EP2282250B1 - Thumbwheel - Google Patents

Thumbwheel Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2282250B1
EP2282250B1 EP10008168.6A EP10008168A EP2282250B1 EP 2282250 B1 EP2282250 B1 EP 2282250B1 EP 10008168 A EP10008168 A EP 10008168A EP 2282250 B1 EP2282250 B1 EP 2282250B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switch
light
accordance
setting wheel
light guide
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.)
Active
Application number
EP10008168.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2282250A1 (en
Inventor
Michael Hetzer
Stefan Höss
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.)
Elobau GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Elobau GmbH and Co KG
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Application filed by Elobau GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Elobau GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP2282250A1 publication Critical patent/EP2282250A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/16—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"
    • H01H9/161—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off" comprising light emitting elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/08—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels
    • G05G1/10—Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles
    • G05G1/105—Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles comprising arrangements for illumination
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G25/00—Other details or appurtenances of control mechanisms, e.g. supporting intermediate members elastically
    • G05G25/04—Sealing against entry of dust, weather or the like
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G5/00—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member
    • G05G5/05—Means for returning or tending to return controlling members to an inoperative or neutral position, e.g. by providing return springs or resilient end-stops
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/025—Light-emitting indicators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/18—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
    • H01H9/182—Illumination of the symbols or distinguishing marks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/02—Details
    • H01H23/04—Cases; Covers
    • H01H23/06—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electric switch for use on multiple controls in the field of commercial vehicles, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the respective operating fingers have only a relatively small range of motion, as the rest of the hand on the multiple control element, also called joystick, must remain.
  • the operating direction of the thumbwheel is regularly approximately orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the multiple control element, following the natural movement of the thumb of a gripping hand.
  • the EP 1 246 040 describes a multi-function handle with individual pressure switches for earthmoving machinery such as excavators.
  • the EP 1 288 763 describes a multifunctional handle for an agricultural Vehicle like a combine harvester with only push buttons.
  • a rotary electric switch describes the DE 10 2007 033 911 A1 ,
  • the switch described therein has a hollow inside, arranged on a hub thumbwheel, in which the light of the single light source is passed through a prismatic light distributor on the single back-lightable area of the thumbwheel, rotate over the rotation state dependent different symbols.
  • the known light distributor is either colored or it decomposes the light of the single light source spectrally, in order to backlight the only backlit signal surface in different colors.
  • the light guide has a spatially large light collection side and a single, compared to the light collection side spatially small, light exit end, so that he the control panel in each of its deflection states with light spatially separated bulbs or a single light source is formed lighting.
  • the present invention provides a lit, rotatable by a limited angle rotary switch, which indicates the operator in the dark or in low light conditions, the current position and thus the switching state by light safely. It is particularly advantageous if the switch is not only illuminated as such, but this lighting is formed depending on the working position, that is formed differently depending on the working position of the switch. The operator can therefore easily determine at a glance in which operating position the rotary switch according to the invention is at a certain time.
  • the switch according to the invention is provided for operation by a thumb or an index finger of an operator, wherein it is arranged erster admiration on the front side of a multi-function handle and otherwise on the back of the multi-function handle.
  • the light guide allows with great advantage the decoupling of mechanical rotation and place of light generation, so that no cables or the like must be carried along in the mechanical rotary motion.
  • the optical waveguide is designed such that it receives light from one or more light sources at one and / or a plurality of spatially distant locations and is forwarded to the operating part.
  • the light collecting side which is spatially large in accordance with the invention, light sources emitting different colored light can advantageously be spatially separated from each other, so that even large rotary movements of the control unit still result in the light of a light source being collected, conducted and emitted on the control panel.
  • the operating part is arranged on the carrying axle of the carrier housing and has means for limiting the rotational movement, it is the simplest design and avoids incorrect operation of the switch according to the invention, since mechanical forces can not be exerted excessively.
  • the light guide is formed by the carrier housing itself by being formed of transparent thermoplastic material.
  • the use of the transparent thermoplastic material according to the invention enables a simple production of the carrier housing by injection molding and advantageously reduces the number of parts required, so that it is possible to dispense with an independent light guide next to the transparent light-conducting carrier housing.
  • a further light guide is provided between the carrier housing and exit point of the light on the control panel so that the emitted light from the bulbs inside the carrier housing collected by the carrier housing and in the further light guide is largely unchanged in color and scattering coupled to Lichtaustrittsart on the control panel.
  • the control unit has a neutral and two or more working positions, in particular an upper and lower stop with interposed neutral center position.
  • more than two working positions for example four working positions with a neutral middle position, are also conceivable.
  • a neutral end position is conceivable and adjoining differently illuminated operating positions. This is always useful if you want to control work processes with this switch, which always have to be processed in the same order, so that one work step is always followed by the second, third etc. step, if necessary also in the reverse order back to the initial or neutral position.
  • the embodiments of the switch as a momentary switch with provision or as described as a latching switch with multiple switch positions or combinations thereof.
  • the carrier housing carries a printed circuit board, in particular an SMD-equipped printed circuit board, which in turn carries lamps and that the carrier housing has a second optical fiber.
  • the printed circuit board, in particular SMD-equipped printed circuit board is arranged in the interior of the carrier housing, so that it is largely protected from external influences such as in particular dust and moisture and mechanical stress.
  • the printed circuit board carries lighting means, which according to the invention may be LEDs, for example, but need not.
  • the second light guide provided on or in the carrier housing collects the light of the one or more light sources and is therefore also mechanically protected. According to the invention, the second light guide can also be part of the carrier housing itself.
  • a wheel cover is fastened to the control unit, in particular a wheel cover snapped onto the control panel, wherein preferably a second optical fiber is provided and supported between the wheel cover and the control panel, a particularly efficient, structurally simple and permanent solution is made possible.
  • a simple and advantageous embodiment of the second light guide provides that this as a bent and in installation position rotated by 180 ° T. is trained.
  • the crosspiece of the T in the form of a cylinder jacket section forms a spatially large light collecting side which, even with strong deflection of the operating element, still captures the light of a luminous means and initiates at its single light exit end into a control element, for example a wheel cover.
  • the switch according to the invention is able to produce both angle-dependent and function-dependent lighting situations on the control panel with great advantage.
  • the light of another and differently colored light source reaches the light exit end via the light guide and illuminates the control panel so that it is illuminated in an angle-dependent manner.
  • the switch according to the invention is also functionally illuminated by different luminescent colors can be displayed in one and the same working position of the control panel. This is always advantageous if, with an actuation of the switch, a work process is triggered from several automatically successive steps, such as gripping, pivoting and releasing.
  • the individual stages of operation are displayed by changing colors of a single light source, for example, the sequence green-yellow-red of a multicolour LED.
  • Electro-technically particularly advantageous is the design of the switch as a non-contact switch, in particular Hall or reed switch, as this reduces the number of parts required and at the same time allows a reliable and long-lasting switch as possible.
  • the assembled printed circuit board mechanically against dust or Moisture is protected, so that their life is not shortened even under the harsh conditions of the invention.
  • this mechanical protection can be achieved by casting by means of transparent potting compound or by using a transparent adhesive for bonding the printed circuit board. This results in high advantage in a switch with a high IP class, for example, a class above IP67, as is particularly desirable when used in commercial vehicles such as excavators, combine harvesters or tractors.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a switch according to the invention.
  • the central part of the switch is made of transparent thermoplastic material carrier housing 4. This has on one side a coaxially arranged support shaft 15, on the other side a holder for a SMD-equipped printed circuit board 7.
  • bulbs 8 On the printed circuit board 7 are bulbs 8, namely three spatially separated LED 8.
  • a Hall element 14 is located between the carrier housing 4 and printed circuit board 7.
  • Carrier housing 4 On the other side of Carrier housing 4 are a bearing bushing 16 and a bearing ring 17 for supporting the rotary adjusting wheel 5 and enabling its rotational movement is arranged.
  • This rotary adjusting wheel 5 carries the magnets 18.
  • the adjusting wheel 5 is returned by means of a leg spring 10 and secured by means of shim 19 and lock washer 20 on the support shaft 15 against axial movement.
  • the two long arms on the upper side of the adjusting wheel 5 carry a separate, non-colored light guide 6, which is covered by a wheel cover 11 and the single light exit end 21 through an opening, not shown in FIG Solsteg the wheel cover 11 is optically accessible.
  • the light-collecting side 22 is formed curved and covers in the mounted state, the bulbs 8.
  • the switch is designed as a tactile or latching switch, is inferior to the invention, provided that its switching states are clearly and easily visible.
  • a control of a multi-color LED 8 according to the invention in which without further actuation of the switch successively different colors of the multi-color LED and thus also illuminate the keypad and thereby indicate the state of an ongoing work process and thus illuminate the switch function dependent.
  • the printed circuit board 7 is supplied by the commercial vehicle with information about the state of the currently running automatic process, the vehicle is, after which the printed circuit board 7, the LED 8 controls.
  • FIG. 2a carries the formation of the carrier housing 4, in particular its support shaft side.
  • the support shaft 15 has in the region of its free end a groove which serve to receive a shim 19 and a lock washer 20.
  • the housing side of the groove extending portion of the support shaft 15 serves to receive the setting wheel 5, wherein the setting wheel 5 rests both in this section, as well as on the carrier further side of the carrier arranged and larger diameter portion. Between adjusting wheel and the larger diameter part of the carrier housing 4 are not shown bearing bush and bearing ring.
  • FIG. 2b shows the thumbwheel 5 with two different diameter passage openings through which the support shaft 15 passes. Also visible are the two rotation angle limiter, which extend radially outward, pointing in the direction of the free end of the support shaft 15.
  • the two sections with the through hole form a receiving pocket for a leg spring 10, whose eye is arranged coaxially to the two passage openings.
  • two longer arms are shown pointing in the direction of the housing 4 and the light guide 6 according to Figure 2c holders.
  • This has a cylinder-shell portion-like shaped light-collecting section 22 and a light exit end 21.
  • the wheel cover 11 is clipped over the light guide 6 on the thumbwheel 5 so that they can not be easily withdrawn. This is achieved in that on the inner lower side of the wheel cover 11, two beads are formed, which engage over the elongated arms of the adjusting wheel, so that this engages as in the wheel cover 11.
  • the light sources emit light on the SMD-equipped printed circuit board 7, in particular in different color characteristics. It is particularly important here that in the rest position of the thumbwheel according to the invention a different light color passes through the control unit to the outside than at the upper or lower attachment point in the case of training as a detent switch. It is also particularly important that different operating states can be displayed to an operator by means of a luminous means illuminating in different colors which follow one another without further actuation of the switch.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen elektrischen Schalter zur Verwendung an Mehrfachbedienelementen im Bereich der Nutzfahrzeuge, gemäß dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1.The present invention relates to an electric switch for use on multiple controls in the field of commercial vehicles, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Elektrische Schalter in Kraftfahrzeugen und insbesondere in Nutzfahrzeugen müssen auch im Dunkeln sicher bedienbar sein und dem Bediener Schaltzustandsinformation zur Verfügung stellen. Daher sind Tastschalter in Kraftfahrzeugen seit langem beleuchtet. In Nutzfahrzeugen sind oftmals Mehrfachbedienelemente vorhanden, die mehrere Schaltfunktionen mit einer Hand ermöglichen und beispielsweise als Multifunktionsgriff bzw. Steuerknüppel mit einer Mehrzahl von Schaltern ausgestaltet sind. Hierdurch werden sowohl die Bewegung der ganzen Hand als auch die Bewegung einzelner Finger eines Bedieners für die Betätigung von Funktionen des Nutzfahrzeugs verwendbar, ohne dass die Hand vom Mehrfachbedienelement genommen werden müsste. Dies steigert die Effizienz des Nutzfahrzeugs und die Sicherheit für den Bediener. An diesen Mehrfachbedienelementen sind in der Regel mehrere, mit einzelnen Fingern zu bedienende elektrische Schalter vorgesehen, wobei die jeweiligen Bedienfinger nur einen relativ geringen Bewegungsraum haben, da die restliche Hand am Mehrfachbedienelement, auch Joystick genannt, verbleiben muß. Die Bedienrichtung des Daumenrades ist dabei regelmäßig annähernd orthogonal zur Längsachse des Mehrfachbedienelements, der natürlichen Bewegung des Daumens einer greifenden Hand folgend.Electrical switches in motor vehicles and in particular in commercial vehicles must be safe to operate even in the dark and provide the operator with switching state information. Therefore, push-buttons in motor vehicles have been lit for a long time. In commercial vehicles are often multiple operating elements available that allow multiple switching functions with one hand and are designed, for example, as a multi-function handle or joystick with a plurality of switches. As a result, both the movement of the whole hand and the movement of individual fingers of an operator for the operation of functions of the utility vehicle can be used without the hand would have to be taken from the multiple control element. This increases the efficiency of the commercial vehicle and the safety for the operator. At this multiple controls are usually provided with individual fingers to use electrical switch, the respective operating fingers have only a relatively small range of motion, as the rest of the hand on the multiple control element, also called joystick, must remain. The operating direction of the thumbwheel is regularly approximately orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the multiple control element, following the natural movement of the thumb of a gripping hand.

Die EP 1 246 040 beschreibt einen Multifunktionsgriff mit einzelnen Druckschaltern für erdbewegende Maschinen wie Bagger. Die EP 1 288 763 beschreibt einen Multifunktionsgriff für ein landwirtschaftliches Fahrzeug wie einen Mähdrescher, der ausschließlich Tastschalter aufweist.The EP 1 246 040 describes a multi-function handle with individual pressure switches for earthmoving machinery such as excavators. The EP 1 288 763 describes a multifunctional handle for an agricultural Vehicle like a combine harvester with only push buttons.

Mit einem Finger, insbesondere Daumen, zu bedienende und um einen bestimmten Winkel verschwenkende Schalter sind als solche ebenfalls bekannt und sollen von der Erfindung weiterentwickelt werden.With a finger, in particular thumb, to be operated and pivoting at a certain angle switches are also known as such and are to be further developed by the invention.

Einen drehbewegten elektrischen Schalter beschreibt die DE 10 2007 033 911 A1 . Der dort beschriebene Schalter weist eine innen hohles, auf einer Nabe angeordnetes Stellrad auf, in dem das Licht der einzigen Leuchtquelle über einen prismenartigen Lichtverteiler auf den einzigen hinterleuchtbaren Bereich des Stellrades geleitet wird, über den sich drehzustandsabhängig unterschiedliche Symbole hinwegdrehen. Der bekannte Lichtverteiler ist entweder eingefärbt oder er zerlegt das Licht der einzigen Lichtquelle spektral, um die einzige hinterleuchtete Signalfläche sukzessive in unterschiedlichen Farben zu hinterleuchten.A rotary electric switch describes the DE 10 2007 033 911 A1 , The switch described therein has a hollow inside, arranged on a hub thumbwheel, in which the light of the single light source is passed through a prismatic light distributor on the single back-lightable area of the thumbwheel, rotate over the rotation state dependent different symbols. The known light distributor is either colored or it decomposes the light of the single light source spectrally, in order to backlight the only backlit signal surface in different colors.

Nachteilig an diesem Stand der Technik ist jedoch, dass derartige Schalter für den Einsatz an Mehrfachbedienelementen zu wenige unterschiedliche Beleuchtungssituationen ermöglichen, zu groß bauen und aufgrund der Drehbewegung des Stellrades von den Fingern einer greifenden Hand schlecht bedienbar sind.A disadvantage of this prior art, however, is that such switches allow for use on multiple controls too few different lighting situations, build too large and are difficult to operate due to the rotational movement of the setting wheel of the fingers of a gripping hand.

Es ist daher Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, diesen Schalter zu verbessern, kleiner zu bauen und eine Vielzahl an unterschiedlichen Beleuchtungssituationen zu ermöglichen.It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve this switch, to build smaller and to allow a variety of different lighting situations.

Diese Aufgabe wird dadurch gelöst, dass der Lichtleiter eine räumlich große Lichtsammelseite und ein einziges, im Vergleich zur Lichtsammelseite räumlich kleines, Lichtaustrittsende aufweist, so daß er das Bedienteil in jedem seiner Auslenkungszustände mit Licht räumlich voneinander getrennter Leuchtmittel oder eines einzigen Leuchtmittels beleuchtend ausgebildet ist. Mit großem Vorteil stellt die vorliegende Erfindung einen beleuchteten, um einen begrenzten Winkel drehbaren Drehschalter zur Verfügung, der dem Bediener auch im Dunkeln oder bei schlechten Lichtverhältnissen die aktuelle Position und damit den Schaltzustand durch Licht sicher anzeigt. Hierbei ist es besonders vorteilhaft, wenn der Schalter nicht nur als solcher beleuchtet ist, sondern diese Beleuchtung arbeitspositionsabhängig ausgebildet ist, d. h. je nach Arbeitsposition des Schalters unterschiedlich ausgebildet ist. Der Bediener kann daher einfach durch einen Blick feststellen, in welcher Betriebsposition sich der erfindungsgemäße Drehschalter zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt befindet. Der erfindungsgemäße Schalter ist dabei zur Bedienung durch einen Daumen oder einen Zeigefinger eines Bedieners vorgesehen, wobei er ersterenfalls an der Frontseite eines Multifunktionsgriffes und anderenfalls an der Rückseite des Multifunktionsgriffes angeordnet ist. Der Lichtleiter ermöglicht mit großem Vorteil die Entkopplung von mechanischer Drehbewegung und Ort der Lichterzeugung, so dass keine Kabel oder dergleichen bei der mechanischen Drehbewegung mitgeführt werden müssen. Der Lichtleiter ist dabei erfindungsgemäß so ausgebildet, dass er Licht einer oder mehrerer Lichtquellen an einem und/oder mehreren räumlich voneinander entfernten Orten aufnehmend und zum Bedienteil weiterleitend ausgebildet ist. Durch die erfindungsgemäß räumlich große Lichtsammelseite können mit Vorteil unterschiedlich gefärbtes Licht aussendende Lichtquellen räumlich voneinander getrennt angeordnet sein, so dass selbst große Drehbewegungen des Bedienteils noch immer dazu führen, dass das Licht eines Leuchtmittels eingesammelt, geleitet und am Bedienteil ausgesandt werden kann. Ist das Bedienteil an der Tragachse des Trägergehäuses angeordnet und weist es Mittel zur Begrenzung der Drehbewegung auf, so ist es konstruktiv am einfachsten und vermeidet eine Fehlbedienung des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters, da mechanische Kräfte nicht übermäßig ausgeübt werden können.This object is achieved in that the light guide has a spatially large light collection side and a single, compared to the light collection side spatially small, light exit end, so that he the control panel in each of its deflection states with light spatially separated bulbs or a single light source is formed lighting. With great advantage, the present invention provides a lit, rotatable by a limited angle rotary switch, which indicates the operator in the dark or in low light conditions, the current position and thus the switching state by light safely. It is particularly advantageous if the switch is not only illuminated as such, but this lighting is formed depending on the working position, that is formed differently depending on the working position of the switch. The operator can therefore easily determine at a glance in which operating position the rotary switch according to the invention is at a certain time. The switch according to the invention is provided for operation by a thumb or an index finger of an operator, wherein it is arranged ersterenfalls on the front side of a multi-function handle and otherwise on the back of the multi-function handle. The light guide allows with great advantage the decoupling of mechanical rotation and place of light generation, so that no cables or the like must be carried along in the mechanical rotary motion. According to the invention, the optical waveguide is designed such that it receives light from one or more light sources at one and / or a plurality of spatially distant locations and is forwarded to the operating part. By virtue of the light collecting side which is spatially large in accordance with the invention, light sources emitting different colored light can advantageously be spatially separated from each other, so that even large rotary movements of the control unit still result in the light of a light source being collected, conducted and emitted on the control panel. If the operating part is arranged on the carrying axle of the carrier housing and has means for limiting the rotational movement, it is the simplest design and avoids incorrect operation of the switch according to the invention, since mechanical forces can not be exerted excessively.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist, dass der Lichtleiter durch das Trägergehäuse selber gebildet ist, indem es aus transparentem thermoplastischen Material gebildet ist. Die Verwendung des erfindungsgemäßen transparenten thermoplastischen Materials ermöglicht eine einfache Herstellung des Trägergehäuses durch Spritzguss und reduziert mit Vorteil die Zahl der benötigten Teile, so daß auf einen eigenständigen Lichtleiter neben dem transparenten lichtleitenden Trägergehäuse verzichtet werden kann. Um die nach außen tretende Lichtstärke am Bedienteil zu erhöhen, kann erfindungsgemäß auch vorgesehen sein, dass zwischen Trägergehäuse und Austrittsstelle des Lichtes am Bedienteil ein weiterer Lichtleiter vorgesehen ist, so dass das von den Leuchtmitteln ausgesandte Licht im Inneren des Trägergehäuses durch das Trägergehäuse gesammelt und in den weiteren Lichtleiter weitgehend unverändert in Farbe und Streuung zum Lichtaustrittsart am Bedienteil eingekoppelt wird.It is particularly advantageous that the light guide is formed by the carrier housing itself by being formed of transparent thermoplastic material. The use of the transparent thermoplastic material according to the invention enables a simple production of the carrier housing by injection molding and advantageously reduces the number of parts required, so that it is possible to dispense with an independent light guide next to the transparent light-conducting carrier housing. To increase the outgoing light intensity on the control panel, according to the invention can also be provided that between the carrier housing and exit point of the light on the control panel, a further light guide is provided so that the emitted light from the bulbs inside the carrier housing collected by the carrier housing and in the further light guide is largely unchanged in color and scattering coupled to Lichtaustrittsart on the control panel.

Erfindungsgemäß ist vorgesehen, dass das Bedienteil eine Neutral- und zwei oder mehr Arbeitspositionen aufweist, insbesondere einen oberen und unteren Anschlag mit dazwischen angeordneter neutraler Mittelstellung. Erfindungsgemäß sind auch mehr als zwei Arbeitsstellungen, beispielsweise vier Arbeitsstellungen mit neutraler Mittelstellung denkbar. Je nach Einsatzzweck ist natürlich erfindungsgemäß auch eine neutrale Endstellung denkbar und sich daran anschließende unterschiedlich beleuchtete Betriebsstellungen. Dies ist immer dann sinnvoll, wenn mit diesem Schalter Arbeitsvorgänge gesteuert werden sollen, die immer in derselben Reihenfolge abgearbeitet werden müssen, so dass auf den einen Arbeitsschritt immer der zweite, dritte usw. Schritt folgt, gegebenenfalls auch wieder in umgekehrter Reihenfolge zurück bis zur Ausgangs- oder Neutralposition. Erfindungsgemäß sind auch die Ausführungen des Schalters als tastender Schalter mit Rückstellung oder wie beschrieben als rastender Schalter mit mehreren Schaltstellungen oder Kombinationen daraus.According to the invention it is provided that the control unit has a neutral and two or more working positions, in particular an upper and lower stop with interposed neutral center position. According to the invention, more than two working positions, for example four working positions with a neutral middle position, are also conceivable. Depending on the purpose of course, according to the invention, a neutral end position is conceivable and adjoining differently illuminated operating positions. This is always useful if you want to control work processes with this switch, which always have to be processed in the same order, so that one work step is always followed by the second, third etc. step, if necessary also in the reverse order back to the initial or neutral position. According to the invention, the embodiments of the switch as a momentary switch with provision or as described as a latching switch with multiple switch positions or combinations thereof.

In Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass das Trägergehäuse eine Leiterplatine trägt, insbesondere eine SMD-bestückte Leiterplatine, die ihrerseits wiederum Leuchtmittel trägt und dass das Trägergehäuse einen zweiten Lichtleiter aufweist. Insbesondere ist vorgesehen, dass die Leiterplatine, insbesondere SMD-bestückte Leiterplatine im Inneren des Trägergehäuses angeordnet ist, so dass sie vor äußeren Einflüssen wie insbesondere Staub und Feuchtigkeit und mechanischen Belastungen weitestgehend geschützt ist. Die Leiterplatine trägt Leuchtmittel, die erfindungsgemäß beispielsweise LED's sein können, jedoch nicht müssen. Der am oder im Trägergehäuse vorgesehene zweite Lichtleiter sammelt das Licht des einen oder der mehreren Leuchtmittel und ist daher ebenfalls mechanisch geschützt. Erfindungsgemäß kann der zweite Lichtleiter auch Teil des Trägergehäuses selber sein.In an embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the carrier housing carries a printed circuit board, in particular an SMD-equipped printed circuit board, which in turn carries lamps and that the carrier housing has a second optical fiber. In particular, it is provided that the printed circuit board, in particular SMD-equipped printed circuit board is arranged in the interior of the carrier housing, so that it is largely protected from external influences such as in particular dust and moisture and mechanical stress. The printed circuit board carries lighting means, which according to the invention may be LEDs, for example, but need not. The second light guide provided on or in the carrier housing collects the light of the one or more light sources and is therefore also mechanically protected. According to the invention, the second light guide can also be part of the carrier housing itself.

Insbesondere dann, wenn eine Rückstellfeder zur Rückstellung des ausgelenkten Bedienteils in dessen Ruhelage zwischen Trägergehäuse und Stellrad vorgesehen ist, lässt sich die Rückstellkraft besonders einfach aufbringen.In particular, when a return spring is provided for returning the deflected operating part in its rest position between the carrier housing and the setting wheel, the restoring force can be applied very easily.

Ist an dem Bedienteil eine Radabdeckung befestigt, insbesondere eine an das Bedienteil aufgeschnappte Radabdeckung, wobei vorzugsweise ein zweiter Lichtleiter zwischen Radabdeckung und Bedienteil vorgesehen und gehaltert ist, so wird eine besonders effiziente, konstruktiv einfache und dauerhafte Lösung ermöglicht.If a wheel cover is fastened to the control unit, in particular a wheel cover snapped onto the control panel, wherein preferably a second optical fiber is provided and supported between the wheel cover and the control panel, a particularly efficient, structurally simple and permanent solution is made possible.

Eine einfache und vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung des zweiten Lichtleiters sieht vor, daß dieser als ein gebogenes und in Einbaulage um 180° gedrehtes T ausgebildet ist. Hierbei bildet das Querstück des T's in Form eines Zylindermantelabschnittes eine räumlich große Lichtsammelseite, die auch bei starker Auslenkung des Bedienteils noch immer Licht eines Leuchmittels einfangend und an ihrem einzigen Lichtaustrittsende in ein Bedienteil, beispielsweise eine Radabdeckung, einleitend ist.A simple and advantageous embodiment of the second light guide provides that this as a bent and in installation position rotated by 180 ° T. is trained. In this case, the crosspiece of the T in the form of a cylinder jacket section forms a spatially large light collecting side which, even with strong deflection of the operating element, still captures the light of a luminous means and initiates at its single light exit end into a control element, for example a wheel cover.

Sind bis zu drei Leuchtmitteln mit jeweils unterschiedlicher Lichtfarbe oder mit wechselnder Lichtfarbe vorgesehen, ist der erfindungsgemäße Schalter mit großem Vorteil in der Lage, sowohl winkel- als auch funktionsabhängige Beleuchtungssituationen am Bedienteil zu erzeugen. Je nach Auslenkung des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters erreicht das Licht eines anderen und andersfarbigen Leuchtmittels über den Lichtleiter das Lichtaustrittsende und beleuchtet das Bedienteil, so daß dieses winkelabhängig beleuchtet ist. Mit großem Vorteil ist der erfindungsgemäße Schalter aber auch funktionsabhängig beleuchtbar, indem in ein und derselben Arbeitsposition des Bedienteils unterschiedliche Leuchtfarben anzeigbar sind. Dies ist immer dann von Vorteil, wenn mit einer Betätigung des Schalters ein Arbeitsvorgang aus mehreren automatisch nacheinander ablaufenden Schritten ausgelöst wird, beispielsweise ein Greifen, Verschwenken und Loslassen. Die einzelnen Arbeitsvorgangsstufen werden dabei durch wechselnde Farben eines einzigen Leuchtmittels angezeigt, beispielsweise mit der Abfolge Grün-Gelb-Rot einer Multicolour-LED.If up to three light sources, each with a different light color or with changing light color, are provided, the switch according to the invention is able to produce both angle-dependent and function-dependent lighting situations on the control panel with great advantage. Depending on the deflection of the switch according to the invention, the light of another and differently colored light source reaches the light exit end via the light guide and illuminates the control panel so that it is illuminated in an angle-dependent manner. But with great advantage the switch according to the invention is also functionally illuminated by different luminescent colors can be displayed in one and the same working position of the control panel. This is always advantageous if, with an actuation of the switch, a work process is triggered from several automatically successive steps, such as gripping, pivoting and releasing. The individual stages of operation are displayed by changing colors of a single light source, for example, the sequence green-yellow-red of a multicolour LED.

Elektrotechnisch besonders vorteilhaft ist die Ausbildung des Schalters als berührungsloser Schalter, insbesondere Hall- oder Reedschalter, da dies die Zahl der benötigten Teile reduziert und gleichzeitig einen möglichst betriebssicheren und lang haltenden Schalter ermöglicht.Electro-technically particularly advantageous is the design of the switch as a non-contact switch, in particular Hall or reed switch, as this reduces the number of parts required and at the same time allows a reliable and long-lasting switch as possible.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist, dass in Ausgestaltung der Erfindung die bestückte Leiterplatine mechanisch vor eindringendem Staub oder Feuchtigkeit geschützt ausgebildet ist, so dass ihre Lebensdauer auch unter den erfindungsgemäßen rauen Einsatzbedingungen nicht verkürzt ist. Erfindungsgemäß kann dieser mechanische Schutz durch Vergießen mittels transparenter Vergussmasse erreicht werden oder durch Verwenden eines transparenten Klebers zur Verklebung der Leiterplatine. Dies führt mit hohem Vorteil zu einem Schalter mit hoher IP-Klasse, beispielsweise einer über IP67 liegenden Klasse, wie sie beim Einsatz in Nutzfahrzeugen wie Baggern, Mähdreschern oder Traktoren besonders wünschenswert ist.It is particularly advantageous that in an embodiment of the invention, the assembled printed circuit board mechanically against dust or Moisture is protected, so that their life is not shortened even under the harsh conditions of the invention. According to the invention, this mechanical protection can be achieved by casting by means of transparent potting compound or by using a transparent adhesive for bonding the printed circuit board. This results in high advantage in a switch with a high IP class, for example, a class above IP67, as is particularly desirable when used in commercial vehicles such as excavators, combine harvesters or tractors.

Die Erfindung wird in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform unter Bezugnahme auf eine Zeichnung beispielhaft beschrieben, wobei weitere vorteilhafte Einzelheiten den Figuren der Zeichnung zu entnehmen sind.The invention will be described by way of example in a preferred embodiment with reference to a drawing, wherein further advantageous details are shown in the figures of the drawing.

Funktionsmäßig gleiche Teile sind dabei mit denselben Bezugszeichen versehen.Functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

Die Figuren der Zeichnung zeigen im Einzelnen:

Figur 1:
zeigt eine Explosionszeichnung eines erfindungsgemäßen Schalters.
Figuren 2a bis d:
zeigen Bauteile des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters.
The figures of the drawing show in detail:
FIG. 1:
shows an exploded view of a switch according to the invention.
FIGS. 2a to d:
show components of the switch according to the invention.

Figur 1 zeigt eine Explosionsdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform eines Schalters. Zentraler Teil des Schalters ist das aus transparentem thermoplastischen Material gefertigte Trägergehäuse 4. Dieses weist auf einer Seite eine koaxial angeordnete Tragachse 15 auf, auf der anderen Seite eine Halterung für eine SMD-bestückte Leiterplatine 7. Auf der Leiterplatine 7 befinden sich Leuchtmittel 8, nämlich drei räumlich voneinander entfernte LED 8. Ebenfalls dargestellt sind eine Kabeldurchführung 12 und ein Label 13. Ein Hallelement 14 befindet sich zwischen Trägergehäuse 4 und Leiterplatine 7. Auf der anderen Seite des Trägergehäuses 4 sind eine Lagerbuchse 16 und ein Lagerring 17 zur Lagerung des drehbeweglichen Stellrads 5 und der Ermöglichung dessen Drehbewegung angeordnet. Dieses drehbewegliche Stellrad 5 trägt die Magnete 18. Das Stellrad 5 wird mittels einer Schenkelfeder 10 zurückgestellt und mittels Passscheibe 19 und Sicherungsscheibe 20 auf der Tragachse 15 gegen axiale Bewegung gesichert. Hierbei tritt die Tragachse 15 durch das Auge der Schenkelfeder 10. Die beiden langen Arme auf der oberen Seite des Stellrades 5 tragen einen separaten, nicht eingefärbten Lichtleiter 6, der von einer Radabdeckung 11 überdeckt wird und dessen einziges Lichtaustrittsende 21 durch eine nicht dargestellte Öffnung im Bediensteg der Radabdeckung 11 optisch zugänglich ist. Die Lichtsammelseite 22 ist gebogen ausgebildet und überdeckt im montierten Zustand die Leuchtmittel 8. Durch drehende Bewegung der Radabdeckung 11 mittels eines Daumens oder eines Zeigefingers der Hand eines Bedieners eines Multifunktionsgriffes wird das Stellrad 5 bewegt. Diese Bewegung wird von der auf der Leiterplatine 7 angeordneten Steuerelektronik erkannt, die ihrerseits das entsprechende Leuchtmittel 8 ansteuert und zum Leuchten bringt. Dessen ausgesandtes Licht tritt zunächst durch die transparente Vergussmasse oder den transparenten Kleber von der Leiterplatine 7 hindurch zum Trägergehäuse 4, das seinerseits das Licht weiterleitet und in den Lichtleiter 6 einkoppelt, ohne dabei Lichtstärke, Phase, Wellenlänge oder Farbe wesentlich zu verändern, vorzugsweise überhaupt nicht zu verändern. Aufgrund des räumlich groß ausgebildeten Lichtsammelendes 22 führt die mechanische Drehbewegung des Stellrades oder -gliedes 5 nicht dazu, dass das Licht der Leuchtmittel 8 nicht durch den Lichtleiter 6 eingefangen und zur Radabdeckung 11 weitergeleitet werden könnte. In Abhängigkeit von der Drehbewegung wird eine bestimmte LED 8 angesteuert, so dass deren farbiges Licht am Lichtaustrittsende 21 von einem Bediener wahrgenommen werden kann. Jedem Schaltzustand des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters ist dabei eine Lichtfarbe zugeordnet, so dass der Schaltzustand des Schalters leicht zu erkennen ist. Ob der Schalter dabei als Tast- oder Rastschalter ausgebildet ist, ist erfindungsnachrangig, sofern seine Schaltzustände klar und einfach optisch zu erkennen sind. Wie bereits geschildert ist auch eine Steuerung einer Multicolour-LED 8 erfindungsgemäß, bei der ohne weitere Betätigung des Schalters nacheinander unterschiedliche Farben an der Multicolour-LED und damit auch am Bedienteil aufleuchten und hierdurch den Stand eines ablaufenden Arbeitsverfahrens anzeigend und somit den Schalter funktionsabhängig beleuchten. Hierzu wird die Leiterplatine 7 vom Nutzfahrzeug mit Informationen darüber versorgt, in welchem Stand des gerade ablaufenden automatischen Verfahrens sich das Fahrzeug befindet, wonach die Leiterplatine 7 die LED 8 ansteuert. FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a switch according to the invention. The central part of the switch is made of transparent thermoplastic material carrier housing 4. This has on one side a coaxially arranged support shaft 15, on the other side a holder for a SMD-equipped printed circuit board 7. On the printed circuit board 7 are bulbs 8, namely three spatially separated LED 8. Also shown are a cable gland 12 and a label 13. A Hall element 14 is located between the carrier housing 4 and printed circuit board 7. On the other side of Carrier housing 4 are a bearing bushing 16 and a bearing ring 17 for supporting the rotary adjusting wheel 5 and enabling its rotational movement is arranged. This rotary adjusting wheel 5 carries the magnets 18. The adjusting wheel 5 is returned by means of a leg spring 10 and secured by means of shim 19 and lock washer 20 on the support shaft 15 against axial movement. The two long arms on the upper side of the adjusting wheel 5 carry a separate, non-colored light guide 6, which is covered by a wheel cover 11 and the single light exit end 21 through an opening, not shown in FIG Bediensteg the wheel cover 11 is optically accessible. The light-collecting side 22 is formed curved and covers in the mounted state, the bulbs 8. By rotating movement of the wheel cover 11 by means of a thumb or an index finger of the hand of an operator of a multi-function handle the adjusting wheel 5 is moved. This movement is detected by the arranged on the printed circuit board 7 control electronics, which in turn controls the corresponding lamp 8 and brings to light. Its emitted light first passes through the transparent potting compound or the transparent adhesive from the printed circuit board 7 through the carrier housing 4, which in turn passes the light and coupled into the light guide 6, without significantly changing light intensity, phase, wavelength or color, preferably not at all to change. Due to the spatially large light collecting end 22, the mechanical rotational movement of the adjusting wheel or member 5 does not cause the light of the bulbs 8 could not be captured by the light guide 6 and forwarded to the wheel cover 11. Depending on the rotational movement, a specific LED 8 is activated, so that its colored light at the light exit end 21 can be perceived by an operator. Each switching state of Switch according to the invention is associated with a light color, so that the switching state of the switch is easy to see. Whether the switch is designed as a tactile or latching switch, is inferior to the invention, provided that its switching states are clearly and easily visible. As already described, a control of a multi-color LED 8 according to the invention, in which without further actuation of the switch successively different colors of the multi-color LED and thus also illuminate the keypad and thereby indicate the state of an ongoing work process and thus illuminate the switch function dependent. For this purpose, the printed circuit board 7 is supplied by the commercial vehicle with information about the state of the currently running automatic process, the vehicle is, after which the printed circuit board 7, the LED 8 controls.

Figur 2a trägt die Ausbildung des Trägergehäuses 4, insbesondere dessen Tragachsenseite. Zu erkennen sind zwei Befestigungsflansche, die sich armartig radial vom Trägergehäuse 4 weg erstrecken. Die Tragachse 15 weist im Bereich ihres freien Endes eine Nut auf, die zur Aufnahme einer Passscheibe 19 und einer Sicherungsscheibe 20 dienen. Der sich gehäuseseitig an die Nut erstreckende Abschnitt der Tragachse 15 dient zur Aufnahme des Stellrades 5, wobei das Stellrad 5 sowohl in diesem Abschnitt, als auch an dem weiter trägergehäuseseitig angeordneten und durchmessergrößeren Abschnitt aufliegt. Zwischen Stellrad und dem durchmessergrößeren Teil des Trägergehäuses 4 befinden sich die hier nicht dargestellten Lagerbuchse und Lagerring. FIG. 2a carries the formation of the carrier housing 4, in particular its support shaft side. Evident are two mounting flanges extending arm-like radially away from the carrier housing 4 away. The support shaft 15 has in the region of its free end a groove which serve to receive a shim 19 and a lock washer 20. The housing side of the groove extending portion of the support shaft 15 serves to receive the setting wheel 5, wherein the setting wheel 5 rests both in this section, as well as on the carrier further side of the carrier arranged and larger diameter portion. Between adjusting wheel and the larger diameter part of the carrier housing 4 are not shown bearing bush and bearing ring.

Figur 2b zeigt das Stellrad 5 mit zwei im Durchmesser unterschiedlichen Durchtrittöffnungen, durch die jeweils die Tragachse 15 hindurchtritt. Ebenfalls zu erkennen sind die beiden Drehwinkelbegrenzer, die sich radial auswärts erstrecken und dabei in Richtung des freien Endes der Tragachse 15 zeigen. Die beiden Abschnitte mit der Durchtrittsbohrung bilden eine Aufnahmetasche für eine Schenkelfeder 10, deren Auge koaxial zu den beiden Durchtrittsöffnungen angeordnet ist. Im oberen Bereich des Stellrades 5 sind zwei längere Arme dargestellt, die in Richtung des Gehäuses 4 weisen und den Lichtleiter 6 gemäß Figur 2c haltern. Dieser weist einen zylindermantelabschnittartig geformten Lichtsammelabschnitt 22 auf und ein Lichtaustrittsende 21. Die Radabdeckung 11 ist dabei über den Lichtleiter 6 auf das Stellrad 5 so aufgeklipst, dass sie nicht ohne weiteres abgezogen werden kann. Dies wird dadurch erreicht, dass auf der inneren unteren Seite der Radabdeckung 11 zwei Wülste angeformt sind, die über die länglichen Arme des Stellrades greifen, so dass dieses wie in der Radabdeckung 11 einrastet. FIG. 2b shows the thumbwheel 5 with two different diameter passage openings through which the support shaft 15 passes. Also visible are the two rotation angle limiter, which extend radially outward, pointing in the direction of the free end of the support shaft 15. The two sections with the through hole form a receiving pocket for a leg spring 10, whose eye is arranged coaxially to the two passage openings. In the upper part of the setting wheel 5, two longer arms are shown pointing in the direction of the housing 4 and the light guide 6 according to Figure 2c holders. This has a cylinder-shell portion-like shaped light-collecting section 22 and a light exit end 21. The wheel cover 11 is clipped over the light guide 6 on the thumbwheel 5 so that they can not be easily withdrawn. This is achieved in that on the inner lower side of the wheel cover 11, two beads are formed, which engage over the elongated arms of the adjusting wheel, so that this engages as in the wheel cover 11.

Erfindungsgemäß ist nun vorgesehen, dass die Leuchtmittel auf der SMDbestückten Leiterplatine 7 Licht aussenden, insbesondere in unterschiedlicher Farbausprägung. Besonders wichtig ist hierbei, dass in der Ruhestellung des erfindungsgemäßen Daumenrades eine andere Lichtfarbe durch das Bedienteil nach außen tritt als am oberen oder unteren Anschlagpunkt im Fall einer Ausbildung als Rastschalter. Besonders wichtig ist auch, daß einem Bediener durch ein in unterschiedlichen Farben leuchtendes Leuchtmittel unterschiedliche Funktionszustände anzeigbar sind, die ohne weitere Betätigung des Schalters aufeinander folgen.According to the invention, it is now provided that the light sources emit light on the SMD-equipped printed circuit board 7, in particular in different color characteristics. It is particularly important here that in the rest position of the thumbwheel according to the invention a different light color passes through the control unit to the outside than at the upper or lower attachment point in the case of training as a detent switch. It is also particularly important that different operating states can be displayed to an operator by means of a luminous means illuminating in different colors which follow one another without further actuation of the switch.

BEZUGSZEICHENLISTELIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
elektrischer Schalterelectrical switch
22
MehrfachbedienelementMultiple operating element
33
44
Trägergehäusesupport housing
55
Stellradthumbwheel
66
Lichtleiteroptical fiber
77
Leiterplatineprinted circuit board
88th
LeuchtmittelLamp
99
Mittelmedium
1010
RückstellfederReturn spring
1111
Radabdeckungwheel cover
1212
KabeldurchführungGrommet
1313
Labellabel
1414
HallelementHall element
1515
Tragachsecarrying axle
1616
Lagerbuchsebearing bush
1717
Lagerringbearing ring
1818
Magnetmagnet
1919
Paßscheibeshim
2020
Sicherungsscheibelock washer
2121
LichtaustrittsendeLight output end
2222
LichtsammelseiteLight collection side

Claims (11)

  1. An electrical switch for use on multiple operating elements in the commercial vehicle sector,
    having a supporting housing (4), attached in its installed position on a multifunction grip of a multiple operating element, with an axial supporting axis (15),
    and a setting wheel (5) having an operating device, at least one light source (8) and a light guide, wherein in its installed position the operating device executes a rotary movement about the axial supporting axis (15) through a limited angle, and can be directly actuated by means of a thumb or forefinger of an operator's hand located on the multifunction grip, wherein in its installed position the switch is arranged in the first instance on the front face of the multifunction grip, and otherwise on the rear face of the multifunction grip, wherein the operating device is designed to be illuminated in a different colour depending upon its operating position, and wherein
    the setting wheel (5) is arranged coaxially on the supporting axis (15) of the supporting housing (4), and has means for limiting the rotary movement of the setting wheel (5),
    characterised in that,
    the light guide has a spatially large light collector face (22) and a single light exit end (21) on the operating device, which in comparison to the light collector face (22) is spatially small, so that in each of its deflected states the operating device is designed to be illuminated with light from light sources (8) spatially separated from one another, or from a single light source (8).
  2. The switch in accordance with Claim 1, characterised in that, the light guide (6) is formed by the supporting housing (4) itself, in that the supporting housing (4) is formed from a transparent thermoplastic material.
  3. The switch in accordance with Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, the operating device (3) has a neutral position and two or more operating positions.
  4. The switch in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the supporting housing (4) carries a circuit board (7), in particular an SMD-populated circuit board (7), which in turn carries light sources (8), and in that the supporting housing (4) has a second light guide (6).
  5. The switch in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, a restoring spring (10) is provided between the supporting housing (4) and the setting wheel (5) for purposes of restoring the deflected setting wheel (5) into its inoperative position.
  6. The switch in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, a wheel cover (11) is attached on the setting wheel (5), in particular a wheel cover (11) that is snapped onto the setting wheel (5), wherein a second light guide (6) is preferably provided and mounted between the wheel cover (11) and the setting wheel (5).
  7. The switch in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the second light guide (6) is designed as a curved T, which in its installed position is rotated through 180°.
  8. The switch in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, up to three light sources (8) are provided, each with a different light colour, or with a changing light colour.
  9. The switch in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, only one light source (8) with a changing light colour is provided.
  10. The switch in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the switch (1) is designed as a non-contact switch, in particular as a Hall switch or a reed switch (1).
  11. The switch in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the circuit board (7) is designed such that it is mechanically protected from the ingress of water or dust, in particular it is cast by means of a transparent casting compound, or is bonded by means of a transparent adhesive.
EP10008168.6A 2009-08-06 2010-08-05 Thumbwheel Active EP2282250B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102009036318A DE102009036318A1 (en) 2009-02-09 2009-08-06 Electric switch e.g. Hall-switch, for use on operating elements of e.g. harvester, has control unit directly actuated by solid body outside of switch and illuminated in different colors based on positions using LED

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2282250A1 EP2282250A1 (en) 2011-02-09
EP2282250B1 true EP2282250B1 (en) 2014-10-08

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EP10008168.6A Active EP2282250B1 (en) 2009-08-06 2010-08-05 Thumbwheel

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US (1) US8367956B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2282250B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102009036318A1 (en)

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EP3168854B1 (en) * 2015-11-10 2018-08-22 Makersan Makina Otomotiv Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi A switch with adjusting wheel
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US8367956B2 (en) 2013-02-05
US20110032058A1 (en) 2011-02-10
EP2282250A1 (en) 2011-02-09

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