DE1960733A1 - Electric switch - Google Patents

Description

concerning:
"Electrical switch"

The invention relates to an electrical switch, and more particularly a snap action switch.

There are a large number of uses for snap action switches because they result in the rapid closing and breaking of a circuit and are reasonably insensitive to shock loads. Such switches often have small dimensions. Typically, a microswitch may be approximately 1 "long, 1/2" wide, and 1/4 "thick. The sheet contact member and the operating parts of the switch's often have several million switching operations without interference endure _r and here these little switches must even carry currents of 15 A at 125 to 250 V AC.

The known microswitches comprise a large number of parts to achieve the snap action of the sheet-shaped

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Contact pieces. Most of these parts are manufactured to close tolerances, which is special because of their small size is difficult. These small parts must be put together precisely and built into the housing. Included the cost of this switch is, to some extent, dependent on the number of parts and the difficulty of assembling them addicted.

Another problem arises with the known micro scarf tern in that the various parts in mutual Engagement are arranged movable relative to each other. This requires precise alignment of the parts. Likewise are the operational joints between the parts are sources of high tension and frictional stress. Accordingly Wear at the operational joints often leads to faults or malfunctions in the switch.

The electrical contacts on the contact piece and on the switch terminals, operated by the contact piece of the known microswitch can be exposed to severe wear and tear due to the formation of arcing due to insufficient contact pressure be. It is particularly important to have sufficient contact pressure immediately before lifting the To have leaf-shaped contact on the stationary contact. Pitting or pitting and other surface damage can lead to unreliable switching properties. Inadequate Contact pressure also makes the switch in the lall / unacceptable, in which shocks and vibrations could lead to unpredictable switching behavior. If further when touching the clamp for the first time through the sheet-shaped retaining piece if there is no high contact pressure, the contact

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snap away and momentarily close and interrupt the circuit before it finally rests on the terminal.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved switch. The Switches consist of the smallest possible number of parts that are easily assembled in the switch housing can. The switch according to the invention should also have better properties in terms of contact making and breaking have, and it should be less susceptible to shocks and vibrations and as few frictional joints as possible exhibit. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a switch which can be easily modified for different modes of operation can be, and finally the contact piece should be fast, but with much less bounce than with the known switches come into engagement with the stationary contact.

According to the invention, an elongated, resiliently flexible sheet-shaped contact piece made of electrically conductive material is provided, which is in a Housing is built in. The leaf-shaped contact piece is preferably made of flat material and has contact surfaces .at its one end and a slot extending in the longitudinal direction of the contact piece. The slot is arranged at a distance from the contact surfaces and the legs of the contact piece on the opposite sides Sides of the slot are towards each other relocated in order to put the sheet-shaped contact piece under tension and thereby discard or close it in a fora twist, in which the contact surfaces on one or the other Side of a median plane are shifted. In the case are

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opposing electrical contacts arranged in such a way that that the contact surfaces of the switching piece can attack them.

The leaf-shaped contact piece is between a pair supports in the transverse direction extending pivot points that at attack the edge of the slot on the contact piece. The contact extends beyond the pivot points, and the contact piece is assigned an actuating device for applying a force generally normal to the contact piece '. The warping or deformation due to the tension in the contact keeps the end of the contact in contact to one of the electrical contacts, but if the actuating device a force on the contact "brings" that seeks to counteract the leaf-shaped contact To deflect the pivot point, the tensions finally force the end of the contact piece to snap over into contact to the opposite contact. The leaf-shaped contact piece remains in this position until a restoring force is applied by the actuator. The electric one The circuit can be closed by the contact with either of the two housing contacts.

In another embodiment, the housing has two opposed electrical contacts on one side and a terminal end _t in the region of a side wall. An actuator stem extends through the opposite side wall of the housing. The switching piece is made of a thin, flat limaterial from ITa door and is provided with a Läncsschlitz which extends axially between two points at a distance from the opposite ends of the switching piece. The slot is provided with opposing incisions, and one is provided on the housing.

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The reaction surface seen engages in the incisions in order to achieve a longest displacement of the in the area of the reaction surface To prevent contact piece against the housing. The contact piece extends outward from the reaction surface into the area between the opposing stationary contacts. The contact section on that of the reaction surface opposite side is arranged for engaging the actuating plunger and so that it turns the plunger into an opposite biases the outer position of the housing. Furthermore, the opposite side edges of the slot are in the remaining section to each other verlagerb and relatively set to each other, so that tensile stresses along the side edges of the contact piece on opposite sides of the Reaction surface and compressive stresses in the contact piece in the connection area are generated between the reaction surfaces and the contact piece. These tensions force the contact piece in a generally frusto-conical shape, wherein the outer end of the contact piece remains generally flat because of the contact with one of the housing contacts. The snap of the contact is achieved by moving the plunger against the contact. This shift leads to one Increase in the reaction force at the point of contact between the housing and the contact piece, with progressively the Bending transverse axis of the contact end of the contact piece in the direction is shifted to the reaction surface '. Finally snaps - * ' the contact piece from one stationary contact to the other above. The spring preload applied by the leaf-shaped contact piece to the actuating plunger presses the plunger continuously to the outside, and when the plunger is released, the contact snaps into its original position return. '

In a third embodiment are a sheet-shaped

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Switching piece and a pivot point bearing as in the second embodiment, provided in a housing, however the return spring force by a separate spring generated that acts on the plunger. The plunger engages Contact piece at its end opposite the contact end and is opposite the housing by the spring printed outwards. A displacement of the plunger inward causes the pressure piece to come out of contact with the housing on the other went crazy. If the plunger is released, the contact piece snaps back into contact with the first one Contact.

The invention and advantageous details of the invention are shown below with the aid of schematic drawings several exemplary embodiments explained in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of the exit foria of a sheet-shaped Contact piece according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the contact piece completed from the initial shape according to FIG. 1;

Fig. 3 shows schematically the use of the contact piece according to FIG. 2;

Fig. V ¹ shows a cross section along the I »i'nle 4-4- in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a cross section taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged side view of the contact end of the Sehaltstücks according to Fig. 3 »

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Pig. 7 shows, in plan view, a part of the switching piece according to Pic · 6 _# ;

Pig. 8 shows a modified initial form in plan view of a contact piece

Fig. 9 shows a side view of a second embodiment one used the output fora according to i'ig * '8 Schaltori; with the container lid removed;

Pig.10 irt one of the Pig. 9 corresponding side view, however, the contact piece is shifted into contact with the opposite clamping contact;

Pig. 11 is a cross section taken along line 11-11 in Pig. 9; Pig.12 is a (cross section taken along line 12-12 in Pig. 9; Pig.13 is a t <, cross section taken along line 13-13 in Pig · 9; Fig. 14 is a cross section taken along line 14-14 in Fig. 9;

FIG. 15 shows a side view of a modification of the second fill-out line, the switch cover also being removed; - '

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in Pig "15". Fig.I "is a cross-section along line 17-17 in Fig. 15" 18 is a cross section along line 18-18 and FIG. 15; Fig. 19 -takes a plan view of the exit fona of the leg switch

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according to FIG. 15 used socket piece;

Fig. 20 shows a third according to the invention in a side view Embodiment, wherein the switch cover is removed;

Pig. Figure 21 is a cross section taken along line 21-21 in Figure 20;

22 shows a modification of the third in a side view

. Embodiment, wherein the switch cover is removed;

23 shows a further modification in a side view

the third embodiment with the switch cover removed; · ·

Fig. 24 is a cross section taken along line 24-24 in Fig.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 5, a thin, naturally flat, electrically conductive and resilient £ flexible flat material such as spring metal, cut out in the form shown in Fig. 1 and forms an initial shape 2 for a sheet-shaped contact piece with Snap action. The initial shape 2 has a uniform thickness and is essentially flat. The starting form 2 has one another., » opposite side edges 4 extending from the contact end to the end of actuation 8 extend. One in the original form provided longitudinal slot is through opposite slot edges 10 limited, so that a pair of legs 11 is formed by the edges 4 and 10. The distance between the Legs 11 move from contact end 6 to actuation end 8 progressively to v / o the legs 11 have ITases 12 which protrude towards one another. In the legs 11 are

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outwardly extending interruption slots 13 are provided, and a pair of holes are also formed in the noses 12.

The initial shape 2 according to FIG. 1 is thereby converted into the leaf-shaped contact piece 16 according to FIG. 2 that the Lugs 12 are arranged to overlap, the holes 14 being aligned with one another. A rivet or pin 18 is fastened in the holes 14 in order to obtain the contact piece 16 in the form shown in FIG. By relocating of the free ends of the legs 11 towards one another, the contact piece 16 is subjected to a voltage. Included the contact piece material is biased along the opposite side edges 4 of the contact piece 16 on train, what to compressive stresses in the material along the slot edges leads. The contact piece 16 is made thin and its material can withstand tensile stresses, but they cause Compressive stresses bulging of the central portion of the contact piece 16 in the transverse direction. The interruption slots 13 relax the pressure forces at the actuating end 8, so that this can generally remain flat, which makes the overlapping arrangement of the lugs 12 possible, through the pin or rivet 18 are connected to one another.

The contact piece 16 according to FIG. 2 is shown in FIGS. 3> 4 and 5 are shown schematically in its installation position in one., Switch. The switching piece 16 is arranged between a pair of opposing pivot blocks 20 and 22. The actuating end 8 of the contact piece 16 is on one double-acting plunger 24 attached, der.between a support structure 26 is slidably movable in the longitudinal direction. Opposite contact surfaces 28 and

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are shown schematically in an arrangement in which the Contact end 6 of the contact piece 16 can attack them.

According to Pig. 5 is the contact piece 16 on the lower pivot point 20, which engages the edges 10 of the contact piece slot and the interruption slot 13 makes it possible for the middle section of the contact piece 16, in the in! ig. 5 shown to bulge out in the transverse direction, while the rear section of the contact piece remains essentially flat, as shown in FIG is. This warping causes the contact end 6 of the contact piece 16 to be bent upwards according to FIGS. 3 and 5 ' is when the edges 10 of the slot are displaced downward. If in the position according to Fig. 4- the plunger 24-down moved, the pivot point 20 exerts an upward reaction force on the contact piece 16 to the Slot edges 10 from. The inclined arrangement of the legs according to FIG. 5 offers a bend along the frustoconical Central section of the contact piece 16 a resistor, and the contact piece 16 initially acts like a lever, wherein the downward force of the plunger 24 serves to force the contact end 6 to a greater extent against the contact surface 28 to press. If the force of the fulcrum 20 on the contact piece 16 is so great that this deformation. "> can no longer withstand, so snaps, .the middle section of the contact piece 16, the edges 10 of the slot engaging the upper pivot point 22. Instead of as before on its upper side, the switching piece 16 is now concave on its underside, so that. .the end of contact 6 of the contact piece is quickly changed into the position shown in phantom in FIG. 3. The contact piece 16 will remain in this position until the plunger 24

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is shifted upwards in order to prevent the Switching piece 16 in its position drawn with solid lines in FIG. 3 to "effect".

The leaf-shaped contact piece 16 according to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 is bistable and has properties which are particularly advantageous in the context of electrical switching. The switch contacts 28 and 30 and the scarf tstückk on tact 6 work together so that oxide or other material on the contacts is removed or ablated, which would otherwise increase the contact resistance and ultimately prevent a current from contact piece 16 to contact 28 or 30 entirely . Another feature of this switching piece design is that the force which presses the contact piece against the stationary contact increases before the contact piece snaps away from this contact. Likewise, when the contact piece rests against the contact, a considerable force is applied in order to hold the contact piece against the stationary contact. For example, in the case of control circuits, the switching contacts must be closed in a completely clear manner. If the contact piece tends to snap away from the contact immediately after the first touch, the contact resistance changes abruptly, which prevents an accurate current conduction corresponding to the actuation of the switch. _{The #} , leaf-shaped contact piece 16 shown in Figures 3, _S 4- and 5 applies a considerable force to the outer end of the contact piece 16 and blasts it out so that it remains continuously in contact with the contact and a snap-up is avoided.

The effect of releasing the contact piece 1-6- from the attack on the lower switch contact 30 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7

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shown schematically. If it is moved upwards on nozzles. a displacement of the contact piece by the pivot point 22 is opposed by a resistance, and the operating force on the plunger 24 is applied to the

Transferring the contact end 6 of the contact piece 16. The contact piece 16 is shown in Fig. 6 with solid lines in the position which the contact element assumes when there is no external force acts on the plunger 24. The outer end 6 bends in accordance with the contact force to substantially assume a planar shape that rests against the contact surface 30. As soon as the force of the plunger 24 on the contact end 6 is transmitted, the bending transverse axis of the contact piece 16 migrates over the contact surface 30 until the axis the position A in FIG. 7 is reached. The contact piece 16 then assumes the shape shown in FIG. 6 by the line a is shown. A further deflection of the contact piece 16 in accordance with the axial force of the plunger 24 leads to a further shift of the "bending axis backwards into position B in Fig. 7" and the contact piece then assumes the shape according to line b in FIG. 6. This- , Bending the outer end 6 causes a slight abrasive relative movement between the contact piece end 6 and the Surface 30, which removes any oxide film or other deposit which could be present between the contact piece 16 and the contact surface 30.

From Figures 6 and 7 it can be seen that the bending axis A or B represents the outermost area of the contact piece 16, which can withstand tensile stresses that put the central portion of the contact piece 16 under pressure. Can the contact piece no longer withstand the forces applied vertically by the plunger 24, the tensile forces

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outer end of the contact a torsion shaft or Auslenkwelle a, which progresses from the outer end 6 in sighting on the pivot point 22, whereby the contact piece quickly snapped into the opposite position. Since the flat metal contact piece 16 is extremely thin and has a low mass, the snap action leads to a rapid acceleration of the contact piece away from one contact in attack to the other contact.

A second embodiment of the sheet-shaped contact piece according to the invention is in Pig. 8 shown. The parent mold 32 is made from a strip of electrically conductive material that is resiliently flexible and normally planar. The'initial form 3? has a contact end 34-> which is divided into three flexible contact sections by two .Längsschlitze 35. The sections are of different lengths so that the sections sequentially engage and disengage from the stationary contacts. A pair of legs 36 of the original shape 32 have inwardly projecting lugs 38 at their free ends. The lugs 38 are provided with holes 40. The inner edge of each leg 36 a is provided with a Keaktionsschlitz 4-2, and an interrupt slot 44th The lugs 38 of the starting form 32 are brought into an overlapping position so that the holes 40 are aligned with one another, and a holding part is inserted into the holes 40 in order to preload the starting form 32 so that it works like a leaf-shaped contact with a snap action , as it was described for the contact piece 16 according to Figures 2 to 7.

The contact piece 46 produced from the initial shape 32 is

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in its built-in position in a switch 48 in l'iguren 9 to 13 shown. The switch 48 acts as a single-pole double changeover switch. The switch 48 comprises a housing 50? which is preferably formed or cast from insulating material. The housing 50 is according to FIGS. 11 and 12 closed by a cover 52. In Figures 9 and 10, the lid is removed so that the inner parts of the Switch can be seen. A pair of electrically conductive clips 54 and 56 are built into iTuten 58 and 60, respectively, which extend through the wall of the housing 50. The clamps 54 and 56 have contact surfaces 62 and 64 which are so arranged that the contact end 34 of the contact piece 46 can act on them. The clamp 54 has lateral Projections 65 (FIG. 14) extending through openings in housing 50 and cover 52. Similar protrusions can be provided on the terminal 56. These protrusions serve as a mete to hold the clamps in place and attach the cover to the housing.

An electrically conductive anchor rod 66 is also built into housing 50. The anchor rod extends through a hat 68 in the housing and the end of the anchor rod is received in a slot 70 provided in the interior wall of the housing. The projections 65 corresponding lateral projections may be provided 66 _v to secure the cover to the housing 50 in., The anchor rod. The switching piece 46 is clamped between the anchoring rod and the inner wall of the housing in the manner shown in FIGS. The pin connecting the rabbits 38 of the initial shape 32 according to FIG. 8 is provided by a rivet 72 which is provided in one piece on the anchoring rod 66 and is formed by embossing

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educated. The head of the rivet 72 is supported by a recess 74-in Housing 50 added. The anchor rod 66 has a right-angled bend 76, which is a central Section of the legs 36 (Fig. 8) against the end wall of the Housing 50 clamps. The one responsible for the snap action Part of the leaf-shaped contact piece 46 is of. a one-piece provided on the anchoring rod 66 reaction part supported. The reaction part 78 comprises upper and lower opposite reaction surfaces 80 and 82 (Pig. 12). An installation web 84 of the anchoring rod 66 extends between the reaction surfaces 80 and 82. The slots 42 of the switching piece 46 are on · opposite sides of the web 84 arranged. The web 84 has a width that corresponds to the distance between the The bottom of the opposing slots 42 corresponds and therefore the sides of the web 84 do not bring any lateral stresses on the contact piece 46 and rather only serve to prevent longitudinal movements of the contact piece with respect to the web. The inside edges of the legs 36 engage the lower reaction surface 82 as shown in FIG. The outer edge of each leg is located because of the distortion generated in the contact piece 46 at a distance above the reaction surface 82. The interruption slots 44 are between the reaction part and the bend 76 of the anchoring rod 66- * ' arranges. The switching piece 46 is deflected in an arc, whereby the middle section of the 'switching piece is curved from the Surface 86 of anchor rod 66 is biased away.

A reciprocable plunger 88 is in a slot stored in the viand of the housing 50, as shown in FIG through 11 is shown. The inner end of the plunger 88 is with

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Shoulders 92 to limit the outward movement of the Plunger provided through the slot 90. The end 93 of the plunger 88 engages the legs 36 of the contact piece on, and due to the deflection of the middle section of the contact piece 46, the plunger 88 is biased outwards, around shoulders 92 in abutment against the wall of the housing to keep. The curved portion 86, the anchor rod 66 has an opening 94 (^ ig x 11) to a To receive pin 96 which is fastened in the end of the plunger 88 Q is. The pin 96 is arranged so that it is with a connector 93 cooperates by the anchor rod protrudes from upwards. The pin 96 limits downward movement dey ram 88 and creates protection against. too wide a pusher movement.

In operation, the switch 48 shown in Figures 9-14 normally maintains an electrical circuit therebetween dec * anchoring rod 66 and the terminal 54 via the electric conductive contact piece 46 upright when the contact piece is in the position shown in FIG. V / ird the plunger 88 is displaced inwardly with respect to the housing 50,

»So the legs 36 of the switching piece 46 are moved downwards; vrodurch the reaction force of the surfaces 82 (Fig. 12) aur the snap portion of the contact 46 grows. if the deflection of the outer end of the contact piece 46 in accordance with the displacement caused by the plunger 88 of the middle section of the contact piece progresses, the contact piece 46 snaps into that shown in FIG Position over. A further displacement of the plunger 88 only has the effect that the pin 96 hits the stop 98 and so damage to the leaf-shaped contact piece prevented. Then the electrical circuit 3 is at the terminal interrupted and closed to terminal 56 as long as the

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Plunger 88 in the in Pig. 10 remains the position shown.

If the plunger 88 is released, the spring preload of the curved leg sections 36 of the contact piece 46 presses the plunger 88 outward until the shoulders engage the wall of the housing 30 . This movement of the plunger enables the legs 36 of the contact piece 46, in their in Pig. 9, the switching piece 46 snaps from the position shown in FIG. 10 into the position shown in FIG. 9 and. restores the circuit to terminal 54.

Of course, the switch according to FIGS. 9 and 10 can open can easily be converted into a single pole single switch by omitting terminal 56 and replacing it of the contact 64, only a shoulder or other reaction surface is provided. 'Likewise, he can Switch can be converted to a long stroke, low force switch by reversing the plunger 88 so that the point of application of the plunger on the legs is closer to the bend 66. Will the plunger in this Conversely, the pin 96 should be removed because it is then no longer aligned with the hole 94 in the anchoring rod 66. In this mode of operation, the ^ curved surface 86 of the anchoring rod 66 provides sufficient protection against too far movement.

A third inventive ^? The switch design is shown in FIGS. 15-19. The switch 100 comprises a housing 102 and a cover 104. A cavity 106 for receiving the switch parts is provided in the housing 102. Electrically conductive terminals 108 and 110 are in the housing

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102 and generally correspond to terminals 54 and 56 of the switch according to FIG. 9. Terminals 108 and 110 are provided with contact pads or contact strips 112 or 114 for attack by the contact piece.

The contact piece 116 is shown in FIG. 19 made of thin, im natural state made of flat flat material that is electrically conductive and elastically flexible. The switching

W piece 116 comprises a contact portion 118 at one end and a longitudinal slot 120 which extends through the central portion of the contact 116. The anchoring end of the contact piece 116 is provided with a hole 122 and has a pair of grooves 124 and 126 for preloading on the outer side edges of the contact piece 116. Likewise, interrupt shields 128 extend from the central one. Slot 120 outwards. The end of the slot 120 is enlarged to form reaction edges 13Ο on opposite sides of the slot 120. The switching piece 116 is fastened in the housing 102 by means of an anchoring rod 132. The end of the anchor rod 132 is from

fe a hat 134 received, which in the wall of the housing 102 and the central portion of the anchor rod extends through a slot 136 in the wall of the housing so that it is held firmly in place. The anchoring end of the contact piece 116 is indicated by a * ' Met 138 which extends through hole 122 in contact 116 or in any other suitable manner on anchor-J rod 132 attached. The anchor rod 132 has a Bend 140 on and the leaf-shaped contact piece 116 is between the bend 140 and that on the anchoring rod 132 provided 'reaction part .142 shaped into a loop. The reaction part 142 has substantially the same shape like the reaction part 78 shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 12,

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wherein the reaction edges 1JO on the opposite Reaction surfaces 144 and 146 (Pig. 17) are in contact.

The loop-shaped central section of the contact piece 116 is connected to a plunger 148, which is mounted in a slot 150 in the housing 102 such that it can move back and forth. The tappet ViB has a pair of flanges 153 at its inner end, which are spaced apart by iron and longitudinal ribs> 4 (Fig. 18). Three rods 156 extend between the paddles 152 and the contact piece 116 is held between the rods 156. The rezeigten in Figures 18 and Ύ) Schaltstücknuten 124 and 126 for biasing the ribs are arranged cegenüber 15 + ⁷ on the plunger, that the loop is held in the position shown in FIG. 15 Form. The front panniers 126 are arranged between the upper and middle brackets 156, while the hats 124 lie between the middle and lower bars 156. The distance between the ribs 15 ^ · is less than the Veite of the Spimstüclcs 116 on the two pairs 124 and 126, so äali after the installation of the switching piece 116 between the flanges 154 as plunger 148 the opposite sides of the clamping piece; are shifted on top of each other, where by the switching, ¹ piece is biased into the desired shape, as shown in Fi ^. 15 gö ^ 'iS'fc is. The hats 124 and 126 prevent a longitudinal movement of the contact piece 116 with respect to the ribs 154 when the plunger "Vi 8 is moved back and forth in the housing.

Gcnülli Fig. 15 ^T .; the section of the contact piece 116 between the plunger 148 and the rivet 138 acts as a spring which biases the plunger 143 outwardly with respect to the housing. Shoulders 158 are provided on the ram, which act as a stop with the wall of the cabbage chamber 106 in order to prevent the displacement

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of the plunger 148 to limit. There are also a pair of ribs 160 on opposite sides of the plunger on the housing 102 provided to 'a slight pivoting movement of the plunger in its to-and-fro movement.

The sheet-shaped contact piece 116 of the ready-to-use Switch 100 is normally located in the position shown in Fig. locations shown. In this an electrical circuit is zvd. see anchor rod 132 and clamp 108 produced via the contact piece 116. If the plunger 148 is advanced inward, the loop-shaped one becomes Moved portion of the contact piece 116 downward and the lower end of the plunger 148 swings slightly in the direction away from the reaction part 142. If the plunger 148 has been displaced so far that that sufficient force is exerted on the reaction edges 130 (FIGS. 17 and 19), the leaf-shaped contact piece 116 snaps into the opposite position about, in which the contact piece end on the contact surface 114 the terminal 110 is applied. Then the circuit between the. Anchoring rod 132 and the terminal 110 is closed. If the plunger 148 is released, the bent section 157 of the contact piece pushes the plunger outward, as a result of which causes the contact piece to snap into the position shown in FIG. 15, and the movement of the plunger ends when the shoulders 158 abut the housing 102. _,

The curved portion 157 of the contact piece 116 can be a exert a relatively strong restoring force on the plunger 148 because the base of the curved portion is generally parallel to the direction of movement of the plunger 148. If additional rigidity is required, the legs can on opposite sides of the slot 120 in the area

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of the curved portion 157 is subject to distortion in order to increase the effective cross-sectional area of the contact piece 116.

It may be desirable to use one of the leaf-shaped contact pieces 116 to have independent spring preload for the plunger, and the third embodiment of the invention provides such a modification according to FIGS. 20 to 24- '.

The switch 162 according to FIGS. 20 and 21 comprises a housing 164 and a cover 166 as well as electrically conductive terminals 168 and 170 which are built into the housing. These terminals each have contact pads or contact strips 172 and 174. The leaf-shaped contact piece 176 is supported by an anchoring rod 178, which is permanently built into the housing 164 is equivalent to. The contact piece I76 corresponds generally to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and comprises interruption slots 182 and overlapping lugs 184 which preload the contact piece into the shape shown in FIG. A plunger 168 is reciprocable in housing 164 and has a pin 178 at its inner end which extends through holes in lugs 184 that are aligned with one another. The plunger 186 has _f , a transverse contact surface 188 which engages the surface of the contact piece I.76.

A C-shaped spring 190 is between the pin 187 and the opposite wall of the housing 164 mounted. A protrusion of the pin 186 secures the spring and the Tappets with each other. The ram 186 also has shoulders

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192, which form a stop with the housing 164, to limit the outward movement of the ram. Of course, a helical spring can also be used instead of the spring 190 or another suitable spring can be provided.

If the plunger 186 is placed inwardly with respect to the housing 164, the opposite ends become the spring 19O is compressed in the direction of one another and the actuating end of the contact piece 176 is down relocated until the contact piece snaps into contact with the contact strip 174. If the plunger 168 is released, so "the spring 190 moves the plunger outward until the Shoulders 192 rest against the wall of housing 164. The displacement of the operating end during the movement of the The plunger 186 to the outside causes the contact piece 146 to rest against the. Contact strip 142 snaps back.

A modified form of switch 162 is shown in FIG. The housing 164 'and the terminals 168' and 170 'can be compared with the corresponding parts in FIG. The anchoring rod 178 'has a reaction part 180' which ^{supports the leaf-shaped contact piece 176 1} , as shown in FIG. The end of the contact piece 176 'normally rests on the contact 172 ¹ . A plunger 190 is mounted so that it can move back and forth in the housing 164 'and is provided with a fork-shaped flange 192 at its inner end. The overlapping lugs of the switching piece 176 'are taken from a slot of the flange 192' and a pin 194 holds the tabs in overlapping arrangement in the slot. A helical spring 196 is connected at one end to the flange 192 and at its other end to a pin 198 provided on the housing 164.

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The spring 196 biases the plunger 190 outwardly with respect to the housing 164 '. Of course, a C-shaped or other suitable "spring" can be provided in place of the helical spring 196. The outward movement of the plunger 190 is limited by a shoulder 200 which abuts against the wall of the housing 164 ' . "; a pin 194 opposite · on impact - the movement of the actuating end leads of the switching piece 176 '. thereto, since, the switch piece in abutment against the contact 174' snaps the movement of the plunger 190 inwardly is uix--. ⁷ / and of the housing 164 * limited. If the plunger 190 ί. ": - f'i,; c, then the spring 196 moves the plunger outwards, v. Whereby the contact piece is in contact with the contact 172 'back:; c? Maps. The plunger 19Ο has a Guide surface 2Q ', 1 which rests against the end wall of the housing 164' in order to keep the Llö .. el in a straight path during its to and fro movement.

Another modification of the switch is inclined in Figures L'5 Wild 24. In this case, the switch comprises a housing 164 with terminals 168 ^{fl! L} and I7O. ¹¹ An anchoring eye 170 ¹¹ supports the switching piece 176 ¹¹ . This can be moved in contact with the contact strips 172 "or the contact strips 174". A plunger 186 "is mounted in the housing so that it can move back and forth overlapping rabbits at the actuating end of the switching piece 176 ^'1 erntreckt, a projecting spring 204 is fixed to an inclined portion of the housing wall by means of a screw or in another suitable manner. the spring 204 has a longitudinal slot 208, the Verankerungsotange by 173''extends. The free end of the spring 204 lies

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on the underside of the switch 176 ¹¹ , and the slot 208 includes a portion through which the pin 187 "extends.

If the tappet becomes 186 ^l! moved inwardly in relation to the housing 16V ', the actuating end of the contact piece 176''swings downwards together with the free end of the spring 204. Finally, the switch piece I76 "" snaps over into contact with the opposite contact surface 174 "". When the plunger 186 "is released, the spring 204 pushes the plunger outward until the shoulders 192" on the plunger strike the wall of the housing 164 ". The free end of the spring has a curvature extending in the transverse direction, -to form a continuous contact surface while the spring is being deflected.

An essential feature of the various inventive Switch designs lies in the considerable reduction in the number of parts compared to the known switches with snap action. This is especially true with microswitches of importance that are so small that it is difficult to unite the parts. The effective parts of the invention Switches can be fully assembled before being installed in the enclosure. Therefore settings are comparatively easy to carry out, · »' because access to all sides of the parts is possible during assembly. Furthermore, the arrangement of the parts the use of automatic assembly techniques.

The switches according to the invention also lead to more effective ones Switching properties as a result of the application of an actuation of the snap contact, which does not reduce the

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Contact forces between the contact piece and the terminal contact until momentary opening causes xvhen the contact piece moves away from the terminal. If that Contact piece moved into contact with one of the terminal contacts, no snapping away or bouncing occurs because the contact piece is stuck due to the spring force present in it is printed against the contact. Furthermore, the abrasive action that occurs on the contacts leads to "elongation" the service life of the switch and eliminates the problems resulting from contamination of the contact surfaces.

In contrast to the known switches, there is essentially no relative movement between the cooperating switches Areas of the moving parts of the switch, and the contact piece is only slightly in both contact positions Extent prestressed. Accordingly, there are frictional wear "and frictional loads largely eliminated. This is of particular importance where there are large spring forces applied v / ground in order to snap over the leaf-shaped contact piece from one position to the other reach. These switches do not have any working joints formed by hessian edges, and are therefore included in those according to the invention Switches the corresponding problems regarding a parallel alignment of the knife edges and a high stress, which add to the problems of friction and wear, away. "* '

The switches according to the invention can undergo a number of modifications without substantial changes to the parts. The switches can be designed to function as normally open or normally closed switches 'act, or they can act as bi-stable switches with double action be executed. Another significant benefit

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lies in the fact that the actuating force on the plunger of this switch is independent of the force exerted by the contact piece is exerted on the contact, and the deflection of the leaf-shaped contact piece during switching, which for Switching required displacement of the plunger and the spring preload for resetting the plunger can all independently adjusted to to obtain the desired special properties. Therefore, using the same basic parts, a whole Family of switches can be provided with a minimum of cost.

Since the contact piece is thin, it has a relatively low mass. The i'ederv / irk therefore enables a rapid acceleration of the contact end from one contact to the other. The great contact force with respect to the mass also makes the switch according to the invention unsusceptible for shock loads and vibrations.

EXPECTATIONS :

009825 / U6S

Claims (24)

Claims Iw Electrical switch with an electrically conductive, platform contact piece made of thin, normally flat and resiliently flexible material disposed in a housing with two contacts, at least one of which is electrically conductive, and with its contact end "optional in attachment to one or the other. other contact "movable ict, characterized in that the switching piece (16, 46, 116, 176) has a longitudinal slot, one of which End of longitudinal distance to the contact end (6, 34, 118) of Schalttr.tüclrs on v / eist that the opposite side edges (4) of the contact piece at a longitudinal distance from the Schiitsende by means of a »device {12, 14, 18; 38, 40 72; 124, 126, 154; 1-7; 187 "; 194) to discard the contact piece in the transverse direction are shifted towards each other in a, the slot comprehensive area, 30 that in the side edges of the Switching piece a tensile stress and in the area of the longitudinal edges of the slot (10, 120) a compressive stress is caused, so that dan contact piece under bulge to a substantially konkav.en shape bulges on one or the other side of the contact piece and in the area of the slot end and of the contact of the bending moment opposes a resistance that the bearing of the switching piece in the housing (50, 102, 164) a pair of opposing pivot surfaces (20, 22; 80, 82, 144, 146; 180) which are intended to attack the two contact piece sides in the area of the longitudinal edges of the slot are arranged that the switching piece ein.Paar of the longitudinal slot outwardly extending interruption slots (13, 44, 128), which lie opposite the end of the slot on the other side of the fulcrum surfaces, that an actuating 009825 / U65 device (24 »88, 148, 186, 190) for moving the Pivot surfaces on the other side of the operating end (8) of the contact piece opposite the interruption slits in an essentially normal direction to the extension of the contact piece. Direction is provided by means of the pivot surfaces the application of a leverage force on the contact end with progressive flexing of the contact end up to its Snapping into contact with the other contact is used, and that a spring (16, 46, 157, 190, 196, 204) is provided for resiliently biasing the actuating device. 2. Switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (12, 14, 18; 58, 4-0, 72) for discarding the contact piece (16, 46) comprises a pair of bevels (12, 58) which are in one piece on the opposite end of the contact (6, 54) The actuating end (8) of the contact piece are designed and connected to one another in an overlapping arrangement, are. 5o switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (124, 126, 154) for Discard the contact piece (116) in a central area (at 124j 126) of the longitudinal slot (120) engages the contact piece. 4, switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized characterized in that the leather (157) for pretensioning the actuating device (148) by a loop-shaped arranged section of the contact piece (116) is formed, wherein the actuating end of the contact piece (by means of 124 » 126, 154) is secured against longitudinal displacement with respect to the housing (102). 5 »Switch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized characterized in that an anchoring part (66, - 5 - 0Q982E / U6B 132, 178) is built into the housing (50, 102, 164) on which the pivot surfaces (80, 82j 144, 146; 180) are formed. 6 «switch according to claim 5, characterized in that the contact end (34) opposite End of the switching piece (/ 46, 116) on the anchoring part (66, 132) is attached (by means of 72, 138). 7 · Switch according to claim 6, characterized in that the anchoring part between the fastening point (72) of the contact piece (46) and the pivot surfaces (80, 82) has an angled portion (76), and that the contact piece extends in a resilient loop between the bend and the pivot point surfaces on which the actuating device (88) attacks. 8. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized It is indicated that the actuating device (24, 88, 148, 186, 190) is as on the contact piece (16, 46, 116, 176) attacking plunger is formed. 9. Switch according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that a stop (98) for limiting the movement of the actuating device or of the plunger (88) is provided on the anchoring part (66). 10. Switch according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a spring (190, 196, 204) is arranged between the switch piece (1.76) engaging the plunger (186, 1-90) and the housing (I64), which the leather forms for preloading äes ram. s 11. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized characterized in that a pair of reaction slots (42, 130) are provided in the contact piece (46, 116) which - 4 -009826/1465 - 1980733 ^V I extend laterally starting from the longitudinal slot the pivot surfaces (80, 82; I44, I46) are aligned. 12. Switch according to claim J and 11, characterized in that g e k e η η - ζ β i c h η e t that the y-anchor part (66, 132, 178) one connecting the fulcrum surfaces (80, 82-144, H6, · 180) Has web (184) which engages in the reaction slots (42, 130). 13o switch according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized characterized that the resilient, Schleifenförroige Section (157) at one end in the area of the pivot surfaces (80, 82; I44, 146) is essentially normal to the direction of movement and at its other end (at 76, 138) approximately in the direction of movement of the actuating device or /. of The ram (88, 148) runs. 14 *. Switch according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized characterized that on the actuating device or * the plunger (88, I48, 198, 190) - with the housing (50, 102, 164) cooperating stop shoulders (92, 158, 192, 200) are provided to limit outward movement are. 15 · Switch according to one of Claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the plunger (88) has an actuating surface (93) which engages the switching piece (46) and which, in two different rotational positions of the plunger about its longitudinal axis at different distances from the rotary _f point areas (80, 82) or v /. engages the reaction slots (42) on the contact piece. 16. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the electrically conductive Contacts (28, 3Oi-62, 64ϊ 112, 114; 172, 174) on two terminal - 5 0 0 9825/1485 men (54, 56; 108, 110; 168, 170) are formed, of which at least one (54) extends through the housing cover (52, 104, 166) has extending, deformable projections (65) for connecting the Gehliusedeckels with the housing (50, 102, 164) (Fig. 14). '. 17. Switch according to one of claims 4 to 16, characterized in that the actuating device b ^r /, \ f, the plunger (148) is attached to a loop-shaped portion (157) ac? "Switching piece (116) and movable along a path which is offset with respect to the pivot surfaces (144, 146) and the end of the contact piece (116) opposite the contact end. 18. Container according to claim 3, characterized in that the device (124, 126, 154) for Discarding the contact piece (116) comprises a pair of spaced-apart planes (152) that form the contact piece (116) zv.'ischetl take up and keep a smaller distance (between 154) to each other than it corresponds to the width of the Schaltevüeks at the relevant tunnel. 19. Switch according to claim 18, characterized in that between the flanges (152) -e * - Holding pin (156) for the formation of a curved Section;? within the looped section of the Schaltst'Icks (116) extend so that the pool at longitudinal distance points of the contact piece pointing towards one another on this unripe " 20. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the leaf-shaped switching piece (16, >'6, 116, 176) is discarded in the transverse direction in a spatial portn that the radius of curvature in the area of the contact end (6, 34, 118) larger than in the area of the - 6 009825 / U65 direction (12, H, 18; 38, "40, 72; 124, 126, 154; 187; 194) to discard the contact piece, 21 »Switch according to one of Claims 1 Ms 20, characterized marked that one with the switching piece ~ (46, 116, 176) in electrical contact, common Clamp (66, 132, 178) is provided. 22. Switch according to claim 5 and 21, characterized in that the common terminal on the Yerankerungteil (66, 132, 178) is formed. 23. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the width of the contact piece (16, 46, "116, 176) from the device (12, Η, 18; 38, 40, 72; 124" *, 126, 154; 187; 194) for discarding the contact piece progressively decreases in the direction of its contact end (6, 34 »118) 24. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized characterized in that the spring (16, 46, 157, 190, 196, 204) for biasing the actuating device or of the plunger (24, 88, 143, 186, 190) is designed so that the actuation of the contact piece (16, 46, 116, 176) an increasing greater force is opposed until the contact piece snaps over. 009825 / U65 Empty soap