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EP 1 055 243 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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26.10.2005 Bulletin 2005/43 |
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Date of filing: 02.12.1999 |
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International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01H 13/64 |
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International application number: |
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PCT/IB1999/001921 |
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International publication number: |
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WO 2000/036619 (22.06.2000 Gazette 2000/25) |
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A SWITCHING ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A CONTACT-BEARING LAMINA APT TO BE INCLINED TOWARDS
ONE OR MORE POSITIONS
SCHALTERANORDNUNG MIT EINER AUF EINE ODER MEHRERE STELLUNGEN NEIGBAREN KONTAKTTRAGENDEN
PLATTE
DISPOSITIF DE COMMUTATION POURVU D'UNE LAMELLE PORTEUSE DE CONTACTS ET POUVANT S'INCLINER
VERS UN OU PLUSIEURS POINTS
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Designated Contracting States: |
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AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
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Priority: |
15.12.1998 IT MI982697
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Date of publication of application: |
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29.11.2000 Bulletin 2000/48 |
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Proprietor: T.E.R. Tecno Elettrica Ravasi S.r.l. |
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23887 Olgiate Molgora (IT) |
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Inventor: |
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- DIELEMAN, Jan, Pieter
NL-5632 BH Eindhoven (NL)
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Representative: Monti, Rinaldo et al |
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c/o Ufficio Internazionale Brevetti
Ing. C. Gregorj
Via Dogana 1 20123 Milano 20123 Milano (IT) |
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References cited: :
EP-A- 0 011 413 DE-A- 3 701 994 US-A- 3 005 055
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DE-A- 2 132 658 DE-C- 583 736 US-A- 4 048 455
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Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
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Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a two or three position switch, in particular for
controlling the two speeds of a number of different apparatus.
[0002] The invention finds particular application in two or three position switches, for
example in a pendant pushbutton for controlling two different functions of an electric
motor, especially for controlling an overhead travelling crane either in one direction
or in an opposite direction, for raising and lowering a load, and so forth.
Background Art
[0003] Conventional prior switches for the above mentioned applications are invariably based
on one and the same principle, i.e. that of providing a bridge consisting of a metal
plate having two contacts which engage two other stationary contacts thereby creating
an electrical connection between them in order to actuate a relay. If then an electric
motor is to be controlled in order for it to provide two different speeds, then the
number of the already numerous components is doubled. Document US 3 005 055 discloses
a device according to the preamble of claim 1.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0004] Object of the invention is to provide a switch having a novel structure and arrangement
of its components in such a manner as to drastically reduce be it the number of said
components, be it the time for producing, assembling and wiring said switch.
[0005] Another object is to provide a novel switch maintaining the said advantages and features
which can easily be employed to provide a two-position and tw-way switch, having either
one or two control pushbuttons, in which each pushbutton can controll, for example,
two relays connected to a two-speed electric motor.
[0006] A further object of the invention is to provide such a switch having a very simple
and reliable structure, which can be used both in industrial and in civil applications.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0007] The above mentiond objects are all achieved by a switch according to the present
invention, which will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of the novel operating principle on which is based the
novel switching arrangement according to the instant invention for commutating a switch
having two sequential closed conditions of its contacts;
Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are, respectively, a top plan view, a front elevation view and
a side elevation view showing schematically the main construction of a double switching
arrangement, having a biassing spring as shown in Figures 2B and 2C, for switching
from an inactive or open condition to two active or closed conditions of different
contacts, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a front elevation view illustrating the double switching arrangement of
Figures 2, in its inactive or open condition, the biassing spring not being shown
in order to allow all the contacts to be seen;
Figure 4 is a front elevation view illustrating the double switching arrangement of
Figure 3, in its first actuating condition, according to the present invention;
Figure 5 is a front elevation view illustrating the double switching arrangement of
Figure 3, in its second actuating condition, according to the present invention;
Figure 6 is a side elevation view illustrating the double switching arrangement of
Figure 3, in its inactive or open condition;
Figure 7 is a side elevation view illustrating the double switching arrangement of
Figure 4, in its first actuating condition, according to the present invention;
Figure 8 is a side elevation view illustrating the double switching system according
to Figure 5, in its second actuating condition, according to the present invention;
Figure 9 illustrates an electric locking function should two control pushbuttons,
controlling two opposite functions, be pressed simultaneously;
Figures 10A to 10D illustrate an application of the switching arrangement to a safety
switch in which the deactivation of an apparatus is achieved be it by releasing the
control pushbutton, be it by applying an anomalous pressure to said control pushbutton;
Figures 11 and 12 are exploded perspective views, from the top and bottom, respectively,
of a particular constructional embodiment of the switch as schematically shown in
Figures 3 to 8;
Figure 13 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a switch made according
to the arrangement shown in Figures 3 to 9;
Figures 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views, taken along the lines V-V and R-R,
respectively, of Figure 13, of the switch in its open condition corresponding to Figures
3 and 6;
Figures 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views, taken along the lines V-V and R-R,
respectively, of Figure 13, of the switch in the first actuating position corresponding
to Figures 4 and 7; and
Figures 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views, taken along the lines V-V and R-R,
respectively, of Figure 13, of the switch in its second actuating position corresponding
to Figures 5 and 8.
[0008] With reference to Figure 1, the novel basic concept of a switching arrangement providing
the possibility of switching at two sequential connecting positions relying on a single
pushbutton which can be lowered to two different lowered positions will be disclosed
hereinafter.
[0009] Figure 1 schematically shows a contact-bearing plate P made of an electrically conductive
material and having a pentagonal shape, to which plate a power supply conductor is
directly coupled, and which bears two movable contacts C3, C4, on its bottom surface.
Said plate P is suported by a spring M which at its bottom end is coupled to a fixed
base B. As a force F is applied on the plate P at a point between the movable contact
C3 and the spring, the plate P will be tilted leftwards to bring the movable contact
C3 to engage with the stationary contact C1, thereby providing an electric contact
between the conductor A and stationary contact C1 which will be suitably coupled to
an apparatus to be controlled. By increasing the value of the force F, the mentioned
contacts C3 and C1 will remain engaged one with the other and, moreover, also the
contacts C4 and C2 remain engaged, since the right end of said plate will also be
lowered to such an extent so as to bring the movable contact C4 in engagement with
the stationary contact C2 suitably connected to a second apparatus.
[0010] At this point it becomes evident that the herein schematically disclosed arrangement
is suitable for numerous applications, both of the industrial and civil type, for
example for making switches for controlling two-speed motors in their two rotational
directions.
[0011] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show a subsequent development step of a switch of this type,
again schematically shown for better illustrating its operating principle. Differently
from what is illustrated in Figure 1, here is shown a plate P also of pentagonal shape,
which can be operated by two pushbuttons P1 and P2, on which plate there are provided
two top stationay contacts CF1 and CF3 which are electrically connected by a conductor
K, and under which plate P there are provided three bottom stationary contacts CF4,
CF6, CF5 substantially arranged at the vertices of a triangle. On and under said plate
P are moreover provided double movable contacts CM1 and CM3 and a single movable contact
CM2 (see Figure 2C), at a position vertically aligned with the respective top stationary
contacts CF1, CF3 and bottom stationary contacts CF4, CF6, CF5, each double movable
contact passing through the plate P; all the movable contacts CM1, CM2 and CM3 are
electrically connected, for example by strips of an electroconductive material integral
with said plate P which in this case serves exclusively as an insulating support.
[0012] From what above with respect to Figure 1, it is evident that a first lowering of
the pushbutton P1 (Figure 2B) will cause the movable contact CM3 to become disengaged
from the top stationary contact CF3, thereby engaging the bottom stationary contact
CF6, while the movable contact CM1 will remain engaged with the top stationary contact
CF1. By further lowering the pushbutton P1, the plate P will rotate around an axis
passing through CM1 and CM3, to lower the opposite vertex so as to engage the movable
contact CM2 with the stationary contact CF5, while the movable contact CM1 will remain
in engagement with the stationary contact CF1, and the movable contact CM3, that had
been shifted in engagement with the stationary contact CF6, will remain in engaged
condition.
[0013] Likewise, a first lowering of the pushbutton P2 will cause the movable contact CM1
to disengage from the stationary top contact CF1 to engage the bottom stationary contact
CF4, while the movable contact CM3 will remain in engagement with the top stationary
contact CF3. By further lowering the pushbutton P2, also in this case the movable
contact CM2 will engage the stationary contact CF5, while the movable contact CM3
will remain in engagement with the top stationary contact CF3, and the movable contact
CM1, that had been shifted in engagement with the bottom stationary contact CF4, will
remain in this engaged condition.
[0014] This can be more clearly seen in Figures 3 to 8, showing the shifting steps of the
movable contacts and the circuity with the apparatus to be controlled, for example
relays.
[0015] Figures 3 and 6 show a schematic view of the switching arrangement, in an open or
inactive condition thereof, capable of controlling, for example, the two speeds of
a motor, through relays: more specifically, a relay R3, figure 4, controlling a first
function, for example, the first speed of the motor, for causing an apparatus, such
as a movable crane, to advance; a relay R2, Figure 5, controlling a second function,
for example the second speed of the motor, for causing the apparatus to advance or
move backwards; a relay R1, indicated with its related circuit by dashed lines in
figure 3, controlling a function alternative to that of the relay R3, for example
the first speed of the motor for causing said apparatus to move backwards. In Figures
6, 7 and 8, in order to simplify the illustrations, the relays have not been shown.
[0016] As already stated, Figures 3 and 6 show the switching arrangement in its open condition,
in which the movable contacts CM1, CM2 and CM3 are physically disconnected from the
related stationary contacts CF4, CF5 and CF6, thus not feeding any of the relays R1,
R2, R3, since the latter are fed by the power supply clamp M1.
[0017] As a first pressure F1 is applied to the pushbutton P1 (Figures 4 and 7), the movable
contact CM3, Figures 4 and 7, becomes disengaged from the stationary contact CF3 and
engeges the stationary contact CF6 thereby supplying power to the relay R3, i.e. causing
an electric current to flow from the clamp M1 to the stationary contact CF6 and, consequently,
to the relay R3, through the conductive strips connecting the movable contacts CM1,
CM2 and CM3; thus, the so energized relay R3 will provide in this case, for example,
the first advancing speed of the apparatus driven by said motor.
[0018] By subsequently applying to the pushbutton P1 a greater force F2 (Figures 5 and 8),
the movable contact CM2 will become engaged with the stationary contact CF5, thereby
creating a further closed circuit, simultaneously to the one defined above, shown
in Figures 4 and 7, namely the relay R2 which energizes a second winding of the electric
motor to provide a second speed to the apparatus driven by said motor.
[0019] With reference to Figure 9, it must be pointed out thanks to this specifically designed
novel construction of the switch, by simultaneously pressing the two pushbuttons P1
and P2, and consequently applying two simultaneous forces F1 and F3, the power supply
clamp M1 will become electrically disconnected, thereby opening the circuits connected
to the relays R1, R2 and R3. Thus, this "electric locking" function will prevent two
relays associated with opposite movements (R1, R3) from being simultaneously actuated,
it not being possible to perform such opposite movements, for example in the case
of a motor the two rotational directions of which are controlled by two relays.
[0020] What described above also holds good, in an analogous manner, when the pushbutton
P2 is actuated through the force F1 to energize the relay R1 so as to provide a first
driving speed, in a direction opposite to that provided by the relay R3 to the apparatus
controlled by said motor, or through greater force F2 to energize the relay R2 so
as to provide a second driving speed to the apparatus controlled by said motor.
[0021] For example, Figure 10A shows a top plan view of the same switch as that of Figure
2A which differs with regard to the operation points of the pushbuttons P1 and P2;
and Figure 10B shows a schematic view of the switch in its open condition.
[0022] A first pressure F1 applied to the pushbutton P1 (Figure 10C) will cause the closure
of the electric circuit of the relay R2 passing through the power supply clamps M1
and M2. A further pressure F2 applied to the pushbutton P1 (Figure 10D), having varied
the application point of the driving force, i.e. by causing the pushbuttons P1 and
P2 to move towards the spring M, will disengage the plate P from the clamp M1, thereby
deactivating the relay R2.
[0023] Such a variation can find application in some safety switches, which serve to deactivate
a given apparatus (in this specific case controlled by the relay R2) when the switch
is released (as schematically shown in Figure 10B), or when an anomalous pressure
is applied to the actuator (which case is schematically shown in Figure 10D).
[0024] Figures 11 and 12 show an exploded view of the switch, as seen from the top and from
the bottom, respectively, made according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
as shown in Figures 3 through 9, in which the pentagonal plate P is made, from the
constructional view point, by using two components assembled one onto the other. More
specifically, the switch consists of a base 10 having an inner cavity in which is
fitted a cylindric coil spring M passing through a hole 11 of an intermediate cover
element 12 projecting from the latter. On the top surface of the intermediate cover
12 are mounted: two bottom stationary contacts CF4, CF6, equal to each other, connected
to clamps M1, M3; the stationary contact CF5 connected to clamp M3; as well as the
clamp M4 into which will be inserted a terminal 29 of an element 28 forming a common
top contact CF1 to CF3. Said common contact element CF1 to CF3 is housed on the bottom
of the cavity of the top cap 13. A contact-bearing element 18 made of electroconductive
metal having three arms 19, 20, 21 bearing, respectively, the movable contacts CM1,
CM3, CM2 is provided. Said contact-bearing element 18 is supported by a plastic carrier
element 16, having two arms 43 and 44 slightly radially offset with respect to the
arms 19, 20, 21 of the contact-bearing element 18. Carrier 16 presents a central disc-like
hub 17 integral with the two arms 43 and 44, said hub 17 supporting the spring M.
Hub 17 is joined to the contact-bearing element 18 by means of a screw 45 engaged
in a hole 46 of element 18. The contact-bearing element 18 and the carrier element
16 operate together acting as the plate P of the previous figures. On the ends of
said arms 43 and 44 bear the bottom ends of two control pushbuttons P1 and P2 having
two overlapping slots 38 and 39 so that the precision sliding of the pushbuttons through
the holes 40 is contrasted by said slots 38 and 39, as well as by two springs 30 urging
rollers 31 inserted in suitable recesses formed in the top cap 13, which rollers 31
laterally engage the slots of the pushbuttons P1 and P2 so that as the first hindering
slot is engaged, the user will feel this as the reaching of a first operating position
of the pushbuttons, whereas the reaching of the second hindering slot is perceived,
as the reaching of the second operating position of the control pushbuttons. Above
the top cap 13 a pressing plate 32 overlapped by a sealing rubber sleeve 52 is arranged.
[0025] In said control pushbuttons P1 and P2 are assembled springs 50 for optimizing the
electric operation of the switch when the outer buttons 51 are actuated.
[0026] The force F1 is applied to the pushbutton P1 through the spring 50 inside said pushbutton,
which spring is pressed by the outer button 51. The suitable selection of the dimensions
of the spring 50 allows the plate P, bearing the movable contacts CM1, CM2 and CM3,
to reach in a correct and stable manner the different operating positions of the switch,
the reaching of any intermediate position being prevented. In order to complete and
close the assembly of the switch, two screws 42 locking with one another the base
10, the intermediate cover 12 and the top cap 13 are used.
1. An electric switching arrangement, comprising two bottom stationary contacts (C1,
C2), an electroconductive plate (P), bearing two movable contacts (C3, C4) and being
supported by a spring (M) at an intermediate position between said two movable contacts
(C3, C4), and a control pushbutton adapted to apply a driving force (F) to said plate
(P) at a position variable between a point substantially aligned with one (C3) of
said movable contacts and said spring (M), whereby said movable contact (C3), upon
said pushbutton being lowered by a force (F) into a first position, is brought into
contact with one of said bottom stationary contacts (C1) characterised in that, upon a further lowering of said pushbutton, the other movable contact (C4) is brought
into contact with the second bottom stationary contact (C2).
2. An electric switching arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two top stationary contacts (CF1, CF3), arranged on at least
two vertices of an isosceles triangle; three intermediate movable double contacts
(CM1, CM2, CM3), arranged at the vertices of said isosceles triangle, supported by
at least one plate (P) bearing said movable contacts,plate (P) being urged by a spring
(M); three bottom stationary contacts (CF4, CF5, CF6), arranged at the vertices of
said isosceles triangle; and two control pushbuttons (P1, P2) for applying a lowering
force (F) at a point substantially aligned, on a single axis, with two respective
movable contacts (CM1 and CM3), respectively, each of said two control pushbuttons
(P1, P2) being able to apply a pressure to said plate (P), bearing said movable contacts
(CM1, CM2, CM3), at a position between said spring (M) and one of said side movable
contacts (CM1, CM3), arranged on the base of said triangle, one or said two side movable
contacts (CM1 or CM3), upon the lowering of either one or the other of said control
pushbuttons (P1 or P2) to a first position, holding at the same time a first top stationary
contact (CF1 or CF3) in engagement with a corresponding first movable contact (CM1
or CM3) and bringing a second opposite movable contact (CM3 or CM1) in engagement
with a second bottom stationary contact (CF6 or CF4), whilst, upon a further lowering
of said control pushbutton (P1 or P2) to a second position, a third movable contact
(CM2) is moved in engagement with a third bottom stationary contact (CF5), holding
at the same time said stationary top contact (CF1) in engagement with the first movable
contact (CM1), whilst a simultaneous application of forces (F1 and F3) to the two
control pushbuttons (P1 and P2) causes the electric circuit to be opened.
3. An electric switching arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two top stationary contacts (CF1, CF3), arranged on at least
two vertices of an isosceles triangle; three intermediate movable double contacts
(CM1, CM2, CM3), arranged at the vertices of said isosceles triangle, and supported
by at least one plate (P) bearing said movable contacts, plate (P) being urged by
a spring (M); three bottom stationary contacts (CF4, CF5, CF6), arranged at the vertices
of said isosceles triangle; and two control pushbuttons (P1, P2) for applying a first
lowering force (F1) at a point between the spring (M) and a respective movable contact
(CM1 and CM3), each said control pushbutton (P1, P2) being able to apply a pressure
to said plate (P), bearing said movable contacts (CM1, CM2, CM3), at a position between
said spring (M) and one of said side movable contacts (CM1, CM3), arranged on the
base of said triangle, one of said two side movable contacts (CM1 or CM3), upon the
lowering of either one or the other of said control pushbuttons (P1 or P2) to a first
position, holding at the same time a first top stationary contact (CF1 or CF3) in
engagement with a corresponding first movable contact (CM1 or CM3) and biassing a
second opposite movable contact (CM1 or CM3) to become in engagement with a second
bottom stationary contact (CF6 or CF4), whereas, by a further lowering of said control
pushbutton (P1 or P2) due to a greater force (F2) into a second lowering position,
both said movable contacts (CM1 and CM3) are disengaged from the top stationary contacts
(CF1 and CF3), opening at the same time the electric circuit.
4. An electric switch arrangement according to Claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a base (10) having an inner hollow in which is arranged a cylindric
coil spring (M) passing through a hole (11) of an intermediate cover (12) and projecting
therefrom, on the top surface of the intermediate cover (12) being mounted two bottom
side stationary contacts (CF4, CF6), each ending with clamps (M1, M3); a stationary
contact (CF5) connected to a related clamp (M3); and a clamp (M4) in which is inserted
a terminal (29) of an element (28) forming a top common contact (CF1 - CF3), said
common contact element (CF1 - CF3) being housed on the bottom of the cavity of a top
cap (13); a contact-bearing element (18), made of electroconductive metal having three
arms (19, 20, 21) and bearing the respective movable contacts (CM1, CM3, CM2), being
provided, said contact-bearing element (18) being supported by a plastic carrier element
(16) having two arms (43 and 44) slightly radially offset with respect to the arms
(19, 20 and 21) of the contact-bearing element (18); said carrier element (16) having
a central disc-like hub (17) integral with the arms (43 and 44) and supporting the
spring (M) and operating as a joining element through a screw (45) engaged in a hole
(46) of the contact-bearing element (18), said screw (45) engaging itself in the disc-like
hub (17) of the carrier element (15), the ends of said two arms (43 and 44) supporting
the bottom ends of two control pushbuttons (P1 and P2) having two overlapping slots
(38, 39), the precision sliding of said pushbuttons through the holes (40) being contrasted
by the slots (38, 39) and by two springs (30) urging suitable rollers (31), inserted
in suitable recesses formed in the top cap (13), which rollers laterally engage the
slots (38, 39)of the pushbuttons (P1, P2) for contrasting a displacement of said control
pushbutton so that, as a first hindering slot is engaged, a user will feel this as
the reaching of a first operating position of the pushbuttons, whereas the reaching
of the second hindering slot is perceived as the reaching of the second operating
position of the control pushbuttons, a press plaque (32) overlapped by a sealing rubber
sleeve (52) being arranged above the top cap (13), the assembly being closed by two
screws (42) locking with one another said base (10), the intermediate cover (12) and
the top cap (13).
1. Elektrische Schaltanordnung, mit zwei unteren stationären Kontakten (C1,C2), einer
elektrisch leitenden Platte (P), die zwei bewegbare Kontakte (C3,C4) trägt und an
einer zwischen den beiden bewegbaren Kontakten (C3,C4) gelegenen Position von einer
Feder (M) abgestützt ist, und einem Steuer-Druckknopf, der geeignet ist zum Aufbringen
einer Antriebskraft (F) auf die Platte (P) an einer Position, die zwischen einem im
Wesentlichen mit einem (C3) der bewegbaren Kontakte ausgerichteten Punkt und der Feder
(M) variierbar ist, wobei der bewegbare Kontakt (C3), wenn der Druckknopf durch eine
Kraft (F) in eine erste Position nach unten bewegt wird, in Kontakt mit einem der
unteren stationären Kontakte (C1) gebracht wird,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass bei einer weiteren Abwärtsbewegung des Druckknopfs der andere bewegbare Kontakt (C4)
in Kontakt mit dem zweiten unteren stationären Kontakt (C2) gebracht wird.
2. Elektrische Schaltanordnung nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet durch mindestens zwei obere stationäre Kontakte (CF1,CF3), die an mindestens zwei Spitzen
eines gleichschenkligen Dreiecks angeordnet sind; drei mittlere bewegbare Doppelkontakte
(CM1,CM2,CM3), die an den Spitzen des gleichschenkligen Dreiecks angeordnet sind und
die an mindestens einer Platte (P) gehalten sind, welche die bewegbaren Kontakte trägt,
wobei die Platte (P) von einer Feder (M) druckbeaufschlagt ist; drei untere stationäre
Kontakte (CF4,CF5, CF6), die an den Spitzen des gleichschenkligen Dreiecks angeordnet
sind; und zwei Steuer-Druckknöpfe (P1,P2) zum Aufbringen einer Abwärtsbewegungskraft
(F) an einem Punkt, der an einer einzigen Achse mit zwei jeweiligen bewegbaren Kontakten
(CM1 und CM3) im Wesentlichen ausgerichtet ist, wobei jeder der beiden Steuer-Druckknöpfe
(P1,P2) in der Lage ist, einen Druck auf die die bewegbaren Kontakte (CM1, CM2,CM3)
tragende Platte (P) an einer Position aufzubringen, die zwischen der Feder (M) und
einem der an der Basis des Dreiecks angeordneten seitlichen bewegbaren Kontakte (CM1,CM3)
gelegen ist, wobei einer der beiden seitlichen bewegbaren Kontakte (CM1 oder CM3)
bei der Abwärtsbewegung des einen oder des anderen der Steuer-Druckknöpfe (P1 oder
P2) in eine erste Position gleichzeitig einen ersten oberen stationären Kontakt (CF1
oder CF3) in Zusammengriff mit einem entsprechenden ersten bewegbaren Kontakt (CM1
oder CM3) hält und einen zweiten, gegenüberliegenden bewegbaren Kontakt (CM3 oder
CM1) in Zusammengriff mit einem zweiten unteren stationären Kontakt (CF6 oder CF4)
bringt, während bei einer weiteren Abwärtsbewegung des Steuer-Druckknopfs (P1 oder
P2) in eine zweite Position ein dritter beweglicher Kontakt (CM2) in Zusammengriff
mit einem dritten unteren stationären Kontakt (CF5) gebracht wird, wobei gleichzeitig
der stationäre obere Kontakt (CF1) in Zusammengriff mit dem ersten bewegbaren Kontakt
(CM1) gehalten wird, während eine gleichzeitige Aufbringung von Kräften (F1 und F3)
auf die beiden Steuer-Druckknöpfe (P1 und P2) ein Öffnen der elektrischen Schaltung
verursacht.
3. Elektrische Schaltanordnung nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet durch mindestens zwei obere stationäre Kontakte (CF1,CF3), die an mindestens zwei Spitzen
eines gleichschenkligen Dreiecks angeordnet sind; drei mittlere bewegbare Doppelkontakte
(CM1,CM2,CM3), die an den Spitzen des gleichschenkligen Dreiecks angeordnet sind und
die an mindestens einer Platte (P) gehalten sind, welche die bewegbaren Kontakte trägt,
wobei die Platte (P) von einer Feder (M) druckbeaufschlagt ist; drei untere stationäre
Kontakte (CF4,CF5,CF6), die an den Spitzen des gleichschenkligen Dreiecks angeordnet
sind; und zwei Steuer-Druckknöpfe (P1,P2) zum Aufbringen einer ersten Abwärtsbewegungskraft
(F) an einem zwischen der Feder (M) und einem jeweiligen bewegbaren Kontakt (CM1 und
CM3) gelegenen Punkt, wobei jeder Steuer-Druckknopf (P1,P2) in der Lage ist, einen
Druck auf die die bewegbaren Kontakte (CM1, CM2,CM3) tragende Platte (P) an einer
Position aufzubringen, die zwischen der Feder (M) und einem der an der Basis des Dreiecks
angeordneten seitlichen bewegbaren Kontakte (CM1, CM3) gelegen ist, wobei einer der
beiden seitlichen bewegbaren Kontakte (CM1 oder CM3) bei der Abwärtsbewegung des einen
oder des anderen der Steuer-Druckknöpfe (P1 oder P2) in eine erste Position gleichzeitig
einen ersten oberen stationären Kontakt (CF1 oder CF3) in Zusammengriff mit einem
entsprechenden ersten bewegbaren Kontakt (CM1 oder CM3) hält und einen zweiten, gegenüberliegenden
bewegbaren Kontakt (CM1 oder CM3) in Zusammengriff mit einem zweiten unteren stationären
Kontakt (CF6 oder CF4) bringt, während bei einer durch eine größere Kraft (F2) bewirkten weiteren Abwärtsbewegung des Steuer-Druckknopfs
(P1 oder P2) in eine zweite Abwärtsbewegungs-Position beide bewegbaren Kontakte (CM1
und CM3) von den oberen stationären Kontakten (CF1 und CF3) abrücken und gleichzeitig
die elektrische Schaltung öffnen.
4. Elektrische Schaltanordnung nach Anspruch 2, gekennzeichnet durch eine Basis (10) mit einem inneren Hohlraum, in dem eine zylindrische Schraubenfeder
(M) angeordnet ist, die durch ein Loch (11) einer Zwischen-Abdeckung (12) verläuft und von dieser absteht, wobei
an der oberen Fläche der Zwischen-Abdeckung (12) zwei untere seitliche stationäre
Kontakte (CF4,CF6) angeordnet sind, die jeweils mit Klemmen (M1,M3) enden; einen stationären
Kontakt (CF5), der mit einer zugehörigen Klemme (M3) verbunden ist; und eine Klemme
(M4), in die ein Anschluss (29) eines Elements (28) eingeführt ist, das einen oberen
gemeinsamen Kontakt (CF1-CF3) bildet, wobei das gemeinsame Kontaktelement (CF1-CF3)
an der Unterseite des Hohlraums einer oberen Kappe (13) angeordnet ist; wobei ein
aus elektrisch leitendem Metall ausgebildetes kontakttragendes Element (18) vorgesehen
ist, das drei Arme (19,20,21) aufweist und die jeweiligen bewegbaren Kontakte (CM1,CM2,CM3)
trägt, wobei das kontakttragende Element (18) von einem Plastik-Trägerelement (16)
gehalten ist, das zwei Arme (43 und 44) aufweist, die relativ zu den Armen (19,20,21)
des kontakttragenden Elements (18) radial leicht versetzt sind; wobei das Trägerelement
(16) eine zentrale scheibenartige Nabe (17) aufweist, die einstückig mit den Armen
(43 und 44) ausgebildet ist und die Feder (M) trägt und durch eine mit einem Loch (46) des kontakttragenden Elements (18) zusammengreifende Schraube
(45) als Verbindungselement wirkt, wobei die Schraube (45) selbst mit der scheibenartige
Nabe (17) des Trägerelements (16) zusammengreift, die Enden der beiden Arme (43 und
44) die unteren Enden zweier Steuer-Druckknöpfe (P1 und P2) tragen, die zwei überlappende
Schlitze (38,39) aufweisen, wobei der durch die Löcher (40) hindurch erfolgenden Präzisions-Gleitbewegung der Druckknöpfe von
den Schlitzen (38,39) und von zwei Federn (30) entgegengewirkt wird, die auf geeignete
Rollen (31) drücken, welche in in der oberen Kappe (13) ausgebildete geeignete Vertiefungen
eingeführt sind, wobei die Rollen seitlich in die Schlitze (38,39) der Druckknöpfe
(P1,P2) eingreifen, um einer Verschiebung des Steuer-Druckknopfs derart entgegenzuwirken,
dass, wenn ein Eingriff in einen ersten Hinderungs-Schlitz erfolgt, der Benutzer dadurch wahrnimmt, dass eine erste Betriebsposition der Druckknöpfe erreicht worden ist,
während durch das Erreichen des zweiten Hinderungs-Schlitzes das Erreichen der zweiten Betriebsposition
der Druckknöpfe wahrgenommen wird, wobei über der oberen Kappe (13) eine von einer
dichtenden GummiManschette (52) überlappend bedeckte Druck-Platte (32) angeordnet
ist und die Anordnung durch zwei Schrauben (42) geschlossen ist, mittels derer die Basis (10), die Zwischen-Abdeckung
(12) und die obere Kappe (13) miteinander verriegelt sind.
1. Dispositif de commutation électrique comprenant deux contacts fixes inférieurs (C1,
C2), une plaque électroconductrice (P), supportant deux contacts mobiles (C3, C4)
et supportée par un ressort (M) en une position intermédiaire entre lesdits deux contacts
mobiles (C3, C4), et un bouton-poussoir de commande adapté à appliquer une force d'entraînement
(F) à ladite plaque (P) à une position variable entre un point sensiblement aligné
avec l'un (C3) desdits contacts mobiles et avec ledit ressort (M), moyennant quoi
ledit contact mobile (C3), lorsque ledit bouton-poussoir est abaissé par une force
(F) dans une première position, est mis en contact avec l'un desdits contacts fixes
inférieurs (C1), caractérisé en ce que, lors d'un abaissement supplémentaire dudit bouton-poussoir, l'autre contact mobile
(C4) est mis en contact avec le deuxième contact fixe inférieur (C2).
2. Dispositif de commutation électrique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins deux contacts fixes supérieurs (CF1, CF3) disposés sur au moins
deux sommets d'un triangle isocèle; trois doubles contacts mobiles intermédiaires
(CM1, CM2, CM3) disposés sur les sommets dudit triangle isocèle et supportés par au
moins une plaque (P) supportant lesdits contacts mobiles, la plaque (P) étant poussée
par un ressort (M); trois contacts fixes inférieurs (CF4, CF5, CF6) disposés aux sommets
dudit triangle isocèle; et deux boutons-poussoirs de commande (P1, P2) permettant
d'appliquer une force d'abaissement (F) en un point sensiblement aligné sur un seul
axe avec deux contacts mobiles respectifs (CM1 et CM3), respectivement, chacun desdits
deux boutons-poussoirs de commande (P1, P2) étant capable d'appliquer une pression
sur ladite plaque (P), supportant lesdits contacts mobiles (CM1, CM2, CM3), à une
position située entre ledit ressort (M) et l'un desdits contacts mobiles latéraux
(CM1, CM3) disposés sur la base dudit triangle, l'un desdits deux contacts mobiles
latéraux (CM1 ou CM3), lors de l'abaissement de l'un ou l'autre desdits boutons-poussoirs
de commande (P1 ou P2) vers une première position, maintenant en même temps un premier
contact fixe supérieur (CF1 ou CF3) en contact avec un premier contact mobile correspondant
(CM1 ou CM3) et amenant un deuxième contact mobile opposé (CM3 ou CM1) en contact
avec un deuxième contact fixe inférieur (CF6 ou CF4), tandis que, lors d'un d'abaissement
supplémentaire dudit bouton-poussoir de commande (P1 ou P2) vers une deuxième position,
un troisième contact mobile (CM2) est déplacé en contact avec un troisième contact
fixe inférieur (CF5), maintenant en même temps ledit contact fixe supérieur (CF1)
en contact avec le premier contact mobile (CM1), alors qu'une application simultanée
de forces (F1 et F3) aux deux boutons-poussoirs de commande (P1 et P2) entraîne l'ouverture
du circuit électrique.
3. Dispositif de commutation électrique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins deux contacts fixes supérieurs (CF1, CF3) disposés sur au moins
deux sommets d'un triangle isocèle ; trois doubles contacts mobiles intermédiaires
(CM1, CM2, CM3) disposés aux sommets dudit triangle isocèle et supportés par au moins
une plaque (P) supportant lesdits contacts mobiles, la plaque (P) étant poussée par
un ressort (M); trois contacts fixes inférieurs (CF4, CF5, CF6) disposés aux sommets
dudit triangle isocèle; et deux boutons-poussoirs de commande (P1, P2) permettant
d'appliquer une première force d'abaissement (F1) en un point situé entre le ressort
(M) et un contact mobile respectif (CM1 et CM3), chacun desdits boutons-poussoirs
(P1, P2) étant capable d'appliquer une pression sur ladite plaque (P), supportant
lesdits contacts mobiles (CM1, CM2, CM3), à une position située entre ledit ressort
(M) et l'un desdits contacts mobiles latéraux (CM1, CM3) disposés sur la base dudit
triangle, l'un desdits deux contacts mobiles latéraux (CM1 ou CM3), lors de l'abaissement
de l'un ou l'autre desdits boutons-poussoirs de commande (P1 ou P2) vers une première
position, maintenant en même temps un premier contact fixe supérieur (CF1 ou CF3)
en contact avec un premier contact mobile correspondant (CM1 ou CM3) et poussant un
deuxième contact mobile opposé (CM1 ou CM3) à entrer en contact avec un deuxième contact
fixe inférieur (CF6 ou CF4), tandis que, lors d'un abaissement supplémentaire dudit
bouton-poussoir de commande (P1 ou P2) vers une deuxième position d'abaissement à
la suite de l'application d'une force supérieure (F2), lesdits deux contacts mobiles
(CM1 et CM3) sont désengagés des contacts fixes supérieurs (CF1 et CF3), ouvrant en
même temps le circuit électrique.
4. Dispositif de commutation électrique selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une base (10) présentant un volume intérieur creux dans lequel est arrangé
un ressort hélicoïdal cylindrique (M) passant à travers un trou (11) d'un couvercle
intermédiaire (12) et en saillie de celui-ci, deux contacts fixes inférieurs latéraux
(CF4, CF6) étant montés sur la surface supérieure du couvercle intermédiaire (12),
chacun de ces contacts se terminant par des pinces (Ml, M3); un contact fixe (CF5)
connecté à une pince associée (M3); et une pince (M4) dans laquelle une borne (29)
d'un élément (28) formant un contact supérieur commun (CF1 - CF3) est insérée, ledit
élément de contact commun (CF1 - CF3) étant logé sur le fond de la cavité d'un couvercle
supérieur (13); un élément de support de contacts (18), constitué d'un métal électroconducteur
comportant trois bras (19, 20, 21) et supportant les contacts mobiles respectifs (CM1,
CM3, CM2), étant prévu, ledit élément de support de contacts (18) étant supporté par
un élément de support en plastique (16) comportant deux bras (43 et 44) légèrement
décalés radialement par rapport aux bras (19, 20 et 21) de l'élément de support de
contacts (18); ledit élément de support (16) comprenant un moyeu central en forme
de disque (17) monobloc avec les bras (43 et 44) et supportant le ressort (M) et agissant
comme un élément de jonction par l'intermédiaire d'une vis (45) engagée dans un trou
(46) de l'élément de support de contacts (18), ladite vis (45) s'engageant elle-même
dans le moyeu en forme de disque (17) de l'élément de support (16), les extrémités
desdits deux bras (43 et 44) supportant les extrémités inférieures de deux boutons-poussoirs
de commande (P1 et P2) comportant deux fentes superposées (38, 39), le coulissement
précis desdits boutons-poussoirs à travers les trous (40) étant gêné par les fentes
(38, 39) et par deux ressorts (30) poussant des rouleaux appropriés (31), insérés
dans des évidements adéquats formés dans le couvercle supérieur (13), lesdits rouleaux
s'engageant latéralement dans les fentes (38, 39) des boutons-poussoirs (P1, P2) pour
gêner un déplacement dudit bouton-poussoir de commande de telle sorte que, lorsqu'une
première fente d'obstruction est engagée, un utilisateur aura la sensation d'avoir
atteint une première position des boutons-poussoirs, alors que le fait d'atteindre
la deuxième fente d'obstruction est perçu comme la sensation d'avoir atteint la deuxième
position opérationnelle des boutons-poussoirs de commande, une plaque de serrage (32)
recouverte par un manchon isolant en caoutchouc (52) étant prévue au-dessus du couvercle
supérieur (13), l'ensemble étant fermé par deux vis (42) verrouillant les uns avec
les autres ladite base (10), le couvercle intermédiaire (12) et le couvercle supérieur
(13).