EP0848400B1 - Electrical switch - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an electrical switch according to the Preamble of claim 1.

Such electrical switches are used in particular in Power tools, such as drills, jigsaws, Circular saws, electric planers or the like, used.

From DE-OS 28 38 934 and DE 195 08 925 A1 is a electrical switch for power tools known, the one arranged in a housing, from a switch contact and has a fixed contact existing contact system. At the An actuator is movably supported for the housing Action on the contact system so that the contact system between an unactuated and an actuated position on. The one pivotally arranged on a bearing Switch contact is like a lever with two lever arms formed, being on the first lever arm of the switching contact a spring for exercising a fixed contact Acts force. The actuator moves one Cam control, which in turn with the second lever arm of the Switch contact interacts to switch the contact system.

With this electrical switch, the contact system is in arranged approximately parallel to the actuation axis in the housing, the switch contact in the actuated position approximately runs in the direction of movement of the actuator. There for easy mounting of the switch in power tools often it is required that the connections of the supply lines for the Power supply at the bottom of the housing Switch is located, the current is in the housing complicated from the connections to the contact system. Is the electrical switches as multi-pole switches with several Contact systems designed, is a relatively large Housing required to accommodate the contact systems. In slim handles of power tools is the Housing such a switch often difficult.

Furthermore, an electrical switch is known from US-A-4 061 895 known for an electric hand tool with a housing, the again a switch contact and a fixed contact existing contact system as well as a longitudinally movable, as Pusher trained actuator has. The Actuator has an insert inside the housing with a control cam to the in the manner of a two-armed lever designed on a bearing pivotable switching contact when moving the Actuator between an unactuated and an to switch the actuated position of the contact system. The Fixed contact is arranged in the housing at a connection that the fixed contact is inclined and inclined to Direction of movement of the actuator stands. The Switch contact is in with a boom-like connection electrical connection and is aligned in the warehouse, that the first lever arm of the switch contact in the actuated Position of the contact system with its longitudinal direction deviates from the direction of movement of the actuator and that the between the first lever arm and the Direction of movement included angles greater than 0 degrees is. Thus the contact system of the switch is in the essentially transverse to the actuation axis of the switch arranged.

With this switch, too, the complex current flow in the Contact system disadvantageous. So the power supply changes there multiple directions within the housing. So that increases not only the space required for the housing, so the switch in a power tool with a slim handle barely is to accommodate. Rather, complex shapes are also used Parts needed for power supply, which is consequently difficult and are expensive to manufacture. It also increases the vulnerability of this switch.

Finally, in DE 25 58 620 A is a switch for Power tools with a contact system described that there is a fixed contact and a switching contact. The Switch contact is designed in the manner of a leaf spring and clamped with one end in the housing of the switch. The other free end of the switch contact carries the movable one Contact. The switch contact has a complex, not straight design and is therefore complicated manufacture. This shape also results in a elaborate current flow in the contact system of the switch what again a higher space requirement for the switch draws. Finally, the leaf spring-like switch contact is for higher currents, like this at least with power tools high performance are not suitable.

The invention is based on US-A-4 061 895 Task based on the current supply for the contact system in the simplify electrical switch.

This task is done in a generic electrical Switch by the characterizing features of claim 1 solved.

The current flow in the electrical switch is according to the invention thereby simplified by the current routing in the contact system approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the actuator and / or the cam control is configured. To this The purpose of the bearing for the switch contact is live formed, and the connecting line between the Fixed contact and the bearing for the switch contact is approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement. Next is the switch contact of the contact system arranged on the bearing so that the first Lever arm of the switch contact in the actuated position with its longitudinal direction is approximately vertical, with a Angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of movement of the Actuator and / or the cam control is. Finally, the first lever arm of the Switching contact a means of exercising on the Fixed contact directed force. It is advantageous this makes the housing for the switch particularly compact embody. Further refinements of the invention are Subject of the subclaims.

It is preferred if the first lever arm is directed at an angle of at least 45 degrees to the direction of movement in the unactuated position of the switching contact.
This angle can then expediently be between 50 and 70 degrees.

A plunger can be moved linearly on the housing arranged actuator be rigidly coupled so that the actuation axis is formed by the plunger. Next is on the part of the plunger located inside the housing Cams for those interacting with the second lever arm Cam control arranged.

The fixed contact can be directly on a connector for a electrical lead attached, the connector. is located in particular on the underside of the housing. The bearing for the switch contact can be used with another Connection part are in electrical connection, wherein especially the other connector as a plug contact is formed and protrudes on the top of the housing. The further connecting part is then expediently connected to the Bearing designed as a one-piece stamped part. At a such training of a power tool switch are the mains and motor connections are each connected to one Long side of the case.

For the automatic removal of impurities and Deposits on the contacts of the contact system at Switching process and thus to increase the life of the Switch can have a relative movement between the Switch contact and the fixed contact when closing the contacts respectively. For this purpose, the switching contact has a game in Camp. further is the means to exert a force on the first lever arm of the switching contact arranged such that the line of action of the force in the unactuated position of the Switching contact from the vertical direction at first Lever arm deviates, creating an additional force component is exerted on the switch contact in the direction of the bearing. The cam on the cam control then essentially acts until the actuated position is reached on the second lever arm that this additional force component is compensated. To compensate for this, the bearing opposite end of the second lever arm a slope angled to the longitudinal direction of the second lever arm be arranged. The slope acts with the cam Cam control in the manner of an inclined plane together. In the cam, however, gives the second position Lever arm largely free, which then makes cleaning Serving, rubbing movement of the switch contact on the Fixed contact in the direction of the warehouse. Through the automatic cleaning of the contact system can simpler versions of the switch even on one Seal at the point where the plunger fits into the housing leads, be waived. Should dirt in at this point penetrate the inside of the housing, so this dirt can have no harmful influence on the Take the life of the contact system.

With a two-pole switch there are two in the housing Contact systems arranged side by side in the direction of movement. The switch contact, the Fixed contact and the camp and, if applicable, the one with the Bearings and the fixed contact in electrical connection standing connection parts identical for both contact systems train, so that advantageously the number of different parts is reduced.

In a development of the invention, the switch has one Means to inhibit movement of the actuator. This Medium is in a certain movement position Active connection can be brought with the actuator, so that in this movement position is a pressure point for the Actuator can be generated. The inhibitor can from a pin and one in the path of movement of the pin located passage opening exist, the Passage opening at the narrowest point a smaller width than the largest cross section of the pin. The cone can on the inside of the housing part of the Plunger, the pin on the plunger as an extension of the cam can be molded. The passage opening is preferably by two tapered Guide surfaces with different steep slopes trained on both sides of the narrowest point. The Guide surfaces can be on an inner wall of the housing are and for example molded onto the inner wall his.

The inhibitor is designed such that the Active connection when switching from the unactuated position for the actuated position of the contact system with a larger one Intensity than in the opposite direction of movement Actuator is manufactured. Through this training on the one hand a strong pressure point when switching on the Switch achieved, the contact system in the actuated Position reached when overcoming the pressure point, and on the other hand, the backstop when the Switch by releasing the actuator significantly reduced. To achieve this special mode of action, the pin also has an asymmetrical cross-sectional profile sides with two different curvatures. The side with the smaller curvature is in the unactuated position of the contact system facing the passage opening.

The housing for the switch consists of two housing parts, namely from a base and a lid. In the base they are Contact system, the connections and the guide for the Actuator included with the plunger. The Guide surfaces for the means to inhibit the movement of the Actuators are on the inside of the Cover. All around the two housing parts are groove and Spring connections arranged. Because of this after the Installation of interlocking tongue and groove connections form the transition gap between the two housing parts a kind of labyrinth, so that the interior of the case largely is dustproof.

The advantages achieved with the invention exist especially in that the switch housing has a small installation volume, even if it is one multipole switch. This allows this switch in slim trained handles of power tools are used, so that the overall ergonomics of the Power tool is increased. Because the contact system Is arranged in a space-saving manner in the housing, it can be used without increased space requirements due to wide contact surfaces on the Switch contacts, large contact areas and. The like. For high Switching capacities are dimensioned.

The inventive design of the contact system ensures high contact force in the actuated position. This in turn reduces the contact erosion. Furthermore, a good self-cleaning of the Contact areas can be achieved when switching. Thus, the Lifetime of the switch increased.

Because of the current in the housing, which is essentially on direct path from the bottom to the top of the housing and thus approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the actuator and / or the cam control runs, it is the Metal parts for the contact system around simply trained Stampings. With a multi-pole switch, identical or symmetrical parts can be used for all contact systems. Thus, the switch according to the invention is also cheaper in the Production.

Fig. 1

einen elektrischen Schalter in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt entsprechend der Linie 2-2 in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt entsprechend der Linie 3-3 in Fig. 2, wobei sich das Kontaktsystem in der unbetätigten Stellung befindet,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt wie in Fig. 3, wobei sich das Kontaktsystem in der betätigten Stellung befindet,

Fig. 5

eine Prinzipskizze zur Erzeugung eines Druckpunkts für das Betätigungsorgan, wobei das Kontaktsystem von der unbetätigten in die betätigte Stellung umgeschaltet wird, und

Fig. 6

eine Prinzipskizze wie in Fig. 5, wobei das Kontaktsystem von der betätigten in die unbetätigte Stellung umgeschaltet wird.

An embodiment of the invention with further developments is shown in the drawings and is described in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1

an electrical switch in side view,

Fig. 2

2 shows a section along line 2-2 in FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

3 shows a section along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2, the contact system being in the unactuated position,

Fig. 4

3 shows a section as in FIG. 3, the contact system being in the actuated position,

Fig. 5

a schematic diagram for generating a pressure point for the actuator, wherein the contact system is switched from the unactuated to the actuated position, and

Fig. 6

a schematic diagram as in Fig. 5, wherein the contact system is switched from the actuated to the unactuated position.

In Fig. 1, an electrical switch 1 is shown, which as Power switch for use in power tools, such as drills, Jigsaws, circular saws or the like. The switch 1 has a housing 2 on which a serving as a manual handle, in the Form of a handle formed actuator 3 linearly movable in a direction of movement according to arrows 19, 19 ' is arranged. With the actuator 3, a plunger 4 is rigid coupled, which extends into the housing interior 5 of the housing 2, such as 3 can be seen. As can be seen in more detail in FIG. 2, the plunger 4 has a receptacle 6 for a compression spring 7 the actuator 3 by the user together with the plunger 4 in Direction of arrow 19 against the restoring force of the compression spring 7, which acts in the direction of arrow 19 ', movable.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, there is 5 inside the housing a contact system 8, which consists of a switch contact 9 and a Fixed contact 10 exists. The switch contact 9 is pivotable on a bearing 11 arranged and in the manner of a lever with two Lever arms 12, 13 formed. On the bearing the contact surface 38 The first lever arm 12 of the switching contact 9 acts as an elastic means to exert a force directed at the fixed contact 10. at this elastic means is a compression spring trained spring 14 which has one end in a receptacle 15 in Housing interior 5 and at the other end to a shoulder 16 first lever arm 12 is held.

The actuator 3 acts on the plunger 4 in certain Movement positions in such a way on the contact system 8 that the Contact system 8 between an unactuated position, which in Fig. 3rd can be seen, and an actuated position, which can be seen in Fig. 4 is, switches. In the actuated position, the contact surface 38 lies of the switching contact 9 on the fixed contact 10, so that the switch 1 is switched on. In the unactuated position, the Contact surface 38 of the switching contact 9, however, a distance from Fixed contact 10, with which the switch 1 is switched off.

The actuating member 3 acts to switch the contact system 8 a cam control 17 with the second lever arm 13 of the Switch contact 9 together. The cam control 17 has one Cam 18, which on the inside of the housing 5 part of the Ram 4 is arranged. The cam 18 acts in the unactuated position, the second lever arm 13 and gives in the actuated position the second lever arm 13 free. So that's right in the present case, the direction of movement of the actuator 3 that of the cam controller 17. By means of a Locking button 43, which is shown in Fig. 2, it can Actuator 3 in the actuated position of the contact system 8 lock.

According to the invention, the contact system 8 is transverse to the direction of movement 19, 19 'arranged in the housing 2. For this purpose, the switch contact 9 so arranged on the bearing 11 that the first lever arm 12 in the actuated position of the switching contact 9 with its longitudinal direction deviating from the parallel lines 39 running through the bearing 11 Direction of movement 19, 19 'of the actuator 3 and the plunger 4th or the cam controller 17 is directed. The parallel 39 is in 3 and 4 are drawn with a broken line. The one in Fig. 4 specified angle α between the first lever arm 12 and the Parallels 39 to the direction of movement 19, 19 'is thus greater than 0 Degree. It is particularly preferred that the first in the actuated position Lever arm 12 of the switching contact 9 approximately perpendicular to Direction of movement 19, 19 'of the actuator 3 is what is shown in Fig. 4 can be seen, so that the angle α is therefore approximately 90 degrees.

In a development of the invention, it has proven to be advantageous emphasized if the switch contact 9 continues in this way on the bearing 11 is arranged that the first lever arm 12 in the unactuated Position of the switch contact 9 with its longitudinal direction at an angle a vertical 40 extending through the bearing 11 Direction of movement 19, 19 'of the actuator 3 or Cam control 17 is directed, as can be seen from Fig. 3. In order to gives way to the longitudinal direction of the first lever arm 12 in the unactuated Position also from the parallel 39. It is preferred that the Angle δ between the first lever arm 12 and the parallel 39 to Direction of movement 19, 19 'of the actuator 3 at least 45 degrees is, so that conversely the angle β between the first lever arm 12 and the perpendicular 40 to the direction of movement 19, 19 'at most 45 Degrees. In particular, it has proven to be advantageous highlighted when the angle δ is between 50 and 70 degrees, which in turn can be seen in more detail in FIG. 3.

In a further embodiment of the switch 1, the Current flow in the contact system 8 in a special way and in fact approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement 19, 19 'of the actuator 3 or the cam controller 17. For this purpose, the fixed contact 10 and current-bearing 11 in the interior 5 arranged such that the imaginary connecting line between the fixed contact 10 and the bearing 11 for the switch contact 9 approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement 19, 19 'of the actuator 3 is and thus approximately in the direction the vertical 40 runs.

The fixed contact 10 is for further optimization of the current flow directly on a connection part 20 for the supply line to Power supply or for the mains lead to switch 1 attached. The connecting part 20 can, for example, as a cuboid Part be made of copper, this on one surface Part of the fixed contact 10 attached in the form of a contact rivet is. The connecting part 20 is on the underside 22 of the housing 2 located and has a screw connection 24 for fastening the Mains cable.

The bearing 11 for the switch contact 9 is with another Connection part 21 in electrical connection. The other connector 21 is designed as a plug contact 25, which on the top 23 of the Housing 2 protrudes. At the plug contact 25, the leads connected to the electric motor of the power tool. Preferably, the further connection part 21 with the bearing 11 as an integral stamped part is formed. The further connecting part 21 is approximately parallel to the vertical 40 inside the housing 5 arranged, the bearing 11 being bent on the further connecting part 21 is.

As you can see, the power supply lines are on the bottom 22 and the leads for the electric motor on the top 23 of the electrical switch 1 connected. The current is in the substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement 19, 19 'of Actuator 3, that is parallel to the vertical 40 through the Housing 2 passed through. This measure gives you a great deal compact electrical switch 1, which is particularly simple on one long side of the housing 2 with the electrical Connections for the power tool is to be provided.

When using the electrical switch 1 as a power switch it is often desirable if the switch 1 is designed with two poles. For this purpose, in a further development of the invention, an interior 5 of the housing Another contact system 8 'designed according to the invention is arranged. The two contact systems 8, 8 'are in the direction of movement 19, 19' of the Actuator 3 or the cam control 17 side by side arranged. You can now advantageously switch contact 9, the Fixed contact 10, possibly together with the connecting part 20, and that Bearing 11 and possibly the one with the bearing 11 in electrical Connected further connecting part 21 identical for both Form contact systems 8, 8 '. This makes the variety of parts reduced as well as a reduction in the cost of manufacturing of these parts required tools. The second too Contact system 8 'is via a cam 18 of the cam control 17, the part of the plunger 4 located in the housing interior 5 is arranged, switched. Otherwise, the two can Contact systems 8, 8 'simultaneously or through as desired corresponding design of the cam control 17 also in different movement positions of the actuator 3 switch.

Measures for automatic switch 1 can also be used Cleaning of the contacts may be provided. For this he has Switch contact 9 in the bearing 11, which is in the manner of a cutting edge bearing trained to be a game. Next is the first lever arm 12 arranged with a force acting spring 14 such that the line of action of the force in the unactuated position of the switching contact 9 from the perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first lever arm 12 differs. This can be seen particularly well in FIG. 3, where the spring 14 with a curvature between the receptacle 15 and the first lever arm 12 is arranged. This arrangement is in addition to the direction an additional closing force acting on the fixed contact 10 Force component from the spring 14 on the switch contact 9 in the direction exercised to camp 11.

This additional force component is in the unactuated position of the switching contact 9 is compensated for by the bearing 11 opposite end of the second lever arm 13 angled angled 26 to the longitudinal direction of the lever arm 13 is located. The slope 26 acts with the cam 18 of the cam control 17 in the manner of inclined plane together. This firstly becomes a Force component opposed by the spring 14 at first Lever arm 12 is directed closing force, and the other a second force component in the longitudinal direction of the second Lever arm 13 acts, generated. The first force component prevents that the contact surface 38 in the unactuated position the fixed contact 10 arrives. The second force component is used for Compensation for the additional spring 14 Force component in the direction of the bearing 11.

The cam 18 acts on the slope 26 on the second lever arm 13 in essentially until the actuated position of the Switching contact 9 on. When reaching or just before reaching the actuated position of the switch contact 9 gives the cam 18 second lever arm 13 largely free. On the one hand, the Contact surface 38 of the switching contact 9 in contact with the fixed contact 10. Secondly, the additional spring 14 generated force component no longer compensated, so that this Force component affect the switch contact 9 and the Switching contact 9 as part of the game in the camp 11 towards Bearing 11 can move. This in turn creates a rubbing Movement of the switching contact 9 on the fixed contact 10 in the direction of Bearing 11. This relative movement between the switching contact 9 and the fixed contact 10 when the contacts 9, 10 are closed Contact surface 38 on the switching contact 9 and the fixed contact 10 of Contamination, pollutant deposits, contact erosion residues u. Like. cleaned.

It is advantageous if the switch 1 has a pressure point for the Movement of the actuator 3 when the switch position is reached from the unactuated position to the actuated position. to Generation of the pressure point is one for inhibiting the movement of the Actuator 3 serving means 27 in a particular Movement position with the actuator 3 in operative connection brought. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the means 27 for Inhibition of the movement of the actuator 3 from a pin 28 and one in the path of movement of the pin 28 Passage opening 29. The pin 28 is on the inside 5 located part of the plunger 4 and conveniently as a molded, extended approach to the contact system 8 assigned cams 18. The passage opening 29 is the inner wall 31 assigned to the housing 2. The mode of action of the means for Inhibition of the movement of the actuator 3 is in one Principle sketch in Fig. 5 and 6 clarified.

The passage opening 29 is of two conical ones Guide surfaces 30, 30 ', for example on the inner wall 31 of the Housing 2 are molded, formed. Because of the non-parallel, has the conical shape of the two guide surfaces 30, 30 ' Through opening 29 a narrowest point 32, the narrowest point 32nd a slightly smaller width than the largest cross section of the pin 28 having. In addition, the slopes 41, 42 are the narrowest on both sides Point 32 formed differently steep, the steeper Slant 41 the pin 28 in the unactuated position of the Actuator 3 is facing. The pin 28 also has asymmetrical cross-sectional profile with two sides 33, 34 on the each have different curvatures. The page 33 with the smaller curvature is in the unactuated position of the Contact system 8 facing the passage opening 29 and the side 34 the passage 29 faces away with the greater curvature.

When switching the contact system 8 from the unactuated position in the actuated position, as shown in Fig. 5, comes first Page 33 with the smaller curvature in contact with the steeper Slope 41 at the narrowest point 32. To overcome this narrowest Position 32 is thus higher than the other movement Apply force to the actuator 3 by the user. This increase in force closes in on the user overcoming pressure point noticeable. Conversely, when switching of the contact system 8 from the actuated position to the unactuated Position, which is caused by the restoring force of the compression spring 7, first the side 34 with the greater curvature in contact with the less steep slope 42 at the narrowest point 32, as in FIG. 6 is shown. This is the strength to overcome the narrowest point 32 in this direction less than in the opposite direction. Consequently, it has between the pin 28 and the passage opening 29 established active connection when switching from the unactuated Position to the actuated position of the contact system 8 a larger Intensity than in the opposite direction of movement, with which one only clearly noticeable in one direction of movement Pressure point is present.

2, the housing 2 consists of two Housing parts, namely from a base 35 and a cover 36. Das Contact system 8, 8 ', the connecting parts 20, 21 and the guide for that Actuator 3 with plunger 4 are received in the base 35. The Pin 28 for the means 27 to inhibit the movement of the Actuator 3 is located on the cam control 17 and is thus also assigned to the base 35, while the guide surfaces 30, 30 'for the passage opening 29 preferably on the inner wall 31 of the lid 36 are located. Through tongue and groove connections 37, which all around the base 35 and cover 36 all around are arranged, form the transition column between the two Housing parts 35, 36 a kind of labyrinth. This will make one extensive dust tightness of the housing interior 5 also on these Transition columns achieved.

The invention is not based on that described and illustrated Embodiment limited. So the contact system is also suitable for switches with a according to the position of movement of the actuator adjustable electronics, for example for speed control of the power tool. Next can instead of one linearly movable actuator also a pivotable Actuator can be provided, this on a plunger, Slider or the like can act for the cam control. The first In this case, the lever arm of the switch contact is actuated Position of the contact system deviates from the parallel to Direction of movement of the plunger or slide and thus deviating from the parallel to the direction of movement of the cam control. In addition, a switch according to the invention can not only in Power tools are used, but can also be used in Garden tools, household appliances or the like. Find use.

Reference numeral list:

1:

electrical switch

2:

casing

3:

actuator

4:

tappet

5:

housing interior

6:

Holder (on ram)

7:

Compression spring (for ram)

8,8 ':

Contact system

9:

switching contact

10:

fixed contact

11:

camp

12:

first lever arm

13:

second lever arm

14:

Spring (to exert force on switch contact)

15:

Holder (for spring)

16:

Neck (for spring)

17:

cam control

18:

cam

19.19 ':

Arrow; Direction of movement (of the actuator)

20:

connector

21:

another connector

22:

Bottom (from housing)

23:

Top (from housing)

24:

Screw connection (at the connection part)

25:

plug contact

26:

Bevel (on the second lever arm)

27:

Inhibitor (for actuator)

28:

spigot

29:

passage opening

30.30 ':

guide surface

31:

Inner wall (of housing)

32:

narrowest point (between the guide surfaces)

33.34:

Side (of cones)

35:

base

36:

cover

37:

Tongue and groove connection

38:

Contact surface (at switch contact)

39:

Parallel (to direction of movement)

40:

Perpendicular (to direction of movement)

41.42:

Slope (on guide surface)

43:

Arretierdrücker

Claims (9)

1. Electric switch, in particular for power tools, with a movable actuating member (3) comprising a contact system (8) consisting of a switching contact (9) and a fixed contact (10), the switching contact (9) pivotally arranged on a bearing (11) being constructed in the manner of a lever with two lever arms (12, 13), a cam control (17), which can be moved by means of the actuating member (3), cooperating with the second lever arm (13) of the switching contact (9) to switch the contact system (8) between an inoperative and an actuated position, the contact system (8) being arranged transversely to a parallel line (39) for the movement direction (19, 19') of the actuating member (3) and/or of the cam control (17), and the switching contact (9) being oriented on the bearing (11) such that in the actuated position of the contact system (8), the first lever arm (12) of the switching contact (9) varies in its longitudinal direction from the parallel line (39) to the movement direction (19, 19'), and in that the angle (α) enclosed in the process between the first lever arm (12) and the parallel line (39) is greater than 0 degrees, characterised in that the power supply in the contact system (8) is substantially perpendicular to the movement direction (19, 19') of the actuating member (3) and/or of the cam control (17), in that the bearing (11) for the switching contact (9) is designed so as to be conductive, the connecting line between the fixed contact (10) and the bearing (11) for the switching contact (9) is substantially perpendicular to the movement direction (19, 19'), and in the actuated position the first lever arm (12) of the switching contact (9) is substantially perpendicular with its longitudinal direction, at an angle (α) of approximately 90° to the parallel line (39) to the movement direction (19, 19'), and in that a means for exerting a force directed onto the fixed contact (10) acts on the first lever arm (12) of the switching contact (9).
2. Electric switch according to claim 1, characterised in that the switching contact (9) is also arranged on the bearing (11) in such a way that in the inoperative position of the contact system (8) the first lever arm (12) is oriented with its longitudinal direction obliquely to a perpendicular (40) to the movement direction (19, 19') of the actuating member (3) and/or of the cam control (17), the angle (δ) between the first lever arm (12) and the parallel line (39) to the movement direction (19, 19') preferably being at least 45°, in particular between 50 and 70° in the inoperative position of the contact system (8).
3. Electric switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the contact system (8) is located in a housing (2), in that the actuating member (3) is arranged in a linearly movable manner on the housing (2), in that a plunger (4) is rigidly coupled to the actuating member (3), on the portion of which plunger (4) located in the interior (5) of the housing the cam (18) for the cam control (17) is arranged, and in that the means for exerting the force on the first lever arm (12) preferably consists of a spring (14), in particular a compression spring.
4. Electric switch according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the fixed contact (10) is directly fastened to a connecting part (20) for an electric supply line, the connecting part (20) being located in particular on the lower side (22) of the housing (2), in that the bearing (11) for the switching contact (9) is preferably electrically connected to a further connecting part (21), the further connecting part (21) being configured, in particular, as a plug contact (25) projecting at the upper side (23) of the housing (2), and in that the further connecting part (21) is also preferably constructed with the bearing (11) as a one-piece punched part.
5. Electric switch according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the switching contact (9) in the bearing (11), which is constructed in particular in the manner of a knife-edge bearing, has a clearance, in that the means for exerting a force on the first lever arm (12) is arranged in such a way that in the inoperative position of the switching contact (9), the line of action of the force differs from the perpendicular direction onto the first lever arm (12), so an additional force component is exerted on the switching contact (9) in the direction of the bearing (11), in that the cam (18) of the cam control (17) substantially acts on the second lever arm (13) until the actuated position of the switching contact (9) is achieved in such a way that the additional force component is compensated, and in that in the actuated position of the switching contact (9) the cam (18) largely releases the second lever arm (13).
6. Electric switch according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a bevel (26) bent toward the longitudinal direction of the second lever arm (13) is arranged on the end of the second lever arm (13) remote from the bearing (11), the bevel (26) cooperating with the cam (18) of the cam control (17) in the manner of a oblique plane to generate a force component counter to the closing force exerted by the means acting on the first lever arm (12) and a further force component for compensating the additional force component in the direction of the bearing (11).
7. Electric switch according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that two contact systems (8, 8') are arranged side by side in the interior (5) of the housing in the movement direction (19, 19') of the actuating member (3) and/or of the cam control (17), the switching contact (9), the fixed contact (10) and the bearing (11) and optionally the further connecting part (21) electrically connected to the bearing (11) and the connecting part (20) electrically connected to the fixed contact (10) being identical in design for the two contact systems (8, 8').
8. Electric switch according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a means (27) serving to generate a pressure point can be brought into operative connection with the actuating member (3) and/or the cam control (17) to block the movement of the actuating member (3) and/or the cam control (17) in a specific movement position, the operative connection being produced, in particular, in the movement direction (19) when switching takes place from the inoperative position to the actuated position of the contact system (8) with greater intensity than in the reverse movement direction (19'), in that preferably the means (27) for blocking consists of a pin (28) and a through-aperture (29) at the narrowest point (32) with a smaller width than the greatest cross-section of the pin (28) and located in the movement path of the pin (28), in particular the pin (28) being located on the portion of the plunger (4) located in the interior (5) of the housing and the through-aperture (29) being located as two conically extending guide faces (30, 30') with slopes (41, 42) optionally of different steepness on either side of the narrowest point (32) being located on an inner wall (31) of the housing (2), and in that the pin (28) also preferably comprises an asymmetric cross-sectional profile with two sides (33, 34) each with different curvatures, the side (33) with the smaller curvature facing the through-aperture (29) and, in particular, the steeper slope (41) at the narrowest point (32) in the inoperative position of the contact system (8).
9. Electric switch according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the housing (2) consists of two housing parts, in particular a base (35) and a cover (36), the contact system (8), the connecting parts (20, 21) and the guide for the actuating member (3) with plunger (4) preferably being received in the base (35), the pin (28) being associated with the base (35) and the guide faces (30, 30') being located on the cover (36), and in that the transition gaps between the two housing parts form a type of labyrinth, preferably owing to tongue and groove joints (37) largely annularly arranged around the housing parts.

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