Self-powered switch

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to a self-generating switch. According to an embodiment of the present application, the present application provides a self-generating switch, which includes a lower body, an upper body coupled to one side of the lower body in a rotatable manner through a rotating shaft, a printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to the upper body and including a contact portion that can be contacted by a switch member that can be pressed by a user, and a generator located at a lower surface of the PCB to supply power to the PCB, wherein the upper body rotates while applying pressure to a power generation bar formed in the generator to generate power when the switch member is pressed by the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a self-generating switch. Background Technology

[0002] Generally speaking, circuit breakers, as devices used in indoor wiring to turn on or off electrical equipment such as lighting or household appliances, are mainly used in the form of push buttons.

[0003] This type of switch can connect a button to a circuit and install it on a wall or other surface to control the opening / closing of an electrical device. Alternatively, multiple buttons can be connected in parallel to a circuit and installed to selectively control the opening / closing of multiple electrical devices separately.

[0004] However, in order to solve the inconvenience of embedding push-buttons in walls and the cumbersome process of replacing internal batteries, a self-generating switch that generates electricity for switch operation without the need for an external power source has been proposed.

[0005] However, existing self-generating switches generate noise when the switch is pressed, and the pressing action is not smooth enough, requiring users to apply excessive force when pressing the button.

[0006] In addition, existing self-generating switches require a large number of parts and have complex shapes, which increases manufacturing costs.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1987929 (2019.06.04). Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-generating switch that provides a smooth button operation when pressed, allowing elderly and frail users to press it with minimal force.

[0012] Furthermore, the purpose of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a self-generating switch that simplifies the components constituting the switch and can be formed with a simple structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the purpose of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a self-generating switch that can be easily augmented with switching components for controlling multiple electrical devices.

[0014] means for solving problems

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a self-generating switch is provided, comprising: a lower body; an upper body rotatably coupled to one side of the lower body via a rotating shaft; a printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to the upper body, including a contact portion capable of contacting a switch member pressed by a user; and a generator located on the lower surface of the PCB, supplying power to the PCB. When the user presses the switch member, the upper body rotates while applying pressure to a generator bar formed in the generator to generate electricity.

[0016] A pressing member is formed on the inner side of the lower body. When the upper body rotates, the pressing member can apply pressure to the power generation bar.

[0017] The aforementioned pressing member can be shaped to protrude upward from the lower body.

[0018] An elastic member may exist between the aforementioned power generation bar and the aforementioned upper body.

[0019] The aforementioned elastic component can be a torsion spring.

[0020] The aforementioned switch component includes multiple pressing positions, and the contact portion of the aforementioned printed circuit board can be formed with a number corresponding to the multiple pressing positions.

[0021] The self-generating switch of the present invention may also include a cover that covers the upper body and the printed circuit board.

[0022] The aforementioned top cover can be combined with the aforementioned upper body in a manner that allows it to rotate together with the aforementioned upper body.

[0023] The distance between the aforementioned switching component and the aforementioned rotating shaft can be longer than the distance between the aforementioned power generation bar and the aforementioned rotating shaft.

[0024] Invention Effects

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention provide a self-generating switch that, when pressed, utilizes a lever principle based on a rotating axis formed on one side of the lower body to make the operation smooth, thereby allowing the user to press the self-generating switch with minimal force.

[0026] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can also provide a self-generating switch, which simplifies the button and its associated parts constituting the switch by arranging the switch components, printed circuit board and self-generating device on the upper body, and can form a self-generating switch with a simple structure.

[0027] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a self-generating switch that allows for the free addition of pressing positions on the switch component by making the switch component directly contact the printed circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the external shape of a self-generating switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2a It means Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the self-generating switch.

[0030] Figure 2b This is a diagram showing the lower side of the upper body of the self-generating switch.

[0031] Figure 2c This diagram shows the state of the top cover side of the self-generating switch after the top cover has been separated.

[0032] Figures 3a to 3c This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a self-generating switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below is intended to help to fully understand the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. Obviously, the following description is merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0034] In describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention, and such descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is defined in consideration of the functionality of the invention and may vary depending on the intent or habit of the user and operator. Therefore, the definitions of the terms used herein should be based on the entirety of this specification. The terminology used herein is only for illustrating embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting the invention. Unless otherwise expressly stated, singular expressions herein encompass the meaning of plural expressions. In this specification, expressions such as "comprising" or "including" are intended to indicate a portion or combination thereof of certain features, quantities, steps, actions, elements, or the like, but do not exclude the presence or possibility of more than one other portion or combination thereof of features, quantities, steps, actions, elements, or the like.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the external shape of the self-generating switch 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2a It means Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the self-generating switch 10. Figure 2bThis is a diagram showing the lower side of the upper body 300 of the self-generating switch 10. Figure 2c This is a diagram showing the state of the top cover side of the self-generating switch 10 after the top cover 100 is separated.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 and Figures 2a to 2c The self-generating switch 10 includes an upper cover 100 and a lower body 200, with a switch member 150 formed on one side of the upper cover 100. The upper cover 100 and lower body 200 can be made of a rigid material, while the switch member 150 can be made of an elastic material, allowing the user to feel a pressure sensation when pressing the switch member 150. The switch member 150 is not only elastic but also conductive, thus enabling conductivity when it contacts the contact portion 410 of the printed circuit board 400. For this purpose, at least one side of the switch member 150 in contact with the contact portion 410 can be made of carbon or other materials. The upper cover 100 can rotate about a rotation axis 310 formed on one side of the lower body 200. Therefore, when the user presses the switch member 150, the upper body 300 and the upper cover 100 as a whole can rotate and move.

[0037] The switch member 150 can have multiple pressing positions to turn the appliance on / off as desired by the user. For example, the switch member 150 can have multiple pressing positions corresponding to multiple lighting fixtures respectively. Thus, a specific lighting fixture among multiple lighting fixtures can be turned on or off depending on the pressing position among the multiple pressing positions. In addition, the self-generating switch 10 can be connected to various electronic devices in addition to lighting fixtures to turn the electrical devices (such as air conditioners, televisions, set-top boxes, and other household appliances) on or off.

[0038] A printed circuit board (PCB) 400 capable of transmitting open / close signals to desired electronic devices, and a generator 500 that performs the open / close signal operation by supplying power to the PCB 400, can be formed between the upper cover 100 and the upper body 300. One side of the inner side of the upper cover 100 can be coupled to the PCB 400, while the generator 500 can be disposed on the other side not coupled to the PCB 400. The generator 500 includes a piezoelectric element and is capable of generating electricity when pressure is applied to the generator bar 510. In a self-generating switch 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the upper cover 100 and the upper body 300 rotate together about a rotation axis 310 by means of pressure from a user, the generator bar 510 is pressed, causing the generator 500 to generate electricity.

[0039] A contact portion 410 is formed on the printed circuit board 400 that contacts the switch member 150 when it is pressed. When the switch member 150 contacts the contact portion 410, an on / off signal can be transmitted to the electrical device corresponding to that position. If the switch member 150 has multiple pressing positions, a plurality of contact portions 410 corresponding to each pressing position can also be formed on the printed circuit board 400. Therefore, when a user presses a specific pressing position, an on / off signal can be transmitted to the corresponding electronic device based on the corresponding contact portion 410. The contact portion 410 can be formed of carbon material or other materials to maintain durability and corrosion resistance after repeated contact with the switch member 150. According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the contact portion 410 of the printed circuit board 400 is in direct contact with the switch member 150, the number of pressing positions of the contact portion 410 and the switch member 150 can be easily increased. That is, the pattern for forming the contact portion 410 on the printed circuit board 400 can be freely designed, and the pressing position of the switch member 150 can be formed at each corresponding position, thereby freely increasing the number of electronic devices that can be controlled by a self-generating switch 10.

[0040] To secure the printed circuit board 400, an upper body 300 can be disposed on the side of the printed circuit board 400 opposite to the upper cover 100. That is, by displacing the printed circuit board 400 between the upper cover 100 and the upper body 300, the printed circuit board 400 can be prevented from moving out of its original position.

[0041] When a user presses the switch member 150 to rotate the upper cover 100 and the upper body 300 relative to the lower body 200, and then releases the user's pressure, an elastic member 550 can be formed to allow the upper cover 100 to return to its original state. Since the elastic member 550 is located between the upper body 300 (or printed circuit board 400) and the generator bar 510, when the user presses and releases the upper body 300, the distance between the generator bar 510 and the upper cover 100 can be restored to its original position. Thus, the upper cover 100 can return to its original position. The elastic member 550 can be a torsion spring that generates elasticity through torsion. The elastic member 550 can include a spring rod 551 supported on one side of the upper body 300 and the other side of the generator bar 510, and a torsion portion 552 of the connecting rod 331 of the elastic member connecting member 330 that generates torsional elasticity between them and is fitted onto the upper body 300.

[0042] A pressing member 210 corresponding to the power generation bar 510 located on the printed circuit board 400 can be formed on the inner side of the lower body 200. The pressing member 210 can be shaped to protrude upward from the lower body 200. When the upper body 300 is pressed, the pressing member 210 can apply pressure to the power generation bar 510 by pressing it. As the pressing member 210 applies pressure to the power generation bar 510, power can be generated in the generator 500.

[0043] Figures 3a to 3c This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a self-generating switch 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] refer to Figures 3a to 3c The user can press the switch member 150 formed on the top cover 100. When the switch member 150 has multiple pressing positions, the user can press the pressing position corresponding to the desired electrical device. As the switch member 150 is pressed, a contact portion 410 formed on the printed circuit board 400 at a position corresponding to the switch member 150 can contact the switch member 150. When the switch member 150 has multiple pressing positions, a corresponding number of contact portions 410 can be formed, and the contact portion 410 corresponding to the pressing position pressed by the user can contact the switch member 150.

[0045] The upper cover 100 and the upper body 300 can rotate around the rotation axis 310 by the force of the user's pressing, thereby tilting towards the lower body 200. Since the printed circuit board 400 and the generator 500 are combined between the upper cover 100 and the upper body 300, the printed circuit board 400 and the generator 500 can also tilt together with the upper cover 100 and the upper body 300.

[0046] When the upper cover 100 and the upper body 300 tilt towards the lower body 200, the generator bar 510 of the generator 500 is subjected to pressure from the pressing member 210 formed on the lower body 200. When the generator bar 510 is deformed by being pressed by the pressing member 210, the generator 500 can generate electricity. The generated electricity can be used to transmit an on / off signal from the printed circuit board 400 to the corresponding electrical equipment side.

[0047] When the user stops pressing the switch component 150, the elastic component 510 can restore the generator bar 510, the upper cover 100, and the upper body 300 to their original state. While returning the generator bar 510 to its original position, the elastic component 510 pushes the upper cover 100 and the upper body 300 upward, thereby returning the upper cover 100 and the upper body 300 to their original positions.

[0048] In one embodiment of the self-generating switch 10 of the present invention, a self-generating switch 10 with a smooth operating feel can be provided based on the structure described above. In particular, since the distance between the switch member 150, which is the user's pressing position, and the rotation shaft 310 is longer than the distance between the generator bar 510, which generates electricity, and the rotation shaft 310, the user can activate the generator 500 with a small force according to the lever principle, thereby achieving a smooth operating feel.

[0049] Furthermore, since the printed circuit board 400 and the generator 500 are located on the underside of the cover 100, the structure for operating the generator 500 can be minimized, and the self-generating switch 10 can be constructed with a simple structure. Moreover, since the switch member 150 is in direct contact with the printed circuit board 400, it is convenient to increase the number of electrical devices that can be controlled by a single self-generating switch 10 by forming a desired number of contacts 410 on the printed circuit board 400.

[0050] The present invention has been described in detail above through representative embodiments. However, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the above embodiments, but should be defined by the scope of protection of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A self-generating switch, comprising: Lower body; The upper body is coupled to one side of the lower body in a manner that allows it to rotate via a rotation axis; A printed circuit board (PCB), coupled to the upper body, includes a contact portion capable of contacting a switch member pressed by a user; and A generator, attached to the lower surface of the printed circuit board, supplies power to the printed circuit board. in, A pressing member is formed on the inner side of the lower body. When the user presses the aforementioned switch component, the upper body, the printed circuit board, and the generator rotate together. Pressure is applied to the generator bar formed on the generator via the pressing component to generate electricity. The distance between the contact portion of the printed circuit board and the rotating shaft is greater than the distance between the power generation bar and the rotating shaft.

2. The self-generating switch according to claim 1, wherein, The pressing member is shaped to protrude upward from the lower body.

3. The self-generating switch according to claim 1, wherein, There is an elastic member between the power generation bar and the upper body.

4. The self-generating switch according to claim 3, wherein, The elastic component is a torsion spring.

5. The self-generating switch according to claim 1, wherein, The switch component includes multiple pressing positions, and the contact portion of the printed circuit board is formed with a number corresponding to the multiple pressing positions.

6. The self-generating switch according to claim 1, further comprising a cover covering the upper body and the printed circuit board.

7. The self-generating switch according to claim 6, wherein, The upper cover is coupled to the upper body in a manner that allows it to rotate together with the upper body.

8. The self-generating switch according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the switching component and the rotating shaft is longer than the distance between the power generation bar and the rotating shaft.

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