EP1239497B1 - Switch, particularly utilized in motor vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a switch, in particular one Switches for motor vehicles, with the features of Preamble of claim 1.

The switching element can be part of a switching mechanism be, wherein the actuating element, the switching element acted upon directly or indirectly. Likewise, the Contact points on the switching element medium or immediately closed and opened. The contact points can also be part of a microswitch that uses medium or is actuated directly via the switching element.

The invention also relates to a switching element for in particular such a switch.

Such switches are in a variety of ways known. To rattle and clinking noises of the Switch or the components that make up the switch avoid, it is known to switch in Apply a pre-tension to the switching direction. In particular, there are resilient components such as Coil springs or the like. Which in the switching direction of the respective components act, application.

However, it has been shown that even with switches, provide the means that the switching element to known Apply a preload in a way, rattling noises may occur. The rattling noises occur mainly in the event of vibrations, especially in the case of Vehicle vibrations, on. In addition, join the each switching process more or less loud and disturbing switching noises.

From US-B-6,171,003 is a quiet switch, known according to the preamble of claim 1, known for a computer keyboard. This switch has a button with its key base in a rectangular shape Recording is locked. The key base has grooves in engage the fingers of the recording. The reason of the grooves runs obliquely so that the fingers gradually Create groove base.

The invention has for its object a switch of the type described in such a way that rattling or distortion of the switch.

This task is solved with a switch that the Features of claim 1.

This advantageously ensures that the Switching element free of play and yet smooth in the Switch is arranged. Due to the preload Relative movement between the switching element and that Switching element slidably or pivotally mounted Admission excluded. Rattling or clinking noises can therefore not occur.

The inventive division of the switching element in two sections is an axial guidance of the Guaranteed switching element via the one L-leg and on the other hand, an optimal active connection of the other L-leg with the actuator or the Contact point. This has the advantage that one does not rectilinear initiation of an actuating force on the Switching element the undesired power components from the guide are included, the shifting force representative force components over the other leg in act as intended on the switching element and a Close or open the contact point.

The means advantageously comprise one at the Switching element arranged spring element, which is under Bias against the switching element in the switching direction leading recording supports. Such a spring element has the advantage that it can be molded onto the switching element can and the relative movement of the switching element opposite with the recording. This allows everyone Position of the switching element can be ensured that the Switching element kept reliably under pretension becomes. Rattling or clinking noises can therefore in none Position of the switching element occur.

In another embodiment of the invention provided that the means one on the switching element arranged in the switching direction Include spring element that is under tension against the Switching element supports. Here the spring element is not arranged on the switching element, but on the receptacle. Such an arrangement has the advantage that Switching element no additional space for connecting the Spring element needed. The switching element can therefore have relatively small dimensions.

It is preferably provided according to the invention that the Spring element is a spring tongue. Such a spring tongue can be in one piece with, for example, the switching element or also formed the receptacle guiding the switching element his. A spring tongue can be provided with little effort and requires relatively little space.

According to the invention it is also conceivable that the recording the housing is molded. This has the advantage that the Guide the switching element with respect to the housing of the Switch is specified exactly.

In a further embodiment of the invention that is Switching element or the receptacle made of plastic, the Means the switching element perpendicular to the switching direction apply a preload to the switching element or the recording are molded. Such switching elements or recordings can be made with appropriate Molding tools, especially in large series, very much manufacture inexpensively.

In a further development of the invention, the means are on arranged axially guided leg. This will turn on optimal way ensures that rattling noises of the Switching element and in particular the axially guided Thighs, cannot take place.

The means along the central axis are preferably in a leg recess arranged as a spring tongue. The Preload advantageously acts symmetrically as a result on the switching element. Tilting of the switching element or the axially guided leg is also locked out.

An additional, safe guiding of the in the switching direction to ensure guided leg, the in Switching direction guided legs at least one with a arranged in the receptacle and in the axial direction extending guide groove interacting guide pin on. In addition, this causes tilting and thus a Block the switching element in an effective manner prevented.

According to a further development of the invention provided that the top of the with the Actuator and / or the contact point in Operatively connected leg of the switching element is designed according to the operative connection. this has the advantage that the acting on the switching element Actuating force optimally into the actual circuit making switching force that an opening or closing the Contact points causes is diverted. A for example at a certain angle on the Switching element acting operating force can be via a corresponding angle of attack on the operative connection of the Actuator with the switching element in a Switching direction acting switching force are redirected.

The task mentioned above is also by an im Solved switching element described above, the especially for use in a previous one described switch is provided.

Further advantageous refinements and details of Invention can be found in the following description, in of the invention with reference to that shown in the drawing Embodiment is described and explained in more detail.

Fig. 1:

eine Übersicht über verschiedene Schaltstufen 1 - 4 und zugehörigem Zustand von zwei Kontaktstellen;

Fig. 2:

den Kraftverlauf innerhalb eines erfindungsgemäßen Schalters bei Niederdrücken des Betätigungselements;

Fig. 3:

den entsprechenden Kraftverlauf bei Anheben des Betägigungselements;

Fig. 4:

eine neutrale Schaltstufe des Betätigungselements;

Fig. 4.1:

einen vergrößerten Teilausschnitt aus Fig. 4;

Fig. 5:

die Freiheitsgrade der Schaltwippe der Schaltmechanik;

Fig. 6 und 7:

verschiedene Schaltstufen bei Anheben des Betätigungselements;

Fig. 8 und 9:

verschiedene Schaltstufen bei Niederdrücken des Betätigungselements;

Fig. 10:

die Draufsicht auf einen erfindungsgemäßen Schalter;

Fig. 11:

einen Schnitt durch den Schalter gemäß Fig. 10 entlang der Linie XI;

Fig. 12:

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie XII in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13:

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie XIII in Fig. 11; und

Figur 14 - 20:

verschiedene Ansichten und Schnitte eines erfindungsgemäßen Schaltelements.

Show it:

Fig. 1:

an overview of different switching levels 1 - 4 and the associated state of two contact points;

Fig. 2:

the force curve within a switch according to the invention when the actuating element is depressed;

Fig. 3:

the corresponding force curve when lifting the actuating element;

Fig. 4:

a neutral switching stage of the actuating element;

Fig.4.1:

an enlarged partial section of Fig. 4;

Fig. 5:

the degrees of freedom of the rocker switch of the switching mechanism;

6 and 7:

different switching levels when lifting the actuator;

8 and 9:

different switching levels when the actuator is depressed;

Fig. 10:

the top view of a switch according to the invention;

Fig. 11:

a section through the switch of FIG 10 along the line XI.

Fig. 12:

a section along the line XII in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13:

a section along the line XIII in Fig. 11; and

Figure 14 - 20:

different views and sections of a switching element according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows an overview in which is indicated in which time sequence two contact points KS1 and KS2 of a switch according to the invention closed or opened to one of four switching levels 1-4 of the switch realize.

In switching stage _1, the contact point KS1 is closed and the contact point KS2 is open at the time t ₁ . In switching stage 2, the contact point KS2 is additionally closed at a time t ₂ following t ₁ . The chronological sequence of the closing of the contact points KS1 and KS2 to reach the switching stage 2 is thus as follows: closing of contact point KS1, then closing of contact point KS2.

To implement switching stage 3, the contact point KS2 is closed at a time t ₁ , the contact point KS1 being open. In order to switch from switching stage 3 to switching stage 4, the contact point KS2 is closed in addition to a switching instant t ₂ . The sequence in which the contact points are closed in order to achieve switching stage 4 is therefore as follows: contact KS2 is closed, contact KS1 is then closed.

It is clear from FIG. 1 that, due to the different chronological sequences of the closing of the two contact points KS1 and KS2, taking into account two switching times, four switching stages can be implemented. If a further switching time t _{3 is} taken into account, further switching stages can be implemented. A larger number of switching stages can also be achieved by further contact points.

A switching mechanism is shown in the following FIGS with which a certain time sequence of the Closing two contact points KS1 and KS2 below Consideration of two switching times implemented can be. The switching mechanism includes the pressure arm 19 or the pull arm 51, a rocker switch and two Switching elements 33.

2 shows an actuating element 11 which has an actuating section 13. The actuating element 11 is rotatably supported to a limited extent along an axis 15. If the actuating element 11 on the actuating section 13 according to FIG. 2 is subjected to a force Fs ₁ , then the actuating element 11 rotates along the arrow 17 about the axis 15 Force applied in the direction of arrow 23. The pressure arm 19 has a vertically displaceably mounted circular cylinder section 25, on the side facing away from the pressure pin 21 a flat projection 27 is arranged. The projection 27 has a pressure lug 29, via which the force Fs _{1 is directed} to a rocker switch 31. On the side of the rocker switch facing away from the pressure lug 29, two switching elements 33, which are arranged one behind the other and are arranged such that they can be moved vertically, are arranged. The switching elements 33 each rest on an elastically deformable switching dome 35, 36 of a switching mat 37 indicated in sections.

If the actuating element is subjected to a force Fs ₁ , the switching dome 35 is pressed onto a printed circuit board 39 via the pressure arm 19, its pressure lug 29, the switching rocker 31 and the switching element 33. A contact point KS1 is arranged below the switching dome 35 on the circuit board 39 and is closed due to the contact with the side 43 of the switching dome 35 facing the contact point KS1. Instead of the switching dome 35 and the contact point KS1, it is also conceivable to provide a microswitch comprising a contact point.

If the actuating element 11 according to FIG. 3 is subjected to a force Fs ₂ in another direction on the actuating section 13, the actuating element 11 is rotated about the axis 15 in the direction of the arrow 45. A nose 47 formed on the actuating element 11 guides the force Fs ₂ into a tension arm 51 which is rotatably mounted about an axis 49 to a limited extent. The tension arm 51 rotates in the direction of the arrow 53 due to the action of force. The tension arm 51 faces the rocker switch 31 a nose 55 on. When the actuating element 11 is actuated with the force Fs ₂ , the rocker switch 31 together with the switching element 33 and the switching dome 36 is pressed down on a contact point KS2 of the printed circuit board 39.

4 - 9 show the pressure arm 19, the pull arm 51, the Switch rocker 31, the two switching elements 33 and the two Contact points KS1 and KS2 in front view.

4 is the neutral starting position shown in which the actuator 11 with no actuation force is applied. Clearly too can be seen that the rotatable about an axis 59 Shift rocker 31 assumes a horizontal position. The Switch rocker 31 lies on the two switching elements 33 on. The switching elements 33 are in turn on the two switching domes 35, 36.

Fig. 5 shows the type of storage of the rocker switch 31. Die Switch rocker 31 has 59 bearing journals in the area of the axis on. The trunnions are in an open, vertically extending slot 61 out. This is next to a horizontal movement of the rocker switch 31 Enables movement.

6 and 7 show the sequence of closing the contact points KS1 and KS2 when the actuating element 11 is raised with a force Fs ₁ .

3, if a force Fs _{1 is} exerted on the actuating element 11, the pressure arm 19 is pivoted about the axis 49 to a limited extent. The nose 29 of the pressure arm 19 presses the rocker switch 31 into the inclined position shown in FIG. 6. The force Fs ₁ is applied to the rocker switch 31 via the nose 29 near the pivot axis 59. Furthermore, the force Fs ₁ is transmitted via the switching rocker 31 to the switching dome 35, which is deformed elastically due to the force Fs ₁ and whose contact side 43 closes the contact point KS1. 6 thus represents the first switching stage.

When the force Fs ₂ is increased, the free end 65 of the rocker switch is supported on the switching element 33 or on the shift dome 36 which is pressed against the envy. As a result, the power flow is conducted into the free end 63 of the rocker switch 31. Finally, as shown in FIG. 7, the second switching dome 36 also deforms elastically and the rocker switch assumes a horizontal position. As a result, the contact point KS2 is also closed. 7 shows the switching stage 2.

An existing one on the printed circuit board 39, in FIG. 11 indicated electronics 69 detects the closing sequence of the Contact points KS1 and KS2. Because of the recorded sequence is a motor, not shown, accordingly driven.

Starting from FIG. 4, the tension arm 51 is subjected to the force Fs ₂ according to FIG. 8. The nose 55 of the pull arm 51 presses the rocker switch 31 into the inclined position shown in FIG. 8. The free end 63 of the rocker switch 31 presses on the switching dome 36, whereby the contact point KS2 is closed. 8 shows the switching stage 3.

If the force Fs ₂ according to FIG. 9 is increased further, the rocker switch 31 is supported on the already depressed switching dome 36 with the free end 63. As a result, the force Fs _{2 is conducted} into the free end 65 of the rocker switch 31. The free end 65 of the rocker switch 31 finally presses the switching dome 36 or its contact side 43 against the contact point KS1. This closes both contact points KS2 and KS1. 9 therefore shows the switching stage 4.

When the force Fs ₁ or Fs ₂ is removed, the rocker switch 31 is reset to the starting position shown in FIG. 4 via the elastic deformation of the switching domes 35, 36.

6, an electric motor controlled by electronics 69, not shown, is controlled in such a way that, for example, a window regulator is advanced manually. When the force Fs _{2 is} removed, the advance stops due to the elastic resetting of the switching dome 35, which opens the contact point KS1. However, if the force Fs _{2 is} increased according to FIG. 7, the contact point KS2 is additionally closed. In this switching stage 2, the corresponding electric motor is switched to automatic advance via the electronics 69, ie the window opened via the window lifter is opened automatically up to a stop. When the force Fs ₁ is removed, the rocker switch 31 is brought into its starting position shown in FIG. 4 due to the restoring force of the two switching domes 35, 36.

If a force Fs ₁ is now applied, switching stage 3 according to FIG. 8 is reached. A manual return, ie a manual closing of the previously opened window pane, is achieved via the electronics 69 in this switching stage. When force Fs ₁ is removed, contact point KS2 is opened and the closing process is interrupted. If, however, as shown in FIG. 9, the force Fs _{2 is} increased and the contact point KS1 is closed in addition to the contact point KS2, the switching stage 4 is reached. In this switching stage 4, the electric motor is switched to automatic return via electronics 69, ie the corresponding window is automatically closed completely. When the force Fs ₂ is removed, the switching rocker 31 is returned to the horizontal position shown in FIG. 4 due to the elastic recovery of the two switching domes 35, 36.

From Fig. 4, or the section enlarged in Fig. 4.1 4, it is clear that the switching pieces 33, between the switching domes 35, 36 and the switching rocker 31 are arranged on their underside plan on the Switch domes 35, 36 rest. The rocker switch 31 have facing tops of the two switching elements 33 two bevelled, converging, each partial surfaces 85 and 87 on.

The inclined partial surfaces 85, 87 allow an optimal operative connection or introduction of the force Fs ₁ and Fs ₂ via the switching rocker 31 to the switching element 33 or the switching domes 35, 36. In the switching stages shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the rocker switch 31 is in a pivoted position. Due to the beveled partial surfaces 85 and 87, the free ends 63 and 65 of the rocker switch 31 nevertheless lie snugly on the upper side of the switching element 33 or on the corresponding partial surfaces 85 and 87.

10 is an elliptical contour Top of a switch 71 shown. The Actuator 11 is for actuation in the area of Operating section 13 depressed or pulled up.

From the sections shown in Figs. 11 and 13 can be seen that the pressure arm 19 along its Circular cylinder section 25 of the pressure arm 19 axially leading housing section 73 is surrounded.

It is clear from both FIG. 11 and FIG. 13 that the switching elements 13 are L-shaped. The horizontally extending legs 75 of the respective switching element 33 are arranged between the underside of the rocker switch 31 and the upper side of the respective switching dome 35, 36. The vertically extending legs 77 are each arranged axially displaceably in a guide formed by a housing section as a receptacle 79. This ensures that the force Fs ₁ or Fs ₂ applied to the limbs 75 via the rocker switch 31 press the switching domes 35, 36 down at the intended location in the optimum direction, so that a closing which is perpendicular to the contact points KS1 and KS2 and thus functionally reliable of the corresponding contact KS1 or KS2 can take place.

The pull arm 51 shown in the figures shows how 13 clearly shows two Arm sections 81 and 83. At the in the figures illustrated embodiment only finds the Arm section 81 with the pressure lug 29 arranged thereon Use. The arm section 81 is then used if the switching mechanism is built up mirror-inverted. The Pull arm 51 is therefore for different embodiments of the switch can be used.

Figures 14-20 show the inventive Switching element in individual parts. From Figure 14 and 17 is the L-shaped design of the switching element 33 clearly. The switching element 33 has Means in the form of a spring tongue 89, which the Switching element 33 perpendicular to the switching direction 101 with a Apply preload, which in Fig. 17 by a the arrow provided with reference numeral 103 is indicated. In installed state, which is supported as a spring element trained spring tongue 89 with its free end at which a spring tongue head 91 is arranged under prestress against which the switching element 33 leads in the switching direction Recording 79, which can be clearly seen in FIG. On the other hand, it is conceivable that instead of the spring element, which is molded onto the switching element 33, a spring element on the side of the receptacle facing the switching element 33 79 is provided. Such a spring element is supported under tension against the switching element.

The switching element 33 is preferably made of plastic, wherein the spring tongue 89 in one piece with the switching element 33 is formed and molded onto the switching element 33.

The spring tongue 89 is in one along the central axis Leg recess 93 arranged.

It is also clear from FIGS. 14 to 20 that the Switching element 33 on the one guided in switching direction 101 Leg 77 has two guide pins 95. How can be seen particularly well in FIG assembled state of the switching element, the guide pin 95 in two axial guide grooves 97 arranged. This ensures in particular that tilting of the vertically guided leg 77 of the Switching element 33 can not take place in the receptacle 79.

From the front view of the switching element 33 according to FIG. 19 can be seen that the the top of the leg 75 forming partial surfaces 85 and 86 at an angle α of about 150 ° to each other. The kind of active connection the partial areas 85 and 86 with the rocker switch is the Description of Fig. 4.1 removed.

That facing the top of the switching dome 35, 36 The underside of the leg 75 has one in FIG. 18 clearly shown circular cylindrical approach 99. The clear surface of the approach 99 corresponds to that Surface contour of the corresponding switching dome 35, 36. This is the operative connection between the switching element 23 or the underside of the leg 75 and the corresponding Switch dome 35, 36 when switching element 33 is acted upon with a switching force in the direction of arrow 101 14 acts, optimally designed.

In order to move the switching element 33 smoothly in the To ensure recording 79, the checkered hatching having surfaces in Figures 14, 15, 16 and 19 smooth and trained without marks.

The components forming the switching mechanism, namely the Push arm 19, the pull arm 51, the rocker switch 31 and the both switching elements 33 are in the switching direction 101, or 23 and 53, a bias is applied. The preload results from the restoring force of the switching domes 35, 36, which clatter or clank the gear mechanism Prevent actuating element 11 in switching direction 101.

To additionally make the switch 71 rattle or clink to avoid, the switching element 33 is perpendicular to Switching direction 101, that is perpendicular to the direction in which the Switch domes 35, 36 are depressed with a Preload 103 applied. To do this, press Spring tongue head 91 perpendicular to the switching direction against the the side of the receptacle 79 facing the spring tongue 89.

The switch 71 described and illustrated accordingly has the advantage that rattling or clinking noises and annoying Switching noises effectively prevented become.

Claims (10)

1. Switch (71) comprising a housing, with an actuating element (11), with at least one switching element (33) which is loaded with an actuating force by the actuating element (11) and is mounted so as to be displaceable or pivotal in the switching direction (101), and with contact points (KS1, KS2) which can be closed by the switching element (33), means (89) being provided which load the switching element (33) perpendicularly to the switching direction (101) with a bias (103), characterised in that the switching element (33) is L-shaped in design and has two L limbs (75, 77), the one limb (77) being guided axially in the switching direction (101) and the other limb (79) being in operative connection with the actuating element (11) and/or the contact point (KS1, KS2).
2. Switch (71) according to claim 1, characterised in that the means comprise a spring element (89) arranged on the switching element (33), the spring element (89) being supported with bias (103) against a receiver (79) guiding the switching element (33) in the switching direction (101).
3. Switch (71) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the means comprise a spring element arranged on a receiver guiding the switching element (33) in the switching direction (101), the spring element being supported with bias (103) against the switching element.
4. Switch (71) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spring element is a spring tongue (89).
5. Switch (71) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the receiver (79) is formed on the housing.
6. Switch (71) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the switching element (33) or the receiver (79) is made of plastics material and in that the means (89) are formed on the switching element (33) or the receiver (79).
7. Switch (71) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means (89) are arranged on the axially guided limb (79).
8. Switch (71) according to claim 7, characterised in that the means are arranged along the centre line in a limb recess as a spring tongue (89).
9. Switch (71) according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the limb (77) guided in the switching direction (101) has at least one guide journal (95) cooperating with a guide groove (97) arranged in the receiver (79) and extending in the axial direction.
10. Switch (71) according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterised in that the upper side (85, 87) of the limb (75) of the switching element (33) in operative connection with the actuating element (11) and/or the contact point (KS1, KS2) is designed according to the operative connection.

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