EP1215556A2 - Electric switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Electrical switch (1) in the form of a cursor or joystick has an activation member (3) that tilts in a tilt plane (16) in at least two directions. Movement of the activation element causes switching contacts to be made. The switch has a coulisse shaped control curve so that when moved by a lever (8) a switching rod (15) meshes in the control curve so that the activation member is moved in the respective direction. An Independent claim is made for an electrical switch in which the switch element has an opening in the form of a coulisse shaped stop disk with an associated activation element and mechanism.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical switch according to the preamble of Claim 1 or 9.

Switches designed in the manner of a joystick or cursor switch are used for input data for an electrical device by a user. For example, such Switches for operating car radios, on-screen displays or navigation devices in Motor vehicles used.

Such an electrical switch is known from US-A-4 459 440 and has an in a pivoting plane movably mounted actuator. The actuator is from a neutral position depending on the direction in assigned switch positions from User movable by swiveling. The actuator acts in the switch position switching on a switching element.

Since the switch has several switch positions, its contact system is generally designed in a complex way. So there are several in the known switch Microswitches arranged as switching elements. Such an arrangement is complex and Manufacturing costs of the switch become more expensive. In addition, the susceptibility to errors increases Contact system of the known switch. In addition, this switch is Actuator largely movable in free directions. There is therefore a risk that the desired switch position is not actuated or two switch positions are actuated simultaneously become. This can, particularly in motor vehicles, safety-critical operating errors of the user.

EP 0 656 640 A1 also describes a joystick or cursor switch electrical switch with one movably mounted in a pivoting plane Actuator known. The bearing for the actuator is in the manner of a Universal joint designed so that the actuator from a neutral position in at least two directions and in one associated with the respective direction Switch position is movable. In the switch position, the actuator acts on approximately switching element arranged parallel to the pivoting plane of the actuating element on. The switching elements in this switch are made of a switch mat as well associated contact areas formed on a circuit board. A disadvantage of this switch appears its complex structure, in particular the bearing for the actuator is very complex. Otherwise there is also the risk that at least between the main directions given by the universal joint Switch positions can be actuated with little precision, so that incorrect operation again occurs can.

Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object of a to make such electrical switches simpler and their functionality increase, in particular the risk of incorrect operation should be reduced.

This task is performed by the electrical switch of the generic type characterizing features of claim 1 or 9 solved.

The electrical switch according to the invention, designed in the manner of a joystick switch, has a control curve in the manner of a rosette-shaped backdrop. In this control curve engages the actuator when it is deflected such that the actuator is positively guided in the respective direction. The forced control causes one defined movement in the respective direction and prevents uncontrolled movements in intermediate directions. Incorrect operations by the user are therefore largely excluded and the switch is also extremely ergonomic to use.

Alternatively or additionally, the switch according to the invention can be used as a rotary switch or be designed as a joystick rotary switch. Such a switch has a Actuating element and at least one further switching element. The further Switching element is an opening in a backdrop designed in the manner of a locking disc assigned. A bracket with a ball is in such a way with the actuating element Active connection that the ball engages with by movement of the actuating element the opening can be brought. As a result, the holder is in a latched position located and on the other hand, the ball has a switching effect on the further switching element. Such a switch can be used in a simple manner and yet very precisely Set the rotary switch positions by means of the actuating element, if necessary using same hand of the user that arranged within the actuating element Actuator for the joystick switch positions is movable. Advantageously receives one thus has an ergonomically operable multifunction switch which For example, particularly suitable for menu selection and parameter input on one Screen is in the motor vehicle.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The switching element of the joystick switch can be used as a push-button switching element known per se two fixed contacts and one as a switching contact for switching bridging the Fixed contacts and a snap disk serving as a restoring element. This allows the contact system of the switch to be used despite several switch positions arrange space-saving. The actuator is, for example, in eight directions in the Kind of a wind rose movable, each direction is assigned a switching element. It then offers itself further, the switching elements approximately circular on one in the housing of the Switch located disc, circuit board or the like.

Preferably, the actuator is equipped with a shift lever, so that actuator protruding from the housing is pivotable by a user. This The shift lever then intervenes in the cam. Because of the forced control due to the control curve, a simple ball joint is sufficient for the pivotable mounting of the Shift lever in the housing.

For the actual actuation of the switching elements can on the actuator and / or on Shift lever an actuating cam can be arranged. The actuating cam acts on you Corresponding switching cams and the switching cam in turn acts on the Switching element such that the switching element essentially in the direction parallel to Shift lever is operated. The actuating cam is expediently on a plate element attached to the gear lever.

In addition to the joystick operation, another input option in the manner of a To get enter function, the actuator can have an additional switching element in be assigned to the type of a key switch element. The additional switching element is on the arranged the end facing away from the actuator, namely expediently on a circuit board in the housing. The additional switching element is switchable by pressing the actuator by means of the shift lever. That is what it offers to make the shift lever hollow, so that a shift rod inside can be arranged longitudinally.

To rule out incorrect operation of the switch, the simultaneous actuation of the Joystick and the enter function may be excluded. This is ensured by the fact that the actuation of the additional switching element in the neutral position of the Actuator released and when the actuator is deflected from the neutral Position, and preferably in the switch position, is lockable. This works Actuator together with a stop on the control cam in the housing in such a way that the longitudinal movement of the shift rod is prevented.

In a further embodiment, the haptics for operating the switch can be correspondingly set the user's needs. For this purpose, the actuator acts at the Movement from the neutral position into the switch position with a cam track in this way together that a force dependent on the deflection in and / or against the direction the adjustment acts on the actuator. To generate this force on Shift lever a holding part with a receptacle for at least one spring-loaded, in the Cam follower engaging tappet. If desired, the cam track be designed so that the actuator when moving to the switch position Has pressure point.

For a compact design, the cam track can be on one side of a carrier element Housing of the switch may be attached. Then on the other side of the carrier element the circuit board arranged to accommodate the switching elements. To attach the A fixing part can be provided on the circuit board on the carrier element. It then lends itself to use the fixing part at the same time to guide the switching cams for the switching element. In there is an opening for approximately in the middle of the circuit board and in the carrier element Execution of the shift lever.

For certain applications, for example when operating user functions via a Screen menu control in a motor vehicle, may require a simultaneous rotation of the actuating element when the joystick functions are actuated not possible. For this purpose, the rotary movement of the actuating element in the case of neutral position deflected, especially when in the switch position Actuator, be lockable. For this configuration, one engages on the plate element arranged approach in corresponding recesses on the actuating element. These recesses can be at two spaced ribs Actuator be formed.

In a further embodiment of the rotary switch, the holder arranged in the housing is in designed approximately in a ring, so that the holder, the additional switching element and the the additional switching element facing end of the shift lever with the shift rod surrounds. Furthermore, it is a good idea for the ball in the holder Provide receptacle on the bracket, the ball in the receptacle approximately in Direction of the backdrop is kept spring-loaded.

In one development, the rotary latch switch has several latch positions and several switch positions corresponding to the detent positions. For this is the backdrop disc-shaped with several openings arranged on a circular path. Furthermore, there are several other switching elements in one of the openings corresponding circular path arranged on a circuit board. In such a way trained rotary switch, it offers itself for simplicity, in the holder to arrange three balls approximately 120 degrees apart, one ball with the Openings in the backdrop for locking and / or switching the other switching elements cooperates and the other two balls on the backdrop movable for support are. The other two balls are movable on a circular path, one to the Circular path for the openings has different radius.

The further switching element of the rotary latch switch can also be known per se Push-button switching element with two fixed contacts and one to switch as a switching contact Bridging of the fixed contacts as well as a snap disc serving as a reset element be trained. The ball acts directly on the through the opening in the backdrop Snap disc for switching the switching element on. For the sake of compactness, it can additional switching element on the same circuit board in the housing on which the additional switching element is located. Since the actuator for the Joystick function is surrounded by the actuator for the rotary latch function advantageous if the additional switching element is approximately in the center of the further switching elements formed circular path. For mounting the circuit board for the other switching element offers the backdrop to which the circuit board by means of Fixing pin is attached.

The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular that the switch despite high functionality, for example the joystick and / or rotary locking functionality itself is rather simple. This makes the switch inexpensive to manufacture. Further the switch is not prone to errors and has a long service life. In particular that is Contact system of the switch insensitive to contamination, since the fixed contacts of the Switching element are covered by the snap disk. The switch according to the invention can thus be advantageous in harsh environmental conditions, for example in Use motor vehicles. The switch also has a good feel. Despite his high functionality, the switch is simple, user-friendly, self-explanatory as well ergonomically, for example with the fingers of one hand. Thereby Operating errors are largely excluded, so that the switch according to the invention also in safety-critical applications, for example for screen control in Motor vehicles is usable.

Fig. 1

einen elektrischen Schalter im Schnitt,

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 2-2 aus Fig. 1, wobei teilweise verdeckt liegende Einzelteile gezeigt sind,

Fig. 3

Teile des Schalters aus Fig. 1 in Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 4

eine im Schalter angeordnete Leiterplatte mit Schaltelementen als Einzelteil,

Fig. 5

eine im Schalter befindliche Kulisse als Einzelteil,

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 6-6 aus Fig. 5 und

Fig. 7

eine Prinzipdarstellung der Wirkungsweise einer Kugel in der zugehörigen Kulisse.

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 section,

Fig. 2

2 shows a section along the line 2-2 from FIG. 1, partial parts lying partially hidden being shown,

Fig. 3

Parts of the switch of FIG. 1 in an exploded view,

Fig. 4

a circuit board arranged in the switch with switching elements as a single part,

Fig. 5

a backdrop located in the counter as a single part,

Fig. 6

a section along the line 6-6 of Fig. 5 and

Fig. 7

a schematic diagram of the action of a ball in the associated backdrop.

The electrical switch 1 shown in Fig. 1 is in the manner of a joystick or cursor switch and / or a rotary switch. This is the Switch 1 around a multi-function switch, for example as an input means for Screens, navigation systems or the like can be used in motor vehicles. The Switch 1 itself can be on the steering wheel, in the dashboard, in the center console or the like in Motor vehicle be installed.

The switch 1 has a housing 2 which is approximately cylindrical. At the Top of the housing 2 is one in a pivoting plane 16, in at least two Directions movable actuator 3 for joystick functionality arranged. The actuator 3 is in a neutral position by the user a switching position assigned to the respective direction movable, as with the Swivel arrow 28 is designated in more detail, with which the directions of movement of Actuator 3 extend essentially in the pivot plane 16.

The actuator 3 acts in the respective switching position on an associated, approximately Switching element 4 arranged parallel to the pivoting plane 16 switches on. The Switch element 4 is known as a push-button switch element with two fixed contacts 5, 5 'and a snap disc 6 is formed. The snap disk 6 serves as a switching contact switching bridging of the fixed contacts 5, 5 'and as a reset element. The Switching elements 4 are arranged on an approximately parallel to the pivoting plane 16 Holding disc, circuit board 7 or the like. In the present case, the actuator 3 is in eight Directions movable in the manner of a compass rose, as can be seen in more detail in FIG. 2 can. A switching element 4 with a snap disk 6 is assigned to each direction. The Switching elements 4 are approximately circular on the circuit board 7 located in the housing 2 arranged, which can also be seen in Fig. 4.

As can be seen further in Fig. 1, a shift lever 8 is arranged on the actuator 3. The shift lever 8 can in turn be pivoted in the housing 2 by means of a ball joint 9 mounted so that the actuator 3 protruding from the housing 2 by the user is pivotable. In the housing 2 of the switch 1 there is a control cam 10 in the Kind of a backdrop. The shift lever 8 engages by means of a shift rod 15 when the Actuator 3 in the cam 10 such that the actuator 3rd is positively guided in the respective direction. As can be seen in more detail in FIG. 2 is, the control curve 10 is designed as a rosette-shaped backdrop. The control curve 10 has eight rosettes for the directions of the Windrose. Due to the forced guidance of the shift rod 15 in the respective rosette the actuating member 3 can be pivoted in the associated direction in a defined manner.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, is on the actuator 3 and / or on the shift lever 8 a plate element 12 is arranged, on which an actuating cam 11 is located. The Actuating cam 11 acts on a corresponding switching cam 13. The Switch cam 13 in turn acts on the switching element 4 in such a way that Switching element 4 is actuated essentially in the direction parallel to the shift lever 8.

The actuator 3 is an additional switching element 14, which is particularly in the art a key switch element is formed, assigned. The additional switching element 14 is on the end of the shift lever 8 facing away from the actuator 3 in the housing 2 on a Printed circuit board 29 arranged. By pressing the actuator 3 is the additional Switching element 14 can be switched by means of the switching lever 8. For this purpose, the shift rod 15 in hollow shift lever 8 arranged longitudinally. The operation of the additional Switching element 14 is released in the neutral position of the actuator 3. at Deflection of the actuator 3, namely when the actuator 3 in the Switch position is located, but its operation can be blocked. This works Actuator 3 together with a stop 17 on the control cam 10 in the housing 2.

As can be seen further from Fig. 1, the actuator 3 acts during the movement of the neutral position in the switching position together with a cam track 30 such that a force dependent on the deflection in and / or against the direction of the adjustment the actuator 3 acts. For this purpose, a holding part 31 with a Receptacle 32 for at least one spring-loaded, engaging in the cam track 30 Tappet 33 arranged. By appropriate shaping of the cam track 30 and Selection of the spring 34 for the plunger 33 is therefore the feel of the actuation by means of Actuator 3 adjustable for the user. If desired, the cam track 30 be designed such that the actuator 3 when moving to the switching position has a pressure point.

The cam track 30 is attached to a carrier element 35, as shown in FIG. 3 in particular can be seen. The cam track 30 is expediently on one side of the Carrier element 35 attached in the housing 2 of the switch 1. It continues to offer itself on the on the other side of the carrier element 35, the circuit board 7 for receiving the switching elements 4 to arrange. A fixing part 36 is attached to the carrier element 35 for fastening the printed circuit board 7 arranged. The fixing part 36 also serves to guide the switching cams 13 which Actuate switching elements 4. Approximately in the center of the printed circuit board 7 and in the carrier element 35 there is an opening 37 for the passage of the shift lever 8.

To implement the rotary latch functionality, the switch 1 has a rotatable one Actuating element 18, which surrounds the actuating member 3 in an approximately annular manner, as shown in FIG 1 can be seen. In the housing 2 there is one in the manner of a locking disc trained backdrop 19, which has at least one opening 20. The opening 20 is a in particular a further switching element 21 having a snap disk 6. Furthermore, there is a holder 22 having a ball 22 in the housing 2 Bracket 23 is operatively connected to the actuator 18 such that Movement, by rotation, of the actuator 18 engages the ball 22 can be brought with the opening 20. As a result, the holder 23 is in one Rest position. On the other hand, the ball 22 also has a switching effect on the rest Switching element 21, directly on its snap disk 6.

The rotary movement of the actuating element 18 is when the actuating member 3 is deflected Lockout. A projection 24 arranged on the plate element 12 serves for this purpose. As in FIG. 2 can be seen in more detail, the approach 24 engages in corresponding recesses 25 Actuator 18 when the actuator 3 is pivoted. The Recesses 25 can be formed by two spaced apart ribs 26, 26 '.

The holder 23 arranged in the housing 2 is approximately annular, which is based on 3 can be seen. The ball 22 has a spring 27 in the direction of the backdrop 19 loaded in a receptacle 38 of the bracket 23. The backdrop is 19 disc-shaped with several arranged on a circular path, visible in FIG. 5 Openings 20 are formed such that the holder 23 has a plurality of latching positions. Likewise, several further switching elements 21 are in a circular path to these openings 20 correspondingly arranged on a circuit board 29 'visible in FIG. 1. Thereby owns the holder 23 at the same time several corresponding to the locking positions Switching positions. This mode of action is also evident from the basic sketches in FIG. 6 and 7 clarifies.

In a preferred embodiment, which is explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 1, are in the Bracket 23 arranged three balls 22, 22 'spaced approximately 120 degrees apart. A Ball 22 acts with the openings 20 in the backdrop 19 for locking and / or switching of the further switching elements 21 together. The other two balls 22 ', of which in 1 is only visible, are on the backdrop 19 for supporting the bracket 23 movable. These two other balls 22 'are movable on a circular path, one to the circular path for the openings 20 has a different radius, which one mutual interference of the balls 22, 22 'when the actuating element 18 rotates is excluded.

The further switching element 21, on which the ball 22 acts, is also as such Known key switch element with two fixed contacts 5, 5 'and one as a switch contact switching bridging of the fixed contacts 5, 5 'and serving as a reset element Snap disc 6 formed. The circuit board 29 and 29 'are a common circuit board designed, with which the further switching element 21 on the same circuit board 29, 29 'as the additional switching element 14 is located. The additional switching element is 14 in approximately in the center of the other switching elements 21 on the circuit board formed circular path. The circuit board 29 'for the further switching element 21 is on the backdrop 19 attached by means of fixing pin 39.

The invention is not based on the described and illustrated embodiment limited. Rather, it also includes all professional training within the framework of the The inventive concept. Such a multi-function switch can also be used for car radios and / or use for other control devices in motor vehicles. Next Such a multi-function switch can also be used in motor vehicle applications Input means for computers, machine tools, household appliances or the like in universal Way are used.

Reference numeral list:

1:

electrical switch

2:

casing

3:

actuator

4:

switching element

5,5 ':

fixed contact

6:

snap disk

7:

PCB (for switching element)

8th:

gear lever

9:

ball joint

10:

cam

11:

actuating cam

12:

plate element

13:

switching cams

14:

(additional) switching element

15:

shift rod

16:

pivoting

17:

attack

18:

actuator

19:

scenery

20:

opening

21:

(further) switching element

22.22 ':

Bullet

23:

bracket

24:

approach

25:

recess

26.26 ':

rib

27:

Spring (for ball)

28:

Verschwenkpfeil

29:

PCB (for additional switching element)

29 ':

PCB (for additional switching element)

30:

cam track

31:

holding part

32:

Recording (on the holding part)

33:

tappet

34:

Spring (for plunger)

35:

support element

36:

fixing

37:

Opening (in support element, circuit board)

38:

Holder

39:

fixing pins

Claims (15)

Electrical switch, in particular in the manner of a joystick or cursor switch, with an actuating member (3) which is mounted in a pivoting plane (16) and can be moved in at least two directions, the actuating member (3) moving from a neutral position in one of the respective directions assigned switching position is movable, and wherein the actuating member (3) acts in the switching position on a switching element (4) arranged approximately parallel to the pivoting plane (16) of the actuating member (3), characterized in that the switch (1) has a control cam ( 10) in the manner of a backdrop, and that the actuating member (3) engages in the control cam (10) in such a way that the actuating member (3) is positively guided when it is deflected, in particular by means of a shift lever (8) or a shift rod (15) is movable in the respective direction. Electrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching element (4) as a known push-button switching element with two fixed contacts (5, 5 ') and a switching contact for switching bridging of the fixed contacts (5, 5') as well as a reset element serving as a snap disk ( 6) is designed such that the actuating member (3) can preferably be moved in eight directions in the manner of a compass rose, each direction being assigned a switching element (4), and further preferably the switching elements (4) are approximately circular on one, in particular in a housing (2) of the switch (1) located holding disc, circuit board (7) or the like. Are arranged. Electrical switch according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching lever (8) is pivotably mounted in the housing (2) by means of a ball joint (9), so that the actuating member (3) protruding from the housing (2) can be pivoted by a user is. Electrical switch according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that an actuating cam (11) is located on the actuating member (3) and / or on the switching lever (8), in particular on a plate element (12) arranged thereon, the actuating cam ( 11) acting on a corresponding switching cam (13) and the switching cam (13) in turn actuating the switching element (4) in such a way that the switching element (4) is actuated essentially in the direction parallel to the switching lever (8). Electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an additional switching element (14), in particular in the form of a push-button switching element, is assigned to the actuating element (3), preferably the additional switching element (14) on the actuating element (3 ) remote end of the shift lever (8), in particular on a circuit board (29) in the housing (2), and that further preferably the additional switching element (14) by pressing the actuating member (3) by means of the shift lever (8), in particular by means of the shift rod (15), which is arranged to be longitudinally movable in the hollow shift lever (8). Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuation of the additional switching element (14) is released in the neutral position of the actuating member (3) and when the actuating member (3) is deflected from the neutral position, preferably in the Switching position, can be locked, in particular by the actuating member (3) interacting with a stop (17) on the control cam (10) in the housing (2). Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating member (3) interacts with a cam track (30) during the movement from the neutral position into the switching position in such a way that a force dependent on the deflection in and / or against the direction of the adjustment acts on the actuating member (3) to adjust the haptics for the user, that preferably a holding part (31) with a receptacle (32) for at least one spring-loaded plunger engaging in the cam track (30) on the shift lever (8) (33) is arranged, and that further preferably the cam track (30) is designed such that the actuating member (3) has a pressure point when moving into the switching position. Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cam track (30) is mounted on a carrier element (35), in particular on one side of the carrier element (35), in the housing (2) of the switch (1) in that the circuit board (7) for receiving the switching elements (4) is preferably arranged on the other side of the carrier element (35), that further preferably a fixing part (36) for fastening the circuit board (7) and / or for guiding the switching cams (13) is arranged on the carrier element (35), and that an opening (37) for carrying out the shift lever (8) is located even more preferably approximately in the center of the printed circuit board (7) and in the carrier element (35). Electrical switch, in particular rotary switch, preferably according to one of the preceding claims, with an actuating element (18) and with at least one further switching element (21), in particular having a snap disk (6), characterized in that the further switching element (21) is a Opening (20) is assigned in a link (19) designed in the manner of a locking disc, and that a holder (23) having a ball (22) is operatively connected to the actuating element (18) in such a way that movement, in particular rotary movement, the actuating element (18), the ball (22) can be brought into engagement with the opening (20), so that both the holder (23) is in a latching position and the ball (22) switches to the further switching element (21), in particular acts directly on the snap disc (6). Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the movement, in particular the rotary movement, of the actuating element (18) can be blocked when the actuating member (3) is deflected from the neutral position, in particular when the actuating member (3) is in the switching position, for which purpose preferably an Plate element (12) arranged shoulder (24) in corresponding recesses (25), which are in particular formed by two spaced ribs (26, 26 '), engages on the actuating element (18). Electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the holder (23) is approximately annular and is arranged in the housing (2), and in that the ball (22, 22 ') is approximately in the direction of the link (19) is spring-loaded in a receptacle (38) of the holder (23). Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the link (19) is disc-shaped with a plurality of openings (20) arranged on a circular path, such that the holder (23) has a plurality of latching positions, and that preferably a plurality of further switching elements (21) are arranged in a circular path corresponding to the openings (20) on a printed circuit board (29 '), such that the holder (23) has a plurality of switching positions corresponding to the latching positions. Electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that three balls (22, 22 ') spaced approximately 120 degrees apart are arranged in the holder (23), one ball (22) with the openings (20) in the link (19) for locking and / or switching the further switching elements (21) cooperates and the two other balls (22 ') are movable on the link (19) for support, and in particular the other two balls (22') are movable on a circular path which has a different radius from the circular path for the openings (20). Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the further switching element (21), on which the ball (22) acts, as a push-button switching element known per se with two fixed contacts (5, 5 ') and one to be switched as a switching contact Bridging of the fixed contacts (5, 5 ') and as a reset element serving snap disk (6) is formed, and that preferably the further switching element (21) on the same circuit board (29) in the housing (2) on which the additional switching element (14) located, is arranged, in particular the additional switching element (14) being located approximately in the center of the circular path formed by the further switching elements (21). Electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the printed circuit board (29 ') for the further switching element (21) is fastened to the link (19), in particular by means of fixing pins (39).

Images