EP4014244B1 - Electric push-button switch - Google Patents

Electric push-button switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4014244B1
EP4014244B1 EP20756848.6A EP20756848A EP4014244B1 EP 4014244 B1 EP4014244 B1 EP 4014244B1 EP 20756848 A EP20756848 A EP 20756848A EP 4014244 B1 EP4014244 B1 EP 4014244B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
force
actuating
switching
switching element
actuating element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP20756848.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP4014244A1 (en
Inventor
André FEHLING
Kristian Lanzon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kostal Automobil Elektrik GmbH and Co KG
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Kostal Automobil Elektrik GmbH and Co KG
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Publication of EP4014244A1 publication Critical patent/EP4014244A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/26—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members
    • H01H13/28—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using compression or extension of coil springs
    • H01H13/30—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using compression or extension of coil springs one end of spring transmitting movement to the contact member when the other end is moved by the operating part
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/52—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state immediately upon removal of operating force, e.g. bell-push switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/04—Cases; Covers
    • H01H13/06—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof casings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/034—Separate snap action
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/036—Return force
    • H01H2221/044—Elastic part on actuator or casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/058—Actuators to avoid tilting or skewing of contact area or actuator
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2235/00—Springs
    • H01H2235/004—Two parallel coil springs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical pushbutton switch with a mechanical switching element which has a haptic element which generates a pressure point and which has a restoring spring which generates a restoring force, with an actuating element which can be displaced relative to a guide housing and which, when displaced, moves the stationary to the Guide housing arranged switching element actuated against its restoring force.
  • a growing trend in vehicle interiors is the combination of a large number of operating functions under one operating surface. This is made possible by using sensor systems with e.g. B. capacitive or force-sensitive sensors.
  • a cost-effective approach here is the implementation of passive haptics, i. H. a linearly or rotationally mounted control surface, which runs through a defined force-displacement curve due to a safety mat, a microswitch, a snap-action disk, a locking bolt or similar.
  • the registration DE 10 2014 003 087 A1 already registered a method that reduces the variance in production process after assembly can be compensated by an adjustment system.
  • the task was therefore to develop a tolerance compensation that requires little installation space, is easily accessible, works without an additional adjustment process and at the same time enables short-stroke haptics.
  • At least one resilient tolerance compensation element is arranged between the guide housing and the actuating element, the effective direction of the spring force of which is directed in the actuating direction of the actuating element and opposite to the restoring force of the switching element.
  • the tolerance compensation element can optionally be arranged in such a way that it is loaded either in compression or in tension.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 show schematically the structure of an electrical push button switch according to the prior art.
  • This has a guide housing 10, within which a switching element 30 and an actuating element 20 for the switching element 30 are arranged.
  • the guide housing 10 is designed as an approximately cuboid hollow body. It consists of a housing upper part 12 open on one side, the open side of which is closed off by a base plate 18 and here additionally by a printed circuit board 16, with at least the switching element 30 being arranged on the printed circuit board 16.
  • the actuating element 20 forms a button 22 which protrudes into a panel recess 14 in the upper part 12 of the housing. Protruding laterally, the actuating element 20 forms two supporting webs 24 in one piece, which rest against the underside of the upper housing part 12 in the non-actuated state of the pushbutton switch and serve there as end stops.
  • the underside of the actuating element 20 bears against a switching plunger 34 of the switching element 30 and is held in its initial position by the force of a return spring 32 present in the switching element 30 .
  • the switching element 30 can preferably be designed as a microswitch.
  • the restoring spring 32 is first compressed by the switching plunger 34 and acts with its spring force on a snap-action disk 36 contained in the microswitch 30 .
  • snap-action disk 36 When a sufficiently large force is applied to snap-action disk 36, it jumps from its stable starting position into a metastable position, in which it closes or opens switching contacts on printed circuit board 16.
  • the restoring spring 32 relaxes, as a result of which the snap disk 36 springs back into its initial position and the actuating element 20 is returned to its initial position by the restoring force of the restoring spring 32 .
  • the manufacturing-related dimensions of the components mean that the return spring 32 of the switching element 30 is already clearly prestressed before it is actuated, it can happen that the plunger only covers a very small actuating distance before the snap-action disk jumps over and the snap-action disk, due to a Switching hysteresis, then remains in the actuated position.
  • the figure 8 qualitatively shows an ideal force-displacement curve of a pushbutton switch.
  • the upper part of the curve shows the increase in the actuation force F over the actuation path s due to the compression of the return spring 32.
  • the dip in the middle part of the curve at the switching point P (“peak force") shows the snap-action disc 36 jumping over.
  • the end point of the curve is reached at end stop E.
  • the figure 7 shows the case in which the actuating element 20 is prestressed too much by the spring force of the switching element 30 .
  • the snap-action disc 36 responds once, which, however, can no longer return to its initial position thereafter due to the switching hysteresis.
  • Pushbutton switches that have such large dimensional deviations are unusable and are usually already sorted out during production.
  • the pushbutton switch illustrated differs from the previously described pushbutton switch of a known type in that at least one resilient tolerance compensation element 40 is arranged between the guide housing 10 and the actuating element 20, the direction of action of which of the spring force is directed in the actuating direction of the actuating element 20 and opposite to the restoring force of the switching element 30 is.
  • two tolerance compensation elements 40 are provided as an example, as coil springs are trained.
  • these two helical springs 40 are arranged parallel to one another between the inside of the upper housing part 12 and the support webs 24 of the actuating element 20 and each exert a spring force in the direction of the switching element 30 .
  • the spring forces of the tolerance compensation elements 40 are in balance with the spring force of the return spring 32 of the switching element 30. This causes actuation of the button 22 to always start without force and the actuating force then increases approximately linearly. In this way, a haptic that is always the same, at least in terms of quality, is achieved.
  • the resilient tolerance compensation elements 40 also create a play-free mounting of the actuating element 20 within the guide housing 10 in the actuating direction, path tolerances of the actuating element 20 within the guide housing 10 being compensated for by the helical springs 40 .
  • the tolerance compensation element 40 acts on the actuating element 20 in front of the upper end stop of the actuating element 20 .
  • the force of the at least one tolerance compensation element 40 acts in the direction of actuation of the button 22 and opposite to the direction of force by the return spring 32 of the switching element 30.
  • One or more resilient Tolerance compensation elements 40 are provided, with either tension or compression springs can be used.
  • FIGS 9 to 11 are shown three force-displacement diagrams of a pushbutton switch according to the invention. Different force-displacement curves for pushbutton switches with manufacturing-related dimensional variations of the switch components are illustrated here, which cause rattling in a conventionally designed pushbutton switch ( figure 9 ), terminals ( figure 10 ) or a normal function ( figure 11 ) would lead.
  • the starting position of the actuating element 20 is essentially determined by the equilibrium position of two spring systems, namely the return spring 32 of the switching element 30 on the one hand and the tolerance compensation elements 40 on the other hand, which to a considerable extent compensate for the dimensional deviations of the switch components which are also present here.
  • a switching travel tolerance S tol_2 can be achieved which is significantly lower and is often only a fraction of the switching travel tolerance S tol_1 of a conventionally designed switch.
  • the arrangement according to the invention thus ensures that the influence of the tolerances of the individual components on the switching path is reduced.
  • a further advantage is that the structure according to the invention also compensates for the influences of temperature and moisture.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen elektrischen Tastschalter mit einem mechanischen Schaltelement, welches ein haptisches Element aufweist, das einen Druckpunkt erzeugt, und das eine Rückstellfeder aufweist, die eine Rückstellkraft erzeugt, mit einem relativ zu einem Führungsgehäuse verschiebbaren Betätigungselement, welches bei einer Verschiebung das ortsfest zum Führungsgehäuse angeordneten Schaltelement gegen dessen Rückstellkraft betätigt.The present invention relates to an electrical pushbutton switch with a mechanical switching element which has a haptic element which generates a pressure point and which has a restoring spring which generates a restoring force, with an actuating element which can be displaced relative to a guide housing and which, when displaced, moves the stationary to the Guide housing arranged switching element actuated against its restoring force.

Ein zunehmender Trend in Fahrzeuginnenräumen ist die Zusammenfassung einer Vielzahl von Bedienfunktionen unter einer Bedienfläche. Ermöglicht wird dies durch die Verwendung von Sensorsystemen mit z. B. kapazitiven oder kraftsensitiven Sensoren.A growing trend in vehicle interiors is the combination of a large number of operating functions under one operating surface. This is made possible by using sensor systems with e.g. B. capacitive or force-sensitive sensors.

In vielen Fahrzeugbereichen besteht dabei nach wie vor der Wunsch nach einem haptischen Feedback. Ein kostengünstiger Ansatz ist hier die Umsetzung einer passiven Haptik, d. h. eine linear- oder rotationsgelagerte Bedienfläche, welche auf Grund einer Schaltmatte, eines Mikroschalters, einer Schnappscheibe, eines Rastbolzens oder ähnlichem eine definierte Kraft-Weg-Kurve durchläuft.In many areas of the vehicle there is still a desire for haptic feedback. A cost-effective approach here is the implementation of passive haptics, i. H. a linearly or rotationally mounted control surface, which runs through a defined force-displacement curve due to a safety mat, a microswitch, a snap-action disk, a locking bolt or similar.

Um den Bedienelementen trotz "konventioneller" Technologie ein modernes Image zu verleihen besteht der Wunsch, den Sensoren bei immer kürzeren Schaltwegen ein "knackiges" Feedback zu geben. Dies gilt natürlich unter Berücksichtigung aller Toleranzen über den gesamten Produktlebenszyklus.In order to give the controls a modern image despite "conventional" technology, there is a desire to give the sensors "crisp" feedback with ever shorter switching travel. Of course, this applies taking into account all tolerances over the entire product life cycle.

Um diesen Ansprüchen gerecht werden zu können wurde mit der Anmeldung DE 10 2014 003 087 A1 bereits ein Verfahren angemeldet, das die Varianz im Produktionsprozess nach der Montage durch ein Verstellsystem ausgleichen kann.In order to be able to meet these requirements, the registration DE 10 2014 003 087 A1 already registered a method that reduces the variance in production process after assembly can be compensated by an adjustment system.

Nachteilig bei diesem System ist, dass es, insbesondere bei großen Bedienflächen und bei kleinen Bauräumen, nicht immer möglich ist, ein solches System von außen zugänglich zu machen oder in den Bauraum integriert zu bekommen.The disadvantage of this system is that it is not always possible, particularly in the case of large control surfaces and small installation spaces, to make such a system accessible from the outside or to have it integrated into the installation space.

Andere elektrische Tastenschalter sind auch beispielsweise aus den Dokumenten JP S49 67969 U , JP 2003 303527 A und JP S56 175936 U bekannt.Other electric key switches are also exemplified in the documents JP S49 67969 U , JP 2003 303527 A and JP S56 175936 U known.

Die Aufgabe bestand somit darin, eine Toleranzkompensation zu entwickeln, welche wenig Bauraum erfordert, leicht zugänglich ist, ohne zusätzlichen Einstellprozess funktioniert und dabei eine Kurzhubhaptik ermöglicht.The task was therefore to develop a tolerance compensation that requires little installation space, is easily accessible, works without an additional adjustment process and at the same time enables short-stroke haptics.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass zwischen dem Führungsgehäuse und dem Betätigungselement mindestens ein federndes Toleranzausgleichelement angeordnet ist, dessen/deren Wirkrichtung der Federkraft in Betätigungsrichtung des Betätigungselements und entgegengesetzt zu der Rückstellkraft des Schaltelements gerichtet ist. Dabei kann das Toleranzausgleichselement wahlweise so angeordnet werden, dass es entweder auf Druck oder auf Zug belastet wird.The object is achieved in that at least one resilient tolerance compensation element is arranged between the guide housing and the actuating element, the effective direction of the spring force of which is directed in the actuating direction of the actuating element and opposite to the restoring force of the switching element. The tolerance compensation element can optionally be arranged in such a way that it is loaded either in compression or in tension.

Nachfolgend soll ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung dargestellt und näher erläutert werden. Es zeigen

Figur 1
einen erfindungsgemäßen Tastschalter,
Figur 2
eine Schnittansicht des Tastschalters gemäß der Figur 1,
Figur 3
eine Explosionsansicht des Tastschalters gemäß der Figur 1,
Figur 4
einen Tastschalter nach dem Stand der Technik,
Figur 5
eine Schnittansicht des Tastschalters gemäß der Figur 4,
Figur 6
eine erste Kraft-Weg-Kurve eines Tastschalters nach dem Stand der Technik,
Figur 7
eine zweite Kraft-Weg-Kurve eines Tastschalters nach dem Stand der Technik,
Figur 8
eine dritte Kraft-Weg-Kurve eines Tastschalters nach dem Stand der Technik,
Figur 9
eine erste Kraft-Weg-Kurve eines erfindungsgemäßen Tastschalters,
Figur 10
eine zweite Kraft-Weg-Kurve eines erfindungsgemäßen Tastschalters,
Figur 11
eine dritte Kraft-Weg-Kurve eines erfindungsgemäßen Tastschalters,
Figur 12
eine schematische Darstellung eines Tastschalters nach dem Stand der Technik,
Figur 13
eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Tastschalters.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is to be illustrated and explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Show it
figure 1
a pushbutton switch according to the invention,
figure 2
a sectional view of the pushbutton switch according to FIG figure 1 ,
figure 3
an exploded view of the pushbutton switch according to FIG figure 1 ,
figure 4
a prior art tactile switch,
figure 5
a sectional view of the pushbutton switch according to FIG figure 4 ,
figure 6
a first force-displacement curve of a pushbutton switch according to the prior art,
figure 7
a second force-displacement curve of a pushbutton switch according to the prior art,
figure 8
a third force-displacement curve of a pushbutton switch according to the prior art,
figure 9
a first force-displacement curve of a pushbutton switch according to the invention,
figure 10
a second force-displacement curve of a pushbutton switch according to the invention,
figure 11
a third force-displacement curve of a pushbutton switch according to the invention,
figure 12
a schematic representation of a key switch according to the prior art,
figure 13
a schematic representation of a pushbutton switch according to the invention.

Die Figuren 4 und 5 zeigen schematisch den Aufbau eines elektrischen Tastschalters nach dem Stand der Technik. Dieser weist ein Führungsgehäuse 10 auf, innerhalb dessen ein Schaltelement 30 und ein Betätigungselement 20 für das Schaltelement 30 angeordnet sind.The Figures 4 and 5 show schematically the structure of an electrical push button switch according to the prior art. This has a guide housing 10, within which a switching element 30 and an actuating element 20 for the switching element 30 are arranged.

Das Führungsgehäuse 10 ist als ein etwa quaderförmiger Hohlkörper ausgebildet. Es besteht aus einem einseitig offenen Gehäuseoberteil 12, dessen offene Seite durch eine Sockelplatte 18, und hier zusätzlich durch eine Leiterplatte 16 abgeschlossen ist, wobei auf der Leiterplatte 16 zumindest das Schaltelement 30 angeordnet ist.The guide housing 10 is designed as an approximately cuboid hollow body. It consists of a housing upper part 12 open on one side, the open side of which is closed off by a base plate 18 and here additionally by a printed circuit board 16, with at least the switching element 30 being arranged on the printed circuit board 16.

Das Betätigungselement 20 bildet eine Taste 22 aus, die in eine Blendenausnehmung 14 des Gehäuseoberteils 12 hineinragt. Seitlich abragend bildet das Betätigungselement 20 einstückig zwei Stützstege 24 aus, die im unbetätigten Zustand des Tastschalters an der Unterseite des Gehäuseoberteils 12 anliegen und dort als Endanschläge dienen. Die Unterseite des Betätigungselements 20 liegt an einem Schaltstößel 34 des Schaltelements 30 an und wird durch die Kraft einer im Schaltelement 30 vorhandenen Rückstellfeder 32 in seiner Ausgangsstellung gehalten.The actuating element 20 forms a button 22 which protrudes into a panel recess 14 in the upper part 12 of the housing. Protruding laterally, the actuating element 20 forms two supporting webs 24 in one piece, which rest against the underside of the upper housing part 12 in the non-actuated state of the pushbutton switch and serve there as end stops. The The underside of the actuating element 20 bears against a switching plunger 34 of the switching element 30 and is held in its initial position by the force of a return spring 32 present in the switching element 30 .

Das Schaltelement 30 kann vorzugweise als Mikroschalter ausgeführt sein. Bei einer Druckbetätigung der Taste 22 wird über den Schaltstößel 34 zunächst die Rückstellfeder 32 zusammengepresst, die mit ihrer Federkraft auf eine im Mikroschalter 30 enthaltene Schnappscheibe 36 wirkt. Bei einer ausreichend großen Krafteinwirkung auf die Schnappscheibe 36 springt diese aus ihrer stabilen Ausgangsstellung in eine metastabile Position um, in der sie Schaltkontakte auf der Leiterplatte 16 schließt oder öffnet.The switching element 30 can preferably be designed as a microswitch. When the button 22 is pressed, the restoring spring 32 is first compressed by the switching plunger 34 and acts with its spring force on a snap-action disk 36 contained in the microswitch 30 . When a sufficiently large force is applied to snap-action disk 36, it jumps from its stable starting position into a metastable position, in which it closes or opens switching contacts on printed circuit board 16.

Beim Freigeben der Taste 22 entspannt sich die Rückstellfeder 32, wodurch die Schnappscheibe 36 in ihre Ausgangslage zurückspringt und das Betätigungselement 20 durch die rückstellende Kraft der Rückstellfeder 32 in seine Ausgangsposition zurückgeführt wird.When the button 22 is released, the restoring spring 32 relaxes, as a result of which the snap disk 36 springs back into its initial position and the actuating element 20 is returned to its initial position by the restoring force of the restoring spring 32 .

Bei diesem relativ einfach aufgebauten Tastschalter sind allerdings Bauteiltoleranzen zu berücksichtigen, die es erschweren, eine optimale Kurzhubhaptik zu erzeugen. Dieses gilt umso mehr, wenn eine Anordnung aus mehreren solcher Tastschalter vorgesehen ist, die eine möglichst einheitliche Schalthaptik aufweisen sollen.In the case of this relatively simple pushbutton switch, however, component tolerances must be taken into account, which make it difficult to produce an optimal short-stroke feel. This applies all the more if an arrangement of several such pushbutton switches is provided, which should have a switching haptic that is as uniform as possible.

Fallen die Abmessungen der Bauteile aufgrund herstellungsbedingter Maßabweichungen derart aus, dass sich Abstände entweder zwischen dem Gehäuseoberteil 12 des Führungsgehäuse 10 und den Stützstegen 24 des Betätigungselements 20 oder zwischen dem Betätigungselement 20 und dem Schaltstößel 34 des Schaltelements 30 bilden, so kommt es zu einem losen "klapprigen" Sitz des Betätigungselements 20 im Führungsgehäuse 10, welcher zu einem "labbrigen" Schaltgefühl bei der Betätigung führt.If the dimensions of the components, due to manufacturing-related dimensional deviations, are such that there are gaps either between the housing upper part 12 of the guide housing 10 and the support webs 24 of the actuating element 20 or between the actuating element 20 and the switching plunger 34 of the switching element 30, loose "rickety" seat of the actuating element 20 in the guide housing 10, which leads to a "loose" shift feeling during actuation.

Bewirken die herstellungsbedingten Abmessungen der Bauteile dagegen , dass die Rückstellfeder 32 des Schaltelements 30 schon vor einer Betätigung deutlich vorgespannt ist, so kann es vorkommen, dass der Stößel bis zum Umspringen der Schnappscheibe nur noch einen sehr geringen Betätigungsweg zurücklegt und die Schnappscheibe, bedingt durch eine Schalthysterese, danach in der betätigten Stellung verbleibt.If, on the other hand, the manufacturing-related dimensions of the components mean that the return spring 32 of the switching element 30 is already clearly prestressed before it is actuated, it can happen that the plunger only covers a very small actuating distance before the snap-action disk jumps over and the snap-action disk, due to a Switching hysteresis, then remains in the actuated position.

Dies wird durch die Figuren 6 bis 8 verdeutlicht. In diesen Figuren ist für die vorgenannten Fälle jeweils beispielhaft die Betätigungskraft F eines Schaltelements 30 gegen den Betätigungsweg s eines Betätigungselements 20 aufgetragen.This is through the Figures 6 to 8 clarified. In these figures, the actuation force F of a switching element 30 is plotted against the actuation path s of an actuation element 20 for the aforementioned cases by way of example.

Die Figur 8 zeigt qualitativ einen idealen Kraft-Weg-Verlauf eines Tastschalters. Der obere Teil der Kurve zeigt das Ansteigen der Betätigungskraft F über den Betätigungsweg s durch das Zusammenpressen der Rückstellfeder 32. Der Einbruch im mittleren Teil der Kurve am Umschaltpunkt P ("Peak Force") zeigt das Umspringen der Schnappscheibe 36. Der Endpunkt der Kurve ist am Endanschlag E erreicht.The figure 8 qualitatively shows an ideal force-displacement curve of a pushbutton switch. The upper part of the curve shows the increase in the actuation force F over the actuation path s due to the compression of the return spring 32. The dip in the middle part of the curve at the switching point P ("peak force") shows the snap-action disc 36 jumping over. The end point of the curve is reached at end stop E.

Der gestrichelte Teil der Kurve skizziert den Kraft-Weg-Verlauf beim Zurückgehen des Betätigungselements 20 in seine Ausgangsstellung nach dem Loslassen der Taste 22. Erkennbar ist, dass der Kraft-Weg-Verlauf bei s = 0 bei einer Kraft F > 0 beginnt und endet.The dashed part of the curve outlines the force-displacement curve when the actuating element 20 returns to its starting position after releasing the button 22. It can be seen that the force-displacement curve begins and ends at s=0 with a force F>0 .

Die Figur 6 zeigt den Kraft-Weg-Verlauf bei einem spielbehafteten Tastschalter, bei dem der Beginn des Kraftanstiegs erst bei einem Betätigungsweg s > 0 einsetzt. Ohne eine Betätigungskraft (F = 0) ist hier der Betätigungsweg s nicht eindeutig festgelegt, was zu dem erwähnten klappernden Aufbau führt.The figure 6 shows the force-displacement curve for a pushbutton switch subject to play, in which the start of the increase in force only occurs with an actuation path s > 0. Without an actuation force (F=0), the actuation path s is not clearly defined here, which leads to the rattling structure mentioned.

Die Figur 7 zeigt dagegen den Fall, dass das Betätigungselement 20 durch die Federkraft des Schaltelements 30 zu stark vorgespannt ist. Hier kommt es nach einem kurzen Betätigungsweg zu einem einmaligen Ansprechen der Schnappscheibe 36, die danach aber aufgrund der Schalthysterese nicht mehr in ihre Ausgangsstellung zurückgehen kann.The figure 7 shows the case in which the actuating element 20 is prestressed too much by the spring force of the switching element 30 . Here it comes after a short actuation path, the snap-action disc 36 responds once, which, however, can no longer return to its initial position thereafter due to the switching hysteresis.

Tastschalter, die derart große Maßabweichungen aufweisen, sind unbrauchbar, und werden üblicherweise schon bei der Fertigung aussortiert. Es ergibt sich hieraus aber die Folgerung, dass für eine sichere Funktion des Tastschalters der Betätigungshub nicht kleiner als die erlaubten Toleranzwege sein kann, die sich auch auf ungünstige Weise summieren können. Dieses erschwert den Aufbau eines kostengünstigen Tastschalters mit einem sehr kurzen Betätigungshub.Pushbutton switches that have such large dimensional deviations are unusable and are usually already sorted out during production. However, this leads to the conclusion that, for reliable function of the pushbutton switch, the actuating stroke cannot be smaller than the permitted tolerance paths, which can also add up in an unfavorable way. This makes it difficult to construct an inexpensive pushbutton switch with a very short actuation stroke.

Ein elektrischer Tastschalter, der dieses Problem auf einfache Weise löst, ist in den Figuren 1 bis 3 in verschiedenen Ansichten dargestellt. Da dessen Aufbau in vielen Details mit dem des zuvor beschriebenen Tastschalters übereinstimmt, kann auf eine erneute Beschreibung der bereits erläuterten Komponenten und deren Funktionsweise verzichtet werden. Auch sind zur besseren Vergleichbarkeit hier gleiche oder gleichwirkende Teile mit den bisher verwendeten Bezugszeichen bezeichnet worden. Beschrieben werden sollen im Folgenden vor allem die Unterschiede in Aufbau und Funktionsweise.An electrical tactile switch that solves this problem in a simple way is in the Figures 1 to 3 shown in different views. Since its structure corresponds in many details to that of the pushbutton switch described above, a renewed description of the components already explained and their mode of operation can be dispensed with. For better comparability, parts that are the same or have the same effect have been designated here with the reference symbols used previously. In the following, the differences in structure and functionality will be described in particular.

Der in den Figuren 1 bis 3 dargestellte Tastschalter unterscheidet sich von dem zuvor beschriebenen Tastschalter bekannter Bauart dadurch, dass zwischen dem Führungsgehäuse 10 und dem Betätigungselement 20 mindestens ein federndes Toleranzausgleichelement 40 angeordnet ist, dessen/deren Wirkrichtung der Federkraft in Betätigungsrichtung des Betätigungselements 20 und entgegengesetzt zu der Rückstellkraft des Schaltelements 30 gerichtet ist.The in the Figures 1 to 3 The pushbutton switch illustrated differs from the previously described pushbutton switch of a known type in that at least one resilient tolerance compensation element 40 is arranged between the guide housing 10 and the actuating element 20, the direction of action of which of the spring force is directed in the actuating direction of the actuating element 20 and opposite to the restoring force of the switching element 30 is.

In dem hier dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel sind beispielhaft zwei Toleranzausgleichselemente 40 vorgesehen, die als Schraubenfedern ausgebildet sind. In der Explosionsansicht der Figur 3 und besonders gut in der Schnittansicht der Figur 2 ist zu erkennen, dass diese beiden Schraubenfedern 40 parallel zueinander jeweils zwischen der Innenseite des Gehäuseoberteils 12 und den Stützstegen 24 des Betätigungselements 20 angeordnet sind, und jeweils eine Federkraft in Richtung auf das Schaltelement 30 ausüben.In the embodiment shown here, two tolerance compensation elements 40 are provided as an example, as coil springs are trained. In the exploded view of the figure 3 and particularly well in the sectional view of the figure 2 it can be seen that these two helical springs 40 are arranged parallel to one another between the inside of the upper housing part 12 and the support webs 24 of the actuating element 20 and each exert a spring force in the direction of the switching element 30 .

Bei unbetätigtem Betätigungselement 20 stehen die Federkräfte der Toleranzausgleichselemente 40 im Gleichgewicht mit der Federkraft der Rückstellfeder 32 des Schaltelements 30. Dieses bewirkt, dass eine Betätigung der Taste 22 immer kraftfrei beginnt und die Betätigungskraft danach annähernd linear ansteigt. Hierdurch wird eine zumindest qualitativ immer gleiche Haptik erreicht.When the actuating element 20 is not actuated, the spring forces of the tolerance compensation elements 40 are in balance with the spring force of the return spring 32 of the switching element 30. This causes actuation of the button 22 to always start without force and the actuating force then increases approximately linearly. In this way, a haptic that is always the same, at least in terms of quality, is achieved.

Die federnden Toleranzausgleichselemente 40 schaffen darüber hinaus in der Betätigungsrichtung eine spielfreie Lagerung des Betätigungselements 20 innerhalb des Führungsgehäuses 10, wobei Wegetoleranzen des Betätigungselements 20 innerhalb des Führungsgehäuses 10 durch die Schraubenfedern 40 ausgeglichen werden.The resilient tolerance compensation elements 40 also create a play-free mounting of the actuating element 20 within the guide housing 10 in the actuating direction, path tolerances of the actuating element 20 within the guide housing 10 being compensated for by the helical springs 40 .

Der in der Zeichnung dargestellte Aufbau ist natürlich rein beispielhaft um das Prinzip der erfinderischen Idee zu verdeutlichen und kann in vielfältiger Weise abgewandelt werden ohne das Gebiet der Erfindung zu verlassen. Für die erfinderische Idee charakteristisch ist, dass das Toleranzausgleichselement 40 vorgelagert vor dem oberen Endanschlag des Betätigungselements 20 auf das Betätigungselements 20 wirkt.The structure shown in the drawing is of course purely exemplary in order to clarify the principle of the inventive idea and can be modified in many ways without departing from the field of the invention. It is characteristic of the inventive idea that the tolerance compensation element 40 acts on the actuating element 20 in front of the upper end stop of the actuating element 20 .

In jedem Fall wirkt die Kraft des mindestens einen Toleranzausgleichselements 40 in der Betätigungsrichtung der Taste 22 und entgegengesetzt zu der Kraftrichtung durch die Rückstellfeder 32 des Schaltelements 30. Es können hierbei ein oder auch mehrere federnde Toleranzausgleichselemente 40 vorgesehen werden, wobei entweder Zug- oder auch Druckfedern eingesetzt sein können.In any case, the force of the at least one tolerance compensation element 40 acts in the direction of actuation of the button 22 and opposite to the direction of force by the return spring 32 of the switching element 30. One or more resilient Tolerance compensation elements 40 are provided, with either tension or compression springs can be used.

In den Figuren 9 bis 11 sind drei Kraft-Weg-Diagramme eines erfindungsgemäßen Tastschalters dargestellt. Verdeutlicht sind hierbei unterschiedliche Kraft-Weg-Verläufe für Tastschalter mit herstellungsbedingten Abmessungsvariationen der Schalterkomponenten, die bei einem konventionell aufgebauten Tastschalter zu Klappern (Figur 9), Klemmen (Figur 10) oder einer normalen Funktion (Figur 11) führen würden.In the Figures 9 to 11 are shown three force-displacement diagrams of a pushbutton switch according to the invention. Different force-displacement curves for pushbutton switches with manufacturing-related dimensional variations of the switch components are illustrated here, which cause rattling in a conventionally designed pushbutton switch ( figure 9 ), terminals ( figure 10 ) or a normal function ( figure 11 ) would lead.

Aufgrund der erfindungsgemäßen Ausführung des Tastschalters zeigen hier alle Kurven den gleichen qualitativen Verlauf. Erkennbar ist, dass alle Schaltkurven bei einer Betätigung der Taste 22 jeweils kraftfrei, also mit der Betätigungskraft F = 0 beginnen und nach Loslassen der Taste 22 auch wieder bei der Betätigungskraft F = 0 enden. Lediglich die jeweilige Lage des Umschaltpunkts P der Schnappscheibe 36 variiert geringfügig bezüglich des Betätigungsweges s.Due to the design of the pushbutton switch according to the invention, all curves here show the same qualitative progression. It can be seen that all switching curves when the button 22 is actuated without any force, that is to say begin with the actuating force F=0 and, after the button 22 is released, again end with the actuating force F=0. Only the respective position of the switchover point P of the snap disk 36 varies slightly with respect to the actuation path s.

Die Anfangs- und Endlage s = 0 der Taste 22 wird durch die Gleichgewichtslage der Rückstellfeder 32 und der Toleranzausgleichselemente 40 bestimmt und kann aufgrund von Federtoleranzen bei verschiedenen Tastschaltern leicht unterschiedlich ausfallen, ohne jedoch die Funktion zu beeinträchtigen.The initial and final position s=0 of the key 22 is determined by the equilibrium position of the return spring 32 and the tolerance compensation elements 40 and can be slightly different due to spring tolerances in different key switches, without impairing the function.

Der Grund für das unterschiedliche Verhalten eines Tastschalters nach dem Stand der Technik und einem erfindungsgemäßen Tastschalter soll anhand der der Figuren 12 und 13 weiter verdeutlicht werden.The reason for the different behavior of a key switch according to the prior art and a key switch according to the invention is based on the Figures 12 and 13 be further clarified.

In die Lage des Umschaltpunkts des in der Figur 12 skizzierten Tastschalters nach dem Stand der Technik gehen verschiedene herstellungsbedingt mehr oder weniger gut einzuhaltende Abmessungen der Schalterkomponenten ein.In the position of the switching point in the figure 12 Outlined pushbutton switch according to the prior art go into different dimensions of the switch components that are more or less easy to maintain due to production.

Dieses sind insbesondere die Höhe A des Schaltstößels 34 über der Leiterplatte 16, die Größe B des Betätigungselements 20 in der Schaltrichtung, sowie auch die Höhe C des Führungsgehäuses 10 über der Leiterplatte 16, die zusammen die Schaltwegtoleranz Stol_1 mitbestimmen. Die Lage des Betätigungselements 20 relativ zum Schaltelement 30 wird somit wesentlich durch die Maßabweichungen verschiedener Schalterkomponenten beeinflusst.These are in particular the height A of the switching plunger 34 above the printed circuit board 16, the size B of the actuating element 20 in the switching direction, and also the height C of the guide housing 10 above the printed circuit board 16, which together determine the switching travel tolerance S tol_1 . The position of the actuating element 20 relative to the switching element 30 is thus significantly influenced by the dimensional deviations of different switch components.

Im Gegensatz dazu wird beim erfindungsgemäßen Tastschalter, der in der Figur 13 skizzenhaft dargestellt ist, die Ausgangsstellung des Betätigungselements 20 wesentlich durch die Gleichgewichtslage zweier Federsysteme, nämlich der Rückstellfeder 32 des Schaltelements 30 einerseits und der Toleranzausgleichselemente 40 andererseits, bestimmt, welche die hier ebenfalls vorhandenen Maßabweichungen der Schalterkomponenten zu einem erheblichen Teil ausgleichen. Damit kann eine Schaltwegtoleranz Stol_2 erreicht werden, die wesentlich geringer ist, und oft nur ein Bruchteil der Schaltwegtoleranz Stol_1 eines konventionell aufgebauten Schalters beträgt.In contrast, the pushbutton switch according to the invention, which is in the figure 13 is sketched out, the starting position of the actuating element 20 is essentially determined by the equilibrium position of two spring systems, namely the return spring 32 of the switching element 30 on the one hand and the tolerance compensation elements 40 on the other hand, which to a considerable extent compensate for the dimensional deviations of the switch components which are also present here. In this way, a switching travel tolerance S tol_2 can be achieved which is significantly lower and is often only a fraction of the switching travel tolerance S tol_1 of a conventionally designed switch.

Durch die erfindungsgemäße Anordnung wird somit erreicht, dass sich der Einfluss der Toleranzen der einzelnen Komponenten auf den Schaltweg reduziert.The arrangement according to the invention thus ensures that the influence of the tolerances of the individual components on the switching path is reduced.

Vorteilhaft ist, dass keine Kalibrierung erforderlich ist, und daraus folgend, dass auch keine externen Zugänge für Einstellsysteme geschaffen werden müssen. Ebenfalls vorteilhaft ist, dass durch die Toleranzausgleichselemente weiche Endanschläge geschaffen werden, durch die die Geräuschentwicklung beim Erreichen der Endanschläge verringert wird.It is advantageous that no calibration is required and, as a result, no external accesses for adjustment systems have to be created. It is also advantageous that the tolerance compensation elements create soft end stops, which reduces the noise generated when the end stops are reached.

Ein weiterer Vorteil ist, dass der erfindungsgemäße Aufbau auch Einflüsse von Temperatur und Feuchtigkeit kompensiert.A further advantage is that the structure according to the invention also compensates for the influences of temperature and moisture.

Bezugs- und FormelzeichenReference and formula symbols

1010
Führungsgehäuseguide housing
1212
Gehäuseoberteilhousing top
1414
Blendenausnehmungpanel recess
1616
Leiterplattecircuit board
1818
Sockelplattebase plate
2020
Betätigungselementactuator
2222
Tastebutton
2424
Stützstegesupport bars
3030
Schaltelement (Mikroschalter)switching element (micro switch)
3232
Rückstellfederreturn spring
3434
Schaltstößelswitch plunger
3636
Schnappscheibe (Haptisches Element)snap disk (haptic element)
4040
Toleranzausgleichelement(e) (Schraubenfedern)Tolerance compensation element(s) (coil springs)
A, B, CA, B, C
Abmessungen von SchalterkomponentenDimensions of switch components
EE
Endanschlagend stop
Ff
Betätigungskraftoperating force
PP
Umschaltpunkt (Peak-Force)switching point (peak force)
ss
Betätigungswegactuation path
Stol_1, Stol_1stol_1, stol_1
Schaltwegtoleranzentravel tolerances

Claims (3)

  1. Electrical pushbutton switch
    having a mechanical switching element (30) which has a haptic element (36) which generates a pressure point, and which has a restoring spring (32) which generates a restoring force
    with an actuating element (20) which can be displaced relative to a guide housing (10) and which, in the event of a displacement, actuates the switching element (30), which is arranged in a fixed position with respect to the guide housing (10), against the restoring force thereof
    characterized in
    that at least one resilient tolerance compensation element (40) is arranged between the guide housing (10) and the actuating element (20), the effective direction of the elastic force of which tolerance compensation element (40) is directed in the actuating direction of the actuating element (20) and in the opposite direction to the restoring force of the switching element (30).
  2. Switch arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching element (30) is a microswitch.
  3. Switch arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element is a button or comprises a button.
EP20756848.6A 2019-08-17 2020-08-12 Electric push-button switch Active EP4014244B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102019005800.3A DE102019005800A1 (en) 2019-08-17 2019-08-17 Electric push button switch
PCT/EP2020/072670 WO2021032572A1 (en) 2019-08-17 2020-08-12 Electric push-button switch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4014244A1 EP4014244A1 (en) 2022-06-22
EP4014244B1 true EP4014244B1 (en) 2023-07-12

Family

ID=72086872

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20756848.6A Active EP4014244B1 (en) 2019-08-17 2020-08-12 Electric push-button switch

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US11830686B2 (en)
EP (1) EP4014244B1 (en)
CN (1) CN114270463B (en)
DE (1) DE102019005800A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2956473T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2021032572A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN114270463A (en) 2022-04-01
US20220165518A1 (en) 2022-05-26
ES2956473T3 (en) 2023-12-21
EP4014244A1 (en) 2022-06-22
WO2021032572A1 (en) 2021-02-25
CN114270463B (en) 2024-05-10
DE102019005800A1 (en) 2021-02-18
US11830686B2 (en) 2023-11-28

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