ELECTRIC ROCKER SWITCH

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electric rocker switch, which can also be called a four-way rocker switch.

[0002] Rocker switches or four-way rockers, in which a rocker element can be tilted about two mutually orthogonal axes to switch four switching points, are already known in the art. Such four-way rockers define four actuation surfaces, which are usually evenly distributed around a common vertical axis, with each actuation surface corresponding to a switching point. Pressing on an actuation surface causes the rocker element to tilt and triggers a switch, i.e., establishes an electrical connection at the switching or actuation point.

[0003] However, a problem arises from the fact that the rocker element can only be tilted around a first central axis in two (rotational) directions and around a second central axis in two (rotational) directions. This means that, starting from the lever arm between the respective central axis and a switching point associated with an actuating surface, a relatively large tilting or rotational angle of the rocker element around the central axis is necessary to cover a predetermined actuating distance, and the offset of the rocker element from its initial position is correspondingly large. If, alternatively, a smaller offset or rotational angle is desired, the dimensions of the rocker element must be increased to lengthen the lever arm, which is unacceptable for many installation situations and applications.

[0004] Simple rocker switches, which can only be tilted about a single axis or have only two switching points, are known, for example, from documents US 2004 / 0182685 A1, DE 36 00 910 A1, WO 00 / 26931 A1 and US 2009 / 0255795 A1. However, due to their mechanical design, these are also subject to the problem described above, since the rocker element and the lever arm determined by the rocker element must be increased if the offset or deflection of the rocker element required to reach a predetermined actuation path to the switching point is to be reduced.

[0005] Furthermore, EP 2 537 173 B1 discloses a simple rocker switch with two switching points, in which a rocker element can be tilted not about a central axis, but about two tilting axes running parallel to the central axis, whereby the lever arm extends from one actuation point beyond the central axis to the opposite tilting axis and the offset of the rocker element is correspondingly reduced. Furthermore, DE-A-4410201 discloses a quadrant switch with a cross-shaped rocker and bearing block mechanism.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and providing an electric rocker switch whose rocker element must be tilted with a minimal or minimized offset to cover an actuation path.

[0007] This problem is solved by the combination of features according to claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, an electric rocker switch with a base plate and a rocker element designed as a rocker is proposed, which is mounted, in particular, directly or at least indirectly on the base plate and can be tilted relative to the base plate. The rocker element defines four actuation surfaces for operation by the operator on a side facing away from the base plate, which, in intended use, preferably faces an operator. Of the four actuation surfaces, a first actuation surface and a second actuation surface are arranged spaced apart from each other along a first central axis, and a third actuation surface and a fourth actuation surface are arranged along a second central axis, in particular intersecting the first central axis orthogonally. The four actuation surfaces are arranged with respect to a vertical axis lying orthogonal to the central axes and at their intersection, and also with respect to any other possible...The central actuation surface arranged at the intersection can also be referred to as the outer actuation surfaces. The first and second actuation surfaces are spaced apart from each other along the first central axis, which intersects a second central axis along which the third and fourth actuation surfaces are spaced apart. According to the invention, the rocker element can be pivoted from a neutral position about a respective tilting axis into an actuation position by a force acting on a respective actuation surface, and in particular, or for clarification, by a pressure force acting on the actuation surface from the side facing away from the base plate. Accordingly, each of the four actuation surfaces is assigned its own tilting axis, so that the rocker switch has not just two mutually orthogonal axes, but four tilting axes.The respective tilting axes of the first and second actuating surfaces are opposite their respective actuating surfaces with respect to the second central axis. Furthermore, the respective tilting axes of the third and fourth actuating surfaces are opposite their respective actuating surfaces with respect to the first central axis. Accordingly, the second central axis lies between the first actuating surface and a first tilting axis associated with the first actuating surface, as well as between the second actuating surface and a second tilting axis associated with the second actuating surface. Similarly, the first central axis lies between the third actuating surface and a third tilting axis associated with the third actuating surface, as well as between the fourth actuating surface and a fourth tilting axis associated with the fourth actuating surface.

[0009] The tilting axes can each be arranged at an edge area of ​​the rocker element in order to maximize the distance from the associated actuation surface.

[0010] Preferably, each actuating surface is assigned an actuation or switching point, such that a force acting on the respective actuating surface and the associated tilting of the rocker element results in a force being applied at or in the actuation or switching point, thereby establishing an electrically conductive connection or triggering a switching process. The lever arm between an actuation or switching point located in the respective actuating surface (viewed from the side facing away from the base plate) and the associated tilting axis is correspondingly greater than a minimum distance between the actuation or switching point.

[0011] Switching point and the central axis, so that the necessary rotation, i.e., tilting or offset of the rocker element, is less compared to a rotation around the central axis.

[0012] An advantageous further development provides that each actuating surface is assigned a contact system, which is arranged and configured between the rocker element and the base plate. When a (pressure) force is applied to the respective actuating surface, this contact system switches the contact and / or establishes an electrical connection to a circuit board, particularly one located on the base plate. The respective contact system can be located at or determine the actuating or switching point. This means that a first contact system can be assigned to the first actuating surface, determining the first switching point; a second contact system to the second actuating surface, determining the second switching point; a third contact system to the third actuating surface, determining the third switching point; and a fourth contact system to the fourth actuating surface, determining the fourth switching point.

[0013] Furthermore, a contact system preferably consists of a rocker-element-side rigid element, for example designed as a plunger, cylinder or tube, and a base-plate-side elastic element, which may have a snap disc and / or a conductive layer for making an electrical connection on the circuit board.

[0014] Furthermore, the contact systems can be designed to exert a restoring force on the rocker element, returning it from the respective actuated position to the neutral position. Preferably, the restoring force is a spring force provided by the elastic element of the respective contact system.

[0015] This also implies that the contact systems not only return the rocker element to its most neutral position, but can also hold the rocker element in its respective neutral position without any external force being applied.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous that the contact system assigned to the actuating surface, which is spaced apart along the respective central axis from a force-actuated actuating surface, holds the rocker element in the neutral position on the side spaced apart from the force-actuated actuating surface along the central axis.

[0017] Furthermore, the proposed rocker switch can have one stop per tilting axis, i.e., four stops, each designed to limit tilting or offsetting of the rocker element around the respective tilting axis. The stops are arranged, in particular, between the base plate and the rocker element, so that the outer dimensions of the rocker element or the rocker switch are not increased in a plane defined by the tilting axes or the central axes.

[0018] To reduce the number of parts and improve the switching characteristics, it can also be provided that the stops are designed to surround a contact system, in particular in a sleeve-like manner, and integrally form a guide for the respective contact system and in particular a guide for its rigid plunger, through which a movement of the contact system or the plunger is guided preferably along its actuation direction, i.e. orthogonally to a plane spanned by the central or tilting axes.

[0019] According to an advantageous variant, the rocker switch can also have a housing arranged at least partially between the rocker element and the base plate, and covering the base plate, which integrally forms the stops.

[0020] As explained, a printed circuit board can be arranged between the rocker element and the base plate, and preferably on the base plate itself. The housing can be designed to enclose the printed circuit board together with the base plate, i.e., to essentially completely surround it. The base plate can also be considered a lid closing the housing.

[0021] According to the invention, each tilting axis is defined by two suspensions spaced apart along the respective tilting axis. The two suspensions are each formed by a first suspension element that is fixed relative to the rocker element and, in particular, is formed by or fixed to the rocker element, and a corresponding second suspension element that is fixed relative to the base plate and, in particular, is formed or fixed directly to the base plate. However, the second suspension element can also be fixed indirectly to the base plate, for example, via the housing. For this purpose, the second suspension element is formed or fixed to the housing, and the housing is attached to the base plate.

[0022] Specifically, the first suspension element can be a tab with an opening, which is in particular designed as an elongated hole, and the second suspension element can be a pin extending into the opening along the respective tilting axis, or have such a pin. Alternatively, conversely, it can be provided that the second suspension element is a tab with an opening, which is in particular designed as an elongated hole, and the first suspension element is a pin extending into the opening along the respective tilting axis, or has such a pin.

[0023] When the rocker element is actuated, i.e., when a force acts on the respective actuating surface, the rocker element can move on the actuated side, i.e., on the side of the force-bearing actuating surface, guided through the opening towards the base plate, or pivot about the associated tilting axis.

[0024] The elongated hole can, for example, be straight or linear and, in the neutral position of the rocker element, orthogonal to a plane defined by the tilting or central axes. Alternatively, the elongated hole can also have an arc shape corresponding to the movement path of the rocker element from the neutral position to a respective actuation position.

[0025] The first suspension element and the second suspension element, and according to the advantageous further development, the pin and the tab, can also have corresponding insertion ramps, which make it easier to lock the suspension elements into each other when assembling the rocker element.

[0026] Preferably, the tilting axes form a rectangle, and in particular a square, with two suspensions arranged at each corner of the rectangle or square. The first suspension elements and / or the second suspension elements of the two suspensions arranged at a corner are, in particular, integrally formed with one another. Accordingly, the respective two first suspension elements or the respective two second suspension elements can form a common structure, extending around the corner.

[0027] The second suspension elements are preferably provided on the housing, i.e., formed or fixed to it and connected to the base plate via the housing.

[0028] In a region of the rocker element where the first and second central axes intersect, an opening may be provided in which an actuating element, operable orthogonally to the central axes, is arranged. According to a first embodiment, the actuating element is mounted against the rocker element and can be tilted with it about the tilting axes, so that the actuating element moves with the rocker element. In an alternative second embodiment, the actuating element is mounted against the base plate and cannot be tilted relative to the tilting axes, so that the actuating element remains unchanged or stationary relative to any movement of the rocker element.

[0029] In this arrangement, the actuating element can define a central actuating surface on a side facing away from the base plate, wherein the actuating element is associated with a further contact system, which can be described as a central contact system. The central contact system is arranged between the actuating element and the base plate and is configured to act, upon application of a force to the central actuating surface, by switching and / or establishing an electrical connection to a circuit board, preferably one arranged on the base plate.

[0030] Analogous to the functioning of the four contact systems assigned to the outer actuation surfaces, it can also be provided for the central contact system that the actuating element can be brought from a neutral position into an actuating position by the force acting on the central actuating surface and that the central contact system is designed to exert a restoring force on the actuating element, restoring it from its actuating position to its neutral position.

[0031] The features disclosed above can be combined in any way, provided that this is technically possible and they do not contradict each other.

[0032] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims or are described in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1: View from the front of a rocker switch known in the prior art; Fig. 2: Cross-section of the rocker switch according to Figure 1 ; Fig. 3 Exploded view of a rocker switch according to the invention; Fig. 4 Housing and rocker element according to Figure 3 Fig. 5: Front view of a rocker switch according to the invention; Fig. 6: Cross-section of the rocker switch according to the invention Figure 5 ; Fig. 7a,b Sectional view along the in Fig. 5 Section line AA shown; Fig. 8a,b Sectional view along the in Fig. 5 section line BB shown;

[0033] The figures are schematic examples. Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical functional and / or structural features. Furthermore, the Figures 3 to 8b refer to a variant of a rocker switch according to the invention.

[0034] In the Figures 1 and 2Figure 1 shows a rocker switch or four-way rocker switch known in the prior art, which has four actuation surfaces 11, 12, 13, 14 evenly distributed around an imaginary vertical axis H on a rocker element 10 and a central actuation surface 15 located centrally on the vertical axis H.

[0035] According to the prior art, the rocker element 10 can be tilted or pivoted relative to a base plate 30 or a housing 40 enclosing the base plate 30 by means of a central double suspension about exactly two axes orthogonal to each other, i.e. the first central axis M1 and the second central axis M2.

[0036] By tilting or pivoting about the respective central axis M1, M2, the force applied by the operator to the respective operating surface 21, 22, 23, 24 is transferred to a contact system 21, 22, 23, 24 arranged between the rocker element 10 and the base plate 30, which establishes an electrically conductive connection on a circuit board 31 arranged on the base plate 30 or triggers a switching operation.

[0037] To trigger such a switching operation, the contact systems 21, 22, 23, 24 or at least parts of the contact systems 21, 22, 23, 24 must each travel a predetermined actuation path B or be compressed according to the actuation path B.

[0038] For the actuation path B to be traversed, the distance A1 of the respective contact system 21, 22, 23, 24 from the respective central axis M1, M2 results in an angle α by which the rocker element 10 must pivot. This angle α determines the offset by which the rocker element 10 moves from its neutral starting position, as described in Figure 2 as shown, must move into its respective activated position.

[0039] One problem is that a large or greater offset leads to corresponding distances and tolerances on the rocker switch, thus unnecessarily increasing the installation space, and also to an undesirable haptic feel, as the operator clearly perceives the strong displacement or offset when the rocker switch is actuated.

[0040] In addition, the necessary gimbal mounting in the center of the rocker switch is both mechanically complex and comparatively large, which also means that the installation space of the rocker switch must be correspondingly large.

[0041] To solve these problems, a structure according to the Figures 3 to 8b proposed figures showing a rocker switch 1 according to the invention in different views and actuation states.

[0042] Instead of providing rotation about the central axes M1, M2 or a gimbal suspension with respect to the central axes M1, M2, as is the prior art, the invention proposes that the rocker element 10 be moved from a neutral position, such as that found, for example, in Figure 6 is shown to be pivotable about a respective tilting axis K1, K2, K3, K4 into an actuation position, as is the case, for example, in the Figures 7a, 7b, 8a and 8bas shown. Accordingly, not just two rotation or tilting axes corresponding to the central axes M1, M2, but four tilting axes K1, K2, K3, K4 are provided, whereby the actuation of each actuating surface 11, 12, 13, 14 leads to a tilting of the rocker element 10 about its own tilting axis K1, K2, K3, K4. The respective tilting axis K1, K2 of the first actuating surface 11 and the second actuating surface 12 are opposite the respective actuating surfaces 11, 12 with respect to the second central axis M2, and the respective tilting axis K3, K4 of the third actuating surface 13 and the fourth actuating surface 14 are opposite the respective actuating surfaces 13, 14 with respect to the first central axis M1.

[0043] Accordingly, as particularly in Figure 5As shown, a distance A2 from a contact system 21, 22, 23, 24 assigned to an actuating surface 11, 12, 13, 14 no longer extends merely to the respective central axis M1, M2, but beyond that to the respective associated tilting axis K1, K2, K3, K4. Since the actuating path B is greater than that shown in the Figures 1 and 2 Since the familiar rocker switch remains unchanged, the angle β by which the rocker element 10 must be tilted, and the resulting offset of the rocker element 10, become correspondingly smaller, which is the case, for example, in the Figures 7a to 8b can be seen.

[0044] The contact system 21, 22, 23, 24, each assigned to an actuating surface 11, 12, 13, 14, can each consist of a rigid element 26, for example tubular or plunger-shaped, which is arranged towards the rocker element 10, and of an elastic element 27, which is arranged towards the base plate 30.

[0045] The elastic element 27 is designed to deform elastically according to the actuation path B and thereby establish an electrically conductive connection to a circuit board 31 arranged on the base plate 30, as is the case, for example, for the contact system 24 in Figure 8a or contact system 23 in Figure 8b is visible.

[0046] The elastic elements 27 can be cup-shaped and have an electrically conductive surface or a snap disc.

[0047] If the operator does not apply a force F1 to the respective actuation surface 11, 12, 13, 14, the respective elastic element 27, which was deformed by the force F1, deforms back and thereby returns the rocker element 10 from the actuated position to its neutral position.

[0048] It is particularly advantageous, especially in the Figures 7a to 8bIt can be recognized that such a restoring force F2 of the elastic elements 27, which are not acted upon by the force F1 of the operator, is sufficient to hold the rocker element 10 in the neutral position or in an unactuated position on one side or in the area of ​​an actuating surface 11, 12, 13, 14, which is opposite the actuated side or actuating surface 11, 12, 13, 14. Therefore, no additional springs or actuators are necessary, as this function is integrally fulfilled by the contact systems 21, 22, 23, 24.

[0049] An advantage over the prior art is that it is fundamentally possible to actuate several actuating surfaces 11, 12, 13, 14 and the associated contact systems 21, 22, 23, 24 simultaneously by applying a corresponding force, thus enabling multiple operating inputs to be made at the same time if desired. If this is to be prevented, it can be achieved by a spacer element arranged centrally, i.e., in the area of ​​the vertical axis H.

[0050] The tipping axes K1, K2, K3, K4 are - as in Figure 5 The visible arrangement forms a rectangle and, in this case, a square. Each tilting axis K1, K2, K3, K4 is formed by two opposite sides of the rocker switch 1 by suspensions 50, which in turn are each formed from a first suspension element 51 formed on the rocker element 10 and a corresponding second suspension element 52.

[0051] The second suspension elements 52 can be fixed or formed directly on the base plate 30, but in this case they are formed on a housing 40 and fixed to the base plate 30 via the housing 40 and are therefore stationary in relation to it.

[0052] For example, the housing 40 and the base plate 30 are screwed together using screws 45, whereby snap or locking elements could also be provided to connect the housing 40 to the base plate 30.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an enlarged section of the exploded view according to Figure 3 and thus depicts the housing 40 and the rocker element 10 in a clear manner, so that the suspension elements 51, 52, each forming a suspension 50, are visible.

[0054] The first suspension elements 51 form elongated holes into which the pins of the second suspension elements 52 can engage when the rocker element 10 is attached to the housing 40. The two second suspension elements 52 located at each corner of the square are integrally connected and provide a stabilizing angle.

[0055] To provide additional functions in an integrated manner and thereby further minimize the space requirement, the housing 40 is designed to form a guide sleeve for each of the contact systems 21, 22, 23, 24 assigned to the actuating surfaces 11, 12, 13, 14. This guide sleeve also serves as a stop 41, 42, 43, 44 for the rocker element 10 on the housing 40. This allows the contact systems 21, 22, 23, 24 to be guided along their direction of movement parallel to the vertical axis H, and also limits any displacement or offset of the rocker element 10.

[0056] The illustrated embodiment also features a central actuating element 17, which is guided through an opening 16 formed in the rocker element 10. This opening is located at the center of the square formed by the tilting axes K1, K2, K3, and K4. The actuating element 17 has an actuating surface 15, or central actuating surface 15, on its side facing away from the base plate 30. A further, or central, contact system 25 is provided between the actuating element 17 and the base plate 30, such that a corresponding force acting on the central actuating element 17 causes the elastic element 27 of the central contact system 25 to be actuated – as shown in the figure. Figure 6 shown - deformed and a switching process can be triggered on the circuit board 31.

[0057] In this case, the actuating element 17 is mounted on the rocker element 10, such that the actuating element 17, together with the rocker element 10, is tilted about the tilting axes K1, K2, K3, K4. On one side facing the base plate 30, the actuating element 17 therefore has a receptacle in which the first element 26 of the central contact system 25, designed here as a plunger, is guided and can move when the rocker element 10 is tilted.

[0058] Alternatively, the central actuating element 17 could also be fixed directly to the housing 40 or the base plate 30 and thus be impervious to tilting relative to the tilting axes K1, K2, K3, K4. It goes without saying that the rocker element 10 could also alternatively be closed in its central area and / or designed without a central actuating element 17.

Claims

1. An electric rocker switch (1) having a base plate (30) and a rocker element (10) designed as a rocker, which is supported on the base plate (30) and is tiltable with respect to the base plate, wherein the rocker element (10) determines four actuation surfaces (11, 12, 13, 14) on a side facing away from the base plate (30), of which a first actuation surface (11) and a second actuation surface (12) are arranged spaced apart from one another along a first centre axis (M1) and a third actuation surface (13) and a fourth actuation surface (14) are spaced apart from one another along a second centre axis (M2) which intersects the first centre axis (M1), characterized in that the rocker element (10) is pivotable, by a force (F1) acting on a respective actuation surface (11, 12, 13, 14), from a neutral position about a respective tilt axis (K1, K2, K3, K4) into one actuation position each, wherein the respective tilt axis (K1, K2) of the first actuation surface (11) and of the second actuation surface (12) lies opposite the respective actuation surface (11, 12) with respect to the second centre axis (M2) and the respective tilt axis (K3, K4) of the third actuation surface (13) and of the fourth actuation surface (14) lies opposite the respective actuation surface (13, 14) with respect to the first centre axis (M1), wherein each tilt axis (K1, K2, K3, K4) is determined by two suspensions (50) spaced apart along the respective tilt axis (K1, K2, K3, K4), each of which are formed by a first suspension element (51) that is fixed with respect to the rocker element (10) and a corresponding second suspension element (52) that is fixed with respect to the base plate (30).

2. The rocker switch according to claim 1, wherein one contact system (21, 22, 23, 24) is associated with each actuation surface (11, 12, 13, 14), which is arranged between the rocker element (10) and the base plate (30) and designed to act in a switching manner and / or in an electric connection establishing manner on a circuit board (31) when a force (F1) is acting on the respective actuation surface (11, 12, 13, 14).

3. The rocker switch according to claim 2, wherein the contact systems (21, 22, 23, 24) are designed to apply a restoring force (F2) to the rocker element (10) that restores the rocker element (10) from the respective actuation position into the neutral position.

4. The rocker switch according to any one of the preceding claims, further having one stop (41, 42, 43, 44) per tilt axis (K1, K2, K3, K4), which is designed to limit a tilt of the rocker element (10) about the respective tilt axis (K1, K2, K3, K4), wherein the stops (41, 42, 43, 44) are arranged between the base plate (30) and the rocker element (10).

5. The rocker switch according to the preceding claim and any one of the claims 2 or 3, wherein the stops (41, 42, 43, 44) are each designed surrounding a contact system (21, 22, 23, 24) and integrally form a guide of the respective contact system (21, 22, 23, 24).

6. The rocker switch according to any one of the claims 4 or 5, further having a housing (40) that is at least in sections arranged between the rocker element (10) and the base plate (30) and covers the base plate (30) and which integrally forms the stops (41, 42, 43, 44).

7. The rocker switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first suspension element (51) is or has a tab with an opening and the second suspension element (52) is or has a pin extending along the respective tilt axis (K1, K2, K3, K4) into the opening or wherein the second suspension element (52) is or has a tab with an opening and the first suspension element (51) is or has a pin extending along the respective tilt axis (K1, K2, K3, K4) into the opening.

8. The rocker switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilt axes (K1, K2, K3, K4) run to form a rectangle and two suspensions (50) each are arranged in a corner of the rectangle.

9. The rocker switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second suspension elements (52) are provided at the housing (40) and are connected with the base plate (30) via the housing (40).

10. The rocker switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an opening (16) is provided in an area of the rocker element (10) in which the first centre axis (M1) and the second centre axis (M2) intersect, in which an actuation element (17) that is actuatable orthogonally to the centre axes (M1, M2) is arranged, wherein the actuation element (17) is supported against the rocker element (10) and is tiltable with it about the tilt axes (K1, K2, K3, K4) or is supported against the base plate (30) and is not tiltable with respect to the tilt axes (K1, K2, K3, K4).

11. The rocker switch according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuation element (17) determines a central actuation surface (15) on a side facing away from the base plate (30) and a further contact system (25) is associated with the actuation element (17), which is referable to as central contact system (25), wherein the central contact system (25) is arranged between the actuation element (17) and the base plate (30) and is designed to act in a switching manner and / or in an electric connection establishing manner on a circuit board (31) when a force is acting on the central actuation surface (25).

12. The rocker switch according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuation element (17) is able to be brought from a neutral position into an actuation position by the force acting on the central actuation surface (25) and wherein the central contact system (25) is designed to apply a restoring force to the actuation element (17) that restores the actuation element (17) from its actuation position into its neutral position.