EP0810619B1 - Push button switch for household appliances - Google Patents

Push button switch for household appliances Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0810619B1
EP0810619B1 EP96108473A EP96108473A EP0810619B1 EP 0810619 B1 EP0810619 B1 EP 0810619B1 EP 96108473 A EP96108473 A EP 96108473A EP 96108473 A EP96108473 A EP 96108473A EP 0810619 B1 EP0810619 B1 EP 0810619B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switching
switch
button
circuit board
membrane
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
EP96108473A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0810619A1 (en
Inventor
Klaus Imer
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.)
Haschkamp Wolfgang Dipl-Kfm
Original Assignee
Haschkamp Joachim Dipl-Ing
Haschkamp Wolfgang Dipl-Kfm
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Haschkamp Joachim Dipl-Ing, Haschkamp Wolfgang Dipl-Kfm filed Critical Haschkamp Joachim Dipl-Ing
Priority to AT96108473T priority Critical patent/ATE196384T1/en
Priority to DE29609439U priority patent/DE29609439U1/en
Priority to DK96108473T priority patent/DK0810619T3/en
Priority to DE59605881T priority patent/DE59605881D1/en
Priority to EP96108473A priority patent/EP0810619B1/en
Publication of EP0810619A1 publication Critical patent/EP0810619A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0810619B1 publication Critical patent/EP0810619B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02Details
    • H01H13/12Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H13/20Driving mechanisms
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50Switches 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
    • H01H13/56Switches 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 upon the next application of operating force
    • H01H13/562Switches 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 upon the next application of operating force making use of a heart shaped cam
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2201/00Contacts
    • H01H2201/01Protective enclosure
    • H01H2201/012Inert gas in contact space
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2213/00Venting
    • H01H2213/01Venting with internal pressure of other switch sites
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2213/00Venting
    • H01H2213/01Venting with internal pressure of other switch sites
    • H01H2213/014Accumulator chamber
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00Actuators
    • H01H2221/046Actuators bistable
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00Actuators
    • H01H2221/08Actuators composed of different parts
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00Applications
    • H01H2231/012Household appliance

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a push button switch package according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such switch packages with the combination of the features of the preamble of claim 1 are in different Embodiments with a different Number of buttons known.
  • the program switching buttons switch low voltages between 5 volts and 12 volts and currents in the microampere range or are in the milliampere range. Because at the low Voltages and the low flowing through the switch contacts Already slight contaminants flow or oxidation can impair contact Special precautions are taken to ensure reliable Contacting without significant contact resistance guarantee even after prolonged operation. Usually are used to prevent oxidation for the program switches Gold contacts used, but even at the slightest Contamination can fail, causing disruptions in the program flow conditionally.
  • DE-A-27 13 237 is a key element for contactless Switch known, in which on a side wall of a Key body an essentially inwardly acting radiation source and on an opposite side of the key body a detector element matched to the radiation source are arranged, being between the radiation source and the detector does not or for the radiation in question only slightly permeable up and down movable stem is arranged.
  • WO 89/09515 shows a push button switch in which Pushing a button a light guide connection between a light emitting diode and a receiver is made, making contactless a switch-on process can be initiated.
  • EP-A-0 570 870 describes a rotary selector switch an electrically contacted light emitting / receiving device, the actuator being in the beam path engaging coding element is formed is and in the housing or on the actuator Light path between light emitting and light receiving device influencing light reflection or light guide arranged is.
  • Switching foils are also used as program switches, whose galvanic contacts are protected by edge sealing are. However, these switching foils are always as keypads executed so that the switching position is not on the switching film can be recognized and always additionally a signal display was required, which indicates which program was selected.
  • the present invention is based on the object an inexpensive push button switch package to develop for washing machines or drying machines, where the program switching buttons, which are in the microampere range or carry currents in the milliampere range, a reliable one and ensure permanent contact.
  • the task is solved by the im Claim 1 specified features.
  • the switching film becomes dirty or damaged prevents the hermetically sealed switch contacts. This ensures permanent contact without that a change in the contact resistance is to be feared.
  • the invention is based on the finding that a switching film known per se also for permanent contact (during the respective program run) can be achieved if various conditions are met.
  • the Contamination of the contacts is caused by gluing the Switching film prevented with certainty because the contacts against Air access are protected. It is even possible the all around fill the sealed room with an inert protective gas.
  • the contact surfaces are against corrosion and pollution protected, and the function of the switch is guaranteed even with the smallest currents.
  • the spacer film is in the places where the contacts lying, punched out.
  • the individual stamped contact fields are connected by slots that cause that the air or the protective gas between the contact surfaces can dodge. This is important because without this Compensation slots require a much greater force would to put the contact foil on the contact areas of the circuit boards to press. In addition, the springback the contact foil improved.
  • Each program button 10 has six program buttons 10, which are arranged side by side in a housing 12 are, and which act on the contacts of a circuit board 26.
  • Each program button 10 has one stored in the housing 12 Slider 16 on one in the drawing Not shown locking mechanism, for example in the form a heartbeat in two positions, namely the off position 3 and the on position shown in FIG. 4, movable and can be fixed in the two positions.
  • the slide points at its lower end a plunger 18 which is in a recess of the key slide axially movable and by a Compression coil spring 20 is cushioned.
  • the plunger 18 is with Barbs 22 and in the recess of the slider 16th snapped.
  • This sprung plunger 18 acts on the Switching film 24 on the circuit board 26.
  • the circuit board On the circuit board are in the usual way by etching Contact surfaces 28 and the conductor tracks 30 are produced.
  • the Contact areas and the conductor tracks can also be used with a Carbon varnish must be printed.
  • the contact surfaces 28 grip combing into each other, and they are separated by the individual Bridged contact surfaces of the switching film 24 in the pressed state.
  • the contact surfaces 32 of the switching film 24 are through Conductive silver varnish or carbon printing applied.
  • Between the Printed circuit board 26 and switching film 24 is a spacer film 34 added. This spacer film is in those places where the contacts are provided with punching holes 36 which in Diameters are slightly larger than the contact surfaces 32 of the Switching film and the contact surfaces 28 of the circuit board.
  • the individual punch holes 36 are through slots 38 in the Spacer film connected together.
  • the switching film 24 is in the manner shown in FIG. 8 with the contact foil over the entire surface (with the exception of holes 36 and slots 38) glued.
  • the Spacer film 34 with the switching film 24 carried by it glued in such a way that the contact surfaces 32 of the switching film 24 above the switching contact surfaces 28 of the circuit board at a distance come to rest.
  • These three layers 24, 26, 34 form a self-contained, sealed from the outside Laminate with a free space through the punch holes 36 and the slots 38 is determined. This space is with air or filled with an inert gas.
  • the slots 38 cause that the gas in the slots 38 between the contact surfaces can dodge.
  • the spring-loaded plunger presses 18 in the slider 16 onto the contact surface covered by the film 24 32 and press this down until it combs on the interlocking contact surfaces 28 of the circuit board 26 hits and bridges this.
  • the spacer film 24 causes that in the off position the contact surfaces 28th on the circuit board 26 and the contact surfaces 32 of the contact film be kept apart.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Keying Circuit Devices (AREA)
  • Switches Operated By Changes In Physical Conditions (AREA)

Abstract

The switch has a switch pin (16,180) which locks into the depressed position. The pin acts upon the contact surface (32) of a switching foil (24) and holds it firmly against contact surfaces (28) of a circuit board (26) when in the depressed position. The circuit board and switching foil are sealed air tight with the contact surfaces between them. A distance foil (34) inserted between the circuit board and switching foil has holes (36) punched in the region of the contact surface.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Drucktastenschalter-Paket gemäß dem Gattungsbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1. Derartige Schalterpakete mit der Kombination der Merkmale des Oberbegriffs des Patentanspruchs 1 sind in verschiedenen Ausführungsformen mit einer unterschiedlichen Zahl von Tasten bekannt. Bei derartigen Schalterpaketen schalten die Programmschalttasten Kleinspannungen zwischen 5 Volt und 12 Volt und Ströme, die im Mikroamperebereich oder im Milliamperebereich liegen. Da bei den niedrigen Spannungen und den geringen, die Schaltkontakte durchfließenden Strömen bereits geringfügige Verunreinigungen oder Oxydationen die Kontaktgabe beeinträchtigen können, müssen besondere Vorkehrungen getroffen werden, um eine zuverlässige Kontaktgabe ohne wesentlichen Übergangswiderstand auch nach längerem Betrieb zu gewährleisten. In der Regel werden zur Vermeidung von Oxydationen für die Programmschalter Goldkontakte eingesetzt, die jedoch auch bei der geringsten Verschmutzung versagen können, was Störungen im Programmablauf bedingt.The invention relates to a push button switch package according to the preamble of claim 1. Such switch packages with the combination of the features of the preamble of claim 1 are in different Embodiments with a different Number of buttons known. With such switch packages the program switching buttons switch low voltages between 5 volts and 12 volts and currents in the microampere range or are in the milliampere range. Because at the low Voltages and the low flowing through the switch contacts Already slight contaminants flow or oxidation can impair contact Special precautions are taken to ensure reliable Contacting without significant contact resistance guarantee even after prolonged operation. Usually are used to prevent oxidation for the program switches Gold contacts used, but even at the slightest Contamination can fail, causing disruptions in the program flow conditionally.

Durch die DE-A-27 13 237 ist ein Tastenelement zum kontaktlosen Schalten bekannt, bei dem an einer Seitenwand eines Tastenkörpers eine im wesentlichen nach innen wirkende Strahlungsquelle und an einer gegenüberliegenden Seite des Tastenkörpers ein auf die Strahlungsquelle abgestimmtes Detektorelement angeordnet sind, wobei zwischen der Strahlungsquelle und dem Detektor ein für die betreffende Strahlung nicht oder nur wenig durchlässiger auf- und abbewegbarer Tastenschaft angeordnet ist. DE-A-27 13 237 is a key element for contactless Switch known, in which on a side wall of a Key body an essentially inwardly acting radiation source and on an opposite side of the key body a detector element matched to the radiation source are arranged, being between the radiation source and the detector does not or for the radiation in question only slightly permeable up and down movable stem is arranged.

Die WO 89/09515 zeigt einen Druckknopfschalter, bei dem durch Tastendruck eine Lichtleitverbindung zwischen einer Leuchtdiode und einem Empfänger hergestellt wird, wodurch kontaktlos ein Einschaltvorgang eingeleitet werden kann.WO 89/09515 shows a push button switch in which Pushing a button a light guide connection between a light emitting diode and a receiver is made, making contactless a switch-on process can be initiated.

Ein weiterer Drucktastenschalter mit kontaktloser optischer Auslösevorrichtung ist in der FR-A-75 20 760 beschrieben.Another push button switch with contactless optical Tripping device is described in FR-A-75 20 760.

Die EP-A-0 570 870 beschreibt einen Drehwahlschalter mit einer elektrisch kontaktierten Lichtsende-Lichtempfangs-Einrichtung, wobei die Stelleinrichtung als in den Strahlengang der Einrichtung eingreifendes Kodierelement ausgebildet ist und im Gehäuse oder an der Stelleinrichtung ein den Lichtweg zwischen Lichtsende- und Lichtempfangs-Einrichtung beeinflussendes Lichtreflexions- oder Lichtleitelement angeordnet ist.EP-A-0 570 870 describes a rotary selector switch an electrically contacted light emitting / receiving device, the actuator being in the beam path engaging coding element is formed is and in the housing or on the actuator Light path between light emitting and light receiving device influencing light reflection or light guide arranged is.

Derartige optische Schalteinrichtungen arbeiten kontaktlos und langzeitig zuverlässig unter der Voraussetzung, daß Lichtsender und Lichtempfänger sowie die Lichtleiter dazwischen gegen Verschmutzung ausreichend geschützt sind. Sie sind gegenüber Verschmutzung jedoch nicht so empfindlich wie die galvanischen Schaltkontakte; sie erfordern jedoch einen nicht unerheblichen zusätzlichen Schaltungsaufwand.Such optical switching devices work without contact and reliable over the long term provided that Light transmitter and light receiver as well as the light guide in between are adequately protected against pollution. she are not as sensitive to pollution as the galvanic switch contacts; however, they require one not inconsiderable additional circuitry.

Es sind als Programmschalter ferner Schaltfolien im Einsatz, deren galvanische Kontakte durch Randversiegelung geschützt sind. Diese Schaltfolien sind jedoch immer als Tipptastaturen ausgeführt, so daß an der Schaltfolie die Schaltstellung nicht erkannt werden kann und immer zusätzlich eine Signalanzeige erforderlich war, die anzeigt, welches Programm gewählt wurde. Switching foils are also used as program switches, whose galvanic contacts are protected by edge sealing are. However, these switching foils are always as keypads executed so that the switching position is not on the switching film can be recognized and always additionally a signal display was required, which indicates which program was selected.

Aus der US-A-4 417 115 ist ein Schalterbetätigungsaufbau für Tastenfeldschalter bekannt, die als Membranschalter, als Halleffektschalter oder als andere Schaltertypen ausgebildet sein können und durch in Verbindung mit dem Tastenfeld verwendbare Drucktasten betätigbar sind. Aufgabe der Erfindung dieses Patentes ist es, die in Verbindung mit dem Tastenfeld verwendeten Drucktasten so auszubilden, daß sie auf einfache Weise umgebaut und angepaßt werden können, um eine von drei Schaltfunktionen durchführen zu können. In einer Schaltfunktion soll beim Niederdrücken der Taste der Widerstand abrupt abfallen, um dem Benutzer anzuzeigen, daß eine Schaltung erfolgt ist. Bei einer zweiten normalen Schaltfunktion soll die Taste nach Schließen des Schalters in gedrückter Stellung gehalten werden und beim erneuten Eindrücken in die Ausschalt-stellung zurückkehren. Bei einer dritten Schaltfunktion soll der Schalter nur so lange geschlossen bleiben, wie die Taste gedrückt wird.From US-A-4 417 115 is a switch actuation assembly for Keypad switches known as membrane switches, as Hall effect switch or designed as other switch types can be and by usable in connection with the keypad Pushbuttons can be operated. Object of the invention This patent is used in conjunction with the keypad used pushbuttons so that they are simple Modified and adapted to one of three ways To be able to perform switching functions. In a switching function the resistance should be abrupt when the button is pressed drop to indicate to the user that a shift is in progress is. In a second normal switching function, the Key held in pressed position after closing the switch and when the button is pushed in again to return. In a third switching function the switch remains closed only as long as the button is pressed.

Diese auf einfache Weise umbaubaren Einzeltasten können auf unterschiedliche Schaltertypen einwirken, z.B. auch auf Membranschalter. Dieser Stand der Technik ist im Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 als an sich bekannt angegeben.These easily convertible single buttons can be opened different switch types, e.g. also on membrane switch. This state of the art is in the generic term of claim 1 as known per se.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt demgegenüber die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein kostengünstig herstellbares Drucktastenschalter-Paket für Waschmaschinen oder Trockenmaschinen zu entwickeln, bei dem die Programmschalttasten, welche im Mikroamperebereich oder im Milliamperebereich liegende Ströme führen, eine zuverlässige und dauerhafte Kontaktierung gewährleisten.The present invention is based on the object an inexpensive push button switch package to develop for washing machines or drying machines, where the program switching buttons, which are in the microampere range or carry currents in the milliampere range, a reliable one and ensure permanent contact.

Gelöst wird die gestellte Aufgabe durch die im Patentanspruchs 1 angegebenen Merkmale. Durch die Verwendung der Schaltfolie wird eine Verschmutzung oder Beschädigung der hermetisch eingeschlossenen Schaltkontakte verhindert. Dadurch wird dauerhaft die Kontaktierung gewährleistet, ohne daß eine Änderung des Übergangswiderstandes zu befürchten ist.The task is solved by the im Claim 1 specified features. By using it the switching film becomes dirty or damaged prevents the hermetically sealed switch contacts. This ensures permanent contact without that a change in the contact resistance is to be feared.

Gegenüber dem Stande der Technik ergibt sich noch der Vorteil einer leichteren Anschließbarkeit des Schalterpaketes an die Steuerelektronik. There is still the advantage over the prior art an easier connection of the switch package to the Control electronics.

Der Erfindung liegt die Erkenntnis zugrunde, daß eine an sich bekannte Schaltfolie auch für eine Dauerkontaktierung (während des jeweiligen Programmablaufs) vorgesehen werden kann, wenn verschiedene Bedingungen erfüllt sind. Die Verschmutzung der Kontakte wird durch die Verklebung der Schaltfolie mit Sicherheit verhindert, weil die Kontakte gegen Luftzutritt geschützt sind. Es ist sogar möglich, den ringsum versiegelten Raum mit einem inerten Schutzgas zu füllen.The invention is based on the finding that a switching film known per se also for permanent contact (during the respective program run) can be achieved if various conditions are met. The Contamination of the contacts is caused by gluing the Switching film prevented with certainty because the contacts against Air access are protected. It is even possible the all around fill the sealed room with an inert protective gas.

Da die üblichen Drucktastenschalter mit Herzkurven-Rastmechanismus oder einem ähnlichen Mechanismus aus der gedrückten Stellung etwas zurückfedern, muß dafür gesorgt werden, daß die auf die Kontaktfläche der Schaltfolie einwirkenden Teile der Taste derart federnd abgestützt sind, daß in der verrasteten Stellung ein genügend hoher mechanischer Druck erhalten bleibt.Because the usual push button switches with a heart curve locking mechanism or a similar mechanism from the pressed Spring back somewhat, care must be taken that act on the contact surface of the switching film Parts of the button are so resiliently supported that in the locked position a sufficiently high mechanical pressure preserved.

Zwischen der Kontaktfolie und der Leiterplatte ist eine Distanzfolie angeordnet, die eine Rückführung der Kontaktflächen der Kontaktfolie bei Wegfall des Tastendrucks gewährleistet.There is a spacer between the contact foil and the circuit board arranged that a return of the contact surfaces the contact foil guaranteed when the button is not pressed.

Da die Leiterplatte mit der Distanzfolie und der Kontaktfolie verklebt ist, sind die Kontaktflächen gegen Korrosion und Verschmutzung geschützt, und die Funktion des Schalters ist auch bei kleinsten Strömen gewährleistet.As the circuit board with the spacer film and the contact film is glued, the contact surfaces are against corrosion and pollution protected, and the function of the switch is guaranteed even with the smallest currents.

Die Distanzfolie ist an den Stellen, an denen die Kontakte liegen, ausgestanzt. Die einzelnen ausgestanzten Kontaktfelder sind durch Schlitze miteinander verbunden, welche bewirken, daß die Luft oder das Schutzgas zwischen den Kontaktflächen ausweichen kann. Dies ist wichtig, weil ohne diese Ausgleichsschlitze eine wesentlich größere Kraft benötigt würde, um die Kontaktfolie auf die Kontaktflächen der Leiterplatten zu drücken. Außerdem wird hierdurch die Rückfederung der Kontaktfolie verbessert.The spacer film is in the places where the contacts lying, punched out. The individual stamped contact fields are connected by slots that cause that the air or the protective gas between the contact surfaces can dodge. This is important because without this Compensation slots require a much greater force would to put the contact foil on the contact areas of the circuit boards to press. In addition, the springback the contact foil improved.

Nachstehend wird ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung beschrieben. In der Zeichnung zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 ist eine Seitenansicht eines Schalterpaketes mit mehreren in Reihe nebeneinander angeordneten Drucktastenschaltern;
  • Fig. 2 ist eine Draufsicht auf das Schalterpaket gemäß Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 zeigt einen Schnitt einer Einzeltaste in der Ausschalt-Stellung;
  • Fig. 4 zeigt einen Schnitt einer Einzeltaste gemäß Fig. 3 in der Einschalt-Stellung;
  • Fig. 5 zeigt eine dem Schalterpaket gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 zugeordnete Leiterplatte mit den Kontaktflächen und den Leiterbahnen;
  • Fig. 6 zeigt eine der Leiterplatte gemäß Fig. 5 zugeordnete Kontaktfolie;
  • Fig. 7 zeigt eine der Kontaktfole gemäß Fig. 6 zugeordnete Distanzfolie, die im fertigen Zustand zwischen der Kontaktfolie und der Leiterplatte zu liegen kommt;
  • Fig. 8 zeigt eine Ansicht der mit der Distanzfolie verklebten Kontaktfolie.
  • An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:
  • Fig. 1 is a side view of a switch pack with a plurality of push button switches arranged side by side;
  • FIG. 2 is a top view of the switch package of FIG. 1;
  • Fig. 3 shows a section of a single button in the off position;
  • FIG. 4 shows a section of a single button according to FIG. 3 in the switched-on position;
  • FIG. 5 shows a circuit board assigned to the switch package according to FIGS. 1 and 2 with the contact areas and the conductor tracks;
  • FIG. 6 shows a contact foil assigned to the printed circuit board according to FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 shows a spacer film assigned to the contact foils according to FIG. 6, which comes to rest in the finished state between the contact film and the printed circuit board;
  • 8 shows a view of the contact film bonded to the spacer film.
  • Das Schalterpaket gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 weist sechs Programmtasten 10 auf, die in einem Gehäuse 12 nebeneinander angeordnet sind, und die auf die Kontakte einer Leiterplatte 26 einwirken. Jede Programmtaste 10 weist einen im Gehäuse 12 gelagerten Schieber 16 auf, der über einen in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellten Rastmechanismus, beispielsweise in Form einer Herzkurze in zwei Stellungen, nämlich der Aus-Stellung gemäß Fig. 3 und der Ein-Stellung gemäß Fig. 4, verschiebbar und in den beiden Stellungen fixierbar ist. Der Schieber weist an seinem unteren Ende einen Stößel 18 auf, der in einer Ausnehmung des Tastenschiebers axial beweglich und durch eine Druckschraubenfeder 20 abgefedert ist. Der Stößel 18 ist mit Widerhaken 22 versehen und in der Ausnehmung des Schiebers 16 eingeschnappt. Dieser abgefederte Stößel 18 wirkt über die Schaltfolie 24 auf die Leiterplatte 26 ein. Durch die Ausgleichsfeder 20 wird gewährleistet, daß der durch den Rastmechanismus bedingte Rückhub der Betätigungstaste 10 aufgenommen wird und in der Ein-Stellung gemäß Fig. 4 der Stößel ständig die Schaltfolie kontaktiert.1 and 2 has six program buttons 10, which are arranged side by side in a housing 12 are, and which act on the contacts of a circuit board 26. Each program button 10 has one stored in the housing 12 Slider 16 on one in the drawing Not shown locking mechanism, for example in the form a heartbeat in two positions, namely the off position 3 and the on position shown in FIG. 4, movable and can be fixed in the two positions. The slide points at its lower end a plunger 18 which is in a recess of the key slide axially movable and by a Compression coil spring 20 is cushioned. The plunger 18 is with Barbs 22 and in the recess of the slider 16th snapped. This sprung plunger 18 acts on the Switching film 24 on the circuit board 26. By the balance spring 20 ensures that the by the locking mechanism conditional return stroke of the actuation button 10 added is and in the on position shown in FIG. 4, the plunger constantly contacted the switching foil.

    Auf der Leiterplatte sind in üblicher Weise durch Ätzen die Kontaktflächen 28 und die Leiterbahnen 30 hergestellt. Die Kontaktflächen und die Leiterbahnen können auch mit einem Karbonlack aufgedruckt sein. Die Kontaktflächen 28 greifen kammartig ineinander, und sie werden durch die einzelnen Kontaktflächen der Schaltfolie 24 im gedrückten Zustand überbrückt. Die Kontaktflächen 32 der Schaltfolie 24 sind durch Silberleitlack oder Karbondruck aufgebracht. Zwischen der Leiterplatte 26 und der Schaltfolie 24 ist eine Distanzfolie 34 gefügt. Diese Distanzfolie ist an jenen Stellen, an denen die Kontakte liegen, mit Ausstanzlöchern 36 versehen, die im Durchmesser etwas größer sind als die Kontaktflächen 32 der Schaltfolie und die Kontaktflächen 28 der Leiterplatte. Die einzelnen Ausstanzlöcher 36 sind durch Schlitze 38 in der Distanzfolie miteinander verbunden.On the circuit board are in the usual way by etching Contact surfaces 28 and the conductor tracks 30 are produced. The Contact areas and the conductor tracks can also be used with a Carbon varnish must be printed. The contact surfaces 28 grip combing into each other, and they are separated by the individual Bridged contact surfaces of the switching film 24 in the pressed state. The contact surfaces 32 of the switching film 24 are through Conductive silver varnish or carbon printing applied. Between the Printed circuit board 26 and switching film 24 is a spacer film 34 added. This spacer film is in those places where the contacts are provided with punching holes 36 which in Diameters are slightly larger than the contact surfaces 32 of the Switching film and the contact surfaces 28 of the circuit board. The individual punch holes 36 are through slots 38 in the Spacer film connected together.

    Die Schaltfolie 24 ist in der aus Fig. 8 ersichtlichen Weise mit der Kontaktfolie vollflächig (mit Ausnahme der Löcher 36 und Schlitze 38) verklebt. Auf die Leiterplatte 26 wird die Distanzfolie 34 mit der von ihr getragenen Schaltfolie 24 derart aufgeklebt, daß die Kontaktflächen 32 der Schaltfolie 24 über den Schaltkontaktflächen 28 der Leiterplatte mit Abstand zu liegen kommen. Diese drei Schichten 24, 26, 34 bilden ein in sich abgeschlossenes, nach außen abgedichtetes Laminat mit einem Freiraum, der durch die Stanzlöcher 36 und die Schlitze 38 bestimmt ist. Dieser Freiraum ist mit Luft oder einem Inertgas gefüllt. Durch die Schlitze 38 wird bewirkt, daß das Gas in den Schlitzen 38 zwischen den Kontaktflächen ausweichen kann. Dies ist wichtig, weil sonst eine wesentlich größere Kraft benötigt würde, um das Gas in den Stanzlöchern zu komprimieren und die Kontaktfolie auf die Kontaktflächen der Leiterplatte zu drücken. Durch diese Schlitze wird auch eine günstige Rückfederung erreicht. Es kann auch kein Vakuum entstehen, das ein Rückfedern beeinträchtigen und die Kontakte dauerhaft geschlossen halten könnte. Diese Luftschlitze, die für die einwandfreie Funktion des Schalters erforderlich sind, stellen zweckmäßigerweise, wie aus der Zeichnung ersichtlich, eine Verbindung zwischen den Stanzlöchern her. Gemäß Fig. 8 sind jeweils drei Stanzlöcher durch zwei Schlitze verbunden. Diese Ausführung hat sich in der Praxis als zweckmäßig erwiesen. Anstelle der die Stanzlöcher verbindenden Schlitze könnten in der Distanzfolie auch anders ausgebildete Druckausgleichskammern angeordnet sein, die jeweils mit einem oder mehreren Stanzlöchern verbunden sind. Die bevorzugte Ausführung ist jedoch die Ausbildung mit Verbindungsschlitzen. The switching film 24 is in the manner shown in FIG. 8 with the contact foil over the entire surface (with the exception of holes 36 and slots 38) glued. On the circuit board 26 is the Spacer film 34 with the switching film 24 carried by it glued in such a way that the contact surfaces 32 of the switching film 24 above the switching contact surfaces 28 of the circuit board at a distance come to rest. These three layers 24, 26, 34 form a self-contained, sealed from the outside Laminate with a free space through the punch holes 36 and the slots 38 is determined. This space is with air or filled with an inert gas. The slots 38 cause that the gas in the slots 38 between the contact surfaces can dodge. This is important because otherwise one much greater force would be required to push the gas into the Compress punch holes and the contact film on the To press contact surfaces of the circuit board. Through this Slots is also achieved a favorable springback. It there can also be no vacuum that would impair springback and keep the contacts permanently closed could. These louvers, which work properly of the switch are required, expediently, as can be seen from the drawing, a connection between the punch holes. 8 are three punch holes connected by two slots. This version has proved to be useful in practice. Instead of the Punch holes connecting slots could be in the spacer also arranged differently designed pressure compensation chambers be connected to one or more punch holes are. However, the preferred embodiment is training with connecting slots.

    Wenn eine Betätigungstaste 10 im Sinne einer Einschaltbewegung eingedrückt wird, dann drückt der abgefederte Stößel 18 im Schieber 16 auf die durch die Folie 24 abgedeckte Kontaktfläche 32 und drückt diese nieder, bis sie auf den kammartig ineinandergreifenden Kontaktflächen 28 der Leiterplatte 26 auftrifft und dieser überbrückt. Die Distanzfolie 24 bewirkt, daß in der Ausschalt-Stellung die Kontaktflächen 28 auf der Leiterplatte 26 und die Kontaktflächen 32 der Kontaktfolie auseinandergehalten werden.If an actuation button 10 in the sense of a switch-on movement is pressed in, then the spring-loaded plunger presses 18 in the slider 16 onto the contact surface covered by the film 24 32 and press this down until it combs on the interlocking contact surfaces 28 of the circuit board 26 hits and bridges this. The spacer film 24 causes that in the off position the contact surfaces 28th on the circuit board 26 and the contact surfaces 32 of the contact film be kept apart.

    Da die Leiterplatte mit der Distanzfolie und der Kontaktfolie verklebt ist, sind die Kontaktflächen gegen Korrosion und Verschmutzung geschützt, und die Funktion des Schalters ist auch bei kleinsten Strömen gewährleistet. As the circuit board with the spacer film and the contact film is glued, the contact surfaces are against corrosion and dirt protected, and the function of the switch is too guaranteed with the smallest currents.

    BezugszeichenlisteReference list

    1010th
    ProgrammtastenProgram buttons
    1212th
    Gehäusecasing
    1616
    SchieberSlider
    1818th
    StößelPestle
    2020th
    DruckschraubenfederCompression coil spring
    2222
    WiderhakenBarbs
    2424th
    SchaltfolieSwitching foil
    2626
    LeiterplatteCircuit board
    2828
    KontaktflächenContact areas
    3030th
    LeiterbahnenConductor tracks
    3232
    KontaktflächenContact areas
    3434
    DistanzfolieSpacer film
    3636
    AusstanzlöcherPunch holes
    3838
    SchlitzeSlits

    Claims (4)

    1. Press-button switch pack for household appliances, in particular for washing machines and dryers, with press-button keys arranged in a row next to one another, whose switch plungers (16, 18) can be engaged in a depressed position, and of which the push-buttons of a first group are designed as program switching keys whose switching contacts act on a microprocessor, whilst the keys of a second group have a mains switch and a mechanical door-locking switch, and at least one portion of the keys cause a mutual locking or triggering,
      characterised in that
      the program switching keys of the first group act on a contact surface (32) of an essentially familiar switching membrane (24), and hold this contact surface permanently in a depressed position on contact surfaces (28) of a printed circuit board (26), with the printed circuit board (26) and the switching membrane (24), with their contact surfaces (32, 28) lying in between, being sealed airtight, and with a spacer membrane (34) being inserted between the printed circuit board (26) and the switching membrane (24), this [spacer membrane] having punched holes (36) in the area of the contact surfaces (32, 28).
    2. Press-button switch pack in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the spacer membrane (34) has pressure equalisation chambers (38) which are connected to the punched holes (36), and the pressure equalisation chambers are formed by slits (38) which in each case connect two punched holes (36) of the spacer membrane (34) with one another.
    3. Press-button switch pack in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the key/button sliders (16) have a cushioned plunger (18) for equalising the return stroke movement of the catch mechanism, and the plunger (18) has a pot-like design and encloses a pressure screw spring (20) which is supported axially on the key/button slider (16).
    4. Press-button switch pack in accordance with claim 3, characterised in that the cushioned key plunger (18) with barbs (22) can move in a slider recess in an axially limited manner.
    EP96108473A 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances Expired - Lifetime EP0810619B1 (en)

    Priority Applications (5)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    AT96108473T ATE196384T1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 PUSH BUTTON SWITCH FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
    DE29609439U DE29609439U1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances
    DK96108473T DK0810619T3 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Pressure switch switch for household appliances
    DE59605881T DE59605881D1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances
    EP96108473A EP0810619B1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    DE29609439U DE29609439U1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances
    EP96108473A EP0810619B1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0810619A1 EP0810619A1 (en) 1997-12-03
    EP0810619B1 true EP0810619B1 (en) 2000-09-13

    Family

    ID=26059017

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP96108473A Expired - Lifetime EP0810619B1 (en) 1996-05-28 1996-05-28 Push button switch for household appliances

    Country Status (4)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP0810619B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE196384T1 (en)
    DE (2) DE59605881D1 (en)
    DK (1) DK0810619T3 (en)

    Cited By (1)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US8404990B2 (en) 2010-06-30 2013-03-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Switch system having a button travel limit feature

    Families Citing this family (1)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE19839811A1 (en) * 1998-09-01 2000-03-02 Delphi Automotive Systems Gmbh Switch arrangement

    Family Cites Families (10)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US3773997A (en) * 1971-12-13 1973-11-20 Datanetics Corp Key assembly diaphragm switch actuator with overtravel and feel mechanisms
    US4376239A (en) * 1980-10-03 1983-03-08 Allen-Bradley Company Industrial membrane switch
    US4559426A (en) * 1980-11-03 1985-12-17 Oak Industries Inc. Membrane switch and components having means for preventing creep
    US4362954A (en) * 1981-09-25 1982-12-07 The Maytag Company Power-up control for microprocessor based appliance
    US4417115A (en) * 1982-03-03 1983-11-22 Amp Incorporated Switch actuating assembly having improved cams and plural modes
    US4484038A (en) * 1982-12-01 1984-11-20 Dorman-Bogdonoff Corp. Membrane touch panel having improved conductor construction
    DE3407380A1 (en) * 1983-03-03 1984-09-06 General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y. Control display arrangement for an oven having a membrane switch
    US4716262A (en) * 1983-10-21 1987-12-29 Nena Morse Vandal-resistant telephone keypad switch
    WO1987007759A1 (en) * 1986-06-02 1987-12-17 Bebié + Co. Keyboard for use in difficult conditions
    DE8712230U1 (en) * 1987-09-09 1987-11-19 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München Switch for a telephone station

    Cited By (1)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US8404990B2 (en) 2010-06-30 2013-03-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Switch system having a button travel limit feature

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    ATE196384T1 (en) 2000-09-15
    DE59605881D1 (en) 2000-10-19
    DK0810619T3 (en) 2000-11-13
    EP0810619A1 (en) 1997-12-03
    DE29609439U1 (en) 1996-08-14

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