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EP2339602B1 - Switching device with reflector - Google Patents

Switching device with reflector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2339602B1
EP2339602B1 EP09175227.9A EP09175227A EP2339602B1 EP 2339602 B1 EP2339602 B1 EP 2339602B1 EP 09175227 A EP09175227 A EP 09175227A EP 2339602 B1 EP2339602 B1 EP 2339602B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
optical fibre
housing cover
switching device
button
outside
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP09175227.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2339602A1 (en
Inventor
Ralf Siegler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rafi GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Rafi GmbH and Co KG
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Publication date
Application filed by Rafi GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Rafi GmbH and Co KG
Priority to EP09175227.9A priority Critical patent/EP2339602B1/en
Publication of EP2339602A1 publication Critical patent/EP2339602A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2339602B1 publication Critical patent/EP2339602B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/023—Light-emitting indicators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/06—Reflector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/062—Light conductor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/062—Light conductor
    • H01H2219/0622—Light conductor only an illuminated ring around keys

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a switching device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • the switch panel consists of at least one such switching device whose inserted into the opening of the housing cover button is axially movable deliverable to a switch contact.
  • an annular sleeve whose inner contour rests against the outer contour of the probe and consequently supports it laterally.
  • the sleeve is made of a material through which no light waves penetrate.
  • an annular air gap between the outside of the sleeve and the housing cover is provided.
  • the light waves emitted by the LED should be bundled and directed in the direction of the housing cover. This is accomplished by providing an outer annular sleeve so that the respective LED is disposed between the outer and inner sleeves. Accordingly, the annular air gap, in which the light waves extend in the direction of the housing cover, arises between the two sleeves.
  • the outside of the housing cover is covered by a film through which the two sleeves and the air gap between them and the button are closed.
  • a disadvantage of this embodiment has been found that the light waves emitted by the LEDs illuminate the air gap in an inhomogeneous manner, since the light waves emit punctiform in the direction of the housing cover. Even through the film, a homogeneous illumination of the existing air-annular gap can not be achieved, since the refraction of the light waves through the thin-walled film is not sufficient to break the punctual illumination of the respective LED evenly.
  • a plurality of light sources in particular LEDs, to be mounted on the circuit board.
  • this increases energy consumption;
  • the respective bulbs generate heat through which the individual components can be damaged, as they warp, for example due to increased and longer heat retention periods.
  • a switching device which consists of an axially deliverable in the direction of a switching contact button.
  • the switch contact is mounted on a circuit board on which a plurality of lighting means are arranged to illuminate the annular gap which is provided laterally between the opaque button and the housing.
  • the annular gap is filled with an optical waveguide through which the light waves emitted by the light sources are picked up and forwarded to the outside.
  • the light source facing the end face of the optical waveguide is flat, so that the light waves emitted by the bulbs occur almost perpendicular to the optical waveguide and thus produces a high reflection of the light waves in the direction of the circuit board.
  • this refraction effect of the light waves leads to the fact that only a small portion of the light waves emitted by the light sources actually penetrates the optical waveguide and thus illuminates the annular gap between the stylus and the housing.
  • a simple and inexpensive to produce switching device should be provided.
  • the light waveguide used in the air gap at the same time as a guide member for the probe in its axial feed movements as well as Light mixer for the light waves emitted by the bulbs are assigned to the optical waveguide two functions, so that on the one hand components that are necessary in the cited prior art to form the air gap, can be saved and on the other reduced by reducing the components of the Required space, so that several such switching devices can be installed side by side on the same surface of a housing cover.
  • the optical waveguide is shielded to the outside by a reflection aperture or a color coating, so that the light waves emitted by the light sources are reflected in the direction of the housing cover. Due to the structural design of the optical waveguide, in particular when refractive particles are used in this light waves, the punctual light waves in the region of the respective bulbs are further broken, so that a homogeneous light field is formed around the probe and from the outside is no longer recognizable, of which used Bulb the respective light wave was emitted. Through these measures, the number of bulbs can be reduced to a minimum. This reduces the necessary energy consumption. Furthermore, the heat radiation of the lamps is reduced, whereby the life of the entire switching device is increased.
  • a switching device 1 for generating one or more switching signals refer.
  • these switching devices 1 are installed in a housing cover 2 and together form a switching field through which an electrically operated device, such as a coffee machine or a medical examination device, can be operated. It is necessary for the individual switching devices 1 to be illuminated in order to be able to recognize, for example, their operating state by corresponding coloring. Also, the respective switching device 1 can be illuminated by an intelligent control device in order to inform the user that the respectively illuminated switching device 1 is now to be actuated in the corresponding sequence.
  • the switching device 1 consists essentially of a T-shaped button 4, which is held axially movably guided in the manner of a plunger in the housing cover 2.
  • the button 4 is flush with the housing cover 2 from.
  • the outside of the housing cover 2 is covered by a thin-walled elastically deformable film 10.
  • the button 4 is attached to the inside of the film 10, so that upon actuation of the button 4, the film 10 tracks the movement of the button 4.
  • a printed circuit board 5 is mounted on the one hand, one or more lamps 6, preferably an LED light and the other an electrically operated switching contact 8 is arranged.
  • the switching contact 8 can be constructed such that a restoring force acts on the button 4 by a metallic snap disc to move it back to the starting position when the manually applied actuating force no longer acts on the button 4.
  • annular air gap 7 is provided between the outer periphery of the button 4 and the opening 3 of the housing cover 2.
  • the mounted on the circuit board 5 bulbs 6 emit the emitted light waves in the annular air gap 7.
  • the air gap 7 thus extends from the Leuchtmittein 6 to the outside of the housing cover 2.
  • the air gap 7 is therefore aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 9 of the probe 4.
  • an optical waveguide 11 which is supported on the housing cover 2 and can be fixed or detachably mounted on this and flush with the housing cover 2 to the outside.
  • a reflection aperture 13 is mounted on the outside of the optical waveguide 11. This can be for example a color coating or a shielding sleeve 14, as in particular the FIG. 2 can be seen.
  • the surface of the printed circuit board 5 is also provided with a reflection aperture 13, so that the light waves emitted by the light sources 6 are reflected by the reflection apertures 13 and extend exclusively through the channel formed by the optical waveguide 11 in the direction of the housing cover 2.
  • each of the light sources 6 generates punctiform light circles which are visible on the outside of the optical waveguide 11 in the region of the housing cover 2 are on the shielding sleeve 14, as in particular Figures 2 and 4a to 4c can be removed, a reflector 21 attached.
  • the reflector 21 may be configured rectangular or roof-shaped and mounted in alignment with the horizontal or from this inclined to the shielding sleeve 14.
  • the reflector 21 serves to distribute the light waves emitted by the illuminant 6, so that they do not impinge directly on the optical waveguide 11.
  • a recess 22 are incorporated in the free end face 18 of the optical waveguide 11 in the region of the lamp 6.
  • the air gap 17 is provided to ensure that the light waves pass through several different media to break the light waves upon passage of the media. This is in the right half of the FIG. 2 shown. By this measure it is ensured that the optical waveguide 11 receives light waves in its entire peripheral surface and forwards them in the direction of the housing cover 2.
  • the light waves emitted by the light means 6 are thus homogenized refraction and reflection.
  • a multiplicity of particles 12 are integrated in the optical waveguide 11, through which the light waves are broken. Consequently, the outside of the optical waveguide 11 is uniformly illuminated in the region of the housing cover 2.
  • the upper end face 19 of the optical waveguide 11 is provided with different planes 20 ', 20 ", whereby the plane 20' facing the pushbutton 4 runs at the same height level as the outside of the housing cover 2 and thus closes flush with it.
  • the plane 20 " is arranged below the housing cover 2.
  • These different height levels of the upper end face 19 of the optical waveguide 11 cause the light waves emerging from the optical waveguide 11 to be refracted again in this area in order to ensure homogeneous radiation between the key 4 and the housing cover 2
  • a groove or slit can be incorporated in the optical waveguide 11, so that the optical waveguide 11 is designed to be partially U-shaped in cross-section and accordingly an air gap is formed for refracting the light waves the lower end face 18 to slightly below the housing cover 2 and the plane 20 "and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • the film 10 is arranged in alignment with the optical waveguide 11 and formed in this region 23 transparent or at least semitransparent, so that the light waves penetrate through this region 23. Laterally next to the optical waveguide 11, the film 10 is coated in a region indicated by the reference numeral 24, so that no light waves penetrate this region 24 of the film 10.
  • FIG. 2 can be seen that the lower end face 18 of the optical waveguide 11 is formed trough-shaped and formed by this encapsulation of the bulb 6.
  • the trough 22 can be replaced by the reflector 21, as shown in the FIGS. 4a to 4c is shown.
  • FIG. 1 It is shown that between the surface of the bulb 6 and the lower end face 18 of the optical waveguide 11, an air gap 17 is provided to increase the number of medium transitions that have to undergo the light waves. This causes a refraction of the light waves and this results in a homogeneous illumination of the optical waveguide 11.

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  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Schaltvorrichtung gemäß des Oberbegriffes von Patentanspruch 1.The invention relates to a switching device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

In der EP 1 685 579 B1 ist ein Schalterfeld mit wenigstens einem Schalter beschrieben. Das Schalterfeld besteht aus mindestens einer solchen Schaltvorrichtung, deren in die Öffnung der Gehäuseabdeckung eingesetzter Taster axial bewegbar zu einem Schaltkontakt zustellbar ist. Um den Taster während der axialen Zustellbewegung seitlich geführt zu halten, ist es erforderlich, in die Öffnung der Gehäuseabdeckung eine ringförmige Hülse einzusetzen, deren Innenkontur an die Außenkontur des Tasters anliegt und diesen folglich seitlich abstützt.In the EP 1 685 579 B1 a switch panel with at least one switch is described. The switch panel consists of at least one such switching device whose inserted into the opening of the housing cover button is axially movable deliverable to a switch contact. In order to keep the button laterally guided during the axial feed movement, it is necessary to insert into the opening of the housing cover an annular sleeve whose inner contour rests against the outer contour of the probe and consequently supports it laterally.

Die Hülse ist dabei aus einem Material gefertigt, durch das keine Lichtwellen hindurchdringen. Um nunmehr die Lichtwellen, die von einer LED emittiert sind, aus dem Inneren des Gehäuses in Richtung des Tasters und der Außenseite der Gehäuseabdeckung zu leiten, ist ein ringförmiger Luftspalt zwischen der Außenseite der Hülse und der Gehäuseabdeckung vorgesehen. Darüber hinaus sind die von der LED ausgesandten Lichtwellen zu bündeln und in Richtung der Gehäuseabdeckung zu leiten. Dies wird dadurch bewerkstelligt, dass eine äußere Ringhülse vorgesehen ist, so dass die jeweilige LED zwischen der äußeren und der inneren Hülse angeordnet ist. Zwischen den beiden Hülsen entsteht demnach der ringförmige Luftspalt, in dem die Lichtwellen in Richtung der Gehäuseabdeckung verlaufen.The sleeve is made of a material through which no light waves penetrate. In order now to guide the light waves emitted by an LED from the interior of the housing in the direction of the button and the outside of the housing cover, an annular air gap between the outside of the sleeve and the housing cover is provided. In addition, the light waves emitted by the LED should be bundled and directed in the direction of the housing cover. This is accomplished by providing an outer annular sleeve so that the respective LED is disposed between the outer and inner sleeves. Accordingly, the annular air gap, in which the light waves extend in the direction of the housing cover, arises between the two sleeves.

Die Außenseite der Gehäuseabdeckung ist mittels einer Folie abgedeckt, durch die die beiden Hülsen und der dazwischen vorhandene Luftspalt sowie der Taster verschlossen sind.The outside of the housing cover is covered by a film through which the two sleeves and the air gap between them and the button are closed.

Als nachteilig bei dieser Ausgestaltung hat sich herausgestellt, dass die von den LEDs emittierten Lichtwellen unhomogen den Luftspalt ausleuchten, da die Lichtwellen punktförmig in Richtung der Gehäuseabdeckung abstrahlen. Auch durch die Folie kann eine homogene Ausleuchtung des vorhandenen Luft-Ringspaltes nicht erreicht werden, da die Brechung der Lichtwellen durch die dünnwandige Folie nicht ausreicht, um die punktuelle Ausleuchtung der jeweiligen LED gleichmäßig zu brechen.A disadvantage of this embodiment has been found that the light waves emitted by the LEDs illuminate the air gap in an inhomogeneous manner, since the light waves emit punctiform in the direction of the housing cover. Even through the film, a homogeneous illumination of the existing air-annular gap can not be achieved, since the refraction of the light waves through the thin-walled film is not sufficient to break the punctual illumination of the respective LED evenly.

Somit sind eine Vielzahl von Leuchtmitteln, insbesondere LEDs, auf der Leiterplatte zu montieren. Dies erhöht jedoch den Energieverbrauch; des Weiteren erzeugen die jeweiligen Leuchtmittel Wärme, durch die die einzelnen Bauteile beschädigt werden können, da sich diese beispielsweise aufgrund erhöhter und längerer Wärmestandzeiten verziehen.Thus, a plurality of light sources, in particular LEDs, to be mounted on the circuit board. However, this increases energy consumption; Furthermore, the respective bulbs generate heat through which the individual components can be damaged, as they warp, for example due to increased and longer heat retention periods.

Aus der FR-A-2690502 ist eine Schaltvorrichtung zu entnehmen, die aus einem axial in Richtung eines Schaltkontaktes zustellbaren Tasters besteht. Der Schaltkontakt ist auf einer Leiterplatte angebracht, auf der eine Vielzahl von Leuchtmitteln angeordnet sind, um den Ringspalt, der seitlich zwischen dem lichtundurchlässigen Taster und dem Gehäuse vorgesehen ist, auszuleuchten. Der Ringspalt ist mit einem Lichtwellenleiter ausgefüllt, durch den die von den Leuchtmittel abgestrahlten Lichtwellen aufgenommen und nach außen weitergeleitet sind.From the FR-A-2690502 is to take a switching device, which consists of an axially deliverable in the direction of a switching contact button. The switch contact is mounted on a circuit board on which a plurality of lighting means are arranged to illuminate the annular gap which is provided laterally between the opaque button and the housing. The annular gap is filled with an optical waveguide through which the light waves emitted by the light sources are picked up and forwarded to the outside.

Als nachteilig bei diesem Taster hat sich herausgestellt, dass der Abstand zwischen den Leuchtmitteln und der den Leuchtmitteln zugewandten Stirnseite des Lichtwellenleiters äußerst groß bemessen ist, so dass eine Vielzahl von Leuchtmitteln vorzusehen sind, um den Ringspalt zuverlässig und homogen auszuleuchten.A disadvantage of this probe has been found that the distance between the bulbs and the light emitting means facing end side of the optical waveguide is extremely large, so that a plurality of bulbs are provided to illuminate the annular gap reliably and homogeneously.

Aus der EP 07 49 136 A2 ist eine Schaltvorrichtung bekannt, die die Merkmale des Oberbegriffes des Anspruchs 1 offenbart.From the EP 07 49 136 A2 a switching device is known, which discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Darüber hinaus ist die den Leuchtmitteln zugewandte Stirnseite des Lichtwellenleiters eben ausgestaltet, so dass die von den Leuchtmitteln ausgestrahlten Lichtwellen nahezu senkrecht in den Lichtwellenleiter eintreten und somit eine hohe Reflektion der Lichtwellen in Richtung der Leiterplatte entsteht. Dieser Brechungseffekt der Lichtwellen führt jedoch dazu, dass lediglich ein geringer Anteil der von den Leuchtmitteln emittierten Lichtwellen den Lichtwellenleiter tatsächlich durchdringt und somit den Ringspalt zwischen dem Taster und dem Gehäuse ausleuchtet.In addition, the light source facing the end face of the optical waveguide is flat, so that the light waves emitted by the bulbs occur almost perpendicular to the optical waveguide and thus produces a high reflection of the light waves in the direction of the circuit board. However, this refraction effect of the light waves leads to the fact that only a small portion of the light waves emitted by the light sources actually penetrates the optical waveguide and thus illuminates the annular gap between the stylus and the housing.

Es ist daher Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Schaltvorrichtung der eingangs genannten Gattung derart weiterzubilden, dass zum Einen eine möglichst homogene Ausleuchtung des ringförmigen Luftspaltes zwischen dem Taster und der Gehäuseabdeckung erreicht ist, und dass zum Anderen eine möglichst geringe Anzahl von Leuchtmitteln zur Ausleuchtung dieses Luftspaltes verwendet werden können. Darüber hinaus soll eine möglichst einfache und kostengünstig herzustellende Schaltvorrichtung bereit gestellt sein.It is therefore an object of the invention to develop a switching device of the type mentioned in such a way that on the one hand a homogeneous illumination of the annular air gap between the button and the housing cover is achieved, and that on the other hand, the smallest possible number of bulbs used to illuminate this air gap can be. In addition, a simple and inexpensive to produce switching device should be provided.

Diese Aufgaben werden erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale des kennzeichnenden Teiles des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.These objects are achieved by the features of the characterizing part of patent claim 1.

Weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.Further advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Dadurch, dass der in den Luftspalt eingesetzte Lichtwellenleiter gleichzeitig als Führungsglied für den Taster bei dessen axialen Zustellbewegungen als auch als Lichtmischer für die von den Leuchtmitteln ausgestrahlten Lichtwellen dient, werden dem Lichtwellenleiter zwei Funktionen zugeordnet, so dass zum einen Bauteile, die im zitierten Stand der Technik zur Bildung des Luftspaltes notwendig sind, eingespart werden können und zum anderen durch die Reduzierung der Bauteile verringert sich der Platzbedarf, so dass auf der gleichen Fläche einer Gehäuseabdeckung mehrere solcher Schaltvorrichtungen nebeneinander eingebaut werden können.The fact that the light waveguide used in the air gap at the same time as a guide member for the probe in its axial feed movements as well as Light mixer for the light waves emitted by the bulbs are assigned to the optical waveguide two functions, so that on the one hand components that are necessary in the cited prior art to form the air gap, can be saved and on the other reduced by reducing the components of the Required space, so that several such switching devices can be installed side by side on the same surface of a housing cover.

Es ist besonders vorteilhaft, wenn der Lichtwellenleiter nach außen durch eine Reflektionsblende oder eine Farbbeschichtung abgeschirmt ist, so dass die von den Leuchtmitteln emittierten Lichtwellen in Richtung der Gehäuseabdeckung reflektiert sind. Durch die konstruktive Ausbildung des Lichtwellenleiters, insbesondere wenn in diesem Lichtwellen brechenden Partikel eingesetzt sind, werden die punktuellen Lichtwellen im Bereich des jeweiligen Leuchtmittel weiter aufgebrochen, so dass um den Taster ein homogenes Lichtfeld entsteht und von außen nicht mehr erkennbar ist, von welcher der verwendeten Leuchtmittel die jeweilige Lichtwelle abgestrahlt wurde. Durch diese Maßnahmen kann die Anzahl der Leuchtmittels auf ein Minimum reduziert werden. Dies verringert den notwendigen Energieverbrauch. Zum weiteren wird die Wärmeabstrahlung der Leuchtmittel reduziert, wodurch die Lebensdauer der gesamten Schaltvorrichtung erhöht ist.It is particularly advantageous if the optical waveguide is shielded to the outside by a reflection aperture or a color coating, so that the light waves emitted by the light sources are reflected in the direction of the housing cover. Due to the structural design of the optical waveguide, in particular when refractive particles are used in this light waves, the punctual light waves in the region of the respective bulbs are further broken, so that a homogeneous light field is formed around the probe and from the outside is no longer recognizable, of which used Bulb the respective light wave was emitted. Through these measures, the number of bulbs can be reduced to a minimum. This reduces the necessary energy consumption. Furthermore, the heat radiation of the lamps is reduced, whereby the life of the entire switching device is increased.

In der Zeichnung sind zwei Ausführungsbeispiele einer erfindungsgemäßen Schaltvorrichtung dargestellt, die nachfolgend näher erläutert sind. Im Einzelnen zeigt:

Figur 1
ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Schaltvorrichtung bestehend aus einer Gehäuseabdeckung, einem in eine Öffnung der Gehäuseabdeckung eingesetzten Taster, der in Richtung eines im Inneren der Gehäuseabdeckung angeordneten Schaltkontaktes axial zustellbar ist und aus einem zwischen der Gehäuseabdeckung und der Außenseite des Tasters angeordneten Lichtwellenleiters, im unbetätigten Zustand und im Schnitt,
Figur 2
ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Schaltvorrichtung bestehend aus einer Gehäuseabdeckung, einem in eine Öffnung der Gehäuseabdeckung eingesetzten Taster, der in Richtung eines im Inneren der Gehäuseabdeckung angeordneten Schaltkontaktes axial zustellbar ist und aus einem zwischen der Gehäuseabdeckung und der Außenseite des Tasters angeordneten Lichtwellenleiters, im betätigten Zustand und im Schnitt,
Figur 3
den Schalter gemäß Figur 2 im Bereich III in vergrößerter Darstellung und
Figuren 4a bis 4c
den Schalter gemäß Figur 2 im Bereich IV in vergrößerter Darstellung mit andersartig ausgestalteten Reflektoren.
In the drawing, two embodiments of a switching device according to the invention are shown, which are explained in more detail below. In detail shows:
FIG. 1
a first embodiment of a switching device consisting of a housing cover, a sensor inserted into an opening of the housing cover, which is axially deliverable in the direction of a arranged inside the housing cover switching contact and from an arranged between the housing cover and the outside of the probe optical waveguide, in the unactuated state and on average,
FIG. 2
a second embodiment of a switching device consisting of a housing cover, one in an opening of the housing cover used pushbutton, which is axially deliverable in the direction of a switch contact arranged in the interior of the housing cover and from an optical waveguide arranged between the housing cover and the outside of the pushbutton, in the actuated state and in section,
FIG. 3
the switch according to FIG. 2 in area III in an enlarged view and
FIGS. 4a to 4c
the switch according to FIG. 2 in the area IV in an enlarged view with differently designed reflectors.

In den Figuren 1 und 2 ist eine Schaltvorrichtung 1 zur Erzeugung eines oder mehrerer Schaltsignale zu entnehmen. Mehrere dieser Schaltvorrichtungen 1 sind dabei in eine Gehäuseabdeckung 2 eingebaut und bilden gemeinsam ein Schaltfeld, durch das ein elektrisch betriebenes Gerät, beispielsweise eine Kaffeemaschine oder eine medizinische Untersuchungseinrichtung, bedient werden können. Es ist dazu erforderlich, dass die einzelnen Schaltvorrichtungen 1 ausgeleuchtet sind, um beispielsweise deren Betriebszustand durch entsprechende Farbgebung erkennen zu können. Auch sind durch eine intelligente Steuereinrichtung die jeweilige Schaltvorrichtung 1 beleuchtbar, um den Benutzer darauf hinzuweisen, dass die jeweils beleuchtete Schaltvorrichtung 1 in der entsprechenden Reihenfolge nunmehr zu betätigen ist.In the Figures 1 and 2 is a switching device 1 for generating one or more switching signals refer. Several of these switching devices 1 are installed in a housing cover 2 and together form a switching field through which an electrically operated device, such as a coffee machine or a medical examination device, can be operated. It is necessary for the individual switching devices 1 to be illuminated in order to be able to recognize, for example, their operating state by corresponding coloring. Also, the respective switching device 1 can be illuminated by an intelligent control device in order to inform the user that the respectively illuminated switching device 1 is now to be actuated in the corresponding sequence.

Um die Schaltvorrichtung 1 in die Gehäuseabdeckung 2 einbauen zu können, ist für jede der Schaltvorrichtungen 1 eine Öffnung 3 in die Gehäuseabdeckung 2 einzuarbeiten. Die Schaltvorrichtung 1 besteht im Wesentlichen aus einem T-förmigen Taster 4, der nach Art eines Stößels in der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 axial beweglich geführt gehalten ist. Der Taster 4 schließt bündig mit der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 ab. Um das Eindringen von Schmutz und sonstigen Verunreinigungen zu verhindern, ist die Außenseite der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 mittels einer dünnwandigen elastisch verformbaren Folie 10 abgedeckt. Der Taster 4 ist an der Innenseite der Folie 10 befestigt, so dass beim Betätigen des Tasters 4 die Folie 10 die Bewegung des Tasters 4 nachvollzieht.In order to install the switching device 1 in the housing cover 2, an opening 3 is incorporated in the housing cover 2 for each of the switching devices 1. The switching device 1 consists essentially of a T-shaped button 4, which is held axially movably guided in the manner of a plunger in the housing cover 2. The button 4 is flush with the housing cover 2 from. To prevent the ingress of dirt and other contaminants, the outside of the housing cover 2 is covered by a thin-walled elastically deformable film 10. The button 4 is attached to the inside of the film 10, so that upon actuation of the button 4, the film 10 tracks the movement of the button 4.

Im Inneren der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 ist eine Leiterplatte 5 angebracht, auf der zum einen eines oder mehrere Leuchtmittel 6, vorzugsweise eine LED-Leuchte und zum anderen ein elektrisch betriebener Schaltkontakt 8 angeordnet ist. Der Schaltkontakt 8 kann dabei derart aufgebaut sein, dass durch eine metallische Schnappscheibe eine Rückstellkraft auf den Taster 4 einwirkt, um diesen in die Ausgangsposition zurückzubewegen, wenn die manuell aufgebrachte Betätigungskraft auf den Taster 4 nicht mehr einwirkt.In the interior of the housing cover 2, a printed circuit board 5 is mounted on the one hand, one or more lamps 6, preferably an LED light and the other an electrically operated switching contact 8 is arranged. The switching contact 8 can be constructed such that a restoring force acts on the button 4 by a metallic snap disc to move it back to the starting position when the manually applied actuating force no longer acts on the button 4.

Zwischen dem Außenumfang des Tasters 4 und der Öffnung 3 der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 ist ein ringförmiger Luftspalt 7 vorgesehen; die auf der Leiterplatte 5 angebrachten Leuchtmittel 6 strahlen die emittierten Lichtwellen in den ringförmigen Luftspalt 7 ab. Der Luftspalt 7 erstreckt sich demnach von den Leuchtmittein 6 bis zur Außenseite der Gehäuseabdeckung 2. Der Luftspalt 7 ist demnach parallel zu der Längsachse 9 des Tasters 4 ausgerichtet.Between the outer periphery of the button 4 and the opening 3 of the housing cover 2, an annular air gap 7 is provided; the mounted on the circuit board 5 bulbs 6 emit the emitted light waves in the annular air gap 7. The air gap 7 thus extends from the Leuchtmittein 6 to the outside of the housing cover 2. The air gap 7 is therefore aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 9 of the probe 4.

Um eine homogene Ausleuchtung des ringförmigen Lichtspaltes 7 zu erreichen, ist in diesem ein Lichtwellenleiter 11 eingesetzt, der an der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 abgestützt ist und an dieser fest oder lösbar montiert sein kann und nach außen bündig mit der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 abschließt.In order to achieve a homogeneous illumination of the annular light gap 7, in this an optical waveguide 11 is used, which is supported on the housing cover 2 and can be fixed or detachably mounted on this and flush with the housing cover 2 to the outside.

Um die von den Leuchtmitteln 6 emittierten Lichtwellen in Richtung des ringförmigen Luftspaltes 7 zwischen dem Taster 4 und der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 zu leiten, ist auf der Außenseite des Lichtwellenleiters 11 eine Reflektionsblende 13 angebracht. Dies kann beispielsweise eine Farbbeschichtung sein oder eine Abschirmhülse 14, wie dies insbesondere der Figur 2 zu entnehmen ist.In order to direct the light waves emitted by the light sources 6 in the direction of the annular air gap 7 between the probe 4 and the housing cover 2, a reflection aperture 13 is mounted on the outside of the optical waveguide 11. This can be for example a color coating or a shielding sleeve 14, as in particular the FIG. 2 can be seen.

Die Oberfläche der Leiterplatte 5 ist ebenfalls mit einer Reflektionsblende 13 versehen, so dass die von den Leuchtmitteln 6 ausgestrahlten Lichtwellen von den Reflektionsblenden 13 zurückgeworfen werden und ausschließlich durch den von dem Lichtwellenleiter 11 gebildeten Kanal in Richtung der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 verlaufen.The surface of the printed circuit board 5 is also provided with a reflection aperture 13, so that the light waves emitted by the light sources 6 are reflected by the reflection apertures 13 and extend exclusively through the channel formed by the optical waveguide 11 in the direction of the housing cover 2.

Dadurch, dass jede der Leuchtmittel 6 punktuelle Lichtkreise erzeugt, die an der Außenseite des Lichtwellenleiters 11 im Bereich der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 sichtbar sind, ist an der Abschirmhülse 14, wie dies insbesondere in Figuren 2 und 4a bis 4c entnommen werden kann, ein Reflektor 21 angebracht. Der Reflektor 21 kann rechteckförmig oder dachförmig ausgestaltet sein und fluchtend zu der Horizontalen oder aus dieser geneigt verlaufend an der Abschirmhülse 14 angebracht werden. Der Reflektor 21 dient dazu, die von dem Leuchtmittel 6 ausgestrahlten Lichtwellen zu verteilen, so dass diese nicht unmittelbar auf den Lichtwellenleiter 11 auftreffen. Darüber hinaus sind in die freie Stirnseite 18 des Lichtwellenleiters 11 im Bereich des Leuchtmittel 6 eine Mulde 22 eingearbeitet. Zwischen der Mulde 22 und dem Leuchtmittel 6 ist der Luftspalt 17 vorgesehen, um zu gewährleisten, dass die Lichtwellen mehrere unterschiedliche Meiden durchlaufen, um die Lichtwellen beim Übertritt der Medien zu brechen. Dies ist in der rechten Hälfte der Figur 2 dargestellt. Durch diese Maßnahme ist gewährleistet, dass der Lichtwellenleiter 11 in seiner gesamten Umfangsfläche Lichtwellen aufnimmt und diese in Richtung der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 weiterleitet, Die von den Lichtmitteln 6 ausgestrahlten Lichtwellen werden demnach Brechung und Reflexion homogenisiert.The fact that each of the light sources 6 generates punctiform light circles which are visible on the outside of the optical waveguide 11 in the region of the housing cover 2 are on the shielding sleeve 14, as in particular Figures 2 and 4a to 4c can be removed, a reflector 21 attached. The reflector 21 may be configured rectangular or roof-shaped and mounted in alignment with the horizontal or from this inclined to the shielding sleeve 14. The reflector 21 serves to distribute the light waves emitted by the illuminant 6, so that they do not impinge directly on the optical waveguide 11. In addition, a recess 22 are incorporated in the free end face 18 of the optical waveguide 11 in the region of the lamp 6. Between the trough 22 and the light source 6, the air gap 17 is provided to ensure that the light waves pass through several different media to break the light waves upon passage of the media. This is in the right half of the FIG. 2 shown. By this measure it is ensured that the optical waveguide 11 receives light waves in its entire peripheral surface and forwards them in the direction of the housing cover 2. The light waves emitted by the light means 6 are thus homogenized refraction and reflection.

Um diese Homogenität zu verbessern, sind in dem Lichtwellenleiter 11 eine Vielzahl von Partikel 12 integriert, durch die die Lichtwellen gebrochen sind. Folglich ist die Außenseite des Lichtwellenleiters 11 im Bereich der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 gleichmäßig ausgeleuchtet. Um diese Ausleuchtung weiter zu verbessern, ist, wie insbesondere der Figur 2 entnommen werden kann, die obere Stirnseite 19 des Lichtwellenleiters 11 mit unterschiedlichen Ebenen 20', 20" ausgestattet. Dabei verläuft die dem Taster 4 zugewandte Ebene 20' auf demselben Höhenniveau wie die Außenseite der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 und schließt demnach fluchtend zu dieser ab.In order to improve this homogeneity, a multiplicity of particles 12 are integrated in the optical waveguide 11, through which the light waves are broken. Consequently, the outside of the optical waveguide 11 is uniformly illuminated in the region of the housing cover 2. To further improve this illumination is, in particular the FIG. 2 The upper end face 19 of the optical waveguide 11 is provided with different planes 20 ', 20 ", whereby the plane 20' facing the pushbutton 4 runs at the same height level as the outside of the housing cover 2 and thus closes flush with it.

Unterhalb der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 ist die Ebene 20" angeordnet. Diese unterschiedlichen Höhenniveaus der oberen Stirnseite 19 des Lichtwellenleiters 11 bewirken, dass in diesem Bereich die aus dem Lichtwellenleiter 11 austretenden Lichtwellen erneut gebrochen sind, um die homogene Abstrahlung zwischen der Taste 4 und der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 zu verbessern. Darüber hinaus kann in dem Lichtwellenleiter 11 eine Nut oder Schlitz eingearbeitet sein, so dass der Lichtwellenleiter 11 im Querschnitt teilweise U-förmig gestaltet ist und demnach ein Luftspalt zur Brechung der Lichtwellen entsteht. Der Schlitz erstreckt sich dabei von der unteren Stirnseite 18 bis etwas unterhalb der Gehäuseabdeckung 2 bzw. der Ebene 20" und verläuft parallel zu der Längsachse 9.The plane 20 "is arranged below the housing cover 2. These different height levels of the upper end face 19 of the optical waveguide 11 cause the light waves emerging from the optical waveguide 11 to be refracted again in this area in order to ensure homogeneous radiation between the key 4 and the housing cover 2 In addition, a groove or slit can be incorporated in the optical waveguide 11, so that the optical waveguide 11 is designed to be partially U-shaped in cross-section and accordingly an air gap is formed for refracting the light waves the lower end face 18 to slightly below the housing cover 2 and the plane 20 "and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. 9

Die Folie 10 ist fluchtend zu dem Lichtwellenleiter 11 angeordnet und in diesem Bereich 23 transparent oder zumindest semitransparent ausgebildet, so dass die Lichtwellen durch diesen Bereich 23 hindurchdringen. Seitlich neben dem Lichtwellenleiter 11 ist die Folie 10 in einem mit der Bezugsziffer 24 gekennzeichneten Bereich beschichtet, so dass keine Lichtwellen in diesem Bereich 24 der Folie 10 hindurchdringen.The film 10 is arranged in alignment with the optical waveguide 11 and formed in this region 23 transparent or at least semitransparent, so that the light waves penetrate through this region 23. Laterally next to the optical waveguide 11, the film 10 is coated in a region indicated by the reference numeral 24, so that no light waves penetrate this region 24 of the film 10.

Des Weiteren ist der Figur 2 zu entnehmen, dass die untere Stirnseite 18 des Lichtwellenleiters 11 muldenförmig ausgebildet ist und durch diese eine Kapselung des Leuchtmittels 6 entsteht. Die Mulde 22 kann durch den Reflektor 21 ersetzt werden, wie dies in den Figuren 4a bis 4c gezeigt ist.Furthermore, the FIG. 2 can be seen that the lower end face 18 of the optical waveguide 11 is formed trough-shaped and formed by this encapsulation of the bulb 6. The trough 22 can be replaced by the reflector 21, as shown in the FIGS. 4a to 4c is shown.

In Figur 1 ist dargestellt, dass zwischen der Oberfläche des Leuchtmittels 6 und der unteren Stirnseite 18 des Lichtwellenleiters 11 ein Luftspalt 17 vorgesehen ist, um die Anzahl der Mediumsübergange zu erhöhen, die die Lichtwellen zu durchlaufen haben. Dies bewirkt eine Brechung der Lichtwellen und dadurch entsteht eine homogene Ausleuchtung des Lichtwellenleiters 11.In FIG. 1 It is shown that between the surface of the bulb 6 and the lower end face 18 of the optical waveguide 11, an air gap 17 is provided to increase the number of medium transitions that have to undergo the light waves. This causes a refraction of the light waves and this results in a homogeneous illumination of the optical waveguide 11.

Claims (7)

  1. A switching device (1) for generating one or more electrical switching signals, with at least one button (4) inserted in an opening (3) worked in a housing cover (2) of the switching device (1), in which the button (4) can be moved within this opening (3) in the direction of a switch contact (8) mounted on a circuit board (5) along an axial path in the manner of a tappet, with a first ring-shaped air gap (7) provided between the button (4) and the inner wall of the opening (3) and running from the circuit board (5) to the housing cover (2), and with at least one light source (6), preferably an LED, arranged on the circuit board (5) in the area of the first air gap (7), with an optical fibre (11) inserted in the first air gap (7) and connected to the housing cover (2) in a fixed or releasable connection, the inner contour of which optical fibre (11) is adapted to the outer contour of the button (4) in such a way that the button (4) is held guided on the inner contour of the optical fibre (11) entirely or at least in certain areas during the axial movement, in which case a second air gap (17) is provided between the optical fibre (11) and the corresponding light source (6) and/or a slit is worked into the optical fibre (11) running parallel with the lengthways axis (9) in the area of the light source (6),
    characterised in that,
    a reflector (21) is installed between the optical fibre (11) and the light source (6) in the area of the second air gap (17), that the reflector (21) is arranged in parallel with the end (18) of the optical fibre (11) or at an angle to the plane formed by the end (18), and that the reflector (21) has a rectangular, roof-shaped, kite shaped or round cross-section.
  2. The switching device in accordance with Claim 1, characterised in that,
    a reflection orifice (13) or a coat of light-reflective paint is provided on the outside surface of the optical fibre (11) and/or on the circuit board (5), which runs between the housing cover (2) and the circuit board (5).
  3. The switching device in accordance with one of the aforementioned claims,
    characterised in that,
    a plurality of particles (12) which scatter the light waves are inserted in the optical fibre (11).
  4. The switching device in accordance with one of the aforementioned claims,
    characterised in that,
    in the area of the housing cover (2), the optical fibre (11) has one or more planes (20', 20") arranged on different height levels, that at least one of the planes (20") runs below the plane formed by the housing cover, and that one or more of the planes (20') formed by the optical fibre (11), preferably the one allocated to the inside of the optical fibre (11), runs along the plane formed by the outside of the housing cover (2).
  5. The switching device in accordance with one of the aforementioned claims,
    characterised in that,
    an elastically deformable foil (10) is arranged on the outside of the housing cover (2), by means of which foil (10) the optical fibre (11) and the button (4) are covered, and that the foil (10) is firmly connected to the outside of the button (4), at least in areas.
  6. The switching device in accordance with Claim 5, characterised in that,
    the foil (10) in the area of the optical fibre (11) is configured as transparent or semi-transparent and has a light-reflecting coating on the side next to the optical fibre (11).
  7. The switching device in accordance with one of the aforementioned claims,
    characterised in that,
    a shield sleeve (14) is inserted between the inside of the housing cover (2) and the outside of the optical fibre (11), that two opposite notches (15) are worked into the shield sleeve (14) and that projections (16) are formed on the outside of the optical fibre (11) with one allocated to each of the notches (15), in which case these projections (16) are engaged in the notches (15) in the manner of an undercut in assembled condition.
EP09175227.9A 2009-11-06 2009-11-06 Switching device with reflector Active EP2339602B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09175227.9A EP2339602B1 (en) 2009-11-06 2009-11-06 Switching device with reflector

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09175227.9A EP2339602B1 (en) 2009-11-06 2009-11-06 Switching device with reflector

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EP2339602A1 EP2339602A1 (en) 2011-06-29
EP2339602B1 true EP2339602B1 (en) 2013-05-22

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Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013030311A (en) * 2011-07-27 2013-02-07 Yazaki Corp Lighting structure of switch
JP5986430B2 (en) 2012-05-31 2016-09-06 矢崎総業株式会社 Illuminated display switch device
CN106024464A (en) * 2016-07-04 2016-10-12 宁波方太厨具有限公司 Touch switch
CN112635219B (en) * 2020-12-29 2023-04-28 广东虹勤通讯技术有限公司 Key module, electronic equipment and processing method
US11449153B1 (en) * 2022-04-21 2022-09-20 Muted LLC Computer peripheral devices and methods of using the same

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0414366A2 (en) * 1989-08-24 1991-02-27 Nokia Mobile Phones (U.K.) Limited Light guide

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2690502B1 (en) 1992-04-22 1994-07-29 Otis Elevator Co LUMINOUS BUTTON WITH CHANNEL AND DIFFUSED LIGHT FLOW.
DE59610320D1 (en) * 1995-06-14 2003-05-15 Eao Ag Olten door opener switch
DE19834374B4 (en) * 1998-07-30 2004-03-04 Preh-Werke Gmbh & Co. Kg Knob of a control unit
EP1389788B1 (en) * 2002-08-13 2009-01-07 Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. Function indicator for visually indicating an operating state of equipment
AT504606B1 (en) * 2003-11-20 2009-09-15 Bernecker & Rainer Ind Elektro SWITCHBOARD WITH AT LEAST ONE SWITCH
JP4668867B2 (en) * 2006-08-09 2011-04-13 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 Operating device

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0414366A2 (en) * 1989-08-24 1991-02-27 Nokia Mobile Phones (U.K.) Limited Light guide

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