EP0810619A1 - Push button switch for household appliances - Google Patents

Push button switch for household appliances Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0810619A1
EP0810619A1 EP96108473A EP96108473A EP0810619A1 EP 0810619 A1 EP0810619 A1 EP 0810619A1 EP 96108473 A EP96108473 A EP 96108473A EP 96108473 A EP96108473 A EP 96108473A EP 0810619 A1 EP0810619 A1 EP 0810619A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit board
switch according
contact surfaces
switching
film
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP96108473A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0810619B1 (en
Inventor
Klaus Imer
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.)
Haschkamp Wolfgang Dipl-Kfm
Original Assignee
Haschkamp Joachim Dipl-Ing
Haschkamp Wolfgang Dipl-Kfm
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 Haschkamp Joachim Dipl-Ing, Haschkamp Wolfgang Dipl-Kfm filed Critical Haschkamp Joachim Dipl-Ing
Priority to DK96108473T priority Critical patent/DK0810619T3/en
Priority to AT96108473T priority patent/ATE196384T1/en
Priority to EP96108473A priority patent/EP0810619B1/en
Priority to DE29609439U priority patent/DE29609439U1/en
Priority to DE59605881T priority patent/DE59605881D1/en
Publication of EP0810619A1 publication Critical patent/EP0810619A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0810619B1 publication Critical patent/EP0810619B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H13/20—Driving mechanisms
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/56—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force
    • H01H13/562—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force making use of a heart shaped cam
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2201/00—Contacts
    • H01H2201/01—Protective enclosure
    • H01H2201/012—Inert gas in contact space
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2213/00—Venting
    • H01H2213/01—Venting with internal pressure of other switch sites
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2213/00—Venting
    • H01H2213/01—Venting with internal pressure of other switch sites
    • H01H2213/014—Accumulator chamber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/046—Actuators bistable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/08—Actuators composed of different parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00—Applications
    • H01H2231/012—Household appliance

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a push button switch for household appliances, in particular for washing machines and tumble dryers.
  • Pushbutton switches of this type are generally used as package switches with a plurality of key slides lying next to one another as program selection switches.
  • the programs are not switched directly via the power switch, but electronics are provided which partially switch the desired programs using a microprocessor.
  • These program switches switch low voltages between 5 volts and 12 volts and currents that are in the microampere range or in the milliamper range. Since the low voltages and the low currents flowing through the switch contacts can even slightly contaminate or oxidize the contact, special precautions must be taken to ensure reliable contact without significant contact resistance even after prolonged operation. As a rule, gold contacts are used to prevent oxidation for the program switches, but they can fail even with the slightest contamination, which causes malfunctions in the program sequence.
  • a box element for contactless switching in which an essentially inwardly acting radiation source is arranged on a side wall of a button body and a detector element which is matched to the radiation source is arranged on an opposite side of the button body, between which Radiation source and the detector is arranged for the relevant radiation not or only slightly permeable up and down movable stem.
  • WO 89/09515 shows a push-button switch in which a light-conducting connection is established between a light-emitting diode and a receiver by pressing a button, whereby a switch-on process can be initiated without contact.
  • EP-A-0 570 870 describes a rotary selector switch with an electrically contacted light-transmitting / receiving device, the actuating device being designed as a coding element which engages in the beam path of the device and in the housing or on the actuating device the light path between the light-transmitting and receiving devices.
  • Device influencing light reflection or light guide element is arranged.
  • Such optical switching devices work contactlessly and reliably over the long term provided that the light transmitter and light receiver and the light guide in between are adequately protected against contamination. However, they are not as sensitive to contamination as the galvanic switch contacts; however, they require a not inconsiderable additional circuitry.
  • Switching foils whose galvanic contacts are protected by edge sealing, are also used as program switches. However, these switching foils are always designed as keypads, so that the switching position cannot be recognized on the switching foil and an additional signal display was always required to indicate which program was selected.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of designing a generic pushbutton switch in such a way that it can be produced inexpensively and ensures reliable and permanent contacting.
  • the invention is accordingly based on the knowledge that a switching film known per se can also be provided for permanent contact (during the respective program sequence) if various conditions are met. Contamination of the contacts is prevented with certainty by gluing the switching foil, because the contacts are protected against air ingress. It is even possible to fill the sealed space with an inert protective gas.
  • a spacer film is arranged between the contact film and the printed circuit board, which ensures that the contact surfaces of the contact film are returned when the button is pressed.
  • circuit board Since the circuit board is glued to the spacer film and the contact film, the contact surfaces are protected against corrosion and dirt, and the function of the switch is guaranteed even with the smallest currents.
  • the spacer film is punched out at the points where the contacts are located.
  • the individual punched-out contact fields are connected to one another by slots, which cause the air or the protective gas to escape between the contact surfaces. This is important because without these compensation slots a much greater force would be required to apply the contact foil to the contact surfaces of the printed circuit boards to press. In addition, the resilience of the contact film is improved.
  • the invention is particularly suitable for push button switch packages in which at least some of the push buttons are used for program switching purposes, but one button can also be designed as a power switch and another button can be used to mechanically lock or unlock a door.
  • the push button switch according to the invention can, however, also be used in a versatile manner as a single push button where small and very small currents can be switched safely and an optical display can be recognized by the position of the button head.
  • Each program key 10 has a slide 16 mounted in the housing 12, which slides via a locking mechanism (not shown in the drawing), for example in the form of a heartbeat in two positions, namely the off position according to FIG. 3 and the on position according to FIG. 4 , is displaceable and fixable in the two positions.
  • the slide At its lower end, the slide has a plunger 18 which is axially movable in a recess in the key slide and is cushioned by a compression coil spring 20. The plunger 18 is provided with barbs 22 and snapped into the recess of the slide 16.
  • This spring-loaded plunger 18 acts on the circuit board 26 via the switching film 24.
  • the compensating spring 20 ensures that the return stroke of the actuating button 10 caused by the latching mechanism is absorbed and the switching plunger is continuously contacted in the on position according to FIG. 4.
  • the contact surfaces 28 and the conductor tracks 30 are produced on the printed circuit board in the usual way by etching.
  • the contact surfaces and the conductor tracks can also be printed with a carbon varnish.
  • the contact surfaces 28 intermesh like a comb, and they are bridged by the individual contact surfaces of the switching film 24 in the pressed state.
  • the contact surfaces 32 of the switching film 24 are applied by conductive silver paint or carbon printing.
  • a spacer film 34 is joined between the circuit board 26 and the switching film 24. This spacer film is in those places where the contacts are provided with punched holes 36 which are slightly larger in diameter than the contact surfaces 32 of the switching film and the contact surfaces 28 of the printed circuit board.
  • the individual punched holes 36 are connected to one another by slots 38 in the spacer film.
  • the switching film 24 is glued to the entire area of the contact film (with the exception of the holes 36 and slots 38) in the manner shown in FIG. 8.
  • the spacer film 34 with the switching film 24 carried by it is glued onto the circuit board 26 in such a way that the contact surfaces 32 of the switching film 24 come to lie at a distance above the switching contact surfaces 28 of the circuit board.
  • These three layers 24, 26, 34 form a self-contained, outwardly sealed laminate with a free space which is determined by the punched holes 36 and the slots 38. This space is filled with air or an inert gas.
  • the slots 38 cause the gas in the slots 38 to escape between the contact surfaces.
  • the spring-loaded plunger 18 in the slide 16 presses on the contact surface 32 covered by the film 24 and presses it down until it strikes the comb-like intermeshing contact surfaces 28 of the printed circuit board 26 and bridges it.
  • the spacer film 24 causes the contact surfaces 28 on the circuit board 26 and the contact surfaces 32 of the contact film to be kept apart in the switched-off position.
  • circuit board Since the circuit board is glued to the spacer film and the contact film, the contact surfaces are protected against corrosion and dirt, and the function of the switch is guaranteed even with the smallest currents.

Abstract

The switch has a switch pin (16,180) which locks into the depressed position. The pin acts upon the contact surface (32) of a switching foil (24) and holds it firmly against contact surfaces (28) of a circuit board (26) when in the depressed position. The circuit board and switching foil are sealed air tight with the contact surfaces between them. A distance foil (34) inserted between the circuit board and switching foil has holes (36) punched in the region of the contact surface.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen Drucktastenschalter für Haushaltsgeräte, insbesondere für Waschmaschinen und Wäschetrockner. Derartige Drucktastenschalter werden im allgemeinen als Paketschalter mit mehreren nebeneinander liegenden Tastenschiebern als Programmwahlschalter eingesetzt. Die Programme werden dabei nicht direkt über Netzschalter geschaltet, sondern es wird eine Elektronik vorgesehen, die zum Teil unter Anwendung eines Mikroprozessors die gewünschten Programme schaltet. Diese Programmschalter schalten Kleinspannungen zwischen 5 Volt und 12 Volt und Ströme, die im Mikroamperebereich oder im Milliamperebereich liegen. Da bei den niedrigen Spannungen und den geringen, die Schaltkontakte durchfließenden Strömen bereits geringfügige Verunreinigungen oder Oxydationen die Kontaktgabe beeinträchtigen können, müssen besondere Vorkehrungen getroffen werden, um eine zuverlässige Kontaktgabe ohne wesentlichen Übergangswiderstand auch nach längerem Betrieb zu gewährleisten. In der Regel werden zur Vermeidung von Oxydationen für die Programmschalter Goldkontakte eingesetzt, die jedoch auch bei der geringsten Verschmutzung versagen können, was Störungen im Programmablauf bedingt.The invention relates to a push button switch for household appliances, in particular for washing machines and tumble dryers. Pushbutton switches of this type are generally used as package switches with a plurality of key slides lying next to one another as program selection switches. The programs are not switched directly via the power switch, but electronics are provided which partially switch the desired programs using a microprocessor. These program switches switch low voltages between 5 volts and 12 volts and currents that are in the microampere range or in the milliamper range. Since the low voltages and the low currents flowing through the switch contacts can even slightly contaminate or oxidize the contact, special precautions must be taken to ensure reliable contact without significant contact resistance even after prolonged operation. As a rule, gold contacts are used to prevent oxidation for the program switches, but they can fail even with the slightest contamination, which causes malfunctions in the program sequence.

Durch die DE-A-27 13 237 ist ein Kastenelement zum kontaktlosen Schalten bekannt, bei dem an einer Seitenwand eines Tastenkörpers eine im wesentlichen nach innen wirkende Strahlungsquelle und an einer gegenüberliegenden Seite des Tastenkörpers ein auf die Strahlungsquelle abgestimmtes Detektorelement angeordnet sind, wobei zwischen der Strahlungsquelle und dem Detektor ein für die betreffende Strahlung nicht oder nur wenig durchlässiger auf- und abbewegbarer Tastenschaft angeordnet ist.From DE-A-27 13 237, a box element for contactless switching is known, in which an essentially inwardly acting radiation source is arranged on a side wall of a button body and a detector element which is matched to the radiation source is arranged on an opposite side of the button body, between which Radiation source and the detector is arranged for the relevant radiation not or only slightly permeable up and down movable stem.

Die WO 89/09515 zeigt einen Druckknopfschalter, bei dem durch Tastendruck eine Lichtleitverbindung zwischen einer Leuchtdiode und einem Empfänger hergestellt wird, wodurch kontaktlos ein Einschaltvorgang eingeleitet werden kann.WO 89/09515 shows a push-button switch in which a light-conducting connection is established between a light-emitting diode and a receiver by pressing a button, whereby a switch-on process can be initiated without contact.

Ein weiterer Drucktastenschalter mit kontaktloser optischer Auslösevorrichtung ist in der FR-A-75 20 760 beschrieben.Another push button switch with a contactless optical trigger device is described in FR-A-75 20 760.

Die EP-A-0 570 870 beschreibt einen Drehwahlschalter mit einer elektrisch kontaktierten Lichtsende-Lichtempfangs-Einrichtung, wobei die Stelleinrichtung als in den Strahlengang der Einrichtung eingreifendes Kodierelement ausgebildet ist und im Gehäuse oder an der Stelleinrichtung ein den Lichtweg zwischen Lichtsende- und Lichtempfangs-Einrichtung beeinflussendes Lichtreflexions- oder Lichtleitelement angeordnet ist.EP-A-0 570 870 describes a rotary selector switch with an electrically contacted light-transmitting / receiving device, the actuating device being designed as a coding element which engages in the beam path of the device and in the housing or on the actuating device the light path between the light-transmitting and receiving devices. Device influencing light reflection or light guide element is arranged.

Derartige optische Schalteinrichtungen arbeiten kontaktlos und langzeitig zuverlässig unter der Voraussetzung, daß Lichtsender und Lichtempfänger sowie die Lichtleiter dazwischen gegen Verschmutzung ausreichend geschützt sind. Sie sind gegenüber Verschmutzung jedoch nicht so empfindlich wie die galvanischen Schaltkontakte; sie erfordern jedoch einen nicht unerheblichen zusätzlichen Schaltungsaufwand.Such optical switching devices work contactlessly and reliably over the long term provided that the light transmitter and light receiver and the light guide in between are adequately protected against contamination. However, they are not as sensitive to contamination as the galvanic switch contacts; however, they require a not inconsiderable additional circuitry.

Es sind als Programmschalter ferner Schaltfolien im Einsatz, deren galvanische Kontakte durch Randversiegelung geschützt sind. Diese Schaltfolien sind jedoch immer als Tipptastaturen ausgeführt, so daß an der Schaltfolie die Schaltstellung nicht erkannt werden kann und immer zusätzlich eine Signalanzeige erforderlich war, die anzeigt, welches Programm gewählt wurde.Switching foils, whose galvanic contacts are protected by edge sealing, are also used as program switches. However, these switching foils are always designed as keypads, so that the switching position cannot be recognized on the switching foil and an additional signal display was always required to indicate which program was selected.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen gattungsgemäßen Drucktastenschalter derart auszubilden, daß er kostengünstig herstellbar ist und eine zuverlässige und dauerhafte Kontaktierung gewährleistet.The invention is therefore based on the object of designing a generic pushbutton switch in such a way that it can be produced inexpensively and ensures reliable and permanent contacting.

Gelöst wird die gestellte Aufgabe durch die im Kennzeichnungsteil des Anspruchs 1 angegebenen Merkmale.The problem is solved by the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Der Erfindung liegt demgemäß die Erkenntnis zugrunde, daß eine an sich bekannte Schaltfolie auch für eine Dauerkontaktierung (während des jeweiligen Programmablaufs) vorgesehen werden kann, wenn verschiedene Bedingungen erfüllt sind. Die Verschmutzung der Kontakte wird durch die Verklebung der Schaltfolie mit Sicherheit verhindert, weil die Kontakte gegen Luftzutritt geschützt sind. Es ist sogar möglich, den ringsum versiegelten Raum mit einem inerten Schutzgas zu füllen.The invention is accordingly based on the knowledge that a switching film known per se can also be provided for permanent contact (during the respective program sequence) if various conditions are met. Contamination of the contacts is prevented with certainty by gluing the switching foil, because the contacts are protected against air ingress. It is even possible to fill the sealed space with an inert protective gas.

Da die üblichen Drucktastenschalter mit Herzkurven-Rastmechanismus oder einem ähnlichen Mechanismus aus der gedrückten Stellung etwas zurückfedern, muß dafür gesorgt werden, daß die auf die Kontaktfläche der Schaltfolie einwirkenden Teile der Taste derart federnd abgestützt sind, daß in der verrasteten Stellung ein genügend hoher mechanischer Druck erhalten bleibt.Since the usual pushbutton switches with a heart cam locking mechanism or a similar mechanism spring back somewhat from the depressed position, care must be taken to ensure that the parts of the key acting on the contact surface of the switching foil are resiliently supported in such a way that a sufficiently high mechanical pressure in the locked position preserved.

Gemäß einer zweckmäßigen Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist zwischen der Kontaktfolie und der Leiterplatte eine Distanzfolie angeordnet, die eine Rückführung der Kontaktflächen der Kontaktfolie bei Wegfall des Tastendrucks gewährleistet.According to an expedient embodiment of the invention, a spacer film is arranged between the contact film and the printed circuit board, which ensures that the contact surfaces of the contact film are returned when the button is pressed.

Da die Leiterplatte mit der Distanzfolie und der Kontaktfolie verklebt ist, sind die Kontaktflächen gegen Korrosion und Verschmutzung geschützt, und die Funktion des Schalters ist auch bei kleinsten Strömen gewährleistet.Since the circuit board is glued to the spacer film and the contact film, the contact surfaces are protected against corrosion and dirt, and the function of the switch is guaranteed even with the smallest currents.

Die Distanzfolie ist an den Stellen, an denen die Kontakte liegen, ausgestanzt. Die einzelnen ausgestanzten Kontaktfelder sind durch Schlitze miteinander verbunden, welche bewirken, daß die Luft oder das Schutzgas zwischen den Kontaktflächen ausweichen kann. Dies ist wichtig, weil ohne diese Ausgleichsschlitze eine wesentlich größere Kraft benötigt würde, um die Kontaktfolie auf die Kontaktflächen der Leiterplatten zu drücken. Außerdem wird hierdurch die Rückfederung der Kontaktfolie verbessert.The spacer film is punched out at the points where the contacts are located. The individual punched-out contact fields are connected to one another by slots, which cause the air or the protective gas to escape between the contact surfaces. This is important because without these compensation slots a much greater force would be required to apply the contact foil to the contact surfaces of the printed circuit boards to press. In addition, the resilience of the contact film is improved.

Die Erfindung ist insbesondere geeignet für Drucktasterschalterpakete, bei denen wenigstens ein Teil der Drucktasten für Programmschaltzwecke eingesetzt ist, wobei jedoch auch eine Taste als Netzschalter ausgebildet sein kann und eine andere Taste zur mechanischen Ver- bzw. Entriegelung einer Tür dienen kann.The invention is particularly suitable for push button switch packages in which at least some of the push buttons are used for program switching purposes, but one button can also be designed as a power switch and another button can be used to mechanically lock or unlock a door.

Der Drucktastenschalter nach der Erfindung kann jedoch auch als Einzeldrucktaste vielseitig dort angewandt werden, wo kleine und kleinste Ströme sicher zu schalten sind und eine optische Anzeige durch die Lage des Tastenkopfes erkennbar ist.The push button switch according to the invention can, however, also be used in a versatile manner as a single push button where small and very small currents can be switched safely and an optical display can be recognized by the position of the button head.

Nachstehend wird ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung beschrieben. In der Zeichnung zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 ist eine Seitenansicht eines Schalterpaketes mit mehreren in Reihe nebeneinander angeordneten Drucktastenschaltern;
  • Fig. 2 ist eine Draufsicht auf das Schalterpaket gemäß Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 zeigt einen Schnitt einer Einzeltaste in der Ausschalt-Stellung;
  • Fig. 4 zeigt einen Schnitt einer Einzeltaste gemäß Fig. 3 in der Einschalt-Stellung;
  • Fig. 5 zeigt eine dem Schalterpaket gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 zugeordnete Leiterplatte mit den Kontaktflächen und den Leiterbahnen;
  • Fig. 6 zeigt eine der Leiterplatte gemäß Fig. 5 zugeordnete Kontaktfolie;
  • Fig. 7 zeigt eine der Kontaktfole gemäß Fig. 6 zugeordnete Distanzfolie, die im fertigen Zustand zwischen der Kontaktfolie und der Leiterplatte zu liegen kommt;
  • Fig. 8 zeigt eine Ansicht der mit der Distanzfolie verklebten Kontaktfolie.
An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:
  • Fig. 1 is a side view of a switch package with a plurality of push button switches arranged side by side;
  • FIG. 2 is a top view of the switch package of FIG. 1;
  • Fig. 3 shows a section of a single key in the off position;
  • FIG. 4 shows a section of a single button according to FIG. 3 in the switched-on position;
  • FIG. 5 shows a circuit board assigned to the switch package according to FIGS. 1 and 2 with the contact areas and the conductor tracks;
  • FIG. 6 shows a contact foil assigned to the printed circuit board according to FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 shows a spacer film associated with the contact foils according to FIG. 6, which comes to rest in the finished state between the contact film and the printed circuit board;
  • 8 shows a view of the contact film bonded to the spacer film.

Das Schalterpaket gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 weist sechs Programmtasten 10 auf, die in einem Gehäuse 12 nebeneinander angeordnet sind, und die auf die Kontakte einer Leiterplatte 26 einwirken. Jede Programmtaste 10 weist einen im Gehäuse 12 gelagerten Schieber 16 auf, der über einen in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellten Rastmechanismus, beispielsweise in Form einer Herzkurze in zwei Stellungen, nämlich der Aus-Stellung gemäß Fig. 3 und der Ein-Stellung gemäß Fig. 4, verschiebbar und in den beiden Stellungen fixierbar ist. Der Schieber weist an seinem unteren Ende einen Stößel 18 auf, der in einer Ausnehmung des Tastenschiebers axial beweglich und durch eine Druckschraubenfeder 20 abgefedert ist. Der Stößel 18 ist mit Widerhaken 22 versehen und in der Ausnehmung des Schiebers 16 eingeschnappt. Dieser abgefederte Stößel 18 wirkt über die Schaltfolie 24 auf die Leiterplatte 26 ein. Durch die Ausgleichsfeder 20 wird gewährleistet, daß der durch den Rastmechanismus bedingte Rückhub der Betätigungstaste 10 aufgenommen wird und in der Ein-Stellung gemäß Fig. 4 der Stößel ständig die Schaltfolie kontaktiert.1 and 2 has six program buttons 10, which are arranged next to one another in a housing 12 and which act on the contacts of a printed circuit board 26. Each program key 10 has a slide 16 mounted in the housing 12, which slides via a locking mechanism (not shown in the drawing), for example in the form of a heartbeat in two positions, namely the off position according to FIG. 3 and the on position according to FIG. 4 , is displaceable and fixable in the two positions. At its lower end, the slide has a plunger 18 which is axially movable in a recess in the key slide and is cushioned by a compression coil spring 20. The plunger 18 is provided with barbs 22 and snapped into the recess of the slide 16. This spring-loaded plunger 18 acts on the circuit board 26 via the switching film 24. The compensating spring 20 ensures that the return stroke of the actuating button 10 caused by the latching mechanism is absorbed and the switching plunger is continuously contacted in the on position according to FIG. 4.

Auf der Leiterplatte sind in üblicher Weise durch Ätzen die Kontaktflächen 28 und die Leiterbahnen 30 hergestellt. Die Kontaktflächen und die Leiterbahnen können auch mit einem Karbonlack aufgedruckt sein. Die Kontaktflächen 28 greifen kammartig ineinander, und sie werden durch die einzelnen Kontaktflächen der Schaltfolie 24 im gedrückten Zustand überbrückt. Die Kontaktflächen 32 der Schaltfolie 24 sind durch Silberleitlack oder Karbondruck aufgebracht. Zwischen der Leiterplatte 26 und der Schaltfolie 24 ist eine Distanzfolie 34 gefügt. Diese Distanzfolie ist an jenen Stellen, an denen die Kontakte liegen, mit Ausstanzlöchern 36 versehen, die im Durchmesser etwas größer sind als die Kontaktflächen 32 der Schaltfolie und die Kontaktflächen 28 der Leiterplatte. Die einzelnen Ausstanzlöcher 36 sind durch Schlitze 38 in der Distanzfolie miteinander verbunden.The contact surfaces 28 and the conductor tracks 30 are produced on the printed circuit board in the usual way by etching. The contact surfaces and the conductor tracks can also be printed with a carbon varnish. The contact surfaces 28 intermesh like a comb, and they are bridged by the individual contact surfaces of the switching film 24 in the pressed state. The contact surfaces 32 of the switching film 24 are applied by conductive silver paint or carbon printing. A spacer film 34 is joined between the circuit board 26 and the switching film 24. This spacer film is in those places where the contacts are provided with punched holes 36 which are slightly larger in diameter than the contact surfaces 32 of the switching film and the contact surfaces 28 of the printed circuit board. The individual punched holes 36 are connected to one another by slots 38 in the spacer film.

Die Schaltfolie 24 ist in der aus Fig. 8 ersichtlichen Weise mit der Kontaktfolie vollflächig (mit Ausnahme der Löcher 36 und Schlitze 38) verklebt. Auf die Leiterplatte 26 wird die Distanzfolie 34 mit der von ihr getragenen Schaltfolie 24 derart aufgeklebt, daß die Kontaktflächen 32 der Schaltfolie 24 über den Schaltkontaktflächen 28 der Leiterplatte mit Abstand zu liegen kommen. Diese drei Schichten 24, 26, 34 bilden ein in sich abgeschlossenes, nach außen abgedichtetes Laminat mit einem Freiraum, der durch die Stanzlöcher 36 und die Schlitze 38 bestimmt ist. Dieser Freiraum ist mit Luft oder einem Inertgas gefüllt. Durch die Schlitze 38 wird bewirkt, daß das Gas in den Schlitzen 38 zwischen den Kontaktflächen ausweichen kann. Dies ist wichtig, weil sonst eine wesentlich größere Kraft benötigt würde, um das Gas in den Stanzlöchern zu komprimieren und die Kontaktfolie auf die Kontaktflächen der Leiterplatte zu drücken. Durch diese Schlitze wird auch eine günstige Rückfederung erreicht. Es kann auch kein Vakuum entstehen, das ein Rückfedern beeinträchtigen und die Kontakte dauerhaft geschlossen halten könnte. Diese Luftschlitze, die für die einwandfreie Funktion des Schalters erforderlich sind, stellen zweckmäßigerweise, wie aus der Zeichnung ersichtlich, eine Verbindung zwischen den Stanzlöchern her. Gemäß Fig. 8 sind jeweils drei Stanzlöcher durch zwei Schlitze verbunden. Diese Ausführung hat sich in der Praxis als zweckmäßig erwiesen. Anstelle der die Stanzlöcher verbindenden Schlitze könnten in der Distanzfolie auch anders ausgebildete Druckausgleichskammern angeordnet sein, die jeweils mit einem oder mehreren Stanzlöchern verbunden sind. Die bevorzugte Ausführung ist jedoch die Ausbildung mit Verbindungsschlitzen.The switching film 24 is glued to the entire area of the contact film (with the exception of the holes 36 and slots 38) in the manner shown in FIG. 8. The spacer film 34 with the switching film 24 carried by it is glued onto the circuit board 26 in such a way that the contact surfaces 32 of the switching film 24 come to lie at a distance above the switching contact surfaces 28 of the circuit board. These three layers 24, 26, 34 form a self-contained, outwardly sealed laminate with a free space which is determined by the punched holes 36 and the slots 38. This space is filled with air or an inert gas. The slots 38 cause the gas in the slots 38 to escape between the contact surfaces. This is important because otherwise a much greater force would be required to compress the gas in the punch holes and to press the contact foil onto the contact surfaces of the printed circuit board. A favorable springback is also achieved through these slots. There can also be no vacuum that could impair springback and keep the contacts permanently closed. These air slots, which are required for the switch to function properly, expediently, as can be seen from the drawing, establish a connection between the punched holes. 8, three punch holes are connected by two slots. This design has proven to be useful in practice. Instead of the slots connecting the punched holes, differently designed pressure compensation chambers could also be arranged in the spacer film, each of which is connected to one or more punched holes. However, the preferred embodiment is the formation with connecting slots.

Wenn eine Betätigungstaste 10 im Sinne einer Einschaltbewegung eingedrückt wird, dann drückt der abgefederte Stößel 18 im Schieber 16 auf die durch die Folie 24 abgedeckte Kontaktfläche 32 und drückt diese nieder, bis sie auf den kammartig ineinandergreifenden Kontaktflächen 28 der Leiterplatte 26 auftrifft und dieser überbrückt. Die Distanzfolie 24 bewirkt, daß in der Ausschalt-Stellung die Kontaktflächen 28 auf der Leiterplatte 26 und die Kontaktflächen 32 der Kontaktfolie auseinandergehalten werden.If an actuation button 10 is pressed in in the sense of a switch-on movement, the spring-loaded plunger 18 in the slide 16 presses on the contact surface 32 covered by the film 24 and presses it down until it strikes the comb-like intermeshing contact surfaces 28 of the printed circuit board 26 and bridges it. The spacer film 24 causes the contact surfaces 28 on the circuit board 26 and the contact surfaces 32 of the contact film to be kept apart in the switched-off position.

Da die Leiterplatte mit der Distanzfolie und der Kontaktfolie verklebt ist, sind die Kontaktflächen gegen Korrosion und Verschmutzung geschützt, und die Funktion des Schalters ist auch bei kleinsten Strömen gewährleistet.Since the circuit board is glued to the spacer film and the contact film, the contact surfaces are protected against corrosion and dirt, and the function of the switch is guaranteed even with the smallest currents.

BezugszeichenlisteReference list

1010th
ProgrammtastenProgram buttons
1212th
Gehäusecasing
1616
SchieberSlider
1818th
StößelPestle
2020th
DruckschraubenfederCompression coil spring
2222
WiderhakenBarbs
2424th
SchaltfolieSwitching foil
2626
LeiterplatteCircuit board
2828
KontaktflächenContact areas
3030th
LeiterbahnenConductor tracks
3232
KontaktflächenContact areas
3434
DistanzfolieSpacer film
3636
AusstanzlöcherPunch holes
3838
SchlitzeSlits

Claims (10)

Drucktastenschalter für Haushaltsgeräte, dessen Schalterstößel (16, 18) in gedrückter Stellung einrastbar ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Schalterstößel (16, 18) auf die Kontaktfläche (32) einer Schaltfolie (24) einwirkt und diese Kontaktfläche in gedrückter Stellung dauerhaft auf Kontaktflächen (28) einer Leiterplatte (26) hält, und daß Leiterplatte (26) und Schaltfolie (24) mit ihren dazwischen-liegenden Kontaktflächen (32, 28) luftdicht versiegelt sind.Pushbutton switch for household appliances, the switch plunger (16, 18) of which can be locked in the pressed position,
characterized in that the switch plunger (16, 18) acts on the contact surface (32) of a switching foil (24) and holds this contact surface in the pressed position permanently on contact surfaces (28) of a printed circuit board (26), and in that the printed circuit board (26) and switching foil (24) with their intermediate contact surfaces (32, 28) are sealed airtight. Drucktastenschalter nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwischen Leiterplatte (26) und Schaltfolie (24) eine Distanzfolie (34) eingefügt ist, die im Bereich der Kontaktflächen (32, 28) Stanzlöcher (36) aufweist.Pushbutton switch according to claim 1,
characterized in that a spacer film (34) is inserted between the printed circuit board (26) and the switching film (24) and has punched holes (36) in the region of the contact surfaces (32, 28). Drucktastenschalter nach den Ansprüchen 1 und 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Distanzfolie (34) mit der Leiterplatte (26) und der Schaltfolie (24) vollflächig (bis auf den Bereich der Kontaktflächen) verklebt ist.Pushbutton switch according to claims 1 and 2,
characterized in that the spacer film (34) is glued to the printed circuit board (26) and the switching film (24) over the entire surface (except for the area of the contact surfaces). Drucktastenschalter nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 3,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Distanzfolie (34) mit den Stanzlöchern (36) in Verbindung stehende Druckausgleichskammern (38) aufweist.Pushbutton switch according to claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that the spacer film (34) has pressure compensation chambers (38) connected to the punching holes (36). Drucktastenschalter nach Anspruch 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Druckausgleichskammern von Schlitzen (38) gebildet sind, die jeweils zwei Stanzlöcher (36) der Distanzfolie (34) miteinander verbinden.Pushbutton switch according to claim 4,
characterized in that the pressure compensation chambers are formed by slots (38) which each connect two punched holes (36) of the spacer film (34). Drucktastenschalter nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Tastenschieber (16) einen abgefederten Stößel (18) zum Ausgleich der Rückhubbewegung des Rastmechanismus aufweist.Pushbutton switch according to claim 1,
characterized in that the key slide (16) has a sprung plunger (18) to compensate for the return stroke movement of the locking mechanism. Drucktastenschalter nach Anspruch 6,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Stößel (18) topfartig ausgebildet ist und eine Druckschraubenfeder (20) umschließt, die axial am Schieber (16) abgestützt ist.Pushbutton switch according to claim 6,
characterized in that the plunger (18) is cup-shaped and encloses a compression coil spring (20) which is axially supported on the slide (16). Drucktastenschalter nach den Ansprüchen 6 und 7,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der abgefederte Stößel (18) mit Widerhaken (22) in einer Schieberausnehmung axial begrenzt beweglich ist.Pushbutton switch according to claims 6 and 7,
characterized in that the sprung plunger (18) with barbs (22) is axially movable to a limited extent in a slide recess. Drucktasten-Paketschalter,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß er nebeneinander Drucktasten-Programm-Schalter gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 aufweist.Pushbutton packet switch,
characterized in that it has side-by-side push-button program switches according to one of claims 1 to 8. Drucktasten-Paketschalter nach Anspruch 9,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß er außer den Programmschaltern eine Drucktaste für einen Netzschalter und/oder eine Türverriegelung enthält.Push-button packet switch according to claim 9,
characterized in that it contains a push button for a power switch and / or a door lock in addition to the program switches.
EP96108473A 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances Expired - Lifetime EP0810619B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DK96108473T DK0810619T3 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Pressure switch switch for household appliances
AT96108473T ATE196384T1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 PUSH BUTTON SWITCH FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
EP96108473A EP0810619B1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances
DE29609439U DE29609439U1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances
DE59605881T DE59605881D1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP96108473A EP0810619B1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances
DE29609439U DE29609439U1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0810619A1 true EP0810619A1 (en) 1997-12-03
EP0810619B1 EP0810619B1 (en) 2000-09-13

Family

ID=26059017

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96108473A Expired - Lifetime EP0810619B1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0810619B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE196384T1 (en)
DE (2) DE29609439U1 (en)
DK (1) DK0810619T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19839811A1 (en) * 1998-09-01 2000-03-02 Delphi Automotive Systems Gmbh Switch arrangement
US8404990B2 (en) 2010-06-30 2013-03-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Switch system having a button travel limit feature

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2169812A1 (en) * 1971-12-13 1973-09-14 Datanetics Corp
US4362954A (en) * 1981-09-25 1982-12-07 The Maytag Company Power-up control for microprocessor based appliance
US4376239A (en) * 1980-10-03 1983-03-08 Allen-Bradley Company Industrial membrane switch
US4417115A (en) * 1982-03-03 1983-11-22 Amp Incorporated Switch actuating assembly having improved cams and plural modes
DE3407380A1 (en) * 1983-03-03 1984-09-06 General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y. Control display arrangement for an oven having a membrane switch
US4484038A (en) * 1982-12-01 1984-11-20 Dorman-Bogdonoff Corp. Membrane touch panel having improved conductor construction
US4559426A (en) * 1980-11-03 1985-12-17 Oak Industries Inc. Membrane switch and components having means for preventing creep
GB2183401A (en) * 1985-11-22 1987-06-03 Morse Nena Switch assembly
DE8712230U1 (en) * 1987-09-09 1987-11-19 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen, De
WO1987007759A1 (en) * 1986-06-02 1987-12-17 Bebié + Co. Keyboard for use in difficult conditions

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2169812A1 (en) * 1971-12-13 1973-09-14 Datanetics Corp
US4376239A (en) * 1980-10-03 1983-03-08 Allen-Bradley Company Industrial membrane switch
US4559426A (en) * 1980-11-03 1985-12-17 Oak Industries Inc. Membrane switch and components having means for preventing creep
US4362954A (en) * 1981-09-25 1982-12-07 The Maytag Company Power-up control for microprocessor based appliance
US4417115A (en) * 1982-03-03 1983-11-22 Amp Incorporated Switch actuating assembly having improved cams and plural modes
US4484038A (en) * 1982-12-01 1984-11-20 Dorman-Bogdonoff Corp. Membrane touch panel having improved conductor construction
DE3407380A1 (en) * 1983-03-03 1984-09-06 General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y. Control display arrangement for an oven having a membrane switch
GB2183401A (en) * 1985-11-22 1987-06-03 Morse Nena Switch assembly
WO1987007759A1 (en) * 1986-06-02 1987-12-17 Bebié + Co. Keyboard for use in difficult conditions
DE8712230U1 (en) * 1987-09-09 1987-11-19 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen, De

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK0810619T3 (en) 2000-11-13
DE29609439U1 (en) 1996-08-14
EP0810619B1 (en) 2000-09-13
DE59605881D1 (en) 2000-10-19
ATE196384T1 (en) 2000-09-15

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