EP0773568B1 - Switch with switch units mounted on the circuit board - Google Patents

Description

Motor vehicles are growing with electric workers Aids such as window regulators, seat adjusters, mirror adjusters, switchable and switchable display devices and the like fitted. These aids must be switched on or be switched off. As a result, there is a growing Need for reliable switches in motor vehicles, which are also manufactured inexpensively or can be assembled. Another requirement exists in simply matching the individual vehicles to the ones specifically desired To be able to adjust the number of switches without larger advance payments have to be made here. For example vehicles with two or four Window lifters sold, so here only two or four Switch required to operate the individual window regulators become.

In the known switches, the switching modules became regular held by a base plate. The were too actuating fixed contacts and the connector often potted with the base plate. Another possibility consisted of inserting a circuit board into the base plate, which was the fixed one Contacts and other suitable switching functions took over.

A switch of the generic type has become known from US Pat. No. 5,105,059. The Contact bridge of the switch is on the inside of the switch on a plug contact stored. The fixed plate of the switch is through the inside of the base of the Switch formed through which plug contacts protrude on the outside of the switch.

From WO 9500963 a window switch is known in which one Printed circuit board is provided, are attached to the plug contacts. A manually operated Switching element is stored in a frame. There are contact bridges on the circuit board provided that are rocked.

The invention is based, an inexpensive to produce, reliable and the task Describe switches that are easily adaptable to the need for individual switches.

The task is characterized by the Resulting combination of features solved. The In principle, the invention therefore consists in switching the switch in to dissolve individual assemblies and place them directly on the circuit board snapped on. The invention assumes that the circuit board itself carries the fixed contacts and sufficient stability to lock the modules having. The particular advantage of the invention is that only the areas of the circuit board are populated in which will actually need a switch later. On another object of the invention may be lighter Possibility to assemble the PCB in full use populate and the PCB later according to the number the switch required for a switch combination divide. The advantage here is that large circuit boards fully assembled and soldered can, so that even then relatively low manufacturing costs result when single switches are manufactured.

In order to also snap onto the circuit board with regard to the individual Assemblies to come up with an inexpensive solution, is recommended for the connector which is the claim 3 resulting combination of features. After that is the snap on Connector itself with a standard pin header provided, which snapped into the connector is, so that the connector by snapping together an intermediate link with a pin header results. hereby you get an inexpensive and small size having assembly with which the circuit board automatically can be equipped.

In order to safely guide the pins of the pin header in the Getting an intermediate link is recommended in further training the invention, the combination of features according to claim 4 is the pin header by holding the pins in the Pontic held in this, so that later on the Pins exerted by a connector through the pontic be reliably recorded. Protrude at the same time the end of the pin so far out of the exits that it can also penetrate the circuit board and with this are solderable.

For a good use of the space required for the switch and to limit this in particular in terms of its height, In a further development of the invention, the combination of features is recommended according to claim 5. Then the pins are Pin header each bent 90 degrees, with the bend in each case on the side of the Pin header is provided. The pin header can also used in a rotated form, in which the not bent pin ends through the outlets and the circuit board protrude. Soldering the short ends of the pins results in here a further reduction in the installation depth of the switch.

To ensure a mechanically stable connection between the connector and to reach the printed circuit board is recommended in Further development of the invention, the combination of features Claim 6. This can possibly be on the Connector pins of the connector via a connector intercept the applied torque and so the connector pins relieve, which in turn leads to better electrical Connection of the pins on the circuit board contributes.

A further increase in the mechanical stability of the connector can by the measures according to claim 7 to reach. The base plate is accordingly designed in such a way that they have a support with their walls and webs for the connector or the intermediate link and if necessary specifically forms the bar of the pin header. For improvement the support of the connector is recommended in particular the measures according to claim 8.

To the connector better on a parallel to the PCB level prevent movement and its location Centering when fitting the connector is recommended the combination of features in further training Claim 9. Another important feature of the connector is described in connection with claim 13.

In connection with the simplification of the switch belonging assemblies describes claim 10 particularly important combination of features according to which the chamber for leadership of the moving contacts in the form of an open frame snapped directly onto the circuit board. This leaves not only the chamber itself by simply snapping it on Mount on the circuit board. In addition, leaves moving in the same direction Insert the contact bridge mechanically into the frame. The invention is also suitable for rotary switches and slide switches. A particularly important application of the invention results however from the combination of features according to claim 11 in that the switch is designed as a toggle switch.

A further simplification of the switch according to the invention results from the features of claim 12 by the Contact rocker directly on a contacting area of the PCB rests. Because with a toggle switch by one resilient pin swung out by a button Tilt position is changed in that the pin in the tilt area acts on the contact rocker is recommended for improvement the stability of the switch the combination of features according to claim 13. Then the vertically directed Forces of the switching pin by the below the circuit board horizontal abutment added so that the circuit board is relieved of pressure at this point.

For many applications it is advisable to use the swiveling one Actuating pin and the contact rocker according to claim 14 in such a way that the switch after Release the actuation button back to its original position resets. This is the case with window regulators, for example Case that the disc in the by pressing the switch set position. Shall the disks by pressing the button for a correspondingly long time can be closed or opened, so that by a Suitable timing element happen, which is a bistable actuator for example a flip-flop or a relay triggers.

Parallel to the contact rocker against unwanted movement Securing to the circuit board level is recommended in advanced training the invention, the combination of features according to claim 15. The contact rocker can do some movement in the circuit board level, for example for cleaning purposes, be allowed.

Around the frame against movement in the PCB level to secure and at the same time the location of the frame Centering on the circuit board is recommended in advanced training the invention, the combination of features according to claim 16 According to the combination of features according to claim 17, the centering projection through the circuit board opening into a centering opening of another Component protrude, for example the base plate or the intermediate part of the connector. This means at the same time several modules in their position opposite the circuit board secured and mutually supported. In this way, they can be placed on the circuit board mechanically snapped onto the printed circuit boards reunite with each other.

The combination of features gives a particularly favorable latching according to claim 18. It can snap the chamber reach through assigned openings in the circuit board and so reach behind the circuit board from the other side. This not only results in additional securing of the position the chamber on the circuit board, but also a mechanical one Secure position in all three directions of movement. It is entirely possible in the context of the invention that the frame or a group of frames engages in lateral recesses in the circuit board, so that these on opposite sides of the locking hook of the frame is included.

According to the invention, in addition to the connector and Chamber also a holder for a switch lamp (light emitting diode) directly on the circuit board can be snapped on. It is recommended that the bracket is united in one piece with the chamber and one Plastic part can be.

If you want the switch according to the invention as a switch Use window lifters, that's the way it is recommendable against him penetrating into the interior of the housing To protect moisture in through the open window can reach the interior of the vehicle doors. For this In a further development of the invention, the combination of features is recommended according to claim 20, by the from the vicinity of the Switch visible switch lamp by an annular Sealing lip secured against moisture penetrating from outside is. One way to do this is, for example, in the use of the combination of features according to claim 21. The sealing lip is directly on the bracket Injection molded into the LED. However, it must then measures are taken to prevent fluid the side of the bracket in the interior of the Switch can occur. Another way of entering of moisture along the lamp body of the diode to prevent, the combination of features according to claim 22 off. The housing then has in the area of the passage opening the diode has a sealing lip that when put on of the housing and passage of the lamp body after the diode is warped on the outside and thus forms a drainage edge.

Another measure to protect the switch against penetrating moisture can from the features of claim 23 exist. The button then covers the opening areas shield-like in the housing. In addition or also However, other measures can also be taken on their own be removed to remove the moisture which has already passed the covering housing wall. For this proposes the training according to claim 24, the side wall of the housing penetrating outlet channels for the Provide moisture through which within the housing collected moisture can be led out of the housing. According to claim 24, this applies in particular to those in the housing insertable side walls of the button, being sideways of these walls a collection room is provided, which over the Outlet channels connected to the space surrounding the housing is. It has according to the combination of features according to claim 25 in particular an outwardly inclined scraper edge proven that spatially with the outlet channels communicates. Continuing education in this area makes a claim 26 before that the edge itself in its course opposite the PCB level is inclined so that the stripped Moisture along the edge to the lower one Edge area runs and out there via the outlet channel the housing can be guided.

The switch buttons are regularly pretensioned the key returns from its actuation position to the starting position. A stop is thus provided, which limits the return path of the button from the housing. In further training the invention is proposed according to claim 27, to design the key projection screen-like, so that on liquid flowing along the key from the side walls the key is directed away and against the inner wall of the housing running.

Fig. 1

einen Schnitt durch einen von zwei hintereinanderliegenden Kippschaltern,

Fig. 2

die Ansicht eines auf eine Leiterplatte aufgerasteten Anschlußsteckers,

Fig. 3

in Draufsicht einen Doppelrahmen mit zwei eingefügten Kontaktwippen, der auf die Leiterplatte aufgerastet ist,

Fig. 4

eine vom Gehäuse ausgehende, auf dem Leuchtkörper aufsitzende Dichtlippe,

Fig. 5

Maßnahmen zur Feuchtigkeitsbeseitigung bei einem erfindungsgemäßen Druckschalter,

Fig. 6

in geschnittener Darstellung eine Seitenansicht des Schalters nach Fig. 5,

Fig. 7

in geschnittener Darstellung eine Seitenansicht des Schalters nach Fig. 7 und

Fig. 8

eine Draufsicht auf eine Schalterkombination mit vier Kippschaltern und mindestens einem Druckschalter .

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a section through one of two toggle switches in series,

Fig. 2

the view of a connector plug snapped onto a circuit board,

Fig. 3

in plan view a double frame with two inserted contact rockers, which is snapped onto the circuit board,

Fig. 4

a sealing lip extending from the housing and resting on the luminous element,

Fig. 5

Moisture removal measures in a pressure switch according to the invention,

Fig. 6

5 shows a sectional side view of the switch according to FIG.

Fig. 7

in a sectional view a side view of the switch according to FIGS. 7 and

Fig. 8

a plan view of a switch combination with four toggle switches and at least one pressure switch.

Fig. 1 shows a toggle switch 1, in which an upper housing part 2 is snapped onto a base plate 3. On the Base plate 3 is held a circuit board 4, on which several switch assemblies are snapped on. One of these Switch assemblies is a connector 5, which thereby is formed that a standard pin header commercially available 6 is engaged in an intermediate member 7. there engage locking arms 8 of the intermediate member 7 on the bar 9 of the Pin header 6. The pins 10 occur on the circuit board 4 facing end perpendicularly through this and are associated with the pins conductor tracks on the Connector 5 facing away from the circuit board 4 with Conductor tracks soldered, which are not shown in Fig. 1. The pins 10 are assigned to the printed circuit board 4 End section bent at an angle of 90 degrees, so that the free end portions 11 of the pins 10 parallel to the circuit board depart.

The connector is located with its side surfaces 12 or the bar 9 on the side walls 13 or projections 14 of the Base plate 3 and thereby receives a secure locking inside the switch and thus a strain relief when the free end sections 11 are acted upon by a Connectors. Furthermore, the pins 10 are in connector outlets 15 of the intermediate member 7 held. For the invention vorteithaft is an abutment 16, which as Boom comes from the intermediate member 7 and which is the circuit board 4 supports.

In Fig. 2 is still excerpts and in something enlarged Scale of the connector 5 shown, which has locking projections 17 is locked to the circuit board 4. For the The invention is advantageous as indicated in FIG. 2 Centering recess 18 into which a corresponding centering approach of the connector 5 protrudes. This will make it a safe one Locking the connector against a side Moving towards the circuit board 4 reached and at the same time the connector 5 in the desired position centered relative to the circuit board 4.

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the circuit board 4, the upper housing part 2 and the base plate. 3 is bordered. Detects on the left side of the circuit board openings through which the pins 10 pass with the visible ends facing the viewer Contact points on the circuit board are soldered. On the Printed circuit board 4, two frames 19 are snapped on are integrally connected with each other and towards the viewer Form open chambers for receiving contact rockers 20. The Contact rockers sit with their middle area directly on the circuit board 4, as in Fig. 1 also in section Side view can be seen. Wear the frame 19 upwardly open side bays 22 into which the contact rockers protrude with side wings 23, whereby the contact rockers 20 against displacement on the printed circuit board 4 are secured, but pivoted about the wing 23 (see Fig. 1) can be. The frames are indicated in Fig. 3 Locking lugs 24 latched to the printed circuit board 4. The Lugs 24 engage through side openings in the circuit board behind this, making the frame or frames 19 safe are held on the circuit board 4. The frame 19 is still provided with a centering projection 25, which by a corresponding opening in the circuit board 4 protrudes and so the frame 19 against lateral displacement on the circuit board secures and at the same time against the circuit board 4 centered. An additional longitudinal fixation of the frame can be done by ribs in the housing. The exact Longitudinal fixation is particularly important to ensure an exact middle position ensure the button. Fixation from the housing has the advantage that the fixation is tolerance directly Key positions and tolerance addition over several components. The circuit board 4 itself can by means of locking lugs 26 be locked with the base plate 3. For the invention It is also advantageous that a holder 27 for receiving a switch lamp 28 integrally connected to the frame 19 is so that the bracket 27 simultaneously through the frame 19 is held on the circuit board 4. The connecting lines for the diode 28 designed as a switch lamp in a slot-shaped recess 29 of the holder 27 guided. The bracket 27 can also be a separately the circuit board 4 be snap-on switch assembly. interconnectors 30 connect contact points on the circuit board with the diode 28.

A resiliently biased actuating pin 31 acts on the middle region 21 of the contact rocker 20 such that this is pivoted about the central region 21 and thus with their movable contact surfaces 32 in contact stationary contact surfaces are brought on the circuit board can. Shape and position of the contact rocker 20 and the confirmation pin 31 are chosen so that after releasing the button 33 the actuating pin 31 the contact rocker brings it back to its neutral position, in which none of the operating areas 32 rests on the circuit board.

The actuating pin 31 is one with one Pivot axis perpendicular to the viewer plane in FIG. 1 34 pivotable sleeve 35 by a tilting movement of the Button 33 swiveled. The moisture-proof swivel bearing the buttons on the outer housing part is known per se and shown in the drawing in a self-explanatory manner. to Movement of the contact rocker is still to be added that this can also be made such that the contact rocker with the attacking actuating pin in a stable Switch position remain until by swiveling the Switch pin 31 in the opposite direction, a second Switching state is in which the switch up to another changeover remains stable.

It is also advantageous for the invention that the abutment 16 attacks in an area on the circuit board 4, in which the middle area 21 of the contact rocker is also located.

To keep moisture away from the inside of the switch housing 2, 3, is, as shown in more detail in Fig. 4, a Sealing lip 36 in the region of the passage opening 37 of the diode 38 injection molded through the housing part 2 to the housing part. The sealing lip is attached when the upper housing part 2 is placed moved up to the diode 28 so that it is close to Lamp body of the diode 28 is present.

Other measures to keep or remove moisture from the inside of the switch are in Fig. 5th and 6 shown using a pressure switch, which also can sit on the circuit board 4. The ones described here Measures can also be taken with other switch types such as the toggle switches described above or use with rotary switches. 5 and 6, can push button 40 against the bias press the spring 41 into the housing. It glides a housing side surface 43 on a key side surface 42. The housing wall 44 with the side surface 43 has a wiping edge 45, which is inclined outwards. The of liquid stripped from the key side wall 42 thus flows over the edge 45 and the outer surface of the side wall 44 and the outer side surface goes into an outlet channel 46 through which the collected moisture is passed out of the housing.

Another improvement against water ingress yourself with the help of the sloping umbrella-like Protrusion 48 attached circumferential approach 60 reach which in connection with the projection 48 one down forms an open channel. With the button pushed out the shield seals the inside of the switch against intrusion the moisture by placing it under a resilient Preload against an inward approach of the Housing 2 sets.

If the button 40 is pressed in, the attachment 60 moves on below and finally covers the section of the side wall 44, which carries the scraper edge 45. That way the scraper edge enclosed by the groove, so that shielding the assembly results in penetration from above Water leads directly into the outlet channel 46. In 5 and 6, the housing wall consists of two walls represented by over the inner side wall of the switch an outer side wall of the housing part 2 is pushed. However, this is not important for the present invention. The two nested housing walls can rather be formed in one piece. For the invention it is also important that the between the inner wall of the Housing and the key side wall 42 existing space 47th completed by an umbrella-like projection 48 of the button which is also used as a stop for the in Fig. 5 and 6 upward movement of the button is used. By the downward slope of the projection 48 can possibly penetrating from above along the tactile wall Liquid to be drained off to the outside of the button so that they can be seen from Fig. 6 along the inner surface the outer housing wall can run through the channel 46. On in this way not only are a number of measures taken, which prevents liquid from entering the interior of the housing should prevent, but also at the same time Measures are introduced to reduce the moisture penetration remove from the interior of the housing.

7 and 8 show the inventive principle applied to a switch combination consisting of several switches. A single circuit board 4 is provided on the the switches described above as a switch combination are upset. There are four switches 50,51,52,53 in the form of toggle switches and a pressure switch 54. The toggle switches are used to open and close of the four side windows of a vehicle during the Pressure switch 54 serves as a child lock and not only that rear door lock from the inside, but also secures at the same time prevents the rear windows from opening. Such use of a switch combination can be used as Serve console switches in a center console of a car. As indicated in Fig. 8, of the four are provided Frame (see double frame 19 in Fig. 3) four with contact rockers 20 occupied, whereby one frame is provided for each switch is. The frame 19 can also have two contact rockers be equipped so that using a correspondingly small housing double switch with small Dimensions result below the windows in the door upholstery can be installed. For this purpose especially target those described above Sealing measures.

Claims (29)

1. Switch with a movable contact bridge (20) held opposed to a locally fixed plate (4), said contact bridge changing its position under the influence of a manually movable button (33) and becoming thereby connected to at least one locally fixed contact arranged on a plate (4) fixed to a housing and having a connecting plug (5) attached to the plate (4) fixed to the housing, the plug contacts (10) of said connecting plug being linked to the locally fixed contact and the contact bridge (20), characterised in that the plate fixed relative to the housing is a printed circuit board (4) which carries the locally fixed contact and that a frame is provided for movable mounting of the contract bridge (20), whereby the connecting plug (5) and plug contacts (10) and the frame (19) are connected to the printed circuit board (4) by latching connections (17, 24).
2. Switch according to claim 1, characterised in that a holder for a switch lamp (28) is connected to the frame (19) or the holder is a separate circuit group latchable onto the printed circuit board (4).
3. Switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the connecting plug (5) has a latchable mounting for a standard plug connector (6).
4. Switch according to claim 3, characterised in that the pins (10) of the plug connector (6) extend through plug outlets (15) in an intermediate member (7) of the connecting plug (5) and through penetration openings assigned to them in the printed circuit board (4) and are preferably soldered to the printed circuit board (4) on the side facing away from the plug connector (6).
5. Switch according to claim 4, characterised in that the pins (10) pass with their end sections (10) towards the printed circuit board perpendicular through the printed circuit board (4) and run with their free end sections (11) emerging from the plug connector (9) parallel to the printed circuit board (4).
6. Switch according to claim 5, characterised in that the connecting plug (5) has an abutment (16) supporting itself against the printed circuit board (4) on the side facing away from the end sections (10) on the printed circuit board side, preferably in the region of the connecting plane of the free pin ends (11).
7. Switch according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the connecting plug (5) is supported with at least one of its side surfaces (12) against the switch housing (3).
8. Switch according to claim 7, characterised in that the base plate (3) of the housing (2, 3) has support surfaces (13) for the connecting plug (5) and that preferably walls (13) of the base plate comprise guide walls (58, 59) for a plug housing.
9. Switch according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the plug (5) has at least one centring insert (18), which projects into an allocated centring recess (18) of the printed circuit board (4).
10. Switch according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the frame is open towards the actuating button (33).
11. Switch according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the contact bridge (20) is a contact rocker for a toggle switch.
12. Switch according to claim 11, characterised in that the contact rocker (20) is supported in its tilting region (21) directly on the printed circuit board (4) at a preferably electrically conducting region.
13. Switch according to claim 6 and claim 11, characterised in that the abutment (16) supports the printed circuit board (4) in the tilting region (21) of the contact rocker (20).
14. Switch according to claim 13, characterised in that the contact rocker (20) is formed and interacts with a pivotable, spring preloaded actuating pin (31) such that after release of the actuating button (33), it is independently restored from its tilted position to its starting position.
15. Switch according to claim 10 to 14, characterised in that the frame (19) has lateral bays (22) which are open at the top and on whose side walls lateral wings (23) of the contact rocker (20) rest in the plane of the printed circuit board (4).
16. Switch according to claim 10 to 15, characterised in that at least one centring projection (25) which extends into an allocated centring opening of the printed circuit board (4) arises from the walls of the frame (19).
17. Switch according to claim 16, characterised in that the centring projection (25) extends through the printed circuit board (4) into a centring receptacle of the base plate (3) or of the connecting plug (5).
18. Switch according to one of the claims 10 to 17, characterised in that at least two latching hooks (24) arise from the frame (19) and engage behind corresponding latching recesses in the printed circuit board (4).
19. Switch according to one of the claims 9 to 17, characterised in that at least two frames (19) are arranged on the printed circuit board (4) adjoining one another, preferably united with each other in one piece.
20. Switch according to one of the claims 2 to 19, characterised in that a surrounding sealing lip (36) engages with the switch lamp (28), said sealing lip lying in surrounding manner on the lamp body of the lamp (28) and sealing the space lying thereunder.
21. Switch according to claim 20, characterised in that the sealing lip (36) is connected to the holder (29), preferably cast in one piece on it.
22. Switch according to one of the claims 2 to 21, characterised in that the printed circuit board (4) is covered by an upper housing member (2) which latches onto the base plate (3) and which preferably bears a sealing lip (36) engaging on the switch lamp.
23. Switch according to claim 21, characterised in that the button (33) extends in screen-like manner over the opening regions of the upper housing member (2), which preferably serve to let through the diode (28) and/or the actuating pin (31).
24. Switch according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that side walls (42) of the button (33) are guided in sealing manner by side walls (44) of the switch housing (2, 3) and that the housing (2, 3) is provided with exit channels (46) which lead from a space situated above the sealing housing surface out of the housing (2, 3).
25. Switch according to claim 24, characterised in that the guide surface (42) of the housing is provided with a wiping edge (45) which, on movement of the button surface (42), wipes off the moisture situated on the side surface (42) of the button (40) and conducts it via the channel (46) out of the housing.
26. Switch according to claim 25, characterised in that the wiping edge (45) is inclined and that the exit channel (46) passes through the housing wall in the lower lying edge region.
27. Switch according to one of the claims 24 to 26, characterised in that the space (42) above the channel (46) is delimited by a screen-like projection (48) of the button housing (40), said projection lying against a housing stop running substantially parallel, which delimits the movement of the button (40) leading out of the switch housing (2, 3) in sealing manner.
28. Switch according to claim 24, characterised in that the screen-like projection (48) is provided with a surrounding shoulder extending in the actuating direction of the button.
29. Switch according to claim 28, characterised in that in the pressed-in condition of the button, the shoulder (60) protectively surrounds the region of the sealing edge (45).

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