[0001] The present invention relates to an activating device for a sliding electrical switch,
for example for controlling the motors of an adjustable seat or other equipment present
in an automotive vehicle. The activating mechanism of sliding switches of the latest
kind usually acts on a pair of snap elements, which are also called bubbles, made
out of silicone rubber.
[0002] Particles of electro-conductive material are embedded in the silicone at pre-defined
points and, once the bubble has been "snapped'', they permit the closure of the circuits
present in the printed circuit underneath.
[0003] Switches known in the art present certain constructive details which increase the
costs, due both to a greater number of assembly operations and to the necessity for
delicate workmanship which is of a high cost.
[0004] The aim of the present invention is to produce an activating mechanism for a sliding
switch which is both reliable and cost-effective.
[0005] The above and other aims and advantages will be achieved by means of an activating
mechanism for controlling electrical devices in an automotive vehicle, which presents
the characteristics described in Claim 1.
[0006] There will now be described the structural and functional characteristics of a preferred
but nonlimiting form of embodiment of the switch according to the present invention,
with reference to the single attached drawing which shows a transverse section of
the sliding switch associated with other push switches.
[0007] With reference to the drawing, the number 1 indicates in general the external body
of a switch to be used, for example, for controlling the position of adjustable seats.
This is made up of a lid 2 and a base 3, and is provided with a control grip 4 which
can slide in both directions. The body 1 is snap fitted onto a part of the interior
compartment of an automotive vehicle (which is not illustrated). The grip 4 is mobile
between three positions, one of which is neutral and two of which are active, in order
to control, in the illustrated example, the activation in one direction or the other
of the electrical motors which are used for adjusting the various parts of the seat.
[0008] On the base 3 of the body of the switch there is a printed circuit 7 as well as connections
(which are not illustrated) for connecting it to the electrical system. An elongated
elastic element 8, called a carpet by experts in the field and made of silicone material
and provided with "bubbles'' 10, is placed on the printed circuit 7. The silicone
bubbles serve to supply the sensation of the activation of the switch. In particular,
they create a non-linear progression of force in relation to stroke, which increases
to the point where the bubble reaches an unstable geometrical condition and once this
point is surpassed the bubble collapses with a sudden decrease in force and a consequent
increase in the speed of movement of the system. In this way, the classical snap of
the switch, which is defined "snap" in the English language by experts in the field,
is created. Another function of the silicone bubbles is that of supplying compression
force to the contact elements, in particular between the contacts on the bubble and
the printed circuit 7, which is necessary for the electrical functioning of the switch.
[0009] According to the present invention, the silicone bubbles are compressed by plastic
L-shaped levers 11, where the base of the L forms the support of the shank which is
arranged in a horizontal position above a silicone bubble and is provided with a molded
film hinge 12. Such a hinge permits a downward bending movement in order to compress
the bubble and make it snap in order to obtain the desired contact. A projection 14
which presents a wall which is inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees is obtained
on the upper wall of the shank. A sliding element 15, which is connected to the sliding
grip by means of a hollow pin 16, presents a projection 17 with an inclined wall which
substantially copies the inclination of the wall of the projection 14 and which is
turned towards the latter in order to come into direct contact with it when the sliding
element is made to translate by means of acting on the grip 4. In order to obtain
a double action, or rather to act in the two sliding directions of the slide 15, the
same L-shaped lever 11 will be placed on the second bubble in order to be able to
act on the latter by means of the interaction of a pair of projections of the same
kind as those which have previously been described and which act in the same way.
[0010] Other forms of coupling between the slide and the lever may be used in the production
of the switch, without in any way compromising the range of the present invention
as it is defined in the attached Claims.
[0011] The switch according to the present invention functions as described below, with
reference to the attached drawing.
[0012] When the grip 4 is either pushed or pulled, a translation in one of the two directions
in which movement is permitted is caused, and in each case pressure is exercised on
an inclined wall of the lever by means of the corresponding inclined wall of the projection
on the slide. When the pushing action is continued, the two inclined walls slide against
each other causing the shank of the lever to move in a downwards direction so that
the lever acts on the silicone bubble. When the point of equilibrium has been surpassed,
the bubble collapses, which means that it abuts against the printed circuit 7 and
closes the desired control circuit.
1. Activating device for a sliding electrical switch for controlling electrical equipment
in an automotive vehicle, comprising a control grip (4) and a containing body inside
which move some mobile contacts (10) which are suitable for opening or closing an
electrical circuit, characterised by the fact that the activating device of said mobile contacts is made up of at least
one lever (11) preferably L-shaped and made of plastic material, which is arranged
above a silicone bubble and which is provided with a molded film hinge (12), said
lever (11) being provided with a projection (14) which presents a wall which is inclined
at an angle of about 45 degrees and which is suitable for interacting with a similar
inclined wall which is obtained on the projection (17) of a sliding element (15) which
is connected to the grip (4) in order to push the said lever against the silicone
bubble as a result of a translation of the slide (15).
2. Activating device according to Claim 1, characterised by the fact that the slide (15) is connected to the grip (4) by means of a pin (16)
which is integral to the grip itself.
3. Activating device according to Claim 1 characterised by the fact that there are at least two levers (11) and they are activated independently
of each other by means of the slide (15).
4. Activating device according to Claim 1 characterised by the fact that the slide (15) is provided with a double projection (17).