EP3427282A1 - Device and method for actuating mechanical switching means - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are devices and methods for actuating a switching means (SM) using a flexible actuation element having a non-actuating form (4) without actuating the switching means (SM) and an actuating form (6) for actuating the switching means (SM).

Description

 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR

 OPERATION OF MECHANICAL SWITCHES

The present invention relates to the field of mechanical buttons and switches, and more particularly to devices and methods for the operation thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mechanical buttons and switches are usually intended to be operated by a person, usually by means of a finger or a hand, but also by foot. However, it may be necessary to use mechanical buttons and switches by technical means, for example in the context of functional tests of the button / switch and / or test a device with the button / switch. An example of this are so-called e-cigarettes. There are e-cigarettes in which by means of a button (also called fire button) the evaporation process started (button pressed by the smoker / user) and finished (button is not pressed by the smoker / user). As with conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are also subjected to automated tests in order to detect, for example, substances released via the mouthpiece. In the case of the aforementioned e-cigarettes with a button, it is necessary to be able to actuate the button by means of a technical means.

TASK

The present invention has for its object to provide a solution for easy and inexpensive operation of a button or switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by devices and methods according to the independent claims. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuator, Figs. 3 and 4 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuator,

5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with two actuators,

6 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with two actuators,

7 and 8 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuating element, which is arranged in a receptacle with receiving cavity,

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with an actuator disposed in a receptacle with receiving cavity, and

10 and 11 an e-cigarette push button actuator.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the figures, wherein in the figures at least substantially functionally identical elements have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, statements made for various embodiments also apply to all other embodiments, unless otherwise stated.

Furthermore, in the following buttons, switches and the like are collectively referred to as switching means. A basic idea is to actuate a switching means by means of an elastic and pneumatically and / or hydraulically deformable actuating element. The actuator may have a non-actuating form in which the actuator does not actuate the switch means and an actuator in which the actuator actuates the switch means. In its non-actuating form, the actuating element may be spaced from the switching means or contact the switching means only so that switching means is not actuated. In its operating form, the actuating element - if this was not already the case - contacted the switching means and exerts on the switching means a force which causes an actuation of the switching means.

The non-actuating form of the actuating element can be achieved by the pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure is not applied to the confirmation element, so that the switching means is not contacted at all, or is subjected to a pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure that the switching means only so is contacted, that acts on the switching means no force, which leads to an actuation of the switching means. The actuation of the actuating element can be achieved by the (a) pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure is applied to the confirmation element, so that the switching means - if this is not already the case - is contacted and acts on the switching means a force which leads to a Actuation of the switching means leads. The actuating element can be arranged in a receptacle which, for example, the

Form of an annular groove, a trained for receiving a spherical actuator element space or an elongated groove can have.

In the non-actuation form, the actuation element can be arranged completely in the receptacle (in particular in such a way that no region of the actuation element protrudes from the receptacle) or in such a way that it partially extends out of the receptacle. In both cases, the actuator is either spaced from the switching means or contacts this at best so that there is no actuation of the switching means. This also applies to cases in which the switching means at least partially protrudes into the receptacle.

In the non-actuation form, the actuation element may extend out of the receptacle far enough that an actuation of a switching means arranged outside the receptacle occurs, or be deformed in the receptacle in such a way that actuation of a switching means protruding at least partially into the receptacle occurs ,

The actuating element comprises at least one elastically deformable material, such as rubber, silicone or other special plastics. Embodiments with an actuating element are suitable, for example, for switching means which have a first switching position (eg switched off / on) and by means of the actuating element in a second switching position (eg, on / off) can be brought and the first switching position automatically / automatically occupy when the Be - actuating element, the switching means is no longer actuated or again taken the non-actuating form. For example, for this purpose (eg by means of spring force) in a first position biased button or toggle / rocker switch.

Furthermore, embodiments are provided with two actuators, in particular to actuate switching means, which also have first and second switching positions, but not take the first switching position automatically / automatically, but - as in the case of the second switching position SSt2 - to bring into this. Examples of this are toggle / rocker switches, which are biased in none of the switch positions (as they are to be found, for example, as a light switch in apartments).

In such embodiments, it is provided to bring the switching means of the first switching position SStl in the second switching position and by means of a second actuating element, the switching means of the second switching position SSt2 in the first switching position by means of a first actuating element.

The actuator may be in the form of, for example, a ring, a ball or an elongated member, each having an actuator cavity in which pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure can be built up and removed to controllably deform the actuator from the non-actuation shape to the actuation shape and back again, as well as to maintain non-actuation shape and the actuation shape.

Additionally or alternatively, a receiving cavity may be provided, which is arranged between an inner side of a receptacle for an actuating element and an outer side of the actuating element. Pneumatically and / or hydraulically, pressure may be built up and removed in the receiving cavity to controllably deform the actuating element, starting from the non-actuating form into the actuating form and back again, as well as to maintain non-actuating form and operating mode. Actuators having an actuator cavity may include a first actuator port through which pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure may be supplied from a pressure generating source, for example via a conduit or hose, into the actuator cavity. The first actuator connection may also serve to remove / reduce available in the actuator cavity of an actuator pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure. Alternatively, a second actuating element connection can be provided for this purpose, which, for example, can controllably connect the actuating element cavity to the ambient atmosphere / air.

In the case of a receiving cavity, the latter can have a first receiving port, via which pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure can be supplied from a pressure generating source, for example via a line or hose, into the actuating element cavity. The first receiving port may also serve to remove / reduce existing dramatic and / or hydraulic pressure in the actuator cavity of an actuator. Alternatively, a second receiving connection can be provided for this purpose, which, for example, can controllably connect the actuating element cavity to the ambient atmosphere / air.

The pressure generating source can be controlled by means of a control device for generating pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure and its delivery to an actuating element. Additionally or alternatively, the first port may be controlled to selectively establish or discontinue fluid communication between the pressure generating source and the actuator cavity of the actuator. In the case of a second port, it may be controlled to selectively establish or discontinue fluid communication between the actuator lumen of the actuator and the environment. 1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuating element for actuating a switching means SM, here by way of example a first switching position SStl biased button T.

Fig. 1 shows the actuating element 2 in its non-actuating form 4 and Fig. 2 shows the actuating element 2 in its operating form.

The actuating element 2 has an actuating element cavity 8.

The actuating element 2 has in its non-actuating form 4 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. Actuator 2 may have an elongate shape in its non-actuation shape 4 (ie, extend perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) or may be annular (ie, extend radially about a point in the plane of the drawing). The actuating element 2 is arranged in a receptacle and has a first actuating element connection, not shown here, which has a fluid connection between the actuating element cavity and a pressure generating source. The button T is biased, for example by means of a spring F in a first shown in Fig. 1 switching position SStl and can be moved by means of a downward force acting in the drawing plane in a second, shown in Fig. 2 switching position SSt2. The latter represents an actuation of the pushbutton T. When the actuating element cavity 8 is pressurized via the first actuating element connection, the actuating element 2 deforms from the non-actuating form 4 of FIG. 1 into the actuating form from FIG. 2 and contacts the button T and acts with a force in the direction of arrow P on the button T, whereby it is actuated, that is moved against the biasing force in the first switching position SStl.

When the pressure present in the actuating element cavity 8 is completely or at least lowered / removed via the first actuating element connection (or alternatively a second actuating element connection as stated above), the actuating element 2 returns to its non-actuating form 4 on the push button T acting force of the actuating element 2 is smaller than the force acting on the button T force of the spring, the button T moves back to the first switching position SStl.

3 and 4 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuating element 2 for actuating a switching means SM, here by way of example a first switching position SStl biased toggle / rocker switch KWS.

Fig. 3 shows the actuating element 2 in its non-actuating form 4 and Fig. 4 shows the actuating element 2 in its operating form. The actuating element 2 has an actuating element cavity 8.

The actuating element 2 has in its non-actuating form 4 has a substantially round cross-section. Actuator 2 may have an elongated shape (i.e., extend perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) or be annular (i.e., radially extend about a point in the plane of the drawing) in its non-actuating form 4.

The actuating element 2 is arranged on a receptacle 10 and has a first actuating element connection (not shown here) for a fluid connection between the actuating element cavity 8 and a pressure generating source. The tilt / rocker switch KWS is biased for example by means of a spring F in a first shown in Fig. 3 switching position SStl and can be moved by means of a downward force in the drawing plane force in a second, shown in Fig. 4 switching position SSt2. The latter represents an actuation of the tilt / rocker switch KWS.

When the actuator cavity 8 is pressurized via the first actuator terminal, the actuator 2 deforms from the non-actuator mold 4 of FIG. 3 into the actuator of FIG. 4 and contacts the tilt / rocker switches KWS and acts with a force in the direction of the arrow P on the toggle / rocker switch KWS, whereby this is actuated, ie is moved against the biasing force in the first switching position SSt2.

When the pressure present in the actuating element cavity 8 is completely or at least lowered / removed via the first actuating element connection (or alternatively a second actuating element connection as stated above), the actuating element 2 returns or returns to its non-actuating form 4 If the force of the actuating element 2 acting on the tilting / rocker switch KWS is smaller than the force of the spring acting on the tilting / tilting switch KWS, the tilting / rocker switch KWS moves back into the first switching position SSt1.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with two actuators 2a and 2b for actuating a switching means SM, here by way of example a biased in no position rocker switch WS.

5 shows the actuators 2a and 2b in their non-actuation modes 4.

The actuating elements 2a and 2b are comparable in terms of their cross-sectional shapes with the actuating elements of FIG. 1, but may in each case also have a different cross-sectional shape, for example that of FIG. 3.

The actuator 2a has an actuator cavity 8a and the actuator 2b has an actuator cavity 8b. The actuating elements 2a and 2b are each arranged in a receptacle 10a and 10b and each have a first actuating element connection, not shown here, for a fluid connection between the respective actuating element cavity 8a or 8b and a pressure generating source. The rocker switch WS can assume a first switching position SSt1 shown by a solid line in FIG. 5 and a second switching position SSt2 shown by a dashed line in FIG. 5, namely by pivoting about an axis A, as indicated by the arrow PA.

When the actuator cavity 8a of the actuator 2a is pressurized, the actuator 2a deforms from its non-actuator 4 into its actuator 6, as shown for example in Fig. 2, contacts the rocker switch WS and acts with a force in Direction of the arrow PI on the rocker switch WS, whereby this is actuated, ie is moved to the second switching position SSt2.

Depending on the design of the rocker switch WS, it may be helpful to maintain the pressure in the actuating element cavity 8a of the actuating element 2a in order to hold the rocker switch WS in the second switching position SSt2. The same applies to the Betätigungselement- cavity 8b of the actuating element 2b.

In order to bring back the rocker switch WS from the second switching position SSt2 to the first switching position SSt1, actuator cavity 8b of the actuating element 2b is pressurized, whereby the actuating element 2b from its non-actuating form 4 into its actuating form 6, such as For example, it is shown in Fig. 2, deformed, contacted the rocker switch WS and acts with a force in the direction of the arrow P2 on the rocker switch WS, whereby this is actuated, ie is moved to the first switching position SStl. In this case, it may be necessary to reduce or remove the pressure in the actuating element cavity 8a of the actuating element 2a before or at the same time as the pressure build-up in the actuating element 8b of the actuating element 2b.

6 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with two actuating elements 2a and 2b for actuating a switching means SM, here by way of example a toggle switch KS biased into no position.

Fig. 6 shows the actuators 2a and 2b in their non-operation forms.

The actuating elements 2a and 2b are similar in terms of their cross-sectional shapes with the actuating elements of FIG. 1, but may each have a different cross-sectional shape, for example, that of FIG. 3rd

The actuating elements 2a and 2b are each arranged in a receptacle 10a or 10b and each have a first Betätigungselement- connection not shown here for a Fluid communication between the respective actuator cavity 8a and 8b and a pressure generating source.

The toggle switch KS can assume a first switching position SSt1 shown by a solid line in FIG. 5 and a first switching position SSt2 shown by a dashed line in FIG. 5, namely by pivoting about an axis A, as indicated by the arrow PA ,

When the actuating element cavity 8a of the actuating element 2a is subjected to pressure, the actuating element 2a deforms from its non-actuating form 4 into its actuating form 6, as shown for example in FIG. 2, contacts the toggle switch KS and acts with one Force in the direction of the arrow PI on the toggle switch KS, whereby this is actuated, ie is moved to the first switching position SSt2. Depending on the design of the toggle switch KS, it may be helpful to maintain the pressure in the actuating element cavity 8a of the actuating element 2a in order to hold the toggle switch KS in the second switching position SSt2.

In order to bring the toggle switch KS back from the second switching position SSt2 into the first switching position SStl, actuating element cavity 8b of the actuating element 2b is pressurized, whereby the actuating element 2a moves from its non-actuating form 4 into its actuating form 6, as for example shown in Fig. 2, deformed, contacted the toggle switch KS and acts with a force in the direction of the arrow on the toggle switch KS, whereby it is actuated, ie is moved to the first switching position SStl. In this case, it may be necessary to reduce or remove the pressure in the actuating element cavity 8a of the actuating element 2a before or at the same time as the pressure build-up in the actuating element cavity 8b of the actuating element 2b.

7 and 8 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuating element, which is arranged in a receptacle 10 with receiving cavity 12. Alternatively, the actuator may further comprise an actuator cavity 8 as set forth above.

The receptacle 10 has a receiving connection 14 for a fluid connection between the receiving cavity 12 and a pressure generating source 16.

The actuating element 2 has a substantially rectangular cross-section in its non-actuating form 4 but may also have a different cross-section, for example a round. The actuator of these embodiments may have an elongate shape in its non-actuating form 4 (ie extend perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) and be secured at its ends. When the receiving cavity 12 is pressurized via the receiving port 14, the actuating element 2 deforms from the non-actuating mold 4 of Fig. 7 in the actuating mold 6 of Fig. 8. In the embodiments provided here, it may be helpful when the actuating element 2 is attached at its ends and / or other areas (eg on inner walls of the receptacle 10), so that actuator 2 is not urged out of the receptacle 10.

If the pressure present in the receiving cavity 12 is discharged / removed via the receiving port 14 (or alternatively a second receiving port as described above), the actuating element 2 may also be due to its elasticity due to a connection with an inner side of the receptacle 10 his non-actuation form 4 back.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with an actuating element 2, which is arranged in a receptacle 10 with receiving cavity 12. Alternatively, the actuator 2 may further comprise, as stated above, an actuator cavity 8.

The receptacle 10 has a receptacle port for fluid communication between the receptacle cavity 12 and a pressure generating source 16 (see, e.g., Figures 7 and 8).

The actuating element 2 has in its non-actuating form 4 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, but may also have a different cross-section, for example a round. The actuator 2 of these embodiments may be annular in its non-actuating form 4 (e.g., comparable to an O-ring).

The receiving cavity 12 is shown in only one area of the receptacle 10 as shown, but may extend like the actuating element 2 in an annular manner.

When the receiving cavity 12 is pressurized via the first receiving port, the actuating element 2 deforms from the non-actuating form 4 shown into an actuating form 6 indicated by dashed lines. Since the actuating element 2 is annular, it can be a Attachment to be omitted in the recording 10. When the pressure present in the receiving cavity 12 is released / removed, the actuating element 2 returns its non-actuating form 4 due to its elasticity.

10 and 11 show schematic views of an embodiment for actuating a button T of an e-cigarette. This embodiment comprises a substantially annular holder H with a through opening DO through which an e-cigarette EZ fits. The holder H has a means for securing the e-cigarette EZ in the holder H; As shown, a threaded pin GS is provided for this purpose, which can be screwed in to secure the E-cigarette EZ and unscrewed for releasing the same.

The holder H has a receptacle 10 for an actuating element 2 and a receiving cavity 12. In this regard, the embodiment of Figs. 10 and 11 is comparable to the embodiment of fixed point 9. Fig. 10 shows the actuator 2 in its non-actuation form 4, in which case the receiving cavity 12 is not or only so pressurized that the actuator 2 is not or only so deformed that a button T of the e-cigarette not is pressed. Fig. 11 shows the actuating element 2 in its operating form 6, wherein here the receiving cavity 12 is pressurized so that the actuating element 2 is deformed so that the button T of the e-cigarette EZ is actuated.

Claims

Actuating device for a switching means (SM), comprising  - An elastic actuating element (2, 2a, 2b) with a non-actuating form (4) without actuation of the switching means (SM) and an actuating form (6) for actuating the switching means (SM), and  - At least one of the actuating element (2, 2a, 2b) associated cavity (8; 8a, 8a; 12), which is acted upon by pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure to the actuating element (2; 2a, 2b) from the non-actuating form (4) to bring into the operating form (6). Actuating device according to claim 1, wherein  - The actuating element (2, 2a, 2b) of a receptacle (10) is arranged and  - The at least one of the actuating element (2, 2a, 2b) associated cavity (8; 8a, 8a, 12) in the receptacle (10) provided receiving cavity (12) summarizes. Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one cavity (8; 8a, 8a; 12) assigned to the actuating element (2; 2a, 2b) has an actuating element cavity (8; 8a) formed in the actuating element (2; , 8b). Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, in which the actuating element (2; 2a, 2b) is annular. Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one fluid connection from the at least one cavity (8; 8a, 8b; 12) associated with the actuating element (2; 2a, 2b) to a pressure generating source (16). Method for actuating a switching means (SM) using the device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising - Applying at least one of the actuating element associated cavity with pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure to bring the actuator from the non-actuating form in the operating form. 7. E-cigarette pushbutton actuator comprising - a holder (H) and  - An actuator according to one of the claims 1 to 5.