DE10110648A1 - Switches, in particular electrical window lifting or sliding roof switches for vehicles, switching system and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is based on a switch, in particular an electric window or sliding roof switch for vehicles, with at least one actuating element which can be actuated in at least two actuating positions, with a switching mechanism which is operatively connected to the actuating element, with contact points which can be closed via the switching mechanism, and with a closing or the state of the contact points electronics. DOLLAR A The invention is characterized in that the switching mechanism closes the contact points depending on the actuating position of the actuating element in a specific time sequence and the electronics record the sequence.

Description

The invention relates to a switch, in particular one electric window lift or sunroof switch for Vehicles with at least one in at least two Actuating positions actuable actuator, with one in operative connection with the actuating element Switch mechanism, with closable via the switch mechanism Contact points and with a closure or the state of Electronics recording contact points. The electronics controls the motor current of an electric motor, which ultimately the over the switch executes the switching task. On  such an electric motor can be, for example Window lift motor or a sunroof motor. The Contact points can also be part of one or more Microswitches that are directly or indirectly via the Switching element are operated.

The invention also relates to a switching system and in particular with a window lifting or sunroof switching system a switch, electronics and one of electronics controlled motor. The invention further relates to a Method of operating a switch.

Switches mentioned above regularly look for that Actuator before several actuation points. On Window lift switch has four, for example Operating positions, namely a manual advance as well as automatic forward and manual rewind as well as an automatic return of the disc to be lifted. Disadvantageously, for each actuation position Actuating element or at least one for each switching stage Contact point required. With four operating positions at least four contact points must be provided. The Contact points are expensive to provide, need Space and are subject to pollution and one Wear.  

This task is at the start of a switch described type according to the invention solved in that the Switching mechanism the contact points depending on the actuation position of the actuator in a certain time sequence closes and the electronics record the sequence. The Electronics evaluate and control the recorded sequence depending on the sequence recorded, the corresponding electric motor.

It is advantageously achieved that the number of Contact points is reduced. For example, with only two contact points and a corresponding one Switching mechanism implemented a variety of switching stages become. This can save installation space. Besides, is a simpler implementation of the arrangement of the contact points or their wiring possible, due to the lower Number of contact points the probability of failure of the Switch is lower.

According to the invention, the actuating element can therefore have four Operating positions can be actuated, with the four Operating positions two contact points in four different time sequences can be concluded. On such switch then has four switching stages. How already mentioned at the beginning, the four Operating positions or the four switching stages one manual forward, automatic forward, one manual rewind and automatic rewind  for example a window pane or a sliding roof correspond. According to the invention, only two contact points to implement four switching stages required.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that when the actuating element is actuated in one direction (actuating position or switching stage 1 ) a contact point is switched first and when the actuating element is actuated further in the same direction the second contact point is additionally switched (actuating position or switching stage 2 ). When the actuating element is actuated in a different direction, the second contact point is advantageously switched first (actuating position or switching stage 3 ) and, when the actuating element is actuated further in this other direction, the first contact point is additionally switched (actuating position or switching stage 4 ). Such switching enables four different switching stages to be implemented in a simple and advantageous manner via only two contact points when the actuating element is actuated in only two directions.

It is advantageously conceivable that the Actuator pressed in one direction when pressed and when pressed in the other direction. To the The actuating element can press a pressure surface  exhibit. To lift the actuator can have rear-engaging lifting surface.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the switching mechanism comprises a pivot axis pivoted rocker switch, the rocker switch at Actuating the actuating element first in a first Switching stage only closes a contact point and at further actuation of the actuating element in another Switching stage closes a second contact point. About the accordingly mounted rocker switch can close the Contact points in a planned sequence in a simple way and way can be realized.

The rocker switch is advantageously in the direction of Switching force acting on the rocker switch is partially movable stored, with the two free ends of the rocker switch the two contact points are applied and the Shifting force on the rocker switch in the area between the Swivel axis and the free ends of the rocker switch on the Shift paddle works. This can advantageously ensure that the shifting force is first applied to the a contact point and and only when the Actuating element acts on the second contact point. ever after the design of the switching mechanism, the sequence can also be reversed. It can be the second contact point and  upon further actuation of the actuating element via the Switch rocker can be applied to the first contact point.

A very differentiated and precise application of the Shift paddle is achieved in that the shifting force is close the swivel axis acts on the rocker switch.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that when the actuating element is actuated in one direction the switching force between the pivot axis and the one free end of the rocker switch and when pressed of the actuator in the other direction, the switching force between the pivot axis and the other free end of the Shift paddle works. This will make the different sequence the closing of the contact points when the Actuator in one direction or in the other Direction guaranteed.

Preferably, the seesaws when the actuating element is pressed Shift paddle in one direction, and when lifting the Actuator bounces the rocker switch into the other Direction.

In a further embodiment of the invention is between the. Contact points and the rocker switch or the free ends the paddle there is a rubber mat in the Areas of the contact points each have a switching dome. The  Switch domes are each elastically deformable and become Closing the contact points over the free ends of the Shift rocker depressed. The elastic deformability of the Schaltdome provides a defined resistance, which of the Shifting force must be overcome to the actuator to operate.

A restoring force of the rocker switch or the free ends of the rocker switch over the elastic Reshaping of the switching dome applied. This has the Advantage that additional spring elements are omitted, the one would have to apply such restoring force.

To ensure that the switching domes of the rubber mat are acted upon precisely ensure is in a further embodiment of the invention provided that between the respective contact point and the Shift rocker is an intermediate part that is perpendicular to Axis of the rocker switch or is guided in the direction that is required to depress the respective switching dome. This can ensure that the corresponding Switch domes with a defined applied force be depressed and the appropriate contact point this is safely closed.

The task mentioned at the outset is also supported by a Switching system, especially a window lifting or Sunroof system with a switch, electronics and  The task mentioned at the outset is also supported by a Switching system, especially a window lifting or Sunroof system with a switch, electronics and solved by a motor controlled by the electronics characterized in that the switch is one in the previous described switch is.

The stated object is further achieved by a method for operating a switch, in particular a switch described above, which is characterized by the following method steps:

• - Closing and / or opening contact points in one defined sequence, in particular one over one Actuating switch mechanism,
• Detection of the sequence using in particular electronics, and
• - If necessary, control an electric motor.

The method according to the invention has the advantage that via a switch with a small number of Contact points based on the different in the sequence of Closing or opening the contact points a large number of different switching levels can be realized.

Further advantageous refinements and details of Invention can be found in the following description, in  of the invention with reference to that shown in the drawing Embodiment is described and explained in more detail.

Show it:

. Figure 1 is an overview of the different switching stages 1-4 and the associated state of the contact points 1 and 2;

FIG. 2 shows the pressure pattern within an inventive switch upon depression of the operating member;

FIG. 3 shows the corresponding force profile on lifting the Betägigungselements;

Fig. 4 is a neutral shift stage of the operating member;

Fig. 4.1 shows an enlarged partial section of Fig. 4;

FIG. 5 shows the degrees of freedom of the switching rocker of the switching mechanism;

Figures 6 and 7 different switching stages when lifting the actuating element.

Fig. 8 and 9 different switching stages upon depression of the operating member;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of an inventive switch;

. FIG. 11 is a section through the switch of FIG 10 along the line XI;

FIG. 12 shows a section along the line XII in FIG. 11; and

Fig. 13 is a section along the line XIII in FIG. 11.

Fig. 1 shows an overview, in which it is indicated in which time sequence two contact points KS1 and KS2 of a switch are closed or opened in order to implement one of four switching stages 1-4 of the switch.

In switching stage 1, at time t _1, the contact point KS1 closed and opened, the contact point KS2. In switching stage 2 , the contact point KS2 is additionally closed at a time t ₂ following t ₁ . The chronological sequence of the closing of the contact points KS1 and KS2 to reach switching stage 2 is thus as follows:
Close contact KS1, then close contact KS2.

To implement switching stage 3 , the contact point KS2 is closed at a time t ₁ , the contact point KS1 being open. In order to switch from switching stage 3 to switching stage 4 , the contact point KS2 is closed in addition to a switching instant t ₂ . The sequence in which the contact points are closed in order to achieve switching stage 4 is therefore as follows: contact KS2 is closed, contact KS1 is then closed.

It is clear from FIG. 1 that, due to the different chronological sequences of the closing of the two contact points KS1 and KS2, four switching stages can be implemented taking into account two switching times. If a further switching time t _{3 is} taken into account, further switching stages can be implemented. A larger number of switching stages can also be achieved by further contact points.

A switching mechanism is described in the following FIGS. 2-9, with which a certain chronological sequence of the closing of two contact points KS1 and KS2 can be implemented taking into account two switching times.

Fig. 2 shows an actuator 11 having an actuating portion 13. The actuating element 11 is rotatably mounted to a limited extent along an axis 15 . If the actuating element 11 on the actuating section 13 according to FIG. 2 is subjected to a switching force Fs ₁ , the actuating element 11 rotates about the axis 15 along the arrow 17 . As a result, a pressure arm 19 is subjected to a force in the direction of arrow 23 via a pressure pin 21 formed on the underside of the actuating element 11 . The pressure arm 19 has a vertically displaceably mounted circular cylinder section 25 , on whose side facing away from the pressure pin 21 a flat projection 27 is arranged. The projection 27 has a pressure lug 29 , via which the switching force Fs _{1 is directed} to a rocker switch 31 . On the side of the rocker switch facing away from the pressure lug 29 , two intermediate elements 33, arranged one behind the other and vertically displaceably mounted, are arranged. The intermediate elements 33 each rest on an elastically deformable switching dome 35 , 36 of a switching mat 37 indicated in sections.

If a switching force Fs _{1 is} applied to the actuating element, the switching dome 35 is pressed onto a printed circuit board 39 via the pressure arm 19 , its pressure lug 29 , the rocker switch 31 and the intermediate element 33 . A contact point KS1 is arranged below the switching dome 35 on the printed circuit board 39 and is closed due to the contact with the side 43 of the switching dome 35 facing the contact point KS1. Instead of the switching dome 35 and the contact point KS1, it is also conceivable to provide a microswitch comprising a contact point.

If the actuating element 11 according to FIG. 3 is subjected to a switching force Fs ₂ in another direction on the actuating section 13 , the actuating element 11 is rotated about the axis 15 in the direction of the arrow 45 . A nose 47 molded onto the actuating element 11 guides the switching force Fs ₂ into a tension arm 51 which is rotatably mounted to a limited extent about an axis 49 . The pull arm 51 rotates in the direction of arrow 53 due to the force. On the side facing the rocker switch 31 , the pull arm 51 has a nose 55 . When the actuating element 11 is actuated with the switching force Fs ₂ , the rocker switch 31 together with the intermediate element 33 and the switching dome 36 is pressed down onto a contact point KS2 of the printed circuit board 39 .

Figs. 4-9 show the pressure arm 19, the tension arm 51, the rocker 31, the two intermediate elements 33 and the two contact points KS1 and KS2 in front view.

In FIG. 4, the initial neutral position is illustrated, in which the actuating element 11 is supplied with no shift force. It can be clearly seen that the rocker switch 31 , which is rotatably mounted about an axis 59, assumes a horizontal position. The rocker switch 31 rests on the two intermediate elements 33 . The intermediate elements 33 in turn rest on the two switching domes 35 , 36 .

Fig. 5 shows the manner of mounting of the switching rocker 31. The rocker switch 31 has 59 bearing journals in the region of the axis. The bearing journals are guided in a vertically extending elongated hole 61 which is open at the bottom. In addition to the pivotal movement of the rocker switch 31, this enables a horizontal movement.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the sequence of closing of the contact points KS1 and KS2 upon lifting of the operating member 11 with a switching force Fs. ₁

As shown in FIG. 3, a shifting force Fs applied to the actuator ₁ 11, the pressure arm is pivoted due to the axis 49 19. The nose 29 of the pressure arm 19 presses the rocker switch 31 into the inclined position shown in FIG. 6. The switching force Fs ₁ is applied to the rocker switch 31 via the nose 29 near the pivot axis 59 . Furthermore, the switching force Fs ₁ is transmitted via the switching rocker 31 to the switching dome 35 which is elastically deformed due to the switching force Fs ₁ and whose contact side 43 closes the contact point KS1. Fig. 6 That is the first shift stage again.

When the switching force Fs ₂ is increased, the free end 65 of the rocker switch is supported on the intermediate element 33 or on the shift dome 36 which is pressed against the envy. As a result, the power flow is conducted into the free end 63 of the rocker switch 31 . Finally, as shown in FIG. 7, the second switching dome 36 also deforms elastically and the switching rocker assumes a horizontal position. As a result, the contact point KS2 is also closed. In Fig. 7, therefore, the switching circuit 2 is shown.

Electronics 69 present on the printed circuit board 39 , indicated in FIG. 11, detects the closing sequence of the contact points KS1 and KS2. A motor (not shown) is actuated accordingly on the basis of the recorded sequence.

Starting from FIG. 4, the pull arm 51 is acted upon by the switching force Fs ₂ according to FIG. 8. The nose 55 of the pull arm 51 presses the rocker switch 31 into the inclined position shown in FIG. 8. The free end 63 of the rocker switch 31 presses on the switching dome 36 , whereby the contact point KS2 is closed. Fig. 8 shows the switching level 3.

If the switching force Fs ₂ according to FIG. 9 is increased further, the switching rocker 31 is supported on the already depressed switching dome 36 with the free end 63 . As a result, the switching force Fs _{2 is conducted} into the free end 65 of the rocker switch 31 . The free end 65 of the rocker switch 31 finally presses the switching dome 36 or its contact side 43 against the contact point KS1. This closes both contact points KS2 and KS1. Fig. 9 thus shows the switching level 4.

When the switching force Fs ₁ or Fs ₂ is removed, the rocker switch 31 is reset to the starting position shown in FIG. 4 by the elastic recovery of the switching domes 35 , 36 .

In the switching step 1 of FIG. 6 one controlled via the non-illustrated electronics electric motor 69 is controlled so that a manual flow, for example a window lifter is carried out. When the switching force Fs _{2 is} removed, the advance stops due to the elastic resetting of the switching dome 35 , which opens the contact point KS1. However, if the switching force Fs _{2 is} increased according to FIG. 7, the contact point KS2 is additionally closed. In this switching stage 2 , the corresponding electric motor is switched to automatic advance via the electronics 69 , ie the window opened via the window lifter is automatically opened up to a stop. When the switching force Fs ₁ is removed, the rocker switch 31 is brought into its starting position shown in FIG. 4 due to the restoring force of the two switching domes 35 , 36 .

If a switching force Fs ₁ is now applied, switching stage 3 according to FIG. 8 is reached. A manual return, ie a manual closing of the previously opened window pane, is achieved via the electronics 69 in this switching stage. When the switching force Fs ₁ is removed, the contact point KS2 is opened and the closing process is interrupted. However, if, as shown in FIG. 9, the switching force Fs _{2 is} increased and the contact point KS1 is closed in addition to the contact point KS2, the switching stage 4 is reached. In this switching stage 4 , the electric motor is switched to automatic return via electronics 69 , ie the corresponding window is automatically closed completely. When the switching force Fs ₂ is removed, the switching rocker 31 is returned to the horizontal position shown in FIG. 4 due to the elastic recovery of the two switching domes 35 , 36 .

From FIG. 4, or the detail of FIG. 4 enlarged in FIG. 4.1, it becomes clear that the intermediate pieces 33 , which are arranged between the switching domes 35 , 36 and the switching rocker 31 , are flat on the underside of the switching domes 35 , 36 rest. The upper sides of the two intermediate elements 33 facing the rocker switch 31 each have two bevelled partial surfaces 85 and 87 which intersect at an obtuse angle.

Due to the inclined partial surfaces 85 , 87 , an optimal introduction of the switching force Fs ₁ and Fs _{2 can be achieved} via the switching rocker 31 to the intermediate element 33 or the switching domes 35 , 36 . In the examples shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 switching stages, the switching lever 31 is in a pivoted position. Due to the beveled partial surfaces 85 and 87 , the free ends 63 and 65 of the rocker switch 31 nevertheless lie snugly on the upper side of the intermediate element 33 or on the corresponding partial surfaces 85 and 87 .

In FIG. 10 the top surface of an elliptic contour having a switch 71 is shown. The actuating element 11 is depressed or pulled up in the area of the actuating section 13 for actuation.

It can be seen from the sections shown in FIGS . 11 and 13 that the pressure arm 19 is surrounded along its circular cylinder section 25 by a housing section 73 axially guiding the pressure arm 19 .

It is clear from both FIG. 11 and FIG. 13 that the intermediate elements 13 are L-shaped. The horizontally extending legs 75 of the respective intermediate element 33 are arranged between the underside of the rocker switch 31 and the top of the respective switching dome 35 , 36 . The vertically extending legs 77 are each arranged axially displaceably in a guide formed by a housing section 79 . This ensures that the switching force Fs ₁ or Fs ₂ applied to the legs 33 via the rocker switch 31 press the switching domes 35 , 36 in the intended position in the optimal direction, so that the corresponding contact KS1 or KS2 can be closed in a functionally reliable manner ,

The pull arm 51 shown in the figures, as is particularly clear from FIG. 13, has two arm sections 81 and 83 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, only the arm section 81 with the pressure lug 29 arranged thereon is used. The arm section 81 is used when the switching mechanism is built up mirror-inverted. The pull arm 51 can therefore be used for various embodiments of the switch.

All in the description, the following claims and in The features shown in the drawing can be used both individually and also in any combination with each other be essential to the invention.

Claims (14)

1. Switch ( 71 ), in particular electrical window lifting or sliding roof switch for vehicles, with at least one actuating element ( 11 ) that can be actuated in at least two actuating positions, with a switching mechanism that is operatively connected to the actuating element, with contact points (KS1, KS2) that can be closed via the switching mechanism and with electronics ( 69 ) which detect the closure or the state of the contact points (KS1, KS2), characterized in that the switching mechanism closes the contact points (KS1, KS2) in a specific time sequence depending on the actuating position of the actuating element ( 11 ) and the electronics recorded the sequence. 2. Switch ( 71 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element ( 11 ) can be actuated in four actuating positions, two contact points (KS1, KS2) being closed in four different time sequences via the four actuating positions. 3. Switch ( 71 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that when the actuating element ( 11 ) is actuated in one direction (actuating position 1 ), a contact point (KS1) is switched first and, when the actuating element ( 11 ) is actuated further in this direction, the second is additionally switched Contact point (KS2) is switched (actuating position 2 ) and that when the actuating element ( 11 ) is actuated in a different direction, the second contact point (KS2) is switched first (actuating position 3 ) and, when the actuating element ( 11 ) is actuated further in this direction, the first Contact point (KS1) is switched (actuation position 4 ). 4. Switch ( 71 ) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the actuating element ( 11 ) is pressed when actuated in one direction and is raised when actuated in the other direction. 5. Switch ( 71 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching mechanism comprises a rocker switch ( 31 ) pivotally mounted about a pivot axis ( 59 ), the rocker switch ( 31 ) when the actuating element ( 11 ) is actuated first in a first Switching stage only closes one contact point (KS1 or KS2) and closes a second contact point (KS1 or KS2) in a further switching stage when the actuating element ( 11 ) is actuated further. 6. Switch ( 71 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rocker switch ( 31 ) is mounted conditionally movable in the direction of the switching force acting on the rocker switch ( 31 ) that over the two free ends ( 63 , 65 ) of the rocker switch ( 31 ) the two contact points (KS1, KS2) are acted upon and that the switching force on the rocker switch ( 31 ) in the area between the pivot axis ( 59 ) and the free ends ( 63 , 65 ) of the rocker switch ( 31 ) on the rocker switch ( 31 ) works. 7. Switch ( 71 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the switching force acts near the pivot axis ( 59 ) on the rocker switch ( 31 ). 8. Switch ( 71 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that when the actuating element ( 11 ) is actuated in one direction, the switching force between the pivot axis ( 31 ) and the one free end ( 63 ) of the rocker switch ( 31 ) and Operating the actuating element ( 11 ) in the other direction, the switching force acts between the pivot axis ( 59 ) and the other free end ( 65 ) of the rocker switch ( 31 ). 9. Switch ( 71 ) according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that when the actuating element ( 11 ) is pressed, the rocker switch ( 31 ) bounces in one direction and when the actuating element ( 11 ) is raised, the rocker switch ( 31 ) in the other direction bounces. 10. Switch ( 71 ) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that between the contact points (KS1, KS2) and the rocker switch ( 31 ) there is a rubber mat ( 37 ) which is in the area of each contact point (KS1, KS2) each has an elastically deformable switching dome ( 35 , 36 ). 11. Switch ( 71 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that a restoring force of the switching rocker ( 31 ) is applied via the elastic recovery of the switching dome ( 35 , 36 ). 12. Switch ( 71 ) according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that between the contact point (KS1 or KS2) and the rocker switch ( 31 ) there is an intermediate part ( 33 ) which is perpendicular to the axis ( 59 ) of the rocker switch ( 31 ) is performed. 13. Switching system, in particular window lifting or sunroof switching system with a switch ( 71 ), electronics ( 69 ) and a motor controlled by the electronics ( 69 ), characterized in that the switch ( 71 ) is a switch ( 71 ) according to at least one of the previous claims. 14. A method for operating a switch ( 71 ), in particular a switch ( 71 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following method steps:

• - Closing and / or opening of contact points (KS1, KS2) in a defined sequence, in particular via a switching mechanism which can be actuated via an actuating element ( 11 ),
• - Detecting the sequence in particular via electronics ( 69 ), and
• - If necessary, control an electric motor.