EP0587056B1 - Rocker keyswitch - Google Patents

Rocker keyswitch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0587056B1
EP0587056B1 EP93114115A EP93114115A EP0587056B1 EP 0587056 B1 EP0587056 B1 EP 0587056B1 EP 93114115 A EP93114115 A EP 93114115A EP 93114115 A EP93114115 A EP 93114115A EP 0587056 B1 EP0587056 B1 EP 0587056B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rocker
keyswitch
plug
contacts
circuit board
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93114115A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0587056A1 (en
Inventor
Heinz Dieter Schmitz
Andreas Stoffel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ABB Patent GmbH
Original Assignee
ABB Patent GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ABB Patent GmbH filed Critical ABB Patent GmbH
Priority to EP96110786A priority Critical patent/EP0762449B1/en
Publication of EP0587056A1 publication Critical patent/EP0587056A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0587056B1 publication Critical patent/EP0587056B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02Details
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00Contacts
    • H01H1/58Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
    • H01H1/5866Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals characterised by the use of a plug and socket connector
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05FDEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F15/00Power-operated mechanisms for wings
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05Y2400/00Electronic control; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
    • E05Y2400/80User interfaces
    • E05Y2400/85User input means
    • E05Y2400/852Sensors
    • E05Y2400/854Switches
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05Y2400/00Electronic control; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
    • E05Y2400/80User interfaces
    • E05Y2400/85User input means
    • E05Y2400/852Sensors
    • E05Y2400/856Actuation thereof
    • E05Y2400/858Actuation thereof by body parts
    • E05Y2400/86Actuation thereof by body parts by hand
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05Y2900/00Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/50Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
    • E05Y2900/53Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles characterised by the type of wing
    • E05Y2900/55Windows
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/006Application power roofs
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/008Application power seats
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/01Application power window
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/012Application rear view mirror

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a rocker switch for use in motor vehicles, e.g. for operating a sunroof or a window regulator, with a housing, with a base as a support for fixed and movable contacts, with an operating rocker for loading the movable contacts and with electrical connections.
  • Rocker switches are used for short-term switching on of electrical consumers.
  • the switch contacts are closed when the actuation rocker is actuated, i.e. when the actuation rocker is released, it and the movable contacts it actuates automatically return to their starting position.
  • Rocker buttons for installation in motor vehicles are required for the actuation of electric sunroofs, electric window regulators, seat adjustments, electric exterior mirrors or the like.
  • the space available for installing an actuation switch is very cramped, so that a rocker switch, in which several electrical functions are often combined, cannot be used due to a lack of sufficient space.
  • the dimensions of the conventional rocker buttons often prove to be too large, in particular with regard to their installation depth.
  • connection connections of such electrical switches and buttons are provided by means of cable lugs or multiple plugs which are placed on the connection contacts protruding from the rear of the respective switching device, so that the installation depth of the switching device in question is increased. This makes it difficult or even impossible to use the switch for the intended purpose.
  • the circuit board is advantageously fastened to the base, and the movable contacts are guided in the circuit board so as to be displaceable or pivotable in the direction of the fixed contacts.
  • the electrical connections are designed as plug pins and are arranged parallel to the mounting surface, ie transversely to the direction of installation.
  • angled connection contacts may be angled in the same direction, arranged next to one another in one or, if necessary, in several planes. This configuration enables good handling when installed in the vehicles, since this simplifies the use of pre-assembled cable harnesses.
  • connection contacts next to one another and, if necessary, to bend them in opposite directions. This enables a particularly flat design to be achieved.
  • the aforementioned configurations of the rocker switch according to the invention enable a flat, space-saving design, in which the actuating rocker is practically in the mounting plane and does not protrude from the mounting plane in a disruptive manner.
  • a lighting unit is arranged in the rocker switch, which is either formed by glow or incandescent lamps or by light emitting diodes.
  • SMD LEDs are provided as light sources in accordance with a preferred embodiment, which are arranged together with further electronic components, such as resistors, on a circuit board referred to below as a circuit board, which board is inserted in the housing of the rocker switch .
  • the actuating rocker provided for actuating the switching contacts is provided with a label which is designed to be translucent and by the lighting unit is backlit.
  • the marking can be either a sequence of digits or letters, for example a word, or can display the relevant switching function as a symbol.
  • connection contacts can be designed as round plug pins or as flat plugs onto which conventional plug sleeves can be plugged.
  • the connecting plugs are surrounded by a connecting hood integrally formed on the base for receiving a plug to be placed on the plug pins, so that the plug to be placed on the plug, to be inserted into the connecting hood, at least in the connection area, i.e. in the contact area of the plug contact with the plug-in sleeve is fully encompassed.
  • the connection hood which according to the invention is open to the side in accordance with the angled plug pins and thus only permits the connection of a laterally supplied plug, can be provided with latching elements which prevent the plug to be connected from accidentally sliding out.
  • FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a rocker switch 10 with a base 12, which is produced as a molded plastic part.
  • Flat conductors 14 are inserted or cast into the base 12 and are connected in an electrically conductive manner to either fixed contact pieces 16 or movable contact pieces 18.
  • the fixed contact pieces 16 are preferably riveted or welded to the associated flat conductor 14.
  • the movable contact pieces 18 pass through recesses formed in the associated flat conductors 14, wherein they have sufficient electrical contact via a contact spring 20 which acts on them and which in turn are connected to a bearing block 22 which is likewise connected to the associated flat conductor 14.
  • the ends of the flat conductors 14 facing away from the fixed or movable contacts 16, 18 are designed as flat plugs 24 and angled transversely to the direction of actuation of the movable contacts 18.
  • an illumination unit 26 is provided on the base, which is formed by a conventional light-emitting diode 28 with a series resistor 30.
  • a connecting hood 32 comprising the plug contacts 24 is connected on the left, which is integrally connected to the base 12 and on the left side in FIG. 1 Has insertion opening 33 for a plug, not shown here, to be plugged onto the plug contacts 24.
  • FIG. 2 shows a rocker switch 11, the structure of which largely corresponds to the rocker switch 10 previously explained in FIG. 1, so that the same reference numbers have been used for the same parts.
  • FIG. 2 In a departure from the design according to FIG. 1, another lighting unit 26 is provided in FIG. 2. Compared to the lighting unit 26 shown in FIG. 1, the lighting unit provided in FIG. 2 is implemented using SMD technology. Accordingly, an SMD LED 29 and an associated series resistor 31 are placed on a circuit board 27.
  • SMD components that take up little space is advantageous if, for example, several lighting units are to be arranged at different positions of the rocker switch. Such a requirement can easily be met by means of the circuit board 27 and the SMD components to be arranged thereon.
  • FIG. 3 shows the view of the narrow side of the rocker switch 11 shown in FIG. 2, the upper area receiving the switching mechanism being shown in partial section.
  • the rocker switch 11 has a base 12, with a connecting hood 32 formed thereon, the lateral opening 33 of which is shown in FIG. 3 and provides a view of the plug contacts 24 emerging from the plane of the drawing.
  • a housing 13 connects to the base 12, to which a rocker button 15 is attached.
  • the switching mechanism of the rocker switch 11 is provided, using the aforementioned SMD technology, with a circuit board 27 which is used to hold the SMD components, e.g. SMD LED 29 is used. Furthermore, the bearing block 22 for the contact spring 20, which acts on the movable contact piece 18, is guided in the board 27. To actuate the movable contact piece 18, a rod made of insulating material, e.g. Hard paper, one end of which acts on the corresponding contact spring 20 when its other end is acted upon by the rocker button 15.
  • insulating material e.g. Hard paper
  • the rocker switch 11 shown in FIG. 3 is shown in a top view in FIG. 4, only the actuating rocker 15 being visible.
  • the actuating rocker 15 has two actuating surfaces 34 arranged on its narrow ends, between which an identification field is provided with an identification 36 designed here as a symbol for the actuation of the sunroof.
  • the marking 36 can optionally be made transparent, so that the lighting unit 26 located below provides the required contrast, or it can be produced by color-contrasting printing.
  • a rocker switch according to the invention can have different circuits.
  • a push-button function instead of a rocker function can also be achieved by fixing the actuating rocker on one side. Due to the independent resetting of the contact spring, the operating rocker returns to its original position at any time in the idle state.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Wipptaster zum Einsatz in Kraftfahrzeuge, z.B. zur Betätigung eines Schiebedachs oder eines Fensterhebers, mit einem Gehäuse, mit einem Sockel als Träger für feste und bewegliche Kontakte, mit einer Betätigungswippe zur Beaufschlagung der beweglichen Kontakte und mit elektrischen Anschlüssen.The invention relates to a rocker switch for use in motor vehicles, e.g. for operating a sunroof or a window regulator, with a housing, with a base as a support for fixed and movable contacts, with an operating rocker for loading the movable contacts and with electrical connections.

Wipptaster dienen bekannter Weise zur kurzzeitigen Einschaltung elektrischer Verbraucher. Hierbei sind die Schaltkontakte jeweils während der Beaufschlagung der Betätigungswippe geschlossen, d.h., nach Loslassen der Betätigungswippe stellen sich diese sowie die von ihr beaufschlagten beweglichen Kontakte selbsttätig in ihre Ausgangsstellung zurück.Rocker switches are used for short-term switching on of electrical consumers. The switch contacts are closed when the actuation rocker is actuated, i.e. when the actuation rocker is released, it and the movable contacts it actuates automatically return to their starting position.

Wipptaster zum Einbau in Kraftfahrzeugen werden benötigt für die Betätigung von elektrischen Schiebedächern, elektrischen Fensterhebern, Sitzverstellungen, elektrischen Außenspiegeln oder ähnliches. Vielfach sind die zum Einbau eines Betätigungsschalters verfügbaren Platzverhältnisse sehr beengt, so daß ein Wipptaster, in welchem häufig mehrere elektrische Funktionen vereinigt sind, mangels ausreichendem Platz nicht verwendbar ist. Insbesondere beim Einbau von Wipptastern im Dachhimmel des Fahrzeugs zur Betätigung des elektrischen Schiebedachs oder in den Rückenlehnen der Fahrzeugsitze, zur Betätigung derer elektrischer Verstellung erweisen sich häufig die Abmessungen der üblichen Wipptaster als zu groß, insbesondere hinsichtlich ihrer Einbautiefe. Hierbei ist zu berücksichtigen, daß die üblichen Anschlußverbindungen solcher elektrischer Schalter und Taster mittels Kabelschuhen bzw. Mehrfachsteckern vorgesehen sind, die auf die rückseitig am jeweiligen Schaltgerät in Einbaurichtung abstehenden Anschlußkontakte aufgesetzt werden, so daß sich die Einbautiefe des betreffenden Schaltgeräts vergrößert. Hierdurch wird die Verwendbarkeit des Schalters für den vorgesehenen Zweck erschwert oder gar unmöglich gemacht.Rocker buttons for installation in motor vehicles are required for the actuation of electric sunroofs, electric window regulators, seat adjustments, electric exterior mirrors or the like. In many cases, the space available for installing an actuation switch is very cramped, so that a rocker switch, in which several electrical functions are often combined, cannot be used due to a lack of sufficient space. In particular when installing rocker buttons in the headlining of the vehicle for actuating the electric sunroof or in the backrests of the vehicle seats, for actuating their electrical adjustment, the dimensions of the conventional rocker buttons often prove to be too large, in particular with regard to their installation depth. It must be taken into account here that the usual connection connections of such electrical switches and buttons are provided by means of cable lugs or multiple plugs which are placed on the connection contacts protruding from the rear of the respective switching device, so that the installation depth of the switching device in question is increased. This makes it difficult or even impossible to use the switch for the intended purpose.

Ausgehend von diesem Stand der Technik ist es Aufgabe der Erfindung, einen Wipptaster der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, der unter weitgehender Beibehaltung der herkömmlichen Schaltfunktion sich durch eine geringere Einbautiefe auszeichnet.Based on this prior art, it is an object of the invention to provide a rocker switch of the type mentioned, which is characterized by a lower installation depth while largely maintaining the conventional switching function.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Danach ist vorgesehen, daß oberhalb der festen Kontakte eine Platine oder Leiterplatte angeordnet ist, die mit den zugeordneten elektrischen Anschlüssen verbundene bewegliche Kontakte trägt, welche bei Beaufschlagung mit der Betätigungswippe die gegenüber am Sockel befindlichen festen Kontakte kontaktieren.This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Thereafter it is provided that a board or printed circuit board is arranged above the fixed contacts, which carries movable contacts connected to the associated electrical connections, which contact the fixed contacts located opposite on the base when acted on by the actuating rocker.

Dabei ist die Platine vorteilhafterweise am Sockel befestigt, und die beweglichen Kontakte sind in der Platine in Richtung der festen Kontakte verschieblich oder verschwenkbar geführt.The circuit board is advantageously fastened to the base, and the movable contacts are guided in the circuit board so as to be displaceable or pivotable in the direction of the fixed contacts.

Mit dieser erfindungsgemäßen Gestaltung kann auf die sonst üblichen, erforderlichen überhängenden Oberkontakte verzichtet werden, welche die Bauhöhe vergrößern.With this design according to the invention, the otherwise usual, necessary overhanging top contacts can be dispensed with, which increase the overall height.

Aufgrund der festen, d. h. räumlich unverrückbaren Lage der Platine ist in der Nullage ein ausreichender Kontaktabstand gewährleistet. Vorteilhaft bei dieser Gestaltung ist auch die vereinfachte Montage.Because of the fixed, d. H. In the zero position, the position of the circuit board, which is immovable in space, ensures a sufficient contact distance. The simplified assembly is also advantageous with this design.

In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung kann zusätzlich vorgesehen sein, daß die elektrischen Anschlüsse als Steckerstifte ausgebildet und parallel zur Montagefläche, d.h. quer zur Einbaurichtung, angeordnet sind. Durch die erfindungsgemäß vorgesehene Abwinkelung der Anschlußkontakte wird erreicht, daß die Bauhöhe des betreffenden Wipptasters einerseits bestimmt ist durch die Abmessungen des Schaltmechanismus und zum anderen durch den aus Isolationsgründen vorgegebenen Abstand der Anschlußkontakte zueinander. Dieser Abstand ist aufgrund der in Kraftfahrzeugen üblichen Kleinspannung dementsprechend gering, so daß die Erfindung die Schaffung von Schaltgeräten mit sehr geringer Bauhöhe erlaubt.In a further embodiment of the invention it can additionally be provided that the electrical connections are designed as plug pins and are arranged parallel to the mounting surface, ie transversely to the direction of installation. Through the angling of the connection contacts provided according to the invention, that the overall height of the rocker switch in question is determined on the one hand by the dimensions of the switching mechanism and on the other hand by the spacing of the connection contacts which is predetermined for insulation reasons. This distance is accordingly small due to the low voltage common in motor vehicles, so that the invention allows the creation of switching devices with a very low profile.

Dabei kann es vorteilhaft sein, daß die abgewinkelten Anschlußkontakte nebeneinander in einer oder erforderlichenfalls in mehreren Ebenen angeordnet in die gleiche Richtung abgewinkelt sind. Diese Ausgestaltung ermöglicht eine gute Handhabung beim Einbau in die Fahrzeuge, da auf diese Weise die Verwendung von vorkonfektionierten Leitungssträngen vereinfacht ist.It may be advantageous for the angled connection contacts to be angled in the same direction, arranged next to one another in one or, if necessary, in several planes. This configuration enables good handling when installed in the vehicles, since this simplifies the use of pre-assembled cable harnesses.

Aus Gründen mangelnden zur Verfügung stehenden Platzes, der eine besonders geringe Bauhöhe des erfindungsgemäßen Wipptasters erfordert, kann es vorteilhaft sein, die Anschlußkontakte in einer Ebene nebeneinander anzuordnen und hierbei erforderlichenfalls in entgegengesetzte Richtungen abzuwinkeln. Hierdurch kann eine besonders flache Bauform realisiert werden.For reasons of a lack of available space, which requires a particularly low overall height of the rocker switch according to the invention, it can be advantageous to arrange the connection contacts next to one another and, if necessary, to bend them in opposite directions. This enables a particularly flat design to be achieved.

Die vorgenannten Ausgestaltungen des erfindungsgemäßen Wipptasters ermöglichen eine flache, raumsparende Bauform, bei welcher die Betätigungswippe praktisch in der Montageebene liegt und nicht störend aus der Montageebene hervorsteht.The aforementioned configurations of the rocker switch according to the invention enable a flat, space-saving design, in which the actuating rocker is practically in the mounting plane and does not protrude from the mounting plane in a disruptive manner.

In bevorzugter Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß im Wipptaster eine Beleuchtungseinheit angeordnet ist, die entweder durch Glimm- oder Glühlampen gebildet ist oder durch Leuchtdioden. Im Hinblick auf die angestrebte flache Bauform des Wipptasters sind gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform SMD-LED als Leuchtmittel vorgesehen, die gemeinsam mit weiteren elektronischen Bauteilen, wie Widerstände, auf einer im folgenden als Platine bezeichneten Leiterplatte angeordnet sind, welche Platine im Gehäuse des Wipptasters eingesetzt ist.In a preferred development of the invention it is provided that a lighting unit is arranged in the rocker switch, which is either formed by glow or incandescent lamps or by light emitting diodes. In view of the desired flat design of the rocker switch, SMD LEDs are provided as light sources in accordance with a preferred embodiment, which are arranged together with further electronic components, such as resistors, on a circuit board referred to below as a circuit board, which board is inserted in the housing of the rocker switch .

Weiterhin kann gemäß der Erfindung vorgesehen sein, daß die zur Betätigung der Schaltkontakte vorgesehene Betätigungswippe mit einer Kennzeichnung versehen ist, die lichtdurchlässig ausgebildet ist und von der Beleuchtungseinheit hinterleuchtet wird. Dabei kann die Kennzeichnung sowohl eine Ziffern- oder Buchstabenfolge, z.B. Wort, sein oder als Symbol die betreffende Schaltfunktion anzeigen.Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that the actuating rocker provided for actuating the switching contacts is provided with a label which is designed to be translucent and by the lighting unit is backlit. The marking can be either a sequence of digits or letters, for example a word, or can display the relevant switching function as a symbol.

In Weiterbildung der Erfindung können die Anschlußkontakte als runde Stekkerstifte oder als Flachstecker ausgebildet sein, auf welche herkömmliche Steckhülsen aufsteckbar sind. Zur vereinfachten Handhabung sowie zum Schutz vor Störungen durch äußere Einflüsse, z.B. Feuchtigkeit, kann vorgesehen sein, daß die Anschlußstecker von einer einstückig am Sockel angeformten Anschlußhaube zur Aufnahme eines auf die Steckerstifte aufzusetzenden Steckers umgeben sind, so daß der auf die Stecker aufzusetzende, in die Anschlußhaube einzuführende Stecker zumindest im Anschlußbereich, d.h. im Kontaktbereich von Steckkontakt mit Steckhülse, vollumfaßt ist. Die Anschlußhaube, die erfindungsgemäß entsprechend den abgewinkelten Steckerstifte zur Seite hin offen ist, und so den Anschluß eines seitlich zugeführten Steckers nur zuläßt, kann mit Rastelementen versehen sein, die ein unbeabsichtigtes Herausgleiten des anzuschließenden Steckers verhindern.In a further development of the invention, the connection contacts can be designed as round plug pins or as flat plugs onto which conventional plug sleeves can be plugged. For simplified handling and protection against interference from external influences, e.g. Moisture, it can be provided that the connecting plugs are surrounded by a connecting hood integrally formed on the base for receiving a plug to be placed on the plug pins, so that the plug to be placed on the plug, to be inserted into the connecting hood, at least in the connection area, i.e. in the contact area of the plug contact with the plug-in sleeve is fully encompassed. The connection hood, which according to the invention is open to the side in accordance with the angled plug pins and thus only permits the connection of a laterally supplied plug, can be provided with latching elements which prevent the plug to be connected from accidentally sliding out.

Diese und weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.These and other advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Anhand eines in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels sollen die Erfindung, besondere Ausgestaltungen und Vorteile der Erfindung näher erläutert und beschrieben werden.On the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing, the invention, special configurations and advantages of the invention are to be explained and described in more detail.

Es zeigen:

Figur 1
einen Längsschnitt durch einen Wipptaster mit einer herkömmlichen Leuchtdiode als Beleuchtungseinheit,
Figur 2
einen Längsschnitt durch einen Schalter entsprechend Figur 1 jedoch mit einer Leuchtdiode in SMD-Technik als Beleuchtungseinheit,
Figur 3
eine Ansicht der Schmalseite eines erfindungsgemäßen Wipptasters, quer zu den Ansichten in Figur 1 und Figur 2, mit aufgesetzter Betätigungswippe und Teilschnitt des oberen Bereiches,
Figur 4
eine Draufsicht auf den in Figur 3 gezeigten Wipptaster.
Show it:
Figure 1
2 shows a longitudinal section through a rocker switch with a conventional light-emitting diode as the lighting unit,
Figure 2
2 shows a longitudinal section through a switch corresponding to FIG. 1 but with a light-emitting diode using SMD technology as the lighting unit,
Figure 3
2 shows a view of the narrow side of a rocker switch according to the invention, transversely to the views in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, with the actuating rocker attached and a partial section of the upper area,
Figure 4
a plan view of the rocker switch shown in Figure 3.

In Figur 1 ist ein Längsschnitt durch einen Wipptaster 10 mit einem Sockel 12 dargestellt, der als Kunststoff-Formteil hergestellt ist. In den Sockel 12 sind Flachleiter 14 eingesetzt bzw. eingegossen, die entweder mit festen Kontaktstücken 16 oder beweglichen Kontaktstücken 18 elektrisch leitend verbunden sind. Die festen Kontaktstücke 16 sind vorzugsweise mit dem zugeordneten Flachleiter 14 vernietet oder verschweißt. Die beweglichen Kontaktstücke 18 durchgreifen hierfür in den zugeordneten Flachleitern 14 eingeformte Ausnehmungen, wobei sie ausreichenden elektrischen Kontakt über eine sie beaufschlagende Kontaktfeder 20 haben, die ihrerseits mit einem ebenfalls mit dem zugeordneten Flachleiter 14 verbundenen Lagerbock 22 in Verbindung stehen.1 shows a longitudinal section through a rocker switch 10 with a base 12, which is produced as a molded plastic part. Flat conductors 14 are inserted or cast into the base 12 and are connected in an electrically conductive manner to either fixed contact pieces 16 or movable contact pieces 18. The fixed contact pieces 16 are preferably riveted or welded to the associated flat conductor 14. For this purpose, the movable contact pieces 18 pass through recesses formed in the associated flat conductors 14, wherein they have sufficient electrical contact via a contact spring 20 which acts on them and which in turn are connected to a bearing block 22 which is likewise connected to the associated flat conductor 14.

Die den festen bzw. beweglichen Kontakten 16, 18 abgewandten Enden der Flachleiter 14 sind als Flachstecker 24 ausgebildet und quer zur Betätigungsrichtung der beweglichen Kontakte 18 abgewinkelt.The ends of the flat conductors 14 facing away from the fixed or movable contacts 16, 18 are designed as flat plugs 24 and angled transversely to the direction of actuation of the movable contacts 18.

Ferner ist am Sockel eine Beleuchtungseinheit 26 vorgesehen, die von einer herkömmlichen Leuchtdiode 28 mit Vorwiderstand 30 gebildet ist. An den in Figur 1 gezeigten Darstellung rechts einseitig in Einbaurichtung entsprechend der Betätigungsrichtung der beweglichen Kontaktstücke 18 verlängerten Sokkel 12 schließt sich links eine die Steckkontakte 24 umfassende Anschlußhaube 32 an, die einstückig mit dem Sockel 12 verbunden ist und auf der in Figur 1 linken Seite eine Einführöffnung 33 für einen hier nicht näher dargestellten, auf die Steckkontakte 24 aufzusteckenden Stecker aufweist.Furthermore, an illumination unit 26 is provided on the base, which is formed by a conventional light-emitting diode 28 with a series resistor 30. On the illustration shown in FIG. 1, on one side in the installation direction, corresponding to the length of the socket 12, which corresponds to the direction of actuation of the movable contact pieces 18, a connecting hood 32 comprising the plug contacts 24 is connected on the left, which is integrally connected to the base 12 and on the left side in FIG. 1 Has insertion opening 33 for a plug, not shown here, to be plugged onto the plug contacts 24.

In Figur 2 ist ein Wipptaster 11 gezeigt, dessen Aufbau dem zuvor in Figur 1 erläuterten Wipptaster 10 weitgehend entspricht, so daß für gleiche Teile die gleichen Bezugsziffern verwendet wurden.FIG. 2 shows a rocker switch 11, the structure of which largely corresponds to the rocker switch 10 previously explained in FIG. 1, so that the same reference numbers have been used for the same parts.

Abweichend von der Gestaltung gemäß Figur 1 ist in Figur 2 eine andere Beleuchtungseinheit 26 vorgesehen. Gegenüber der in Figur 1 gezeigten Beleuchtungseinheit 26 ist die in Figur 2 vorgesehene Beleuchtungseinheit in SMD-Technik ausgeführt. Demgemäß sind auf einer Platine 27 eine SMD-LED 29 sowie ein zugeordneter Vorwiderstand 31 platziert.In a departure from the design according to FIG. 1, another lighting unit 26 is provided in FIG. 2. Compared to the lighting unit 26 shown in FIG. 1, the lighting unit provided in FIG. 2 is implemented using SMD technology. Accordingly, an SMD LED 29 and an associated series resistor 31 are placed on a circuit board 27.

Die Verwendung von SMD-Bauteilen, die nur geringen Raum beanspruchen, ist dann vorteilhaft, wenn beispielsweise mehrere Beleuchtungseinheiten an unterschiedlicher Position des Wipptasters angeordnet sein sollen. Eine solche Forderung läßt sich mittels der Platine 27 und den darauf anzuordnenden SMD-Bauteilen leicht realisieren.The use of SMD components that take up little space is advantageous if, for example, several lighting units are to be arranged at different positions of the rocker switch. Such a requirement can easily be met by means of the circuit board 27 and the SMD components to be arranged thereon.

In Figur 3 ist die Ansicht der Schmalseite des in Figur 2 dargestellten Wipptasters 11 wiedergegeben, wobei der obere, den Schaltmechanismus aufnehmende Bereich im Teilschnitt wiedergegeben ist. Auch hier sind die bereits verwendeten Bezugszeichen für die Merkmale benutzt worden, die bereits in Figur 1 bzw. Figur 2 erläutert wurden. Demgemäß besitzt der Wipptaster 11 einen Sockel 12, mit einer daran angeformten Anschlußhaube 32, deren seitliche Öffnung 33 in Figur 3 dargestellt ist und den Blick auf die aus der Zeichenebene hervortretenden Steckkontakte 24 freigibt. An den Sockel 12 schließt ein Gehäuse 13 an, an welches eine Wipptaste 15 angesetzt ist.FIG. 3 shows the view of the narrow side of the rocker switch 11 shown in FIG. 2, the upper area receiving the switching mechanism being shown in partial section. Here, too, the reference symbols already used have been used for the features which have already been explained in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Accordingly, the rocker switch 11 has a base 12, with a connecting hood 32 formed thereon, the lateral opening 33 of which is shown in FIG. 3 and provides a view of the plug contacts 24 emerging from the plane of the drawing. A housing 13 connects to the base 12, to which a rocker button 15 is attached.

Der Schaltmechanismus des Wipptasters 11 ist unter Benutzung der zuvor erwähnten SMD-Technik mit einer Platine 27 versehen, welche zur Halterung der SMD-Bauteile, z.B. SMD-LED 29 dient. Ferner sind in der Platine 27 der Lagerbock 22 für die Kontaktfeder 20 geführt, welche das bewegliche Kontaktstück 18 beaufschlagt. Zur Betätigung des beweglichen Kontaktstücks 18 dient ein in einer mit der Platine 27 verbundenen Führung 19 geführter Stab aus Isolierstoff, z.B. Hartpapier, dessen eines Ende auf die entsprechende Kontakffeder 20 wirkt, wenn sein anderes Ende von der Wipptaste 15 beaufschlagt wird.The switching mechanism of the rocker switch 11 is provided, using the aforementioned SMD technology, with a circuit board 27 which is used to hold the SMD components, e.g. SMD LED 29 is used. Furthermore, the bearing block 22 for the contact spring 20, which acts on the movable contact piece 18, is guided in the board 27. To actuate the movable contact piece 18, a rod made of insulating material, e.g. Hard paper, one end of which acts on the corresponding contact spring 20 when its other end is acted upon by the rocker button 15.

In Figur 4 ist der in Figur 3 dargestellte Wipptaster 11 in Draufsicht wiedergegeben, wobei nur die Betätigungswippe 15 zu erkennen ist. Die Betätigungswippe 15 besitzt zwei an ihren Schmalenden angeordnete Betätigungsflächen 34, zwischen denen ein Kennzeichnungsfeld mit einer hier als Symbol für die Betätigung des Schiebedachs ausgestalteten Kennzeichnung 36 versehen ist.The rocker switch 11 shown in FIG. 3 is shown in a top view in FIG. 4, only the actuating rocker 15 being visible. The actuating rocker 15 has two actuating surfaces 34 arranged on its narrow ends, between which an identification field is provided with an identification 36 designed here as a symbol for the actuation of the sunroof.

Die Kennzeichnung 36 kann wahlweise transparent ausgebildet sein, so daß die darunter befindliche Beleuchtungseinheit 26 für den erforderlichen Kontrast sorgt, oder sie kann durch farblich abgesetzten Druck hergestellt sein.The marking 36 can optionally be made transparent, so that the lighting unit 26 located below provides the required contrast, or it can be produced by color-contrasting printing.

Die im Ausführungsbeispiel gezeigte Kontaktierung mittels der mit einer Kontaktfeder 20 zusammenwirkenden beweglichen Kontaktstücke 18 kann auch abweichen. Durch unterschiedlich ausgeführte Kontaktteile kann ein erfindungsgemäßer Wipptaster unterschiedliche Schaltungen aufweisen. So kann beispielsweise auch durch einseitiges Festsetzen der Betätigungswippe eine Tast- anstelle einer Wippenfunktion erreicht werden. Durch die selbständige Rückstellung der Kontaktfeder nimmt die Betätigungswippe im Ruhezustand jederzeit wieder die ursprüngliche Lage ein.The contacting shown in the exemplary embodiment by means of the movable contact pieces 18 interacting with a contact spring 20 can also differ. Due to the differently designed contact parts, a rocker switch according to the invention can have different circuits. For example, a push-button function instead of a rocker function can also be achieved by fixing the actuating rocker on one side. Due to the independent resetting of the contact spring, the operating rocker returns to its original position at any time in the idle state.

Claims (14)

  1. Rocker keyswitch (11) for use in motor vehicles, having a housing (13), having fixed and moving contacts (16, 18), having a base (12) which serves as carrier for the fixed contacts (16), having an activation rocker for the moving contacts (18) and having electrical terminals (24), characterized in that arranged above the fixed contacts (16) is a printed circuit board (27) which is fitted with moving contacts (18) which are connected to the electrical terminals (24) and which, when acted on by the activation rocker (15), make contact with the fixed contacts (16).
  2. Rocker keyswitch according to Claim 1, characterized in that the printed circuit board (27) is attached to the base (12) and the moving contacts (18) are routed in the printed circuit board.
  3. Rocker keyswitch (11) according to Claim 1, characterized in that electrical terminals (24) which are constructed as plug pins and are arranged parallel to the mounting surface of the rocker keyswitch (11) are provided.
  4. Rocker keyswitch according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one lighting unit (26) is provided in the rocker keyswitch (11).
  5. Rocker keyswitch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting unit (26) is formed by glow lamps or incandescent lamps.
  6. Rocker keyswitch according to one of the previous Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lighting unit (26) is formed by light-emitting diodes (28).
  7. Rocker keyswitch according to Claim 6, characterized in that the lighting unit (26) is formed by at least one SMD light-emitting diode (29), which is arranged on the printed circuit board (27).
  8. Rocker keyswitch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that round pins are provided as plug pins (24).
  9. Rocker keyswitch according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that flat plugs are provided as plug pins (24).
  10. Rocker keyswitch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug pins (24) are arranged in a terminal cover (32), formed on integrally to the base (12), to receive a plug which is to be plugged onto the plug pins (24).
  11. Rocker keyswitch according to Claim 10, characterized in that the terminal cover (32) completely encompasses, at least in the connection area of the plug contacts (24), the plug, which is to be inserted through an insertion opening (33).
  12. Rocker keyswitch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the activation rocker (15) is provided with a label (36).
  13. Rocker keyswitch according to Claim 12, characterized in that the label (36) is of transparent design.
  14. Rocker keyswitch according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the label is provided as a symbol.
EP93114115A 1992-09-08 1993-09-03 Rocker keyswitch Expired - Lifetime EP0587056B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP96110786A EP0762449B1 (en) 1992-09-08 1993-09-03 Rocker key switch

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE9212062U 1992-09-08
DE9212062U DE9212062U1 (en) 1992-09-08 1992-09-08

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96110786.9 Division-Into 1993-09-03
EP96110786A Division EP0762449B1 (en) 1992-09-08 1993-09-03 Rocker key switch

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EP0587056A1 EP0587056A1 (en) 1994-03-16
EP0587056B1 true EP0587056B1 (en) 1997-03-05

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EP93114115A Expired - Lifetime EP0587056B1 (en) 1992-09-08 1993-09-03 Rocker keyswitch
EP96110786A Expired - Lifetime EP0762449B1 (en) 1992-09-08 1993-09-03 Rocker key switch

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EP96110786A Expired - Lifetime EP0762449B1 (en) 1992-09-08 1993-09-03 Rocker key switch

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DE (3) DE9212062U1 (en)

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JP3134023B2 (en) * 1992-11-25 2001-02-13 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 Switch with connector
FR2702305A1 (en) * 1993-03-04 1994-09-09 Itt Composants Instr Electrical switch and electrical apparatus equipped with such a switch
US5545862A (en) * 1993-10-18 1996-08-13 Kabushiki Kaisha T An T Slide switch
DE19541380A1 (en) * 1995-11-07 1997-05-15 Teves Gmbh Alfred Switches with switch modules snapped onto the circuit board
GB2310084A (en) * 1996-02-12 1997-08-13 Gamesman Ltd Electrical switches
DE19621192A1 (en) * 1996-05-25 1997-11-27 Abb Patent Gmbh Low voltage switchgear
DE19627294A1 (en) * 1996-07-06 1998-01-08 Abb Patent Gmbh Rocker switch
DE19645822B4 (en) * 1996-11-07 2006-07-06 Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh Switch system in MID technology
US6492603B1 (en) * 2001-08-14 2002-12-10 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Power switch module
JP4563895B2 (en) * 2005-08-26 2010-10-13 東洋電装株式会社 Push-type switch with backlight function

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0377116A2 (en) * 1988-12-31 1990-07-11 Wolfgang Dipl.-Ing. Priesemuth Key switch

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US4110574A (en) * 1977-03-30 1978-08-29 Alco Electronic Products, Inc. Sub-miniature, two position double pole switch
JPS6039528U (en) * 1983-08-26 1985-03-19 株式会社 共立 switch terminal
ES2061916T3 (en) * 1989-01-04 1994-12-16 Hoechst Ag REACTIVE DYES WITH WATER SOLUBLE FIBERS, PROCEDURE FOR THEIR OBTAINING AND APPLICATION.
US5045656A (en) * 1989-07-05 1991-09-03 Idec Izumi Corporation Switch provided with indicator
JP3225544B2 (en) * 1991-08-05 2001-11-05 松下電器産業株式会社 Seesaw switch

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EP0377116A2 (en) * 1988-12-31 1990-07-11 Wolfgang Dipl.-Ing. Priesemuth Key switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0762449B1 (en) 2003-11-12
EP0762449A3 (en) 1997-08-27
EP0587056A1 (en) 1994-03-16
DE9212062U1 (en) 1992-10-29
EP0762449A2 (en) 1997-03-12
DE59310352D1 (en) 2003-12-18
DE59305580D1 (en) 1997-04-10

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