EP1744335B1 - Switchgear for electrical home installation - Google Patents

Abstract

The switchgear has a pushbutton-actuated rocker (4) including switching contacts (6, 7) and a switching spring (20) acting on the rocker. The rocker acts as bi-stable rocker or a mono-stable rocker, depending on changeable switching spring positions (21`, 21``), where the change of the spring positions is controlled in a pushbutton actuated direction of a rocker support (5). The switching spring, which is directly operated in one of two fixed positions, is changeable for changing a switching position of a front end area of the spring in an actuation direction.

Description

The invention relates to a switching device for electrical domestic installations, which can be switched to function as a button or switch, comprising a push button actuated rocker switch contacts and acting on the rocker switch spring, whereby the rocker is bistable or monostable depending on umstellbarbarer shift spring position.

Out CH-A-684 558 is a switch for electrical home installations known, which allows the switch from switching function to tactile function by means of a rear lever or slider.

The invention has for its object to improve a switching function to tactile function and vice versa convertible switching device.

This is achieved in a switching device of the type mentioned in that the changeover of the shift spring position in push button actuation direction before the rocker bearing is operated.

The fact that the operability of the conversion is made possible before the rocker storage, there is the possibility of a change even in the installed state of the switching device. Even a simple detection of each set function is possible with built-in switching device. It is usually to remove only the push button with his carrier or a conversion / detection by the button support is possible if it is equipped with a recess or at most a viewing window. A changeover / recognition from the side before the rocker storage is possible.

The changeover is preferably carried out at the front end of the switching spring and preferably by these closer to one of the actuating surface of the push button lying or wippenfernen bracket of the switching spring is umlegbar. This change can also be provided on the rocker side bracket of the switching spring. Preferably, the change takes place by a direct actuation of the spring, so that is attacked by hand or by means of a tool directly to the spring, so that the change except the switching spring has no moving parts. The switching spring is thus directly convertible between two holding positions on a rigid bracket or on the rocker. Alternatively, the spring position can also be switched indirectly via one or more levers, wherein the / the levers are also operated from the front or from the front side. It is preferred if both the rocker remote and the rocker-side holder of the switching spring are located in front of the rocker bearing. Preferably, the switching spring is designed as a compression spring, in particular as a leg spring or as a yoke spring. Further, it is preferred if the support remote from the jack is integral with a terminal terminal part of the switch and in particular is a sheet-metal shaped part. In a further preferred embodiment, a driver for coupling two rockers of the switch is provided, wherein the driver is preferably behind the rocker bearing and in particular can be used and removed from the back of the switch ago.

Furthermore, the invention has the object to provide a switching device with an improved latch spring. This is achieved with a switching device according to claim 13.

• Figur 1 eine teilweise Darstellung einer Schalterinrichtung in frontaler Ansicht auf die Wippe;
• Figur 2 eine Ansicht gemäss Figur 1 aber mit Umstellung de Schalterinrichtung auf Tastfunktion;
• Figur 3 eine Schnittansicht entlang der Schnittebene A-A von Figur 1;
• Figur 4 eine schaubildliche Ansicht in der Funktion als Schalter;
• Figur 5 eine schaubildliche Ansicht auf die Rückseite der Wippe und ohne Druckknopf.
• Figur 6 eine Ansicht eines Knopfträgers mit einer Klinkenfeder in Ruhelage; und
• Figur 7 eine Ansicht gemäss Figur 6 mit ausgelenkter Klinkenfeder.

In the following embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. It shows

• FIG. 1 a partial view of a switch device in frontal view of the rocker;
• FIG. 2 a view according to FIG. 1 but with conversion de switch means on key function;
• FIG. 3 a sectional view along the sectional plane AA of FIG. 1 ;
• FIG. 4 a perspective view in the function as a switch;
• FIG. 5 a perspective view of the back of the rocker and without a push button.
• FIG. 6 a view of a button carrier with a latch spring in rest position; and
• FIG. 7 a view according to FIG. 6 with deflected pawl spring.

The Figures 1-7 show a preferred embodiment of a switching device 1 for electrical domestic installations. The switching device has a housing 2 made of plastic, which is only in FIG. 1 is indicated. This plastic housing forms in a conventional manner a receptacle for the parts to be explained, forms an insulation of the switching device and is used for mounting the switching device, which may be a switching device for flush mounting or surface mounting. The switching device can be configured as a single switch with a push button or as a double switch with two push buttons and can be combined with other home installation equipment, such as one or more sockets. In the following, however, only necessary for the understanding of the invention parts of the switching device are shown and explained. FIG. 1 shows a frontal view of the switching device, in which the switching spring is in the position in which a normal switch function is exercised. It is evident in FIG. 1 the pivotable about a holder 5, for example an axis or cutting edge, mounted rocker 4, which carries the movable switch contacts 6 and 7, wherein the rocker portion lying behind the part 30 is shown with a broken line. The rocker is electrically connected to a terminal 12 of the switching device, which is shown as a double terminal is, and electrically connects to the fixed contacts 8 and 9, which are electrically connected to a terminal 10 and 11 of the switching device 1, respectively. The rocker is actuated in a known manner by the push button of the switching device, not shown, which is arranged on the button carrier 3. This button carrier 3 is guided in the housing 2 so that it can be pressed to actuate the switching device in the direction of the arrow B, which indicates the switch operating direction. The guide in the housing 2 is only indicated by a housing part. The leadership of the button carrier 3 can be done in any way and to its provision in the starting position at least one spring means is provided, which is not shown in the figures. The push button or support 3 actuates the rocker 4 via a pawl spring 23 with a plunger, which, depending on the position of in FIG. 1 bistable rocker, immersed in depressions 27 or 28 of the rocker upon actuation of the push button and moves them towards the end of the push button travel about the pivot axis 5 in the other of the two stable positions. This is known in principle. To fix the two stable positions of the rocker 4, a switching spring 20 is provided which engages on the one hand on the rocker and on the other hand engages a fixed bracket 21. The holder 21 could be part of the housing 2, but is formed in the preferred embodiment shown on a separate molded part, which will be explained in more detail.

In the shown position of FIG. 1 is the rocker 4 in a stable position in which the contacts 7 and 9 are connected together and thus the terminals 12 and 11 of the switching device. The switching spring 20 is in a shift spring position, which keeps the rocker stable in this position. Now, if the push button is pressed, the pawl spring 23 engages with the plunger with his front in the direction of actuation ram end 23 ' the rocker and enters the recess 27 thereof and causes further movement of the knob pivoting of the rocker so that the contacts 7 and 9 are separated and newly the contacts 6 and 8 abut each other. The switching spring 20 thereby causes the new position of the rocker 4 with the adjacent contacts 6 and 8 is a stable position of the rocker, in which the terminals 12 and 10 of the switching device are electrically connected to each other. The position of the switching spring 20 to ensure the stable position of the rocker in the two switching positions (bistable rocker) is characterized in that the spring at the rocker remote holding position is approximately in the lying in the switch operating direction normal plane to the rocker through the pivot axis (which the sectional plane AA from FIG. 1 corresponds) and the rocker-side support of the spring is arranged so that it lies in the respective pivot position once on one side and once on the other side of this plane, so that with the arrangement of the rocker remote holding position of the spring in each case by the spring an active force results in the rocker, which keeps them stable in the respective pivot position until forced by the plunger 23 pivoting.

If you now compare the shift spring position of FIG. 2 , in which like reference numerals designate like elements and in which the switching device 1 now works as a button, it can be seen that the wippenferne switch spring holder has been removed from the normal plane, so that the rocker constantly pressed into the illustrated rocker position with superimposed contacts 6 and 8 becomes. By means of the plunger 23 can be forcibly causes a swinging of the rocker at push-button operation to connect the contacts 7 and 9 with each other, but when releasing the push button is again by the switch spring in FIG. 2 forced position shown the rocker. The switching device 1 thus acts in a known manner as a button.

According to the invention, the operability of the conversion of the switching spring is now provided in the two layers for bistable or monostable position of the rocker in the direction of actuation de switching device in front of the pivot axis. In the figures, therefore, the change is above the pivot axis 5. In the example shown, the changeover for the switching spring is designed such that the position of a rocker-distant part of the switching spring is changed. If the rocker-side part of the switch spring 20 is also located above the pivot axis 5 or in the figure above it, as in the illustrated embodiment, the change could also take place by changing the position of the switch spring 20 on the rocker 4. Accordingly, two different receptacles for the switching spring 20 would be provided on the rocker, wherein the recording is arranged so that the bistable operation - as shown - is made possible and the other recording is arranged so that the monostable operation is given by the recording always remains on one side of the normal plane. The wippenferne holder of the switching spring would be fixed in one case in this case and would not have to be changed to change the function. However, it is preferred if, as shown, the position of the switching spring on the support remote from the same is changed in order to carry out the function changeover. In both cases, however, the advantage is achieved that the change in position of the switching spring from the operating side or in the drawing can be done from above, what usually the control panel or the button from the carrier 3 must be removed. For the installer is then - even with built-in switching device - the position of the switching spring visible and he can recognize on the one hand, whether the switching device is set as a switch or as a button. If he wishes to bring about a change, he can change the shift spring position from the operating side, this of course particularly comfortable when the is changed, which is closer to the push button. But even with the alternative rocker side change the shift spring position this actuation side is still accessible when it is above the rocker axis 5. Instead of switching directly from the front or from the push button, it could also be made possible laterally through a housing recess.

In a preferred embodiment, the switching spring is a compression spring 20 which is e.g. is formed in the illustrated form as a leg spring with the actual spring body with turns and the legs projecting therefrom. The two legs on the one hand on the rocker and on the other hand on the rocker remote holder. It could, however, be e.g. Also, a bow-shaped spring can be used, in which the two legs are connected to each other only by a U-shaped bracket. This spring also acts as a compression spring. Other embodiments of the compression spring can be used. It can also be used a tension spring, in which case the rocker-side mounting of the tension spring is arranged below the pivot axis 5 of the rocker.

The operability from the front is preferably made possible so that one of the switching spring ends, which is in front of the rocker bearing 5, which applies in the example shown for both switching spring ends 25 and 26, is directly operable and in one of the at least two positions 21 'and 21 "on The rigid mount 21 or in the other case (not shown) can be brought into one of the two receptacles on the rocker 12. The mentioned tension spring could also be provided, in which case only the end remote from the rocker would be directly relocatable to the fixed mount. But it could also be a tension spring according CH 684 558 be provided, which, however, would be attached undetachably at the end away from the rocker (under the rocker pivot axis) and the operability of the front by two receptacles of the front tension spring end the rocker would be given, one of which would cause the bistable function and the other the monostable function.

Other, not shown, embodiments arise when one accepts a lever actuation for the folding of the spring layer into account, in which case also a configuration according to CH 684 558 is possible, but in contrast to the solution shown there, the operating lever must be performed on the rocker support to allow the operation of the changeover from the direction of actuation of the switch and before the rocker storage. However, preference is given to a lever-free, direct operability of the switching spring ends, resulting in a simple and inexpensive design.

Preferably, the two ends 25 and 26 of the switching spring are each connected to the fixed bracket 21 and the bracket 22 on the rocker. The holder on the rocker is preferably a protruding from the rocker body molding 22, which forms a support for the spring end 26. It could meanwhile also be provided in the rocker body a recess for the spring end. The fixed mount 21 preferably has two fixed receiving positions 21 'and 21 ", in which the spring end 25 is held in a form-fitting manner.The change in position of the spring end 25 can then, apart from the spring itself, be carried out without moving parts, only the spring end of the a situation in the position 21 'in the other position at the position 21 "is transferred, so that the conversion is very vornehmbar. Such would also be provided in the rocker 4, if the change in position of the spring would be made there, so that even if the changeover would be made by simple assignment of the spring end 26.

Preferably, the rocker remote holder 21 is disposed on the same part 30, which also forms the support for the rocker 4, for example, the rocker shaft 5 carries. Further, it is preferred if the holder 21 for the switching spring is formed integrally with at least part of the leading to the rocker terminal 12 of the switching device. In the preferred combined embodiment, therefore, the part 30 is a molded part, in particular of sheet metal, which integrally forms at least the cage of the terminal 12, the support for the rocker 4 and the support 21 for the switch spring remote from the rocker. This results in a particularly simple and inexpensive construction of the switching device.

FIG. 2 shows, as already explained, the position of the switching spring 20, in which the switching device operates as a button. FIG. 3 shows a section along the line AA of FIG. 1 what corresponds at the same time as a sectional plane of the mentioned normal plane to the rocker through the rocker pivot axis 5. The same reference numerals designate again the same elements.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the embodiment already discussed, which is here seen that it can be a double switching device with two half push buttons or straps 3. It would therefore once again the same design with a further half push button and a further rocker provided, so that the switching device is provided in a known manner for separately operable consumers. The operating or covering part lying above the respective carrier half is not shown, as in the other figures. FIG. 5 shows a view without the button carrier 3, only with the plunger 23, from which the rocker located behind the part 30 is completely visible.

Based on FIGS. 3 and 5 a further preferred embodiment can be explained, which comprises a driver 35, which results in a synchronization of the two rockers of a double switch. This driver 35 is pivotally mounted, preferably in the housing, not shown, and has two arms 36 and 37, which engage in corresponding extensions of the rocker 4, wherein in the figures, only the extension 39 of the one shown rocker is visible. By the driver 35 thus the rocker movement of a rocker is also transmitted to the other rocker, so that the rockers are functionally connected and in each case a common contact is made, especially in the function of a switch or possibly also in the function of a button. Preferably, the driver 35 on the side facing away from the push button of the switching device, thus arranged on the back and wegnehmbar or insertable so that the synchronization of the rockers can be done by the driver by the driver from the back of the switching device ago in the Housing is used, including in this example, a recess may be provided with a snap-in receptacle for the driver. By removing the driver 35, the synchronization of the two rockers can then be canceled again. The driver is preferably movably mounted on its central part, in particular in a bearing in the housing. The driver performs in the preferred embodiment shown by the rocker movement corresponding, opposite movement.

The pawl spring and its holder in the button carrier 3, or optionally in the button itself, is preferably designed as in the FIGS. 6 and 7 in which a button carrier 40 and a pawl spring 41 are shown. This button carrier and the pawl spring may be combined with the above-described switching device, so that instead of in the FIGS. 1 to 4 shown button carrier 3 and in the FIGS. 1 to 5 shown pawl spring 23 occur, so that these figures can be modified accordingly. However, the pawl spring 41 and its support in the button carrier 40 (or optionally directly in a button if button carrier and button are not separate components) may also be provided in any switching device for electrical domestic installations, which has a button-actuated rocker or rockers. At the Button carrier or button bearing arms 42, 43 are formed for the pawl spring 41 facing each other. The pawl spring in each case has a bearing recess 46, 47 which preferably adjoins an overpressure formation 44, 45, preferably directly or possibly via an intermediate section, in which the bearing arms engage. In this way, results over known arrangements of the pawl spring a well-defined location of the application of force and a well-defined pivot point of the pawl spring upon actuation of the button. The pawl spring continues to perform on the bearing arms essentially a rolling motion, as in FIG. 7 for the right in the figure lying bearing arm is visible, so that there is less friction. Preferably, the Lagereinbuchtungen the pawl spring and the free end portions 48, 49 of the bearing arms are designed substantially corresponding rounded. The bearing arms are preferably formed as only one end on the button carrier or button attached, elongated arms, the other end of the free end portion 48, 49 have.

The pawl spring further has the plunger 50 located below the overpressure embodiments. The overpressure formations serve to absorb the forces that occur during the tactile function during overstroke.

Claims (15)

1. Switchgear (1) for electrical home installations, which can be optionally switched over for function as a button or switch, comprising a rocker (4) actuated by a pushbutton with switch contacts (6, 7) and a switch spring (20) taking effect on the rocker, as a result of which the rocker is bistable or monostable depending on the reversible switch spring position, characterised in that the reversing of the switch spring position (21', 21") can be operated in the pushbutton actuation direction of he rocker bearing arrangement (5).
2. Switchgear according to Claim 1, characterised in that, in order to reverse the switch spring position, the front end area (25) of the switch spring (20) in the actuation direction can be operated directly to be moved into one of at least two fixed positions (21', 21") remote from the rocker, or in that the rear end area (26) of the switch spring in the actuation direction can be operated directly to be moved into one of at least two accommodation positions at the rocker (4).
3. Switchgear according to Claim 1, characterised in that, in order to reverse the position of the switch spring, the end area (25; 26) of the switch spring (20), remote from the rocker or on the rocker side, can be operated indirectly by means of a lever arrangement to be moved into one of at least two positions.
4. Switchgear according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the capability of carrying out operation is provided from the front with the button carrier (3) removed, or through a cut-out in the button carrier.
5. Switchgear according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the capability of carrying out operation is provided from one side of the switchgear (1).
6. Switchgear according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a retaining device (21) is provided, forming the positions (21', 21") remote from the rocker, which are formed as one piece with connector parts of the terminal (12), to which the rocker (4) is directly electrically connected.
7. Switchgear according to Claim 6, characterised in that, further, the rocker retaining device (5) is provided at the element (30) which forms the retaining device (21) and the connector parts.
8. Switchgear according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the switch spring (20) is designed as a pressure spring and in particular as a leg spring (20) or bow spring.
9. Switchgear according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the switch spring is designed as a torsion spring.
10. Switchgear according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a driver element (35, 36, 37) is provided for coupling two rockers of the switchgear.
11. Switchgear according to Claim 10, characterised in that the driver element is arranged in the actuation direction of the switchgear behind the rocker bearing arrangement (5) and preferably is designed such that from the rear side of the switchgear it can be inserted into this and removed again.
12. Switchgear according to Claim 10 or 11,
    characterised in that the driver element is mounted so as to rotate with its middle part (35) and is arranged so as to carry out a movement corresponding to the movement of the rocker.
13. Switchgear according to any one of Claims 1 to 12 for electrical installations, comprising a latch spring (41) held in a button carrier (40) or in the button for actuating a rocker (4) of the switchgear, characterised in that mutually opposed bearing arms (42, 43) for the latch spring (41) are formed at the button carrier or button, and in that the latch spring has in each case a bearing recess (46, 47) connecting to an overpressure cut-out (44, 45), into which the bearing arms engage.
14. Switchgear according to Claim 13, characterised in that the bearing recesses of the latch spring and the free end areas (48, 49) of the bearing arms are designed to be essentially correspondingly rounded.
15. Switchgear according to either of Claims 13 and 14, characterised in that the free end areas (48, 49) of the bearing arms form defined points of rotation for the bearing recesses of the latch spring.

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