EP2101340B1 - Electric switch, in particular electric tool switch - Google Patents

Description

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

Such electrical switches find especially for an electric hand tool with an electric motor, such as for a cordless and / or power tool, use. These power tools may be drills, grinders, saws, planers, angle grinders, or the like.

From the DE 24 10 871 A1 For example, an electrical switch with a housing for a power tool is known. The housing contains a contact system. An actuator disposed on the housing is movable between an output and an end position. The actuator acts in the end position switching on the contact system. The switch can be provided with a switch-lock for the actuator in the starting position and / or with a locking device for the actuator in the end position. The switch-on and / or the locking comprises an actuating element and in each case one cooperating with the actuating element blocking element, which may be arranged on the housing.

Depending on the purpose in the power tool thus the switch can be provided with the following functions, namely switch with a lock, switch with a switch-lock or switch "normal", ie a switch equipped with neither lock nor lock. Because the blocking element for these functions is designed differently, different housings are required in conventional switches. Alternatively, different tools or tool change inserts have previously been used for the production of the housing, each with such a blocking element by injection molding.

Another electrical switch for a power tool is from the DE 199 62 002 A1 known. This switch has a housing which includes a base and a lid, and a switch-lock and a lock for the actuator. The switch-lock and the lock have an actuating element and cooperating with the actuating element blocking element. The blocking element is designed such that an optional cooperation with the actuating element for the switch-on lock in the initial position of the actuating member and / or for the locking in the end position of the actuating member is made possible

Furthermore, the shows GB 2 363 520 A a power tool with an electrical switch, on which acts in the power tool housing pivotally mounted actuator. The actuating member has a pivotable actuating element, which cooperates with a stop in the power tool housing as a switch-on lock for the actuator in its initial position. Furthermore, the actuator cooperates with a arranged in the power tool housing lock for the end position of the actuator.

Finally, in the DE 197 07 215 A1 a power tool with an electrical switch shown, on which acts in the power tool housing pivotally mounted actuator. In the power tool housing is a movable locking element, which cooperates with the actuator as Einschaltsperre and locking. The blocking element is in turn movable by a arranged on the power tool housing actuator for the switch-lock and locking.

The invention has for its object to further develop the switch so that the housing can be used simultaneously for the switch normal and / or switch with locking and / or switch with switch-lock.

This object is achieved in a generic electrical switch by the characterizing features of claim 1.

In the switch according to the invention, the blocking element is arranged on the cover, namely approximately perpendicular to the lid projecting. In a compact design, the blocking element is configured in approximately U-shaped with a passage limited by walls. The blocking element further comprises, in a simple embodiment, a stop on a leg of the U for the switch-on. In addition, the blocking element on a backdrop for the lock on. The housing is thus suitable either for receiving the switch-lock or the lock or without switch-lock / lock. Advantageously, it is possible by this particular structural design to integrate all three functions mentioned in the same housing, without these functions interfere with each other, this costs are saved because the SpritzgießWerkzeug does not require additional tool change inserts for the housing. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Conveniently, the blocking element is arranged on the housing such that the locking element is immersed in movement of the actuating member in the end position in a recess in the actuating member, without obstruction of the actuating member. In other words, the actuating member is hollow at the corresponding point inside and comprises the locking element in the end position, which contributes to the compactness of the switch. Furthermore, the housing may conventionally include a socket in which the contact system is received and a cover. The actuator is movable, for example, pivotally mounted on the cover. Finally, the simple operability half by the user as well as in terms of compactness, the actuator may be located on the actuator, in particular, the actuator is movably mounted on the actuator.

It is advisable that the stop on the leg of the U is partially arranged projecting into the passage. Furthermore, the stop on the end facing away from the lid of the passage, in the direction of movement of the actuating member be overhanging. The gate can be arranged at the base of the U at the end of the passage facing the lid with a recess. Such trained locking element offers both simple functionality, both the functionality of the lock and the lock in a single part.

The actuating element for the switch-on has a movable counter-stop, whereby in the initial position of the counter-stop in abutment against the stop for blocking the movement of the actuator. By means of the actuating element, the counter-stop can be moved out of contact with the stop when actuated by the user, which leads to the release of the movement of the actuating member. Only then, the actuator can be moved from the output to the end position to put the power tool in operation, in which case the counter stop located out of abutment against the stop dips unhindered in the passage during movement of the actuator. The actuating element for locking has a movable hook, wherein the hook is formed so narrow that it dips into the passage during movement of the actuator past the stop, Thus, with appropriate operation of the actuator by the user in the end position of the actuator of the hook in latching engagement with the backdrop can be brought. By the Hlintergriff of the hook in the recess then the actuator is held in the end position, which consequently leads to the locking of the actuator in the end position.

It also lends itself to provide a compression spring for the return of the actuator from the end position to the starting position, wherein the compression spring between the lid and a holder on the actuator is arranged. The compression spring can also be added between the two legs, on the side remote from the base of the U side of the locking element, so that the compression spring is guided accordingly during movement of the actuating member. The blocking element then saves an additional guide element for the compression spring.

To allow ergonomic operation of the actuator by the user, the actuator is pivotally mounted on the actuator. The actuating element can also be acted upon by means of a spring for return. The compact arrangement, it is advisable to arrange the spring on the side facing away from the compression spring of the holder.

In a low-cost embodiment, the blocking element is integrally formed together with the stop and gate. In a conventional manner, the blocking element and / or the lid and / or the base made of a thermoplastic material, which are produced by injection molding. Conveniently, the locking element and the lid are then produced in one piece during their manufacture.

The switch-lock can also act as a transport lock for the actuator. This prevents unintentional switching on during transport of the power tool, which increases the safety for the user.

In summary, it can be found for a particularly preferred embodiment that a type of multi-function lid for a device switch with integrated switch-lock, transport lock and / or locking in the actuator, which is designed for example in the manner of a pusher created.

If the switch is equipped without these special functions, then the stop for the switch-on lock or for the transport lock without function and the backdrop for the lock is without function.

If the switch is equipped with a detent, then the narrow Arrerierhebel immersed in the operation of the pusher in the scenery. When the locking lever is actuated, the hook pivots into the gate, whereby the switch is locked. Repeated actuation of the trigger releases the locking by the return spring. If the lock is actuated first and then the pusher, then the locking hook slides freely on the backdrop down, so that the function lock is possible.

If the switch is equipped with a switch-on lock, the wide lever of the switch-on lock or the transport lock pushes against its stop when the push-button is actuated. Thus, the switch is secured against accidental switching. If the switch-on lock or transport lock and only then the trigger is pressed, the barrier rib pivots into the free area of the gate and clears the way.

The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular that cost savings are realized by no production of interchangeable inserts for the tool for the production of the lid is necessary. In addition, a constant modification of the tool depending on the desired equipment variant for the switch is eliminated. Furthermore, the storage is simplified because only one cover instead of three different covers are needed as before. In addition, no conversion of the assembly and / or testing devices depending on manufactured variant of the switch is necessary, which allows a more flexible manufacturing changeover to another variant. Finally, also eliminates the possibility of confusion in the variants, which increases the quality.

Fig. 1

einen elektrischen Schalter in Gesamtansicht,

Fig. 2

den elektrischen Schalter ohne Sonderfunktionen in aufgeschnittener Ansicht,

Fig. 3

den elektrischen Schalter mit Einschaltsperre in aufgeschnittener Ansicht sowie mit einer Detailansicht,

Fig. 4

den elektrischen Schalter mit Arretierung in aufgeschnittener Ansicht sowie mit einer Detailansicht und

Fig. 5

den Deckel für das Gehäuse des elektrischen Schalters als Einzelteil mit geschnitten dargestelltem Sperrelement.

An embodiment of the invention with various developments and refinements is shown in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1

an electric switch in overall view,

Fig. 2

the electric switch without special functions in cutaway view,

Fig. 3

the electrical switch with switch-on lock in cut-open view as well as with a detailed view,

Fig. 4

the electric switch with locking in cutaway view and with a detail view and

Fig. 5

the cover for the housing of the electrical switch as a single part with cut Sperrem shown.

In Fig. 1 there is shown an electrical switch 1 suitable for use with an electric hand tool with an electric motor, such as for a cordless and / or mains power tool. The electric tools can be, for example, drills, grinders, saws, planers, angle grinders or the like. In particular, the switch 1 is suitable for use in the handle of a two-hand angle grinder. The switch 1 has a housing 2 for receiving a contact system 3 indicated only schematically. On the housing 2, an actuating member 4 which is movable between an initial position and an end position is arranged in the manner of a pusher, which serves for switching action on the contact system 3. In the present case, the contact system 3 is turned off when the actuator 4 is in the starting position. If, however, the actuating member 4 is in the end position, the contact system 3 is switched on.

The switch 1 may be provided with a switch-lock and / or with a lock for the actuator 4. In this case, the switch-lock and / or the locking comprises an actuating element 5 and a cooperating with the actuating element 5, in Fig. 5 visible locking element 6. If the switch 1 is not equipped with these special functions, so eliminates the actuator 5. The locking element 6 is then still present, but has no function in this case.

As in further Fig. 2 can be seen, the blocking element 6 is arranged on the housing 2 such that the locking element 6 is immersed in movement of the actuating member 4 in the end position in a recess 7 in the actuator 4. A hindrance to the movement of the Actuator 4 is thus excluded if it is a switch 1 without switch-lock or locking, so is a normal switch 1. Further, the blocking element 6 is designed such that an optional interaction with the actuating element 5 for the switch-lock according to Fig. 3 and / or for locking according to Fig. 4 is possible. The switch 1 is thus optionally designed for receiving the switch-on lock or the lock or without switch-lock / lock.

As further on from Fig. 2 can be seen, the housing 2 comprises a base 8 and a cover 9. The actuator 4 is movable, namely pivotally mounted on a bearing 10, the cover 9. The actuator 5 is located on the actuator 4, according to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 mounted on the actuator 4 by means of a pivot bearing 11 for pivoting movable.

The blocking element 6 is arranged on the cover 9, in approximately perpendicular to the lid 9 projecting, as shown in the Fig. 5 can be seen. The blocking element 6 is designed approximately U-shaped, wherein walls 16, 17 of the U define a passage 20. The blocking element 6 is in Fig. 5 shown cut so that the wall 16 parallel to the wall of the U is omitted. The blocking element 6 also has a stop 12 for the switch-on lock, wherein the stop 12 is arranged in the manner of a rib on a leg 16 of the U, so that the stop 12 projects partially into the passage 20. Furthermore, the stop 12 at the end facing away from the cover 9 of the passage 20, arranged in the direction of movement of the actuator 4 projecting. The blocking element 6 furthermore has a link 14 for the locking, wherein the link 14 is arranged on the base 17 of the U at the end of the passage 20 facing the cover 9 with a recess 18.

As already mentioned, the blocking element 6 has a stop 12 for the switch-on lock, as well as in FIG Fig. 3 you can see. The actuating element 5 for the lock-on has a wide, movable counter-stop 13 in the manner of a locking rib, so that in the starting position of the actuator 4, the counter-stop 13 is in contact with the stop 12 or immediately upon attempting movement of the actuator 4 in abutment against the stop 12 arrived. Consequently, the movement of the actuator 4 in locked the type of lock-in. By means of the actuating element 5, with appropriate operation by the user in the initial position of the counter-stop 13 out of engagement with the stop 12 is movable, whereby a release of the movement of the actuator 4 takes place. The actuator 4 can then be moved to turn on the contact system 3 in the end position, as shown by the detail view in the right Fig. 3 can be seen by the counter-stop 13 immersed in movement of the actuator 4 in the passage 20. The lockout can also be used as a transport lock for the actuator 4, so that an accidental turning on the switch 1 during transport of the power tool is avoided, which contributes to increasing the safety of the user.

As also already mentioned, the blocking element 6 furthermore has a link 14 for the locking, as in FIG Fig. 4 you can see. The actuating element 5 for the locking has a movable hook 15. The hook 15 is formed so narrow that it can submerge on movement of the actuator 4 on stop 12 in the passage. By means of appropriate operation of the actuating element 5 by the user, in the end position of the actuating member 4, the hook 15 can be brought into latching engagement with the link 14, as is apparent from the detail view on the right Fig. 4 can be seen. In this case, a rear grip of the hook 15 in the recess 18 on the gate 14, whereby the actuator 4 is held in the end position. Consequently, then a locking of the actuator 4 is made in the end position.

As well as in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 can be seen, the blocking element 6 is configured approximately U-shaped. The stops 12 are arranged on a respective leg 16 of the U in the direction of movement of the actuating member 4 projecting. The gate 14 is arranged on the base 17 of the U with a recess 18 for the rear grip of the hook 15. A compression spring 19 for the return of the actuator 4 from the end position to the starting position is arranged between the cover 9 and a holder 21 on the actuator 4, as can be seen from Fig. 4 recognizes. The compression spring 19 is located between the two legs 16 on the side facing away from the base 17 of the U's of the locking element 6, whereby the compression spring 19 is guided accordingly. The actuating element 5 is pivotably mounted on the actuating member 4, wherein the Actuator 5 by means of a spring 22 is reset. The spring 22 is arranged on the side facing away from the compression spring 19 of the holder 21.

The blocking element 6 is integrally configured together with stop 12 and gate 14, in particular the Fig. 5 can be seen. The blocking element 6 and / or the lid 9 and / or the base 8 are made of a thermoplastic material and are produced by means of injection molding in a corresponding tool. Conveniently, the locking element 6 and the cover 9 are then made in one piece in their manufacture in a tool, so that the lid 9 serves as a kind of multi-function lid for a switch with or without switch-lock and / or with locking.

The invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments. Rather, it also encompasses all expert developments within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. Thus, the invention can be used not only in power tool switches in power tools, but can also be found on other switches, such as those for household electrical appliances, electrical gardening equipment, machine tools o. The like., Use.

Reference numeral list:

1:

(electrical) switch

2:

casing

3:

Contact system

4:

actuator

5:

actuator

6:

blocking element

7:

Recess (in the actuator)

8th:

base

9:

cover

10:

Bearing (for actuator)

11:

Pivot bearing (for actuator)

12:

Stop (for switch-on lock)

13:

counterstop

14:

Setting (for locking)

15:

hook

16:

Leg (of blocking element) / wall

17:

Base (of blocking element) / wall

18:

Recess (on blocking element)

19:

compression spring

20:

Passage

21:

bracket

22:

feather

Claims (9)

1. An electric switch, in particular for a power tool, having an electric motor, such as a rechargeable battery and/or mains power tool, e.g. drills, sanders, saws, planers, angle grinders, or the like, having a housing (2) comprising a base (8) and a cover (9), with a contact system (3) present In the housing (2), having an actuating member (4) that is movable between an Initial and an end position for the switching engagement of the contact system (3), and optionally with a switch lock and/or a locking device for the actuating member (4), wherein the switch lock and/or the locking device comprises an actuating element (5), as well as a locking element (6) interacting with the actuating element (5), and wherein the locking element (6) is embodied such that an optional interaction with the actuating element (5) for the switch lock in the initial position of the actuating member (4), and/or for the locking in the end position of actuating member (4) is enabled, characterized in that the locking element (6) is arranged in a manner approximately perpendicularly projecting from the cover (9), that the locking element (6) is embodied In an approximately U-shape, having a passage (20) limited by walls (16, 17), that the locking element (6) has a stop (12) at one journal (18) of the U for the switch lock, and that the locking element (6) has a connecting member (14) for locking.
2. The electric switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (6) is arranged on the housing (2) such that the locking element (6) plunges into the end position in a recess (7) in the actuating member (4) upon the movement of the actuating member (4) so that preferably the actuating member (4) is arranged on the cover (9) in a movable, particularly pivoting manner, and that furthermore the actuating element (5) is preferably located on the actuating member (4), in particular is mounted on the actuating member (4) in a movable manner.
3. The electric switch according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the stop (12) at the journal (16) of the U is arranged in a manner protruding into the passage (20), as well as optionally on the end of the passage (20) facing away from the cover (9), in a projecting manner in the movement direction of the actuating member (4), and that preferably the connecting member (14) is arranged on the base (17) of the U at the end of the passage (20) facing the cover (9) with a recess (18).
4. The electric switch according to claims 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the actuating element (5) has a movable counter stop (13) for the switch lock such that in the initial position of the actuating member (4) the counter stop (13) may be moved in abutment at the stop (12) for locking the movement of the actuating member (4), and is movable out of abutment at the stop (12) via the actuating element (5) for releasing the movement of the actuating member (4), and that preferably the counter stop (13) being out of abutment at the stop (12) plunges into the passage (20) upon the movement of the actuating member (4).
5. The electric switch according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the actuating element (5) has a movable hook (15) for locking such that the hook (15) plunges into the passage (20) upon the movement of the actuating member (4) past the stop (12), and that preferably in the end position of the actuating member (4) the hook (15) may be moved into a latched engagement with the connecting member (14) via the actuating element (5) for retaining the actuating member (4) in the end position, in particular by means of the engagement of the hook (15) in the recess (18).
6. The electric switch according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a pressure spring (19) is located at the base (17) of the side of the locking element (6) facing away from the U for resetting the actuating member (4) from the end position into the initial position between the two journals (16), and that preferably the pressure spring (19) is arranged between the cover (9) and the mount (21) on the actuating member (4).
7. The electric switch according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized In that the actuating element (5) is pivot-mounted on the actuating member (4), that preferably the actuating element (5) may be reset by means of a spring (22), and that furthermore the spring (22) is preferably arranged on the side of the mount (21) facing away from the pressure spring (19).
8. The electric switch according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the locking element (6) is embodied in one piece together with the stop (12) and the connecting member (14), that preferably the locking element (6) and/or the cover (9), and/or the base (8) are made from thermoplastic resin, and that furthermore the locking element (6) and the cover (9) are preferably made in one piece during their manufacture by means of injection molding.
9. The electric switch according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the switch lock additionally acts as a transportation safety device for the actuating member (4).

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