EP0449058B1 - Electric snap-action switch, particularly micro-switch - Google Patents

Electric snap-action switch, particularly micro-switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0449058B1
EP0449058B1 EP91104022A EP91104022A EP0449058B1 EP 0449058 B1 EP0449058 B1 EP 0449058B1 EP 91104022 A EP91104022 A EP 91104022A EP 91104022 A EP91104022 A EP 91104022A EP 0449058 B1 EP0449058 B1 EP 0449058B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spring
switch
recess
switching
actuating member
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP91104022A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0449058A2 (en
EP0449058A3 (en
Inventor
Siegfried Dipl. Ing. Bär
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Bar Elektrowerke & Co KG GmbH
Bar Elektrowerke GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Bar Elektrowerke & Co KG GmbH
Bar Elektrowerke GmbH and Co KG
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Publication date
Application filed by Bar Elektrowerke & Co KG GmbH, Bar Elektrowerke GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Bar Elektrowerke & Co KG GmbH
Publication of EP0449058A2 publication Critical patent/EP0449058A2/en
Publication of EP0449058A3 publication Critical patent/EP0449058A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0449058B1 publication Critical patent/EP0449058B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • 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
    • H01H13/32—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using compression or extension of coil springs one end of spring being fixedly connected to the stationary or movable part of the switch and the other end reacting with a movable or stationary rigid member respectively through pins, cams, toothed, or other shaped surfaces
    • 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
    • H01H13/063—Casings hermetically closed by a diaphragm through which passes an actuating member

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrical snap-action switch, in particular a microswitch with a contact-carrying switching rocker which adjusts the individual switching positions and which is pivotally arranged with its end facing away from the contacts on a holding bearing provided in a housing, with a switching spring fixed to the housing at one end and engaging the switching rocker at the other end. which pulls the shift rocker to the holding bearing and with an actuating element which can be moved essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the switching spring and has a recess which frames the switching spring at least in regions, in this case the recess is at least in one direction by a stop contacting the switching spring in a first switching position limited, the parts of the switching spring for transferring the shift rocker moves into their individual switching positions.
  • Such switches are often used.
  • the disadvantage is that the actuator has a relatively short working stroke, so that the use of such switches is limited, since in many cases in which the actuator is necessarily a larger stroke must perform, for example when it is operated by a mechanical lever, the movement of the lever is braked abruptly or leads to the destruction of the actuator of the lever.
  • the actuator has a recess through which the switching spring extends.
  • the size of the recess is such that the switching spring remains in contact with the wall of the recess during the entire movement of the actuator.
  • This switch also shows a second recess that is open on one side. A second switching spring comes to rest in this second recess. As soon as the switching spring engages in the second recess, it always remains in contact with wall regions of the recess during a further movement, even if a switchover has already taken place.
  • US-A-3 337 702 shows a snap switch with a switch spring.
  • the actuator also has a recess that is larger than the diameter of the spring.
  • the spring is moved via a stop located outside the recess and is transferred to a further switching position. If the movement is too strong, the switching spring is deformed and gets into the recess, as a result of which the first switching position is suddenly reached again.
  • a snap switch is shown in DE-U-69 27 445.
  • the actuator is divided into a sleeve and a plunger.
  • the plunger has spaced-apart drivers which fix the holding bearing for the shift rocker and move with it when the actuator is moved. As a result, the shift rocker is then moved to a different switching state when the holding bearing is displaced via a switching spring.
  • the actuator itself does not touch the switch spring.
  • the object of the invention is to design a switch of the type mentioned in such a way that the actuator can perform a greater movement than is necessary for the actual switchover.
  • a switch should have a simple structure and an easy assembly.
  • the recess extends in the actuator at a length that is at least greater than about 3 times the diameter of the switching spring, such that after switching from the first to a second switching position, the switching spring in a further insertion movement of the actuator initially remains free of the attack.
  • the arrangement of a recess on the actuator, which is larger than the diameter of the switching spring, ensures that although the switching spring is movable by the actuator, the actuator can be moved in a certain range of motion without the switching state changing. In this way, too large forced switching movements of the actuator can be absorbed without the switch being destroyed. With this overstroke when the actuator is moved, it is also possible, depending on the mounting one end of the switch spring on the housing to assign different switch positions to the switch.
  • the length of the recess corresponds to 3 to 4 times the spring diameter of the switching spring, since it has been shown that with such a large distance between the stops, the actuating element moves the switching spring safely, but nevertheless a forced overstroke of the actuating element does not destroy the switch spring or even the switch.
  • the recess is C-shaped when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the switching spring, the upper and lower legs forming the two stops.
  • the actuating member carrying the recess carries at its end protruding from the housing an elastic sealing cap which is so high Temperature can be sprayed onto the actuator such that a fusion and / or adhesive connection is formed at the point of contact between the actuator and the sealing cap.
  • the sealing cap ensures that the inside of the switch is reliably protected against contamination, so that no contamination can get into the inside of the switch via the recess of the actuating member.
  • regions of the sealing cap are resiliently supported on an annular housing edge in the one end position of the actuating member, in order to thus additionally limit the insertion movement of the actuating member or to intercept any forces acting on the actuating member.
  • the end of the actuating member that carries the sealing cap is designed as a separate part.
  • the sealing cap can be molded onto the actuating element in a particularly simple manner, the end of the actuating element being later connectable to the rest of the actuating element.
  • the stops of the recess of the actuating member have a shape corresponding to the course of the switching spring in the respective contact position.
  • the snap switch designed as a microswitch has a housing 10 which is constructed from a hood-like upper part 11 and a plug-in lower part 12.
  • the upper part and lower part carry guide sections 13 and 14, in which an actuator 15 is slidably mounted.
  • connection contacts 16 which are freely accessible on the underside of the housing.
  • One of the contacts leads inside to a support bearing 17, on which a rocker arm 18 is pivotally mounted, a switch spring 19, which is fixed at one end to the lower part and is attached at its other end to the rocker arm, pulls the rocker against the mounting bracket.
  • the switching rocker is provided on both sides with contacts which can come into contact with stationary counter-contacts, which are assigned to the further closing contacts 16.
  • the actuator 15 is loaded with a compression spring 20, which is supported in the guide section 14 with one end in a recess 21, with the other end the compression spring engages in a bore 22 of the actuator.
  • This compression spring loads the actuator 15 such that it always protrudes from the housing 10 in its disengaged position, provided that the end lying out of the housing is unloaded.
  • a C-shaped recess 23 is provided in the central section of the actuator. Areas 24 of the switch spring are accommodated in this recess.
  • the C-shaped recess 23 is shown in Fig. 3 (side view).
  • the upper and lower legs of the C-shaped recess each form a stop 25 and 26. These stops take the switching spring into different positions when the actuator is moved, as a result of which the individual switching positions of the switch are set. It should also be pointed out here that the stop 26 is rounded in the area of the contact surface with the switching spring 19, this rounding corresponding to the course of the longitudinal axis of the Spring when it touches the stop 26.
  • the stop 25 is chamfered. This bevel also corresponds to the course of the longitudinal axis of the switching spring, namely when it touches the stop 25.
  • the switch spring is on the one hand suspended in a recess in the rocker arm 18, with the other end the switch spring engages around a pin 27 arranged on the lower housing part.
  • the end 28 of the actuating member 15 protruding from the housing is provided with a sealing cap 29.
  • This sealing cap is produced on the actuator in a spraying process in such a way that the actuator is heated to such an extent that a melt or adhesive connection is produced between the pin and the sealing cap when the sealing cap is molded on.
  • the cap edge 32 of the sealing cap 29 is fixed on the upper part of the housing in a cylindrical receptacle 3o, for this purpose a metallic spring ring 31 is supported on the cap edge 32 of the sealing cap, cf. FIG. 1 and forms a seal between the sealing cap and the housing.
  • cylindrical receptacle 3o merges into a support collar 33, this support collar serving as a counter bearing for the folded sealing cap during the insertion movement of the actuating member.
  • the actuator can snap back into its position shown in FIG. 1, in which case the rocker arm is then moved back into its first switching position. It should be pointed out here that the distance defined by the two stops corresponds approximately to 3 to 4 times the spring diameter.
  • the actuator can perform a larger switching movement than is necessary for the actual switching of the switching rocker. Through this measure, any large movements on the actuator can be intercepted harmlessly.
  • end 28 of the actuating member 15 carrying the sealing cap 29 can also be designed as a separate part, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the sealing cap can be molded on in a particularly simple manner.
  • the illustrated embodiment of the invention is only an example implementation. This is not limited to this. Rather, various changes and applications are still possible. So it would be possible in the embodiment of FIG. 1 to omit the upper stop, since the switching of the switching rocker is effected solely by the lower stop.
  • the sealing cap could have an accordion-like shape in cross section instead of the embodiment shown. Instead of the C-shape of the recess, this could also be provided as a flattened portion on the actuator. A projection would then be provided at the end of the flattening.
  • the pin for holding the second switch spring could be offset such that a stepped switching of the switch rocker would be possible.

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  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen elektrischen Schnappschalter, insbesondere Mikroschalter mit einer kontakttragenden die einzelnen Schaltstellungen einstellenden Schaltschwinge, die mit ihrem den Kontakten abgewandten Ende schwenkbar an einem in einem Gehäuse vorgesehenen Haltelager angeordnet ist, mit einer einerends am Gehäuse festgelegten und andernends an der Schaltschwinge angreifenden Schaltfeder, die die Schaltschwinge an das Haltelager zieht und mit einem Betätigungsglied, das im wesentlichen senkrecht zur Schaltfederlängsachse bewegbar ist und eine Ausnehmung aufweist, die zumindest bereichsweise die Schaltfeder umrahmt, hierbei ist die Ausnehmung wenigstens in einer Richtung durch einen die Schaltfeder in einer ersten Schaltstellung berührenden Anschlag begrenzt, der Teile der Schaltfeder zur Überführung der Schaltschwinge in ihre einzelnen Schaltstellungen bewegt. Derartige Schalter werden gern verwendet. Von Nachteil ist jedoch, daß das Betätigungsglied einen verhältnismäßig kurzen Arbeitshub hat, so daß der Einsatz derartiger Schalter beschränkt ist, da in vielen Fällen, in denen das Betätigungsglied zwangsweise einen größeren Hub ausführen muß, beispielsweise wenn es durch einen mechanischen Hebel betätigt wird, die Bewegung des Hebel abrupt gebremst wird oder zur Zerstörung des Betätigungsgliedes des Hebels führt.The invention relates to an electrical snap-action switch, in particular a microswitch with a contact-carrying switching rocker which adjusts the individual switching positions and which is pivotally arranged with its end facing away from the contacts on a holding bearing provided in a housing, with a switching spring fixed to the housing at one end and engaging the switching rocker at the other end. which pulls the shift rocker to the holding bearing and with an actuating element which can be moved essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the switching spring and has a recess which frames the switching spring at least in regions, in this case the recess is at least in one direction by a stop contacting the switching spring in a first switching position limited, the parts of the switching spring for transferring the shift rocker moves into their individual switching positions. Such switches are often used. The disadvantage, however, is that the actuator has a relatively short working stroke, so that the use of such switches is limited, since in many cases in which the actuator is necessarily a larger stroke must perform, for example when it is operated by a mechanical lever, the movement of the lever is braked abruptly or leads to the destruction of the actuator of the lever.

In der US-A-3 382 339 ist ein Schnappschalter gezeigt, dessen Betätigungsglied eine Ausnehmung ausweist, durch die die Schaltfeder durchgreift. Die Größe der Ausnehmung ist so bemessen, daß während der gesamten Bewegung des Betätigungsgliedes die Schaltfeder in Berührung mit der Wandung der Ausnehmung bleibt. Bei diesem Schalter ist weiterhin eine zweite Ausnehmung gezeigt, die nach einer Seite offen ist. In diese zweite Ausnehmung kommt eine zweite Schaltfeder zu liegen. Sobald die Schaltfeder in die zweite Ausnehmung eingreift, bleibt sie bei einer weiteren Bewegung immer in Kontakt mit Wandungsbereichen der Ausnehmung, selbst dann, wenn eine Umschaltung bereits geschehen ist.In US-A-3 382 339 a snap switch is shown, the actuator has a recess through which the switching spring extends. The size of the recess is such that the switching spring remains in contact with the wall of the recess during the entire movement of the actuator. This switch also shows a second recess that is open on one side. A second switching spring comes to rest in this second recess. As soon as the switching spring engages in the second recess, it always remains in contact with wall regions of the recess during a further movement, even if a switchover has already taken place.

In der US-A-3 337 702 ist ein Schnappschalter mit einer Schaltfeder gezeigt. Das Betätigungsglied weist auch eine Ausnehmung auf, die größer als der Durchmesser der Feder ist. Die Feder wird über einen außerhalb der Ausnehmung liegenden Anschlag bewegt und wird in eine weitere Schaltstellung überführt. Bei einer zu starken Bewegung wird die Schaltfeder verformt und gelangt in die Ausnehmung, wodurch schlagartig wieder die erste Schaltstellung erreicht wird.US-A-3 337 702 shows a snap switch with a switch spring. The actuator also has a recess that is larger than the diameter of the spring. The spring is moved via a stop located outside the recess and is transferred to a further switching position. If the movement is too strong, the switching spring is deformed and gets into the recess, as a result of which the first switching position is suddenly reached again.

In der DE-U-69 27 445 ist ein Schnappschalter dargestellt. Bei diesem Schnappschalter ist das Betätigungsglied in eine Hülse und einem Stößel unterteilt. Der Stößel weist im Abstand angeordnete Mitnehmer auf, die das Haltelager für die Schaltschwinge festlegen und bei einer Bewegung des Betätigungsgliedes mit bewegen. Hierdurch wird dann bei einer Verlagerung des Haltelagers über eine Schaltfeder die Schaltschwinge in einen anderen Schaltzustand bewegt. Das Betätigungsglied selber berührt die Schaltfeder nicht.A snap switch is shown in DE-U-69 27 445. In this snap switch, the actuator is divided into a sleeve and a plunger. The plunger has spaced-apart drivers which fix the holding bearing for the shift rocker and move with it when the actuator is moved. As a result, the shift rocker is then moved to a different switching state when the holding bearing is displaced via a switching spring. The actuator itself does not touch the switch spring.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, einen Schalter der eingangs genannten Art so zu gestalten, daß das Betätigungsglied eine größere Bewegung ausführen kann, als es zur eigentlichen Umschaltung erforderlich ist. Darüber hinaus soll ein solcher Schalter einen einfachen Aufbau sowie eine leichte Montage haben.The object of the invention is to design a switch of the type mentioned in such a way that the actuator can perform a greater movement than is necessary for the actual switchover. In addition, such a switch should have a simple structure and an easy assembly.

Dies geschieht erfindungsgemäß dadurch, daß sich die Ausnehmung in einer Länge am Betätigungsglied erstreckt, die wenigstens größer als etwa der 3-fache Durchmesser der Schaltfeder ist, derart, daß nach Umschaltung von der ersten in eine zweite Schaltstellung die Schaltfeder bei einer weiteren Einführungsbewegung des Betätigungsgliedes zunächst frei von dem Anschlag bleibt. Durch die Anordnung einer Ausnehmung am Betätigungsglied, die größer als der Durchmesser der Schaltfeder ist, wird gewährleistet, daß, obwohl die Schaltfeder durch das Betätugungsglied bewegbar ist, in einem bestimmten Bewegungsbereich das Betätigungsglied bewegt werden kann, ohne daß der Schaltzustand sich ändert. Auf diese Weise können zu große erzwungene Schaltbewegungen des Betätigungsgliedes aufgefangen werden, ohne daß es zu einer Zerstörung des Schalters kommt. Durch diesen Überhub bei der Bewegung des Betätigungsgliedes ist es auch möglich, je nach Lagerung des einen Endes der Schaltfeder am Gehäuse, dem Schalter unterschiedlich einstellbare Schaltstellungen zuzuordnen. Empfehlenswerterweise sind die beiden Enden der Ausnehmung mit einem Anschlag für die Schaltfeder versehen, die die Länge der Ausnehmung begrenzen. Durch die Anschläge wird eine sichere Mitnahme der Schaltfeder bei Überführung des Schalters in seine Schaltstellungen erreicht, wobei trotzdem in einem Bewegungsbereich keine Kraft vom Betätigungsglied auf die Schaltfeder übertragbar ist.This is done according to the invention in that the recess extends in the actuator at a length that is at least greater than about 3 times the diameter of the switching spring, such that after switching from the first to a second switching position, the switching spring in a further insertion movement of the actuator initially remains free of the attack. The arrangement of a recess on the actuator, which is larger than the diameter of the switching spring, ensures that although the switching spring is movable by the actuator, the actuator can be moved in a certain range of motion without the switching state changing. In this way, too large forced switching movements of the actuator can be absorbed without the switch being destroyed. With this overstroke when the actuator is moved, it is also possible, depending on the mounting one end of the switch spring on the housing to assign different switch positions to the switch. It is advisable to provide the two ends of the recess with a stop for the switching spring, which limit the length of the recess. The stops ensure that the switch spring is carried securely when the switch is moved into its switch positions, although no force can be transmitted from the actuator to the switch spring in a range of motion.

Empfehlenswert ist es, wenn die Länge der Ausnehmung dem 3- bis 4-fachen des Federdurchmessers der Schaltfeder entspricht, da es sich gezeigt hat, daß bei einem solch großen Abstand der Anschläge das Betätigungsglied sicher die Schaltfeder bewegt, trotzdem aber ein erzwungener Überhub des Betätigungsgliedes nicht zu einer Zerstörung der Schaltfeder oder sogar des Schalters führt.It is recommended if the length of the recess corresponds to 3 to 4 times the spring diameter of the switching spring, since it has been shown that with such a large distance between the stops, the actuating element moves the switching spring safely, but nevertheless a forced overstroke of the actuating element does not destroy the switch spring or even the switch.

Bei einem besonderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist die Ausnehmung in Richtung der Längsachse der Schaltfeder gesehen C-förmig gestaltet, hierbei bilden der obere und untere Schenkel die beiden Anschläge. Eine solche Ausbildung erlaubt eine einfache Herstellung, darüber hinaus auch eine leichte Montage, da die Schaltfeder lediglich in die Ausnehmung eingelegt werden muß, um ihre Schaltfunktionen ausüben zu können, trotzdem aber erzwungene Überhube aufgefangen werden können.In a special embodiment of the invention, the recess is C-shaped when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the switching spring, the upper and lower legs forming the two stops. Such a design allows simple manufacture and, moreover, easy assembly, since the switch spring only has to be inserted into the recess in order to be able to perform its switching functions, but nevertheless forced overlap can be absorbed.

Vorteilhafterweise trägt das die Ausnehmung tragende Betätigungsglied an seinem aus dem Gehäuse ragenden Ende eine elastische Dichtkappe, die bei einer so hohen Temperatur an das Betätigungsglied anspritzbar ist, daß an der Berührstelle zwischen Betätigungsglied und Dichtkappe eine Schmelz- und/oder Klebeverbindung gebildet ist. Durch die Dichtkappe wird sichergestellt, daß das Schalterinnere sicher gegen Verunreinigungen geschützt ist, so daß auch keine Verunreinigungen über die Ausnehmung des Betätigungsgliedes in das Schalterinnere gelangen können.Advantageously, the actuating member carrying the recess carries at its end protruding from the housing an elastic sealing cap which is so high Temperature can be sprayed onto the actuator such that a fusion and / or adhesive connection is formed at the point of contact between the actuator and the sealing cap. The sealing cap ensures that the inside of the switch is reliably protected against contamination, so that no contamination can get into the inside of the switch via the recess of the actuating member.

Vorteilhafterweise stützen sich in der einen Endstellung des Betätigungsgliedes Bereiche der Dichtkappe auf einem ringförmigen Gehäuserand federnd ab, um so sicher die Einfuhrbewegung des Betätigungsgliedes zusätzlich zu begrenzen bzw. etwaige auf das Betätigungsglied wirkende Kräfte abzufangen.Advantageously, regions of the sealing cap are resiliently supported on an annular housing edge in the one end position of the actuating member, in order to thus additionally limit the insertion movement of the actuating member or to intercept any forces acting on the actuating member.

Bei einem besonderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist das die Dichtkappe tragende Ende des Betätigungsgliedes als separates Teil ausgebildet. Auf diese Weise läßt sich besonders einfach die Dichtkappe an das Betätigungsglied anformen, wobei das Ende des Betätigungsgliedes später mit dem übrigen Betätigungsglied verbindbar ist.In a special exemplary embodiment of the invention, the end of the actuating member that carries the sealing cap is designed as a separate part. In this way, the sealing cap can be molded onto the actuating element in a particularly simple manner, the end of the actuating element being later connectable to the rest of the actuating element.

Bei einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung weisen die Anschläge der Ausnehmung des Betätigungsgliedes eine dem Verlauf der Schaltfeder in der jeweiligen Berührstellung entsprechende Ausformung auf. Durch diese Maßnahmen wird sichergestellt, daß die Anschläge bei der Überführung der Schaltfeder in die einzelnen Schaltstellungen keine Verletzung oder Beschädigung der Schaltfeder selber hervorrufen.In a further embodiment of the invention, the stops of the recess of the actuating member have a shape corresponding to the course of the switching spring in the respective contact position. These measures ensure that the stops during the transfer of the switching spring into the individual switching positions do not cause any injury or damage to the switching spring itself.

Um bei einem unbelasteten Betätigungsglied einer Schaltstellung eine Vorzugstellung einzuräumen, empfiehlt es sich, das Betätigungsglied durch eine Feder zu belasten, derart, daß ein Anschlag an der Schaltfeder anliegt und eine Schaltstellung eine Vorzugslage einnimmt. Durch diese Maßnahme wird sichergestellt, daß das Betätigungsglied immer in einer Endstellung gehalten wird.To an unloaded actuator To grant a preferred position to the switching position, it is advisable to load the actuating element with a spring in such a way that a stop rests against the switching spring and a switching position assumes a preferred position. This measure ensures that the actuator is always held in an end position.

Auf der Zeichnung ist der Erfindungsgegenstand in einem Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt und zwar zeigen

Fig. 1
den Schalter im Querschnitt bei einer ersten Schaltstellung,
Fig. 2
den Schalter im Querschnitt bei einer zweiten Schaltstellung,
Fig. 3
in Seitenansicht das Betätigungsglied,
Fig. 4
ein Ende des Betätigungsgliedes mit Dichtkappe.
In the drawing, the subject matter of the invention is shown in one embodiment and show
Fig. 1
the switch in cross section in a first switching position,
Fig. 2
the switch in cross section in a second switching position,
Fig. 3
in side view the actuator,
Fig. 4
one end of the actuator with sealing cap.

Der als Mikroschalter ausgebildete Schnappschalter weist ein Gehäuse 10 auf, das aus einem haubenartigen Oberteil 11 und einem einschubartigen Unterteil 12 aufgebaut ist. Oberteil und Unterteil tragen Führungsabschnitte 13 bzw. 14, in denen ein Betätigungsglied 15 verschiebbar gelagert ist.The snap switch designed as a microswitch has a housing 10 which is constructed from a hood-like upper part 11 and a plug-in lower part 12. The upper part and lower part carry guide sections 13 and 14, in which an actuator 15 is slidably mounted.

Das einschubartige Unterteil 12 ist mit Anschlußkontakten 16 versehen, die an der Unterseite des Gehäuses frei zugänglich sind. Eine der Anschlußkontakte führt im Inneren zu einem Haltelager 17, an dem eine Schaltschwinge 18 schwenkbar gelagert ist, wobei eine Schaltfeder 19, die mit ihrem einen Ende am Unterteil festgelegt ist und mit ihrem anderen Ende an der Schaltschwinge befestigt ist, die Schwinge gegen das Haltelager zieht. Die Schaltschwinge ist beidseitig mit Kontakten versehen, die mit ortsfesten Gegenkontakten, die den weiteren Schlußkontakten 16 zugeordnet sind, in Berührung treten können.The insert-like lower part 12 is provided with connection contacts 16 which are freely accessible on the underside of the housing. One of the contacts leads inside to a support bearing 17, on which a rocker arm 18 is pivotally mounted, a switch spring 19, which is fixed at one end to the lower part and is attached at its other end to the rocker arm, pulls the rocker against the mounting bracket. The switching rocker is provided on both sides with contacts which can come into contact with stationary counter-contacts, which are assigned to the further closing contacts 16.

Das Betätigungsglied 15 ist mit einer Druckfeder 2o belastet, die im Führungsabschnitt 14 mit ihrem einen Ende in einer Ausnehmung 21 sich abstützt, mit ihrem anderen Ende greift die Druckfeder in eine Bohrung 22 des Betätigungsgliedes. Diese Druckfeder belastet das Betätigungsglied 15 derart, daß es immer in seiner ausgerückten Stellung aus dem Gehäuse 10 ragt, sofern das aus dem Gehäuse liegende Ende unbelastet ist.The actuator 15 is loaded with a compression spring 20, which is supported in the guide section 14 with one end in a recess 21, with the other end the compression spring engages in a bore 22 of the actuator. This compression spring loads the actuator 15 such that it always protrudes from the housing 10 in its disengaged position, provided that the end lying out of the housing is unloaded.

Im mittleren Abschnitt des Betätigungsgliedes ist eine C-förmige Ausnehmung 23 vorgesehen. In dieser Ausnehmung finden Bereiche 24 der Schaltfeder eine Aufnahme. Die C-förmige Ausnehmung 23 ist in Fig. 3 (Seitenansicht) dargestellt.A C-shaped recess 23 is provided in the central section of the actuator. Areas 24 of the switch spring are accommodated in this recess. The C-shaped recess 23 is shown in Fig. 3 (side view).

Der obere und untere Schenkel der C-förmigen Ausnehmung bildet jeweils einen Anschlag 25 sowie 26. Diese Anschläge nehmen bei einer Bewegung des Betätigungsgliedes die Schaltfeder in unterschiedliche Stellungen mit, wodurch die Einstellung der einzelnen Schaltstellungen des Schalters erfolgt. Es sei hier noch darauf hingewiesen, daß der Anschlag 26 im Bereich der Berührfläche mit der Schaltfeder 19 abgerundet ist, hierbei entspricht diese Abrundung dem Verlauf der Längsachse der Feder, wenn sie den Anschlag 26 berührt. Der Anschlag 25 ist mit einer Abschrägung versehen. Diese Abschrägung entspricht ebenfalls dem Verlauf der Längsachse der Schaltfeder und zwar dann, wenn diese den Anschlag 25 berührt. Es sei hier noch nachgetragen, daß die Schaltfeder einerseits in einer Ausnehmung der Schaltschwinge 18 eingehängt ist, mit ihrem anderen Ende umgreift die Schaltfeder einen am Gehäuseunterteil angeordneten Stift 27.The upper and lower legs of the C-shaped recess each form a stop 25 and 26. These stops take the switching spring into different positions when the actuator is moved, as a result of which the individual switching positions of the switch are set. It should also be pointed out here that the stop 26 is rounded in the area of the contact surface with the switching spring 19, this rounding corresponding to the course of the longitudinal axis of the Spring when it touches the stop 26. The stop 25 is chamfered. This bevel also corresponds to the course of the longitudinal axis of the switching spring, namely when it touches the stop 25. It should be added here that the switch spring is on the one hand suspended in a recess in the rocker arm 18, with the other end the switch spring engages around a pin 27 arranged on the lower housing part.

Schließlich sei noch darauf hingewiesen, daß das aus dem Gehäuse herausragende Ende 28 des Betätigungsgliedes 15 mit einer Dichtkappe 29 versehen ist. Diese Dichtkappe wird an das Betätigungsglied in einem Spritzvorgang derart hergestellt, daß das Betätigungsglied so weit erwärmt ist, daß beim Anspritzen der Dichtkappe eine Schmelz- bzw. Klebeverbindung zwischen Stift und Dichtkappe hergestellt wird.Finally, it should be pointed out that the end 28 of the actuating member 15 protruding from the housing is provided with a sealing cap 29. This sealing cap is produced on the actuator in a spraying process in such a way that the actuator is heated to such an extent that a melt or adhesive connection is produced between the pin and the sealing cap when the sealing cap is molded on.

Der Kappenrand 32 der Dichtkappe 29 ist am Gehäuseoberteil in einer zylinderartigen Aufnahme 3o festgelegt, hierzu stützt sich ein metallischer Springring 31 auf dem Kappenrand 32 der Dichtkappe ab, vergl. Fig. 1 und bildet zwischen Dichtkappe und Gehäuse eine Abdichtung.The cap edge 32 of the sealing cap 29 is fixed on the upper part of the housing in a cylindrical receptacle 3o, for this purpose a metallic spring ring 31 is supported on the cap edge 32 of the sealing cap, cf. FIG. 1 and forms a seal between the sealing cap and the housing.

Es sei hier noch darauf hingewiesen, daß die zylinderartige Aufnahme 3o in einen Stützkragen 33 übergeht, wobei dieser Stützkragen bei der Einfuhrbewegung des Betätigungsgliedes als Gegenlager für die zusammengefaltete Dichtkappe dient.It should also be pointed out here that the cylindrical receptacle 3o merges into a support collar 33, this support collar serving as a counter bearing for the folded sealing cap during the insertion movement of the actuating member.

Zum Bewegungsablauf des Schalters sei auf folgendes verwiesen:Regarding the movement of the switch, please refer to the following:

Ausgangspunkt bildet die Fig. 1. Wird in dieser Schaltstellung das freie Ende des Betätigungsgliedes 15 belastet, so bewegt sich das Betätigungsglied 15 in den Führungsabschnitten 13 und 14 in das Schalterinnere hinein.1 is the starting point. If the free end of the actuator 15 is loaded in this switching position, the actuator 15 moves in the guide sections 13 and 14 into the interior of the switch.

Sobald die Schaltfeder 19 frei von dem Anschlag 26 ist, richtet sie sich entsprechend ihrer Federkraft aus und überführt die Schaltschwinge 18 in ihre zweite Schaltstellung.As soon as the switching spring 19 is free from the stop 26, it aligns itself according to its spring force and transfers the switching rocker 18 into its second switching position.

Bei einer weiteren Einfuhrbewegung bleibt die Schaltfeder frei von den Anschlägen 25 und 26.In the event of a further insertion movement, the switching spring remains free of the stops 25 and 26.

Erst wenn das Betätigungsglied so weit in das Schalterinnere eingeführt ist, daß der zweite Anschlag 25 auf der Feder 19 ruht, ist die Einfuhrbewegung des Betätigungsgliedes beendet, hierbei stützt sich das Betätigungsglied an Randbereichen der Ausnehmung 21 ab, die eine weitere Einfuhrbewegung des Betätigungsgliedes verhindern.Only when the actuator is inserted so far into the interior of the switch that the second stop 25 rests on the spring 19 is the insertion movement of the actuator terminated, in this case the actuator is supported on edge regions of the recess 21, which prevent a further insertion movement of the actuator.

Sobald nun das Betätigungsglied freigegeben wird, kann das Betätigungsglied wieder in seine in Fig. 1 gestellte Lage zurückschnellen, hierbei wird dann die Schaltschwinge wieder in ihre erste Schaltstellung überführt. Es sei hier darauf hingewiesen, daß der durch die beiden Anschläge festgelegte Abstand etwa dem 3 bis 4-fachen des Federdurchmessers entspricht.As soon as the actuator is released, the actuator can snap back into its position shown in FIG. 1, in which case the rocker arm is then moved back into its first switching position. It should be pointed out here that the distance defined by the two stops corresponds approximately to 3 to 4 times the spring diameter.

Wichtig für die Erfindung ist es, daß das Betätigungsglied eine größere Schaltbewegung ausführen kann, als es für die eigentliche Umschaltung der Schaltschwinge erforderlich ist. Durch diese Maßnahme können etwaige große Bewegungen auf das Betätigungsglied unschädlich abgefangen werden.It is important for the invention that the actuator can perform a larger switching movement than is necessary for the actual switching of the switching rocker. Through this measure, any large movements on the actuator can be intercepted harmlessly.

Nachzutragen bleibt noch, daß das die Dichtkappe 29 tragende Ende 28 des Betätigungsgliedes 15 auch als separates Teil ausgebildet sein kann, wie Fig. 4 zeigt. In diesem Fall ist das Anspritzen der Dichtkappe besonders einfach möglich.It remains to be added that the end 28 of the actuating member 15 carrying the sealing cap 29 can also be designed as a separate part, as shown in FIG. 4. In this case, the sealing cap can be molded on in a particularly simple manner.

Wie bereits erwähnt, ist die dargestellte Ausführungsform der Erfindung nur eine beispielsweise Verwirklichung. Diese ist nicht darauf beschränkt. Vielmehr sind noch mancherlei Abänderungen und Anwendungen möglich. So wäre es bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach Fig. 1 möglich, den oberen Anschlag fortzulassen, da die Umschaltung der Schaltschwinge allein durch den unteren Anschlag bewirkt wird. Weiterhin könnte die Dichtkappe statt der dargestellten Ausführungsform im Querschnitt eine ziehharmonikaähnliche Form haben. Statt der C-Form der Ausnehmung könnte diese auch als Abflachung am Betätigungsglied vorgesehen sein. Am Ende der Abflachung wäre dann ein Vorsprung vorgesehen. Bei einer Ausführungsform mit mehreren Schaltschwingen des Schalters könnte der Stift zur Halterung der zweiten Schaltfeder so versetzt sein, daß eine Stufenschaltung der Schaltschwinge möglich wäre.As already mentioned, the illustrated embodiment of the invention is only an example implementation. This is not limited to this. Rather, various changes and applications are still possible. So it would be possible in the embodiment of FIG. 1 to omit the upper stop, since the switching of the switching rocker is effected solely by the lower stop. Furthermore, the sealing cap could have an accordion-like shape in cross section instead of the embodiment shown. Instead of the C-shape of the recess, this could also be provided as a flattened portion on the actuator. A projection would then be provided at the end of the flattening. In an embodiment with several switch rockers of the switch, the pin for holding the second switch spring could be offset such that a stepped switching of the switch rocker would be possible.

Claims (9)

  1. An electrical snap switch, in particular a microswitch, having a switching rocker arm (18) which has contacts and sets the individual switching positions, the end of which switching rocker arm, remote from the contacts, is arranged pivotally on a holding bearing (17) provided in a housing (10), having a switch spring (19) which is secured to the housing (10) at one end and which acts on the switching rocker arm (18) at the other end, which switch spring pulls the switching rocker arm (18) towards the holding bearing (17), and having an actuating member (15) which is movable substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the switch spring, and which has a recess (23) which at least regionally frames the switch spring (19), wherein the recess (23) is delimited at least in one direction by an abutment (26) which engages the switch spring (19) in a first switching position, the abutment moving parts of the switch spring in order to guide the switching rocker arm (18) into its individual switching positions,
    characterised in that
    the recess (23) extends along the actuating member (15) for a length which is at least greater than about 3 times the diameter of the switch spring (19) so that after switching over from the first to a second switching position the switch spring (19) remains free of the abutment (26) during further introduction movement of the actuating member (15).
  2. A snap switch according to Claim 1, characterised in that the two ends of the recess (23) have an abutment (25, 26) for the switch spring, which abutments delimit the length of the recess (23).
  3. A snap switch according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that the length of the recess (23) equals 3 to 4 times the spring diameter of the switch spring (19).
  4. A snap switch according to one of Claims 1 or 3, characterised in that the recess (23) is of a C-shaped configuration when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the switch spring (19), and the upper and lower limbs therein form the two abutments.
  5. A snap switch according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the actuating member (15) which bears the recess (23) has an elastic sealing cap (29) at the end of the actuating member which projects from the housing, which sealing cap is able to be injected onto the actuating member (15) at a temperature high enough for a melting- or glued connection to form at the location where the actuating member and the sealing cap touch.
  6. A snap switch according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that in the one end position of the actuating member (15) regions of the sealing cap (29) bear resiliently on a circular edge (33) of the housing.
  7. A snap switch according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the end (28), bearing the sealing cap (29), of the actuating member (15) is in the form of a separate piece.
  8. A snap switch according to one of Claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the abutments (25, 26) of the recess (23) of the actuating member (15) have a shaped out portion which corresponds to the course of the switch spring (19) in the respective touching location.
  9. A snap switch according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the actuating member (15) is acted upon by a spring (20) in such a way that an abutment (26) rests against the switch spring (19) and a switching position assumes a preferred position.
EP91104022A 1990-03-28 1991-03-15 Electric snap-action switch, particularly micro-switch Expired - Lifetime EP0449058B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE9003612U 1990-03-28
DE9003612U DE9003612U1 (en) 1990-03-28 1990-03-28 Electrical snap switch, especially microswitch

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0449058A2 EP0449058A2 (en) 1991-10-02
EP0449058A3 EP0449058A3 (en) 1991-12-27
EP0449058B1 true EP0449058B1 (en) 1995-01-11

Family

ID=6852414

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91104022A Expired - Lifetime EP0449058B1 (en) 1990-03-28 1991-03-15 Electric snap-action switch, particularly micro-switch

Country Status (2)

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EP (1) EP0449058B1 (en)
DE (2) DE9003612U1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2700886B1 (en) * 1993-01-25 1995-04-14 Sextant Avionique Elastic waterproofing membrane for push button.
EP3032558B1 (en) * 2014-12-09 2017-05-10 C&K Components SAS Electrical pushbutton snap switch

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3337702A (en) * 1963-02-25 1967-08-22 Cherry Electrical Prod Non-defeat double snap-acting switch with oscillating contact
US3382339A (en) * 1967-07-14 1968-05-07 Cherry Electrical Prod Snap-action switch
DE6927445U (en) * 1969-07-07 1969-12-04 J & J Marquardt Kg BUTTON.
DE2942720C2 (en) * 1979-10-23 1982-05-27 Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart Snap action push button
US4673778A (en) * 1985-02-05 1987-06-16 The Cherry Corporation Snap action switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0449058A2 (en) 1991-10-02
DE59104193D1 (en) 1995-02-23
DE9003612U1 (en) 1990-05-31
EP0449058A3 (en) 1991-12-27

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