into as good a engagement as possible with the contact tracks (B1, B2), the base part (GT) here has, for example, two extensions that are perpendicular to the base part (GT) and are integral with this base part (GT) each have a bearing (L1, L2) for the axis of rotation (D) of the adjusting wheel (SR), which are designated in FIG. 3.

To limit the rotary movement of the adjusting wheel (SR), the base part (GT) also has a first stop (A1) and a second stop (A2), each of which stands upright on the base part (GT) and here, for example, in one piece with this base part (GT ) are connected.

Figure 3 shows a further view of the switch according to the invention in a sectional view, which is rotated by 90 ° to the illustration shown in Figure 1.

In this illustration too, the housing (G) of the switch consists of a cover part (DT) and a base part (GT). The axis of rotation (D) of the adjusting wheel (SR) is mounted between the base part (GT) and the cover part (DT) on bearing points (L1, L2).

The setting wheel (SR) partially protrudes through an opening (Ö) in an end wall (ST) of the cover part (DT). In this representation the switching arm (SA) is still recognizable, which has a cavity (H) for the compression spring (F) and the contact roller (T). The cavity (H) is adapted to the shape of the compression spring (F) and the shape of the contact roller (T) and their dimensions and functions. The contact roller (T) has a width which corresponds approximately to the distance between the contact tracks (B1, B2), so that it can connect them in any switching position. In addition, the contact roller (T) has a radius which ensures that when the switching arm (SA) moves from one switching position to the other, the contact roller (T) is in contact with at least one of the contact elements (K1, K2, .. ., KN) of the first contact path (B1), which prevents malfunctions when switching from one switching position to another.

As can also be seen from FIG. 3, the contact tracks (B1, B2) consist of stamped conductor tracks which are firmly connected to the base part (GT) of the housing (G). The contact elements (K1, K2, ..., KN) of the first contact path point in order to be able to connect the resistors (W1, W2, ..., WN) both a part standing upright on the base part (GT) and a part running horizontally to the base part (GT), the latter parts having openings for contacting the connecting wires of the resistors (W1, W2, ...) and the terminating resistor (WA). As can also be seen from FIG. 3, the base part (GT) of the housing (G) has receptacles in which the parts of the contact tracks (B1, B2) which stand perpendicularly on the base part engage and in which these are clamped in order to ensure a firm fit To ensure contact paths (B1, B2). In addition, the base part (GT) has openings through which the plugs (S1, S2, S3) project from the inside of the housing (G) to the outside of the housing (G), that is to say the base part (GT). In the sectional view shown in FIG. 3, this can only be seen for the first connector (S1).

The plugs (S1, S2, S3) are designed here as examples in all figures as flat plugs. In other exemplary embodiments, the plugs (S1, S2, S3) can also have other shapes. In particular, the plugs (S1, S2, S3) can be designed as circular plugs. In order to achieve simple and inexpensive production, the housing (G) can be made of plastic.

So that the switch can be operated safely even in the dark, the housing (G) can have a light source in its interior, which, for. B. illuminate parts of the housing wall and / or the adjusting wheel, which are provided with function symbols, via light guides. It may be necessary for the base part (GT) to have at least one further plug and a lamp socket. The switch can have a wide variety of designs in accordance with the drawings shown or alternatively, and in particular can be designed as a rotary switch or a slide switch. In all of these switch designs, it has proven to be advantageous if the first connector (S1) is connected to a positive supply voltage and if the second connector (S2) is connected to a negative supply voltage. A voltage value corresponding to the switching position of the switching part can be tapped via the third connector (S3). In other embodiments of the switch, the first connector (S1) can also be connected to the negative supply voltage and the second connector (S2) can be connected to the positive supply voltage.

The mode of operation of the switch according to the invention is described in more detail below.

By actuating the switching part, which is designed here, for example, as a setting wheel (SR), the switch can be switched into several switching positions. By forming the contact part as a contact roller (T) On the one hand, the adjusting wheel (SR) can be moved easily and, on the other hand, it ensures that the contact roller (T) connects the first contact path (B1) with the second contact path (B2) safely and reliably. So that the setting wheel (SR) locks securely in any switching position, the contact elements (K1, K2, ..., KN) of the first contact path (B1) and the second contact path (B2) have opposing recesses (R1, R2, ... , RN), which are adapted to the radius of the contact roller (T). Each contact element (K1, K2, ..., KN) of the first contact track has a detent recess (R1, R2, ..., RN). In order to avoid that the setting wheel (SR) or possibly a slide switch is moved out over the first contact element (K1) or in the other direction of movement over the last contact element (KN) and the switch does not assume a defined switching position, this is the movement of the switching part in both directions limited by a stop (A1, A2).

In each switching position, one of the contact elements (K1, K2, ..., KN) of the first contact path (B1) is electrically conductively connected to the second contact path (B2) via the contact roller (T). Characterized in that the contact elements (K1, K2, ..., KN) are connected to one another via resistors (W1, W2, ...) and the first contact element (K1) with a first plug (S1) and the last contact element (KN ) is connected to a second connector (S2), the first connector (S1) and the second connector (S2) being connectable to a supply voltage, can be connected to the third connector (S3) which is connected to the second contact path (B2), According to the voltage divider arrangement thus formed, a voltage value can be tapped which corresponds to the respective switching position of the switching part and is determined by the absolute resistance values and the ratio of the resistance values of the resistors (W1, W2, ...) and possibly the terminating resistor (WA).

A simple and inexpensive change in the configuration of the switch according to the invention with different resistances from switch variant to switch variant and by applying different supply voltage results in a high adaptability of the switch to different requirements which, for. B. be specified by control devices or regulating devices without constructive changes, which can be complex and expensive, would have to be made to the switch. Depending on how exactly the voltages that can be tapped at the third connector (S3) must be observed, it is possible in a simple manner to use resistors (W1, W2, ...) and terminating resistors (WA), the resistance values of which have tolerances that are adapted to the given requirements.

In the embodiment of the switch shown in the figures described above, there is a particularly compact structure, which is due to its small dimensions, for. B. suitable for installation in a dashboard of a motor vehicle. If the switch z. B. used as a switch for headlight range control in a motor vehicle and the switch is installed such that the actuating direction of the adjusting wheel (SR) is adapted to the direction of movement of the headlights to be controlled, actuation errors are kept as low as possible. In order to be able to make the best possible use of the switching path of the switching part, the individual switching positions can each have an equal distance from one another due to the spacing of the latching recesses (R1, R2, ..., RN) and in their end position each by the stops (A1, A2) be limited. However, they can also have different distances and can thus be adapted to the course of the function of the electrical actuating variables to be switched.

Claims (12)

1. Switch having a plurality of switch positions for switching electric manipulated variables, more particularly for motor vehicles, comprising a housing, a switching unit mounted in said housing, the switching unit incorporating a cavity which accommodates a compression spring and a contact unit, a first contact deck which consists of a preset number of individual contacts, each of which is adapted to be connected via the contact unit to a second continuous contact deck arranged alongside the first contact deck,
   characterised in that the contacts (K1, K2..., KN) of the first contact deck (B1) are interconnected via resistors (W1, W2, ...), in that the first contact (K1) is connected to a first plug (S1), in that the last contact (KN) is connected to a second plug (S2), in that the first plug (S1) and the second plug (S2) are connected to a supply voltage and in that the second contact deck is connected to a third plug (S3).
2. Switch according to claim 1, characterised in that the contacts (K1, K2, ..., KN) of the first contact deck (B1), and the second contact deck (B2) and/or the plugs (S1, S2, S3) are punched printed conductors.
3. Switch according to claim 2, characterised in that the first contact (K1) and the first plug (S1), and/or the last contact (KN) and the second plug (S2), and/or the second contact deck (B2) and the third plug (S3), are respectively manufactured in one piece.
4. Switch according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that the first contact deck (B1) and the second contact deck (B2) have opposed latching recesses (R1, R2, ..., RN) and that the contact unit is a contact roller (T).
5. Switch according to claim 4, characterised in that the last contact (KN) is connected to the second plug (S2) via a terminal resistor (WA).
6. Switch according to claim 5, characterised in that the switching unit is an adjusting wheel (SR) mounted in the housing (G) by means of a rotary shaft (D) and projecting by part of its circumference through an opening (ö) in an end wall (ST) of the housing (G), in that the adjusting wheel (SR) has a switching arm (SA) with the cavity (H) and in that the contact decks (B1, B2) are matched to the path travelled by the switching arm (SA).
7. Switch according to claim 6, characterised in that the housing (G) is constructed from a base unit (GT) and a cover unit (DT) and in that the base unit (GT) can be detachably joined to the cover unit (DT).
8. Switch according to claim 7, characterised in that the base unit (GT) incorporates locators for the contact decks (B1, B2) and passages for the plugs (S1, S2, S3).
9. Switch according to claim 8, characterised in that a first stop (A1) and a second stop (A2) are joined to the base unit (GT) and in that the first stop (A1) and the second stop (A2) limit the rotary motion of the adjusting wheel (SR) in each direction of rotation.
10. Switch according to claim 9, characterised in that the exterior of the housing (G) incorporates fixing members (E1, E2).
11. Switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing incorporates a light source and at least one light guide.
12. Switch according to any of the preceding claims, characterised by its use for a headlight range adjustment device in motor vehicles.

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