EP2994927B1 - Toggle switch for a plurality of switching positions - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a toggle switch for a plurality of switch positions according to the preamble of independent claim 1. A generic toggle switch comprises a housing, a rocker mounted on the housing with a pivot axis, a mounted on the housing shift drum with a rotation axis, and a latching mechanism for locking the Rocker arm in at least one switching position, wherein the pivot axis of the rocker arm is in the region of the housing top and different from the axis of rotation of the shift drum, wherein a first gear segment with the rocker arm, and a second gear segment is connected to the shift drum, wherein rocker arm and shift drum on first and second gear segment engage each other, and wherein the toggle switch has fastening elements for fastening the toggle switch to a control panel.

A toggle switch of the generic type is, for example DE 102008057148 B4 known.

In order to show the operator of the toggle switch the switching position of the toggle switch or the switching state of the individual switching elements which are actuated by the shift drum, often additional control instruments or display panels are used. These devices can not usually be accommodated in the immediate vicinity of the toggle switch, which is why it is often difficult for the operator to read the switching position or the switching states. In addition, the use of additional display devices means an increased space requirement and sometimes raises considerable additional costs.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a cost-effective and space-saving solution for displaying the switching position and the switching states.

The object is achieved by a toggle switch according to the features of independent claim 1. Accordingly, in a generic toggle switch then an inventive solution to the problem, if within the housing lighting elements are arranged, which serve a light signal for displaying the switching position or other information emit, wherein at least one element of the toggle switch, which is visible to the operator of the toggle switch, when the toggle switch is mounted on the switch panel, is made transparent, so that the light signal through the transparent element is discharged through to the outside, wherein the transparent element is a bearing, which is designed as a separate bearing sleeve and in which the pivot axis of the rocker arm is mounted.

The solution according to the invention has the advantage that no additional display devices are necessary to inform the operator of the toggle switch comprehensive information, in particular on the switching state of the switched switching elements of the toggle switch. The desired information can be read directly on the toggle switch, which considerably facilitates the operation of the device. The fact that the light-emitting elements are arranged within the housing, they are effectively protected from damage. The light is emitted via at least one transparent element of the toggle switch. For this purpose, according to the invention, the bearing for the pivot axis of the rocker arm and thus an already required component of the toggle switch used. There are therefore no additional parts needed.

Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The toggle switch preferably has at least one switching function for switching current and / or voltage. A switching function can be either the closing or opening of a circuit, as well as a short circuit of a circuit for triggering a pulse for controlling a downstream switching function.

The toggle switch comprises at least one actuatable by the shift drum switching element. The switching element is preferably a microswitch. The microswitch (s) are also preferably mounted on a side wall of the housing parallel to the shift drum. The shift drum preferably comprises a plurality of cams for actuating the switching elements.

Furthermore, the toggle switch preferably has connection contacts for connecting the switching elements and the lighting elements.

The latching mechanism of the toggle switch can be designed so that the rocker engages in several or in each of the possible switching positions or, after its actuation, springs back to a neutral switching position.

The light signals are preferably output for displaying the switching position, in particular for indicating the switching state of the switching elements and / or for indicating the effect of the switching states in the active circuit and / or for displaying other information and / or for illuminating the toggle switch at night.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that all functional elements of the toggle switch are accommodated except for the rocker arm in the housing, wherein the housing meets the degree of protection IP40. This makes the toggle switch particularly robust. The accommodated in the interior of the housing components of the toggle switch, in particular the lighting elements are effectively protected in this embodiment against external influences, especially against damage.

The toggle switch preferably corresponds to IP20 / 40 degree of protection. The housing itself is not visible to the operator of the toggle switch. It is located in the mounted state of the toggle switch below the dash panel. Only the rocker arm and the terminal contacts preferably arranged on terminal strips, which incidentally do not count among the functional elements of the toggle switch, establish a connection between the housing interior and the environment. The housing is preferably made of plastic, so that the toggle switch can be operated without grounding.

The light signals are particularly easy to read if the bearing has an annular upper edge visible to the operator. The annular rim surrounds the rocker arm in the region of the bearing. As a result, the light signals can be read particularly well when operating the rocker arm.

Further preferably, the bearing is provided as a separate component and used in the housing upper side in the housing bearing sleeve. Such a bearing sleeve can be easily and inexpensively manufactured and simplifies the installation of the toggle switch. Further preferably, the bearing is inserted into a hollow cylindrical fastening projection of the housing. Also, the bearing is preferably made of plastic, so that no grounding of the toggle switch is required.

Further preferably, a seal is provided below the annular upper edge. This will prevent the penetration of moisture into the body of the toggle switch prevented. The seal is preferably inserted into a circumferential groove of the bearing. It seals the pivot axis of the rocker arm against the bearing.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transparent element is the pivot axis of the rocker arm. Also in this embodiment, no additional components are needed to direct the light signals to the outside. However, the readability of the light signals is further improved when both the bearing of the rocker arm and the pivot axis of the rocker arm are designed as a transparent element. Of course, the pivot axis of the rocker arm can only be used to relay the light signals if it is at least partially visible to the operator. It is preferably spherical in shape for this purpose.

Both the pivot axis and the bearing of the rocker arm preferably ensure targeted guidance of the light signal to the outside.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the luminous elements are arranged on a carrier plate. As a result, the lighting elements can be positioned in a simple manner exactly in the housing of the toggle switch. Preferably, the light elements are LEDs. These can be accommodated in a particularly space-saving manner in the housing and optionally on the carrier plate.

Particularly preferably, the lighting elements are arranged in a ring on the support plate. It can thereby be arranged relatively close to the bearing of the rocker arm and thereby relatively close to the housing top, whereby the arranged on the support plate lighting elements can be positioned relatively close to the housing top. The light signals emitted by the light elements are therefore particularly easy to recognize or read. Preferably, the carrier plate is disposed directly below the annular upper edge of the bearing. Further preferably, the carrier plate is exchangeably received in the housing. This makes it particularly easy to replace depending on customer requirements.

A particularly simple installation of the toggle switch results when the support plate is received in a receptacle of the bearing preferably designed as a bearing bearing.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the transparent element consists of polycarbonate and has a pigmentation, so that the light signal is emitted uniformly through the transparent element.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the luminous elements are redundant and / or redundantly connected. This ensures a particularly high reliability of the lighting elements.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lighting elements are dimmable. As a result, the light signals can be adapted to the brightness of the environment. In addition, this results in a greater variety of possible light signals.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that color and / or position - if a plurality of light elements arranged at different positions and the different positions for the operator are recognizable - and / or intensity and / or frequency of the light signal in dependence of the displayed Information is configurable. As a result, the light signals to be output can be set according to the customer's request or requirement.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the housing consists of two half-shells, in which all necessary for the assembly of the functional elements of the toggle switch bearings and recesses are integrated. This results in a particularly simple assembly of the toggle switch according to the invention.

The receptions include in particular the Aufnehmung for the bearing of the rocker arm, which is preferably designed as a bearing sleeve. Preferably, the half shells have corresponding bores for receiving screws, with which the housing is screwed. The holes can preferably be closed by blind caps made of plastic. This allows the toggle switch to operate without grounding. Preferably, the blind caps secure on the one hand the screws with which the housing is screwed, in particular against contact, and at the same time serve for the attachment of fasteners, which are used for mounting the toggle switch needed on a control panel. For example, spring clips can be attached to the blind caps, which support the toggle switch against the underside of the panel.

Further preferably, the two half-shells of the housing are sealed against each other by means of a seal. The seal is preferably received in a groove of at least one of the two half-shells.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the connection contacts for the wiring of the switching elements and optionally the lighting elements are arranged on the underside of the housing. As a result, the connection of the toggle switch according to the invention is facilitated.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shift drum is rotatably supported on both sides by a bearing in the housing, wherein one of the two half-shells of the housing has an opening for receiving a bearing shell, which is visible from the outside and in which fixes the first bearing and To protect the housing in the housed functional elements of the switch against the ingress of moisture and thus to comply with the degree of protection IP40 is covered. In this embodiment, the assembly of the switch simplified. Preferably, the bearing shell made of plastic and is also preferably made red. Due to the red color, the installer immediately recognizes how the toggle switch must be correctly aligned during assembly. Further preferably, the German figurative mark No. 480981 of the Schaltbau GmbH is centrally mounted on the visible surface of the bearing shell. Further preferably, the bearing shell to the outer edge of the first half-shell of the housing at a distance of at least 25% of the total width or total height of the housing. As a result, the toggle switch can be mounted particularly simply and safely. Further preferably, the second bearing of the shift drum is mounted in the other of the two half-shells inside, not visible from the outside and positioned so that the shift drum is parallel to the side walls of the housing.

In a further embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the half-shells of the housing have recesses for receiving support plates for the switching elements of the toggle switch, wherein the recesses to the outer walls rejuvenate the half-shells. This facilitates the assembly of the carrier plates for the switching elements.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the switching angle or the deflection of the rocker arm is limited by locking pins which can be used in plastic sleeves of one of the two half-shells. The locking pins preferably cooperate with the gear segment of the rocker arm. Further preferably, the locking pins experienced by provided in the second half-shell plastic rings an abutment and are thereby mechanically stabilized.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a tension spring provided for the latching mechanism is secured against displacement by means of a projection attached to one of the two half-shells.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmission ratio between deflection of the rocker arm and rotation of the shift drum by the distance of the first and second gear segment to the pivot axis of the rocker arm and the axis of rotation of the shift drum is adjustable.

Further preferably, the German word-image mark No. 2050523 is attached to the outside of one of the two half-shells of the housing.

For mounting the toggle switch on a switch panel, a mounting projection of the housing from the back of the panel is inserted into an extra opening provided and supported by a front mountable mounting ring, preferably with bayonet lock, against the front of the panel. Different solutions can be used to support the housing against the back of the panel.

A tool-free installation is possible, for example, using special spring clips. For this purpose, a rotatable spring clip is mounted on both sides of the toggle switch, preferably on this provided on the housing cylindrical receiving elements or on the above-mentioned blind caps. The spring clips each have a spring element, which exerts a spring force against the back of the panel when the spring clips folded down to the respective side of the housing become. The spring clip snaps into corresponding nubs of the housing and is thereby locked.

A correspondingly more stable attachment results when the toggle switch is provided on the upper side of the housing with a special Schraubbefestigungsaufsatz, which has on both sides of the housing each have a pressure tab which can be extended by means of a screw. By tightening the corresponding screws, the two pressure tabs are pressed against the underside of the panel, so that the toggle switch is attached to the panel and effectively secured against rotation.

Embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Kippschalters mit Feder-klammern zur Befestigung des Kippschalters an einer Schalttafel;

Fig. 2

einen schematischen Schnitt des erfindungsgemäßen Kippschalters aus Fig. 1-funktionale Darstellung;

Fig. 3

eine Halbschale des Gehäuses des erfindungsgemäßen Kippschalters aus den Fig. 1 und 2 - Innenansicht;

Fig. 4

die andere Halbschale des Gehäuses des erfindungsgemäßen Kippschalters aus den Fig. 1 und 2 - Innenansicht;

Fig. 5

die Halbschale des Gehäuses aus Fig. 4 - Außenansicht;

Fig. 6

die Halbschale des Gehäuses aus Fig. 3 - Außenansicht;

Fig. 7

das Lager des Kipphebels des erfindungsgemäßen Kippschalters aus den Fig. 1 und 2;

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Kippschalters mit Schraubbefestigungsaufsatz zur Befestigung des Kippschalters an einer Schalttafel;

Fig. 9

den Schraubbefestigungsaufsatz des Kippschalters aus Fig. 8 im Detail.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a toggle switch according to the invention with spring clips for mounting the toggle switch on a control panel;

Fig. 2

a schematic section of the toggle switch according to the invention Fig. 1- functional representation;

Fig. 3

a half-shell of the housing of the toggle switch according to the invention from the Fig. 1 and 2 - Inside view;

Fig. 4

the other half-shell of the housing of the toggle switch according to the invention from the Fig. 1 and 2 - Inside view;

Fig. 5

the half shell of the housing Fig. 4 - exterior view;

Fig. 6

the half shell of the housing Fig. 3 - exterior view;

Fig. 7

the bearing of the rocker arm of the toggle switch according to the invention from the Fig. 1 and 2 ;

Fig. 8

a perspective view of a toggle switch according to the invention with Schraubbefestigungsaufsatz for mounting the toggle switch on a control panel;

Fig. 9

the screw fastening attachment of the toggle switch off Fig. 8 in detail.

For the entire further description applies that the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. If reference signs are contained in a drawing, which are not dealt with in detail in the associated description of the figures, reference is made to their explanation in the preceding or following description of the figures.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a toggle switch according to the invention with switch housing 1, rocker arm 2, a transparent illuminated bearing 3 of the rocker arm and a transparent illuminated and spherical axis of rotation 4 of the rocker arm. The housing 1 of the toggle switch consists of the two half-shells 6 and 7. It has on the upper side of the housing a fastening projection 8, which can be inserted from the back into a corresponding opening of a control panel. The fastening projection 8 is hollow cylindrical and receives the bearing 3 of the rocker arm 2. To attach the toggle switch on the control panel, not shown, serve the spring clips 31 and the mounting ring 32 with bayonet lock. It is mounted from the front of the panel to the mounting boss 8 and thereby supports the toggle switch against the front of the panel. On both sides of the toggle switch in each case a rotatable spring clip 31 is fixed, namely to blank provided for this purpose 9, whose function will be explained below. The spring clips 31 each have a spring element 33, which exerts a spring force against the back of the panel when the spring clips are folded down to the respective housing side. The spring clips snap into corresponding nubs 10 of the housing and are thereby locked.

Fig. 2 shows the internal structure of the toggle switch in a schematic representation. Evident are the axis 35 of the rocker arm in the region of the upper side of the housing and arranged underneath the housing shift drum 30, which serves to actuate a plurality of switching elements (microswitch) 41. These are fastened to corresponding support plates 29 on both sides of the housing. Rocker arm 2 and shift drum 30 are connected via two gear segments 34, 37 with each other, so that a movement of the rocker arm is converted into a movement of the shift drum. The gear segment 34 is connected to the shift drum, the gear segment 37, however, with the rocker arm. Evident are also the locking mechanism shown only schematically 42 of the toggle switch for engaging the rocker arm in the intended switching positions and the spring 43 of the locking mechanism. Also shown are the attached in the form of terminal strips to the support plates 29 terminal contacts 5 on the housing bottom.

Fig. 3 shows the half-shell 7 from the inside. It has integrated plastic sleeves 11 for receiving locking pins, which limit the deflection of the rocker arm when needed. To secure the tension spring 43, the projection 12 shown on the left is used 12. Furthermore, the receptacles 13 are shown for the support plates 29 of the switching elements. The recesses 13 taper towards the lying in the plane of the outer wall of the half shell.

Fig. 4 shows the interior of the half-shell 6 with the integrated into the half-shell plastic supports 14 for supporting the above-mentioned locking pins after installation of the housing. A bearing shell 15 for one of the two bearings of the shift drum is inserted into an opening 18 provided for this purpose of the bearing shell. On the fastening projection 8, a bore 28 can be seen for the axis of the rocker arm. The figure also shows that at the edge of the half-shell, a groove for the realization of a seal 17 is formed, through which the two half-shells are sealed against the ingress of moisture against each other.

Fig. 5 shows the half-shell 6 from the outside. Shown is a bottom-side recess 19 of the housing, at the slopes of the terminal strips 5 are arranged. The figure also shows holes 20 for screws to which the housing is bolted. Also shown is the area 40 in which, if possible, should be the opening 18 for the bearing shell of the shift drum.

Fig. 6 shows the external view of the half-shell 7. In this illustration, the in Fig. 5 shown holes closed by blind caps 9. The blind caps serve as already mentioned for the attachment of the spring clips 31. It is further shown that on the outside of the half-shell 7, the word-image mark 21 "Schaltbau" is attached.

Fig. 7 shows that in Fig. 1 already indicated transparent bearing 3 of the rocker arm 2 in detail. The bearing is designed as a separate bearing sleeve. The only in the assembled state from the outside directly visible, annular upper edge of the bearing is provided in the illustration with the reference numeral 24. Immediately below the annular Edge 24 is provided a groove 25 for insertion of a sealing ring, by which the housing is sealed against moisture. At the lower end of the bearing sleeve, a receptacle 23 for a support plate 26 is formed. On the support plate 26, the inventively provided light-emitting elements 27 are arranged annularly in the form of LEDs.

Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of a toggle switch according to the invention, which substantially with the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 7 matches. In contrast to the first embodiment, the toggle switch is provided on the upper side of the housing with a special Schraubbefestigungsaufsatz 38. This has on both sides of the housing each have a pressure tab 39 which can be extended by means of a screw. By tightening the corresponding screws, the two pressure tabs 39 are pressed against the underside of the control panel, not shown, so that the toggle switch is attached to the panel and effectively secured against rotation.

Fig. 9 shows the Schraubbefestigungsaufsatz 38 in detail.

Claims (14)

1. Toggle switch for a plurality of switching positions, comprising a housing (1), a toggle lever (2), which is supported on said housing and has a pivot axis (4), a switching cylinder (30), which is supported on said housing and has a rotary axis, and a detent mechanism (42) for catching said toggle lever in at least one switching position, wherein said pivot axis of said toggle lever is located in the region of the housing top side and differs from said rotary axis of said switching cylinder, wherein a first gear segment (37) is connected to said toggle lever and a second gear segment (34) is connected to said switching cylinder, wherein said toggle lever and said switching cylinder are in engagement with each other via said first and second gear segments, and wherein said toggle switch has fastening elements (32, 31; 39) for fastening said toggle switch to a control panel, characterized in that light-emitting elements (27) are arranged inside said housing and used to emit a light signal for indicating the switching position or other information, wherein at least one element (3, 4) of said toggle switch, being visible to the operator of said toggle switch when said toggle switch is attached to said control panel, is transparent, so that said light signal is emitted outwardly through said transparent element (3, 4), wherein said transparent element is a bearing (3) which is configured as a separate bearing sleeve and in which said pivot axis (4) of said toggle lever (2) is mounted.
2. Toggle switch according to claim 1, characterized in that all functional elements of said toggle switch except for said toggle lever (2) are accommodated in said housing (1), where said housing complies with protection class IP40.
3. Toggle switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said bearing (3) has a ring-shaped upper edge (24) visible to the operator.
4. Toggle switch according to claim 3, characterized in that a seal (25) is provided below said ring-shaped upper edge (24).
5. Toggle switch according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said pivot axis (4) of said toggle lever (2) is also a transparent element.
6. Toggle switch according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said light-emitting elements (27) are arranged on a carrier plate (26).
7. Toggle switch according to claim 6, characterized in that said light-emitting elements (27) are arranged in a ring shape on said carrier plate (26).
8. Toggle switch according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said carrier plate (26) is received in a seat (23) of said bearing (3).
9. Toggle switch according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said transparent element (3, 4) is made of polycarbonate and comprises pigmentation, so that said light signal is emitted uniformly through said transparent element.
10. Toggle switch according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said light-emitting elements (27) are configured in a redundant manner and/or are connected in a redundant manner.
11. Toggle switch, according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said light-emitting elements (27) can be dimmed.
12. Toggle switch according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the color and/or the position and/or the intensity and/or the frequency of said light signal can be configured depending on the information to be indicated.
13. Toggle switch according to one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said housing (1) is composed of two half-shells (6, 7) into which all bearings and seats necessary for mounting said functional elements of said toggle switch are integrated.
14. Toggle switch according to claim 13, characterized in that said switching cylinder (30) is mounted rotatably on either side in said housing (1) by use of a bearing, wherein one of said two half-shells (6, 7) of said housing has an opening (18) for receiving a bearing insert (15) that is visible from the outside and in which said first bearing is fixed and covered to protect said functional elements of said switch accommodated in said housing against the ingress of moisture and therefore to comply with protection class IP40.

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