EP2777056A1

EP2777056A1 - Illuminated, water- and dust-proof switching element

Info

Publication number: EP2777056A1
Application number: EP12783858.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Danny Raupach; Karl-Heinz Krieg
Original assignee: EAO HOLDING AG; Eao Automative & Co KG GmbH
Current assignee: Eao Automotive & Co KG GmbH; EAO HOLDING AG
Priority date: 2011-11-10
Filing date: 2012-10-11
Publication date: 2014-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 2032-10-11
Also published as: KR20140101770A; EP2777056B1; US20150060245A1; CN103946941A; DE102011118178B3; WO2013067984A1; US9368297B2; JP2014532973A; EP2777056B8; DE112012004712A5

Abstract

Illuminated water- and dust-proof switching element for converting a linear movement of a key into an electrical switching signal, having a housing and a cap that is axially displaceable within the housing about a stroke path between two end bearings and which is provided with a protective membrane for sealing off to the outside that is formed from a flexible plastic material via multicomponent injection molding, wherein the switching element includes inside its housing (9) at least four contacts (8), of which at least two contacts (8) have identical contours and which follow a rearrangement of their linear arrangement in the region of the plug to a square arrangement in the interior, a pressure compensation element (7), a circuit board (6) on which at least one push button and at least two lighting elements are arranged, a restoring element in the form of a silicon pad (5), a guide (4), an end stop (3), a cap (2) with integrally molded protective membrane (12) and a frame (10).

Description

Illuminated, water and dustproof switching element

The invention relates to an illuminated, water and dustproof

Switching element for converting a li-linear movement of a key in an electrical switching signal, with a housing and a housing in the housing axially displaceable by a H ubweg between two reposable cap, which is provided with a sealing membrane to the outside, which by means of multi-component injection molding of a pliable

Plastic material is designed and preferably for outdoor use in Fa hrzeugbau for switching and / or display of

Operating states of electrical assemblies used.

Illuminated, water- and dust-proof switching elements are used in vehicle already in a wide variety of Varia nts and are thus known in general.

EP 2 175 462 A1 describes a sealed switch for

Conversion of a linear movement of a key into an electrical one

Switching signal, with a housing through which the axially movably held in its key is supported, with a firmly verbu ning with the button NEN panel and with a covering the cover and sealed to the outside cap, which consists of egg nem pliable plastic material, the The inside of the switch must be encapsulated air- and water-tight and the Schaltcharakteristi k when you press the button should as possible be made uniform over the entire stroke. The fact that the cap is under bias, since the diaphragm thorn or

hemispherical outwardly against the direction of movement of the switch is curved, a uniform Schaltcharakteristi k is generated, because immedia r when pressing the cap is already pressed the panel from its initial position. While the protective cap and the visor are moved in the direction of the switching contact, no different g roß sized actuating forces apply, since the cap is moved between an upper and a lower extension point, so that no additional aufg round an overstretching of the cap

arising restoring forces occur. Furthermore arises a

joint-free curved surface of the protective cap, so that dirt does not fit and also can be wiped off in a simple manner. Furthermore, the cap due to the present bias no Anformu things, beads or the like, which can serve as an attachment for Schmutzpa rti angle.

From DE 10 2008 034 046 AI an electrical switch is known.

The electrical switch is located in a housing provided with an opening. Inside the housing there is a contact system and on

Housing is at least partially protruding from the housing

Actuator arranged in the manner of a rocker for switching action on the Konta ktsystem. A bellows-type seal is attached to the end of the actuator and the other end to the housing in such a way that the seal substantially covers the opening. The actuator consists of two parts, an inner and an outer rocker, with the seal between the two parts

clamped and thus integrated in the actuator.

Based on the prior art, the object of the invention is to develop a switch of the aforementioned type dera rt that this is used outdoors, a robustness against external Influences, such as freezing, etc., has been provided with egg nem pressure equalization element and when installed a Dichtwi tion also to

Has fastener out. Furthermore, the switching element in the installed state should have no visible gap to the fastener to protect against dirt, sand, snow or frost.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that the switching element in the interior of its housing kts at least four, of which at least two of the contacts are formed with a same contour and a deflection of their linear arrangement in the mating area to a square arrangement in neren follow, creating a symmetrical Building inside the

Switching element is possible, ei n pressure compensation element which is hot or ultrasonically welded from the inside and realized by means of a meandering Entl üftungskanal pressure equalization to the outside environment, a circuit board on which at least one button and at least two

Lighting body are arranged, a silicone mat, which as

Restoring element and Lichtabschottung is a Füh tion, which at least d rei guide contours, the rungsnuten in the Füh in the housing mature, and has an end stop on which the leadership on at least three areas the end position or rest position of the Scha ltelements defi ned depicts and also serves for Lichtabschi heating, a cap with molded protective membrane, which realizes the sealing function of the switching element, the seal to the mounting plate, the robustness against freezing and overmolded search and function lighting and a frame. As Beleuchtu ngskörper preferably LED are used.

As an essential advantage of this inventive Shen solution of the constructive structure that has become possible compact design and ease of mounting the switching element on the mating contour is called.

The Schaltele ment is characterized in particular by its simple and com pact design and is both opener and as NO contact switch applicable. Due to the small and compact design also a minimal weight of the switching element is realized.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the following embodiment.

Anha nd an embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail. Show it

Figure 1 - a perspective view of the switching element

Figure 2 - an exploded view of the switching element with

Einbaublende

Figure 3 - section through the switching element with mounting plate

Figure 4 - section through the switching element with mounting plate

Figure 5 - perspective Darstel development of the protective cap

Figu r 6 - section through the switching element with mounting plate

Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view and a Explosivda adjustment of the switching element. 1

Prinzi piell builds the switching element 1 from the components: Ka ppe 2,

End stop 3, guide 4, silicone mat 5, circuit board 6,

Pressure compensation element 7, contacts 8, 9 housing and frame 10 on.

In the housing 9, which is preferably made of a plastic injection molded part, four contacts 8 are arranged outwardly next to each other and square by a deflection into the interior of the housing. The square arrangement allows inside the switching element 1 a symmetrically constructive construction, the LED for the lighting and the button can be positioned exactly in the middle. The contacts 8 are jewei ls pairs formed as equal parts. As a result, a reduction of the tool and handling expenses can be achieved. The contacts 8 form by the deflection in the overmolded area a meander structure, a mechanical anchoring as protection against

Steckdu rchdrückfestigkeit in the housing 9 and an extension of

Creepage distance on entry of water is already reached. At the same time, it is possible to apply a bonding agent to the contacts 8 in this area of the encapsulation, whereby a media-tight encapsulation is possible. The contacts 8 are contacted by means of plug-in connection, although other brache nchen conventional known connection techniques can be used. In the inner area of the housing 9 wi rd the

Pressure compensation element 7 (Figure 3) was added, which is secured media-tight by means of hot or Ultraschallverschwei tion. Via a mäa Nderartigen venting passage 13 in the housing 9, which is open to the outside, the pressure balance between the interior of the

Switching element 1 and the external environmental conditions. In Zusa mmenspiel with the frame 10, which is mounted on the housing 9 u nd simultaneously forms a protective cover for the vent passage 13, the pressure compensation element 7 is damaged by external

Protected from outside influences. Due to the constructively symmetrical structure, a second pressure compensation element 7 or alternatively a volume compensation element, for. B. in the form of a

Silicone membrane to be fixed, which when pressing the

Switching element 1 due to the hermetic seal to

com compressing volume and so the otherwise dampening

Effect of air compression counteracts and thus the haptic

Optimized properties.

The housing 9 is made in one piece with integrated connector tray 14, which is suitable for receiving egg nes waterproof connector.

The housing 9 (FIG. 4) has at least three guide grooves 15, which correspond to the guide contours 16 of the guide 4. For the

Realisieru ng a short installation depth and compact design with egg ner as long as possible leadership, the Füh are approximately grooves 15 in the housing 9 constructively designed so that the connector tray 14 for receiving the waterproof plug protrudes into the interior of the switching element 1 and the guide grooves 15 outside dive on the connector tray over. Another advantage of this constructive solution is that the receiving area for the pressure compensation element 7 and the circuit board 6 is close to the upper opening of the housing 9 Un. This is an optimal hot or

Ultraschallverschweißung the pressure compensation element 7 and a good connection to the circuit board 6, z. B. by soldering, given. For the attachment of the pressure compensation element 7 are also alternative

Connection techniques, eg. B., possible.

The guide 4 has at least three solid end stops 18, which are formed in the form of a T-profile above the guide contours 16 and upon actuation of the switching element 1 in the direction of actuation on the

End stops 17 in the housing 9 meet and so the end position of the

Shutter elements 1 depict. Abuse forces of at least 250 N in. Can be achieved by means of these massively designed end stops of the shuttering element 1

Actuate ungsrichtung be added, without loading the Scha ltkontakte and without damaging the components of the switching element. 1

The switching element 1 is ßenseite with three on the outside of the frame 10th

arranged latching elements 19 in the fastener of

Installation panel 11 pressed. The Einbauendanschlag done via a formsta bile contour on the frame 10 and the mounting plate 11 so that the

Altitude of the switching element 1 is defined defined in the installed state. The height tolerance compensation is done via a slope to the

Rastha ken 20 of the mounting plate 11. Due to the structural arrangement of the resilient latching hooks 20 in the mounting plate 11 results in a compact design of the switching element 1, otherwise space for the deflection of the resilient locking hooks space on the switching element 1 would have to be kept. The latching connection is advantageously designed from plastic to an electromagnetic compatibility to adjacent components guarantee . Thus, the structural design is suitable, for example, for use in the tank lid of an electric vehicle in the outdoor area appro net. When using different switching element variants 11 ei ne mechanical Codieru ng between frame 10 and mounting plate 11 can be provided to avoid Falschei construction in the mounting plate. To the

Dismountability of the switching element 1 from the mounting plate 11 to

ensure that the latching hook 20 is a contour formed on which the latching hooks 20 can be bent and thus the switching element 1 from the mounting plate 11 can be dismantled. Ei n further advantage of this constructive ktiven execution is that the assembly and

Operation direction of the switching element 1 are the same, whereby the

Switching element 1 is pressed again when pressing in the end position and a release from the assembled state is not possible.

5 shows a perspective view of the cap 2, which is made in a multi-component injection molding process, a NEN sealing of the Sch lelements 1 to the environmental conditions, egg ne robustness against egg freeze, a translational movement of the switching element 1 and a search 21 and Fu tion lighting 22 to realize. The symbol of the search illumination 21 can in different variants on ei NEN

Replacement insert to be executed in the injection mold and is

preferably made in a white translucent material. The functional lighting 22 is in a transparent and volume-scattering material, the actuating surface 23 in a black opaque material and the protective membrane 12 in a black flexural

Plastic material produced. Alternative materials and colors are possible. For example, the protective membrane 12 may be made in a different color than the actuating surface 23 to the operator

Display operating range. In a transparent Ausführu ng the protective membrane 12, it could also be transilluminated to

For example, to display the state of charge of an electric vehicle. All components are to each other about melting in the

Injection molding process as well as mechanical locks fixed and

form-fitting and media-tight connected with each other. The cap 2 is mounted on integrally formed locking elements with the guide 4. The

Schutzmem bran 12 is circumferentially mounted with a bias over the edge 24 of the housing 9, so that the protective membrane 12 is positively against the housing 9 at. In conjunction with the frame 10, which is mounted from the connector side via the housing 9, the switching element 1 is sealed. The seal is designed as designed so that in the frame 10 circumferentially a sealing contour 25 is formed, which presses into the elastic protective membrane 12 and clamped relative to the housing 9 circumferentially with constant pressure. Following this sealing contour 25 (FIG. 6), an encircling raised and outward edge 26 is formed, which during assembly of the frame 10, the protective membrane 12 and the sealing contour 25 are positioned in interaction so that secure assembly is ensured. Furthermore, a control option for the assembly process is thus given. The frame 10 is clamped between the housing 9 and the protective membrane 12 and thus sits without play in the end position. The Schutzmem bran 12 is structurally shaped so that it has a laterally encircling sealing contour 27 which laterally applies during assembly in the mounting plate 11 and so the switching element 1 for

Built-in diaphragm 11 seals. Furthermore, thus, the for mounting the

Switching element 1 necessary gap for installation aperture 11 is reduced and it results in a homogeneous overall picture between switching element 1 and

Installation aperture 11. As a result, the switching element 1 sel ber and also a seal to the mounting plate 11 is ensured only with a seal.

The robustness against freezing of the switching element 1 is realized that structurally the Schutzmem bran 12 of the cap 2 circumferentially evenly, starting from the altitude of the mounting plate 11 in the direction of the starting position of the switching element 1, is formed increasing. The height of the slope forms since at least the actuation path of the switching element 1 a b. In the case of icing of the switching element 1, the icing is broken by the operation of the cap 2 and the translational movement of the cap 2 is released for transfer into the electrical switching signal. Due to the broken-up icing when the switching element 1 is actuated, the reset is also possible. Due to the increased actuating surface of the

Shear elements 1, compared to the height position of the mounting plate, is also an operation with glove hen possible.

The receiving area of the pressure compensation element 7, the circuit board 6, the silicone mat 5, the guide 4 and the end stop 3 are completely inside the housing 9 and the cap 2, to protect the

Switching system to prevent contamination and / or Fl uiden.

The silicone mat 5 is used to reset the switching element 1 and Lichtabschottung between the search 21 and functional lighting 22. The resetting lungs is done with at least two Rückstelldomen 28 (Figure 3) with linear force-displacement curve in the balance of power to the button. Alternatively, the reset domes 28 can also be used as additional switching elements to ensure, for example, a redundancy to the button. Another possible embodiment is the button by a

Replacing silicone switching mat, which in turn in a variety of force-displacement characteristics, for example, two or three-stage force-Weg-Kennli, can be performed. The Lichtabschirm ung done by the use of an opaque material with a constructive meander between search 21 and functional lighting 22. The Endansch was 3 braced between two recesses in the housing 9, which are within the sealing region of the switching element 1, and the elastic

Silicone mat 5, which in turn presses on the circuit board 6. As a result, a play and rattle-free design of the switching element 1 in the installed state is achieved even under vibration influence. The end stops are structurally arranged so that they are located exactly over the return domes of the silicone mat 28 and the probe. The end stops hold that Switching element 1 in a stable rest position without stressing the protective membrane 12 with a compressive stress. The protective membrane is thus in a tension-free state, which has a positive effect on the haptic and optical properties and the service life.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 switching element

2 cap

3 end stop

4 leadership

5 silicone mat

6 circuit board

7 pressure compensation element

8 contacts

9 housing

10 frames

11 mounting plate

12 protective membrane

13 venting channel

14 connector tray

15 guide grooves housing

16 leadership contours leadership

17 End stop housing in operating direction

18 End stop guide in operating direction

19 locking elements on the frame

20 snap hooks on the mounting plate

21 search lighting

22 functional lighting

23 actuating surface

24 case edge

25 sealing contour frame

26 edge frame

27 Sealing contour to the mounting plate

28 Reset dome silicone mat

Claims

claims

1. Illuminated, water and dust-proof switching element, for converting a linear movement of a key in an electrical switching signal, with a housing and a housing axially displaceable by a stroke between two reposable cap, which is provided with an outwardly sealing protective membrane, which executed by multi-component injection molding of a pliable plastic material, characterized in that

in the interior of its housing (9) at least four contacts (8), of which at least two of the contacts (8) are formed with a same contour and follow a deflection of their linear arrangement in the plug-in area to a square arrangement in the interior, a pressure compensation element (7) a printed circuit board (6) on which at least one button and at least two lighting fixtures are arranged, a silicone mat (5) as

Restoring element and Lichtabschottung, a guide (4), an end stop (3), a cap (2) with molded protective membrane (12) and a frame (10).

2. Switching element according to claim 1, characterized in that

the interior of the switching element (1) by means of pressure compensation element (7) via a vent passage (13) with the environment of the switching element (1) is connected.

3. Switching element according to claim 2, characterized in that

the venting duct (13) is meander-shaped.

4. Switching element according to claim 3, characterized in that

the frame (10) forms a protective cover for the ventilation channel (13) from the outside.

5. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that

the housing (9) is integrally formed with integrated socket (14).

6. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that

in the interior of the housing (9) at least d rei guide grooves (15) are arranged, the ren with the Führungskontu (16) of the Introductio (4) correspond.

7. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that

the Füh approximately contours (16) in the interior of the housing (9) on the

Submerge plug tray (14).

8. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that

the receiving area for the pressure compensation element (7) and the printed circuit board (6) near the upper opening of the housing (9).

9. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that

the guide (4) has at least three end stops (18) which are arranged in the form of a T-profile above the guide contour (16).

10. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that

on the latching hook (20) of the mounting plate (11) has a contour is formed, which allows a simple disassembly of the switching element (1) without additional tools.

11. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that

on the frame (10) and the egg nbaublende (11) by means of egg ner dimensionally stable contour a Einbauendanschlag is formed.

12. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 1 1, characterized Porsche Style nzeichnet that

the cap (2) with a protective membrane (12) made of a flexible

Plastic material as well as a translucent search (21) and

Function lighting (22) is executed in multi-component injection molding.

13. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that

the cap (2) via molded locking elements with the guide (4)

is positively connected.

14. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that

the protective membrane (12) of the cap (2) is clamped and sealed at constant pressure between a sealing contour (25) on the frame (10) and housing (9).

15. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that

on the frame (10), following the sealing contour, outboard Ra nd

(26) is formed.

16. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least egg nem of claims 2 to 15, characterized in that

the protective membrane (12) of the cap (2) laterally revolving around a sealing contour

(27).

17. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 16, dadu rch in that

with only a protective membrane (12) both the seal of the switching element (1) sel ber and a seal for installation aperture (11) is formed.

18. Switching element according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 17, dadu rch in that

the protective membrane (12) circumferentially evenly, starting from the

Height of the mounting plate (11) in the direction of the starting position of the

Switching element (1), is formed rising.