switches and sockets

Abstract

The present invention relates to a switch and socket, comprising a base, a button, a light source, and a light guide column; the button is movably disposed on the base, the button having a through hole, the light source disposed in the base, the light source being oriented in an offset manner from the through hole, the light guide column having a curved light guide path, the light input end of the light guide column facing the light source and connected to the base, the light output end of the light guide column facing the through hole and connected to the button. Even if the through hole and the light source are not in a straight line, the light at the through hole can still maintain uniform brightness, thereby maintaining a good display effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrical components, in particular to switches and sockets. Background Art

[0002] A switch is an electronic component that can open a circuit, interrupt current, or redirect it to another circuit. A switch consists of a button and a base, with the button exposed on the outside of the switch for user control.

[0003] Some switches with indicator functions have a through-hole on the button and a light source inside the base. The light source and the through-hole are aligned, allowing light from the light source to pass through the through-hole and be observed by the user, thus providing an indicator. Because the button is movable relative to the base, the position of the through-hole on the button may vary, making it impossible for the through-hole to always remain aligned with the light source, resulting in a poor display effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a switch and a socket.

[0005] A switch comprises a base, a button, a light source and a light guide column;

[0006] The button is movably arranged on the base, the button is provided with a through hole, the light source body is arranged on the base, the orientation of the light source body and the orientation of the through hole are staggered, a bent light guide path is provided in the light guide column, the light input end of the light guide column faces the light source body, and the light input end is connected to the base, the light output end of the light guide column faces the through hole, and the light output end is connected to the button.

[0007] In the above-mentioned switch, the button moves on the base, so that the light guide column has flexible position deformation. At the same time, the second end of the light guide column is always aligned with the through hole of the button as the button moves. In this way, the light of the light source body can be well transmitted to the through hole of the button through the light guide column. Even if the orientation of the light source body is different from the orientation of the through hole, the display effect of the light source body can still be maintained. At the same time, since the light is always transmitted through the light guide column, it helps to maintain uniform brightness of the light at the through hole.

[0008] In one embodiment, the base body is provided with a clamping channel, the light guide column is passed through the clamping channel, and the outer peripheral side wall of the light incident end is interference fit with the wall of the clamping channel.

[0009] In one embodiment, the light-emitting end of the light-guiding column is disposed in the through hole, and the outer peripheral side wall of the light-emitting end abuts against the wall of the through hole.

[0010] In one embodiment, the light guide column includes a light guide portion located between the light input end and the light output end, and the light guide portion is arranged obliquely with respect to the light input end and the light output end respectively.

[0011] In one embodiment, an outer chamfer structure is provided at a position where the light guide portion is connected to the light output end.

[0012] In one embodiment, a rounded corner structure is provided at the position where the light incident end is connected to the light guiding portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the button has at least a first preset position and a second preset position relative to the base. When the button is in the first preset position or the second preset position, the orientation of the light source body is staggered with the orientation of the through hole, and the light guide portion is used to deform as the button moves relative to the base.

[0014] In one embodiment, the projection of the light source at the light incident end entirely falls within the light incident end.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the light guide column gradually decreases from the light input end to the light output end.

[0016] In one embodiment, a socket includes the switch described in any one of the above embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a switch in one direction according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of a switch in one direction according to another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A local enlarged schematic diagram of point A in the middle.

[0020] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of light propagation in a light guide column according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of light propagation in a light guide column according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a base and a light guide rod in one direction according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 Figure 6 Partial schematic diagram of point B in the middle.

[0024] In the accompanying drawings, 10 is a switch; 100 is a base; 101 is a clamping channel; 110 is an embedded part; 200 is a button; 300 is a light source body; 400 is a light guide column; 201 is a through hole; 410 is a light input end; 420 is a light guide part; 430 is a light output end; 401 is an outer chamfer structure; 402 is an outer rounded corner structure; 510 is a light; 520 is a light guide column; 521 is a light input surface; 522 is a light output surface; 530 is an outer rounded corner structure; 540 is a light; 550 is a light guide column; 551 is a light input surface; 552 is a light output surface; 560 is an outer chamfer structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, a switch 10 is provided, comprising a base 100, a button 200, a light source 300, and a light guide column 400; the button 200 is movably disposed on the base 100, the button 200 being provided with a through hole 201, the light source 300 being disposed on the base 100, the orientation of the light source 300 being staggered from the orientation of the through hole 201, the light guide column 400 having a curved light guide path, a light input end 410 of the light guide column 400 facing the light source 300, and the light input end 410 being connected to the base 100, and a light output end 430 of the light guide column 400 facing the through hole 201, and the light output end 430 being connected to the button 200. Specifically, the light guide path is used to allow light to propagate along the light guide path of the light guide column.

[0028] In one embodiment, the position between the light input end and the light output end of the light guide column is flexible. Specifically, the position between the light input end and the light output end of the light guide column is used to deform as the key moves on the base, and does not crack during the deformation process.

[0029] exist Figure 1 In the figure, it can be seen that the through hole 201 and the light source body 300 are staggered. The light source body 300 is located in the base and is blocked by the button 200, so it is represented by a dotted line.

[0030] Specifically, the button is used to be touched by the user, and is used to move relative to the base according to the user's touch, and is used to control the current of the circuit when the button moves relative to the base. The button can be moved on the base by a driving member after being touched by the user, or can be moved on the base by being pushed or pressed by the user. In one embodiment, the button is used to control the opening or closing of the circuit; the base is used to be connected to the installation surface, and the installation surface can be a surface on a wall or a surface on a bracket, and the switch is installed to a preset position through the base. In one embodiment, the base includes a panel and a bottom shell, the panel is connected to the bottom shell, the button is movably arranged on the panel, and the bottom shell is used to be connected to the installation surface. In one embodiment, the panel and the bottom shell are integrally formed. In one embodiment, the panel and the bottom shell are snap-connected. In one embodiment, the panel and the bottom shell are threaded.

[0031] The light input end described in this embodiment is connected to the base and is also facing the light source. It can be understood that the position where the light input end is connected to the base can be on a different plane from the position where the light input end faces the light source, or the position where the light input end is connected to the base can be on the same plane as the position where the light input end faces the light source. When the position where the light input end is connected to the base can be on the same plane as the position where the light input end faces the light source, it can also be understood that the position where the light input end is connected to the base can be the same position as the position where the light input end faces the light source. The light output end described in this embodiment is connected to the key and is also facing the through hole. It can be understood that the position where the light output end is connected to the key can be on a different plane from the position where the light output end faces the through hole, or the position where the light output end is connected to the key can be on the same plane as the position where the light output end faces the through hole. When the position where the light output end is connected to the key can be on the same plane as the position where the light output end faces the through hole, it can also be understood that the position where the light output end is connected to the key can be the same position as the position where the light output end faces the through hole.

[0032] In one embodiment, the outer peripheral sidewall of the light input end is connected to the base body. In another embodiment, the outer peripheral sidewall of the light input end is connected to the base body through the light source body. In all of the above embodiments, the light input end of the light guide column is always oriented toward the light source body. In one embodiment, the outer peripheral sidewall of the light output end is connected to the button, thereby ensuring that the light output end of the light guide column is always oriented toward the through hole.

[0033] In this embodiment, the through hole of the button and the light source body are movably staggered. Specifically, the direction of the button toward the base body is defined as a first direction, and the direction of the line connecting the light source body to the through hole is defined as a second direction. When the button moves to a preset position relative to the base body, the second direction is inclined to the first direction. In this state, the through hole of the button and the light source body are staggered.

[0034] Specifically, the orientation of the light source body is the light emitting direction of the light source body, and the shape of the through hole is cylindrical. The through hole is arranged through the button, and the button has a first surface and a second surface. The through hole is arranged through the first surface and the second surface. The orientation of the through hole can also be called the extension direction of the through hole. In this embodiment, when the button moves to a preset position relative to the base, the orientation of the light source body is set differently from the extension direction of the through hole, or in other words, when the button moves to a preset position relative to the base, the orientation of the light source body and the extension direction of the through hole are not in a straight line, that is, when the button moves to a preset position relative to the base, the through hole and the light source body are staggered. When the button moves to a preset position relative to the base, the light emitting direction of the light source body is set differently from the extension direction of the through hole. Specifically, the light emitting direction of the light source body is parallel to or inclined to the extension direction of the through hole. In one embodiment, the light emitting direction of the light source body is set parallel to the extension direction of the through hole. In one embodiment, the light emitting direction of the light source body is set obliquely to the extension direction of the through hole, so as to achieve the different settings of the orientation of the light source body and the orientation of the through hole.

[0035] In one embodiment, the through hole has an opening at one end of the first surface, and the second end of the light guide column is arranged toward the opening, that is, the light guide column transmits the received light through the through hole and the opening to the side of the key away from the base.

[0036] In one embodiment, the location where the light input end is connected to the base is a first connection area, and the location where the light output end is connected to the key is a second connection area. At least a portion between the first connection area and the second connection area of ​​the light guide column is flexible. In this way, the light guide column can be deformed as the key moves on the base. In this way, the light input end of the light guide column is always facing the light source body, and the light output end of the light guide column is always facing the through hole, achieving the function of uniformly and continuously displaying the light of the light source body on the side of the key facing away from the base. In one embodiment, the entire light guide column is flexible so that when the key moves relative to the base, the light input end of the light guide column is always aligned with and facing the light source body, and the light output end of the light guide column is always aligned with and facing the through hole.

[0037] Specifically, the button is configured to be movable on the base, and the button has at least a first and a second preset position relative to the base. The first preset position corresponds to the "off" state of the switch, and the second preset position corresponds to the "on" state of the switch. Of course, the button may also have a third, fourth, ..., Nth preset position relative to the base. When used in a switch, these multiple preset positions enable the switch control circuit to conduct different current flows, i.e., to adjust the switch to different gears. In this embodiment, when the button is in the first, second, ..., Nth preset positions relative to the base, the light guide is positioned such that the first end of the light guide is always aligned with the light source, and the second end of the light guide is always aligned with the through hole, thereby achieving the function of transmitting light from the light source to the button surface. This embodiment does not elaborate on the multiple gears. In one embodiment, the multiple gears are used to adjust the brightness of the lamp in multiple levels. In another embodiment, the multiple gears are used to adjust the wind speed of the lamp fan in multiple levels. Of course, the multiple gears can be infinite, thereby achieving stepless adjustment of the switch.

[0038] In one embodiment, the button has a first preset position and a second preset position relative to the base. When the button is in the first preset position, the orientation of the light source is aligned with the extension direction of the through hole. When the button is in the second preset position, the orientation of the light source is aligned with the extension direction of the through hole. In this embodiment, when the button is in the first preset position, the light guide is deformed into a prism. When the button is in the second preset position, at least a portion of the light guide is bent. Light from the light source is transmitted to the through hole of the button through the bent light guide. In this way, even if the through hole of the button is not aligned with the light source, light can still be effectively transmitted to the through hole, resulting in a better display effect.

[0039] In one embodiment, the orientation of the light source body is always set differently from the extension direction of the through hole. In one embodiment, the button has a first preset position and a second preset position relative to the base body. When the button is in the first preset position or the second preset position, the orientation of the light source body is respectively set differently from the extension direction of the through hole.

[0040] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in the switch 10 described above, the button 200 moves on the base 100, causing the light guide 400 to have a flexible position deformation. Light enters from the light input end 410 of the light guide 400, passes through the interior of the light guide 400, and is then emitted from the light output end 430 of the light guide 400. Since the light output end 430 is connected to the button 200, the light output end 430 of the light guide is always aligned with the through hole 201 of the button 200 as the button 200 moves, while the light input end 410 is connected to the base. In this way, the light-entry end 410 of the light guide column always faces the light source body 300 as the button 200 moves. Thus, the light from the light source body 300 can be effectively transmitted to the through hole 201 of the button 200 through the light guide column 400. Even if the orientation of the light source body 300 is different from that of the through hole 201, the display effect of the light source body 300 can still be maintained. At the same time, because the light is always transmitted through the light guide column 400, it helps to maintain uniform brightness of the light at the through hole 201. In other words, even if the through hole 201 and the light source body 300 are not in a straight line, it can still help to maintain uniform brightness of the light at the through hole 201, thereby maintaining the display effect.

[0041] It should also be understood that in the prior art, if the placement of the light source is restricted by other electronic structures, the usual practice is to use a smaller light source. However, smaller light sources are often expensive, which increases the cost of the entire product and places greater restrictions on the design and production of the switch. In the present application, since light is transmitted through a light guide column, the light source can be set at any position of the base, and a through hole is opened where the key needs light, so that the light of the light source can be transmitted to any position of the key that needs light through the light guide column. In this way, even if there are other electronic structures occupying a large space near the through hole at the base, it is not necessary to use a small light source, thereby reducing the volume restriction of the light source and thus avoiding excessive manufacturing costs. In this way, it can reduce design requirements, enrich the design structure of the switch, and reduce the production and maintenance costs of the switch.

[0042] In one embodiment, the button is provided on the base and is used to move on the base, so that the button has at least a first preset position and a second preset position relative to the base. In one embodiment, the button is provided on the base via a spring, and when the spring is deformed, the button has different positions relative to the base. In one embodiment, the button is slidingly provided on the base. In one embodiment, the button is protrudingly provided with a hinge portion, the hinge portion is provided with a hinge groove, the base is provided with a rotating shaft, the hinge portion is sleeved on the rotating shaft through the hinge groove, and when the hinge portion rotates relative to the rotating shaft, the button rotates relative to the base, so that the button is provided on the base and moves on the base. It can be understood that the movement of the button on the base can also be achieved by adopting other existing technologies, and this embodiment will not be described in detail.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the base 100 is provided with a clamping channel 101, the light guide column 400 is passed through the clamping channel 101, and the outer peripheral side wall of the light input end 410 is interference fit with the wall of the clamping channel 101, so that the light input end 410 and the base 100 are relatively fixed. In one embodiment, the light guide column 400 includes a light guide portion 420 located between the light input end 410 and the light output end 430, and the outer peripheral side wall of the light input end 410 is interference fit with the wall of the clamping channel 101 through the outer peripheral side wall of the light guide portion 420, that is, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral side wall of the light guide portion 420 is in direct contact with the wall of the clamping channel 101, and is interference fit, so that the light input end 410 and the base 100 are relatively fixed. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the side of the base facing away from the buttons. Figure 7 for Figure 6 In the partial schematic diagram at point B, in one embodiment, the base 100 is provided with an embedding portion 110, and the light input end 410 is provided with an embedding groove (not shown). The embedding portion 110 is provided in the embedding groove and abuts against the wall of the embedding groove. In this way, the connection between the base 100 and the light input end 410 can be made more stable, and the light input end 410 can be prevented from moving when the button 200 is moved, thereby preventing the relative position of the light input end 410 and the light source body 300 from changing, making the light at the through hole 201 more uniform. In one embodiment, the embedding portion 110 is embedded in a flexible light guide column 400 to form the embedding groove on the outer peripheral side wall of the light guide column 400. In this embodiment, after the embedding portion 110 is embedded in the light guide column 400, it helps to increase the friction between the embedding portion 110 and the light guide column 400, so that the embedding portion 110 is better connected to the light guide column 400, and the connection between the light input end 410 and the base 100 is more stable.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, in order to realize the connection between the light guide column 400 and the button 200, in one embodiment, the light emitting end 430 of the light guide column is arranged in the through hole 201, and the outer peripheral side wall of the light emitting end of the light guide column 400 is abutted against the wall of the through hole 201. Specifically, the light guide column 400 is inserted into the through hole 201 at one end close to the base 100, and the wall of the through hole 201 is used to accommodate the light guide column 400 therein. The friction force provided by the wall of the through hole 201 can prevent the light guide column 400 from sliding out of the through hole 201, and the supporting force provided by the wall of the through hole 201 can enable the light guide column 400 to move with the movement of the button 200, thereby realizing the connection between the light guide column 400 and the button 200, and enabling the light guide column 400 to smoothly transmit the light of the light source body 300 to the outside of the through hole 201. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the light-emitting end of the light-guiding column is bonded to the wall of the through hole, so that the connection between the light-emitting end of the light-guiding column and the wall of the through hole is more stable.

[0045] In one embodiment, the base is provided with a connecting portion, and the light input end of the light guide is connected to the connecting portion, so that the light input end of the light guide is relatively fixed to the light source body. In one embodiment, the base is provided with an embedding portion, that is, the connecting portion is an embedding portion provided on the base, and the light input end of the light guide is provided with an embedding groove. The embedding portion is provided in the embedding groove and abuts against the wall of the embedding groove. In this way, the embedding portion abuts against the wall of the embedding groove, so that the embedding portion can limit the movement of the light guide close to the embedding groove, thereby achieving relative fixation of the light input end of the light guide and the light source body. In one embodiment, the light input end of the light guide is bonded to the connecting portion, thereby achieving connection between the light input end of the light guide and the base.

[0046] In order to make the brightness per unit area of ​​the light-emitting end of the light guide column 400 higher, Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the light guide column 400 gradually decreases from the light input end to the light output end. Experiments show that as the light passes through the light guide column 400, the overall brightness of the light will continue to decay. When the cross-sectional area of ​​the light input end of the light guide column 400 is larger, it is beneficial for the light of the light source body 300 to fully irradiate the interior of the light guide column 400, so that the light guide column 400 can better absorb the light emitted by the light source body 300. As the cross-sectional area of ​​the light guide column 400 gradually decreases, when the light propagates in the light guide column 400, it helps the light guide column 400 to gradually converge the light of the light source body 300. Although the light is lost during the propagation process, after the light is converged, the brightness per unit area of ​​the light output end of the light guide column 400 can be maintained at a better level, avoiding low brightness per unit area, and thus making the brightness per unit area of ​​the light output end of the light guide column 400 higher, thereby improving the display effect.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the light guide column 400 includes a light guiding portion 420 located between a light input end 410 and a light output end 430, the light input end 410 and the light output end 430 are respectively connected to the light guiding portion 420, and the light guiding portion 420 is respectively inclined to the light input end 410 and the light output end 430, the light input end 410 is away from the light guiding portion 420 and is arranged toward the light source body 300, and the light input end 410 is connected to the base body 100, the light output end 430 is aligned with the through hole 201, and the light output end 430 is connected to the button 200. In this embodiment, the light of the light source body 300 is arranged toward the button 200, and the light passes through the light input end 410, the light guiding portion 420 and the light output end 430 and is irradiated to the outside of the through hole 201. In this way, the light of the light source body 300 can be transmitted to the through hole 201.

[0048] In one embodiment, the key has at least a first preset position and a second preset position relative to the base. When the key is in the first preset position or the second preset position, the orientation of the light source is staggered with the orientation of the through hole, and the light guide portion is configured to deform as the key moves relative to the base. In this embodiment, the light guide portion deforms as the key moves on the base, while the relative position of the light input end and the light source remains unchanged, and the position of the light output end remains unchanged relative to the through hole. In this way, when the key moves relative to the base, light from the light source first passes through the light input end, then through the flexible and deformable light guide portion, and then propagates to the light output end, and is then displayed at the through hole of the key.

[0049] In one embodiment, the light-guiding portion is flexible, that is, the light-guiding portion is a flexible light-guiding portion. When the key moves relative to the base, the light-guiding portion deforms, so that the light-emitting end is fixed relative to the key, and the light-incoming end is fixed relative to the base and the light source body. In this way, the light from the light source body passes through the light-incoming end, the light-guiding portion, and the light-emitting end and irradiates the outside of the through-hole, so that the light is uniformly and continuously irradiated to the side of the key facing away from the base. In one embodiment, the light-guiding portion, the light-emitting end, and the light-incoming end are all flexible, that is, the light-guiding column as a whole is flexible, that is, the light-guiding column is a flexible light-guiding column. When the key moves relative to the base, the light-guiding column as a whole deforms. Since the light-incoming end is connected to the base, and the light-outgoing end is connected to the key, the light-incoming end can be aligned with the light source body, and the light-outgoing end can be aligned with the through-hole, so that the light is uniformly and continuously irradiated to the side of the key facing away from the base.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, an outer chamfer structure 401 is provided at the position where the light guide portion 420 is connected to the light output end 430. Specifically, the outer chamfer structure 401 is a plane provided at the position where the light guide portion 420 is connected to the light output end 430. In this embodiment, although light propagates in the light guide column 400, the outer chamfer structure 401 can be equivalent to forming a "mirror" inside the light guide column 400, so that when light is irradiated on the outer chamfer structure 401, most of the light can be quickly changed in propagation direction. In other words, the light output angle can be well changed by the outer chamfer structure 401, so that the light in the light guide column 400 can be quickly gathered to a specified position. It is particularly suitable for the case of "light emission" because the button 200 moves relative to the base 100, that is, the button 200 moves quickly with the user's operation. If the light guide column 400 has a weak ability to change the light propagation path, then when the user operates the button 200, the light output by the light guide column 400 may become weak in an instant, affecting the display effect. However, due to the outer chamfer structure 401, the light can quickly change the irradiation direction inside the light guide column 400 as the button 200 moves, which is beneficial for the light to quickly turn along the outer chamfer structure 401 and continuously irradiate the light output end of the light guide column 400, so that there will be no flickering phenomenon when the light is emitted, which helps to maintain the display effect when the button 200 is active. The light emission described in this embodiment is the transmission of light from the inside of the light guide column 400 to the end of the light guide column 400. Specifically, the applicant conducted an experiment on the propagation of light in the outer chamfer structure and drew a diagram based on the results. Figure 4 For a schematic diagram of the propagation of light, see Figure 4The light guide column 520 has a light entrance surface 521 and a light exit surface 522. The light 510 enters from the light entrance surface 521, passes through the interior of the light guide column 520, and then exits from the light exit surface 522. It can be seen that when the light 510 passes through the outer chamfer structure 520 of the light guide column 520, the outer chamfer structure 520 can quickly reflect the light to a preset direction, that is, the outer chamfer structure 520 can quickly reflect the light to the light exit direction, which is conducive to quickly gathering the light 510.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the light output end 430 is perpendicular to the light guiding part 420. Specifically, when the light guiding column 400 is not subjected to external force, the extension direction of the light output end 430 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the light guiding part 420. When the extension direction of the light output end 430 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the light guiding part 420, the propagation direction of the light can be quickly bent. In this embodiment, an outer chamfer structure 401 is provided at the position where the light guiding part 420 is connected to the light output end 430. In this way, the light of the light guiding part 420 can be quickly propagated to the light output end 430 through the outer chamfer structure 401 through the principle of reflection, thereby better matching the light output end 430 to be perpendicular to the light guiding part 420, so as to achieve the function of quickly bending the propagation direction of the light.

[0052] In order to better make the light propagate along the vertical light guide portion 420 and the light output end 430, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the chamfer angle of the outer chamfer structure 401 is 45°. When the light output end 430 is perpendicular to the light guide portion 420, the 45° outer chamfer structure 401 can precisely reflect all the light from the light guide portion 420 in the extension direction of the light output end 430, so that the light is better concentrated at the light output end 430, improving the display effect of the light output end 430.

[0053] like Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the position where the light input end 410 and the light guide portion 420 are connected is provided with an outer rounded corner structure 402. Specifically, the outer rounded corner structure 402 is an arc-shaped structure provided at the position where the light input end 410 and the light guide portion 420 are connected. It should be understood that although the outer chamfer structure 401 can quickly reflect light so that the light is quickly gathered in a certain direction, there will be a certain loss of light when passing through the outer chamfer structure 401. Therefore, the outer chamfer structure 401 is suitable for the case of light output, and when "light is input", if the light is to be bent, it is better to set the outer rounded corner structure 402. When the light input end 410 and the light guide portion 420 are tilted, the outer rounded corner structure 402 can avoid the light input end 410 from being lost. 10 is connected to the light guide portion 420. The cross-sectional area is narrower, that is, the rounded corner structure 402 can make the cross-sectional area of ​​the position where the light input end 410 is connected to the light guide portion 420 larger, avoiding the light loss caused by the light passing through the side of the light guide column 400, and allowing the light to pass through the connection position of the light input end 410 and the light guide portion 420 as completely as possible, thereby reducing the light loss. The light input described in this embodiment is the light transmitted from the end of the light guide column 400 to the inside of the light guide column 400. Specifically, the applicant conducted an experiment on the propagation of light in the rounded corner structure and drew a diagram based on the results. Figure 5 For a schematic diagram of the propagation of light, see Figure 5 The light guide column 550 has a light entrance surface 551 and a light exit surface 552. The light 540 enters from the light entrance surface 551, passes through the interior of the light guide column 550, and then exits from the light exit surface 552. It can be seen that when the light 540 passes through the outer rounded corner structure 560 of the light guide column 550, although the light turns more slowly when passing through the outer rounded corner structure 560, it is less likely for the light 540 to exit from the side of the light guide column 550, which is beneficial to avoid light loss.

[0054] Based on the above experimental results, the rounded corner structure is particularly suitable for the situation where the light guide column is arranged in the base body, that is, according to actual needs, part of the light guide column extends in the base body, and the part of the light guide column located in the base body is preferably equipped with a rounded corner structure to bend the light when transmitting light, so that the light can be transmitted at these positions with less loss, and the outer chamfer structure is particularly suitable for the light output position, that is, the outer chamfer structure is made at the position of the light guide column facing the through hole. In this way, no matter how the key moves on the base body, the outer chamfer structure can quickly reflect the light to the through hole, avoiding the instantaneous uneven brightness when the key is active.

[0055] In one of the embodiments, when tested from the outside, the direction in which the brightness of the light source is the highest is the light emitting direction, and is also the orientation of the light source. In one of the embodiments, the light source includes LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp beads. The LED lamp beads can emit light, thereby realizing the light-emitting function of the light source. In this embodiment, the LED lamp beads are cubic in shape. When tested from the outside, the direction in which the brightness of the LED lamp beads is the highest is the light emitting direction, and is also the orientation of the LED lamp beads. In one of the embodiments, the light source includes a tungsten filament bulb. In one of the embodiments, the light source includes a xenon lamp. In one of the embodiments, the light source includes a neon lamp. The lamps listed in the above embodiments can all realize the light-emitting function of the light source.

[0056] In one embodiment, the material of the light guide column includes at least one of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) and PC (Polycarbonate). The light guide column made of the above materials has the property of guiding light, thereby achieving continuous and uniform transmission of light from the light source to the staggered through holes. In one embodiment, the material of the light guide column also includes semi-transparent color powder. In one embodiment, the material of the light guide column includes PC and semi-transparent color powder. The semi-transparent color powder has different colors. When used with PC, the light guide column can be made into different colors, thereby achieving a richer display effect. At the same time, the semi-transparent color powder can also help make the overall brightness of the light in the light guide column more uniform and avoid abnormal light spots in local areas of the light guide column. In one embodiment, the material of the light guide column also includes a light diffuser. In one embodiment, the material of the light guide column includes PC and a light diffuser. Can the light diffuser change the performance of PC, make the light diffusivity of the light guide column better, reduce the loss of light propagating in the light guide column, and facilitate light propagation in the light guide column? In one embodiment, the material of the light guide column is optical fiber, which can realize the light guiding function of the light guide column, so that light can be continuously and evenly transmitted to the through hole staggered with the light source body.

[0057] like Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the projection of the light source 300 at the light entrance end 410 of the light guide pillar all falls within the light entrance end 410 of the light guide pillar, that is, the projection of the light source 300 at the light entrance end 410 of the light guide pillar all falls within the area covered by the light entrance end 410 of the light guide pillar, that is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the light entrance end 410 of the light guide pillar is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the light source 300. In this way, most of the light from the light source 300 will illuminate the light entrance end 410 of the light guide pillar, reducing the light loss when the light source 300 is transmitted to the light guide pillar 400, helping to transmit more light to the through hole 201, and improving the brightness at the through hole 201. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a mounting groove is provided at the light input end of the light guide column, and the light source body is at least partially installed in the mounting groove. Specifically, the light from the light source body is irradiated to the wall of the mounting groove, so that the light enters the light guide column. In this way, more light from the light source body will be transmitted into the light guide column, so that the light guide column can transmit more light to the through hole, further improving the brightness at the through hole. In one embodiment, a mounting groove is provided at the light input end of the light guide column, and the entire light source body is installed in the mounting groove, so that the light guide column can transmit more light to the through hole, further improving the brightness at the through hole. In order to better allow light to converge into the interior of the light guide column, further, in one embodiment, an outward convex arc structure is provided near the light input end of the light guide column, so that after the light passes through the wall of the mounting groove, it is converged into the interior of the light guide column through the outward convex arc structure, thereby better allowing light to converge into the interior of the light guide column and be transmitted to the light output end of the light guide column.

[0058] In one embodiment, an electrical device is provided, comprising a load and a switch as described in any of the above embodiments, the switch being configured to control the amount of current flowing to the load. In one embodiment, the switch is configured to control the current flowing to the load to be turned on or off. In one embodiment, the load is a lighting fixture. In one embodiment, the load is an exhaust fan. In one embodiment, the load is a splitter. In one embodiment, the load is a central air conditioner. In the switch included in the above electrical device, a key moves on a base, allowing a light guide column to flexibly deform. Furthermore, the light-emitting end of the light guide column remains aligned with the through-hole of the key as the key moves. This allows light from a light source to be effectively transmitted to the through-hole of the key through the light guide column. Even if the light source is oriented differently from the through-hole, the display effect of the light source is maintained. Furthermore, since the light is always transmitted through the light guide column, the light at the through-hole maintains a uniform brightness. In other words, even if the through-hole and the light source are not aligned, the light at the through-hole maintains a uniform brightness, maintaining the display effect. In a dark environment, the user can find the button position well according to the light at the button through hole, thereby facilitating the user to switch the working state of the switch in a dark environment.

[0059] In one embodiment, the switch includes an electronic control component, which is disposed on the base and is used to connect to a load. When the button moves relative to the base, the electronic control component is turned on or off to realize the control function of the button.

[0060] In one embodiment, a socket is further provided, comprising the switch described in any of the above embodiments. In one embodiment, the socket has a female plug assembly, and the button is used to control the operation of the female plug assembly, that is, the socket is a switch-type socket. In one embodiment, the seat body has a cavity, the female plug assembly is arranged in the cavity, and the seat body is provided with a jack, the jack is connected to the cavity, and the jack is aligned with the female plug assembly. In one embodiment, when the button moves relative to the seat body, the electronic control assembly is turned on or off, and the electronic control assembly is connected to the female plug assembly. The socket in each embodiment has a switch, and the switch button moves on the base, causing the light guide column to have flexible position deformation. Light enters from the light input end of the light guide column, passes through the interior of the light guide column, and is then emitted from the light output end of the light guide column. Since the light output end is connected to the button, the light output end of the light guide column is always aligned with the through hole of the button as the button moves, and the light input end is connected to the base, so the light input end of the light guide column is always facing the light source body as the button moves. In this way, the light of the light source body can be well transmitted to the through hole of the button through the light guide column. Even if the direction of the light source body and the direction of the through hole are set differently, the display effect of the light source body can still be maintained. At the same time, since the light is always transmitted through the light guide column, it helps to maintain uniform brightness of the light at the through hole. In other words, even if the through hole and the light source body are not in a straight line, it can still help to maintain uniform brightness of the light at the through hole, maintaining the display effect.

[0061] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0062] The above-described embodiments merely illustrate several implementations of the present invention, and while their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make numerous variations and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the patent for this invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A switch, characterized in that: Including a base body, a button, a light source body and a light guide column; The button is movably arranged on the base, the button is provided with a through hole, the light source is arranged on the base, the orientation of the light source is staggered with the orientation of the through hole, a curved light guide path is provided in the light guide column, the light input end of the light guide column faces the light source, and the light input end is connected to the base, the light output end of the light guide column faces the through hole, and the light output end is connected to the button; Wherein, the light incident end of one of the light guide pillars always faces the same light source body as the button moves; The light guide column includes a light guide portion located between the light input end and the light output end, which is flexible and deformable, and the light guide portion is arranged obliquely with respect to the light input end and the light output end respectively; The button has at least a first preset position and a second preset position relative to the base. When the button is in the first preset position or the second preset position, the orientation of the light source is staggered with the orientation of the through hole, and the light guide portion is configured to deform as the button moves relative to the base. When the key is in a first preset position, the light guide column is deformed into a prism shape, and when the key is in a second preset position, at least a portion of the light guide column is bent, and the light from the light source is transmitted to the through hole of the key through the bent light guide column; The cross-sectional area of ​​the light guide column gradually decreases from the light input end to the light output end.

2. The switch according to claim 1, wherein: The base body is provided with a clamping channel, the light guide column is passed through the clamping channel, and the outer peripheral side wall of the light incident end is interference-fitted with the wall of the clamping channel.

3. The switch according to claim 1, wherein: The light-emitting end of the light-guiding column is passed through the through hole, and the outer peripheral side wall of the light-emitting end abuts against the wall of the through hole.

4. The switch according to claim 1, wherein: An outer chamfer structure is provided at a position where the light guide portion is connected to the light output end.

5. The switch according to claim 1, wherein: A rounded corner structure is provided at a position where the light incident end is connected to the light guide portion.

6. The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The projections of the light source at the light incident end all fall within the light incident end.

7. A socket, characterized in that: A switch comprising the switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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