EP0702383B1 - Push button switch containing a nameplate - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a name plate button with a mountable in a carrier plate Housing and a button with cover movable relative to the housing.

To generate a signal, for example by means of a bell, a chime, buzzer or the like are nameplate buttons known, the one when pressed on the movable button Close circuit. It is known to have such a name plate button in the rectangular Secure the recess in a carrier plate by snapping it into place. The well-known name plate button consists of fixed and moving parts. On the floor of the fixed Two contact rods are riveted to the housing. The two rivets each have an internal thread, in which connection screws are screwed in on the back of the name plate button which terminals of two poles of a circuit to be closed are clamped can. A paper insert is placed on the movable plastic button, the one Label, and then the transparent cover on the button with Locking devices clamped. The known button with the cover can be relative be moved to the housing that the user against the force of return springs Depresses the button to close the circuit, using one or more contact springs create a metallic bridge between the contact bars. When released, press the Return springs return the key to the starting position, which is a defined end position represents.

The movement of the known button takes place essentially perpendicular to the carrier plate which the housing of the known name plate button can be attached.

For reasons of electrical insulation, for economic and also for aesthetic reasons consist of the button and housing of the known name plate button made of plastic, the plastic the cover is even transparent to read the label on the paper insert can. Now the strength of plastic is limited both mechanically and thermally, and one had to realize that the well-known name plate buttons were often due to vandalism to be damaged. The mechanical damage is caused by the application of force Tools, for example by levering, bending or smashing the name plate buttons with an object. The damage caused by heat is partly caused by Melt the plastic with a lighter.

The object of the invention is therefore a name plate button of the type mentioned to improve that it better against mechanical and / or thermal damage is protected.

This object is achieved in that the housing from a lower housing part consists of plastic and a separate frame made of metal and that Lower part of the housing can be completely covered by the frame when installed Form, force or material connection can be connected to the lower housing part. The well-known housing consist of a lower housing part and a frame, the frame in Top view from the front perpendicular to the housing or in the case of installed condition perpendicular to the carrier plate, the rectangular gap between the carrier plate and the lower housing part covers. In the known case, however, the frame is in one piece on the lower housing part molded, and both are made of plastic. Here the invention is completely different Way, by using a separate metal frame, which is the lower part of the housing added to form the entire housing. Only the outside is inside the frame Cover can be seen, so that in the installed state of the name plate button the lower housing part is not visible from the outside, but is completely covered by the metal frame. Apart from the cover, you can only see a metal part from the outside, and this can be used one can hardly act improperly to achieve destruction. At least but are the wanton by the constructive measures according to the invention Damage so difficult that the new name plate button despite improper Action remains functional.

Even if the cover is still made of plastic, it willfully gets there Damaging person no longer to functionally important parts, because the button and even more so The lower part of the housing is not easily accessible from the outside. You can get a cover generally very inexpensive and quickly replace with a new one. By the invention Metal-plastic composite of the housing, the name plate button is constructed so that only metallic surfaces or a cover from its front Plastic and other metallic surfaces are visible. At the same time persist as before the plastic parts carrying an electrical function. In particular that is Housing on its back, that is in the area of the entire lower housing part Plastic made with all known advantages of electrical insulation.

It is also advantageous according to the invention if the lower housing part and the metal frame are releasably connected to each other, preferably by means of locking devices. For the manufacturer the focus is on the two-part design of the housing. The fitter and especially the But users can be offered a particularly simple structure in that by known connecting devices the housing after its manufacture again in one piece becomes. It can be particularly useful, the two parts that make up the housing according to the invention consists in releasably connecting them together, for example by Locking devices that the metal frame for replacement, repair or the like can easily be removed from the lower part of the housing or vice versa. Simple locking mechanisms are available here. For example, the metal frame on it Back with metal brackets or metal pegs that are attached to the frame Wear the hook at the opposite end. On the other hand, in these embodiments Recesses are provided in the lower housing part, in particular an undercut in Lower part of the housing at the points corresponding to the locking hooks of the metal frame, so that These simply snap the metal frame onto the lower part of the housing. For repair purposes, the locking mechanism can be removed and the metal frame from Lower part of the housing can be separated.

The entire structure of the housing with a button can be used with a similar locking device Attach detachably to the carrier plate. Snap into the rectangular opening of the carrier plate Installation, for example, resilient tabs that are molded onto the lower housing part.

It is also expedient according to the invention if the metal frame on its Has bottom part facing the bottom rivet, which in openings in Lower part of the housing can be inserted and riveted. The lower housing part preferably has the general shape of an open-topped box, and this box is on its top covered by the frame, the frame having a preferably rectangular opening for has the button with cover. The composite, two-part housing According to the invention is open upwards or forwards to accommodate the movable button.

This basic form of an open-top box does not change anything if that Lower housing part in its upper or front area on its narrow sides and / or its long sides has flange-like edges protruding towards the center, in which openings are provided. The rivet pins of the metal frame mentioned engage in these openings. The rivet pins can preferably be attached to the underside of the metal frame for Example molded and have the shape of a rivet. When assembling the respective Rivet plug inserted into the matching opening on the upper edge of the lower housing part and then riveted. In this way, the metal frame is fixed to the lower part of the housing connected.

In an advantageous further embodiment of the invention, the metal frame on its Bottom side facing the housing an engaging means with the first cross-section, positive profile and the lower housing part on its upper side facing the frame Complementary intervention agent suitable for the frame with a second negative cross section Profile on, and the metal frame and the lower housing part are integral with each other connectable. You can see the two parts along the profile described Geometrically defined parting line with each other by gluing or welding connect. This joining of the metal frame and the lower housing part is special very easy for the manufacturer and not only brings a firm mechanical connection with the Advantages already partially mentioned above. Rather, the connection is within the Housing designed in this way according to the principle of functional separation. Because namely due to improper external forces perpendicular to the transverse and / or long side of the metal frame applied, then these are constructed according to the invention and in particular by the profile mentioned or the geometrically explained parting line directly from the Derived metal frame in the carrier plate. This leads to an improved resistance against damage, because the carrier plate can be affected by improper action better absorb the resulting forces. The new structure according to the invention the lower housing part is supported by the carrier plate.

If, in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the latching and / or Riveting devices and / or the engagement means at least partially flush and free of play on Lower part of the housing can be applied, the forces applied to the metal frame also and indirectly introduced into the carrier plate, because the arranged in between Engagement means or locking devices are free of play and so flush on the lower housing part on the one hand and this supported on the support plate on the other hand that a high Resistance to the feared damage results. This will be beneficial the forces are released without play from the frame via the lower housing part into the carrier plate that the connection between the metal frame and the lower housing part with additional Forces.

It is also advantageous according to the invention if the metal frame on its Bottom facing housing bottom and preferably in the region of its long sides with Stiffening ribs is provided. There are basically round recesses in Carrier plates and round frames in plan view conceivable, and also on their undersides fully or partially stiffening ribs may be provided. But if you compare yourself with that structure according to the invention to the predominantly rectangular embodiments of the keys and housing frame, it is particularly advantageous if the stiffening ribs on the Longitudinal and / or transverse sides of the metal frame are arranged. The stiffening ribs are preferably in one piece on the underside of the metal frame in the region of its long sides molded. But you can also attach them by material closure or attach them in some other way. The increased stiffness of such a metal frame prevents possible damage complicated by bending.

According to the invention, the stiffening rib can also be formed by the configuration of the above result mentioned engagement means, which has a first, positive profile in cross section. The Intervention means then has practically the shape of a profile strip, for example one in cross section V-shaped bar, with the tip of the V extending down towards the lower part of the housing.

The top of the wall of the lower housing part opposite this engaging means then has the corresponding negative profile shape in the area of the stiffening rib. By the Joining the metal frame with the lower housing part grips the two profiles into each other, which advantageously causes a lateral buckling of the wall of the Lower part of the housing is avoided. This results in a further increase in stiffness of the new housing according to the invention.

It is also expedient according to the invention if the cover on the button is a has metallic surface and preferably consists of metal. In this case the Users or any other person only have metallic surfaces that appear heavier are to be damaged as plastic surfaces. It is possible instead of transparent Plastic-made cover a solid metal cover on the Button to fasten or cover the plastic on its surface with metal coat or cover with a film. The viewer does not immediately recognize that such a cover is not made of solid metal. In any case, the Mark the metal surface and serve as a label.

It is advantageous if, according to the invention, the metal of the cover on the surface treated aluminum. This can be anodized, for example, on the visible surface and then engrave. There are also options for labeling with color by pressure or a pen.

If according to the invention the metallic cover in a preferred embodiment is releasably attached to the button by means of locking devices, the cover can be easily and reversibly clip on the button. For example, resilient locking lugs on the button snap into an undercut on the metallic cover. Such locking devices but you can also build the other way round if this should be preferred.

In order to create the undercut in the cover, one can according to the invention Manufacture metallic cover from drawn aluminum profile. The great economy such a manufacturing process is known. Covers could look like this Bulk items can be manufactured very cheaply.

Figur 1

den Namenschildtaster in Umrissen in der Seitenansicht mit im Schnitt dargestellter Trägerplatte,

Figur 2

eine Draufsicht auf die Unterseite eines Metallrahmens einer ersten Ausführungsform, wobei Metallbügel an den kurzen Querseiten neben der rechteckigen Ausnehmung angeordnet sind,

Figur 3

eine Querschnittsansicht des Metallbügels der Figur 2,

Figur 4

eine Querschnittsansicht des im Gehäuseunterteil eingerasteten Metallrahmens, so daß sich das Verbundgehäuse ergibt, in der Trägerplatte eingebaut,

Figur 5

die Ansicht auf einen Metallrahmen einer zweiten Ausführungsform, ebenfalls von der Unterseite wie bei Figur 2 im Zusammenhang mit der ersten Ausführungsform,

Figur 6

eine Querschnittsansicht des Metallrahmens dieser zweiten Ausführungsform mit den Nietzapfen an vier Ecken des rechteckigen Metallrahmens,

Figur 7

ähnlich wie Figur 4 den zusammengebauten Zustand des auf dem Verbundprinzip aufgebauten Gehäuses, hier aber von der zweiten Ausführungsform mit den Nietzapfen, eingesetzt in die Trägerplatte,

Figur 8

abgebrochen eine Schnittansicht durch das Gehäuse einer weiteren anderen Ausführungsform mit besonderen Profilausgestaltungen für die Verbindung zwischen Metallrahmen und Gehäuseunterteil,

Figur 9

die Querschnittsansicht einer weiteren anderen Ausführungsform einer Abdeckung mit eingeklipster Taste, ohne das Gehäuse,

Figur 10

eine weitere andere Ausführungsform eines Metallrahmens mit Versteifungsrippe auf der Unterseite im Bereich der Längsstege des Metallrahmens und

Figur 11

die Querschnittsansicht des Metallrahmens der letztgenannten Ausführungsform mit der Versteifungsrippe, entlang der Linie XI-XI der Figur 10.

Further advantages, features and possible uses of the present invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the attached drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

the name plate button in outline in the side view with the carrier plate shown in section,

Figure 2

3 shows a plan view of the underside of a metal frame in a first embodiment, metal brackets being arranged on the short transverse sides next to the rectangular recess,

Figure 3

3 shows a cross-sectional view of the metal bracket of FIG. 2,

Figure 4

2 shows a cross-sectional view of the metal frame which is snapped into the lower housing part, so that the composite housing is obtained, installed in the carrier plate,

Figure 5

the view of a metal frame of a second embodiment, also from the bottom as in Figure 2 in connection with the first embodiment,

Figure 6

3 shows a cross-sectional view of the metal frame of this second embodiment with the rivet pins at four corners of the rectangular metal frame,

Figure 7

similar to FIG. 4, the assembled state of the housing built on the composite principle, but here of the second embodiment with the rivet pins inserted into the carrier plate,

Figure 8

broken away a sectional view through the housing of another other embodiment with special profile configurations for the connection between the metal frame and the lower housing part,

Figure 9

the cross-sectional view of another other embodiment of a cover with a clipped button, without the housing,

Figure 10

another other embodiment of a metal frame with stiffening rib on the underside in the region of the longitudinal webs of the metal frame and

Figure 11

the cross-sectional view of the metal frame of the latter embodiment with the stiffening rib, along the line XI-XI of Figure 10.

The outlines of a name plate button inserted into a carrier plate 1 can be seen in FIG Side view best in Figure 1. The housing generally designated 2 consists of a lower housing part 3 and a frame 4 made of metal. The top can be seen in FIG Cover 5, the cross-section also in Figure 9 in an embodiment from drawn Aluminum profile is reproduced, snapped onto a button 6. In Figure 1 you can see Finally, the locking mechanism 7, with the help of the name plate button in the rectangular recess in the support plate 1 can be used and locked.

From Figures 4, 7 and 8 you can clearly see the metal-plastic composite of the general with 3 designated housing, which has a box shape with a rectangular bottom 3a and on the outer edges of vertical side walls 3b. There are side walls here on the short transverse sides, which are shown in the sectional representations of FIGS. 4 and 7, and longitudinal walls 3c, which are seen in plan view in FIGS. 1, 4, 7 and 8.

In the second embodiment of the housing 2 according to FIGS. 5 to 7, this has Lower housing part 3 also has the shape of the box open at the top, but here are on the side walls 3b and 3c inwardly projecting flange-like edges 3d molded, because the entire lower housing part 3 is made of plastic. In these edges of the housing 3d there are openings 8 at intervals on the transverse sides, into which rivet pins 9 engage, which have rivet-like blind holes 11 on their underside 10, so that one expand them through the openings 8 like rivets and thus the Can attach metal frame 4 with the rivet 9 on the lower housing part 3. This fortified State is shown in Figure 7, where the metal frame 4 on the side edges 3d of the Lower housing part 3 rests and protrudes over the carrier plate 1 to an existing one Slot 12 between the outer surface of the side walls 3b and 3c on the one hand and to cover the carrier plate 1 on the other hand.

If you look at the metal frame 4 from below, you see Figure 5, while Figure 6 shows Cross-sectional view is. It can be seen that on the underside of the metal frame 4, which facing the lower housing part 3, rivet pins 9 are formed on the four corners, which can also be attached elsewhere. Due to the rectangular recess 13, which one also in the other embodiments and comparatively similar in the first Embodiment according to Figures 2 to 4, you can see the long sides 14 of the Metal frame 4 and the two transverse sides 15 adjoining them at the ends Rivet pins 9 are located here on the transverse sides 15.

In the first embodiment according to FIGS. 2 to 4 there are 15 on the transverse sides Locking devices 16 attached, each consisting of one from the bottom of the metal frame 4 downwardly protruding metal bracket 16a and one attached to its lower end Snap hook 16b exist. It can be seen that these locking devices 16 to just above the Bottom 3a of the lower housing part 3 is sufficient, see in particular the installed state in Figure 4. In the lower region of the side walls 3b there are undercuts 17, in which engage the outwardly projecting locking hooks 16b, as in the locked one Position can be seen in Figure 4. Can not be releasably attached here in the figures slots shown in the region of the undercuts 17 may be provided so that one Insert the tool and thus bend the detents 16b out of the locked position and so that the metal frame 4 can lift up.

In a further advantageous embodiment according to FIG. 8, the metal frame 4 has its the left half is shown here in cross-section in composite with material closure, on its underside 18, which again faces the lower housing part 3, generally designated 19 Means of intervention. These are the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 a from the bottom 18 of the frame 4 projecting down profile 20, which in the area of Transverse sides 15 is provided and in cross section a downwardly projecting V-shaped tip Has. This first positive profile 20 is complementary, generally designated 21 Intervention means of the lower part 3 opposite. More specifically, is located on the side wall 3b of the lower housing part 3 in the area under the transverse side 15 of the frame 4, a second, negative profile 22, which is the surface on the side wall 3b of the lower housing part forms and is complementary to the first profile. This creates in the Transverse walls 3b above a cross-sectionally V-shaped groove into which the first positive profile 20 of the metal frame can be inserted and for example by sealing or gluing Cohesion can be connected.

In another preferred embodiment, the engagement means can be similar to FIG. 8 be designed such that by appropriate positive locking between the bottom of the Stiffening rib 24 and the top of the housing wall 3b a lateral buckling of the Housing wall 3b is prevented.

The further embodiment shown above in FIG. 9 shows the button 6 in cross section Bevels 23 on the outside, on which the cover 5, which is made of drawn aluminum profile is produced, can be clipped on. The surface of the aluminum Cover 5 is preferably anodized.

Finally, FIGS. 10 and 11 show an embodiment in which on the underside 18 of the metal frame 4, which faces the lower housing part, stiffening ribs 24 are molded. If you attach them to the long sides 14 of the frame 4, then these are clearly more resistant to bending.

Claims (11)

1. A nameplate pushbutton device comprising a housing (2) which can be fixed in a carrier plate (1) and a pushbutton (6) which is movable relative to the housing (2) and which has a cover (5), characterised in that the housing (2) comprises a housing bottom portion (3) of plastics material and a separate frame (4) of metal, and that in the installed condition the housing bottom portion (3) can be entirely covered by the frame (4) which can be connected to the housing bottom portion (3) by positively locking engagement, force-locking engagement or material-connecting engagement.
2. A nameplate pushbutton device according to claim 1 characterised in that the housing bottom portion (3) and the metal frame (4) are releasably connected together, preferably by means of detent devices (16, 17).
3. A nameplate pushbutton device according to claim 1 characterised in that at its underside which is towards the housing bottom portion (3) the metal frame (4) has rivet projections (9) which can be fitted into and riveted in openings (8) in the housing bottom portion (3).
4. A nameplate pushbutton device according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that at its underside which is towards the housing bottom portion (3) the metal frame (4) has an engagement means (19) with a positive profile (20) which is first in the cross-section and on its top side which is towards the frame (4) the housing bottom portion (3) has a complementary engagement means (21) which matches the frame (4) with a negative profile (22) which is second in the cross-section, and can be connected together in material-connecting relationship.
5. A nameplate pushbutton device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the detent (16, 17) and/or rivet devices (9) and/or the engagement means (20, 21) can be fitted at least partially flush and play-free against the housing bottom portion (3).
6. A nameplate pushbutton device according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the metal frame (4) is provided with stiffening ribs (24) at its underside which is towards the housing bottom portion (3) and preferably in the region of its longitudinal sides (14).
7. A nameplate pushbutton device according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterised in that on their underside the stiffening ribs (24) carry a positive profile (20) which engages into the corresponding complementary profile (22) at the top side of the housing wall (3b) of the housing bottom portion (3).
8. A nameplate pushbutton device according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that the cover (5) on the pushbutton (6) has a metallic surface and preferably consists of metal.
9. A nameplate pushbutton device according to one of claims to 8 characterised in that the metal of the cover (5) is aluminium which is treated on the surface.
10. A nameplate pushbutton device according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterised in that the metallic cover (5) is releasably fixed to the pushbutton (6) by means of detent devices.
11. A nameplate pushbutton device according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterised in that the metallic cover (5) is made from extruded aluminium profile.

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