Patent Grant
9613766
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a door contact switch, in particular for switchgear cabinets, comprising a switch plunger, a baseplate and a switch housing for accommodating the switch plunger, the switch housing being displaceably mounted relative to the baseplate.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Door contact switches are used to actuate interior lighting and for other switching functions, in particular within switchgear cabinets. Door contact switches are known that have a baseplate and a housing displaceable relative to the baseplate for accommodating a switch plunger. The switch housing can be screwed to the baseplate to set a certain relative position. To this end bores are provided in the baseplate and switch housing, in which bores a screw can be accommodated. The distance of the switch plunger can be adjusted by a measure of this type. On the whole, however, adjustments of this type are found to be relatively complex.
The object of the invention is therefore to propose a door contact switch in which the position of a switch housing relative to a baseplate can be adjusted using simple means.
This object is achieved by a door contact switch as claimed in claim 1.
In particular the object is achieved by a door contact switch, preferably for switchgear cabinets, comprising a switch plunger, a baseplate and a housing for accommodating the switch plunger, the switch housing being displaceably mounted relative to the baseplate, at least one edge of the baseplate having at least one baseplate detent device and the switch housing having at least one switch housing detent device such that the baseplate can be latched to the switch housing in at least two different positions.
A core concept of the invention lies in providing a baseplate detent device on an edge of the baseplate. The adjustment of a relative position between baseplate and switch housing can thus be set in an extremely simple manner. The baseplate detent device is on the one hand relatively easily accessible, and on the other hand the locking in a certain position can be provided quickly and in an uncomplicated manner due to the provision of a detent device.
The term “baseplate” generally is not intended to rule out the fact that the baseplate has protrusions, which, where appropriate, also protrude with respect to an upper side and/or underside of the baseplate. However, it is conceivable that the baseplate is completely planar, i.e. has no protrusions protruding upwardly or downwardly. A maximum extension of the baseplate in a height direction is preferably at most 10% of a maximum extension in a lateral (perpendicular to the height direction) direction (for example length and/or width direction). An “edge” is preferably an intermediate region between an outer side and an inner side of the baseplate, an outer side being understood to be a side facing away from the switch housing and an inner side being understood to be a side of the baseplate facing toward the switch housing.
At least two baseplate detent devices are preferably provided, which are arranged on opposite edges. With an arrangement of this type the latching can be established and released particularly easily (manually). A setting of the relative position between baseplate and switch housing is further simplified. In particular a latching or cancellation thereof using just one hand is enabled particularly easily.
In one specific embodiment at least one baseplate detent device can have at least one baseplate detent tooth, more preferably at least two baseplate detent teeth. The at least one baseplate detent tooth can be directed inwardly. Alternatively or additionally, at least one switch housing detent device has at least one detent tooth or at least two detent teeth. The switch housing detent devices are preferably directed outwardly. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the baseplate detent teeth are directed outwardly and/or the switch housing detent teeth are directed outwardly. Due to the provision of detent teeth of this kind, the locking in a certain alternative position is further simplified. If the baseplate detent teeth are directed inwardly, the locking can be established in a simple manner in that the baseplate detent device is pressed inwardly, for example by applying pressure using thumbs and/or another finger of the operating person. On the whole, an adjustment of the relative position is further simplified.
In one specific embodiment at least one baseplate detent device has at least one pivotable detent lever. Alternatively or additionally, the switch housing may also have at least one pivotable detent lever. A pivotable detent lever of the baseplate detent device further facilitates the establishment and cancellation of the latching in order to set the relative position. At least one baseplate detent tooth or at least two baseplate detent teeth is/are preferably arranged on an inner side of the detent lever. If the detent lever is pivoted inwardly the latching is established. If the detent lever is pivoted outwardly the latching is cancelled. A pivot “inwardly” is to be understood in particular to mean a pivot in the direction of a center of the baseplate (for example a center axis or central axis of symmetry). Accordingly, an inner side of the detent lever points in the direction of a center of the baseplate. In one specific embodiment the inner side of the detent lever stands perpendicular to an inner side of the baseplate. It is particularly preferred that the at least one detent tooth or the at least two detent teeth of the detent lever does/do not extend over the entire width of the detent lever, but only over at most 80% or at most 60%. In the latched state the locking can thus be cancelled particularly easily in that the operating person intervenes in a gap between detent lever and switch housing or another component of the baseplate, such that the detent lever can be pressed outwardly to release the locking. In the locked state the distance between detent lever and switch housing or an adjacent component of the baseplate may be at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm.
In a preferred embodiment the baseplate has at least one slide rail, in which (or on which) the switch housing can slide. At least one baseplate detent device is preferably arranged in the region of (within) the slide rail. By means of a slide rail of this type the relative position or a pre-positioning can be set relatively easily. Since the baseplate detent device is arranged in the region of or within the slide rail, the structure is made thinner and is simplified on the whole, which reduces the structural outlay.
The baseplate may have at least one baseplate positioning device, in particular at least one baseplate positioning recess (and/or baseplate positioning protrusion), which cooperates with at least one corresponding switch housing positioning device, in particular at least one switch housing positioning protrusion (and/or switch housing positioning recess), such that a predetermined position can be set prior to a latching by the detent devices. The advantage of a baseplate positioning device provided in such a way (in addition to the detent devices) and/or switch housing positioning device lies in that a certain position can be defined using simple means, in which position it is ensured that the latching is enabled without friction.
In accordance with a general concept the at least one baseplate detent device and also the at least one switch housing detent device can be formed in such a way that a latching is enabled by applying pressure inwardly and/or a cancellation of the latching is enabled by applying pressure outwardly. A simple establishment and cancellation of the latching is thus enabled.
In one specific embodiment at least one baseplate detent device protrudes from an inner side of the baseplate (i.e. a side facing toward the switch housing) in the direction of the switch housing. By means of a protruding formation of this type, the cancellation of the latching is further simplified, which facilitates the handling of the detent device on the whole.
In principle it is preferred when the movement path of the plunger is coordinated with the detent distances of detent teeth. A higher number of switch housing detent teeth (latchings) result in an improved fine adjustment and/or a longer adjustment path. In principle the latching can be implemented in any fineness. Finer detent distances may be advantageous in principle depending on further plunger functions.
Furthermore, the door contact switch and in particular the switch housing may have a strain relief device on a side facing away from the switch plunger so as to prevent cables from being torn off or out from the switch housing. It is particularly advantageous when the strain relief device has a rocker element, which is mounted displaceably along an axis and pivotably about a pivot point. In this way the strain relief device is quasi self-adjustable and can be used with cables of a wide range of thicknesses and in various combinations. The rocker element for this purpose preferably has a through-opening, through which a fastening means is passed. The rocker element may also have at least two rocker parts for fastening cables, said rocker parts being arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of the fastening means and having a convex rounded portion facing the cables in the state of use. Furthermore the at least two rocker parts may each have a guide groove, with which guide pins of a main body engage. The pivot motion of the rocker element can thus be executed in an optimal manner.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a door contact switch in particular according to the preamble of claim 1 and also in particular as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8 is also proposed, which has a pivotably mounted strain relief device.
Further embodiments will emerge from the dependent claims.
The invention will be explained in greater detail hereinafter on the basis of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying, schematic drawings, in which:
The same reference signs will be used in the following description for like and identically acting parts.
In the schematic exploded view according to
Due to the two-part design of a protective sleeve for the printed circuit board 16, specifically the switch housing 12 on the one hand and the cover 13 on the other hand, reliable protection of the operating individual is achieved, and the printed circuit board is easily accessible at the same time. The cover is to provide sufficient protection for the operating personnel. The cable feedthroughs 7 of the cover 13 can be used together with the clamps 8 and 8′ of the strain relief device Z as holders for connected lines so as to thus improve the strain relief. Here, the requirements of electrical insulation class II are met. On the whole, the operating personnel (skilled personnel) is to be protected against accidental contact as the switchgear cabinet is opened.
In order to remove the cover 13, this is provided with detent pins 21, which can be introduced into complementary recesses in the switch housing 12 (conversely, detent pins 21 for connection with recesses in the cover 13 may also be provided on the housing 12).
Switch housing recesses 22, with which baseplate detent teeth 23 of (two) baseplate detent devices 24 can engage, are provided between the switch housing detent teeth 20 of the switch housing 12. The baseplate detent devices 24 each comprise a detent lever 25, which is mounted pivotably (about a pivot axis 27) on a corresponding baseplate edge 26. In
The term “latch” in the context of the present invention thus means to lock or interlock the detent lever 25 or the baseplate detent teeth 23 and the switch housing detent teeth 20. In other words the baseplate detent teeth 23 are clipped into the switch housing recesses 22 by exertion of a force. There is thus a force-fitting connection between the baseplate detent teeth 23 and the switch housing recesses 22. The baseplate detent teeth 23 or the switch housing detent teeth 20 are preferably slightly larger than the associated openings (baseplate recesses or switch housing recesses), such that a force fit exists until the connection is released by exertion of a corresponding force.
In a preferred development the switch housing recesses 22 are undercut. Accordingly, a baseplate recess 28 is also formed in an undercut manner between the baseplate detent teeth 23.
In the schematic exploded view according to
A detent lever 25 is provided in the region of each rail 29 in such a way that the respective detent lever 25 forms a portion of each rail 29. The baseplate detent teeth 23 are arranged here on a bottom of the U-shaped cross-section of the corresponding slide rail 29.
The baseplate 10 comprises baseplate positioning devices 31 (in the form of apertures or bores). At least one protrusion (not shown in the Figures) provided on an underside 32 of the switch housing 12 can engage with these baseplate positioning devices 31, such that a pre-positioning can be performed before the actual latching is performed by exertion of pressure on the detent levers 25. The number (as in the present case) of baseplate positioning devices preferably corresponds to the number of detent teeth 20 of the switch housing 12. However, the respective numbers can also deviate from one another.
The baseplate 10 has holes (slots) 33 in order to assemble the baseplate within a device (for example a switchgear cabinet). Due to the design as slots, the positioning can be fashioned in a more variable manner. The assembly and adjustment of the door contact switch will be described hereinafter. In principle, the switch plunger 11 is more easily accessible than the baseplate 10 having the baseplate positioning devices 31, which means that when pressure is applied to the switch plunger, said switch plunger is firstly moved, and the baseplate 10 retains the position relative to the switch housing 12. The door contact switch is initially fastened via the holes 33 (slots). The detent position of the baseplate 10 is right to the front at this moment in time (the protrusion, not shown, on the underside 32 of the half housing 12 rests in the baseplate positioning device 31 closest to the stop of the plunger 11). When the door is first closed (in order to adjust the door contact switch), the switch plunger 11, which is more easily accessible, is first moved, and the baseplate 10 is then moved (after completion of the movement of the plunger) relative to the switch housing 12 as far as an end position. In this end position the setting is locked via the detent levers 25.
In
The strain relief device Z′ may comprise a main body 38, which can be connected to the surface O of the switch housing 12 or can be formed in one piece therewith. The main body may thus be part of the switch housing 12. The main body 38 is preferably symmetrical with respect to the axis A and is used to support the cables or lines in the strain relief device Z′.
The strain relief device Z′ further comprises a rocker element 39, which has a central through-opening 40 for accommodating a fastening means 41, in particular a screw. The fastening means 41 passes through the through-opening 40 and engages with a corresponding opening in the main body 38. In this way the fastening means 41 can be displaced along the axis A into the main body 38, in particular screwed in, whereby the rocker element 39 is displaced in the direction of the main body 38. The longitudinal axis of the fastening means 41 preferably coincides with the axis A.
The rocker element 39 is substantially elongate and extends in a direction transversely to the center axis M of the switch housing 12, i.e. in the width direction of the switch housing. Rocker parts 39a and 39b, which are rounded on a side facing toward the main body 38 and in a direction toward the main body 38, extend on either side of the through-opening 40. The space between the rocker parts 39a, 39b and the main body 38 is used to accommodate, mount and fix cables that pass through the cable feedthroughs 7 in the cover 13 to the strain relief device Z′. These may be cables or multi-core cables in a cable sheath (lines) of a wide range of thicknesses. The cable feedthroughs 7 and the strain relief device Z′ are accordingly arranged relative to one another such that the spaces between the rocker parts 39a, 39b and the main body 38 are in line with the cable feedthroughs 7. In the present example two cable feedthroughs 7 are provided, which are substantially in line with two rocker parts 39a and 39b. At least two cables or lines can thus be introduced into the door contact switch. In the fixed state, i.e. in the “strain-relieved” state, the fastening means 41 is tightened, such that the rocker parts 39a and 39b rest on the cable sheath.
The strain relief device Z′ is particularly advantageous because the rocker element 39 is additionally mounted pivotably about a pivot point, which lies on the longitudinal axis of the fastening means 41 and therefore on the axis A. In particular the rocker element 39 is mounted pivotably in a plane (hereinafter: “pivot plane”), which is oriented perpendicularly on the surface O of the switch housing 12 and perpendicularly to the center axis M of the switch housing 12. It is clear on the basis of
In order to provide the pivotable mounting of the rocker element 39, the through-opening 40 made therein must be formed accordingly. The through-opening 40 thus preferably has a diameter (at least in the pivot direction 43, 44) larger than the fastening means 41 such that a pivot motion can be executed without problems, within certain limits. By way of example, a conical design of the through-opening 40 is also conceivable. The pivot motion of the rocker element 39 in the pivot plane is self-adjusting depending on the used cables. Due to the convex rounded portion kA of the rocker parts 39a, 39b in the region of the cables, an optimal adaptation and bearing of the rocker parts to/against the cable is additionally made possible, wherein damage to the cables is avoided. Furthermore, the rocker element 39 comprises a concave indentation kE opposite the convex rounded portion (in the direction of the axis A). In other words each rocker part 39a, 39b, as considered in the direction of the axis A, has a (arcuate) depression on one side and a (arcuate) protrusion on the opposite side. The rocker parts 39a, 39b are thus each curved as considered on the whole, the radius of curvature of the concave indentation kE preferably corresponding to the radius of curvature of the convex rounded portion kA. The thickness of each of the curved surfaces in the direction of the center axis M is preferably such that a sufficient bearing surface is provided for reliable strain relief of the cables. In the assembly state shown in
The concave indentation kE is used to accommodate particularly thick cables, which find more space in the indentation, whereas the convex rounded portion ensures an optimal fixing for thinner cables. It is additionally conceivable to form the rocker parts 39a, 39b not in a mirror image with respect to the axis A, but centrally symmetrically. In this case one rocker part 39a may therefore have, for example, an indentation facing toward the main body 38 for a thicker cable, and the other rocker part 39b may have in the same assembly state a convex rounded portion facing the main body 38 for a thinner cable. It is also conceivable in principle to provide a number of rounded portions and/or a number of indentations and/or combined indentations and rounded portions side by side, such that a number of individual, thinner and/or thicker cables, i.e. in particular more than two, can be guided through the strain relief device Z′. It is consequently conceivable in particular to fasten more than one cable or one line by means of a rocker part 39a or 39b.
In order to guide the pivot motion in the pivot plane, the rocker parts 39a, 39b on the side faces thereof facing away from the through-opening 40 each have a guide groove 45, with which guide pins 46 of the main body 38 engage. Here, the guide groove 45 must be deep enough that a pivot motion is still easily possible. The guide pins 46 are preferably connected in one piece to the main body 39 and in particular in one piece to the switch housing 12. Provided the fastening means 41 is removed far enough from the main body 38, in particular is unscrewed, the rocker element 39 can additionally rotate through 180° about the axis A. In contrast to the strain relief device Z shown in
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| 10 2013 103 437 | Apr 2013 | DE | national |
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|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2013/073669 | 11/13/2013 | WO | 00 |
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| WO2014/076106 | 5/22/2014 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20160042883 A1 | Feb 2016 | US |
