Switch device and guide for a switch element

Abstract

The present invention provides a switch device and a guide for a switch element. An improved switch device guide includes a switch element configured to reduce the undesired movement of the switch element. The guide includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion is configured to accommodate the switch element, and the lower portion is configured to accommodate a spring. The upper portion defines a seat for accommodating the switch element and includes at least one elastic protrusion for retaining the switch element in the guide. The lower portion defines an opening for positioning the spring, wherein the spring is partially placed against the switch element and partially placed against the guide. The guide includes a guide portion, which is configured to engage a housing on the switch device to prevent the switch element from rotating in the switch device. The switch element also includes a protrusion, which is configured to engage each side of the guide and prevent longitudinal movement of the switch element in the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a switch device including a mechanical switch element that physically moves between a closed position and an open position within a chamber. More specifically, a guide for the switch element is disclosed that is used to maintain the switch element within the chamber in a desired physical orientation. Background Art

[0002] As known to those skilled in the art, a switching device is a component in an electrical circuit that can be controlled between an "on" state and an "off" state. In the on state, the switching device establishes an electrical connection between contacts and allows current to flow from a power source to an electrical load through the switching device. In the off state, the switching device disconnects the electrical connection between the contacts, thereby preventing current from flowing through the switching device. For example, the switching device can be used as a circuit breaker, a motor protection device, a contactor to supply power to one or more branch circuits, etc. The switching device can be actuated manually or automatically. A mechanical switch or an electronic actuator that moves between two states is provided. In one state, the mechanical switch or electronic actuator causes the switching device to establish an electrical connection, and in another state, the mechanical switch or electronic actuator causes the switching device to disconnect the electrical connection.

[0003] Typically, when a mechanical switch or electronic actuator switches from a first state to a second state, the switch or actuator causes a plunger to move a switch element in a switch device in a first direction. When the mechanical switch or electronic actuator switches from the second state back to the first state, a spring returns the switch element to its original position. The switch element moves within a channel defined within the switch device.

[0004] However, these switch devices are not without certain challenges. During normal operation, there is the possibility of the switch element "bouncing". When the spring returns the switch element to its original position, the force of the switch element impacting the other contact to close the circuit may cause a small amount of recoil. In particular, after many cycles and as the spring wears, the force applied by the spring may weaken so that the spring does not immediately hold the switch element against the contact when closing the circuit. During this recoil, the switch element is no longer mechanically held between the plunger and the spring in its desired orientation within the channel. The switch element may move left and right, forward and backward, or even rotate within the channel. The movement of the switch element may at least reduce the surface area of ​​the contacts that establish a physical connection, accelerate wear between the contacts, or in the worst case cause the switch device to fail.

[0005] The potential movement of the switch element within the switch device is not limited to the normal wear and tear on the switch device. For example, during commissioning, a control circuit that has not been operating correctly may cause the state in the switch device to cycle rapidly between the on state and the off state. This rapid cycling can simulate a bouncing situation, in which the plunger and spring do not always hold the switch element in place and the switch element can move or rotate within the channel. Similarly, during shipping, for example, a sharp force applied to the housing of the switch element may cause vibration or impact forces to the device, during which the spring compresses enough to cause the switch element to move or rotate within the channel. Such forces received by the switch device during shipping may cause premature failure of the device.

[0006] It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved switching device in which undesired movement of a switching element is reduced.

[0007] It is also desirable to provide a guide for the switch element that positively holds the switch element in a desired orientation within the switch device. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a guide for a switch element includes a front member, a rear member, a first side member, and a second side member. The front member is configured to extend longitudinally along the front side of the switch element, and the rear member is configured to extend longitudinally along the rear side of the switch element. The front member includes: a first seat configured to accommodate the lower surface of the switch element; and a first protrusion configured to keep the switch element in the guide. The rear member includes: a second seat configured to accommodate the lower surface of the switch element; and a second protrusion configured to keep the switch element in the guide. The first side member has a front edge and a rear edge, wherein the first side member extends between the first end of the lower portion of the front member and the first end of the lower portion of the rear member. The second side member has a front edge and a rear edge, wherein the second side member extends between the second end of the lower portion of the front member and the second end of the lower portion of the rear member. The first side member includes: a first guide portion protruding outward from the front edge of the first side member; and a second guide portion protruding outward from the rear edge of the first side member. The second side member includes: a third guide portion protruding outwardly from a front edge of the second side member; and a fourth guide portion protruding outwardly from a rear edge of the second side member. An opening is defined between the first side member and the second side member, wherein the opening is configured to accommodate a spring between the first side member and the second side member. When the spring is inserted into the opening, the spring engages a lower surface of the switch element, a lower portion of the front member, and a lower portion of the rear member.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a switch device includes a plunger, a spring, a switch element, and a guide for the switch element. The plunger is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position along an axis, and the spring is configured to be selectively compressed when the plunger reciprocates along the axis. The switch element is located between the plunger and the spring. The spring is at least partially placed against the switch element, and the switch element receives a force applied by the spring in a direction toward the plunger. The guide includes: an upper portion, defining a seat for the switch element; at least one lug located on the upper portion; and a lower portion, defining an opening for placing an end of the spring. At least one lug is configured to hold the switch element in the guide, and the end of the spring is partially placed against the switch element and partially placed against the guide.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a guide for a switch element includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and at least one tab on the upper portion. The upper portion defines a seat for the switch element, and the at least one tab is configured to hold the switch element in the guide. The lower portion defines an opening for placing an end of a spring, wherein the end of the spring is partially placed against the switch element and partially placed against the guide.

[0011] For those skilled in the art, these and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that although the detailed description and the accompanying drawings indicate preferred embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description and the accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration and are non-restrictive. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention includes all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Various exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a switch device incorporating a switch element guide according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a switching device with one wall of a housing for a switching element removed;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front elevation view of a switch device;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A top plan view of the switchgear;

[0017] Figure 5 is Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the switch device taken at 5-5 shown;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A partial perspective view of a switch device, wherein a portion of a channel for a switch element is removed;

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a switch element guide;

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A front elevation view of a switch element guide;

[0021] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A side elevation view of a switch element guide;

[0022] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 a top plan view of a switch element guide; and

[0023] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 Bottom plan view of the switch element guide.

[0024] In describing the various embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clarity, specific terms will be used. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected and it should be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar purposes. For example, the words "connect", "attach" or similar terms are often used. They are not limited to direct connections, but include connections made through other elements, and such connections are considered equivalent by those skilled in the art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Various features and advantageous details of the subject matter disclosed herein are more fully explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

[0026] The subject matter disclosed herein describes an improved switch device in which undesired movement of a switch element is reduced. For example, the switch device can be a circuit breaker, a motor protection circuit, an electrical contactor, etc. The switch device includes a manual or automatic actuator that reciprocates a plunger along an axis between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position and the second position define an "on" position and an "off" position of the switch device. The switch device also includes a spring that is selectively compressed when the plunger reciprocates along the axis. The switch element is located between the plunger and the spring, wherein the spring is at least partially placed against the switch element. The spring is at least partially compressed in both the first position and the second position and applies a force to the switch element in the direction of the plunger.

[0027] A guide for a switch element is provided, which forcibly holds the switch element in a desired orientation within a switch device. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guide includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured to accommodate the switch element; and the lower portion being configured to accommodate a spring. The upper portion includes a front member and a rear member, wherein the front member and the rear member each include a portion of a seat for accommodating the switch element. The front member and the rear member each include an elastic tab, wherein the elastic tab is configured to deflect outward when the switch element is inserted between the tabs on the front member and the rear member, and return to its original position when the switch element is located in the seat of the guide to hold the switch element in the guide. The lower portion includes a first side member and a second side member. The first side member extends between a first side of the lower portion of the front member and the rear member, and the second side member extends between a second side of the lower portion of the front member and the rear member. According to one aspect of the present invention, the front member, the rear member, the first side member, and the second side member are all made of plastic material and are integrally formed into a single mechanical element.

[0028] The guide member includes a guide portion configured to engage a housing on the switch device and prevent the switch element from rotating within the switch device. The guide portion protrudes outward from the front edge of the first side member and the second side member to engage a complementary channel extending along the first side of the housing of the switch device. The guide portion also protrudes outward from the rear edge of the first side member and the second side member to engage a complementary channel extending along the second side of the housing of the switch device. When the switch element moves between the first position and the second position, the guide portion slides within the channel of the housing. If the spring temporarily disengages the switch element due to, for example, vibration or spring bounce, the guide portion prevents the switch element from rotating within the housing.

[0029] The switch element also includes a protrusion configured to engage the guide and prevent longitudinal movement of the switch element within the housing. A pair of protrusions extend from each side of the switch element and are spaced apart by a distance approximately equal to the width of the guide. When the guide is mounted on the switch element, the guide is located between the protrusions on each side of the switch element. If the spring temporarily disengages from the switch element, the protrusion engaging the guide prevents the switch element from moving in the longitudinal direction of the switch element. It is also contemplated that the width of the channel in the side of the housing may be approximately equal to the width of the guide so that in addition to preventing rotation of the switch element, the guide may also limit movement in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] First turn Figure 1 to Figure 2 , shows a switching device 10 that can be incorporated into an electrical switch, such as a circuit breaker, a motor protection circuit, an electrical contactor, etc. The switching device 10 includes a plunger 14, which is configured to reciprocate and move back and forth along an axis 12. The first end 16 of the plunger 14 is configured to engage an actuator in the electrical switch. The actuator can be manually activated by, for example, a toggle switch or a rotary switch. Alternatively, the actuator can be automatically activated, for example, by a solenoid energized by a relay. Regardless of manual or automatic actuation, the plunger 14 is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The second end 18 of the plunger 14 (see, for example Figure 6 ) is configured to be inserted into the plunger seat 15. The plunger seat 15 may have a lower surface on which the second end 18 of the plunger 14 is placed. Alternatively, the plunger seat 15 may have an open end and the plunger seat 15 is configured to align the plunger with the switch element 30. Then, the second end 18 of the plunger 14 may be placed on the switch element 30. When the actuator drives the plunger from the first position to the second position, the plunger 14 applies a force to the switch element 30 directly when the second end 18 is placed on the switch element 30, or indirectly through the plunger seat 15 when the plunger seat 15 includes a lower surface.

[0031] Terms such as upper, lower, inner, outer, front, rear, left, right, etc. will be used herein with respect to the illustrated switch device 10. These terms are related to the illustrated switch device and are not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that the switch device can be mounted in different orientations, such as vertical or horizontal, or can be rotated one hundred eighty degrees without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0032] In addition, refer to Figure 3, the switch device 10 includes a spring 20 that applies a force F in a direction opposite to the actuation of the plunger 14. The spring 20 has a first end 22 that is placed against the lower housing of the switch device 10 and a second end 24 that is placed at least partially against the lower surface 31 of the switch element 30. When the plunger 14 is in the first position, the spring 20 can be partially compressed so that it applies sufficient force to the switch element 30 to remain in the first position. When the actuator drives the plunger 14 from the first position to the second position, the spring becomes more compressed, thereby applying a greater force to the switch element 30. When the actuator releases the plunger 14, the spring 20 returns the switch element 30 to and remains in the first position.

[0033] The switch element 30 is an assembly that includes at least one contact 38 mounted on the switch element 30. The contact 38 is configured to engage a complementary contact in a first position and disengage from the complementary contact when the switch element 30 moves from the first position to the second position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the switch element 30 includes a pair of contacts 38, wherein one contact is mounted to the switch element on one side of the plunger 14 when the plunger engages the switch element, and the other contact is mounted on the other side of the plunger 14. It is contemplated that other arrangements of contacts 38 may be mounted to the switch element without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] Refer again Figure 1 And reference Figures 5 and 6 , the switch device 10 shown has a longitudinal form, wherein the length L of the switch element 30 is greater than the width W of the switch device. The switch device 10 includes a housing 50, wherein the housing has a first side 52 and a second side 54, the second side being opposite to the first side. A switch element channel 60 is at least partially defined by the housing 50 of the switch device 10. The switch element channel 60 has a first end 62 near one end of the switch device 10 and a second end 64 near the other end of the switch device 10. The switch element channel 60 has a larger cross-sectional area than the switch element 30, so that the switch element moves freely within the switch element channel. The first end 32 of the switch element 30 is located in the first end 62 of the switch element channel 60, and the second end 34 of the switch element 30 is located in the second end 64 of the switch element channel 60.

[0035] The switch element guide 100 is mounted on the switch element 30 and is configured to align with the switch element 30 and prevent the switch element from moving undesirably within the switch element channel 60. The switch element guide 100 includes at least one guide protruding from the guide, which is configured to engage the channel 55 in the housing 50 of the switch element. According to the illustrated embodiment, the front and rear portions of the switch element guide 100 each include a pair of guides. The first side 52 of the housing includes a pair of channels 55 extending along the inner surface of the housing, and the second side 54 of the housing similarly includes a pair of channels 55 extending along the inner surface. When the switch element 30 moves between the first position and the second position, the guide slidably engages the channel 55 in the housing 50.

[0036] Next turn Figures 7 to 11 , one embodiment of a switch element guide 100 is shown. The switch element guide 100 shown will be described with respect to an upper portion 101 and a lower portion 103. It is contemplated that both portions may be made of a plastic material and integrally formed as a single element. Alternatively, multiple portions of the guide 100 may be made of separate portions and connected by any suitable method, such as by fasteners, adhesives, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0037] The upper portion 101 of the illustrated switch element guide 100 includes a front member 102 and a rear member 122. The front member 102 is configured to extend longitudinally along the front side 35 of the switch element 30 when the guide 100 is mounted to the switch element. The front member 102 extends between a first end 104 and a second end 106 and includes a seat 108 extending along the inner surface of the front member. The seat 108 is configured to accommodate the lower surface 31 of the switch element 30 when the guide 100 is assembled to the switch element 30. The tab 110 extends upward from the front member 102 and is configured to retain the switch element 30 within the guide 100 when the guide is assembled to the switch element. Similarly, the rear member 122 is configured to extend longitudinally along the rear side 37 of the switch element 30 when the guide 100 is mounted to the switch element. The rear member 122 extends between a first end 124 and a second end 126 and includes a seat 128 extending along the inner surface of the rear member. The seat 128 is configured to receive the lower surface 31 of the switch element 30 when the guide 100 is assembled to the switch element 30. The tab 130 extends upwardly from the rear member 122 and is configured to retain the switch element 30 within the guide 100 when the guide is assembled to the switch element.

[0038] The lower portion 103 of the illustrated switch element guide 100 includes a first side member 140 and a second side member 160. The first side member 140 includes a front edge 142 and a rear edge 144. The upper edge 141 of the first side member 140 extends between the front edge 142 and the rear edge 144. The upper edge 141 of the first side member 140 engages the lower portion 105 of the first end 104 of the front member 102 and the lower portion 125 of the first end 124 of the rear member 122. The first side member 140 includes a first guide portion 152 protruding from the front of the guide 100 and a second guide portion 154 protruding from the rear of the guide. According to the illustrated embodiment, the first guide portion 152 and the second guide portion 154 extend upwardly to the upper portion 101 of the guide 100. The first guide portion 152 extends to the first end 104 of the front member 102 and the second guide portion 154 extends upwardly to the first end 124 of the rear member 122. Alternatively, the guides 152, 154 may be located only on the lower portion 103 of the guide or only on the upper portion 101 of the guide. The second side member 160 includes a front edge 162 and a rear edge 164. The upper edge 161 of the second side member 160 extends between the front edge 162 and the rear edge 164. The upper edge 161 of the second side member 160 engages the lower portion 105 of the second end 106 of the front member 102 and the lower portion 125 of the second end 126 of the rear member 122. The second side member 160 includes a first guide 172 protruding from the front of the guide 100 and a second guide 174 protruding from the rear of the guide. According to the illustrated embodiment, the first guide 172 and the second guide 174 extend upwardly to the upper portion 101 of the guide 100. The first guide 172 extends to the second end 106 of the front member 102 and the second guide 174 extends upwardly to the second end 126 of the rear member 122. Alternatively, the guide portions 172, 174 may be located only on the lower portion 103 of the guide or only on the upper portion 101 of the guide. If the guide 100 is integrally formed as a single plastic member, it is contemplated that the upper edge 141 of the first side member 140 and the upper edge 161 of the second side member 160 are connected to the lower portion 105 of the front member 102 and the lower portion 125 of the rear member 122.

[0039] In operation, the switch element guide 100 forces the switch element 30 to be retained in the switch device 10 in a desired orientation and prevents undesired movement of the switch element. The switch element guide 100 is assembled to the switch element 30. The switch element 30 can be press-fitted between a first lug 110 extending upward from the front member 102 and a second lug 130 extending upward from the rear member 122. The first lug 110 and the second lug 130 are made of an elastic material and deflect outwardly as the switch element 30 is assembled between the two lugs. When the switch element 30 passes through the lugs 110, 130, the lugs return to their original positions and help retain the switch element 30 in the guide 100. The switch element 30 is placed on the first seat 108 of the front member 102 and the second seat 128 of the rear member 122.

[0040] The switch element 30 may further include a protrusion 36 configured to position the switch element guide 100 on the switch element and to help maintain the position of the guide 100 relative to the switch element 30. Figure 5 As best shown, a pair of protrusions 36 extend laterally outward from the sides of the switch element. The first protrusion 36A and the second protrusion 36B form a pair of protrusions extending from the front side 35 of the switch element 30 to the first side 52 of the housing. The first protrusion 36A and the second protrusion 36B similarly form a pair of protrusions extending from the rear side 37 of the switch element 30 to the second side 54 of the housing. The first protrusion 36A and the second protrusion 36B are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the guide 100 between the two protrusions.

[0041] The switch element guide 100 and the switch element 30 are located above the spring 20 in the switch device 10. An opening 180 is defined between the first side member 140 and the second side member 160, and the spring 20 is fitted in the opening 180. The first end 22 of the spring 20 is fitted in the opening 180 and is partially placed on the switch element 30 and partially placed on the lower portion 105 of the front member 102 and the lower portion 125 of the rear member 122. The first side member 140 and the second side member 160 limit the lateral movement of the guide 100 beyond the spring 20 placed in the opening 180. The guide 100 in turn limits the lateral movement of the switch element 30 placed in the guide.

[0042] When inserted into the switch device 10, the guides 152, 154, 172, 174 engage the channel 55 on the housing 50 to further help maintain the desired orientation of the switch element 30. The front guide 152 protruding from the front edge 142 of the first side member 140 and the front guide 172 protruding from the front edge 162 of the second side member 160 respectively engage the channel 55 extending along the inner surface of the first side 52. Similarly, the rear guide 154 protruding from the rear edge 144 of the first side member 140 and the rear guide 174 protruding from the rear edge 164 of the second side member 160 respectively engage the channel 55 extending along the inner surface of the second side 54. When the switch element 30 and thus the switch element guide 100 are reciprocated along the axis 12 between the plunger 14 and the spring 20, the guides 152, 154, 172, 174 sliding in the channel 55 of the housing 50 are similarly driven in a direction parallel to the axis 12 along which the plunger travels. For example, if the axis 12 is in a vertical orientation and the plunger travels up and down, the guides 152, 154, 172, 174 similarly travel up and down within the channel 55. The guide prevents the switch element 30 from rotating longitudinally or laterally. Preventing longitudinal rotation helps the two contacts 38 on the switch element 30 to separate contact and disconnect with the corresponding contacts in the switch device 10. Preventing lateral rotation of the switch element 30 eliminates the failure mode of the switch device 10 discussed above. Specifically, if the switch element is subjected to rapid switching or experiences vibration or impact forces of sufficient magnitude so that the spring 20 and the plunger 14 no longer actively engage the two sides of the switch element 30, in the absence of the guide 100, the failure mode allows the switch element 30 to rotate within the switch device 10 so that it is perpendicular to its original orientation or it is completely flipped and the contacts 38 on the switch element are facing away from the complementary contacts in the switch device 10. In the presence of the switch element guide 100 on the switch element, the guides 152 , 154 , 172 , 174 engage the side faces 52 , 54 of the housing 50 and prevent a rotation of the switch element 30 .

[0043] In addition to preventing rotation of the switch element 30, the guides 152, 154, 172, 174 help align the contacts 38 on the switch element 30 with complementary contacts in the switch device. When the guides 152, 154, 172, 174 engage within the channels 55 on the sides 52, 54 of the housing, the switch element guide 100 resists longitudinal movement of the switch element 30. In addition, because the front guides 152, 172 engage the first side 52 of the housing and the rear guides 154, 174 engage the second side 54 of the housing, the switch element guide prevents lateral movement of the switch element 30. The tabs 36 extending from the switch element 30 on either side of the guide further prevent lateral movement of the switch element 30 relative to the guide 100. The tabs 36 are spaced apart from each other by a width equal to the width of the guide 100. Thus, the switch element 30 is longitudinally retained relative to the switch element guide 100 by the protrusion 36 , and the switch element guide 100 is longitudinally retained within the channel 64 by the guides 152 , 154 , 172 , 174 engaging the channel 55 and by the opening 180 in the lower portion 103 accommodating the spring 20 .

[0044] By aligning the contacts 38 on the switch element in the switch device with the complementary contacts and by preventing longitudinal rotation of the switch element so that the contacts 38 contact and disconnect the complementary contacts in tandem, the operation of the contacts is generally improved and the life of the contacts is extended.

[0045] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth herein in its application. The present invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in various ways. Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the present invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned in the text and / or drawings or apparent from the text and / or drawings. All these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the known best modes for practicing the present invention, and will enable other technical personnel in the art to utilize the present invention.

[0046] In the foregoing description, various embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and further embodiments may be realized, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the description and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A guide member for holding a switch element and guiding the switch element so that the switch element slides inside a switch device, the guide member extending in a longitudinal direction, an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and a third direction orthogonal to both the longitudinal direction and the orthogonal direction, the guide member comprising: an upper portion, the upper portion comprising a front member and a separate rear member; as well as a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a first side member and a separate second side member; The front member and the rear member extend in the longitudinal direction, the first side member and the second side member extend in the orthogonal direction, the upper portion and the lower portion extend in the third direction, and the front member has: a first seat extending from a bottom portion of the upper portion; and a first protrusion extending above the first seat portion along the third direction; The rear member has: a second seat extending from a bottom portion of the upper portion; and a second protrusion extending above the second seat portion along the third direction; The first side member has a front edge and a rear edge, the first side member extends between a first end of a lower portion of the front member and a first end of a lower portion of the rear member, the first side member having: a first guide portion protruding outwardly from a front edge of the first side member; and a second guide portion protruding outwardly from a rear edge of the first side member; as well as The second side member has a front edge and a rear edge, the second side member extends between a second end of the lower portion of the front member and a second end of the lower portion of the rear member, the second side member having: a third guide portion protruding outwardly from a front edge of the second side member; and a fourth guide portion protruding outward from a rear edge of the second side member, wherein the first seat and the second seat are configured to receive a lower surface of the switch element, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion hold the switch element; wherein an opening is defined between the first side member and the second side member, the opening being configured to enable a spring to be received between the first side member and the second side member to engage the switch element, the lower portion of the front member, and the lower portion of the rear member; and Wherein, the first guide portion, the second guide portion, the third guide portion and the fourth guide portion of the guide member are configured to slidably engage corresponding channels of the housing of the switch device outside the guide member.

2. The guide member according to claim 1, wherein: The switch element extends longitudinally within the channel of the switch device, The switch element comprises a first pair of protrusions on a front side of the switch element, the switch element comprising a second pair of protrusions on a rear side of the switch element, The first pair of protrusions is configured to receive the front member of the guide therebetween, and The second pair of protrusions is configured to receive the rear member of the guide therebetween.

3. The guide member according to claim 1, wherein: The switch element is configured to move along an axis between a first position and a second position, The first guide portion and the second guide portion extend along the first side member in a third direction in which the switch element is configured to move and protrude outward in the orthogonal direction, and The third guide portion and the fourth guide portion extend along the second side member in the third direction and protrude outward in the orthogonal direction.

4. The guide member according to claim 1, wherein: The switch element is installed in the housing; The first guide portion and the second guide portion engage the first channel and the second channel, respectively; the first channel and the second channel are defined along an interior of a first side of the housing; The third guide portion and the fourth guide portion engage the third channel and the fourth channel, respectively; and The third passage and the fourth passage are defined along an interior of the second side of the housing.

5. The guide member according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second protrusions are made of elastic material, so that when the switch element is inserted between the first and second protrusions, the first and second protrusions are deflected outward, and when the switch element is located on the first and second seats, the first and second protrusions return to their original positions to hold the switch element in the guide.

6. The guide member according to claim 1, wherein: The front member, the rear member, the first side member and the second side member are all made of plastic material and are integrally formed as a single mechanical element.

7. A switch device, comprising: a plunger configured to reciprocate along an axis between a first position and a second position; a spring configured to be selectively compressed when the plunger reciprocates along the axis; a switch element located between the plunger and the spring, wherein the spring is at least partially placed against the switch element and the switch element receives a force applied by the spring in a direction toward the plunger; as well as A guide according to one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The switch device of claim 7, further comprising the housing, the housing including the respective channels into which the first guide portion, the second guide portion, the third guide portion, and the fourth guide portion are slidably engaged.

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