Switch device

A switch device is provided for a wall element, such as a door, flap, or window, in particular for a vehicle, having a first housing part, which is positionable or positioned in or on the wall element, having a second housing part, which is particularly disc-shaped or plate-shaped, having a sealing apparatus, which is positionable or positioned at least between the first housing part and the second housing part and fixes the first housing part and the second housing part on one another so they are movable relative to one another, and having a switch element, which is positionable or positioned between the first housing part and the second housing part and can be actuated by a movement of the second housing part relative to the first housing part.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102011008989.6, filed Jan. 20, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to a switch device for a wall element, such as a door, flap, or window, in particular for a vehicle, a sealing apparatus for such a switch device, and a method for actuating such a switch device.

BACKGROUND

The use of a switch device is known, for example, from a hatchback of a motor vehicle. It is used for the purpose of manually unlocking or locking the hatchback in order to open the hatchback.

A switch device is known from DE 10 2006 057 034 A1. A snap dome of this switch device cooperates with a micro switch in such a manner that the micro switch is actuated in the event of pressure on the snap dome. It is disadvantageous in a case that a substantial actuating force is to be applied when pressing on the snap dome. In addition, penetration of moisture and/or dirt into the switch device can never be entirely prevented in the case of the known switch device.

At least one object is to propose a switch device, which is simple to actuate and in which the danger of penetration of dirt and/or moisture is reduced. In addition, other objects, desirable features, and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.

SUMMARY

A switch device is provided for a wall element, such as a door, flap, or window, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a first housing part, which is positionable or positioned in or on the wall element, having a second housing part, which is disc-shaped or plate-shaped in particular, having a sealing apparatus, which is positionable or positioned at least between the first housing part and the second housing part and fixes the first housing part and the second housing part on one another so they are movable relative to one another, and having a switch element, which is positionable or positioned between the first housing part and the second housing part and can be actuated by moving the second housing part relative to the first housing part.

The first housing part can be positioned removably or permanently in or on the wall element. However, it is preferable for the first housing part to be positioned removably, for example, by a screw connection or bolt connection, in a depression on the wall element. In such a case, a visually appealing exterior is achieved. The second housing part can comprise an arbitrary shape. However, it is preferable if it is implemented as disc-shaped or plate-shaped. In addition, an emblem or trademark can be positioned on the side of the second housing part facing away from the first housing part, for example. This also results in a visually appealing exterior.

The movement of the second housing part relative to the first housing part can comprise a movement of the second housing part in the direction toward the first housing part or away therefrom. This movement can comprise a translational or rotational movement, for example.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first housing part and the second housing part are additionally indirectly or directly connected to one another, for example, by a hook connection. In such a case, it is preferable if this connection has sufficient play that a relative movement of the second housing part to the first housing part is permitted.

The sealing means can cover the first housing part entirely or only in one section. However, it is preferable if the sealing apparatus covers the first housing part essentially entirely in the direction toward the wall element. The danger of penetration of dirt or moisture that has reached behind the switch device is reduced in this way. Fundamentally, the sealing apparatus can be removably or permanently connected to the first housing part. For example, it can be stretched like a skin over the first housing part.

In another embodiment, the first housing part, the second housing part, and the sealing apparatus together form a closed system, which is sealed to the outside. Penetration of moisture and/or dirt into the switch device is avoided in this way.

In another embodiment, the switch device additionally comprises a holding apparatus, in particular having a holding ring, which comprises at least one first holding means on the sealing apparatus and at least one second holding means on the second housing part, using which the second housing part is connectable or connected to the sealing apparatus. Because the second housing part is connectable to the sealing apparatus, the first housing part and the second housing part are fixed on one another. In another embodiment, the holding apparatus is positioned inside and/or outside the system made of first housing part, second housing part, and sealing apparatus. In such a case, the at least one first holding means and the at least one second holding means can be positioned outside or inside the system. In addition, the holding means can be provided both inside and outside.

The holding apparatus can be positioned as desired inside and/or outside the system made of first housing part, second housing part, and sealing apparatus. However, it is preferable if it at least sectionally continues an outer contour or inner contour of the system, for example, a border course and/or an edge course. In such a case, it can have a linear or curved section, for example. If it has a curved section, it has proven to be advantageous if the holding apparatus has a holding ring. This can readily be positioned easily on the sealing apparatus or can be part of the sealing apparatus. The holding ring is preferably positioned on the surface of the sealing apparatus facing away from the second housing part.

The first holding means and the second holding means can fundamentally be implemented as desired. However, it is preferable if the at least one first holding means of the holding apparatus comprises at least one opening, into which the second holding means of the second housing part, which is implemented as at least one projection, is insertable, in particular to form an undercut. In such a case, the second housing part can be readily clipped onto the sealing apparatus.

In addition, it is conceivable that the first holding means has multiple openings and/or the second holding means has multiple projections. The strength of the connection of first housing part and second housing part can be increased in this way. The openings can fundamentally have any desired shape; in particular, they can be round, oval, or rectangular. If the holding apparatus continues an edge course and/or wall course, it has proven to be expedient if openings and/or projections are positioned regularly or irregularly along the course. In particular, if the outer contour continued by the holding apparatus is circular, it has proven to be advantageous if two adjacent openings enclose an angle of less than approximately 180°, preferably less than approximately 90°, preferably less than approximately 45°, preferably less than approximately 30°, preferably less than approximately 15°, in relation to the center of the cross-section of the first housing part and/or the second housing part.

The components of the switch device can each be formed from any desired material. However, it has proven to be cost-effective if the first holding means, in particular the holding ring, and/or the second holding means and/or the first housing part and/or the second housing part and/or the sealing apparatus comprise a soft plastic component or a hard plastic component.

An embodiment of the switch device is particularly preferred in which the first housing part and the second housing part as well as the holding ring and the second holding means comprise a hard plastic component and the sealing apparatus is formed by a soft plastic component.

If the sealing apparatus comprises a soft plastic component, it is preferably elastically deformable. In such a case, first housing part and second housing part are readily movable relative to one another. The first housing part can fundamentally be positioned in any desired way on or in the wall element. However, it is preferable if the switch device is fixed by means of a screw connection or bolt connection on the wall element. In such a case, it has proven to be advantageous if the sealing apparatus and/or the first housing part have at least one through opening, using which the switch device is fixable on or in the wall element. Screws and/or bolts are readily insertable through the through openings. The through opening is particularly implemented as corresponding to an insertable bolt or screw. The sealing action is increased in this way.

In addition, it is conceivable that at least one protrusion, in particular implemented as a bolt or screw, is provided on the surface of the first housing part facing toward the wall element. This protrusion is preferably insertable through the through opening into the sealing apparatus.

In another embodiment, it is provided that at least one stop is provided between the first housing part and the second housing part, which delimits the movement, in particular the rotation, of the second housing part relative to the second housing part, the switch device always being sealed to the outside. For example, the stop can be formed by the switch element or a receptacle for the switch element, which prevents a further movement of the second housing part when the first housing part has moved the switch element into the actuated position.

The sealing apparatus can essentially guides the movement of the second housing part relative to the first housing part. However, it has proven to be advantageous if a bearing apparatus is positioned between the first housing part and the second housing part, in particular if the first housing part has a first bearing means and the second housing part has a second bearing means. In such a case, the movement of the second housing part relative to the first housing part is supported, in particular guided, by the bearing apparatus. The bearing apparatus can release at least one rotation around at least one spatial axis for this purpose. It is particularly preferable if the first bearing means and the second bearing means cooperate like a hinge.

The rotational axis of the bearing apparatus can fundamentally be positioned as desired, in particular can comprise a rotation around an axis positioned parallel to the surface or an axis positioned perpendicularly thereto. However, it is preferable if the rotational axis runs eccentrically to the center of the cross-section of the first housing part and/or the second housing part and in particular parallel to a surface on which the vehicle moves. A lever arm is formed in this way, which allows easy and reduced-force actuation of the switch device. Through the eccentric positioning of the rotational axis, comfortable actuation is possible, for example, by a user with low force application.

Furthermore, the switch device additionally has at least one guide apparatus, which is formed in particular by at least one first guide web on the first housing part and at least one second guide web on the second housing part, and/or a receptacle for the switch element. The relative movement of the second housing part to the first housing part may be supported in a simple way by the guide apparatus.

In another embodiment, the switch element comprises a micro switch. In such a case, the switch device can be implemented as space saving and compact. To switch it on and off, the switch element is switched in each case by a user by moving the second housing part relative to the first housing part. However, it has proven to be advantageous if the switch element comprises a restoring apparatus, in particular a leaf spring, which automatically returns it from an actuated position into a non-actuated position.

In another embodiment, the restoring apparatus is positioned between the first housing part and the second housing part, in particular between the first housing part and the switch element. In such a case, the switch element and the restoring apparatus are positioned inside the system of the first housing part, the second housing part, and the sealing apparatus and protected from moisture and/or soiling in relation to the environment.

A sealing apparatus is also provided for fixing a first housing part to a second housing part so they are movable relative to one another, which is suitable for being used in a switch device having the above-mentioned features. In addition, a method is provided for actuating a switch device, having a first housing part, a second housing part, and a sealing means positioned between first housing part and second housing part, in which: a) the first housing part and the second housing part are fixed on one another by the sealing apparatus; b) the second housing part is movable relative to the first housing part, in particular manually, if a force acts, in particular manually, on the switch device; c) a switch element is actuated by the relative movement; and d) the switch element is pre-tensioned by a tensioning apparatus in a non-actuated base position so that it is moved back into the non-actuated base position when the second housing part and/or the first housing part are force-free.

The switch device has numerous advantages. For example, because the second housing part is fixed by means of the sealing apparatus on the first housing part, a simple and flexible connection is provided between the first housing part and the second housing part. This allows a compact construction with low weight and low production costs. Because the rotational axis of the bearing apparatus is positioned eccentrically, the switch device can be actuated using a small actuating force. By using a sealing apparatus and positioning the switch element inside the system, consisting of first housing part, second housing part, and sealing apparatus, the switch device, in particular the switch element is protected against moisture and/or soiling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1aandFIG. 1bshow a switch device, which is provided as a whole with the reference sign2. The switch device1is suitable for positioning on a wall element3(shown inFIG. 6atoFIG. 6c), such as a door, flap, or window, in particular of a motor vehicle. The switch device2has a first housing part4, which is enclosed by a sealing apparatus6. The first housing part4is sealed essentially entirely in the direction toward the wall element3in the sealing apparatus6. The first housing part4additionally forms a receptacle for a switch element7, using which, for example, an unlocking and/or locking device of a motor vehicle can be activated. In addition, the switch device2has a second housing part8, which is movable relative to the first housing part4.

FIG. 1aandFIG. 1bshow an embodiment of the individual components of the switch device2, in which two protrusions11, which are implemented as bolts10, are positioned on the first housing part4on the surface facing toward the wall element3, using which the switch device2is fixable on the wall element3. The two bolts10are insertable through complementary implemented openings12in the sealing apparatus6.

In addition, the first housing part4has a contact guide14, using which the contacts of the switch element7are connectable to the unlocking and/or locking device. On the side of the first housing part4facing away from the wall element3, it has a receptacle16, in which the switch element7is positionable. In order to automatically return the switch element7from an actuated position into a non-actuated position, a restoring apparatus20, which is implemented as a leaf spring18, is additionally positioned in the receptacle16. According to the view inFIG. 1b, it is positioned between the first housing part4and the switch element7. In addition, the first housing part4has a first bearing means22of a bearing apparatus24, using which the second housing part8is connectable to second bearing means26of the bearing apparatus24. It is positioned eccentrically in relation to the center of the cross-section of the first housing part4. The second housing part8is mounted so it is rotatable around a rotational axis27via the bearing apparatus24.

The second housing part8essentially has a disc-like shape. A second holding means28of a holding apparatus30is positioned on the surface of the second housing part8facing toward the first housing part4. It is formed by projections32. The second housing part8is insertable into first holding means36of the holding apparatus30, which is implemented by openings34, using this second holding means28formed by projections32. In this way, the second housing part8is fixed on the sealing apparatus6. Openings34and projections32are implemented as essentially complementary to one another.

In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1aandFIG. 1b, the first holding means36comprises a holding ring38, which preferably comprises a hard plastic component. The holding ring38is preferably positioned on the surface of the sealing apparatus6facing away from the second housing part.

FIG. 2shows a perspective view of the first housing part4, which is positioned in the sealing apparatus6and in which the switch element7is received in the receptacle16. It is clear fromFIG. 2that the sealing apparatus6essentially entirely encloses the first housing part4, in particular continues the edge contour of the first housing part4outward.

FIG. 3shows a perspective view of the second housing part8. Identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description ofFIG. 1aandFIG. 1bto avoid repetitions. A guide apparatus40is additionally formed between the first housing part4and the second housing part8, which comprises first guide webs42in the first housing part4and second guide webs44in the second housing part8. The second housing part8slides along the guide webs42,44during the relative movement in relation to the first housing part4.

FIG. 4shows a side view of the switch device2. It is obvious fromFIG. 4that the switch device2can be implemented particularly compactly.FIG. 5shows a sectional view along an eccentric section line according toFIG. 4.FIG. 5shows that, in addition to the fixing of the second housing part8on the sealing apparatus6, a direct connection additionally exists between the first housing part4and the second housing part8by means of the holding apparatus30. This connection is formed by at least one hooked connection46, which permits sufficient play to allow a relative movement of the second housing part8to the first housing part4.

The mode of operation of the switch device2is described in detail based onFIG. 6atoFIG. 6c.FIG. 6ashows the switch device2in a non-actuated base position. In this case, the second housing part8is unmoved in relation to the first housing part4. The switch element7is located in a non-actuated base position.

FIG. 6bshows the switch device2, in which the second housing part8has been relatively moved in the direction toward the first housing part4. The switch element7is located in this case in an actuated position. The receptacle16delimits the movement of the second housing part8in the actuation direction and forms a stop for the second housing part8.

FIG. 6cshows a superposition ofFIG. 6aandFIG. 6b. A minimal relative movement of the second housing part8in the direction toward the first housing part4is sufficient to actuate the switch element7.

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, in the claims, and in the drawings can be essential both individually and in any arbitrary combination for implementing the invention in its various embodiments. In addition, while at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary and detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.