EP0975058B1 - Contact device - Google Patents
Contact device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0975058B1 EP0975058B1 EP99114194A EP99114194A EP0975058B1 EP 0975058 B1 EP0975058 B1 EP 0975058B1 EP 99114194 A EP99114194 A EP 99114194A EP 99114194 A EP99114194 A EP 99114194A EP 0975058 B1 EP0975058 B1 EP 0975058B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- contact element
- contact
- cage
- steering wheel
- actuating device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H1/00—Contacts
- H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
- H01H1/14—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting
- H01H1/24—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting with resilient mounting
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
- H01H3/14—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
- H01H3/141—Cushion or mat switches
- H01H3/142—Cushion or mat switches of the elongated strip type
Definitions
- the invention relates to a device for producing an electrical contact, in particular for the arrangement in motor vehicle steering wheels, with a first, substantially fixed contact element, a second, movable against a restoring force contact element and with an actuating device.
- Contact devices of this type have long been known for operating the horn of a motor vehicle. They can be used in the same way for other purposes, such as the electromotive opening and closing the side windows or the sunroof.
- DE 40 34 539 A1 discloses a horn switch for installation in a steering wheel, which is provided with an airbag device.
- the horn switch consists of a single or multi-layer, flat membrane switch. Two thin metal plates are held parallel to each other by spacers. The spacers are applied in several rows offset from each other on the surface. By pressure on the upper plate, this is bent between the spacers and makes contact with the second plate.
- the pressure required to make a contact depends on the location where the pressure is applied, as much more pressure must be exerted in the vicinity of a spacer.
- US 4,742,192 A discloses the installation of an elongated pressure switch for actuating the horn signal in the inner edge of a steering wheel rim.
- the pressure switch consists of two elongated plastic bands, which are coated conductive. They are spaced by an interposed plastic band provided with openings.
- the pressure switch is embedded in an elastic foam mass and is actuated by pressure on the inner edge of the steering wheel.
- US 2,728,827 A discloses a pressure switch for use in alarm circuits, which consists of three superimposed, metallic strips which are parallel to each other and are held by spacers at a predefined distance. In order to avoid points where no contact occurs due to the spacer elements even when pressure is applied, the spacer elements between the upper and middle metal strips are offset from the spacers between the middle and lower metal strips. The entire switching device is held in a housing which is elastically deformable.
- the contact device permanently reliable, ie the desired electrical contact only produces when the driver depresses the actuator, and reopens the contact as soon as the driver releases the actuator again.
- This requires a secure mounting of the contact elements involved in the open position, so that occurring vibrations in the vehicle not lead to an unwanted closure of the contacts.
- the movable contact element in its open position must not be kept so rigid that the production of a contact is possible only with considerable effort.
- the smallest possible contact distances should be feasible, so that the desired contact is not unnecessarily delayed by a long actuation path, which could not be tolerated especially in the triggering of a horn signal.
- the desired contact device must be as simple and inexpensive to produce and can be easily adapted to different, often spatially very limited installation conditions.
- the contact elements consist of elongated wire or tape-shaped material sections which are kept in a cage defined in parallel spaced, wherein seen in the longitudinal direction alternately areas rigid spacer and areas are provided, in which the second contact element is pressed by means of an actuating device with elastic deformation of the material portion against the first contact element.
- an actuating device the cap is used in the direction of actuation projecting webs.
- the invention is based on the assumption that electrically conductive materials, in particular metals, are sufficiently elastic when they are in the form of a wire or ribbon-shaped starting material so that they can be deformed transversely to their longitudinal extension so that the prescribed contact distances can be overcome. If such material sections are held in a cage spaced apart from each other in a mutually defined manner, a contact device is obtained which can be freely designed in terms of actuation force, restoring force and contact distance, because not only are the areas of rigid spacing provided according to the invention and the areas of possible elastic deformation in Their longitudinal extent can be varied, but also the cross section of the material sections, their material and their Elastic properties. The elastic restoring force of such material sections remains virtually unchanged over the usual operating times for motor vehicles, so that with the once selected structural sizes for the cage and the material sections, an electrical contact device can be created whose functional parameters do not change.
- the structural design of the contact device according to the invention is very simple. You only have to arrange two sections of material in a cage so that at least one of the material sections is elastically deformable transversely to its longitudinal extent so far that it can be pressed with appropriate actuation of the other material section. The material sections do not need to be further processed and only require a connection to the electrical supply system of the motor vehicle.
- the contact device according to the invention can be made arbitrarily long and therefore also combined with such actuators, which include a plurality of punctiform or a larger area actuation area.
- the two sections of material need not be arranged in a straight line, they can be arbitrarily bent in the same direction, provided that they are held parallel to each other at a distance and can be elastically deformed transversely to its longitudinal extent by the actuator to the required extent.
- the two sections of material must also by no means have the same cross-section or consist of the same materials. Decisive is only that one of the two material sections is sufficiently elastic and against the other, possibly rigid material section can be pressed.
- a first contact element 1 is arranged parallel to a second contact element 2, wherein in addition a cage 3 is provided, which keeps the two contact elements 1, 2 alternately at a distance, area 4, and therebetween an approximation of the contact element. 2 allowed to the contact element 1, area 5, when the elastically deformable contact element 2 is elastically deformed transversely to its longitudinal extent by an actuator 6.
- the contact elements 1, 2 are connected via terminals 1 ', 2' to the two poles of an electrical circuit. When the contact elements are touched, the circuit is closed and the connected consumer is switched on. If the force introduced via the actuating device is released, the contact element 2 automatically returns to the position shown.
- a support member is referred to, on which rests the cage 3, or to which the cage 3 is connected.
- Fig. 2a and 2c can be seen how the cage 3 can be constructed. It has a substantially H-shaped cross-section (Fig. 2c), seen in the longitudinal direction alternately the areas 4, which ensure the spacing of the two contact elements 1, 2, are present or missing. Areas 5 are provided between these areas 4 (FIG. 2 b), in which an approach of the contact element 2 to the contact element 1 is not an obstacle.
- the support element 10 has an upper edge 9, on which the cage 3 rests. Moreover, seen in the longitudinal direction of the support member 10 areas in which the cage 3 rests, alternate with those areas in which below the cage a free space is provided (see Fig. 2a with 3a).
- the carrying device (10) can be, for example, an airbag housing, on the upper edge 9 of which the cage 3 is arranged.
- FIG. 3 is a short longitudinal section, as shown in FIG. 2 and a cross section.
- the presentation is supplemented by the actuator 6, which may be the cover 7 for a housed in the steering wheel airbag module.
- a support member 10 is shown with continuous support for the cage 3.
- the actuating force is applied via the actuating device 6, which may be a cap 7 with in the direction of actuation projecting webs 8, on the contact element 2, which can be elastically deformed between two areas 4 with rigid spacer, as shown, transversely to its longitudinal extent.
- the regions 5 in which such an elastic deformation of the material section is possible are matched in their longitudinal extension to the cross-section and the elasticity properties of the second contact element 2.
- the support device 10 is not formed as a continuous rigid abutment. It has one or more recesses 11, which allow an elastic deflection of the first contact element 1. In this way, the elastic deformation of the contact element 1 can be used to return the contact element 2 and the actuator 6 with. In addition, in this way the comfort of the actuator can be improved by the contact does not take place against a rigid abutment, but against a more or less resilient resistance.
- Such an embodiment of the carrying device can also be selected be when the contact element 1 for setting the desired contact distance at the first depression of the actuator in the cage 3 is arranged irreversibly displaced by a predetermined amount in the direction of actuation. The contact element is taken as far in the direction of actuation, as permitted by the otherwise limited actuation travel of the actuator. The contact element 1 is then held in this position in the cage 3, whereby at the same time the desired contact spacing is set.
Landscapes
- Air Bags (AREA)
- Testing Or Measuring Of Semiconductors Or The Like (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Manufacturing Of Electrical Connectors (AREA)
- Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung eines elektrischen Kontaktes, insbesondere für die Anordnung in Kraftfahrzeuglenkrädern, mit einem ersten, im wesentlichen feststehenden Kontaktelement, einem zweiten, gegen eine Rückstellkraft beweglichen Kontaktelement sowie mit einer Betätigungseinrichtung.The invention relates to a device for producing an electrical contact, in particular for the arrangement in motor vehicle steering wheels, with a first, substantially fixed contact element, a second, movable against a restoring force contact element and with an actuating device.
Kontaktvorrichtungen dieser Art sind seit langem zur Betätigung der Hupe eines Kraftfahrzeugs bekannt. Sie können in gleicher Weise für andere Zwecke, beispielsweise für das elektromotorische Öffnen und Schließen der Seitenfenster oder des Schiebedaches verwendet werden.Contact devices of this type have long been known for operating the horn of a motor vehicle. They can be used in the same way for other purposes, such as the electromotive opening and closing the side windows or the sunroof.
DE 40 34 539 A1* offenbart einen Hupenschalter zum Einbau in ein Lenkrad, das mit einer Airbag-Vorrichtung versehen ist. Der Hupenschalter besteht aus einem ein- oder mehrlagigen, flächigen Membranschalter. Zwei dünne Metallplatten sind durch Abstandshalter parallel zueinander gehalten. Die Abstandshalter sind dabei in mehreren Reihen gegeneinander versetzt auf der Fläche aufgebracht. Durch Druck auf die obere Platte wird diese zwischen den Abstandshaltern durchgebogen und stellt einen Kontakt zur zweiten Platte her. Bei der einlagigen Ausführung ist der zur Herstellung eines Kontakts benötigte Druck abhängig vom Ort, an dem der Druck ausgeübt wird, da in der Nähe eines Abstandshalter deutlich mehr Druck ausgeübt werden muß.DE 40 34 539 A1 discloses a horn switch for installation in a steering wheel, which is provided with an airbag device. The horn switch consists of a single or multi-layer, flat membrane switch. Two thin metal plates are held parallel to each other by spacers. The spacers are applied in several rows offset from each other on the surface. By pressure on the upper plate, this is bent between the spacers and makes contact with the second plate. In the single-ply embodiment, the pressure required to make a contact depends on the location where the pressure is applied, as much more pressure must be exerted in the vicinity of a spacer.
US 4,742,192 A offenbart den Einbau eines langgestreckten Druckschalters zur Betätigung der Signalhupe in den Innenrand eines Lenkradkranzes. Der Druckschalter besteht aus zwei langgezogenen Plastikbändern, die leitend beschichtet sind. Sie werden beabstandet durch ein dazwischengelegtes Plastikband, das mit Öffnungen versehen ist. Der Druckschalter ist in eine elastische Schaumstoffmasse eingebettet und wird durch Druck auf den Innenrand des Lenkrads betätigt.US 4,742,192 A discloses the installation of an elongated pressure switch for actuating the horn signal in the inner edge of a steering wheel rim. The pressure switch consists of two elongated plastic bands, which are coated conductive. They are spaced by an interposed plastic band provided with openings. The pressure switch is embedded in an elastic foam mass and is actuated by pressure on the inner edge of the steering wheel.
US 2,728,827 A offenbart einen Druckschalter zur Benutzung in Alarmschaltungen, der aus drei übereinander angeordneten, metallischen Streifen besteht, die parallel zueinander verlaufen und durch Abstandselemente auf einem vordefinierten Abstand gehalten werden. Zur Vermeidung von Punkten, an denen bedingt durch die Abstandselemente auch bei Druckausübung kein Kontakt zustande kommt, sind die Abstandselemente zwischen dem oberen und dem mittleren Metallstreifen versetzt zu den Abstandshaltern zwischen dem mittleren und dem unteren Metallstreifen angeordnet. Die gesamte Schaltvorrichtung ist in einem Gehäuse gehalten, das elastisch verformbar ist.US 2,728,827 A discloses a pressure switch for use in alarm circuits, which consists of three superimposed, metallic strips which are parallel to each other and are held by spacers at a predefined distance. In order to avoid points where no contact occurs due to the spacer elements even when pressure is applied, the spacer elements between the upper and middle metal strips are offset from the spacers between the middle and lower metal strips. The entire switching device is held in a housing which is elastically deformable.
Dabei kommt es im Anwendungsbereich "Kraftfahrzeug" darauf an, daß die Kontaktvorrichtung dauerhaft zuverlässig arbeitet, d.h. den gewünschten elektrischen Kontakt nur herstellt, wenn der Fahrer die Betätigungseinrichtung niederdrückt, und den Kontakt wieder öffnet, sobald der Fahrer die Betätigungseinrichtung wieder freigibt. Dies erfordert eine sichere Halterung der beteiligten Kontaktelemente in der Öffnungsstellung, so daß im Fahrzeug auftretende Vibrationen nicht zu einer unerwünschten Schließung der Kontakte führen können. Auf der anderen Seite darf das bewegliche Kontaktelement in seiner Öffnungsstellung nicht so starr gehalten werden, daß die Herstellung eines Kontaktes nur mit erheblichem Kraftaufwand möglich ist. Schließlich sollen möglichst geringe Kontaktabstände realisierbar sein, so daß die gewünschte Kontaktgebung nicht durch einen langen Betätigungsweg unnötig verzögert wird, was insbesondere bei dem Auslösen eines Hupsignals nicht hingenommen werden könnte.It is important in the field of application "motor vehicle" that the contact device permanently reliable, ie the desired electrical contact only produces when the driver depresses the actuator, and reopens the contact as soon as the driver releases the actuator again. This requires a secure mounting of the contact elements involved in the open position, so that occurring vibrations in the vehicle not lead to an unwanted closure of the contacts. On the other hand, the movable contact element in its open position must not be kept so rigid that the production of a contact is possible only with considerable effort. Finally, the smallest possible contact distances should be feasible, so that the desired contact is not unnecessarily delayed by a long actuation path, which could not be tolerated especially in the triggering of a horn signal.
Darüber hinaus muß die gesuchte Kontaktvorrichtung möglichst einfach und kostengünstig herstellbar sein und sich leicht an unterschiedliche, räumlich oft sehr begrenzte Einbaubedingungen anpassen lassen.In addition, the desired contact device must be as simple and inexpensive to produce and can be easily adapted to different, often spatially very limited installation conditions.
Zur Lösung dieser teils einander entgegenstehenden Randbedingungen wird eine Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art vorgeschlagen, mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1. Die Kontaktelemente bestehen aus langgestreckten draht- oder bandförmigen Materialabschnitten die in einem Käfig parallel zueinander definiert beabstandet gehalten werden, wobei in Längsrichtung gesehen abwechselnd Bereiche starrer Abstandshalterung und Bereiche vorgesehen sind, in denen das zweite Kontaktelement mittels einer Betätigungseinrichtung unter elastischer Verformung des Materialabschnitts gegen das erste Kontaktelement andrückbar ist. Als Betätigungseinrichtung dient die Abdeckkappe mit in Betätigungsrichtung vorstehenden Stegen.To solve these partially conflicting boundary conditions, a device of the type mentioned is proposed, with the features of
Die Erfindung geht davon aus, daß elektrisch leitende Materialien, insbesondere Metalle, ausreichend elastisch sind, wenn sie als draht- oder bandförmiges Ausgangsmaterial vorliegen, um quer zu ihrer Längserstreckung soweit verformt werden zu können, daß die vorgeschriebenen Kontaktabstände überwunden werden können. Werden derartige Materialabschnitte parallel zueinander in einem Käfig definiert beabstandet zueinander gehalten, dann erhält man eine Kontakteinrichtung, die hinsichtlich Betätigungskraft, Rückstellkraft und Kontaktabstand in weiten Grenzen frei gestaltet werden kann, weil nicht nur die erfindungsgemäß vorgesehenen Bereiche starrer Abstandshaltung und die Bereiche möglicher elastischer Verformung in ihrer Längserstreckung variiert werden können, sondern auch der Querschnitt der Materialabschnitte, deren Werkstoff und deren Elastizitätseigenschaften. Die elastische Rückstellkraft derartiger Materialabschnitte bleibt über die für Kraftfahrzeuge üblichen Betriebszeiten praktisch unverändert, so daß mit den einmal gewählten konstruktiven Größen für den Käfig und die Materialabschnitte eine elektrische Kontaktvorrichtung geschaffen werden kann, deren Funktionsparameter sich nicht verändern.The invention is based on the assumption that electrically conductive materials, in particular metals, are sufficiently elastic when they are in the form of a wire or ribbon-shaped starting material so that they can be deformed transversely to their longitudinal extension so that the prescribed contact distances can be overcome. If such material sections are held in a cage spaced apart from each other in a mutually defined manner, a contact device is obtained which can be freely designed in terms of actuation force, restoring force and contact distance, because not only are the areas of rigid spacing provided according to the invention and the areas of possible elastic deformation in Their longitudinal extent can be varied, but also the cross section of the material sections, their material and their Elastic properties. The elastic restoring force of such material sections remains virtually unchanged over the usual operating times for motor vehicles, so that with the once selected structural sizes for the cage and the material sections, an electrical contact device can be created whose functional parameters do not change.
Der konstruktive Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Kontaktvorrichtung ist sehr einfach. Man muß nur zwei Materialabschnitte in einem Käfig so anordnen, daß zumindest einer der Materialabschnitte quer zu seiner Längserstreckung soweit elastisch verformbar ist, daß er bei entsprechender Betätigung an den anderen Materialabschnitt angedrückt werden kann. Die Materialabschnitte müssen nicht weiter bearbeitet werden und erfordern lediglich eine Verbindung zum elektrischen Versorgungssystem des Kraftfahrzeuges. Die erfindungsgemäße Kontaktvorrichtung kann beliebig lang ausgeführt werden und daher auch mit solchen Betätigungseinrichtungen kombiniert werden, die mehrere punktförmige oder einen flächenmäßig größeren Betätigungsbereich umfassen. Die beiden Materialabschnitte müssen nicht geradlinig angeordnet werden, sie können beliebig, gleichsinnig gebogen angeordnet werden, sofern sie dabei parallel zueinander beabstandet gehalten werden und quer zu ihrer Längserstreckung durch die Betätigungseinrichtung um das erforderliche Maß elastisch verformt werden können. Die beiden Materialabschnitte müssen auch keineswegs einen gleichen Querschnitt haben oder aus gleichen Werkstoffen bestehen. Maßgeblich ist nur, daß einer der beiden Materialabschnitte ausreichend elastisch und gegen den anderen, ggf. starren Materialabschnitt andrückbar ist.The structural design of the contact device according to the invention is very simple. You only have to arrange two sections of material in a cage so that at least one of the material sections is elastically deformable transversely to its longitudinal extent so far that it can be pressed with appropriate actuation of the other material section. The material sections do not need to be further processed and only require a connection to the electrical supply system of the motor vehicle. The contact device according to the invention can be made arbitrarily long and therefore also combined with such actuators, which include a plurality of punctiform or a larger area actuation area. The two sections of material need not be arranged in a straight line, they can be arbitrarily bent in the same direction, provided that they are held parallel to each other at a distance and can be elastically deformed transversely to its longitudinal extent by the actuator to the required extent. The two sections of material must also by no means have the same cross-section or consist of the same materials. Decisive is only that one of the two material sections is sufficiently elastic and against the other, possibly rigid material section can be pressed.
Zweckmäßige und vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen des Erfindungsgedankens sind in den Unteransprüchen 2 bis 8 beschrieben. Weitere Einzelheiten werden anhand der in den Figuren 1 bis 4 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele näher erläutert. Es zeigen:
- Fig. 1 einen Längsschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Kontaktvorrichtung in vereinfachter Darstellung
- Fig. 2 einen Ausschnitt aus Fig. 1 als Längsschnitt und in zwei Querschnitten
- Fig. 3 einen Ausschnitt gemäß Fig. 2 mit niedergedrücktem Betätigungselement
- Fig. 4 eine Alternative zu Fig. 3 mit niedergedrücktem Betätigungselement.
- 1 shows a longitudinal section through a contact device according to the invention in a simplified representation
- Fig. 2 shows a detail of Fig. 1 as a longitudinal section and in two cross sections
- Fig. 3 shows a detail of FIG. 2 with depressed actuator
- Fig. 4 shows an alternative to Fig. 3 with depressed actuator.
Bei der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1 ist ein erstes Kontaktelement 1 parallel zu einem zweiten Kontaktelement 2 angeordnet, wobei außerdem ein Käfig 3 vorgesehen ist, der die beiden Kontaktelemente 1, 2 abwechselnd auf Abstand hält, Bereich 4, und dazwischen eine Annäherung des Kontaktelementes 2 an das Kontaktelement 1 erlaubt, Bereich 5, wenn das elastisch verformbare Kontaktelement 2 quer zu seiner Längserstreckung durch eine Betätigungseinrichtung 6 elastisch verformt wird. Die Kontaktelemente 1, 2 sind über Anschlüsse 1', 2' mit den beiden Polen eines elektrischen Stromkreises verbunden. Bei einer Berührung der Kontaktelemente wird der Stromkreis geschlossen und der angeschlossene Verbraucher eingeschaltet. Wird die über die Betätigungseinrichtung eingeleitete Kraft aufgehoben, stellt sich das Kontaktelement 2 selbsttätig in die dargestellte Position zurück. Mit 10 ist ein Tragbauteil bezeichnet, auf dem der Käfig 3 aufliegt, bzw. mit dem der Käfig 3 verbunden ist.In the illustration according to FIG. 1, a
Aus Fig. 2, insbesondere Fig. 2a und 2c ist ersichtlich, wie der Käfig 3 aufgebaut sein kann. Er hat einen im wesentlichen H-förmigen Querschnitt (Fig. 2c), bei dem in Längsrichtung gesehen abwechselnd die Bereiche 4, die die Abstandshalterung der beiden Kontaktelemente 1, 2 gewährleisten, vorhanden sind bzw. fehlen. Zwischen diesen Bereichen 4 sind Bereiche 5 vorgesehen (Fig. 2b), in denen eine Annäherung des Kontaktelementes 2 an das Kontaktelement 1 nichts im Wege steht.From Fig. 2, in particular Fig. 2a and 2c can be seen how the
Das Tragelement 10 weist einen oberen Rand 9 auf, an dem der Käfig 3 anliegt. Im übrigen können beim Tragelement 10 in Längsrichtung gesehen Bereiche, in denen der Käfig 3 aufliegt, mit solchen Bereichen abwechseln, in denen unterhalb des Käfigs ein Freiraum vorhanden ist (vergl. Fig. 2a mit 3a).The
Die Trageinrichtung (10) kann beispielsweise ein Airbaggehäuse sein, an dessen oberem Rand 9 der Käfig 3 angeordnet ist.The carrying device (10) can be, for example, an airbag housing, on the
Bei der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 3 ist ein kurzer Längsschnitt, wie bei Fig. 2 und ein Querschnitt dargestellt. In diesem Fall ist die Darstellung durch die Betätigungseinrichtung 6 ergänzt, die die Abdeckkappe 7 für ein im Lenkrad untergebrachtes Airbagmodul sein kann.In the embodiment of FIG. 3 is a short longitudinal section, as shown in FIG. 2 and a cross section. In this case, the presentation is supplemented by the
In Fig. 3 ist ein Tragbauteil 10 mit durchgehender Auflage für den Käfig 3 dargestellt. Eine derartige Ausführungsform wird gewählt, wenn das Kontaktelement 1 keinerlei elastischer Verformung unterworfen werden soll und daher ein in Längsrichtung durchgehendes Widerlager erfordert. Die Betätigungskraft wird über die Betätigungseinrichtung 6, die eine Abdeckkappe 7 mit in Betätigungsrichtung vorstehenden Stegen 8 sein kann, auf das Kontaktelement 2 aufgebracht, das sich zwischen zwei Bereichen 4 mit starrer Abstandshalterung, wie dargestellt, quer zu seiner Längserstreckung elastisch verformen läßt. Die Bereiche 5, in denen eine derartige elastische Verformung des Materialabschnitts möglich ist, sind in ihrer Längserstreckung auf den Querschnitt und die Elastizitätseigenschaften des zweiten Kontaktelements 2 abgestimmt.In Fig. 3, a
Bei der in Fig. 4 dargestellten Alternative haben sämtliche Bezugsziffern die gleiche Bedeutung, wie in Fig. 3. Es werden nur die Unterschiede gegenüber der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 3 erläutert.In the alternative illustrated in FIG. 4, all reference numerals have the same meaning as in FIG. 3. Only the differences from the embodiment according to FIG. 3 will be explained.
In diesem Fall ist die Trageinrichtung 10 nicht als durchgehend starres Widerlager ausgebildet. Sie weist eine oder mehrere Ausnehmungen 11 auf, die ein elastisches Ausweichen des ersten Kontaktelementes 1 erlauben. Auf diese Weise kann die elastische Verformung des Kontaktelementes 1 zur Rückstellung des Kontaktelementes 2 und der Betätigungseinrichtung 6 mit herangezogen werden. Außerdem kann auf diese Weise der Komfort der Betätigungseinrichtung verbessert werden, indem die Kontaktgabe nicht gegen ein starres Widerlager, sondern gegen einen mehr oder weniger nachgiebigen Widerstand erfolgt. Eine derartige Ausführungsform der Trageinrichtung kann auch gewählt werden, wenn das Kontaktelement 1 zur Einstellung des gewünschten Kontaktabstandes beim erstmaligen Niederdrücken der Betätigungseinrichtung im Käfig 3 um ein vorgegebenes Maß irreversibel in Betätigungsrichtung verschiebbar angeordnet ist. Das Kontaktelement wird dabei in Betätigungsrichtung soweit mitgenommen, wie es der anderweitig begrenzte Betätigungsweg der Betätigungseinrichtung zuläßt. Das Kontaktelement 1 wird danach in dieser Stellung im Käfig 3 festgehalten, wodurch gleichzeitig der gewünschte Kontaktabstand eingestellt wird.In this case, the
Claims (8)
- A device for closing an electrical contact for installation in a motor vehicle steering wheel, an airbag module having a cover cap (7) being accommodated in the steering wheel, comprising a first contact element which is essentially fixed, a second contact element which is moveable against a return force, and an actuating device, the contact elements (1, 2) consisting of elongated wire-shaped or strip-shaped material sections which are held parallel to one another within a cage (3) at a defined distance from each other, portions (4) with rigidly maintained distance being provided to alternate, as viewed in the longitudinal direction, with portions (5) in which the second contact element (2) can be pressed against the first contact element (1) by means of an actuating device (6), accompanied by an elastic deformation of the material section, characterized in that the cover cap (7), by ridges (8) protruding in the direction of actuation, serves as the actuating device (6).
- The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the material section of the second contact element (2) is designed such that the force resulting from the elastic deformation for returning the contact element (2) is also sufficient for returning the actuating device (6).
- The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the material section of the first contact element (1) is held in the cage (3) in such a way that it is displaceable in the direction of actuation by a definable extent between the portions with rigidly maintained distance.
- The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the material section of the first contact element (1) consists of an elastic material and that it can be returned to the starting position after a displacement.
- The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the material section of the first contact element (1) is held within the cage (3) so that it can be displaced irreversibly to set a specific contact distance.
- The device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the contact elements (1, 2) and the cage (3) are designed in an annular shape and arranged in a steering wheel in such a way that the second contact element (2) can be pressed against the first contact element (1) by an actuating device (6) in approximately the direction of the steering wheel axis.
- The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the contact elements (1, 2) and the cage (3) are arranged on the outside of the top edge (9) of a cup-shaped airbag housing (10).
- The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the cage (3) is integrally formed with the airbag housing (10), which is made of plastics material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE29813239U DE29813239U1 (en) | 1998-07-24 | 1998-07-24 | Contact device |
| DE29813239U | 1998-07-24 |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0975058A2 EP0975058A2 (en) | 2000-01-26 |
| EP0975058A3 EP0975058A3 (en) | 2001-08-01 |
| EP0975058B1 true EP0975058B1 (en) | 2007-01-03 |
Family
ID=8060358
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP99114194A Expired - Lifetime EP0975058B1 (en) | 1998-07-24 | 1999-07-23 | Contact device |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6365853B1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0975058B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2000048674A (en) |
| DE (2) | DE29813239U1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE202014002484U1 (en) | 2014-03-21 | 2015-06-29 | Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. | Horn device for a steering wheel and steering wheel with a horn device |
| DE102018131324A1 (en) | 2018-12-07 | 2020-06-10 | Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. | Horn device for a steering wheel, steering wheel with such a horn device and manufacturing method |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8435939B2 (en) * | 2000-09-05 | 2013-05-07 | Biokine Therapeutics Ltd. | Polypeptide anti-HIV agent containing the same |
| DE10113031B4 (en) * | 2001-03-17 | 2004-02-19 | Cimosys Ltd., St. Helier | Electromotive furniture drive for adjusting parts of a piece of furniture relative to one another |
| WO2009156153A1 (en) * | 2008-06-25 | 2009-12-30 | Autoliv Development Ab | Vehicle steering wheel |
| KR20130051267A (en) * | 2011-11-09 | 2013-05-20 | 에스케이이노베이션 주식회사 | Battery charger for vehicle using piezoelectric element |
Family Cites Families (18)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2728827A (en) | 1953-03-23 | 1955-12-27 | Specialties Dev Corp | Deformable switch |
| US3838236A (en) | 1973-05-23 | 1974-09-24 | Switches Inc | Actuating means for warning devices |
| JPS5846532A (en) | 1981-09-16 | 1983-03-18 | 東レ株式会社 | Transparent panel switch structure and switch unit |
| DE3248607A1 (en) | 1982-12-30 | 1984-07-12 | Petri Ag, 8750 Aschaffenburg | SIGNALER FOR MOTOR VEHICLES |
| JPS60136241U (en) | 1984-02-22 | 1985-09-10 | 豊田合成株式会社 | steering wheel |
| US4742192A (en) | 1987-06-01 | 1988-05-03 | Saturn Corporation | Steering wheel rim horn blow mechanism |
| DE4034539A1 (en) | 1989-10-30 | 1991-05-02 | Toyoda Gosei Kk | Car steering wheel with airbag unit - has built in diaphragm switch for horn operation |
| US5085462A (en) * | 1990-06-29 | 1992-02-04 | Gualtier Quentin E | Airbag and vehicle horn switch assembly |
| US5308106A (en) | 1990-10-04 | 1994-05-03 | Trw Inc. | Air bag module cover assembly with horn blowing switch |
| AU663640B2 (en) * | 1993-02-22 | 1995-10-12 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Membrane switch |
| JP2766775B2 (en) | 1993-03-23 | 1998-06-18 | ティーアールダブリュー・ヴィークル・セーフティ・システムズ・インコーポレーテッド | Housing assembly and device |
| US5588673A (en) * | 1994-02-01 | 1996-12-31 | The Bergquist Company | Membrane switch for use over a steering wheel airbag assembly |
| DE19507753C2 (en) | 1995-03-06 | 2001-07-19 | Petri Ag | Cover for the bowl of steering wheels, in particular steering wheels with gas bag impact protection devices |
| US5575498A (en) * | 1995-07-26 | 1996-11-19 | Morton International, Inc. | Airbag module cover with floating horn switch |
| US5684283A (en) * | 1996-01-24 | 1997-11-04 | Morton International, Inc. | Rupturable strain relieving horn switch bridging member |
| FR2745776A1 (en) | 1996-03-07 | 1997-09-12 | Ecia Equip Composants Ind Auto | Low cost steering wheel for vehicles |
| US5762853A (en) * | 1996-04-01 | 1998-06-09 | Morton International, Inc. | Method of encapsulating a sensor into a panel body |
| US5836609A (en) * | 1997-03-04 | 1998-11-17 | Trw Inc. | Horn switch for air bag module |
-
1998
- 1998-07-24 DE DE29813239U patent/DE29813239U1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1999
- 1999-07-23 US US09/359,820 patent/US6365853B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-07-23 EP EP99114194A patent/EP0975058B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-07-23 JP JP11208451A patent/JP2000048674A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-07-23 DE DE59914115T patent/DE59914115D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE202014002484U1 (en) | 2014-03-21 | 2015-06-29 | Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. | Horn device for a steering wheel and steering wheel with a horn device |
| DE102015003473A1 (en) | 2014-03-21 | 2015-09-24 | Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. | HORNING DEVICE FOR A STEERING WHEEL, STEERING WHEEL WITH SUCH A HORSE EQUIPMENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING |
| DE102018131324A1 (en) | 2018-12-07 | 2020-06-10 | Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. | Horn device for a steering wheel, steering wheel with such a horn device and manufacturing method |
| WO2020115094A1 (en) | 2018-12-07 | 2020-06-11 | Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. | Horn for a steering wheel, steering wheel having a horn of this type, and production method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE59914115D1 (en) | 2007-02-15 |
| US6365853B1 (en) | 2002-04-02 |
| EP0975058A3 (en) | 2001-08-01 |
| DE29813239U1 (en) | 1998-10-01 |
| JP2000048674A (en) | 2000-02-18 |
| EP0975058A2 (en) | 2000-01-26 |
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