EP1401001B1 - Electrical switch with contact position indication - Google Patents

Electrical switch with contact position indication Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1401001B1
EP1401001B1 EP20030020702 EP03020702A EP1401001B1 EP 1401001 B1 EP1401001 B1 EP 1401001B1 EP 20030020702 EP20030020702 EP 20030020702 EP 03020702 A EP03020702 A EP 03020702A EP 1401001 B1 EP1401001 B1 EP 1401001B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
indicator
switch
switch according
lever
switching
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
Application number
EP20030020702
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1401001A2 (en
EP1401001A3 (en
Inventor
Richard Göttler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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Publication of EP1401001A3 publication Critical patent/EP1401001A3/en
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Publication of EP1401001B1 publication Critical patent/EP1401001B1/en
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H51/00Electromagnetic relays
    • H01H51/02Non-polarised relays
    • H01H51/04Non-polarised relays with single armature; with single set of ganged armatures
    • H01H51/06Armature is movable between two limit positions of rest and is moved in one direction due to energisation of an electromagnet and after the electromagnet is de-energised is returned by energy stored during the movement in the first direction, e.g. by using a spring, by using a permanent magnet, by gravity
    • H01H51/08Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet
    • H01H51/082Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet using rotating ratchet mechanism
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/08Indicators; Distinguishing marks
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/16Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrical switching device, in particular DIN rail mounted device, with a switch position display, by which the operating state of the switching device is visibly displayed to the outside.
  • Such a switching device it is often desirable to control the operating state of the device, i. To make the current switching position of its switch contact for a user in a striking way visible.
  • a switching position indicator serves for a better overview and thus, for the faster finding of sources of error, etc.
  • a switch position indicator is required especially in a remotely controllable switching device in which either no manual operation is provided, or in which the operating state of the device is not clearly read on the position of the manual element.
  • the latter group includes a switching device which can be actuated via a so-called stepping mechanism.
  • a switching device which can be actuated via a so-called stepping mechanism.
  • a stepping mechanism typically comprises a switching wheel which can be actuated by a slide switch or switch ram and which is further rotated in each direction by a generally fixed angle in a direction of rotation. The often star-like or polygonal circumference of the ratchet acts on the switching contact and moves it between its switching positions.
  • a switch position display comprises at least one color-coded and / or provided with a word message display field, which in at least one Display position is visible through a housing window from the outside.
  • a number of display fields is provided corresponding to the number of possible operating states, whereby, depending on the current operating state, the corresponding display field is always visible from the outside.
  • An equivalent variant for displaying the current operating state is that a display field or display element in the manner of a pointer in several display positions through the housing window is visible, and the current operating state is done by the position of the display panel within the window area.
  • Switch position display Core requirements for a switch position display are that it should show the operating status of the device in a clear way. Furthermore, the mechanism required for the switch position display should not impair the device function. For economic considerations, the switch position indicator should also be as simple as possible to keep the cost of materials and assembly costs low.
  • the invention has for its object to provide an electrical switching device with an improved in view of the above requirements switch position indicator.
  • the switch position indicator comprises a pivotally mounted indicator lever with a display panel which is visible in at least one display position of the indicator lever by a housing window from the outside.
  • a drive part of the indicator lever acts in such a way with the ratchet wheel of a stepping mechanism that the drive part is held in a, the operating state uniquely assignable radius of the axis of rotation of the ratchet wheel.
  • a sliding guide introduced into an end face of the indexing wheel is provided, into which a guide pin of the indicating lever projects as a drive part.
  • this link guide is formed by a ring-like closed guide.
  • a star-like or polygonal shape of the slotted guide is particularly advantageous, especially since the distance between the axis of rotation of the ratchet wheel and the point of engagement of the drive member in the slotted guide in a rotation of the ratchet wheel is continuously varied.
  • By rounded corners of the star or polygon shape a low-friction and tilt-free guidance of the drive member is ensured.
  • the indicator lever is preferably made in one piece.
  • plastic in particular polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyamide (PA) is particularly suitable as material for the indicator lever.
  • POM polyoxymethylene
  • PA polyamide
  • the stepping mechanism 5 comprises a magnet coil 6 and a yoke plate 8 arranged at a top end 7 of the magnet coil 6.
  • the yoke plate 8 is in the in FIG. 1 illustrated rest position with a small distance from the head end 7 suspended such that it covers the cross section of the magnetic coil 6 in a projection along the coil axis 9 approximately.
  • the yoke plate 8 is pivotally mounted on a side edge 10 so that it is on the head end 7 to or away from this pivot.
  • the side edge 10 opposite free end 11 is formed into a slide-like projection which is in an approximately parallel to the coil axis 9 extending slide 12 with respect to an approximately force direction along the coil axis 9 in positive connection.
  • a mounted on the slide valve 12 coil spring 13 holds the slide switch 12 and connected to this yoke plate 8 under bias in the rest position shown.
  • the slide switch 12 protrudes with a key end 14 for manual actuation of the switching device 2 from the housing 1 out.
  • the opposite end 15 is located approximately on the circumference of a - simplified terms - square ratchet wheel 16 at.
  • the yoke plate 8 Upon actuation of the switching device 2, either by manually pressing the key end 14 or by applying an electrical voltage to the solenoid 6, the yoke plate 8 is attracted against the head end 7 by magnetic force and the slide 12 is moved parallel to the coil axis 9 in the direction of the switching wheel 16 , In this case, the end 15 of the slide valve 12 exerts a torque on the ratchet wheel 16 and rotates this at each switching by an eighth of a turn (45 °) in a predetermined direction of rotation 17 (in the example shown in a clockwise direction).
  • the ratchet wheel 16 is in a manner not shown with a switch contact 18 in mechanical connection, so that during the rotation of the ratchet 16 of the switching contact 18 back and forth between two switching positions.
  • the input terminal 3a via the switch contact 18 is electrically conductively connected to the output terminal 4a, while the connection between the input terminal 3b and the output terminal 4b is opened.
  • the input terminal 3b is electrically connected to the output terminal 4b, while the contact between the input terminal 3a and the output terminal 4a is interrupted.
  • the switching contact 18 thereby changes eight times the switching position, wherein in the course of each switching operation, the switching contact 18 is moved from an initial switching position to the other switching position. After the switching operation, the slide switch 12 and the yoke plate 8 in the in FIG. 1 shown rest position back.
  • the switching device 2 is provided with a switch position indicator 19 whose main component is a display lever 20.
  • a switch position indicator 19 whose main component is a display lever 20.
  • Of the Indicator lever 20 is positioned approximately parallel to the slide switch 12 in the housing 1 and mounted pivotably about a pivot axis 22 approximately parallel to the axis of rotation 21 of the switch wheel 16 on the housing 1.
  • the indicator lever 20 is formed of a display arm 23 and a drive arm 24, which are formed by mutually approximately opposite sides each approximately perpendicular to the pivot axis 22 to a joint sleeve 25.
  • the joint sleeve 25 is attached to a projecting into the housing 1 housing pin 26.
  • the display lever 20 is positioned in the housing 1 such that the free end of the display arm 23 serving as a display panel 27 is located near a housing front side 28 accessible to a user and is visible to the outside through a housing window 29 embedded in the housing front side 28.
  • the free end of the drive arm 24 is provided with a guide pin 30 acting as a drive part, which protrudes approximately in the direction of the pivot axis 22 from the drive arm 24.
  • the guide pin 30 forms together with a in FIG. 3
  • the slide guide is formed as a ring-like closed guide groove 31 which is inserted into an end face 32 of the ratchet wheel 16 and the axis of rotation 21 rotates in an axisymmetric manner.
  • the guide groove 31 has the shape of a square with side lines bent towards the axis of rotation 21, ie a hybrid form between a regular polygon and a star.
  • the corner points 33 of the guide groove are rounded in order to ensure a tilt-free running of the guide pin 30 in the guide groove 31.
  • the 4 and 5 show the stepper 5 and the indicator lever 20 from the rear, ie in a plan view IV according to FIG. 1 , In this illustration, in particular the interaction of the guide groove 31 is illustrated with the actuating arm 24.
  • FIG. 4 is one of the representation according to FIG. 1 corresponding first switching position 34a of the switching contact 18 is shown.
  • This first switching position 34a corresponds to an orientation of the ratchet wheel 16, in which its side edges are aligned approximately parallel and perpendicular with respect to the coil axis 9.
  • the guide pin 30 is located centrally between two corner points 33 of the polygonal or star-shaped guide groove 31, so that the distance which can take the guide pin 30 held within the guide groove 31 to the axis of rotation 21, is minimal.
  • the ratchet wheel 16 is rotated by a 45 ° angle in the direction of rotation 17.
  • the post-shift orientation of the indexing wheel 16, in which its side edges are oriented diagonally with respect to the coil axis 9, is in FIG FIG. 5 shown.
  • the switching contact 18 from the in FIG. 5 traced dashed lines shown first switching position 34a 34b in a second switching position.
  • the guide groove 31 is displaced under the guide pin 30 by the rotation of the ratchet wheel 16, so that the guide pin 30 now rests in a corner 33 of the guide groove 31.
  • the distance between the guide pin 30 and the rotation axis 21 is maximum in this position.
  • the increase in the distance between the guide pin 30 and the housing-fixed axis of rotation 21 causes a pivoting movement of the display arm 20 of the dashed line in the first display position 35a in a second display position 35b.
  • the spatial position of the display panel 27 is different in the display positions 35a and 35b, so that the display panel 27 depending on the display position 35a, 35b and thus depending on the corresponding switching position 34a and 34b appears at different locations in the housing window 29. Based on the position of the display panel 27 in the housing window 29, a user can thus uniquely identify the switching position 34a, 34b of the switching device 2.
  • the ratchet wheel 16 takes a with the representation according to FIG. 1 identical position, whereby the switching contact in turn in the switching position 34a, and the indicator lever 20 in turn moved to the display position 35a.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein elektrisches Schaltgerät, insbesondere Reiheneinbaugerät, mit einer Schaltstellungsanzeige, durch welche der Betriebszustand des Schaltgeräts nach außen hin sichtbar angezeigt wird.The invention relates to an electrical switching device, in particular DIN rail mounted device, with a switch position display, by which the operating state of the switching device is visibly displayed to the outside.

Bei einem solchen Schaltgerät ist es oftmals wünschenswert, den Betriebszustand des Gerätes, d.h. die aktuelle Schaltstellung seines Schaltkontakts für einen Anwender auf markante Weise sichtbar zu machen. Insbesondere bei Reiheneinbaugeräten, die häufig in Gruppen von vielen Einzelschaltgeräten eingesetzt werden, dient eine solche Schaltstellungsanzeige der besseren Übersicht und somit z.B. der schnelleren Auffindung von Fehlerquellen etc. Eine Schaltstellungsanzeige ist vor allem bei einem fernbetätigbaren Schaltgerät erforderlich, bei welchem entweder kein Handbetrieb vorgesehen ist, oder bei dem der Betriebszustand des Geräts nicht eindeutig an der Stellung des Handbetätigungselements abzulesen ist.In such a switching device, it is often desirable to control the operating state of the device, i. To make the current switching position of its switch contact for a user in a striking way visible. In particular, in the case of DIN rail mounted devices, which are frequently used in groups of many individual switching devices, such a switching position indicator serves for a better overview and thus, for the faster finding of sources of error, etc. A switch position indicator is required especially in a remotely controllable switching device in which either no manual operation is provided, or in which the operating state of the device is not clearly read on the position of the manual element.

Zur letztgenannten Gruppe zählt ein Schaltgerät, das über ein sogenanntes Schrittschaltwerk betätigbar ist. Ein solches ist an sich beispielsweise aus der DE 35 19 546 C2 bekannt. Ein Schrittschaltwerk umfasst üblicherweise ein durch einen Schaltschieber oder Schaltstößel betätigbares Schaltrad, das bei jedem Schaltvorgang um einen meist festen Winkelbetrag in eine Umlaufrichtung weitergedreht wird. Der oft sternartige oder polygonartige Umfang des Schaltrads beaufschlagt dabei den Schaltkontakt und bewegt diesen zwischen seinen Schaltstellungen.The latter group includes a switching device which can be actuated via a so-called stepping mechanism. Such is, for example, from the DE 35 19 546 C2 known. A stepping mechanism typically comprises a switching wheel which can be actuated by a slide switch or switch ram and which is further rotated in each direction by a generally fixed angle in a direction of rotation. The often star-like or polygonal circumference of the ratchet acts on the switching contact and moves it between its switching positions.

Üblicherweise umfasst eine Schaltstellungsanzeige mindestens ein farblich gekennzeichnetes und/oder mit einer Wortbotschaft versehenes Anzeigefeld, welches in mindestens einer Anzeigestellung durch ein Gehäusefenster von außen sichtbar ist. Häufig ist eine der Anzahl von möglichen Betriebszuständen entsprechende Anzahl von Anzeigefeldern vorgesehen, wobei je nach aktuellem Betriebszustand stets das korrespondierende Anzeigefeld von außen sichtbar ist.Usually, a switch position display comprises at least one color-coded and / or provided with a word message display field, which in at least one Display position is visible through a housing window from the outside. Frequently, a number of display fields is provided corresponding to the number of possible operating states, whereby, depending on the current operating state, the corresponding display field is always visible from the outside.

Eine äquivalente Variante zur Anzeige des aktuellen Betriebszustandes besteht darin, dass ein Anzeigefeld oder Anzeigeelement nach Art eines Zeigers in mehreren Anzeigestellungen durch das Gehäusefenster sichtbar ist, und der aktuelle Betriebszustand durch die Stellung des Anzeigefeldes innerhalb der Fensterfläche geschieht.An equivalent variant for displaying the current operating state is that a display field or display element in the manner of a pointer in several display positions through the housing window is visible, and the current operating state is done by the position of the display panel within the window area.

Kernanforderungen an eine Schaltstellungsanzeige sind, dass diese den Betriebszustand des Geräts in eindeutiger Weise zeigen soll. Weiterhin soll die für die Schaltstellungsanzeige erforderliche Mechanik die Gerätefunktion nicht beeinträchtigen. Aus wirtschaftlichen Erwägungen heraus sollte die Schaltstellungsanzeige ferner möglichst einfach aufgebaut sein, um die Materialkosten und den Montageaufwand gering zu halten.Core requirements for a switch position display are that it should show the operating status of the device in a clear way. Furthermore, the mechanism required for the switch position display should not impair the device function. For economic considerations, the switch position indicator should also be as simple as possible to keep the cost of materials and assembly costs low.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein elektrisches Schaltgerät mit einer im Hinblick auf die oben genannten Anforderungen ertüchtigten Schaltstellungsanzeige anzugeben.The invention has for its object to provide an electrical switching device with an improved in view of the above requirements switch position indicator.

Das Dokument US 6 107 902 offenbart ein Gerät gemäss dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The document US Pat. No. 6,107,902 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 1. Danach umfasst die Schaltstellungsanzeige einen schwenkbar gelagerten Anzeigehebel mit einem Anzeigefeld, welches in mindestens einer Anzeigestellung des Anzeigehebels durch ein Gehäusefenster von außen sichtbar ist. Ein Antriebsteil des Anzeigehebels wirkt dabei derart mit dem Schaltrad eines Schrittschaltwerks zusammen, dass das Antriebsteil in einem, dem Betriebszustand eindeutig zuordbaren Radius von der Drehachse des Schaltrads gehalten ist.The object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Thereafter, the switch position indicator comprises a pivotally mounted indicator lever with a display panel which is visible in at least one display position of the indicator lever by a housing window from the outside. A drive part of the indicator lever acts in such a way with the ratchet wheel of a stepping mechanism that the drive part is held in a, the operating state uniquely assignable radius of the axis of rotation of the ratchet wheel.

Durch einen solchen Anzeigehebel ist eine einfache, insbesondere sehr wenige Teile umfassende Mechanik zur Anzeige des Betriebszustandes realisiert. Ein besonderer Vorteil liegt darin, dass der Anzeigehebel antriebsmäßig mit dem Schaltrad verbunden ist, welches bei einem Schrittschaltwerk häufig ohnehin vorhanden ist.By such a display lever a simple, in particular very few parts comprehensive mechanism for displaying the operating state is realized. A particular advantage is that the indicator lever is drivingly connected to the ratchet, which is often present anyway in a stepper.

In einer leichtgängigen und fehlfunktionssicheren Ausführung der Erfindung ist eine in eine Stirnseite des Schaltrads eingebrachte Kulissenführung vorgesehen, in die ein Führungszapfen des Anzeigehebels als Antriebsteil hineinragt. Bevorzugt ist diese Kulissenführung dabei durch eine ringartig geschlossene Führungsnut gebildet.In a smooth and malfunction-resistant embodiment of the invention, a sliding guide introduced into an end face of the indexing wheel is provided, into which a guide pin of the indicating lever projects as a drive part. Preferably, this link guide is formed by a ring-like closed guide.

Eine sternartige oder polygonartige Formgebung der Kulissenführung ist besonders vorteilhaft, zumal hierbei der Abstand zwischen der Drehachse des Schaltrads und dem Eingriffspunkt des Antriebsteils in die Kulissenführung bei einer Drehung des Schaltrads kontinuierlich variiert wird. Durch ausgerundete Ecken der Stern- oder Polygonform ist eine reibungsarme und verkantungsfreie Führung des Antriebsteils sichergestellt.A star-like or polygonal shape of the slotted guide is particularly advantageous, especially since the distance between the axis of rotation of the ratchet wheel and the point of engagement of the drive member in the slotted guide in a rotation of the ratchet wheel is continuously varied. By rounded corners of the star or polygon shape a low-friction and tilt-free guidance of the drive member is ensured.

Zur Vereinfachung des Montageaufwands ist der Anzeigehebel bevorzugt einstückig ausgeführt.To simplify the assembly work, the indicator lever is preferably made in one piece.

Hinsichtlich der Materialeigenschaften, insbesondere Elastizität und Materialfestigkeit ist Kunststoff, insbesondere Polyoxymethylen (POM) oder Polyamid (PA) als Material für den Anzeigehebel besonders geeignet. Damit ist insbesondere die Herstellung des Anzeigehebels als preisgünstiges Spritzteil ermöglicht.With regard to the material properties, in particular elasticity and material strength, plastic, in particular polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyamide (PA) is particularly suitable as material for the indicator lever. Thus, in particular the production of the display lever is made possible as a low-cost molded part.

Nachfolgend werden Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand einer Zeichnung näher erläutert. Darin zeigen:

FIG 1
in perspektivischer Darstellung bei geöffnetem Gehäuse ein elektrisches Schaltgerät mit einem Schrittschaltwerk und einer einen Anzeigehebel umfassenden Schaltstellungsanzeige,
FIG 2
in perspektivischer Darstellung den Anzeigehebel gemäß FIG 1,
FIG 3
in perspektivischer Darstellung das Schaltrad des Schrittschaltwerks gemäß FIG 1,
FIG 4
in einer Draufsicht IV gemäß FIG 1 das Schrittschaltwerk und den Anzeigehebel in einer ersten Schalt- bzw. Anzeigestellung und
FIG 5
in einer Darstellung gemäß FIG 4 das Schrittschaltwerk und den Anzeigehebel in einer zweiten Schaltbzw. Anzeigestellung.
Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Show:
FIG. 1
in perspective view with the housing open, an electrical switching device with a stepping mechanism and a display lever comprehensive switch position display,
FIG. 2
in a perspective view of the indicator lever according to FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3
in perspective view of the ratchet of the stepper according to FIG. 1 .
FIG. 4
in a plan view IV according to FIG. 1 the stepper and the indicator lever in a first switching or display position and
FIG. 5
in a representation according to FIG. 4 the stepper and the indicator lever in a second Schaltbzw. Display position.

Das in FIG 1 bei geöffnetem Gehäuse 1 dargestellte elektrische Schaltgerät 2 ist mit zwei Eingangsklemmen 3a,3b und zwei Ausgangsklemmen 4a,4b sowie einem magnetischen Schrittschaltwerk 5 zur ferngesteuerten Auslösung eines Schaltvorgangs versehen. Das Schrittschaltwerk 5 umfasst eine Magnetspule 6 und eine an einem Kopfende 7 der Magnetspule 6 angeordnete Jochplatte 8. Die Jochplatte 8 ist in der in FIG 1 dargestellten Ruhelage mit geringem Abstand zum Kopfende 7 derart aufgehängt, dass sie in einer Projektion entlang der Spulenachse 9 den Querschnitt der Magnetspule 6 etwa überdeckt. Die Jochplatte 8 ist dabei an einem Seitenrand 10 schwenkbar gelagert, so dass sie auf das Kopfende 7 zu oder von diesem weg schwenkbar ist. Das dem Seitenrand 10 gegenüberliegende Freiende 11 ist zu einem schieberartigen Vorsprung ausgebildet, der mit einem etwa parallel zur Spulenachse 9 verlaufenden Schaltschieber 12 bezüglich einer etwa Kraftrichtung entlang der Spulenachse 9 in formschlüssiger Verbindung steht. Eine am Schaltschieber 12 montierte Schraubenfeder 13 hält den Schaltschieber 12 und die mit diesem verbundene Jochplatte 8 unter Vorspannung in der dargestellten Ruhelage.This in FIG. 1 shown with the housing 1 electrical switching device 2 is provided with two input terminals 3a, 3b and two output terminals 4a, 4b and a magnetic stepper 5 for remote triggering a switching operation. The stepping mechanism 5 comprises a magnet coil 6 and a yoke plate 8 arranged at a top end 7 of the magnet coil 6. The yoke plate 8 is in the in FIG. 1 illustrated rest position with a small distance from the head end 7 suspended such that it covers the cross section of the magnetic coil 6 in a projection along the coil axis 9 approximately. The yoke plate 8 is pivotally mounted on a side edge 10 so that it is on the head end 7 to or away from this pivot. The side edge 10 opposite free end 11 is formed into a slide-like projection which is in an approximately parallel to the coil axis 9 extending slide 12 with respect to an approximately force direction along the coil axis 9 in positive connection. A mounted on the slide valve 12 coil spring 13 holds the slide switch 12 and connected to this yoke plate 8 under bias in the rest position shown.

Der Schaltschieber 12 ragt mit einem Tastenende 14 zur manuellen Betätigung des Schaltgeräts 2 aus dem Gehäuse 1 heraus. Das gegenüberliegende Ende 15 liegt etwa am Umfang eines - vereinfacht ausgedrückt - quadratischen Schaltrads 16 an.The slide switch 12 protrudes with a key end 14 for manual actuation of the switching device 2 from the housing 1 out. The opposite end 15 is located approximately on the circumference of a - simplified terms - square ratchet wheel 16 at.

Bei Betätigung des Schaltgeräts 2, sei es durch manuelles Eindrücken des Tastenendes 14 oder durch Anlegen einer elektrischen Spannung an die Magnetspule 6 wird die Jochplatte 8 gegen das Kopfende 7 durch magnetische Kraftwirkung angezogen und der Schaltschieber 12 parallel zur Spulenachse 9 in Richtung des Schaltrads 16 bewegt. Dabei übt das Ende 15 des Schaltschiebers 12 ein Drehmoment auf das Schaltrad 16 aus und dreht dieses bei jedem Schaltvorgang um eine Achteldrehung (45°) in eine vorgegebene Umlaufrichtung 17 (im dargestellten Beispiel im Uhrzeigersinn). Das Schaltrad 16 steht auf nicht näher dargestellte Weise mit einem Schaltkontakt 18 in mechanischer Verbindung, so dass bei der Drehung des Schaltrads 16 der Schaltkontakt 18 zwischen zwei Schaltpositionen hin- und hergeschaltet wird. Dabei ist in der dargestellten Schaltposition die Eingangsklemme 3a über den Schaltkontakt 18 elektrisch leitend mit der Ausgangsklemme 4a verbunden, während die Verbindung zwischen der Eingangsklemme 3b und der Ausgangsklemme 4b geöffnet ist. In der zweiten, nicht dargestellten Schaltposition ist infolge einer Verschiebung des Schaltkontaktes 18 die Eingangsklemme 3b elektrisch leitend mit der Ausgangsklemme 4b verbunden, während der Kontakt zwischen der Eingangsklemme 3a und der Ausgangsklemme 4a unterbrochen ist. Bei einer Volldrehung des Schaltrads 16 wechselt der Schaltkontakt 18 dabei acht mal die Schaltposition, wobei im Zuge eines jeden Schaltvorgangs der Schaltkontakt 18 von einer initialen Schaltposition in die jeweils andere Schaltposition bewegt wird. Nach dem Schaltvorgang kehren der Schaltschieber 12 und die Jochplatte 8 in die in FIG 1 gezeigte Ruhelage zurück.Upon actuation of the switching device 2, either by manually pressing the key end 14 or by applying an electrical voltage to the solenoid 6, the yoke plate 8 is attracted against the head end 7 by magnetic force and the slide 12 is moved parallel to the coil axis 9 in the direction of the switching wheel 16 , In this case, the end 15 of the slide valve 12 exerts a torque on the ratchet wheel 16 and rotates this at each switching by an eighth of a turn (45 °) in a predetermined direction of rotation 17 (in the example shown in a clockwise direction). The ratchet wheel 16 is in a manner not shown with a switch contact 18 in mechanical connection, so that during the rotation of the ratchet 16 of the switching contact 18 back and forth between two switching positions. In this case, in the illustrated switching position, the input terminal 3a via the switch contact 18 is electrically conductively connected to the output terminal 4a, while the connection between the input terminal 3b and the output terminal 4b is opened. In the second switching position, not shown, due to a displacement of the switching contact 18, the input terminal 3b is electrically connected to the output terminal 4b, while the contact between the input terminal 3a and the output terminal 4a is interrupted. During a full rotation of the switching wheel 16, the switching contact 18 thereby changes eight times the switching position, wherein in the course of each switching operation, the switching contact 18 is moved from an initial switching position to the other switching position. After the switching operation, the slide switch 12 and the yoke plate 8 in the in FIG. 1 shown rest position back.

Das Schaltgerät 2 ist mit einer Schaltstellungsanzeige 19 versehen, deren Hauptbestandteil ein Anzeigehebel 20 ist. Der Anzeigehebel 20 ist etwa parallel zum Schaltschieber 12 im Gehäuse 1 positioniert und um eine zur Drehachse 21 des Schaltrads 16 etwa parallele Schwenkachse 22 am Gehäuse 1 schwenkbar gelagert.The switching device 2 is provided with a switch position indicator 19 whose main component is a display lever 20. Of the Indicator lever 20 is positioned approximately parallel to the slide switch 12 in the housing 1 and mounted pivotably about a pivot axis 22 approximately parallel to the axis of rotation 21 of the switch wheel 16 on the housing 1.

Wie in einer Zusammenschau von FIG 1 und der den Anzeigehebel 20 näher darstellenden FIG 2 deutlich wird, wird der Anzeigehebel 20 aus einem Anzeigearm 23 und einem Antriebsarm 24 gebildet, die von zueinander etwa entgegengesetzten Seiten jeweils etwa senkrecht zur Schwenkachse 22 an eine Gelenkhülse 25 angeformt sind. Zur Bildung eines Schwenkgelenks ist die Gelenkhülse 25 auf einen in das Gehäuse 1 hineinstehenden Gehäusezapfen 26 aufgesteckt. Der Anzeigehebel 20 ist derart im Gehäuse 1 positioniert, dass das als Anzeigefeld 27 dienende Freiende des Anzeigearms 23 in der Nähe einer einem Benutzer zugänglichen Gehäusefrontseite 28 liegt und durch ein in die Gehäusefrontseite 28 eingelassenes Gehäusefenster 29 nach außen hin sichtbar ist. Das Freiende des Antriebsarms 24 ist mit einem als Antriebsteil wirkenden Führungszapfen 30 versehen, der etwa in Richtung der Schwenkachse 22 vom Antriebsarm 24 absteht.As in a synopsis of FIG. 1 and the closer the display lever 20 FIG. 2 becomes clear, the indicator lever 20 is formed of a display arm 23 and a drive arm 24, which are formed by mutually approximately opposite sides each approximately perpendicular to the pivot axis 22 to a joint sleeve 25. To form a pivot joint, the joint sleeve 25 is attached to a projecting into the housing 1 housing pin 26. The display lever 20 is positioned in the housing 1 such that the free end of the display arm 23 serving as a display panel 27 is located near a housing front side 28 accessible to a user and is visible to the outside through a housing window 29 embedded in the housing front side 28. The free end of the drive arm 24 is provided with a guide pin 30 acting as a drive part, which protrudes approximately in the direction of the pivot axis 22 from the drive arm 24.

Der Führungszapfen 30 bildet zusammen mit einer in FIG 3 näher dargestellten Kulissenführung des Schaltrads 16 einen Schwenkantrieb für den Anzeigehebel 20. Die Kulissenführung ist als ringartig geschlossene Führungsnut 31 ausgebildet, die in eine Stirnseite 32 des Schaltrads 16 eingebracht ist und dessen Drehachse 21 in axialsymmetrischer Weise umläuft. Die Führungsnut 31 hat die Form eines Quadrats mit zur Drehachse 21 hin durchgebogenen Seitenlinien, d.h. eine Hybridform zwischen einem regelmäßigen Polygon und einem Stern. Die Eckpunkte 33 der Führungsnut sind dabei ausgerundet, um einen verkantungsfreien Lauf des Führungszapfens 30 in der Führungsnut 31 zu gewährleisten.The guide pin 30 forms together with a in FIG. 3 The slide guide is formed as a ring-like closed guide groove 31 which is inserted into an end face 32 of the ratchet wheel 16 and the axis of rotation 21 rotates in an axisymmetric manner. The guide groove 31 has the shape of a square with side lines bent towards the axis of rotation 21, ie a hybrid form between a regular polygon and a star. The corner points 33 of the guide groove are rounded in order to ensure a tilt-free running of the guide pin 30 in the guide groove 31.

In der in FIG 1 dargestellten Perspektive ist die Stirnseite 32 vom Betrachter abgewandt und daher nicht sichtbar.In the in FIG. 1 perspective shown, the end face 32 facing away from the viewer and therefore not visible.

Die FIG 4 und 5 zeigen das Schrittschaltwerk 5 und den Anzeigehebel 20 von hinten, d.h. in einer Draufsicht IV gemäß FIG 1. In dieser Darstellung wird insbesondere das Zusammenwirken der Führungsnut 31 mit dem Betätigungsarm 24 verdeutlicht. In FIG 4 ist eine der Darstellung gemäß FIG 1 entsprechende erste Schaltstellung 34a des Schaltkontakts 18 dargestellt. Diese erste Schaltstellung 34a korrespondiert mit einer Orientierung des Schaltrads 16, in der dessen Seitenkanten etwa parallel und senkrecht bezüglich der Spulenachse 9 ausgerichtet sind. In dieser Ausrichtung des Schaltrads 16 liegt wiederum der Führungszapfen 30 mittig zwischen zwei Eckpunkten 33 der polygon- oder sternartigen Führungsnut 31 ein, so dass der Abstand, den der innerhalb der Führungsnut 31 gehaltene Führungszapfen 30 zur Drehachse 21 einnehmen kann, minimal ist. Durch die Halterung des Führungszapfens 30 in der Führungsnut 31 ist die Orientierung des Anzeigehebels 20 und damit die Position des Anzeigefelds 27 in einer ersten, der Schaltstellung 34a eindeutig zuordbaren Anzeigestellung 35a festgelegt.The 4 and 5 show the stepper 5 and the indicator lever 20 from the rear, ie in a plan view IV according to FIG. 1 , In this illustration, in particular the interaction of the guide groove 31 is illustrated with the actuating arm 24. In FIG. 4 is one of the representation according to FIG. 1 corresponding first switching position 34a of the switching contact 18 is shown. This first switching position 34a corresponds to an orientation of the ratchet wheel 16, in which its side edges are aligned approximately parallel and perpendicular with respect to the coil axis 9. In this orientation of the ratchet wheel 16, in turn, the guide pin 30 is located centrally between two corner points 33 of the polygonal or star-shaped guide groove 31, so that the distance which can take the guide pin 30 held within the guide groove 31 to the axis of rotation 21, is minimal. By holding the guide pin 30 in the guide groove 31, the orientation of the indicator lever 20 and thus the position of the display panel 27 in a first, the shift position 34 a clearly assignable display position 35 a is fixed.

Bei einmaliger Betätigung des Schrittschaltwerks 5 wird, wie bereits erwähnt, das Schaltrad 16 um einen 45°-Winkel in Umlaufrichtung 17 verdreht. Die nach dem Schaltvorgang vorliegende Orientierung des Schaltrads 16, in der dessen Seitenkanten diagonal bezüglich der Spulenachse 9 ausgerichtet sind, ist in FIG 5 dargestellt. Bei der Bewegung des Schaltrads 16 wird zum Einen der Schaltkontakt 18 aus der in FIG 5 gestrichelt eingezeichneten ersten Schaltstellung 34a in eine zweite Schaltstellung 34b verfahren. Außerdem wird durch die Drehung des Schaltrads 16 die Führungsnut 31 unter dem Führungszapfen 30 verschoben, so dass der Führungszapfen 30 nunmehr in einem Eckpunkt 33 der Führungsnut 31 einliegt. Der Abstand zwischen dem Führungszapfen 30 und der Drehachse 21 ist in dieser Stellung maximal. Die Vergrößerung des Abstands zwischen dem Führungszapfen 30 und der gehäusefesten Drehachse 21 verursacht eine Schwenkbewegung des Anzeigearms 20 von der gestrichelt eingezeichneten ersten Anzeigestellung 35a in eine zweite Anzeigestellung 35b. Die räumliche Stellung des Anzeigefelds 27 ist in den Anzeigestellungen 35a und 35b verschieden, so dass das Anzeigefeld 27 je nach Anzeigestellung 35a, 35b und damit je nach der korrespondierenden Schaltstellung 34a bzw. 34b an unterschiedlicher Stelle im Gehäusefenster 29 erscheint. Anhand der Stellung des Anzeigefeldes 27 im Gehäusefenster 29 kann ein Benutzer somit eindeutig die Schaltstellung 34a,34b des Schaltgeräts 2 identifizieren.With a single operation of the stepper 5, as already mentioned, the ratchet wheel 16 is rotated by a 45 ° angle in the direction of rotation 17. The post-shift orientation of the indexing wheel 16, in which its side edges are oriented diagonally with respect to the coil axis 9, is in FIG FIG. 5 shown. During the movement of the ratchet wheel 16, on the one hand, the switching contact 18 from the in FIG. 5 traced dashed lines shown first switching position 34a 34b in a second switching position. In addition, the guide groove 31 is displaced under the guide pin 30 by the rotation of the ratchet wheel 16, so that the guide pin 30 now rests in a corner 33 of the guide groove 31. The distance between the guide pin 30 and the rotation axis 21 is maximum in this position. The increase in the distance between the guide pin 30 and the housing-fixed axis of rotation 21 causes a pivoting movement of the display arm 20 of the dashed line in the first display position 35a in a second display position 35b. The spatial position of the display panel 27 is different in the display positions 35a and 35b, so that the display panel 27 depending on the display position 35a, 35b and thus depending on the corresponding switching position 34a and 34b appears at different locations in the housing window 29. Based on the position of the display panel 27 in the housing window 29, a user can thus uniquely identify the switching position 34a, 34b of the switching device 2.

Bei einer weiteren Betätigung des Schrittschaltwerks 5, und einer damit verbundenen weiteren Drehung des Schaltrads 16 um einen 45°-Winkel nimmt das Schaltrad 16 eine mit der Darstellung gemäß FIG 1 identische Stellung ein, wodurch der Schaltkontakt wiederum in die Schaltstellung 34a, und der Anzeigehebel 20 wiederum in die Anzeigestellung 35a bewegt werden.In a further actuation of the stepper 5, and an associated further rotation of the ratchet wheel 16 by a 45 ° angle, the ratchet wheel 16 takes a with the representation according to FIG. 1 identical position, whereby the switching contact in turn in the switching position 34a, and the indicator lever 20 in turn moved to the display position 35a.

Claims (8)

  1. Electrical switch (2) with a contact position indication (19) comprising a pivotably supported indicator lever (20) with an indicator panel (27) which, in at least one indication position (35) of the indicator lever (20), is visible from the outside through a housing window (29) for notification of an operating state, characterised in that a drive part (30) of the indicator lever (20) interacts with the switch actuating wheel (16) of a stepping switch mechanism (5) in such a way that the drive part (30), is held at a distance able to be uniquely assigned from the axis of rotation (21) of the switch actuating wheel (16).
  2. Switch according to claim 1, characterised by a sliding block guide (31) attached to an end face side (32) of the switching wheel (16) and surrounding its axis of rotation (21), into which a guide pin of the indicator lever (30) engages as the drive part.
  3. Switch according to claim 2, characterised in that the sliding block guide is formed by a closed, ring-type guide slot (31).
  4. Switch according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the sliding block guide (31) has a star-shaped or polygon-shaped form.
  5. Switch according to claim 4, characterised in that the corners (33) of the sliding block guide (31) are rounded off.
  6. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the indicator lever (20) is designed in one piece.
  7. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the indicator lever (20) comprises an indicator arm (23) bearing the indicator panel (27) and a drive arm (24), with the indicator arm (23) and the drive arm (24) being molded at an obtuse angle to each other onto a pivot sleeve (25).
  8. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the indicator lever (20) is made of plastic.
EP20030020702 2002-09-23 2003-09-11 Electrical switch with contact position indication Expired - Lifetime EP1401001B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE2002144132 DE10244132B3 (en) 2002-09-23 2002-09-23 Electric switch, especially for fitting in rows in large numbers, has switch setting indicator with pivoting indication lever with field externally visible in one position through housing window
DE10244132 2002-09-23

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1401001A2 EP1401001A2 (en) 2004-03-24
EP1401001A3 EP1401001A3 (en) 2005-10-05
EP1401001B1 true EP1401001B1 (en) 2011-08-17

Family

ID=31724844

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20030020702 Expired - Lifetime EP1401001B1 (en) 2002-09-23 2003-09-11 Electrical switch with contact position indication

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EP (1) EP1401001B1 (en)
DE (1) DE10244132B3 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113436917B (en) * 2021-07-13 2023-02-07 宁波公牛数码科技有限公司 Switch with a switch body

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3519546A1 (en) * 1985-05-31 1986-12-04 E. Dold & Söhne KG, 7743 Furtwangen Electromagnetic stepping relay
DE3940425A1 (en) * 1989-11-30 1991-06-06 Kopp Gmbh & Co Kg Heinrich Remote control with position indicator for manual switchgear - employs rotary switch whose operation modifies visual aspect in window in conjunction with movement of switchgear contacts
US6107902A (en) * 1998-11-19 2000-08-22 General Electric Company Circuit breaker with visible trip indicator
DE10115427C1 (en) * 2001-03-29 2002-02-28 Siemens Ag Switch position display for electrical installation device has slider providing visible switch position indication operated directly via manual operating element

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EP1401001A2 (en) 2004-03-24
EP1401001A3 (en) 2005-10-05
DE10244132B3 (en) 2004-03-18

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