EP1070331B1 - Electric switch - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an electrical switch according to the Preamble of claim 1.

Such electrical switches are in Electrical devices, such as in electrical hand tools or the like. used. For example, the Hand power tool to be an electric drill. The Switch is used for switching on and off and if necessary continue to the speed setting of an electric motor Electric hand tool. To prevent the inadvertent switching on of the To avoid electrical hand tools, the electrical Switch be provided with a switch-on lock.

There are electrical switches with a switch-on lock known for example from DE-OS 24 10 871. This Switch has a housing, a movable on the housing arranged actuator and one the movement of the Actuator in the housing-transmitting plunger Action on the switch. The actuator is off a starting position movable in operating positions, in which can each trigger a function of the switch. the A switch is associated with a blocking means between one Locked state to lock the movement of the actuator and a release state to release the movement of the Actuator is switchable.

The blocking means in this switch acts as Lockout. After that in the starting position Actuating means from the locked state to the release state is switched, the actuator can in the Operating position are moved. In the operating position is however no further effect of a blocking agent provided so that the locking means on this switch has only a single functionality.

The invention has for its object a switch type mentioned above with blocking means of extended Functionality.

This task is done in a generic electrical Switch by the characterizing features of claim 1 solved.

The first blocking means act on the switch according to the invention the actuator in its initial position and second Locking means in a first operating position of the Actuator. The switch is a three Actuator for switching positions Switching of the two blocking means assigned. In the first Switch position of the actuator is first blocking means in the blocked state. In the second Switch position is the first locking means in Release state and the second locking means in the locked state. Finally, both are in the third switch position Locking agent in the release state. Further refinements of the Invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The arrangement of the first blocking means in the Proximity of the actuator and the second locking means in close to the ram. It can be a backdrop to the Top of the actuator for guidance for part of the serve first blocking means. Part of the second blocking agent can be arranged centrally on the plunger.

The first blocking means can be in the form of a switch-on block and the second blocking means in the form of a circuit block be trained for the actuator. Conveniently, the actuator is only in the starting position of the actuator switchable.

The first is in a special embodiment Locking means from a with the actuator in Active connection approach and one on the actuator arranged corresponding stop. Here comes the Approach in the initial position in the locked state in the system the stop and is in the release state on the side of the stop moved past. The second locking device is a stroke limitation designed for the actuator such that the Movement path of the actuator in the locked state on the first actuation position is limited and in the release state for further movement in the second actuation position is released.

The stroke limitation can in turn consist of a movable one Tappet centrally surrounding cam ring and an am Actuator attached corresponding stop consist. The stop comes in the first Actuating position in the locked state against a cam of the cam ring and is in the release state on the side of the cam moved past. A pin on the actuator, which in one engages fork attached to the cam ring, can move of the cam ring between the locked state and the released state serve.

To ensure ease of use by the user ensure the actuator as a slide, Swivel lever, adjusting wheel or the like with three locking positions be trained. Acts to determine the locking positions Approach to the actuator with a detent spring together. The first switching position for the Actuator from the middle and the second as well third switching position of one side Rest position formed. Can on the actuator Function symbols may be attached, being in the respective Switch position the function symbol that this switch position characterized, is visible to the user.

The switch is easy to install in the electrical device passed on if the actuating element is a pre-assembled unit forms with the switch. Therefor can, for example, a carrier part with the housing of the Switch are connected, the actuator is movably supported in the carrier part.

The advantages achieved with the invention exist in particular that in the starting position of the Actuator certain functions of the switch can be selected and other functions can be blocked. So that's a accidental activation of unwanted functions effectively prevented by the user, which also Risk of accident for the user is reduced. For example can the electric hand tool in a first Operating position of the actuator with a variable and optionally regulated speed that is less than that maximum speed is to be operable while in a second operating position the electric hand tool with the maximum, but unregulated speed is operable. The User can depend on the material to be machined lock the second actuation position selectable, from which optimal work result results.

The functionality mentioned is in addition with a previously Combined switch-on lock already used.

Advantageously, only one is used for both blocking means only actuator used, so that on the one hand Operation is simplified and, on the other hand, costs be saved.

The switch according to the invention achieves yet another Safety gain for the user of the electrical hand tool. Through the formation of the blocking agent itself excessive stress on the actuator, if that Locking agent is in the locked state, the occurrence a tilting moment avoided on the actuator. This will an accidental or improper switching on of the Electric hand tool effectively prevented.

Fig. 1

einen elektrischen Schalter in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2

den elektrischen Schalter aus Fig. 1 in Draufsicht,

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie 3-3 aus Fig. 1, wobei das Betätigungselement für die Sperrmittel in der zweiten Schaltstellung befindlich ist,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt wie in Fig. 3, wobei das Betätigungselement für die Sperrmittel in der ersten Schaltstellung befindlich ist,

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt wie in Fig. 3, wobei das Betätigungselement für die Sperrmittel in der dritten Schaltstellung befindlich ist,

Fig. 6

den in einer Elektrobohrmaschine angeordneten elektrischen Schalter,

Fig. 7

einen Schnitt durch den Schalter entlang der Linie 7-7 aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 8

einen elektrischen Schalter in Seitenansicht entsprechend einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel und

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht auf das Betätigungselement gemäß der Fig. 8.

Embodiments of the invention with various developments are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1

an electrical switch in side view,

Fig. 2

1 in top view,

Fig. 3

2 shows a section along the line 3-3 from FIG. 1, the actuating element for the locking means being in the second switching position,

Fig. 4

3 shows a section as in FIG. 3, the actuating element for the locking means being in the first switching position,

Fig. 5

3 shows a section as in FIG. 3, the actuating element for the locking means being in the third switching position,

Fig. 6

the electrical switch arranged in an electric drilling machine,

Fig. 7

2 shows a section through the switch along the line 7-7 from FIG. 1,

Fig. 8

an electrical switch in side view according to a further embodiment and

Fig. 9

8 shows a plan view of the actuating element according to FIG. 8.

An electric hand tool 20 is shown in FIG. 6. The Electric hand tool 20 has one in the handle 21 arranged electrical switch 1, the on and Turn off and not to set the speed of the Serves electric motor shown in the electric hand tool 20. at the electric hand tool 20 can be, for example a mains powered electric drill, one Actuate cordless drill or the like.

The switch 1 shown in more detail in Fig. 1 has a Housing 2, on which an actuator 3 is movably arranged is. The actuator 3 has, for example, the shape of a linearly movable handle that the user manually emotional. According to the respective actuation path of the Actuator 3 is then the speed of the electric motor by means of a phase control, one Pulse width modulation or the like set and if necessary regulated, i.e. even under stress on the electric hand tool 20 kept largely constant. With fully switched Actuator 3 then runs the electric motor at maximum Rotational speed.

The switch 1 also has a plunger 4, which Movement of the actuator 3 in the housing 2 transmits. With an actuator 3 designed as a handle the plunger 4 approximately in the middle or slightly outside the middle, for example the bottom of the pusher facing, attached to the pusher. The housing 2 acts Ram 4 on at least one located in the housing 2 electrical component, such as on a contact system 22, 23 a potentiometer 25 o assigned to a printed circuit board 24. Like., a, as is apparent from Fig. 7. The Actuator 3 is from a starting position in Fig. 1 is shown by manual user action in direction 26 in a first actuation position and from this can be moved into a further second actuation position. In these two operating positions is the Action of the plunger 4 each have a function of the switch 1 triggerable in the first actuation position Control of the electric motor for a speed accordingly the actuation path covered by the actuator 3 and in the second actuation position the setting of the maximum speed by applying the full voltage to the Electric motor is applied.

The switch 1 is assigned two locking means 5, 6 which between a locked state to lock the movement of the Actuator 3 and a release state for release the movement of the actuator 3 are switchable. The first locking means 5 is located near the Actuator 3 and acts on the actuator 3 in its starting position. The second blocking means 6 is located near the plunger 4 and acts on it Actuator 3 in the first actuation position. The second blocking means 6 is preferably located centrally Tappet 4 arranged. It is also important that a single, Actuating element 7 having three switch positions for Switching of the two blocking means 5, 6 the switch 1 assigned. In the first switch position of the The actuating element 7 is the first blocking means 5 in the locked state. In the second switch position of the Actuator 7 is the first locking means 5 in Release state and the second locking means 6 in the locked state located. In the third switch position of the Actuator 7 are finally both Locking means 5, 6 in the release state.

The switch 2 is preferably located in the housing 2 two contact systems 22, 23, as can be seen in more detail in FIG. 7. If necessary, a potentiometer 25 can be provided in the housing 2 and electronics for speed adjustment or Speed control of the electric motor on the printed circuit board 24 be arranged. In the starting position of the Actuator 3 now finds no action of the plunger 4th on the two contact systems 22, 23 instead, which the Electric motor is switched off. The first blocking means 5 is in the manner of a lockout for the actuator 3 trained so that the actuator 3 in the first Switch position of the actuating element 7 is not movable, which prevents the electric motor from being switched on. First after the actuator 7 in the second or third Switch position is switched, the electric motor be switched on.

The actuating element 7 is in the second Switch position, the actuator 3 in the first Operating position are moved. In the first Actuating position finds a switching effect of the Ram 4 on the first contact system 22 instead, which the Voltage for the electronics is switched on. Possibly there is also an action on the potentiometer 25 according to the movement path of the actuator 3 in the direction 26 (see Fig. 1), so that a setting on the electronics a variable and preferably regulated speed of the Electric motor according to the movement position of the Actuator 3 is made. The second blocking agent 6 is in the form of a circuit lockout for the Actuator 3 is formed, with which switching on Actuator 3 in the second operating position is prevented because the second locking means 6 in Locked state.

The actuating element 7 is finally in the third switching position, the actuator 3 can both in the first as well as in the second operating position are moved because both locking means 5, 6 in the release state are located. In the second actuation position then a switching action of the plunger 4 on the second Contact system 23, which bridges the electronics. As a result, the full voltage is applied to the electric motor and the Electric motor moves with maximum, unregulated Rotational speed.

The actuating element 7 is expediently only in the starting position of the actuator 3 switchable. In the starting position is first in the first Switch position a switch-on lock for the electric motor in place to protect the user from unwanted Operation of the electric hand tool 20 is used. To operate the user consciously switch the actuating element 7. The user can choose between the second and third Select switching position. In the second switch position is the Electric motor with an adjustable and regulated speed, which, however, is less than the maximum speed operate. This mode of operation is suitable for Processing of hard materials, for example for the Drilling in metal. In the third switch position is the Electric motor with an adjustable speed up to to operate at maximum speed, the operation with maximum speed is unregulated. This mode of operation can be useful when processing soft materials, for example when drilling in wood.

A preferred closer embodiment of the two locking means 5, 6 will be described in more detail below.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, there is the first Locking means 5 from one with the actuating element 7 in Active connection approach 8 and a Actuator 3 arranged, corresponding stop 9. The extension 8 can be made in one piece with the actuating element 7 be trained. The approach 8 comes in the starting position of the actuator 3 in the locked state, so if that Actuating element 7 is in the first switching position, in contact with the stop 9, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 in more detail evident. The release state is corresponding in FIG. 3 the second switching position of the actuating element 7 and in Fig. 5 shows the release state corresponding to the third Switch position of the actuator 7 can be seen. How one 2 in conjunction with FIG. 3 or 5, are the approach 8 and the stop 9 in the released state movable sideways past each other. For this purpose a backdrop 10 in the actuator 3. In particular an actuator 3 designed as a pusher offers it itself, the backdrop 10 for guidance for part of the first Locking means 5, namely for the approach 8, on the top to arrange the actuator 3.

The second locking means 6 is a stroke limitation for the Actuator 3 designed. This is the path of movement of the actuator 3 in the locked state, so if that Actuating element 7 is in the second switching position, limited to the first actuation position. The stroke limitation consists of a movably arranged on the housing 2 Cam element 11 with at least one cam 12 and at least one attached to the actuator 3 corresponding stop 13, as shown in more detail in FIG. 2 evident. The stop 13 comes in the first Operating position of the actuator 3 in the locked state in contact with the cam 12, as can be seen in Fig. 3, with what the movement path or the stroke of the actuator 3 on the first actuation position is limited. In the release state for the second locking means 6 according to that shown in FIG. 5 third switching position of the actuating element 7 is the Stop 13 laterally moved past the cam 12, so that the Actuator 3 to the second actuation position is movable.

As can also be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, is on Actuator 7, a pin 14 arranged in a Cam element 11 attached fork 15 engages. By means of the Pin 14 is when switching the actuator 7th between the second and third switching position Cam element 11 between the locked state and the Release state movable, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 evident. In Fig. 3 is the second switching position of the Actuator 7 shown, in which the cam 12 in such a position that the second Locking means 6 is in the locked state. 4 is an intermediate position of the cam 12 shown that the first Switch position of the actuator 7 corresponds. In the However, the first switch position is, as already mentioned above executed, the first locking means 5 in the locked state, so that the second locking means 6 is no longer effective here. 5 is finally the third switching position of the Actuator 7 shown, in which the cam 12 in such a position that the second Locking means 6 is in the release state.

The configuration of the second locking means 6 as nearby the plunger 4 arranged stroke limitation prevents this Occurrence of a tilting moment on the actuator 3 improper or violent influence on the part of the user the actuator 3. In particular if the Actuating element 7 in the second switching position according to FIG. 3 is located, with which the second locking means 6 its Takes lock state, is a tilting of the actuator 3rd excluded because the actuator 3 is firmly attached to the cam 12, which is located at the lower part of the housing 2, is present. An overcoming of the locked state and an unwanted one Advancing the actuator 3 in the second Actuating position is thus effectively prevented. This Effectiveness can be improved even more by that Cam element 11 as a centrally surrounding the tappet 4 Cam ring is formed, which in particular with reference to FIG. 3 to 5 is recognizable. Otherwise, the first Switch position of the actuating element 7 according to FIG. 4 Tilting of the actuator 3 effectively prevented by there the cam 12 additionally on a web 19 which in Actuator 3 is molded, is present.

As shown in Fig. 1, the actuator 7 in a carrier part 16 connected to the housing 2 be movable. Of course it can Actuator 7 also as a separately to be assembled Part only in the handle 21 of the electric hand tool 20 be stored.

The actuating element 7 is a slide 17 with three Rest positions formed. As in particular from Fig. 2 in more detail shows where the second switch position of the Actuator 7 with continuous lines and the further switching positions of the actuating element 7 are shown in dashed lines, are the first Switch position for the actuator 7 from the middle Rest position and the second and third switching position of the two side locking positions. One here Detent spring, not shown, acts with a in Fig. 2nd visible approach 18 on the actuator 7 for the Definition of the rest positions together.

Of course, the actuating element 7 can also be used as Swivel lever or the like. 8 and 9 is as a further embodiment, a setting wheel 27 as Actuating element for switching the two locking means 5, 6 shown. The adjusting wheel 27 is in the handle 21 of the Electric hand tool 20 rotatably mounted. The setting wheel 27 has three rest positions, which by the interaction a catch spring 28 visible in FIG. 9 with a shoulder 18 of the setting wheel 27 are fixed. At these rest positions are again the three switch positions of the Adjusting wheel 27. On the adjusting wheel 27 there are function symbols 29 attached which the respective switching position characterize. There is a window in the handle 21 30, so that the switch position taken assigned function symbol 30 is visible to the user.

The invention is not based on that described and illustrated Embodiment limited. Rather, it includes everyone professional training within the scope of the claims. So an electrical switch that with two interacting according to the invention Locking equipment is not only equipped Electric hand tools are used, but also in Household appliances, garden tools or other electrical appliances find advantageous use.

Reference numeral list:

1:

electrical switch

2:

casing

3:

actuator

4:

tappet

5:

first blocking agent

6:

second blocking agent

7:

actuator

8th:

Approach (from the first blocking agent)

9:

Stop (from the first locking device)

10:

Backdrop (in the actuator)

11:

Cam element (from the second locking means)

12:

Cams (on the cam element)

13:

Stop (from the second locking device)

14:

Pin (on the actuator)

15:

Fork (on cam element)

16:

Carrier part (for actuating element)

17:

Slide (actuator)

18:

Approach (on the actuator)

19:

web

20:

Electric hand tool

21:

handle

22.23:

Contact system

24:

circuit board

25:

potentiometer

26:

arrow

27:

thumbwheel

28:

detent spring

29:

function icon

30:

window

Claims (9)

1. Electrical switch for adjusting the speed of an electric motor in an electric appliance, such as in a power tool (20) or the like, with a moving actuating member (3), the actuating member (3) being movable from a starting position into actuation positions, in particular into a first and a second actuation position in which a respective function of the switch (1) can be triggered and blocking means which can be switched between a blocked state for blocking the movement of the actuating member (3) and an enabling state to enable the movement of the actuating member (3) being associated with the switch (1), characterised in that a first blocking means (5) acts on the actuating member (3) in the starting position, in that a second blocking means (6) acts on the actuating member (3) in the first actuation position, and in that an actuating element (7) with three switch positions is associated with the switch (1) for switching over the two blocking means (5, 6), the first blocking means (5) being in the blocked state in the first switch position, the first blocking means (5) being in the enabling state and the second blocking means (6) being in the blocked state in the second switch position, and both blocking means (5, 6) being in the enabling state in the third switch position.
2. Electrical switch according to claim 1, characterised in that the movement of the actuating member (3) can be transferred to act on the switch (1) by means of a plunger (4), in particular for triggering the functions of the switch (1) in the actuation positions, in that the first blocking means (5) is preferably located in the vicinity of the actuating member (3), and in that the second blocking means (6) is also preferably located in the vicinity of the plunger (4).
3. Electrical switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first blocking means (5) is designed in the manner of closing lock-out for the actuating member (3) and the second blocking means (6) is designed in the manner of a connection lock-out for the actuating member (3), in that a link (10) for guiding a portion of the first blocking means (5) is located on the upper side of the actuating member (3), and in that approximately in the centre or beyond the centre the plunger (4) is also preferably arranged on the actuating member (3) facing the lower side of the actuating member (3), a portion of the second blocking means (6) in particular being arranged centrally on the plunger (4).
4. Electrical switch according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the actuating member (3) designed by way of example as a linearly moving button is movably arranged on a housing (2) of the switch (1), in that the plunger (4) transmits the movement of the actuating member (3) into the housing (2) and in that the plunger (4) preferably acts on at least one electrical component, such as a contact system (22, 23), potentiometer (25) or the like located in the housing (2).
5. Electrical switch according to claim 4, characterised in that two contact systems (22, 23), optionally a potentiometer (25) and optionally electronics for adjusting the speed, in particular for adjusting the speed of the electric motor, are located in the housing (2), in that the plunger (4) does not act on the two contact systems (22, 23) in the starting position of the actuating member (3), in that in the first actuation position there is a switching effect of the plunger (4) on the first contact system (22), in particular for switching on the voltage for the electronics and optionally an effect on the potentiometer (25) to adjust a variable, preferably controlled speed of the electric motor in accordance with the movement position of the actuating member (3), and in that in the second actuation position there is a switching effect of the plunger (4) on the second contact system (23), in particular for bridging the electronics for the maximum and optionally uncontrolled speed of the electric motor.
6. Electrical switch according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the actuating element (7) can only be switched over in the starting position of the actuating member (3), in that the first blocking means (5) preferably consists of a lug (8) actively connected to the actuating element (7) and in particular formed integrally with the actuating element (7) and a corresponding stop (9) arranged on the actuating member (3), in such a way that in the starting position in the blocked state the lug (8) comes to rest on the stop (9) and in the enabling state can be moved laterally past the stop (9), in particular in the link (10) in the actuating member (3) and in that the second blocking means (6) is also preferably designed as a travel limiter for the actuating member (3), in such a way that the travel of the actuating member (3) is limited in the blocked state to the first actuation position and is enabled in the enabling state for further movement into the second actuation position.
7. Electrical switch according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the travel limiter consists of a cam element (11) movably arranged on the housing (2) with at least one cam (12), in particular made of a cam ring centrally surrounding the plunger (4), and at least one corresponding stop (13) attached to the actuating member (3) in such a way that in the first actuation position in the blocked state the stop (13) comes to rest on the cam (12) and in the enabling state can be moved laterally past the cam (12), the cam element (11) preferably being movable between the blocked state and the enabling state by means of a pin (14) engaging in particular in a fork (15) attached to the cam element (11), arranged on the actuating element (7).
8. Electrical switch according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the actuating element (7) is designed as a slide (17), pivoted lever, adjusting wheel (27) or the like with three latching positions, a latching spring (28) preferably cooperating with a lug (18) on the actuating element (7) for fixing the latching positions, in that the first switch position is also preferably formed for the actuating element (7) by the middle latching position and the second and third switch positions are formed by one of the two lateral latching positions respectively, and in that a function symbol (29) visible in the respective switch position and characterising this switch position is also preferably applied to the actuating element (7).
9. Electrical switch according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the actuating element (7) is movably mounted in a carrier part (16) connected to the housing (2).

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