EP0912983B1 - Quick-break switch with a reinforced pressure point - Google Patents

Quick-break switch with a reinforced pressure point Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0912983B1
EP0912983B1 EP97938819A EP97938819A EP0912983B1 EP 0912983 B1 EP0912983 B1 EP 0912983B1 EP 97938819 A EP97938819 A EP 97938819A EP 97938819 A EP97938819 A EP 97938819A EP 0912983 B1 EP0912983 B1 EP 0912983B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switch
wedge
contact
housing
piece
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
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EP97938819A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0912983A1 (en
Inventor
Adam Weber
Christel Duster
Jakob Bötz
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ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
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ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
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Publication of EP0912983A1 publication Critical patent/EP0912983A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H5/00—Snap-action arrangements, i.e. in which during a single opening operation or a single closing operation energy is first stored and then released to produce or assist the contact movement
    • H01H5/04—Energy stored by deformation of elastic members
    • H01H5/045—Energy stored by deformation of elastic members making use of cooperating spring loaded wedging or camming parts between operating member and contact structure

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrical switch, in particular for motor vehicles with one between two end positions Movable contact lever in the switch housing is pivotally mounted.
  • the electrical switch is with a movably mounted contact piece to initiate the Switching process and provided with at least one fixed contact.
  • One of the two elements: contact lever or contact piece carries a spline profile while the other of the two elements has a switching element, which the contour when switching of the wedge profile.
  • the two are together interacting elements in the scanning direction to each other biased, the scanning direction usually perpendicular to a direction of movement in which the two interacting elements when switching be moved against each other.
  • Such a switch is for example in DE-A-44 36 979 or DE-A-33 36 877 described, both the switching element and the wedge profile are each formed by a wedge. From DE-OS 44 18 707 a corresponding switch is the Known applicant, in which the known wedge-shaped switching element was replaced by a preloaded scanning roller.
  • the invention is therefore based on an electrical switch the genus resulting from the preamble of claim 1.
  • the contour of the wedge surface straight. This means that the Switch piece when pushing out counterforce about the Distance is proportional, by which the contact piece is pressed has been.
  • the switch piece when pushing out counterforce about the Distance is proportional, by which the contact piece is pressed has been.
  • the object of the invention is in a switch resulting from the preamble of claim 1 genus Approaching the pressure point for the operator clearly to make it recognizable.
  • the task is characterized by the characteristic part resulting combination of features solved.
  • the invention exists in principle, from the known linear dependency the counterforce exerted by the contact piece with respect to to walk the path of the contact piece and here introduce a non-linear dependency. Not this one linear dependency is created using a curved profile reached. Furthermore, such can also be curved Speed and curve in certain areas regulate the acceleration with which the electric together contacts to be merged. Consequently the bouncing tendency of each other can be limited within certain limits touching contacts or the speed with which the contacts are finally brought together Regulate (avoidance of arcing).
  • Claims 4 and 5 indicate that the curvature of the spline can be both convex and concave, depending on the goals to be achieved.
  • the switch forms a section of a manually operated Key switch, for example, one manually actuatable button can be placed.
  • two fixed contacts 2, 3 are provided, which cooperate with two movable contacts 4, 5 which are attached to a contact lever 6.
  • the contact lever 6 is pivotally suspended in a cutting edge bearing 7, wherein the free end of the contact lever 6 is designed as a switching element 7 is.
  • a wedge element 8 is under the action of a Preload spring 9 horizontally displaceable in a contact piece 10 guided.
  • the switching piece itself can with the help a key, not shown, in the vertical direction S be pushed in.
  • a spring not shown, which acts on the lower end of the contact piece, can Switch 10 after operating the contact against the Arrow direction S can be retrieved automatically.
  • the spline 11 like 2 on the wedge element 8 shown there does not have a straight course, but is curved.
  • the entire wedge surface 12 consists of two pointed to one another tapering individual wedge surfaces 15, 16, the contour of the Single wedge surface 15 is curved inwards (concave), while the single wedge surface 16 is curved outwards (convex).
  • Fig. 3 the operation of the invention is shown symbolically, whereby the curvature of the wedge surfaces is greatly exaggerated was shown.
  • the contours al and a2 show that in itself known course of the wedge surfaces, in which the of the Biasing spring 9 in the direction of the spring S linear force from the path covered by the contact piece 10 depends.
  • the switching piece 10 moves in the longitudinal direction of arrow S within the housing while the contact lever 6 can pivot around the cutting edge bearing 14.
  • the contact piece 10 In the Starting position, the contact piece 10 is in a position in which, as indicated in Fig. 3, the contact lever 6 position A1 with its switching element 7 on the single wedge surface 15 is present.
  • the wedge element 8 is under the Effect of the spring 9 extended out.
  • Fig. 3 are the contours curved according to the invention b1 and b2 are shown. It can be seen that starting from the Position B1 the spring tensions only slowly until finally via small movements of the switching element 10 causes very large path changes of the wedge element 8 to the left need to be, which leads to a significant change in the force exerted by the operator for each travel element leads. This suddenly increasing force, which in a Sudden discharge ends, causing the operator very clearly feels a pressure point, whereby it recognizes that the switching process is now immediate must come.
  • the second single wedge surface b1 is in Fig. 3 drawn greatly exaggerated curved outwards. This can have advantages in the switching process of Contact lever 6 and thus the switching of the switch result.
  • a contour c is indicated, which is symmetrical to contour b2.
  • the b2 advantages described above internally curved curvature of the wedge contour on both individual wedge surfaces effective in the event that the switch in is switched manually in both directions and here in both Directions improved pressure points are to be achieved.
  • the snap switches known up to now are the slopes of the changeover parts executed evenly. Because of this there is an even increase in force up to the switchover point (due to the tensioning of the compression spring).
  • the invention now shows a switch in which the slopes of the switching part matched to the respective switching characteristics are. I.e. when the switch button is pressed, opens one side of the contact piece by the different executed slope achieved an increase in force (pressure point) and when you release the button and thus switch back due to the radius shape - despite preloading the compression spring - achieved a uniform reset process. By change This actuation area can cover almost all force-displacement curves be achieved.

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  • Mechanisms For Operating Contacts (AREA)
  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen elektrischen Schalter, insbesondere für Kraftfahrzeuge, bei dem ein zwischen zwei Endstellungen bewegbarer Kontakthebel im Schaltergehäuse schwenkbar gelagert ist. Der elektrische Schalter ist mit einem beweglich gelagerten Schaltstück zur Einleitung des Umschaltvorgangs und mit mindestens einem Festkontakt versehen. Einer der beiden Elemente Kontakthebel oder Schaltstück trägt ein Keilprofil, während das andere der beiden Elemente ein Schaltelement besitzt, welches beim Umschalten die Kontur des Keilprofils abtastet. Weiterhin sind die beiden miteinander zusammenwirkenden Elemente in Abtastrichtung zueinander vorgespannt, wobei die Abtastrichtung in der Regel senkrecht zu einer Bewegungsrichtung verläuft, in der die beiden miteinander zusammenwirkenden Elemente beim Umschalten gegeneinander verschoben werden.The invention relates to an electrical switch, in particular for motor vehicles with one between two end positions Movable contact lever in the switch housing is pivotally mounted. The electrical switch is with a movably mounted contact piece to initiate the Switching process and provided with at least one fixed contact. One of the two elements: contact lever or contact piece carries a spline profile while the other of the two elements has a switching element, which the contour when switching of the wedge profile. Furthermore, the two are together interacting elements in the scanning direction to each other biased, the scanning direction usually perpendicular to a direction of movement in which the two interacting elements when switching be moved against each other.

Ein derartiger Schalter ist beispielsweise in der DE-A-44 36 979 oder der DE-A-33 36 877 beschrieben, wobei hier sowohl das Schaltelement als auch das Keilprofil jeweils durch einen Keil gebildet sind. Aus der DE-OS 44 18 707 ist ein entsprechender Schalter der Anmelderin bekannt, bei dem das bekannte keilförmige Schaltelement durch eine vorgespannte Abtastrolle ersetzt wurde.Such a switch is for example in DE-A-44 36 979 or DE-A-33 36 877 described, both the switching element and the wedge profile are each formed by a wedge. From DE-OS 44 18 707 a corresponding switch is the Known applicant, in which the known wedge-shaped switching element was replaced by a preloaded scanning roller.

Es ist auch bereits vorgeschlagen worden, bei dem Aufbau gemäß der DE-OS 44 18 707 Keilprofil und das eine gekrümmte Abtastfläche aufweisende Schaltelement miteinander zu vertauschen, so daß das Schaltstück mit einem federnd vorgespannten Keilprofil versehen ist.It has also already been proposed in the construction according to DE-OS 44 18 707 spline and the one curved To interchange the switching element with the scanning surface, so that the contact piece with a resiliently biased Wedge profile is provided.

Die Erfindung geht daher aus von einem elektrischen Schalter der sich aus dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 ergebenden Gattung. Bei den bekannten Schaltern ist die Kontur der Keilfläche gerade. Hierdurch ergibt sich, daß die von dem Schaltstück beim Eindrücken ausgehende Gegenkraft etwa der Strecke proportional ist, um die das Schaltstück eingedrückt wurde. Somit wächst bei manueller Betätigung des Schaltstücks der von dem Schaltstück auf die Bedienungsperson ausgeübte Gegenkraft linear an bis zu dem Punkt, an dem die Keilspitze von dem Schaltelement erreicht wird. Ab diesem Punkt beginnt die Schnappwirkung des Schalters, durch welche der Kontakthebel selbsttätig in seine zweite Kontaktlage gebracht wird. Durch den linearen Kraftanstieg in der ersten Betätigungsphase des Schaltstücks ist für die Bedienungsperson nicht erkennbar, in welchem Bereich der Umschaltpunkt tatsächlich erreicht wird. Der Schalter schaltet somit zu einem zeitpunkt um, der von der Bedienungsperson nicht präzisezu bestimmen ist.The invention is therefore based on an electrical switch the genus resulting from the preamble of claim 1. In the known switches, the contour of the wedge surface straight. This means that the Switch piece when pushing out counterforce about the Distance is proportional, by which the contact piece is pressed has been. Thus grows with manual actuation of the contact the one exerted by the switch on the operator Counterforce linear to the point where the Wedge tip is reached by the switching element. From this Point starts the snap action of the switch through which the contact lever automatically in its second contact position brought. Due to the linear increase in force in the first Actuation phase of the switching element is for the operator not recognizable in which area the switchover point is actually achieved. The switch thus switches on a point in time that is not precise by the operator determine is.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, bei einem Schalter der sich aus dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 ergebenden Gattung das Herannahen des Druckpunkts für die Bedienungsperson deutlich erkennbar zu machen.The object of the invention is in a switch resulting from the preamble of claim 1 genus Approaching the pressure point for the operator clearly to make it recognizable.

Die Aufgabe wird durch die sich aus dem kennzeichnenden Teil ergebende Merkmalskombination gelöst. Die Erfindung besteht im Prinzip darin, von der bekannten linearen Abhängigkeit der von dem Schaltstück ausgeübten Gegenkraft in bezug auf den zurückgelegten Weg des Schaltstücks abzugehen und hier eine nicht lineare Abhängigkeit einzuführen. Diese nicht lineare Abhängigkeit wird mit Hilfe eines gekrümmten Profils erreicht. Weiterhin läßt sich auch durch eine derartige gekrümmte Kurve in gewissen Bereichen die Geschwindigkeit und die Beschleunigung regeln, mit der die miteinander elektrisch zu verbindenden Kontakte zusammengeführt werden. Somit läßt sich in gewissen Grenzen die Prellneigung von aufeinander aufsetzenden Kontakten oder die Geschwindigkeit, mit der die Kontakte schließlich zusammengeführt werden (Vermeidung von Lichtbogen) regulieren.The task is characterized by the characteristic part resulting combination of features solved. The invention exists in principle, from the known linear dependency the counterforce exerted by the contact piece with respect to to walk the path of the contact piece and here introduce a non-linear dependency. Not this one linear dependency is created using a curved profile reached. Furthermore, such can also be curved Speed and curve in certain areas regulate the acceleration with which the electric together contacts to be merged. Consequently the bouncing tendency of each other can be limited within certain limits touching contacts or the speed with which the contacts are finally brought together Regulate (avoidance of arcing).

Will man nun erreichen, daß kurz vor Erreichen des Druckpunkts die Gegenkraft des Schaltstücks nicht linear ansteigt, so empfiehlt sich in Weiterbildung der Erfindung die Merkmalskombination nach Anspruch 2. Selbstverständlich kann bei einem in zwei Richtungen wirkenden Umschalter, bei dem also der Kontakthebel in seinen beiden Endstellungen jeweils einen Festkontakt kontaktiert, das Prinzip auf beiden Keilflächen angewendet werden.If you want to achieve that shortly before reaching the pressure point the counterforce of the contact piece does not increase linearly, so is recommended in further development of the invention Combination of features according to claim 2. Of course can with a two-way switch, in which So the contact lever in its two end positions contacted a fixed contact, the principle on both wedge surfaces be applied.

Eine besonders einfache Konstruktion ergibt sich durch die in Anspruch 3 vorgegebene Merkmalskombination. Hierdurch wird der Kontakthebel in seinem Aufbau stark vereinfacht, so daß auch andernfalls gegebene Probleme bei dessen Lagerung wegfallen. Im übrigen wird der Kontakthebel hierdurch leichter, so daß er sich besser beschleunigen läßt und weniger zum prellen neigt.A particularly simple construction results from the combination of features specified in claim 3. Hereby the structure of the contact lever is greatly simplified, so that there are otherwise problems with its storage fall away. For the rest, this makes the contact lever lighter, so that it accelerates better and less tends to bounce.

Die Ansprüche 4 und 5 geben an, daß die Krümmung des Keilprofils sowohl konvex als auch konkav sein kann, je nach den hiermit zu erreichenden Zielen.Claims 4 and 5 indicate that the curvature of the spline can be both convex and concave, depending on the goals to be achieved.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnung erläutert. Darin zeigt:

Fig. 1
einen Ausschnitt aus einer geschnittenen Darstellung eines bekannten, gattungsgemäßen Schalters,
Fig. 2
ein erfindungsgemäßes Keilelement mit Keilprofil und
Fig. 3
in stark vereinfachter und symbolisierter Darstellung die wesentlichen Elemente de vorliegenden Erfindung.
An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the drawing. It shows:
Fig. 1
a section of a sectional view of a known generic switch,
Fig. 2
an inventive wedge element with wedge profile and
Fig. 3
the essential elements of the present invention in a highly simplified and symbolized representation.

Der Schalter bildet einen Ausschnitt aus einem manuell betätigbaren Tastenschalter, auf den beispielsweise eine manuell betätigbare Taste aufsetzbar sein kann. Innerhalb des Schaltergehäuses 1 sind zwei Festkontakte 2,3 vorgesehen, die mit zwei bewegbaren Kontakten 4,5 zusammenwirken, welche an einem Kontakthebel 6 befestigt sind. Der Kontakthebel 6 ist in einem Schneidenlager 7 schwenkbar aufgehängt, wobei das freie Ende des Kontakthebels 6 als Schaltelement 7 ausgestaltet ist. Ein Keilelement 8 ist unter der Wirkung einer Vorspannfeder 9 in einem Schaltstück 10 horizontal verschiebbar geführt. Das Schaltstück selbst kann mit Hilfe einer nicht dargestellten Taste in senkrechter Richtung S eingedrückt werden. Mittels einer nicht dargestellten Feder, die auf das untere Ende des Schaltstücks einwirkt, kann das Schaltstück 10 nach Betätigen des Kontaktes entgegen der Pfeilrichtung S selbsttätig zurückgeholt werden. In der dargestellten Normallage liegt durch die Kraft der Feder 9, welche über ein Keilprofil am freien Ende des Keilelementes 9 anteilig über das Schaltelement 10 auf das Schneidlager 6 übertragen wird, der bewegliche Kontakt 5 mit einer definierten Kraft auf dem Festkontakt 2 auf. Wird nun das Schaltstück 6 in Richtung S vorzugsweise manuell nach unten gedrückt, so wandert das Schaltelement 7 entlang der unteren Keilfläche 12 bis zu der Keilspitze 13, wobei sich die Auflagekraft des beweglichen Kontaktes 5 stetig vergrößert. Wird schließlich die Keilspitze 3 erreicht, so wird durch die Vorspannfeder 9 und das Zusammenwirken von Keilprofil 11 und Schaltelement 12 eine entgegengesetzt gerichtete Kraft ausgeübt, welche einerseits versucht, das Schaltstück 10 nach unten zu drücken und gleichzeitig den Kontakthebel 6 nach oben zu schwenken. Als Folge davon wird der bewegliche Kontakt 4 auf den Festkontakt 3 aufgesetzt. Ohne die Wirkung der nicht gezeigten Rückstellfeder würde somit der Schalter in der zuletzt genannten Stellung verbleiben, bis schließlich das Schaltstück 10 entgegen der Pfeilrichtung S zurückgeholt wird.The switch forms a section of a manually operated Key switch, for example, one manually actuatable button can be placed. Within the Switch housing 1, two fixed contacts 2, 3 are provided, which cooperate with two movable contacts 4, 5 which are attached to a contact lever 6. The contact lever 6 is pivotally suspended in a cutting edge bearing 7, wherein the free end of the contact lever 6 is designed as a switching element 7 is. A wedge element 8 is under the action of a Preload spring 9 horizontally displaceable in a contact piece 10 guided. The switching piece itself can with the help a key, not shown, in the vertical direction S be pushed in. By means of a spring, not shown, which acts on the lower end of the contact piece, can Switch 10 after operating the contact against the Arrow direction S can be retrieved automatically. In the illustrated Normal position is due to the force of the spring 9, which has a wedge profile at the free end of the wedge element 9 proportionally via the switching element 10 to the cutting bearing 6 is transmitted, the movable contact 5 with a defined Force on the fixed contact 2. Now will that Switch 6 in direction S preferably manually downwards pressed, the switching element 7 moves along the lower one Wedge surface 12 up to the wedge tip 13, the bearing force of the moving contact 5 steadily increased. If the wedge tip 3 is finally reached, then the bias spring 9 and the interaction of the spline 11th and switching element 12 an oppositely directed force exercised, which on the one hand tries the switching piece 10 to push down and at the same time the contact lever 6 to pivot upwards. As a result, the mobile Contact 4 placed on the fixed contact 3. Without the effect the return spring, not shown, would thus be the switch remain in the latter position until finally retrieved the switch 10 against the direction of arrow S. becomes.

Für die Erfindung wichtig ist nun, daß das Keilprofil 11 wie aus Fig. 2 an dem dort gezeigten Keilelement 8 ersichtlich, nicht einen geraden Verlauf hat, sondern gekrümmt ist. Dabei besteht die gesamte Keilfläche 12 aus zwei spitz aufeinander zulaufenden Einzelkeilflächen 15,16, wobei die Kontur der Einzelkeilfläche 15 nach innen gewölbt ist (konkav), während die Einzelkeilfläche 16 nach außen gewölbt ist (konvex).It is important for the invention that the spline 11 like 2 on the wedge element 8 shown there, does not have a straight course, but is curved. Here the entire wedge surface 12 consists of two pointed to one another tapering individual wedge surfaces 15, 16, the contour of the Single wedge surface 15 is curved inwards (concave), while the single wedge surface 16 is curved outwards (convex).

In Fig. 3 ist die Arbeitsweise der Erfindung symbolisch dargestellt, wobei die Krümmung der Keilflächen stark übertrieben gezeigt wurde. Die Konturen al und a2 zeigen den an sich bekannten Verlauf der Keilflächen, bei denen die von der Vorspannfeder 9 in Richtung der Feder S ausgeübte Kraft linear von den durch das Schaltstück 10 zurückgelegten Weg abhängt. Dabei bewegt sich das Schaltstück 10 in Längsrichtung des Pfeiles S innerhalb des Gehäuses, während der Kontakthebel 6 um das Schneidenlager 14 schwenken kann. In der Ausgangslage befindet sich das Schaltstück 10 in einer Position, in der wie in Fig. 3 angedeutet der Kontakthebel 6 an der Stelle A1 mit seinem Schaltelement 7 an der Einzelkeilfläche 15 anliegt. Somit ist das Keilelement 8 unter der Wirkung der Feder 9 weit herausgefahren. Dabei liegt der bewegliche Kontakt 5 unter der anteiligen Kraft der weitgehend entspannten Feder 9 auf dem Festkontakt 2 an. Wird nun das Schaltstück 10 beispielsweise manuell in Richtung des Pfeiles S eingedrückt, so wandert der Punkt A1 entlang der Einzelkeilfläche 15 schräg nach oben, wobei der Keil durch die Wirkung des Schaltstücks 10 immer mehr in Fig. 3 nach links verschoben wird. Durch die wachsende, von der Vorspannfeder 9 ausgeübte Kraft, wächst linear die Kraft, mit der der Kontakt 5 auf den Kontakt 2 gepreßt wird. Dies geht soweit, bis schließlich der Punkt A0 (in Fig. 3 dargestellt) durch das Schaltstück 10 erreicht wird. In diesem Moment kehren sich die Verhältnisse um. Die Feder 9 kann sich nunmehr dadurch entspannen, indem das Schaltstück 10 entlang der zweiten Einzelkeilfläche 16 in Richtung zu dem Endpunkt A2 wandert. Die von der Feder anteilig auf das Schaltelement 7 ausgeübte Kraft verschwenkt dieses gleichzeitig um das Schneidenlager 14 nach oben, so daß nunmehr der bewegliche Kontakt 4 an dem Festkontakt 3 anliegt.In Fig. 3, the operation of the invention is shown symbolically, whereby the curvature of the wedge surfaces is greatly exaggerated was shown. The contours al and a2 show that in itself known course of the wedge surfaces, in which the of the Biasing spring 9 in the direction of the spring S linear force from the path covered by the contact piece 10 depends. The switching piece 10 moves in the longitudinal direction of arrow S within the housing while the contact lever 6 can pivot around the cutting edge bearing 14. In the Starting position, the contact piece 10 is in a position in which, as indicated in Fig. 3, the contact lever 6 position A1 with its switching element 7 on the single wedge surface 15 is present. Thus, the wedge element 8 is under the Effect of the spring 9 extended out. Here lies the movable contact 5 under the proportional force of the largely relaxed spring 9 on the fixed contact 2. Becomes now the switching piece 10, for example, manually in the direction of arrow S pressed in, point A1 moves along the single wedge surface 15 obliquely upwards, the wedge by the action of the contact piece 10 more and more in Fig. 3rd is shifted to the left. Through the growing, from the Preload spring 9 applied force, the force increases linearly, with which the contact 5 is pressed onto the contact 2. This continues until point A0 (shown in Fig. 3) is achieved by the contact piece 10. In this For a moment, the situation is reversing. The spring 9 can now relax by switching element 10 along the second single wedge surface 16 in the direction of the End point A2 hikes. The proportionate of the spring on that Switching element 7 force exerts this at the same time around the cutting edge bearing 14 so that now the movable contact 4 abuts the fixed contact 3.

In Fig. 3 sind noch die erfindungsgemäß gekrümmten Konturen b1 und b2 eingezeichnet. Man erkennt, daß ausgehend von der Lage B1 die Feder sich anfangs nur langsam spannt, bis schließlich über kleine Wegbewegungen des Schaltstücks 10 sehr große Wegänderungen des Keilelementes 8 nach links bewirkt werden müssen, was zu einer erheblichen Änderung der von der Bedienungsperson je Wegelement ausgeübten Kraft führt. Diese plötzlich ansteigende Kraft, die in einer schlagartigen Entlastung endet, führt dazu, daß die Bedienungsperson sehr deutlich einen Druckpunkt empfindet, wodurch sie erkennt, daß der Umschaltvorgang nunmehr unmittelbar bevorstehen muß. Die zweite Einzelkeilfläche b1 ist in Fig. 3 stark übertrieben nach außen gekrümmt gezeichnet. Hierdurch können sich Vorteile bei dem Umschaltvorgang des Kontakthebels 6 und damit des Umschaltens des Schalters ergeben. Es zeigt sich, daß sich die Feder 9 anfangs nur langsam entspannen kann, wobei deren Entspannung gegenüber dem zurückgelegten Weg stark zunimmt, je näher der Punkt B2 dem Schaltelement 7 kommt. Durch eine derartige Maßnahme läßt sich die auf den Kontakt 4 ausgeübte Kraft verstärken, indem anfangs eine vergleichsweise große Federkraft zur Verfügung steht, deren Anteil in Bewegungsrichtung des Kontaktes 4 aber verhältnismäßig klein ist. Im Punkt B2 kehren sich dann die Verhältnisse um, so daß die Federkraft vergleichsweise klein wird, während deren auf den Kontakt 4 wirkende Anteil recht groß ist.In Fig. 3 are the contours curved according to the invention b1 and b2 are shown. It can be seen that starting from the Position B1 the spring tensions only slowly until finally via small movements of the switching element 10 causes very large path changes of the wedge element 8 to the left need to be, which leads to a significant change in the force exerted by the operator for each travel element leads. This suddenly increasing force, which in a Sudden discharge ends, causing the operator very clearly feels a pressure point, whereby it recognizes that the switching process is now immediate must come. The second single wedge surface b1 is in Fig. 3 drawn greatly exaggerated curved outwards. This can have advantages in the switching process of Contact lever 6 and thus the switching of the switch result. It can be seen that the spring 9 is initially slow can relax, their relaxation compared to the distance covered increases the closer the point B2 to the Switching element 7 comes. With such a measure the force exerted on the contact 4 is increased by initially a comparatively large spring force is available stands, whose share in the direction of movement of the contact 4th but is relatively small. At point B2 then turn around the conditions around, so that the spring force is comparatively becomes small, during the portion acting on the contact 4 is quite large.

In Fig. 3 ist noch eine Kontur c angedeutet, welche symmetrisch zur Kontur b2 ist. In diesem Falle werden die hinsichtlich b2 weiter oben beschriebenen Vorteile einer nach innen gewölbten Krümmung der Keilkontur bei beiden Einzelkeilflächen wirksam etwa für den Fall, daß der Schalter in beiden Richtungen manuell geschaltet wird und hier in beiden Richtungen verbesserte Druckpunkte erreicht werden sollen.In Fig. 3, a contour c is indicated, which is symmetrical to contour b2. In this case, the b2 advantages described above internally curved curvature of the wedge contour on both individual wedge surfaces effective in the event that the switch in is switched manually in both directions and here in both Directions improved pressure points are to be achieved.

Die Erfindung läßt sich daher kurz wie folgt angeben: Bei den bis jetzt bekannten Schnappschaltern sind die Schrägen der Umschaltteile gleichmäßig ausgeführt. Dadurch bedingt erfolgt bis zum Umschaltpunkt ein gleichmäßiger Kraftanstieg (bedingt durch das Spannen der Druckfeder). Die Erfindung zeigt nun einen Schalter, bei welchem die Schrägen des Umschaltteiles auf die jeweiligen Schaltcharakteristiken abgestimmt sind. D.h. beim Betätigen der Schaltertaste wird auf der einen Seite des Schaltstückes durch die unterschiedlich ausgeführte Schräge ein Kraftanstieg (Druckpunkt) erzielt und beim Loslassen der Taste und somit Zurückschalten wird durch die Radien-Form - trotz Vorspannen der Druckfeder - ein gleichmäßiger Rückstellverlauf erzielt. Durch Veränderung dieses Betätigungsflächen können sich fast alle Kraft-Weg-Verläufe erzielt werden.The invention can therefore be briefly stated as follows: the snap switches known up to now are the slopes of the changeover parts executed evenly. Because of this there is an even increase in force up to the switchover point (due to the tensioning of the compression spring). The invention now shows a switch in which the slopes of the switching part matched to the respective switching characteristics are. I.e. when the switch button is pressed, opens one side of the contact piece by the different executed slope achieved an increase in force (pressure point) and when you release the button and thus switch back due to the radius shape - despite preloading the compression spring - achieved a uniform reset process. By change This actuation area can cover almost all force-displacement curves be achieved.

Claims (5)

  1. Electric switch, in particular for motor vehicles with a housing (1), with a contact lever (6) moveable between two end settings, said lever can pivot within the housing (1), and with a moveable switch piece (10) and at least one fixed contact (2, 3) which is rigidly mounted in the housing (1) and in one end setting of the contact lever (6) is tensioned by said housing, whereby the contact lever (6) or the switch piece (10) bears a wedge profile (11) and the switch piece (10) or the contact lever (6) has a switch element (7) resting against the wedge profile (11) and where the switch piece (10) in the housing (1) can move along a straight path (S) extending essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the contact lever (6), and where the switch element (7) and the wedge profile (11) are pretensioned against each other in the direction running essentially perpendicular to the motion direction (S) of the switch piece (10), characterized in that the contour (a1, a2, c) of at least one of the two wedge surfaces (15, 16) sensed by the switching element (7) is curved (Figure 2, Figure 3).
  2. Switch according to Claim 1, characterized in that the curvature of the contour sensed from the beginning of the switch operation (A1) until the transition point (AO) is selected such that the force exerted on the switch piece (10) increases disproportionately with respect to the path traversed by it.
  3. Switch according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wedge (8) is pretensioned in the switch piece (10) in the pretension direction.
  4. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wedge surface (b1 or c) sensed after passing of the reversing point (AO) is convex.
  5. Switch according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the surface sensed by the switching element (7) after passing the reversing point (AO) located on the wedge peak, is concave.
EP97938819A 1996-07-18 1997-07-11 Quick-break switch with a reinforced pressure point Expired - Lifetime EP0912983B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19629006A DE19629006A1 (en) 1996-07-18 1996-07-18 Snap switch with increased pressure point
DE19629006 1996-07-18
PCT/EP1997/003688 WO1998003982A1 (en) 1996-07-18 1997-07-11 Quick-break switch with a reinforced pressure point

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0912983A1 EP0912983A1 (en) 1999-05-06
EP0912983B1 true EP0912983B1 (en) 1999-12-08

Family

ID=7800185

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97938819A Expired - Lifetime EP0912983B1 (en) 1996-07-18 1997-07-11 Quick-break switch with a reinforced pressure point

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US6080949A (en)
EP (1) EP0912983B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2000517460A (en)
DE (2) DE19629006A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2139464T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1998003982A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6919523B1 (en) * 2004-02-06 2005-07-19 Defond Components Limited Electrical switch
US8040664B2 (en) * 2008-05-30 2011-10-18 Itron, Inc. Meter with integrated high current switch
US8493232B2 (en) * 2009-09-30 2013-07-23 Itron, Inc. Gas shut-off valve with feedback
AU2010300854B2 (en) * 2009-09-30 2013-11-14 Itron Inc. Utility remote disconnect from a meter reading system
US8890711B2 (en) 2009-09-30 2014-11-18 Itron, Inc. Safety utility reconnect
US9005423B2 (en) 2012-12-04 2015-04-14 Itron, Inc. Pipeline communications

Family Cites Families (9)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2779835A (en) * 1953-04-22 1957-01-29 Pass & Seymour Inc Snap switch for tools
US2853573A (en) * 1956-01-09 1958-09-23 Burroughs Corp Snap-action switch
US4006333A (en) * 1975-06-11 1977-02-01 Cutler-Hammer, Inc. Higher rated double-pole trigger switch
DE3002479A1 (en) * 1980-01-24 1981-07-30 SWF-Spezialfabrik für Autozubehör Gustav Rau GmbH, 7120 Bietigheim-Bissingen ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCH, IN PARTICULAR FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
DE3336877A1 (en) * 1983-10-11 1985-05-02 Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co KG, 5880 Lüdenscheid Electrical snap switch
BR8500202A (en) * 1984-07-03 1986-04-15 Kostal Leopold Gmbh & Co Kg SPRING ELECTRIC WRENCH
DE3626241A1 (en) * 1986-08-02 1988-02-04 Swf Auto Electric Gmbh Steering column switch, especially a light switch for motor vehicles
DE4418707A1 (en) * 1994-05-28 1995-11-30 Teves Gmbh Alfred Snap-action switch with linear switch movement
DE4436979A1 (en) * 1994-10-15 1996-04-18 Teves Gmbh Alfred Microswitch as snap-action switch with wedge profile on the contact lever pivotally mounted in the switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1998003982A1 (en) 1998-01-29
EP0912983A1 (en) 1999-05-06
DE19629006A1 (en) 1998-01-22
ES2139464T3 (en) 2000-02-01
DE59700832D1 (en) 2000-01-13
US6080949A (en) 2000-06-27
JP2000517460A (en) 2000-12-26

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