EP2673792B1 - Electrical switch - Google Patents

Description

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

Such electrical switches are used for switching on and / or off of electrical devices by a manual pressure operation of a user. In particular, these pressure switches are used for example in the home appliance industry for household appliances, such as coffee machines, vacuum cleaners o. The like., For devices in the entertainment industry, etc ..

Such an electrical switch may have a housing. The housing contains a contact system. From the housing protrudes a movable actuator for switching the contact system between two switching positions, namely an off-switching position and an on-switching position, out. The actuating member is in operative connection with a guide cam in the manner of a switching heart into which a latching means designed as a pin can be engaged, so that the actuating member can be locked in at least one of the switching positions by the interaction of latching means and guide cam. In particular, the actuator is locked or locked in the on-switching position, whereby the switch remains in the on-switching position after switching. However, this switch can be switched off only by renewed manual actuation of the actuator.

Such a switch is also from the US 2001/0014027 A1 known. In addition, a force acting on the contact system moving means is provided in this switch, so that the contact system is nonmanually switchable from one lockable switching position to the other switching position.

The invention has for its object to develop a further switch which is non-manually switchable from the lockable switching position to the other switching position. In particular, such a pressure switch should be unlocked both mechanically, ie manually by the user, as well as electrically / electronically, ie without manual intervention. In addition, optionally in a variant of the pressure switch should only turn on mechanically and can be switched off electrically / electronically.

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

In the electric switch according to the invention, the locking means by means of the movement means in and / or out of engagement with the guide cam is movable. As a result, the actuator located in the locked switching position is unlocked. And that is the switch "electrical / electronic" at least switched off. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

To protect the switch from harmful influences, the switch may expediently have a housing. The contact system is located in the housing. The actuator protrudes from the housing. Electrical connections for supplying the electrical voltage for the switch protrude from the housing. The moving means is arranged in the housing.

In a particularly simple and compact design, the movement means may consist of a controllable actuator, such that the latching means is moved when the actuator is actuated. Preferably, the actuator is a solenoid having a coil. The locking means can in a simple way from a pin exist, wherein the pin can be articulated on the armature located in the coil of the electromagnet. Furthermore, it makes sense that the guide cam is arranged movable in the transverse direction to the actuating direction and fixed in the direction of actuation of the actuating member on the actuator. Finally, the pin of wire in the manner of an L-shaped bracket can be designed in a cost effective manner.

To an electrical appliance after a certain time, for example, in which the electrical appliance is in standby mode to be able to switch off automatically, the switch, a programmable electronics, which in particular comprises a timer for the controlled unlocking of the actuator from the lockable switching position. Conveniently, the electronics are arranged on a circuit board located in the housing. For example, then in standby, the timer can be set in motion to turn off a coffee after a certain time.

In order to detect the actuation of the actuating member, in a further embodiment, the switch can have an additional auxiliary contact. In particular, the auxiliary contact then detects the locked switching position of the actuating member. Furthermore, the guide curve can be configured such that only a mechanical / manual switching into the lockable switching position, but no mechanical / manual switching is made possible in the other switching position by means of the actuator. The electrical / electronic unlocking of the switch from the lockable switching position is then optionally initiated via a further auxiliary contact.

In another embodiment, the guide curve is designed such that only after two or more manual actuation of the actuating member is a mechanical switching from the lockable switching position allows. For this purpose, a second detent position may be provided in the switching heart, so that the switch is also located in the on-switching state in the second detent position. Only from the second detent position then a manual switching off the switch is possible. Such a design thus enables the switching off of the electrical appliance even if the automatic shutdown fails.

In a further embodiment, the switch has a resistor in the manner of a shunt for current measurement. In a compact and simple configuration, the resistance can be integrated in a meandering manner in a connection of the switch. The current measurement can be used, for example, to detect the standby mode for the electrical appliance. So it can then be detected in a particular flowing stream that, for example, the coffee machine is in operation. In this case, the coffee machine is not turned off because it is not yet in standby.

If the switch is designed to be illuminated, the switch can be provided with a lighting. For this purpose, in the usual way, a light source, such as a light emitting diode, an incandescent lamp, a glow lamp o. The like., Be located in the housing of the switch. Appropriately, the light source is arranged on the circuit board in the housing.

For particularly preferred embodiments of the switch according to the invention is to be determined below.

The pressure switch, which optionally has additional lighting, is provided with a built-in, movable switching heart for mechanical switching on and / or off. The switching heart is movable in the transverse direction to the actuating direction, but firmly arranged in the direction of actuation. A wire in the form of an L-shaped bracket engages the switching heart for locking. Furthermore, the switch has an integrated coil for electrical / electronic unlocking or switching off the switch. For this purpose, the wire is hinged to the armature of the coil, so that it can be pulled out of the switching heart.

The pressure switch is in a variant with an integrated circuit board and a programmable electronics for controlled unlocking, so provided for switching off the switch. If the electrical appliance, for example a coffee machine, goes into standby mode, a timer in the electronics is set in motion to switch off the coffee machine after a certain time. In this variant with programmable electronics integrated in the switch, the duration until unlocking or switching off of the switch is thus determined via a program. Optionally, the load state of the switch can be detected.

The pressure switch is provided in a further variant with an additional auxiliary contact which detects the operation of the pusher. In this variant, therefore, the mechanical auxiliary contact is activated when pressing the trigger. Furthermore, the pressure switch has a movable switching heart for mechanically switching on the switch. A mechanical switching off is not with this appropriately shaped switching heart possible. An electrical switch-off of the switch is then initiated via an auxiliary contact. In this variant, therefore, only the auxiliary contact is closed by a single press of the pusher in the ON-switching state. As a result, the elimination of the switch is caused electrically / electronically.

In a further variant, the pressure switch is provided with a switching heart shaped in such a way that switching off the switch is enabled only after two or more mechanical actuations. In particular, the switching heart for this purpose has a second detent position, wherein the ON-switching state is maintained even in the second detent position. Only from the second detent position is a manual switch off possible. If the automatic switch-off of the switch fails, the option of manual switch-off remains. In this variant, the switch is thus switched off mechanically by pressing the pusher again.

The advantages achieved by the invention are, in particular, that a compact small design and a simple construction of the switch by the integrated coil and / or by the integrated coil with electronics is possible. The small design further contributes to the integrated coil with solenoid and jumper wire as a locking means, the jumper wire engages in a laterally displaceably mounted in the pusher switching heart and can be unlocked mechanically and / or electrically. By interchangeability of the switching heart different variants of the switch are possible in a simple manner. Various connection options also allow easy adjustment of the switch for various installation variants in the electrical appliance.

By detecting the operation of the pusher, a delayed shutdown of the device can be realized. This, for example, brings advantages in coffee machines, where a cleaning cycle can be initiated before the device is disconnected from the mains. This is also advantageous in consumer electronic devices that are galvanically separated from the network only after completion of a specific action. The electronic shutdown can optionally be overridden by pressing the trigger several times. It is also possible in a simple manner different input and / or Ausschaltmöglichkeiten for the switch.

Another advantage is a significant increase in comfort, as can be optimally set by detecting the load conditions of the shutdown. At the same time, the standby consumption for the electrical appliance is reduced, which saves energy.

Fig. 1

einen elektrischen Schalter in Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 2

einen elektrischen Schalter entsprechend einer weiteren Ausführung in Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 3

einen elektrischen Schalter entsprechend einer nochmals weiteren Ausführung in Explosionsdarstellung und

Fig. 4

das Betätigungsorgan des Schalters aus Fig. 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung.

Embodiments of the invention with various developments and refinements are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1

an exploded electric switch,

Fig. 2

an electrical switch according to another embodiment in exploded view,

Fig. 3

an electrical switch according to yet another embodiment in exploded view and

Fig. 4

the actuator of the switch Fig. 1 in an enlarged view.

In Fig. 1 an electrical switch 1 is shown in exploded view. The switch 1 has a housing 2, which consists of a base 3 and a cover 4. In the housing 2 is a designed in the manner of a snap system contact system 5. From the housing 2 projects against a return spring 11 movable actuator 6 for manual switching of the contact system 5 between two switching positions. In one switching position is the off-switching position and in the other switching position to the on-switching position of the contact system. 5

The contact system 5 comprises a fixed contact 7 and a movable switching contact 8. The fixed contact 7 is located on an electrical connection 24. The switching contact 8 is movably mounted in a cutting bearing 27 on an electrical connection 24 '. The protruding from the housing 2 electrical connections 24, 24 'are used to supply the electrical voltage for the switch 1. A movably mounted in the housing 2 Shift lever 9 is in operative connection with the actuator 6. A tension spring 10 is mounted on the one hand on the shift lever 9 and on the other hand on the switching contact 8. As a result, the contact system 5 switches during movement of the actuator 6 by the user and the associated movement of the shift lever 9 snapping between the off-switching position in which the switch contact 8 abuts against a stop 12 in the base 3, and the on-switching position, in the the switching contact 8 on the fixed contact 7 electrically contacting rests to.

The actuator 6 is in at least one of the switching positions, in the present case in the on-switching position, lockable. For this purpose, the actuator 6 is operatively connected to a guide cam 13 in the manner of a switching heart. In the guide cam 13 engages a consisting of a pin locking means 14, such that by the interaction of pin 14 and guide cam 13, the actuator 6 is held arresting or locking in the on-switching position. In the housing 2, a movement means 15 is arranged for the pin 14, such that the pin 14 in and / or out of engagement with the guide cam 13 is movable. As a result, the actuating member 6 located in the locked switching position is unlocked and the contact system 5 of the switch 1 is switched from one lockable switching position to the other switching position, without requiring the manual actuation of the actuator 6 by the user. The unlocking of the switch 1 from the lockable switching position is effected by the pin 14 is pulled out of the guide cam 13, in which case the actuator 6 is reset due to the action of the return spring 11 and thereby the contact system 5 is switched. In other words, in the present case, the switch 1, which is switched on manually by means of the actuating member 6, at least not manually switched off.

In order to enable a non-manual "electronic" switching off, the movement means 15 consists of a controllable actuator, which moves the pin 14 with appropriate control. The actuator is in turn a coil 16 having an electromagnet. The pin 14, which is made of wire in the manner of an L-shaped bracket is hinged to the located in the coil 16 armature 17 of the electromagnet 15. The armature 17 is reset by means of a compression spring 23.

How to continue the Fig. 4 can take, the guide cam 13 is located in an element which is arranged movable in the transverse direction 18 to the actuating direction 19 and fixed in the direction of actuation 19 of the actuating member 6 on the actuator 6.

For the controlled "electronic" switching off of the switch 1 by unlocking the actuator 6, the switch 1, a programmable electronics 31, which includes, for example, a timer have. The electronics 31 is arranged on a circuit board 20 located in the housing 2, as in Fig. 2 you can see. Thus, in the standby state of the electrical appliance, where the switch 1 is located, the timer can be set in motion. After a predetermined time then the electrical appliance, such as the coffee machine is switched off electronically. In order to enable a simple mounting of the printed circuit board 20 in the housing 2, a further cover 4 'is arranged on the base 3. In Fig. 2 is yet another seen from the housing 2 outstanding electrical connection 21 for an electrically neutral conductor, which is needed for the function of the electronics 31.

The switch 1 can also be switched off by external control. For this purpose, the switch 1 according to Fig. 3 an additional auxiliary contact 29 with contact bridge 30. Via the auxiliary contact 29 together with the contact bridge 30, the actuation of the actuating member 6 in the locked switching position and thus the switch-on position of the contact system 5 can be detected. The contact system 5 and the movement means 15 are connected via connecting pins 28, which in Fig. 2 are shown, with the circuit board 20 in electrical connection. Furthermore, the switching heart 13 can be configured such that only a mechanical or manual switching to the lockable switching position, but no manual switching is made possible by means of the actuator 6 in the other switching position. The electrical or electronic unlocking of the switch 1 from the lockable switching position is controlled by appropriate control over further, protruding from the housing 2 auxiliary contacts 22, which in Fig. 3 to be seen initiated.

In an extension of this concept, which is not shown further, the switching heart 13 may be configured such that only after two or more manual actuation of the actuating member 6, a mechanical switching from the lockable switching position in which the contact system 5 is in switch-on Position is in the unlocked or unlocked switching position, in which the contact system 5 is in the off position, is possible For this, the switching heart 13 has a second detent position, wherein the on-switching state of the contact system 5 in addition to the first detent position also remains in the second detent position. In contrast to the first detent position, in which only an automatic electronic switching off can take place, however, a manual switching off of the contact system 5 into the off-switching state by means of the actuating member 6 is possible only from the second detent position. The second detent position is used for manually switching off the switch 1, for example, if the automatic shutdown fails in case of failure.

The switch 1 may have a resistance such as a shunt for current measurement. How to continue the Fig. 2 can remove, the resistance 25 is integrated in a meandering manner in the terminal 24 of the switch 1. As long as a certain current flows through the terminal 24, which can be measured with the aid of the resistor 25, the operation of the electrical appliance can be detected. For example, this can detect the operation of the coffee machine, so as to prevent automatic shutdown. Only when the coffee machine is in standby, which at most a reduced current flows through the connection 24, the automatic shutdown of the coffee maker is triggered. Finally, the switch 1 is provided with lighting, for which purpose a light-emitting diode 26 is located on the circuit board 20.

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, such an electrical switch 1 not only for coffee machines but also in other electrical appliances, where automatic switching should be possible, as well as other household appliances, gardening tools, power tools o. The like. Use find.

Reference numeral list:

1:

(electrical) switch

2:

casing

3:

base

4,4 ':

cover

5:

Contact system

6:

actuator

7:

fixed contact

8th:

switching contact

9:

gear lever

10:

Tension spring (for contact system)

11:

Return spring (for actuator)

12:

attack

13:

Guide curve / switching heart

14:

Latching means / pin

15:

Moving means / electromagnet

16:

Kitchen sink

17:

anchor

18:

transversely

19:

operating direction

20:

circuit board

21:

(electrical) connection

22:

auxiliary contact

23:

Compression spring (for anchors)

24.24 ':

(electrical) connection

25:

resistance

26:

led

27:

cutting camp

28:

connecting pin

29:

(additional) auxiliary contact

30:

Contact bridge

31:

electronics

Claims (9)

1. An electrical switch having a contact system (5) as well as a moving actuating member (6) for switching over the contact system (5) between two switching positions, wherein the actuating member (6) is operatively connected with a guide cam (13) in the manner of a switching crossing and a catch means (14) can be brought into engagement with the guide cam (13), in such a manner that by the interaction of the catch means (14) and the guide cam (13) the actuating member (6) can be locked in at least one of the switching positions, and wherein a movement means (15) is provided, in such a manner that the contact system (5) can be switched from the one lockable switching position to the other switching position, characterized in that the catch means (14) can be moved by means of the movement means (15) in and/or out of engagement with the guide cam (13), in such a manner that the actuating member (6) located in the locked switching position is unlocked.
2. An electrical switch according to Claim 1, characterized in that the switch (1) has a housing (2), that preferably the contact system (5) is located in the housing (2), that further preferably the actuating member (6) protrudes from the housing (2), that still further preferably electrical connections (24, 24') for the supply of the electrical voltage for the switch (1) protrude from the housing (2), and that once again further preferably the movement means (15) is arranged in the housing (2).
3. An electrical switch according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movement means (15) consists of a controllable actuator, in such a manner that the catch means (14) is moved upon control of the actuator, and that preferably the actuator is an electromagnet (15) having a coil (16).
4. An electrical switch according to Claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the catch means (14) consists of a pin, wherein in particular the pin (14) is hinged on the armature (17) of the electromagnet (15) located in the coil (16), that preferably the guide cam (13) is arranged movable in the transverse direction (18) to the actuating direction (19), as well as firmly in the actuation direction (19) of the actuating member (6) on the actuating member (6), and that further preferably the pin (14) is designed from wire in the manner of an L-shaped bracket.
5. An electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the switch (1) has a programmable electronics assembly (31), which in particular comprises a timer, for the controlled unlocking of the actuating member (6) from the lockable switching position, and that preferably the electronics assembly (31) is arranged on a printed circuit board (20) located in the housing (2).
6. An electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the switch (1) has an additional auxiliary contact (29), wherein the auxiliary contact (29) detects the actuation of the actuating member (6), particularly into the locked switching position, that preferably the guide cam (13) is designed in such a manner that by means of the actuating member (6) only a switching over into the lockable switching position and not a switching over into the other switching position is enabled, and that further preferably the unlocking of the switch (1) from the lockable switching position is initiated by means of an auxiliary contact (22).
7. An electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the guide cam (13) has a second catch position, such that a switching over from the lockable switching position is only enabled after actuating the actuating member (6) twice or several times.
8. An electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the switch (1) has a resistor (25) in the manner of a shunt for the current measurement, and that preferably the resistor (25) is integrated meander-like into a connection (24) of the switch (1).
9. An electrical switch according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the switch (1) is provided with an illumination.

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