Pin for a rotary switch and rotary switch

Abstract

The pin and rotary switch of the present invention include a housing, a rotating shaft rotatably arranged on the housing, the above-mentioned pin, a spring piece, and a plurality of contacts arranged on the housing. The pin includes two conductive parts connected to the winding and a pressing part for pressing and fixing the spring piece. The two conductive parts are arranged parallel to each other at intervals, the pressing part is bent and vertically arranged at the upper ends of the two conductive parts, and the pressing part and the top surfaces of the two conductive parts form an insertion groove for inserting the spring piece. The pressing part can press and cover the entire fixed end of the fixed spring piece. By changing the shape of the pin in this solution, the pin can evenly press and cover the entire fixed end of the multi-contact spring piece when fixing it, so that the spring piece will not be fatigued and deformed due to being jacked up by the rotating shaft multiple times, ensuring normal conduction in each gear of the switch. At the same time, when the switch adopts the above-mentioned pin, it can evenly press the fixed end of the spring piece, so that the spring piece will not be easily deformed, increasing the service life and stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of parts of rotary switches, and in particular relates to a spring piece used for a rotary switch and a rotary switch. Background Art

[0002] A rotary switch is a switch that controls the on and off of the main contacts by rotating the handle. There are two structural forms of rotary switches, namely single-pole unit structure and multi-pole multi-position structure. Single-pole unit rotary switches are often used together with shaft potentiometers in applications, while multi-pole multi-position rotary switches are mostly used to switch working status circuits. Its working principle is: the resistance value is changed within a range, and then there is a contact switch. For example, the knob of a microwave oven and the knob of a fan have several gears, which are connected to several groups of lead wires of the main equipment winding. The speed or power is changed by changing the number of coil turns. Its principle is similar to that of a potentiometer.

[0003] Common band switches and multimeter shift switches are rotary switches. In essence, a rotary switch is also a knife switch. Its structure usually includes a shell, a rotating shaft, a plurality of springs, pins and contacts. One end of the spring is fixed to the shell by a pin; the other end is a free end. A plurality of protrusions are provided on the rotating shaft corresponding to the positions of each spring. The free end of the spring contacts with the contact under normal conditions. As the rotating shaft rotates, the free end is lifted up by the protrusion and separated from the contact, thereby realizing the conversion of each gear function.

[0004] The springs in the conventional rotary shift switch can be divided into single-contact springs and multi-contact springs. Since all the contact pins of the multi-contact spring are not in the same state during operation, and the multi-contact spring is only fixed on the pins by plugging the middle part (such as Figures 1 - 2 ), after long-term use, the side contact pins will deform and warp due to mechanical fatigue, resulting in inability to maintain close contact with the contacts under normal conditions, resulting in poor contact and other problems, which will directly affect the stability and use time of the switch.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, it is urgent to develop a rotary switch that can make the spring sheet and the contact foot in close contact. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide pins for a rotary switch. The pins are made of a conductive material and include two conductive parts connected to the winding and a pressing part for pressing and fixing the elastic piece. The two conductive parts are arranged parallel to each other at intervals. The pressing part is bent and vertically arranged at the upper ends of the two conductive parts. The pressing part and the top surfaces of the two conductive parts form an insertion slot for inserting the elastic piece. The pressing part can press and cover the entire fixed end of the fixed elastic piece. By changing the shape of the pins, the pins can evenly press and cover the entire fixed end of the elastic piece when fixing the multi-contact elastic piece, so that the elastic piece will not be fatigued and deformed due to being pushed up by the rotating shaft multiple times, ensuring normal conduction of each gear of the switch.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a rotary switch, which includes a housing, a rotating shaft rotatably arranged on the housing, pins as described above, an elastic piece, and several contacts arranged on the housing. The pins are inserted and fixed on the same side of the housing through the conductive parts. Several contacts are correspondingly arranged on the other side of the housing. The elastic piece and the contacts are both made of a conductive material. One end of the elastic piece is a fixed end and is inserted into the insertion slot of the pin. The other end is a free end provided with a contact foot that abuts against the contact to conduct. The rotating shaft is perpendicular to the contact foot. The side wall of the rotating shaft is correspondingly provided with several flanges for the contact foot. The adjacent flanges are arranged in a staggered manner. When the rotating shaft rotates, the corresponding contact foot is pushed up by the flange to realize the separation of the contact foot and the contact. By adopting the pins as described above, the fixed end of the elastic piece can be evenly pressed, so that the elastic piece will not be easily deformed, increasing the service life and stability.

[0008] One of the objectives of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0009] Pins for a rotary switch, the pins are made of a conductive material and include two conductive parts connected to the winding and a pressing part for pressing and fixing the elastic piece. The two conductive parts are arranged parallel to each other at intervals. The pressing part is bent and vertically arranged at the upper ends of the two conductive parts. The pressing part and the top surfaces of the two conductive parts form an insertion slot for inserting the elastic piece. The pressing part can press and cover the entire fixed end of the fixed elastic piece.

[0010] Furthermore, the upper end surface of the conductive part is provided with a supporting protrusion for supporting the elastic piece.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0012] The rotary switch includes a housing, a rotating shaft rotatably disposed on the housing, pins as described in any one of claims 1-2, a spring piece, and a plurality of contacts disposed on the housing. The pins are inserted and fixed on the same side of the housing through the conductive parts, and the plurality of contacts are correspondingly disposed on the other side of the housing. Both the spring piece and the contacts are made of conductive materials. One end of the spring piece is a fixed end and is inserted into the insertion groove of the pin, and the other end is a free end provided with a contact leg that abuts and conducts with the contact. The rotating shaft is perpendicular to the contact leg, and a plurality of flanges are provided on the side wall of the rotating shaft corresponding to the contact leg, and adjacent flanges are arranged in a staggered manner. When the rotating shaft rotates, the corresponding contact leg is lifted by the flange to realize the separation of the contact leg and the contact.

[0013] Further, the spring piece is provided with a reinforcing rib for preventing the spring piece from deforming along the extending direction of the contact leg, and the reinforcing rib can be formed by protruding upward or recessing downward.

[0014] Further, the pressing part is provided with a first rivet hole for passing through a rivet, and the fixed end is correspondingly provided with a second rivet hole for the first rivet hole. The rivet passes through the first rivet hole and the second rivet hole in sequence to realize the fixed connection between the spring piece and the pin.

[0015] Further, the pressing part is pressed on the upper side of the fixed end, and the two are fixed by press riveting.

[0016] Further, the contact leg is bent downward to form a bent part for contacting the flange, and the bent part is in a V shape.

[0017] Further, the contact includes a terminal connected to the winding and a flat head silver contact for contacting and conducting with the contact leg, and the contact is inserted and fixed on the housing through the terminal.

[0018] Further, the rotating shaft is provided with a limiting structure for limiting the rotation of the rotating shaft. The limiting structure includes a gear disposed at one end of the rotating shaft, a clamping block for clamping and restricting the rotation of the gear, and a return spring. The clamping block is designed to fit the shape of the gear, one end of the return spring is connected to the clamping block, and the other end is connected to the housing.

[0019] Further, the rotating shaft is provided with a driving rod for driving the rotation of the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is provided with a positioning hole, and the driving rod is embedded in the positioning hole.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0021] The rotary switch of the present invention includes a housing, a rotating shaft rotatably arranged on the housing, the aforementioned pins, a spring piece, and a plurality of contacts arranged on the housing. The pins are fixedly inserted on the same side of the housing through a conductive part. A plurality of contacts are correspondingly arranged on the other side of the housing. Both the spring piece and the contacts are made of conductive materials. One end of the spring piece is a fixed end and is inserted into the insertion slot of the pin, and the other end is a free end provided with a contact foot that abuts against the contact to conduct electricity. The rotating shaft is perpendicular to the contact foot, and a plurality of flanges are provided on the side wall of the rotating shaft corresponding to the contact foot. Adjacent flanges are arranged in a staggered manner. When the rotating shaft rotates, the corresponding contact foot is lifted by the flange to realize the separation of the contact foot and the contact. The pin includes two conductive parts connected to the winding and a pressing part for pressing and fixing the spring piece. The two conductive parts are arranged in parallel at intervals, and the pressing part is bent and vertically arranged at the upper ends of the two conductive parts. The pressing part and the top surfaces of the two conductive parts form an insertion slot for inserting the spring piece, and the pressing part can tightly press and cover the entire fixed end of the fixed spring piece. By adopting the above-mentioned pins in this solution, the fixed end of the spring piece can be evenly pressed, so that the spring piece will not be easily deformed, and the service life and stability are increased. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of a traditional rotary switch;

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of a traditional pin;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of the rotary switch of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the rotary switch of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of the pin of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of the spring piece of the present invention.

[0028] In the figure: 100, rotary switch; 1, pin; 11, conductive part; 12, pressing part; 13, support protrusion; 14, first rivet hole; 2, spring piece; 21, fixed end; 22, contact foot; 23, bending part; 24, reinforcing rib; 25, second rivet hole; 3, contact; 31, terminal; 32, flat head silver contact; 4, rotating shaft; 41, flange; 42, gear; 43, clamping block; 44, driving rod; 5, housing. Detailed Embodiments

[0029] Next, in combination with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, the present invention will be further described. It should be noted that, on the premise of no conflict, the following-described embodiments or technical features can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0030] The pin 1 of the present invention for a rotary switch is as Figures 3 - 6 shown. The pin 1 is made of a conductive material to ensure that after the pin 1 is connected to the elastic piece 2, the power supply on the winding can be conducted to the elastic piece 2. The pin 1 includes two conductive parts 11 connected to the winding and a pressing part 12 for pressing and fixing the elastic piece 2. The two conductive parts 11 are arranged in parallel at intervals. The pressing part 12 is bent and vertically arranged at the upper ends of the two conductive parts 11. The pressing part 12 and the top surfaces of the two conductive parts 11 form an insertion slot for inserting the elastic piece 2. When the elastic piece 2 is inserted into the insertion slot, the pressing part 12 of the pin 1 can press and cover the entire fixed end 21 of the fixed elastic piece 2. By changing the shape of the pin 1 in this solution, the pin 1 can evenly press and cover the entire fixed end 21 of the elastic piece 2 when fixing the multi-contact-foot 22 elastic piece 2, thus solving the problem that the multi-contact-foot 22 elastic piece 2 is fatigued and deformed due to being pushed up by the rotating shaft 4 multiple times, and ensuring normal conduction of each gear of the switch.

[0031] After the elastic piece 2 and the pin 1 are assembled, they still need to be installed on the housing 5. A plurality of jacks are correspondingly provided on the same side of the housing 5 for the conductive parts 11. During installation, the installation fixture needs to apply pressure on the pressing part 12, and at the same time, there is a tool below to squeeze open the conductive parts 11 to achieve the combination of the pin 1, the elastic piece 2 and the housing 5. Since the insertion gap of the insertion slot is larger than the thickness of the elastic piece 2 at the beginning for the convenience of inserting the elastic piece 2 into the insertion slot of the pin 1, in order to prevent the elastic piece 2 from being deformed or displaced due to the extrusion of the pressing part 12 during the above installation process, in this embodiment, a support protrusion 13 for supporting the elastic piece 2 is provided on the upper end surface of the conductive part 11. By clamping and fixing the elastic piece 2 with the pressing part 12 and the support protrusion 13, the above problems can be prevented from occurring.

[0032] This solution also discloses a rotary switch 100, including a housing 5, a rotating shaft 4 rotatably arranged on the housing 5, the pin 1 as described above, an elastic piece 2, and a plurality of contacts 3 arranged on the housing 5. The pin 1 is inserted and fixed on the same side of the housing 5 through the conductive parts 11. The plurality of contacts 3 are correspondingly arranged on the other side of the housing 5. One end of the elastic piece 2 is a fixed end 21 and is inserted into the insertion slot of the pin 1, and the other end is a free end provided with a contact foot 22 that abuts against and conducts with the contact 3. By adopting the above-described pin 1 in this solution, the fixed end 21 of the elastic piece 2 can be evenly pressed, so that the elastic piece 2 is not easily deformed, and the service life and stability are increased.

[0033] In this embodiment, the contact 3 includes a terminal 31 connected to the winding and a flat silver contact 32 for conducting contact with the contact pin 22. The contact 3 is inserted and fixed on the housing 5 through the terminal 31. Both the elastic piece 2 and the contact 3 are made of conductive materials, while the housing 5 and the rotating shaft 4 are made of insulating materials. Thus, after the pin 1, the elastic piece 2, and the contact 3 are in contact, the three can be electrically conducted, and at the same time, other parts of the rotary switch 100 are insulated to prevent risks such as electric leakage or accidental touch.

[0034] In the normal state of this solution, the contact pin 22 of the elastic piece 2 is in a state of maintaining contact conduction with the contact 3, and at the same time, the rotation of the rotating shaft 4 causes the contact pin 22 and the contact 3 to separate to achieve the disconnection of the corresponding circuit. The specific structure is as follows. The rotating shaft 4 is perpendicular to the contact pin 22, and several flanges 41 are provided on the side wall of the rotating shaft 4 corresponding to the contact pin 22. The flange 41 protrudes from the side wall of the rotating shaft 4 and does not completely surround the entire rotating shaft 4. The adjacent flanges 41 are arranged in a staggered manner. When the rotating shaft 4 rotates, the flange 41 rotates to one side of the contact pin 22 to lift the corresponding contact pin 22 to achieve the separation of the contact pin 22 and the contact 3. At this time, this part of the circuit is disconnected, and by rotating the rotating shaft 4 at different angles, the switch can be controlled to achieve different functions at different gears.

[0035] Preferably, in order to ensure that when the flange 41 rotates to lift the contact pin 22, the contact pin 22 can be separated from the contact 3, in this embodiment, the contact pin 22 is bent downward to form a bent portion 23 for contacting the flange 41, and the bent portion 23 is in a V shape. The bent portion 23 is recessed downward corresponding to the flange 41. This shape design shortens the distance between the contact pin 22 and the flange 41. When the flange 41 rotates to the lower side of the corresponding contact pin 22, it can lift the contact pin 22 at a larger angle, ensuring that the contact pin 22 and the contact 3 can be separated and the operation of the switch can be more stable.

[0036] Since the thickness of the elastic piece 2 in the rotary switch 100 is relatively thin and the mass is relatively light, in order to prevent the contact pin 22 part from being deformed by the lifting of the flange 41, in this embodiment, a reinforcing rib 24 for preventing the elastic piece 2 from deforming is also provided on the elastic piece 2 along the extending direction of the contact pin 22, and the reinforcing rib 24 can be formed to protrude upward or recess downward. The reinforcing rib 24 increases the stiffness of the contact pin 22 itself and prevents the free end part of the elastic piece 2 from being deformed.

[0037] In this solution, in addition to the above-mentioned plug-in assembly for the fixing method between the pin 1 and the elastic piece 2, in order to prevent the elastic piece 2 from slipping out of the pin 1 during use, the pin 1 and the elastic piece 2 also need to be further fixed. The following are several fixing methods:

[0038] Rivet fixing: A first rivet hole 14 for passing through a rivet is provided in the pressing portion 12, and a second rivet hole 25 corresponding to the first rivet hole 14 is provided at the fixed end 21. The rivet passes through the first rivet hole 14 and the second rivet hole 25 in sequence to realize the fixed connection between the elastic piece 2 and the pin 1.

[0039] Welding fixing: Similarly, a first welding hole is provided in the pressing portion 12, and a second welding hole corresponding to the first welding hole is provided at the fixed end 21. The elastic piece 2 and the pin 1 are connected and fixed by welding.

[0040] Press riveting fixing: Before the pressing portion 12 is bent, the corresponding elastic piece 2 is overlapped and placed below the pressing portion 12 at this time. Then, a boss is punched from top to bottom by a press riveting process to realize the connection and fixing of the two. The shape of the boss can be circular or rectangular.

[0041] The above-mentioned various fixing methods all act on the fixing portion of the elastic piece 2 and the pressing portion 12 of the pin 1, so as to ensure the tight connection between the two and increase the stability and service life of the switch.

[0042] In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 4 is provided with a limiting structure for restricting the rotation of the rotating shaft 4, so that when the rotating shaft 4 rotates to the target gear position, it will not rotate easily and affect the normal operation of the work. The limiting structure includes a gear 42 provided at one end of the rotating shaft 4, a clamping block 43 for clamping and restricting the rotation of the gear 42, and a return spring. The clamping block 43 is designed to fit the shape of the gear 42. One end of the return spring is connected to the clamping block 43, and the other end is connected to the housing 5. Since the gear 42 and the rotating shaft 4 are integrally formed, under normal conditions, the clamping block 43 will closely adhere to the gear 42 to restrict the continuous rotation of the gear 42 and the rotating shaft 4. When the user drives the rotating shaft 4 to rotate by an external force, at this time, the gear 42 will hold the clamping block 43 and rotate. The clamping block 43 is forced to squeeze the return spring upward until the gear 42 stops rotating to the target gear position. Then, the return spring extends and pushes the clamping block 43 downward to re-approach the gear 42 and lock and restrict the rotation of the gear 42 again. This design can make the flange 41 of the rotating shaft 4 keep corresponding to the jacking of a certain contact pin 22 for a long time to control the on-off of a certain current.

[0043] Preferably, the rotating shaft 4 is provided with a driving rod 44 for driving the rotation of the rotating shaft 4. The rotating shaft 4 is provided with a positioning hole, and the driving rod 44 is embedded in the positioning hole. The other end of the driving rod 44 is usually equipped with various knobs to drive the rotation of the rotating shaft 4.

[0044] The rotary switch of the pin 1 in this solution has a greater improvement in practical performance compared with the traditional rotary switch. The following is the test comparison between the rotary switch of this solution and the traditional rotary switch:

[0045] In the following tests, both the newly designed rotary switch and the traditional rotary switch use three groups (the traditional rotary switch is numbered 1, 2, and 3; the newly designed rotary switch is numbered 4, 5, and 6), and high-temperature tests, dielectric strength tests, mechanical strength tests, contact resistance tests, heat resistance tests, tracking resistance tests, mechanical life tests, load life tests, and temperature rise tests are carried out respectively.

[0046] The following are the descriptions of the test items:

[0047] 1). High-temperature test: In this test, the test sample is placed in an oven and stored in an environment of 150 °C for 1.5 hours. Then, observe the shape of the switch spring piece 2. If there is no deformation and the elasticity is good, this item is qualified. The next test item can be continued;

[0048] 2). Dielectric strength test: Working insulation 1500V, reinforced insulation 3000V, contact micro-disconnection 500V;

[0049] 3). Mechanical strength test: Use a spring-driven impact tester to conduct an impact test on the switch, and then check the integrity of the switch and whether it can be used normally;

[0050] 4). Contact resistance test: The contact resistance between the initial contacts of the switch should not be greater than 50 mΩ;

[0051] 5). Heat resistance test: 125 ± 3 °C ball pressure test, test time 1h, indentation diameter should ≤ 2 mm;

[0052] 6). Insulation resistance: DC500V / min, should ≥ 50 MΩ;

[0053] 7). Tracking resistance: Apply the specified voltage to the switch according to the environmental pollution level, and it should meet the requirements

[0054] 8). Mechanical life: Fix the test sample on an automatic operation fixture and conduct a simulated on-off (constantly rotate the rotating shaft 4) test until the spring piece 2 breaks or the springback fails to terminate the test;

[0055] 9). Load life test: The switch is connected to 16A 250V for on-off durability test, and it is regarded as failed when the contacts cannot be normally turned on;

[0056] 10). Temperature rise test: Measure the temperature rise during the switch test, and the temperature rise minus the room temperature is less than 55K.

[0057]

[0058]

[0059]

[0060] Test summary: The basic electrical performance of the newly designed switch is basically the same as that of the traditional switch, and it is superior to the original design in key indicators (including mechanical life, load life test, temperature rise test). The new design can extend the service life and stability of the switch.

[0061] The above embodiments are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention cannot be limited thereby. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention fall within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

Claims

1. Pin for a rotary switch, characterized in that: The pin is made of a conductive material and includes two conductive parts connected to the winding and a pressing part for pressing and fixing the elastic piece. The two conductive parts are arranged in parallel at intervals. The pressing part is bent and perpendicularly arranged at the upper ends of the two conductive parts. The pressing part and the top surfaces of the two conductive parts form an insertion slot for inserting the elastic piece, and the pressing part can press and cover the entire fixed end of the fixed elastic piece; The insertion gap of the insertion slot is greater than the thickness of the elastic piece, and a supporting protrusion for supporting the elastic piece is provided on the upper end surface of the conductive part to prevent the elastic piece from deforming or displacing due to the extrusion of the pressing part.

2. Rotary switch, characterized in that: It includes a housing, a rotating shaft rotatably arranged on the housing, a pin as described in any one of claims 1, an elastic piece, and several contacts arranged on the housing. The pin is inserted and fixed on the same side of the housing through the conductive part. Several contacts are correspondingly arranged on the other side of the housing. The elastic piece and the contacts are both made of conductive materials. One end of the elastic piece is a fixed end and is inserted into the insertion slot of the pin, and the other end is a free end provided with a contact foot that abuts and conducts with the contact. The rotating shaft is perpendicular to the contact foot. Several flanges are provided on the side wall of the rotating shaft corresponding to the contact foot, and adjacent flanges are arranged in a staggered manner. When the rotating shaft rotates, the corresponding contact foot is lifted by the flange to realize the separation of the contact foot and the contact.

3. The rotary switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic piece is provided with a reinforcing rib for preventing the elastic piece from deforming along the extending direction of the contact foot, and the reinforcing rib can be formed by protruding upward or recessing downward.

4. The rotary switch according to claim 2, wherein: The pressing part is provided with a first rivet hole for passing through the rivet, and the fixed end is provided with a second rivet hole corresponding to the first rivet hole. The rivet passes through the first rivet hole and the second rivet hole in sequence to realize the fixed connection between the elastic piece and the pin.

5. The rotary switch according to claim 2, wherein: The pressing part is pressed and covered above the fixed end, and the two are fixed by riveting.

6. The rotary switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The contact foot is bent downward to form a bent part for contacting the flange, and the bent part is V-shaped.

7. The rotary switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The contact includes a terminal connected to the winding and a flat-head silver contact for contacting and conducting with the contact foot. The contact is inserted and fixed on the housing through the terminal.

8. The rotary switch according to claim 2, wherein: The rotating shaft is provided with a limiting structure for limiting the rotation of the rotating shaft. The limiting structure includes a gear arranged at one end of the rotating shaft, a clamping block for clamping and restricting the rotation of the gear, and a return spring. The clamping block is designed according to the shape of the gear. One end of the return spring is connected to the clamping block, and the other end is connected to the housing.

9. The rotary switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotating shaft is provided with a driving rod for driving the rotation of the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is provided with a positioning hole, and the driving rod is embedded in the positioning hole.

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