Switch for a machine tool and method for switching on a machine tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a switch for a machine tool, wherein the switch comprises a printed circuit board and a silicone layer. The printed circuit board has a first microswitch, while the silicone layer has a blocking switch, the silicone layer being arranged on the printed circuit board such that actuation of the blocking switch results in actuation of the first microswitch. Furthermore, the printed circuit board can have a second microswitch and the silicone layer a diaphragm, wherein actuation of the diaphragm results in actuation of the second microswitch. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for switching on a machine tool, wherein the machine tool comprises a switch with a printed circuit board and a silicone layer.The invention provides an ergonomically advantageous switch that is also well protected against dust, dirt and / or water, and effectively prevents accidental activation of the machine tool.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch for a machine tool, wherein the switch comprises a printed circuit board and a silicone layer. The printed circuit board has a first microswitch, while the silicone layer has a blocking switch, the silicone layer being arranged on the printed circuit board such that actuation of the blocking switch results in actuation of the first microswitch. Furthermore, the printed circuit board can have a second microswitch and the silicone layer a diaphragm, wherein actuation of the diaphragm results in actuation of the second microswitch. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for switching on a machine tool, wherein the machine tool comprises a switch with a printed circuit board and a silicone layer.The invention provides an ergonomically advantageous switch that is also well protected against dust, dirt and / or water, and effectively prevents accidental activation of the machine tool. Background of the invention:

[0002] Mechanical switches for machine tools, used to switch the machine tool on or off, are known in the prior art. For example, WO 2022 117 409 A1 and WO 2022 117 311 A1 disclose such mechanical switches, also disclosing safety and unlocking mechanisms to prevent unintentional activation of the machine tool. The switching devices described in WO 2022 117 409 A1 and WO 2022 117 311 A1 have an activation lock and an actuating switch. The activation lock is configured to prevent contact between a spring element of the actuating switch and an electronic switching element in a locked position and to allow contact in an operating position.However, a disadvantage of such a solution is that the user of the machine tool must ensure that a component of the switching device is in a locking position after use of the machine tool, so that the machine tool cannot be switched on accidentally.

[0003] To overcome this disadvantage, the prior art proposes an electronic switching solution in which the machine tool is unlocked only for a predetermined period, allowing it to be switched on. After this period, the switching device returns to the locking position, preventing accidental activation of the machine tool. Instead, the locking position is associated with a secure, locked state of the machine tool, in which accidental activation is prevented by a mechanical block.

[0004] For example, WO 2019 197 123 A1 discloses a purely electronic switching solution that includes a switch for activating the machine tool. However, such a purely electronic solution is only feasible for certain machine tools, such as grinding machines with a continuous-run button, primarily for ergonomic reasons. For other types of equipment that only operate when a switch is continuously pressed, the solution proposed in WO 2019 197 123 A1 can quickly lead to hand fatigue or fatigue in parts of the user's hand. Furthermore, effective protection of the switch and its components from dust, dirt, and / or water is desirable for some machine tools.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a switch for a machine tool which effectively protects the machine tool against accidental and unwanted activation by the user and which has good ergonomics as well as good protection against water, dirt and / or dust.

[0006] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments relating to the subject matter of the independent claims are found in the dependent claims. Description of the invention:

[0007] According to the invention, a switch for a machine tool is provided, the switch comprising a printed circuit board and a silicone layer. The printed circuit board has a first microswitch, while the silicone layer has a blocking switch, the silicone layer being arranged on the printed circuit board such that actuation of the blocking switch leads to actuation of the first microswitch. Furthermore, the printed circuit board can have a second microswitch and the silicone layer a diaphragm, with actuation of the diaphragm leading to actuation of the second microswitch. It is preferred for the purposes of the invention that the printed circuit board has at least one first and one second microswitch. For example, the printed circuit board can also have two, three, or more microswitches of one type, and all combinations of the number of microswitches are disclosed.For example, the circuit board can include one microswitch and two second microswitches. This circuit board configuration is used, for example, in . Figure 1The first microswitch can preferably be referred to as a blocking microswitch, while the second microswitch can be referred to as an on / off microswitch. The silicone layer comprises at least the aforementioned blocking switch and, optionally, a diaphragm. The silicone layer can also include many other components and functionalities. The invention advantageously provides an electromechanical switch that combines the advantages of known switches without their disadvantages. In particular, the proposed switch effectively prevents accidental or unwanted activation of the machine tool by the user. Furthermore, the proposed switch has been shown to offer good ergonomics and good protection against water, dirt, and / or dust.

[0008] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the circuit board has a first microswitch and a second microswitch, and the silicone layer has a blocking switch and a membrane, wherein the silicone layer is arranged on the circuit board such that actuation of the blocking switch leads to actuation of the first microswitch, and wherein actuation of the membrane leads to actuation of the second microswitch.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the printed circuit board can have a substantially exposed second microswitch, wherein the second microswitch is actuated by a switching section of a rotary lever of the switch. Preferably, the switching section is arranged on a first side of the rotary lever of the switch, wherein the rotary lever can rotate about a pivot point. In other words, the rotary lever is designed to be rotatable about a pivot point, wherein the pivot point separates the first side of the rotary lever from the second side of the rotary lever.

[0010] The functionality whereby actuation of the blocking switch leads to actuation of the blocking microswitch can be achieved, for example, by ensuring that the circuit board and the silicone layer have approximately the same dimensions and surface areas, with the circuit board and the silicone layer arranged one above the other such that the positions of the blocking switch and the blocking microswitch correspond to each other. Furthermore, the positions of the diaphragm and the on / off microswitch can also correspond to each other. Preferably, the positions of the blocking switch and the blocking microswitch, or the positions of the diaphragm and the on / off microswitch, can be arranged, for example, directly above or below each other, so that when the proposed switch is assembled, the blocking switch and the diaphragm lie directly on the blocking microswitch and the on / off microswitch, respectively.In other words, the positions of the blocking switch and the first microswitch can correspond to each other, and the positions of the diaphragm and the second microswitch can correspond to each other. This can preferably be achieved by arranging the positions of the blocking switch and the first microswitch, or the positions of the diaphragm and the second microswitch, directly above or below each other, so that when the proposed switch is assembled, the blocking switch and the diaphragm lie directly on the first and second microswitches.

[0011] It is preferred according to the invention that the circuit board and the silicone layer form a switching unit within the switch, the switch preferably being arranged in a handle of the machine tool. The silicone covering provided by the silicone layer of the switch allows for particularly good splash protection and protection of the switch and its components against dirt, dust, and / or water.

[0012] It is preferred according to the invention that the printed circuit board includes a second microswitch in addition to the first. Furthermore, the silicone layer can have a membrane, wherein the silicone layer is arranged on the printed circuit board such that actuation of the membrane leads to actuation of the second microswitch. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging the silicone layer and the printed circuit board one above the other, so that the corresponding components of the silicone layer and the printed circuit board lie exactly or substantially on top of each other when the switch is assembled.

[0013] It is preferred according to the invention that actuation of the diaphragm and / or the second microswitch is only possible if the locking switch and / or the first microswitch have been actuated beforehand. Actuation of the diaphragm and / or the underlying second microswitch advantageously leads to the switching on of the machine tool, whereby such switching on of the machine tool is only possible if the locking switch and / or the first microswitch have been actuated beforehand. In order to switch on the machine tool, the locking switch must first be actuated by a user of the machine tool. For this purpose, the locking switch can, for example, be pressed downwards. Actuation of the actuating switch activates an unlocked state of the machine tool, so that the machine tool can be switched on after actuation of the locking switch by the user.By operating the locking switch himself, the user is referred to, in the context of the present invention, as directly operating the locking switch.

[0014] The machine is switched on by actuating a diaphragm, which is only indirectly actuated by the user. The machine tool or switch can include a rotary lever, the rotary lever having a switching section that can actuate the diaphragm and thus the second microswitch. In other words, the switching section of the rotary lever can be configured to actuate the diaphragm and / or the on / off microswitch when the rotary lever is actuated by the user of the machine tool. For actuation, the rotary lever can have a pistol-grip section that can be operated, i.e., pulled, by the user of the machine tool to actuate the preferably rotatable rotary lever. By rotating the rotary lever, the switching section of the rotary lever can be pressed against the diaphragm, thus actuating the second microswitch and switching the machine tool on.

[0015] It is preferred according to the invention that the diaphragm and / or the underlying second microswitch are actuated by a pistol-grip section, wherein the pistol-grip section is arranged on a second side of a rotary lever of the switch. The provision of a pistol-grip section allows for particularly good ergonomics of the proposed switch. Preferably, the rotary lever is rotatable about a pivot point, wherein the pivot point divides the rotary lever into a first side and a second side, with a switching section arranged on a first side of the pivot point, the switching section being configured to actuate the diaphragm and / or the underlying on / off microswitch. It is preferred according to the invention that the first side of the rotary lever faces the switching unit of the switch.The second side of the rotary lever preferably comprises the pistol grip section, wherein at least part of the pistol grip section can be grasped or pulled by the machine tool operator to start the machine tool. In the context of the present invention, this starting of the machine tool can only occur if a locking switch of the proposed switch or switching unit has been actuated beforehand, thus activating a first microswitch and thereby an unlocked state of the machine tool. It is preferred, in accordance with the invention, that the locking switch and the locking microswitch are activated directly by the machine tool operator, while the diaphragm and the on / off microswitch of the proposed switch or switching unit are activated or actuated indirectly by means of a rotary lever.

[0016] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the pistol grip section of the rotary lever protrudes at least partially from or is visible on the underside of a handle of the machine tool, so that the pistol grip section can be pressed by the user of the machine tool to switch on the machine tool – preferably indirectly. For example, the pistol grip section of the proposed switch can be enclosed by the fingers of one of the user's hands and then pressed when the machine tool is in the unlocked state. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the pistol grip section of the switch is enclosed by at least one finger, but at most five fingers of the user's hand, and then pressed.To activate the unlocked state on the machine tool, the user can actuate the locking switch and thus the locking microswitch – for example, with their thumb. This actuation is preferably performed directly with the user's thumb. This staggered activation process, which uses different regions of the hand, ensures both a particularly safe machine tool and an ergonomically advantageous activation method.

[0017] The activation of the unlocked state preferably occurs only for a short period of time, which, within the meaning of the invention, is preferably referred to as the "predetermined time period." The predetermined time period can, for example, be in the range of 1 to 10 seconds, preferably 1 to 3 seconds. The time period can, for example, be 1 second, 2 seconds, or 3 seconds, with all intermediate values, such as 1.34 seconds, 2.5 seconds, or 2.66 seconds, also being preferred. Of course, in the context of the present invention, other time periods, for example, in the range of 1 to 5 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 minutes, may also be preferred. The time period can, for example, also be in the range between 10 and 60 seconds, for example, at 17 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 33 seconds, 48.7 seconds, or 50.06 seconds.

[0018] It is preferred according to the invention that actuation of the locking switch and / or the first microswitch unlocks the machine tool, allowing it to be switched on. When the locking switch and / or the locking microswitch have been actuated, the "unlocked state" can advantageously be activated, in which the machine tool can be switched on. It is preferred according to the invention that the machine tool can only be switched on in this unlocked state. This provides a particularly safe machine tool that can only be switched on for very limited periods of time.

[0019] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the unlocked state of the machine tool is deactivated after a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period can, for example, be in the range of 1 to 10 seconds, preferably 1 to 3 seconds.

[0020] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the circuit board comprises LEDs and that the silicone layer includes at least one correspondingly shaped transparent area, so that the illumination of the LEDs can be detected by a user of the machine tool through the transparent area. For example, it may be preferred, according to the invention, that the LEDs of the circuit board illuminate when the unlocked state of the machine tool is activated and the machine tool is ready to be switched on. The user can recognize the unlocked state by the illumination of the LEDs of the proposed switch and act accordingly. For example, the user can switch on the machine tool when, by observing the illumination of the LED on the switching unit, they recognize that the machine tool has been brought into the unlocked state by actuating the locking switch or the locking microswitch.The user can also initiate measures to return the machine tool to the locked state if they do not wish to operate it. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the machine tool or the switch includes means by which the user can actively move the machine tool from the unlocked to the locked state. These means may, for example, be additional actuating elements such as switches or buttons that the user can actuate directly or indirectly to end or deactivate the unlocked state, thus returning the machine tool to the locked state. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the switch includes means by which an unlocked state of the machine tool can be deactivated.The process of exiting the unlocked state and returning the machine tool to the locked state can preferably occur independently of a predetermined time interval, but rather by the user themselves, according to how they wish to work with the machine tool. The means by which the user can actively move the machine tool from the unlocked to the locked state can be referred to as lock switches within the meaning of the invention. It is preferred within the meaning of the invention that such a lock switch can assume two different states between which the user can switch ("toggle switch"). It is preferred within the meaning of the invention that a first state of the lock switch corresponds to the unlocked state of the machine tool, while a second state of the lock switch corresponds to the locked or latched state of the machine tool.

[0021] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the at least one transparent area is arranged on the upper side of the locking switch. This makes the illumination of the LED on the circuit board of the proposed switch particularly easy for the user to see, and the user can act accordingly. Preferably, the upper side of the locking switch is located within the user's field of vision, so that the user can quickly recognize when the LED illuminates or goes out, i.e., when the illumination signal changes.

[0022] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the switch includes an unlocking device, wherein the unlocking device must be actuated in addition to the locking switch and / or the first microswitch to activate an unlocked state of the machine tool. The provision of the unlocking device creates an additional level of safety and further increases safety when working with the machine tool. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the locking switch and the unlocking device are actuated simultaneously or substantially simultaneously so that the machine tool transitions to the unlocked state and can be switched on.

[0023] Alternatively, a preferred switching sequence could look like this: 1. Unlocking the machine tool, for example by actuating the blocking switch and / or the lock switch, 2. Actuating the unlocking device to mechanically release an on / off switch of the machine tool, which may be designed as or include a pistol grip section, in particular, 3. Switching on the machine tool, for example by actuating the on / off switch of the machine tool.

[0024] Preferably, the locking switch and the unlocking device are actuated directly by the user, who preferably operates the locking switch and the unlocking device in parallel or substantially parallel. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the unlocking device is arranged on a top side of the proposed switch, and that the unlocking device may preferably be designed as a push button. It is particularly preferred, according to the invention, that the unlocking device is designed as a mechanical pawl. The unlocking device or the mechanical pawl is preferably configured to mechanically release the on / off switch of the machine tool so that the machine tool can be switched on. In other words, the machine tool can be unlocked by actuating the unlocking device or the mechanical pawl.from a blocked to an unlocked state. The on / off switch of the machine tool can, in particular, be designed as a so-called gun trigger. It is especially preferred, in accordance with the invention, that the on / off switch of the machine tool is actuated by the palm of a user of the machine tool.

[0025] In accordance with the invention, it is preferred that the unlocking device - if present - is actuated in addition to the blocking switch of the switching unit, i.e. preferably pressed downwards in order to be able to switch on the machine tool.

[0026] It is preferred according to the invention that the switch has a spring mounting, wherein the spring mounting preferably constitutes a counter bearing and serves to support the second leg of the leg spring in the housing. In other words, the spring mounting is designed to support the leg spring or a part of the leg spring against the housing of the switch.

[0027] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the printed circuit board includes additional microcontrollers. The printed circuit board can then be used, for example, as a human-machine interface. For this purpose, the printed circuit board can preferably also include other electronic components.

[0028] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for switching on a machine tool, wherein the machine tool comprises a proposed switch with a printed circuit board and a silicone layer. The terms, definitions, and technical advantages introduced for the switch preferably apply analogously to the method for switching on the machine tool. The method for switching on the machine tool is characterized in that the printed circuit board comprises a first microswitch and that the silicone layer comprises a blocking switch, wherein the silicone layer is arranged on the printed circuit board such that actuation of the blocking switch leads to actuation of the first microswitch.

[0029] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the machine tool can only be switched on when it is in an unlocked state or when an unlocked state of the machine tool is activated. This unlocked state can advantageously be achieved by having the locking switch and / or the first microswitch actuate the machine tool user – preferably directly. The diaphragm or the on / off microswitch can then be actuated – preferably indirectly by means of a rotary lever – whereby the user pulls or actuates a pistol-grip section of the rotary lever, thereby bringing a switching section of the preferably rotatable rotary lever into contact with the diaphragm of the switching unit, so that the diaphragm is pressed downwards in a spatial direction and thus actuated.By "pushing down" the diaphragm, the second microswitch is advantageously actuated, which then switches on the machine tool. This means the machine tool is switched on when the unlocked state is activated on the machine tool and the user pulls the pistol-grip section of the rotary lever, causing the switching section of the rotary lever to press against the diaphragm and thus against the second microswitch. It is preferred, according to the invention, that actuation of the diaphragm and / or the underlying second microswitch is only possible if the locking switch and / or the first microswitch have been actuated beforehand. Preferably, actuation of the locking switch and / or the first microswitch activates an unlocked state of the machine tool.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the circuit board, in addition to the first microswitch, also has a second microswitch, and that the silicone layer, in addition to the blocking switch, also has a membrane, wherein the silicone layer is arranged on the circuit board such that actuation of the membrane leads to actuation of the second microswitch. It may also be preferred, in accordance with the invention, that the circuit board has a substantially exposed second microswitch, wherein the second microswitch is actuated by a switching section of a rotary lever. In both cases, it may be preferred that actuation of the membrane and / or the second microswitch is only possible if the blocking switch and / or the first microswitch have been actuated beforehand.

[0031] The procedure for switching on the machine tool may, for example, include the following steps: a) The user activates the locking switch of the silicone layer, thereby activating the first microswitch of the circuit board and activating the unlocked state of the machine tool; b) The user activates the pistol grip section of the rotary lever, thereby rotating the rotary lever and pressing the switching section of the rotary lever onto the membrane of the silicone layer, thereby activating the second microswitch of the circuit board and switching on the machine tool.

[0032] It should be noted that the machine tool can only be switched on if the locking switch and / or the first microswitch of the switching unit have been actuated beforehand, so that the machine tool is in the unlocked state. When the locking switch and / or the first microswitch of the switching unit have been actuated, the unlocked state is preferably activated for a predetermined time interval Δt. In other words, the machine tool is in the unlocked state during this predetermined time interval Δt and can be switched on. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the unlocked state ends automatically after the time interval Δt has elapsed, i.e., preferably automatically, so that the unlocked state is deactivated. Thus, after the time interval Δt has elapsed, the machine tool is preferably in the blocked state, in which the machine tool cannot be switched on for safety reasons.As an alternative to an automatic termination of the unlocked state, the machine tool or the proposed switch can include means by which the user of the machine tool can terminate the unlocked state independently of the predetermined time interval Δt. These means for terminating the unlocked state can, for example, be provided in the handle of the machine tool. Alternatively, the locking switch can also be actuated again to terminate the unlocked state of the machine tool, i.e., to move the machine tool from the unlocked to the locked state.

[0033] Further advantages arise from the following description of the figures. The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0034] In the figures, identical and similar components are numbered with the same reference symbols.

[0035] They show: Fig. 1 View of a preferred embodiment of the proposed switch, in particular the switching unit. Fig. 2 Sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the proposed switch. Fig. 3 Sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the proposed switch. Fig. 4 View of a preferred embodiment of the proposed switch, in particular its partial integration into the handle of a machine tool. Fig. 5 View of another preferred embodiment of the proposed switch, in particular its partial integration into the handle of a machine tool. Character description:

[0036] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a switching unit 48 of a proposed switch 10. A handle 52 of the machine tool 50 is shown in the lower right area; the switching unit 48 of the proposed switch is shown as a detail in the upper left area. The switching unit 48 comprises a printed circuit board 12 and a silicone layer 14, wherein the printed circuit board 12 includes a first microswitch 16 and a second microswitch 18. The silicone layer 14 comprises a diaphragm 22 and a blocking switch 20. The first microswitch 16 of the printed circuit board 12 can preferably also be referred to as a "blocking microswitch," while the second microswitch 18 of the printed circuit board 12 can preferably also be referred to as an "on-off microswitch." The printed circuit board 12 and the silicone layer 14 preferably have substantially similar external dimensions and are shown in the figure. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the components are arranged one above the other such that the locking switch 20 rests on the first microswitch 16 and the diaphragm 22 rests on the second microswitch 18. Thus, the locking switch 20 is positioned on the first microswitch 16 and the diaphragm 22 on the second microswitch 18, and actuation of the locking switch 20 leads to actuation of the first microswitch 16, while actuation of the diaphragm 22 leads to actuation of the second microswitch 18. By actuating the locking switch 20 and / or the first microswitch 16, the machine tool 50 (schematically shown in Figure 1) to an unlocked state. This means that by actuating the locking switch 20 and / or the first microswitch 16, the unlocked state of the machine tool 50 is activated. The proposed switch 10 can be provided in a handle 52 of the machine tool 50. The machine tool 50 can only be switched on when the unlocked state of the machine tool 50 is activated, i.e., when the machine tool 50 is in the unlocked state. In other words, the machine tool 50 can only be switched on if, before the actual switching on, the locking switch 20 and / or the first microswitch 16 of the switch 10 have been actuated, so that the machine tool 50 is in the unlocked state. The second microswitch 18 can also be arranged substantially exposed on the circuit board 12, so that the second microswitch 18 can be directly or indirectly connected to the circuit board 12.can be actuated directly by a switching section 26a of a rotary lever 24. In this embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the second microswitch 18 is not covered by a diaphragm 22.

[0037] Light-emitting diodes 32 can be arranged on the circuit board 12 of the switch 10, the light or illumination of which is visible through transparent areas 34 of the silicone layer 14 or can be detected by the user of the machine tool 50. In the case of the Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the position of the light-emitting diode 32 corresponds to the position of the transparent area 34 on the upper surface 36 of the locking switch 20, so that the light from the light-emitting diode 32 can pass through the preferably transparent area 34 of the silicone layer 14 and reach the eye of the user of the machine tool 50. For example, the light from the light-emitting diode 32 can symbolize that the machine tool 50 is in the unlocked state and can be switched on. In this embodiment, the light signal from the light-emitting diode 32 can be understood as a warning signal. It is also conceivable that the light from the light-emitting diode 32 means that the machine tool 50 is in the locked state and cannot be switched on. In this embodiment, the light signal is more of an information signal.In addition to the microswitches 16, 18 and the light-emitting diode 32, the circuit board 12 can, for example, include at least one microcontroller 42 or other electronic components, such as (micro)capacitors. This allows the circuit board 12 to be extended to form a human-machine interface.

[0038] In Figure 1Means 44 are also shown, with which the unlocked state of the machine tool 50 can be deactivated. These means 44 can, for example, be provided on or attached to the handle 52 of the machine tool 10. With the means 44, a user of the machine tool 50 can end the unlocked state of the machine tool 50. This creates a way in which it is not necessary to wait for the predetermined time period to expire in order to return to the blocked state of the machine tool 50, but rather the user can actively and independently switch the machine tool 50 from the unlocked state to the blocked state.

[0039] The actual switching on of the machine tool 50 preferably takes place via actuation of the diaphragm 22 and / or the second microswitch 18. The actuation of the diaphragm 22 and / or the second microswitch 18 preferably takes place indirectly by actuation of a rotary lever 24, which is located in the Fig. 2 and 3 is depicted.

[0040] The rotary lever 24 is preferably rotatably arranged about a pivot point 30. The pivot point 30 divides the rotary lever 24 into two halves or two sides 26, 28. The first side 26 of the rotary lever 24 preferably faces the switching unit 48 of the switch 10 and can include a switching section 26a, which is configured to come into contact with the diaphragm 22 of the silicone layer 14 and to press this diaphragm 22 downwards, thereby actuating the second microswitch 18 located below it. The rotation of the rotary lever 24 is preferably effected by the pistol grip section 28a of the rotary lever 24 being pulled by the user of the machine tool 50. The pistol grip section 28a is preferably part of the second side 28 of the rotary lever 24. Due to the rotatability of the rotary lever 24, tightening the pistol grip section 28a causes the switching section 26a of the rotary lever 24 to be pushed down.The second side 28 of the rotary lever 24 is moved upwards by pulling on the pistol grip section 28a, which pushes the first side 26 of the rotary lever 24 downwards and switches on the machine tool 50 by actuating the diaphragm 22 of the silicone layer 14 or the on / off microswitch 18 of the circuit board 12.

[0041] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of switch 10 of an unlocking device 38, while Figure 3 An alternative design of the switch 10 with a spring fastening 40 is shown.

[0042] The unlocking device 38 can represent a further safety level of the machine tool 50, wherein the unlocking device 38 must be actuated in addition to the locking switch 20 in order to activate the unlocked state of the machine tool 50. Preferably, the unlocking device 38 and the locking switch 20 are pressed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously by the user of the machine tool 50 to bring the machine tool 50 into the unlocked state. Subsequently, as already described, the machine tool 50 can be switched on by direct actuation of the pistol grip section 28a or by indirect actuation of the diaphragm 22 or the second microswitch 18. In this process, the diaphragm 22 or the second microswitch 18 is actuated, in particular, by the switching section 26a of the rotary lever 24, which presses on the diaphragm 22 when the pistol grip section 28a of the rotary lever 24 is pulled by the user of the machine tool 50.

[0043] In Figure 3 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the switch 10 with a spring mounting 40. The switch 10 can have a spring 46, wherein one leg of the spring 46 can be supported on the housing of the switch 10. The spring 46 can preferably be designed as a torsion spring comprising two spring legs.

[0044] The Figures 4 and 5 Each figure shows a preferred embodiment of the proposed switch 10, in particular its partial integration into the handle 52 of a machine tool 50. For example, the switch 10 can be arranged predominantly inside two handle shells, wherein the handle shells form the handle 52 of the machine tool 50. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the switch 10 with an unlocking device 38, wherein in Figure 5For better visibility, only a few components of the handle 52 of the machine tool 50 are shown. The switching unit 48 with the circuit board 12 and the silicone layer 14, as well as their components, in particular the microswitches 16, 18 of the circuit board 12 and the diaphragm 22 and the locking switch 20 of the silicone layer 14, are visible. The locking switch 20 can be actuated directly by the user of the machine tool 50, while the diaphragm 22 can be actuated indirectly by the switching section 26a of the rotary lever 24 when the pistol grip section 28a of the rotary lever 24 is actuated, i.e., pulled, by the user of the machine tool 50. The rotary lever 24 is rotatably arranged about a pivot point 30, the pivot point 30 dividing the rotary lever 24 into a first side 26 and a second side 28. The rotary lever 24 is preferably not symmetrical, so that the sides 26, 28 of the rotary lever 24 are not corresponding or similar to each other.The pivot point 30, for example, does not necessarily have to form the center of gravity of the rotary lever 24. The switch 10 can, for example, encompass a housing. Reference symbol list

[0045] 10 Switch 12 Circuit board 14 Silicone layer 16 First microswitch or locking microswitch 18 Second microswitch or on / off microswitch 20 Locking switch 22 Membrane 24 Rotary lever 26 First side of rotary lever 26a Switching section 28 Second side of rotary lever 28a Pistol grip section 30 Pivot point of rotary lever 32 LEDs 34 Transparent areas 36 Top of locking switch 38 Unlocking device 40 Spring attachment 42 Microcontroller 44 Means of disabling the unlocked state 46 Spring 48 Switching unit 50 Machine tool 52 Machine tool handle

Claims

1. Switch (10) for a machine tool (50), wherein the switch (10) comprises a circuit board (12) and a silicone layer (14), characterized in that the printed circuit board (12) has a first microswitch (16) and that the silicone layer (14) has a blocking switch (20), wherein the silicone layer (14) is arranged on the printed circuit board (12) in such a way that actuation of the blocking switch (20) leads to actuation of the first microswitch (16).

2. Switch (10) according to claim 1 characterized in that the printed circuit board (12) has a second microswitch (18) and the silicone layer (14) has a membrane (22), wherein the silicone layer (14) is arranged on the printed circuit board (12) in such a way that actuation of the membrane (22) leads to actuation of the second microswitch (18).

3. Switch (10) according to claim 1 characterized in thatthe circuit board (12) has a substantially exposed second microswitch (18), wherein the second microswitch (18) is actuated by a switching section (26a) of a rotary lever (24).

4. Switch (10) according to one of claims 2 or 3 characterized in that actuation of the membrane (22) and / or the second microswitch (18) is only possible if the blocking switch (20) and / or the first microswitch (16) have previously been actuated.

5. Switch (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4 characterized in that an actuation of the membrane (22) and / or the second microswitch (18) takes place by an actuation of a pistol grip section (28a), wherein the pistol grip section (28a) is arranged on a second side (28) of a rotary lever (24) of the switch (10).

6. Switch (10) according to claim 5 characterized in thatthe rotary lever (24) is designed to be rotatable about a pivot point (30), wherein the pivot point (30) divides the rotary lever (24) into a first side (26) and a second side (28), wherein a switching section (26a) is arranged on the first side (26) of the pivot point (30), wherein the switching section (26a) is designed to actuate the membrane (22) and / or the second microswitch (18).

7. Switch (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that actuation of the blocking switch (20) and / or the first microswitch (16) results in unlocking of the machine tool (50) so that the machine tool (50) can be switched on.

8. Switch (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that an unlocked state of the machine tool (50) is activated by actuating the blocking switch (20) and / or the first microswitch (16).

9. Switch (10) according to claim 8 characterized in thatthe unlocked state of the machine tool (50) is deactivated after a predetermined period of time.

10. Switch (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the printed circuit board (12) comprises light-emitting diodes (32) and the silicone layer (14) has at least one transparent region (34) corresponding thereto, so that illumination of the light-emitting diodes (32) can be recognized by a user of the machine tool (50).

11. Switch (10) according to claim 10 characterized in that the at least one transparent region (34) is arranged on an upper side (36) of the blocking switch (20).

12. Switch (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the switch (10) has an unlocking device (38), wherein the unlocking device (38) must be actuated in addition to the blocking switch (20) and / or the first microswitch (16) in order to activate an unlocked state of the machine tool (50).

13. Switch according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the switch (10) has means (44) with which an unlocked state of the machine tool (50) can be deactivated.

14. A method for switching on a machine tool (50), wherein the machine tool (50) comprises a switch (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch (10) comprises a printed circuit board (12) and a silicone layer (14), characterized by the printed circuit board (12) has a first microswitch (16) and the silicone layer (14) has a blocking switch (20), wherein the silicone layer (14) is arranged on the printed circuit board (12) in such a way that actuation of the blocking switch (20) leads to actuation of the first microswitch (16).

15. Method according to claim 14 characterized in thatthe printed circuit board (12) has a second microswitch (18) and the silicone layer (14) has a membrane (22), wherein the silicone layer (14) is arranged on the printed circuit board (12) such that actuation of the membrane (22) leads to actuation of the second microswitch (18) or the printed circuit board (12) has a substantially exposed second microswitch (18), wherein the second microswitch (18) is actuated by a switching section (26a) of a rotary lever (24), wherein actuation of the membrane (22) and / or the second microswitch (18) is only possible if the blocking switch (20) and / or the first microswitch (16) have previously been actuated.

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