Knob switch with light guide having different levels

Abstract

The present application relates to a knob switch with different gears and light guide. The knob switch comprises a knob switch characterized by comprising a knob head, a fixed seat, a cam and a slider, the knob head comprises an indicating block, the lower part of the indicating block is provided with an axial light guide column, the indicating block further comprises a light guide reflection structure, the light guide reflection structure comprises a light-out top surface corresponding to the top of the knob head, a light-in bottom surface opposite to the light-out top surface, a light-out side surface corresponding to the outer side surface of the knob head, an inner side surface opposite to the light-out side surface, a left side surface corresponding to the left side of the knob head and a right side surface corresponding to the right side of the knob head, the inner side surface of the light guide reflection structure comprises a main reflection inclined surface for first reflecting light from the light guide column, the light guide reflection structure further comprises a hollow hole for second reflecting at least part of the light reflected by the main reflection inclined surface, so that the light entering the light guide reflection structure from the light guide column is emitted from the light-out top surface and the light-out side surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rotary switch, and more specifically, to a rotary switch with light guides and different positions. Background Technology

[0002] There are many types of electrical switches on the market, one of which is the rotary switch. Most rotary switches have a fixed design, involving only one specific rotation position, lacking flexibility and failing to meet the specific usage scenarios of intelligent manufacturing. Meanwhile, to facilitate on-site observation by users, an illuminated rotary switch has appeared on the market. However, the illuminated effect of traditional illuminated rotary switches is generally single-point localized illumination, which is not conducive to users' observation of the electrical switch from all angles. A recently emerged prior art involves a rotary switch comprising an operating handle that can be uniformly illuminated by an internal light source. In this patented solution, a plastic light conductor guide component is housed in the handle, and the light-emitting surface of the light conductor guide component includes a first section and a second section facing different directions. To guide the light from the conical light conductor to the first and second sections, two different reflective surfaces are provided in the light conductor guide component, the reflective surfaces being in the form of grooves. Although this structure achieves uniform light emission from multiple directions, the manufacturing of the light conductor guide component (especially the manufacturing of the two grooves to form accurate shapes and positions) is relatively complex.

[0003] A simpler and more reliable solution with a light-guided knob is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates to a rotary switch, comprising: a knob head; a mounting base disposed below the knob head and allowing at least a portion of the bottom of the knob head to pass through it; a cam located at the bottom of the mounting base and mating with the bottom of the knob head, such that the cam can rotate under the control of the knob head, the side of the cam having at least one protruding control surface; and a slider, the slider and the cam being coaxial, and having inclined surfaces of different heights along the edge of the slider, wherein, when the cam rotates, the control surface of the cam presses against the inclined surfaces of the slider, causing the slider to slide axially toward the bottom of the rotary switch, the knob head including an indicator block, the lower part of the indicator block... The indicator block includes an axial light guide post and a light guide reflection structure. The light guide reflection structure includes a light-emitting top surface corresponding to the top of the knob head, a light-incident bottom surface opposite to the top surface, a light-emitting side surface corresponding to the outer side of the knob head, an inner side surface opposite to the light-emitting side surface, and a left side surface and a right side surface corresponding to the left and right sides of the knob head. The inner side surface of the light guide reflection structure includes a primary reflection slope for initial reflection of light from the light guide post. The light guide reflection structure also includes a hollow hole for secondary reflection of at least a portion of the light reflected by the primary reflection slope, so that the light entering the light guide reflection structure through the light guide post exits from the light-emitting top surface and the light-emitting side surface.

[0005] As described above, in the rotary switch, the positions of the main reflective slope and the light guide column are configured such that light incident from the light guide column is at least partially reflected by the main reflective slope and then generally propagates toward the light-emitting side.

[0006] As described above, in the rotary switch, the hollow hole is configured not to reflect light incident from the light guide post, but to perform secondary reflection on light reflected by the primary reflective slope, so that the secondary reflected light propagates generally toward the light-emitting top surface.

[0007] As described above, in the rotary switch, the hollow hole is elliptical, and the major axis of the ellipse forms an acute angle with the horizontal direction.

[0008] As described above, the inner surface of the light guide reflection structure of the rotary switch further includes an auxiliary reflection slope, which is closer to the light-emitting top surface than the main reflection slope, and a horizontal transition section and a vertical transition section are provided between the main reflection slope and the auxiliary reflection slope.

[0009] As described above, the rotary switch has a recessed structure at the junction of the horizontal and vertical transition sections of the light guide reflection structure.

[0010] As described above, in the rotary switch, the recessed direction of the recessed structure faces the light-emitting side.

[0011] As described above, in a rotary switch, the auxiliary reflective bevel is used to further disperse the linear propagation of light from the light guide column.

[0012] As described above, in a rotary switch, the recessed structure is used to further disperse the linear propagation of light from the light guide post.

[0013] As described above, the rotary switch further includes a face mask that mates with the indicator block, the indicator block and the face mask being assembled together by a connecting mechanism.

[0014] As described above, the rotary switch further includes a handle, wherein the bottom of the mask includes an upper barb, the lower part of the indicator block includes an upper barb, and the handle includes a lower barb that hooks the upper barb of the mask and the upper barb of the indicator block for assembling the handle, the mask, and the indicator block together.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a rotary switch, comprising: a knob head; a fixing seat disposed below the knob head and allowing at least a portion of the bottom of the knob head to pass through it; a cam located at the bottom of the fixing seat and mating with the bottom of the knob head, such that the cam can rotate under the control of the knob head, the side of the cam having at least one protruding control surface; a slider coaxial with the cam and having inclined surfaces of different heights along the edge of the slider, wherein, when the cam rotates, the control surface of the cam presses against the inclined surface of the slider, causing the slider to slide axially toward the bottom of the rotary switch; and a slider return spring for providing axial restoring force to the slider, wherein the cam includes multiple replaceable models, the slider includes multiple replaceable models, thereby achieving different gear types and providing at least one of self-locking and self-resetting functions by only changing the slider and the cam, through the structural cooperation of the fixing seat, the cam, and the slider.

[0016] As described above, in the rotary switch, the slider includes: a slider with an illumination effect or a slider without an illumination effect; when the slider is a slider with an illumination effect, the slider with an illumination effect includes a hollow structure that allows light to pass through; when the slider is a slider without an illumination effect, the bottom of the slider without an illumination effect includes a connected support rib.

[0017] As described above, in a rotary switch, the slider includes at least one of the following control ramps: a self-locking ramp, the top of which has a groove capable of supporting the lower edge of the control surface of the cam, thereby maintaining self-locking after the rotational force applied to the knob is removed; and a self-resetting ramp, the top of which has a protrusion, wherein the height of the self-resetting ramp is set such that when the control surface of the cam reaches the top of the ramp, further rotation of the cam is restricted by the protrusion at the top of the self-resetting ramp, thereby reversing and resetting after the rotational force applied to the knob is removed.

[0018] As described above, in the rotary switch, the slider includes at least two control ramps, which are of the same type, or a combination of a self-locking ramp and a self-resetting ramp, or the slider is composed of two slider assemblies, one of which has a self-locking ramp and the other has a self-resetting ramp.

[0019] As described above, the rotary switch has a limiting angle stop on the inner side of the fixed base and a boss on the top edge of the cam. The cooperation between the limiting angle stop and the boss limits the rotatable angle limit of the cam.

[0020] As described above, in a rotary switch, the control surface of the cam can limit the angular limit of the cam's rotation by moving along the self-resetting inclined plane to its extreme position.

[0021] As described above, in the case of a rotary switch with a self-locking inclined surface on the slider: when the knob is rotated from the zero position so that the control surface of the cam contacts the self-locking inclined surface of the slider, the control surface of the cam presses the self-locking inclined surface downwards, and when the boss of the cam touches the angle-limiting stop inside the fixed seat and is blocked, the knob is at the first rotation angle. At this time, the lower end of the control surface of the cam is engaged in the groove at the top of the self-locking inclined surface, thereby achieving self-locking of the knob at the first rotation angle position; in the case of a slider with a self-resetting inclined surface: the outer surface of the self-resetting inclined surface further includes a vertical rib, and the inner side of the sleeve includes a groove, wherein the vertical rib is embedded in the groove in the sleeve; When the knob is rotated so that the control surface of the cam contacts the self-resetting ramp of the slider, the control surface of the cam presses the self-resetting ramp downward, at which point the spring is compressed. When the control surface of the cam reaches the top of the self-resetting ramp, the protrusion at the top of the self-resetting ramp prevents the control surface of the cam from rotating further and passing the top of the self-resetting ramp. At this time, the vertical rib moves to the bottom surface of the groove to limit the self-resetting ramp from continuing to descend and to limit the cam from continuing to rotate, thereby achieving the second rotation angle. When the rotational force on the knob is removed, the restoring force of the spring causes the vertical rib to leave the bottom surface of the groove in the sleeve, and the cam rotates back to reset from the second rotation angle.

[0022] As described above, the knob head has a protruding shape at its bottom and a groove inside the cam. During assembly, the protruding shape at the bottom of the knob head can be engaged with the groove inside the cam to prevent reverse installation. The knob head also has a perforated structure on its side and a barb on the inside of the cam. The perforated structure of the knob head can hook onto the barb of the cam to prevent relative up-and-down movement between the knob head and the cam.

[0023] As described above, the rotary switch includes a light-transmitting indicator block, an axial light guide post at the lower part of the indicator block, and a light guide reflection structure. The light guide reflection structure is used to perform a first reflection on the light entering the light guide reflection structure through the light guide post, and to perform a second reflection on part of the first reflected light, so that the reflected light is emitted from the light-emitting top surface and the light-emitting side surface. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To further illustrate the various embodiments of the present invention, a more specific description of the embodiments will be presented with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of protection claimed by the invention.

[0025] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings show the main connections of the various components, but not all connections, and the components and connections in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale in reality.

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a rotary switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2A An exploded view of a partially assembled rotary switch according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 2B A detailed view of two cams for replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 2C A detailed view of a slider according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0030] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the top of a rotary switch according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of the bottom of a rotary switch according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 3C A detailed exploded view of the top of a rotary switch according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 3D A cross-sectional view of the top of a rotary switch with a light source and a schematic diagram of the light propagation path are shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3E Another detailed exploded view of the top of a rotary switch according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 3F A perspective view of a slider and a sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and

[0036] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C A schematic diagram of an assembled rotary switch and its rotation angle in three rotation modes according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following detailed description is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments in which the claimed subject matter can be practiced by way of example. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are intended to describe typical examples for illustrative purposes, but should not be construed as limiting the invention; those skilled in the art can make appropriate modifications and adjustments to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter, provided they fully understand the spirit and intent of the invention.

[0038] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various described embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein are to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0039] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application do not imply any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Embodiments are exemplary implementations or examples. References to "embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "various embodiments," or "other embodiments" in the specification mean that a particular feature, construction, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least some embodiments of the present technology, but not necessarily all embodiments. Various appearances of "embodiment," "one embodiment," or "some embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Elements or aspects from one embodiment may be combined with elements or aspects from another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 1This is an exploded view of a rotary switch 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A-2C An exploded view and detailed views of some components of a partially assembled rotary switch 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2A-2C The rotary switch 100 may include a rotating head 101. In one example, the rotating head 101 may include one or more of the following: a face mask 102; an indicator block 103, which can be fitted with the face mask 102 and includes a light-guiding reflective structure internally, wherein the indicator block 103 is positioned above and to the side (e.g., from above and to the side). Figure 3D The light emitted (as indicated by the arrow) is used to indicate the illuminated rotary switch 200. A light guide post 105 is provided at the lower part of the indicator block 103. In one non-limiting example, the light guide post 105 can be integrally formed with the indicator block 103. In another non-limiting example, the light guide post 105 is a separate component that can be removed from the indicator block 103. An O-ring 104 is fitted over the light guide post 105 for waterproofing. A handle 106 mates with the face mask 102 and the indicator block 103 to form a complete rotating head 101.

[0041] like Figure 2A As shown, the entire bottom of the knob head 101 may have a protruding shape 1044. In one example, this protruding shape 1044 may be generally semi-cylindrical, or it may be other shapes. This protruding shape 1044 may be embedded in a groove 1168 inside the cam 116 as described below, to confirm orientation during assembly and prevent reverse installation. In the case where the protruding shape 1044 is semi-cylindrical, the groove in the cam 116 may be a matching semi-cylindrical groove to receive and mate the protruding shape 1044. A coupling mechanism 1046 may also be included on the side of the bottom of the knob head 101. In one example, this coupling mechanism 1046 is a perforated structure, such as a square hole. This square hole 1046 may engage with the barb 1166 of the cam 116 as described below (e.g., ...). Figure 3A (As shown) a fitting for assembling them. For example, the perforated structure 1046 can deform and hang upside down on the barb 1166 of the cam 116 to prevent relative up-and-down movement between the knob head 101 and the cam 116.

[0042] One aspect of the invention is embodied in the unique light-guiding and reflective structure of the indicator block 103. For example... Figure 3DAs shown, the bottom of the knob head 101 may have light propagating from it. The light is transmitted upwards along the direction of the arrow through the light guide post 105. The light is reflected and homogenized by the light-guiding and reflecting structure of the indicator block 103, ensuring that the light emitted from the top and sides of the indicator block 103 is uniform. In a non-limiting embodiment, the light source can be a lamp module located below the knob switch. In one example of the invention, combined with... Figure 3D and Figure 3E As shown, the light guide and reflection structure of the indicator block 103 may include one or more of the following features: the light guide and reflection structure of the indicator block 103 has a generally hexahedral geometry, including a light-emitting top surface 1137 (located at the top of the knob head), a light-incident bottom surface 1131 (the surface where the light guide post is located) opposite to the light-emitting top surface, a light-emitting side surface 1133 (corresponding to the outer side of the knob head), an inner side surface 1135 opposite to the light-emitting side surface, and a left side surface and a right side surface corresponding to the left and right sides of the knob head. The inner side surface 1135 includes two inclined surfaces: a lower main reflection inclined surface 1032 and an upper (closer to the light-emitting top surface) auxiliary reflection inclined surface 1038. It also includes a horizontal transition section 1136 and a vertical transition section 1138 located between the two reflection inclined surfaces. The axial incident light from the light guide post 105 is at least partially reflected by the main reflection inclined surface 1032, and after reflection by the main reflection inclined surface 1032, it travels along... Figure 3D Arrow f2 indicates that the light is emitted towards the light-emitting side 1133. Furthermore, a hollow hole 1034 is provided in the light-guiding and reflecting structure of the indicator block 103. The hollow hole 1034 can be, for example, elliptical in shape, and the major axis of the ellipse forms an acute angle with the horizontal direction. For example... Figure 3D As shown in the example, the hollow aperture 1034 is offset from the incident light path of the light guide post 105, and therefore does not reflect the light incident from the light guide post 105. However, light with direction f2 is generated by reflection from the main reflecting slope 1032, and a portion of the light with direction f2 is further reflected by the hollow aperture 1034 into light with direction f1, thus heading towards the light exiting top surface 1137. Further as... Figure 3DAs shown, a recessed (grooved) structure 1036 is provided at the intersection of the horizontal transition section 1136 and the vertical transition section 1138 on the inner side 1135. The recessed direction of the recessed structure 1036 can face the light-emitting side 1133. Both the recessed structure 1036 and the auxiliary reflective slope 1038 can further disperse the light source highlights at the top of the light guide column and soften the visual light source. More specifically, by setting the recessed structure 1036 and the auxiliary reflective slope 1038, the straight-line propagation of light can be interrupted, thereby making the light transmitted from the indicator block more uniform and thus more aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, the present invention achieves light homogenization by utilizing the hollow hole 1034 in the light guide reflection structure of the indicator block, the main reflective slope 1032 on the inner side, the recessed structure 1036, and the auxiliary reflective slope 1038. This light guide reflection structure achieves a better uniform light emission effect while reducing the cost and complexity of material usage and manufacturing processes. It should also be understood that in the above embodiments, the auxiliary reflective slope 1038 and the recess structure 1036 are optional structures.

[0043] The indicator block 103 also has structural features that facilitate assembly. For example, such as... Figure 3C As shown, the indicator block 103 has a groove structure 1031 and a raised coupling structure 1033. During assembly, the right-angle barb structure 1022 on the mask 102 is pushed into the groove structure 1031 in the indicator block 103, while the coupling mechanism 1033 on the indicator block 103 is inserted into the feature 1024 inside the mask 102 for assembly, thereby restricting the relative up-and-down movement of the mask 102 and the indicator block 103. When the light guide post 105 is a detachable single piece, the light guide post 105 is aligned with the knob hole at the bottom of the indicator block 103 and pressed in. The barb 1026 of the mask 102 and the barb 1035 of the indicator block 103 simultaneously hook the lower barb 1062 of the handle 106 (e.g., Figure 3C , 3D (As shown).

[0044] The rotary switch may also include a faceplate 108. The faceplate 108 may have internal threads for tightening into the threads on the periphery of the mounting base 112. Other available methods may also be used to connect the faceplate 108 and the mounting base 112. Furthermore, the bottom of the rotating head 101 may pass through the mounting base 112 to assemble with a cam 116 as described below, such that rotation of the rotating head drives rotation of the cam 116, as further described below. Figure 2A As shown, one or more structures may be provided along the inner side of the fixing base 112, for example, Figure 2A The limiting angle stop 1126 and the groove 1128 are included. In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the fixing base 112 may include at least two opposing limiting angle stops 1126 and four grooves 1128.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, a knob sealing ring 110 may be provided below the knob head 101 to serve a waterproof function. The sealing ring 110 may be in the form of a V-shaped sealing ring and may be tightly connected to the knob head 101 in various ways.

[0046] The rotary switch 100 may also include a cam 116. In one embodiment of the invention, the cam 116 may be located below the mounting base and may be concentrically arranged with the mounting base 112. Furthermore, as described above, the cam 116 may be tightly connected to the bottom of the rotating head 101 (through the mounting base 112).

[0047] The cam 116 may include one or more bosses 1162. The bosses 1162, in conjunction with the angle-limiting stop 1126 inside the fixed seat 112 as described above, define the angular limit of the cam 116's rotation. In one embodiment of the invention, the cam 116 may include two bosses 1162. In a further embodiment, the bosses 1162 may be arranged opposite each other along the edge of the cam 116 (e.g., in combination). Figures 4A-4C (As shown in the cross-sectional view). The boss 1162 of the cam 116 does not coincide with the angle-limiting stop 1126 of the fixed seat 112, but is located between the two angle-limiting stops 1126. (As shown in the cross-sectional view). Figure 2B As shown, the bosses 1162' and 1162" can extend to different lengths around the cam 116, thereby serving different gear limiting functions. Furthermore, a control surface 1164 is formed on the side of the cam 116. In one example, the cam 116 can have two control surfaces 1164. In one embodiment of the invention, as described above, the cam 116 can be tightly connected to the bottom of the rotary head 101 via a further connecting mechanism, so that the cam 116 is positioned relative to the rotary head 101 and can be positioned within the rotary head 101. Rotation is controlled by 01. For example, the protruding shape 1044 at the bottom of the rotating head 101 can be inserted into the groove 1168 in the cam 116. In an example where the protruding shape 1044 is semi-cylindrical, the groove 1168 of the cam 116 can be a semi-cylindrical groove that receives and matches the semi-cylindrical shape. Other matching shapes can also be used to assemble the rotating head 101 and the cam 116 together. Furthermore, when the rotating head 101 and the cam 116 are assembled together with this assembly feature, it can be aligned with the marking 1266 on the sleeve as described below (e.g., Figure 2A The triangle markings shown are aligned to indicate the zero position of the rotary switch.

[0048] As a non-restrictive example, Figure 1 This illustrates, for example, a three-position rotary switch cam 116 (e.g., combined with...). Figure 4A As shown, it has three positions: zero, 60° left rotation, and 45° right rotation. Figure 2BThe cam 116 on the left shows, for example, a two-position rotary switch cam (e.g., 45 degrees to the left and right, combined with...). Figure 4C As shown), Figure 2B The cam 116 on the right shows a two-position rotary switch cam, for example, corresponding to... Figure 4B The rotation angle.

[0049] The rotary switch 100 may also include a slider 120. The slider 120 may be coaxial with the cam 116. The slider 120 may include inclined surfaces 1204 with different heights along its edge. Figure 3B When cam 116 rotates, the control surface 1164 of cam 116 presses against the inclined surface 1204 of slider 120, causing slider 120 to slide axially toward the bottom of rotary switch 100. Rotary switch 100 may also include a slider return spring 124, which provides axial restoring force for the movement of slider 120. For example, combined with... Figure 3B In one example embodiment of the present invention, the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 can be placed on the inclined surface 1204 of the slider 120. When the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 rotates under the drive of the knob, the inclined surface 1204 can be pressed down, thereby causing the slider 120 to move downward as a whole.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, the slider 120 includes at least one of the following control ramps: a self-locking ramp on half 120-1 of the slider 120, the top of which has a groove 1209 capable of supporting the lower edge of the control surface 1164 of the cam 116, thereby maintaining self-locking after the rotational force on the knob is removed; and a self-resetting ramp on the other half 120-2 of the slider 120, wherein the top of the self-resetting ramp may have a protrusion, and the height of the self-resetting ramp is set such that when the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 reaches the top of the ramp, further rotation of the cam 116 is limited by the protrusion at the top of the self-resetting ramp, thereby resetting by rotating in the opposite direction after the rotational force on the knob is removed.

[0051] The slider 120 according to the present invention may include at least two control ramps (in which case the slider may be integrally formed), and the at least two control ramps may be control ramps of the same type (e.g., Figure 2CAs shown, both inclined planes are self-locking inclined planes (thus forming a self-locking slider), or a combination of a self-locking inclined plane and a self-resetting inclined plane. Slider 120 can also be composed of two slider assemblies, one 120-1 having a self-locking inclined plane and the other 120-2 having a self-resetting inclined plane. The control surface 1164 of cam 116 can limit the angular limit of cam 116's rotation by moving along the self-resetting inclined plane to its extreme position (blocked by a protrusion at the top of the self-resetting inclined plane). Furthermore, the outer surface of the inclined plane of slider 120 may include a vertical rib 1206. The vertical rib can be embedded in a groove 1267 in the inner wall of sleeve 126. At the extreme angular position of the self-resetting inclined plane, the vertical rib 1206 can move to the bottom surface 1269 of the groove 1267, which restricts the slider 120 and its self-resetting inclined plane from continuing to descend, thereby also restricting the cam 116 from continuing to rotate.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the slider 120 has a self-locking ramp: when the knob head 101 is rotated from the zero position so that the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 contacts the self-locking ramp of the slider 120, the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 presses the self-locking ramp downward, and when the boss 1162 of the cam 116 touches the angle limiting block 1126 inside the fixed seat 112 and is blocked, the knob is at the first rotation angle. At this time, the lower end of the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 is engaged in the groove 1209 at the top of the self-locking ramp, thereby realizing the self-locking of the knob at the first rotation angle position.

[0053] When the slider has a self-resetting ramp: when the knob head 101 is rotated so that the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 contacts the self-resetting ramp of the slider 120, the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 presses the self-resetting ramp downward, at which time the spring 124 is compressed; when the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 reaches the top of the self-resetting ramp, the protrusion at the top of the self-resetting ramp prevents the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 from rotating further and passing the top of the self-resetting ramp, and at this time the vertical rib 1206 moves to the bottom surface 1269 of the groove 1267 to limit the self-resetting ramp from continuing to descend and limit the cam 116 from continuing to rotate, thereby achieving the second rotation angle; when the rotational force on the knob is removed, the restoring force of the spring 124 causes the vertical rib 1206 to leave the bottom surface 1269 of the groove 1267 in the sleeve 126, and the cam 116 rotates back to reset from the second rotation angle.

[0054] In the example where there is an illuminated module below the rotary switch, the slider can be a correspondingly illuminated slider, wherein the illuminated slider can be a hollow structure (e.g., Figure 2AThis allows light to pass through. In examples where there is no illuminated module below the rotary switch, the slider can be a non-illuminated slider. The non-illuminated slider does not have a hollow structure to allow light to pass through, but can have other structures; for example, the bottom of the non-illuminated slider can be connected support ribs, such as a bottom surface with two semi-circular shapes (e.g., Figure 3F (as shown at the bottom of slider 120), or the bottom surface has a cross structure (not shown), etc.

[0055] The rotary switch 100 may also include a retaining O-ring 125 (for use with a retaining base), a rubber washer 128, and a retaining ring 130. For example... Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, during assembly, the slider return spring 124 can be inserted from the bottom of the slider 120. The barb 1208 of the slider 120 prevents the slider return spring 124 from popping out. After the vertical rib 1206 on the surface of the slider 120 aligns with the groove 1267 on the inner wall of the sleeve 126, it pushes the barb 1208 of the slider 120 into the groove 1264 of the sleeve 126. The control surface of the cam 116 can be placed during the initial assembly process... Figure 3B On the plane 1202 of the slider 120 shown. As described above, when the slider 120 is composed of two separate sliders, the two separate sliders can be assembled separately using this method. In the case of a one-piece molded slider 120, the entire slider 120 can be installed as a whole using a similar assembly principle.

[0056] As mentioned above, the sleeve 126 may have a triangular groove marking 1266. This triangular groove 1266 on the sleeve 126 can serve as a reference for the initial position. Rotating to the left from this initial position results in a left-hand rotation, and rotating to the right results in a right-hand rotation. In addition, for example, the four grooves 1128 on the previously mentioned fixing seat 112 can be inserted into the bosses 1268 of the sleeve 126 (for example, as shown in Figure 2, there can also be four), thereby restricting the rotation of the fixing seat 112.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cam 116 described above includes multiple replaceable models, and the slider 120 also includes multiple replaceable models, so that by only replacing the slider 120 and the cam 116, different gear types can be achieved through the structural cooperation of the fixed seat 112, the cam 116, and the slider 120, and at least one of the self-locking function and the self-resetting function can be provided.

[0058] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C A schematic diagram illustrating an assembled rotary switch with three rotary positions and their rotation angles according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. This is a non-limiting example. Figure 4A This illustrates a rotary switch with three positions: left-locking and right-resetting. Figure 4A The leftmost knob diagram and its cross-sectional view below it correspond to a 60-degree leftward rotation of the knob; the middle knob diagram and its cross-sectional view below it correspond to the zero position; and the rightmost knob diagram and its cross-sectional view below it correspond to a 45-degree rightward rotation. This is also a non-limiting example. Figure 4B A rotary switch with a two-position right-hand self-locking mechanism is shown, wherein... Figure 4B The schematic diagram of the knob on the left and its cross-sectional view below it correspond to the knob's zero position, while the schematic diagram of the knob on the right and its cross-sectional view below it correspond to a 60-degree clockwise rotation. Again, this is a non-limiting example. Figure 4C The diagram shows a rotary switch with two left and right locking positions. Figure 4C The schematic diagram of the knob on the left and its cross-sectional view below it correspond to a 45-degree leftward rotation of the knob, while the schematic diagram of the knob on the right and its cross-sectional view below it correspond to a 45-degree rightward rotation. It is understood that the above left-right relationships are exemplary and relative, and these relative directions can be adjusted without departing from the design concept of the present invention.

[0059] Combination Figure 4A As shown, Figure 4A The slider 120 is a combination of a self-locking ramp and a self-resetting ramp, or it is composed of two slider assemblies, one of which has a self-locking ramp and the other has a self-resetting ramp.

[0060] When the boss (1162) of the cam is located in the middle of the angle-limiting stop 1126 of the fixed seat, the rotary switch is in the zero position. Rotating the knob by a first angle in one direction (e.g., Figure 4A When the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 contacts the self-locking inclined surface of the slider 120, the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 presses the self-locking inclined surface downward. When the boss 1162 of the cam 116 is blocked by the angle limiting block 1126 inside the fixed seat 112, the knob is at the first rotation angle (e.g., 60 degrees). At this time, the lower end of the control surface 1164 of the cam 116 is engaged in the groove 1209 at the top of the self-locking inclined surface, so as to realize the self-locking of the knob at the first rotation angle position.

[0061] When the knob is rotated a second angle in the opposite direction (e.g., Figure 4AThe cam 116 rotates 45 degrees to the right, causing its control surface 1164 to contact the self-resetting ramp of the slider 120. The control surface 1164 presses the self-resetting ramp downwards. When the control surface 1164 reaches the top of the self-resetting ramp, the protrusion at the top of the ramp prevents it from rotating further and passing the top of the ramp. At this time, the vertical rib 1206 also moves to the bottom surface 1269 of the groove 1267 to limit the ramp's downward movement and restrict the cam 116 from rotating further, thus achieving rotation to the second rotation angle (e.g., ...). Figure 3A (45 degrees to the right).

[0062] When the rotational force on the knob switch is removed, the restoring force of the spring 124 causes the vertical rib 1206 to leave the bottom surface 1269 of the groove 1267 in the sleeve 126, and the cam 116 rotates back from the second rotation angle to reset and return to the zero position.

[0063] exist Figure 4A In the illustrated case (three positions, slider with self-resetting ramp and self-locking ramp), cam 116 may include two control surfaces 1164. These two control surfaces 1164 can be positioned relatively close, for example, as... Figure 2A As shown in one embodiment, Figure 3A The spacing between the two control surfaces 1164 can be set such that when one control surface 1164 presses down on a ramp of the slider (e.g., a self-locking ramp, or a self-resetting ramp), the other control surface 1164' (e.g., ...) will also be positioned ... Figure 2A At least not pressing down on another ramp (e.g., a self-resetting ramp, or a self-locking ramp), but rather, for example, on the same side as control surface 1164.

[0064] exist Figure 4B In the example, two positions are implemented: zero position and 60 degrees right rotation. Specifically, the boss (1162) on the top of the cam 116 is set to have a certain length extending around the top edge of the cam 116, such that when the two bosses (1162) on the top of the cam 116 abut against the two angle-limiting blocks (1126) at the bottom of the fixed seat, the knob switch is in the zero position; when the two bosses (1162) on the top of the cam move in opposite directions and abut against the two angle-limiting blocks (1126) at the bottom of the fixed seat, the two control surfaces 1164 of the cam respectively engage with the grooves 1209 of the two self-locking sliders, so that the knob switch is in the third rotation angle (60 degrees in this embodiment) and achieves self-locking.

[0065] exist Figure 4CIn the example, two positions are implemented: a 45-degree left rotation and a 45-degree right rotation. The boss (1162) on the top of the cam 116 is set to have a certain length extending around the top edge of the cam 116, such that when the two bosses (1162) on the top of the cam 116 abut against the two angle-limiting blocks (1126) at the bottom of the fixed seat 112, the control surface 1164 is in the recess formed by the two self-locking slopes, so that the knob switch is in the fourth rotation angle (e.g., 45 degrees); when the two bosses (1162) on the top of the cam move in opposite directions and abut against the two angle-limiting blocks (1126) at the bottom of the fixed seat, the two control surfaces 1164 of the cam 116 are respectively engaged in the grooves 1209 on the top of the two self-locking slopes, so that the knob switch 100 is in the fourth rotation angle (e.g., 45 degrees) in opposite directions and achieves self-locking.

[0066] exist Figure 4B and Figure 4C In the illustrated case (two stops, slider with self-locking ramp), cam 116 may include a control surface 1164. In a preferred embodiment, cam 116 may include two control surfaces to maintain balance during rotation. When cam 116 includes two control surfaces, these two control surfaces may be positioned relative to each other (e.g., Figure 2C (As shown), to better maintain balance when the cam rotates and presses down on the inclined plane of the slider.

[0067] It is understood that the above angles are merely examples and not limitations. Other angles of rotation can be set without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and therefore, the setting of other angles is also within the scope of this application.

[0068] It should also be understood that the rotary switch 100 shown in the above embodiments is merely an example embodiment of the rotary switch of the present invention. The rotary switch according to the present invention does not necessarily include, or only includes, all the components shown in the figures. It is conceivable that the rotary switch of the present invention may include more or fewer components, as long as it can achieve the corresponding function.

Claims

1. A rotary switch, characterized in that, include: Knob head; A mounting base is disposed below the knob head and allows at least a portion of the bottom of the knob head to pass through it; A cam, located at the bottom of the fixed base and mating with the bottom of the knob head, allows the cam to rotate under the control of the knob head. The cam has at least one protruding control surface on its side. The slider and the cam are coaxial, and the slider has inclined surfaces of different heights along its edge. When the cam rotates, the control surface of the cam presses against the inclined surfaces of the slider, causing the slider to slide axially toward the bottom of the rotary switch. The knob head includes a light-transmitting indicator block, and an axial light guide post is provided at the lower part of the indicator block. The indicator block further includes a light-guiding and reflecting structure, which includes a light-emitting top surface corresponding to the top of the knob head, a light-incident bottom surface opposite to the light-emitting top surface, a light-emitting side surface corresponding to the outer side of the knob head, an inner side surface opposite to the light-emitting side surface, and a left side surface and a right side surface corresponding to the left and right sides of the knob head. The inner surface of the light guide and reflection structure includes a primary reflective slope for initial reflection of light from the light guide post. The structure also includes a hollow aperture for secondary reflection of a portion of the light reflected by the primary reflective slope, thereby allowing light entering the light guide and reflection structure from the light-emitting top surface and the light-emitting side surface to exit. The positions of the main reflecting slope and the light guide column are configured such that light incident from the light guide column is at least partially reflected by the main reflecting slope and then generally propagates toward the light-emitting side. The hollow hole is configured not to reflect light incident from the light guide column, but to perform secondary reflection on a portion of the light reflected by the main reflecting slope, so that the secondary reflected light generally propagates toward the light-emitting top surface.

2. The rotary switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the light guide reflection structure further includes an auxiliary reflection slope, which is closer to the light-emitting top surface than the main reflection slope, and a horizontal transition section and a vertical transition section are provided between the main reflection slope and the auxiliary reflection slope.

3. The rotary switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hollow hole is elliptical, and the major axis of the ellipse forms an acute angle with the horizontal direction.

4. The rotary switch as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A recessed structure is provided at the junction of the horizontal transition section and the vertical transition section of the light guide reflection structure.

5. The rotary switch as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The recessed direction of the pit structure faces the light-emitting side.

6. The rotary switch as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The auxiliary reflective bevel is used to further disperse the linear propagation of light from the light guide column.

7. The rotary switch as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The recessed structure is used to further disperse the linear propagation of light from the light guide column.

8. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The knob head further includes a face mask that mates with the indicator block, the indicator block and the face mask being assembled together by a connecting mechanism.

9. The rotary switch as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The rotary switch further includes a handle, wherein the bottom of the mask includes an upper barb, the lower part of the indicator block includes an upper barb, and the handle includes a lower barb that hooks the upper barb of the mask and the upper barb of the indicator block for assembling the handle, the mask, and the indicator block together.

10. A rotary switch, characterized in that, include: Knob head; A mounting base is provided below the knob head, allowing at least a portion of the bottom of the knob head to pass through it; A cam is located at the bottom of the fixed base and is mated and connected to the bottom of the knob head, so that the cam can rotate under the control of the knob head, and at least one protruding control surface is formed on the side of the cam; A slider, coaxial with the cam, and having inclined surfaces of varying heights along its edge, wherein, when the cam rotates, the cam's control surface presses against the inclined surfaces of the slider, causing the slider to slide axially toward the bottom of the rotary switch; and A slider return spring is provided to give the slider an axial restoring force. The cam and the slider are available in various interchangeable models, allowing for different gear positions to be achieved through the structural cooperation of the fixed base, the cam, and the slider, by simply replacing the slider and the cam. Furthermore, it provides at least one of a self-locking function and a self-resetting function. The knob head includes a light-transmitting indicator block. The lower part of the indicator block is provided with an axial light guide post. The indicator block also includes a light guide and reflection structure, which includes a light-emitting top surface corresponding to the top of the knob head and a light-emitting side surface corresponding to the outer surface of the knob head. The inner surface of the light guide and reflection structure includes a primary reflective slope for initial reflection of light from the light guide post. The structure also includes a hollow aperture for secondary reflection of a portion of the light reflected by the primary reflective slope, thereby allowing light entering the light guide and reflection structure from the light-emitting top surface and the light-emitting side surface to exit. The positions of the main reflecting slope and the light guide column are configured such that light incident from the light guide column is at least partially reflected by the main reflecting slope and then propagates generally toward the light-emitting side. The hollow hole is configured not to reflect light incident from the light guide column, but to perform secondary reflection on at least a portion of the light reflected by the main reflecting slope, so that the secondary reflected light propagates generally toward the light-emitting top surface.

11. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The slider includes: Slider with or without lights; When the slider is an illuminated slider, the illuminated slider includes a hollow structure that allows light to pass through; When the slider is a slider without a light, the bottom of the slider without a light includes connected support ribs.

12. The rotary switch as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The slider includes at least one of the following control ramps: The self-locking ramp has a groove at its top that can support the lower edge of the control surface of the cam, thereby maintaining self-locking after the rotational force on the rotary switch is removed. A self-resetting ramp has a protrusion at its top, and wherein the height of the self-resetting ramp is set such that when the control surface of the cam reaches the top of the ramp, further rotation of the cam is restricted by the protrusion at the top of the self-resetting ramp, thereby reversing and resetting after the rotational force on the rotary switch is removed.

13. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The slider includes at least two control ramps, which are of the same type, or a combination of a self-locking ramp and a self-resetting ramp, or... The slider is composed of two slider assemblies, one of which has a self-locking ramp and the other has a self-resetting ramp.

14. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The fixed base is provided with a limiting angle stop on its inner side, and the top edge of the cam is provided with a boss. The cooperation between the limiting angle stop and the boss limits the rotatable angle limit of the cam.

15. The rotary switch as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The control surface of the cam can limit the angular limit of the cam's rotation by moving along the self-resetting inclined plane to its extreme position.

16. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The rotary switch further includes a sleeve that can be assembled with the mounting base. In the case where the slider has a self-locking ramp: When the rotary switch is rotated from the zero position, causing the control surface of the cam to contact the self-locking inclined surface of the slider, the control surface of the cam presses the self-locking inclined surface downward. When the boss of the cam touches the angle-limiting stop inside the fixed seat and is blocked, the rotary switch is at the first rotation angle. At this time, the lower end of the control surface of the cam is engaged in the groove at the top of the self-locking inclined surface, realizing the self-locking of the rotary switch at the first rotation angle position.

17. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The rotary switch further includes a sleeve that can be assembled with the mounting base. In the case where the slider has a self-resetting inclined surface: The outer surface of the self-resetting inclined surface further includes a vertical rib, and the inner side of the sleeve includes a groove, wherein the vertical rib is embedded in the groove in the sleeve. When the rotary switch is rotated so that the control surface of the cam contacts the self-resetting inclined surface of the slider, the control surface of the cam presses the self-resetting inclined surface downward, and at this time the slider return spring is compressed. When the control surface of the cam reaches the top of the self-resetting ramp, the protrusion at the top of the self-resetting ramp prevents the control surface of the cam from rotating further and passing the top of the self-resetting ramp. At this time, the vertical rib moves to the bottom of the groove to limit the self-resetting ramp from continuing to descend and to limit the cam from continuing to rotate, thereby achieving the second rotation angle. When the rotational force on the rotary switch is removed, the restoring force of the slider reset spring causes the vertical rib to leave the bottom surface of the groove in the sleeve, and the cam rotates back to its original position from the second rotation angle.

18. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The knob head has a protruding shape at its bottom, and the cam has a recess inside. During assembly, the protruding shape at the bottom of the knob head can engage with the recess in the cam to prevent reverse installation. The knob head has a perforated structure on its side, and the inner side of the cam has a barb. The perforated structure of the knob head can hook onto the barb of the cam to prevent relative up-and-down movement between the knob head and the cam.

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