A switch structure, a refrigerator door light switch device, and a refrigerator

Abstract

This invention discloses a switch structure, a refrigerator door light switch device, and a refrigerator. The switch structure includes a base and an opening / closing contact piece inserted into the base. The opening / closing contact piece includes a moving contact piece with a moving point and a stationary contact piece with a stationary contact point. The moving contact piece moves towards the stationary contact piece under the action of a pushing force, causing the moving contact point to abut against the stationary contact point, thereby conducting an electrical connection between the two ends of the opening / closing contact piece. This invention eliminates the reinforcing rib structure, reducing the undesirable phenomenon of tearing of the second bend segment due to material damage at the reinforcing rib location. It avoids the situation where the second bend segment, with reduced toughness, is torn along the reinforcing rib location when pushed. Increasing the width of the second bend segment increases the rebound force and strength, shortens the contact force and the stroke of the second bend segment, resulting in stronger mechanical strength and distributing the rebound force across the second segment, effectively reducing breakage and improving the reliability of the switch structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of refrigerators and refrigerator components, and in particular to a switch structure, a refrigerator door light switch device, and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerator door light switches are widely used to control the lighting in refrigerator compartments due to their simple structure, low power consumption, and low cost. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a typical refrigerator door light switch consists of a button 10, a base 20, a spring 30, a stationary contact 40, a moving contact 50, a stationary contact 41, a moving contact 51, and a insert 60. The opening and closing of the refrigerator door presses the button 10 of the door light switch, controlling the opening and closing of the internal moving and stationary contacts to achieve the switching on and off of the refrigerator compartment lighting circuit.

[0003] During the long-term opening and closing of the refrigerator door, the moving contact of the door light switch suffers from insufficient structural reliability. Its single-layer planar structure at the bending point under stress makes it prone to elastic deformation, resulting in insufficient elasticity. Debris can get stuck between the moving and stationary contacts, affecting functionality, and in severe cases, it can break due to fatigue from prolonged stress. To address this issue, the moving contact is reinforced with ribs during stamping. However, when bent at a 130° angle in the next process, the material's toughness is affected, causing the bend near the moving contact point to tear along the edge of the ribs. Furthermore, the moving contact in this door light switch has a design flaw at the stress point. The stress point where the moving contact contacts the button is at the very top of the tail, concentrating the rebound force at the 130° bend near the moving contact point, making the contact highly susceptible to tearing from this point. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the issue of easy breakage in the contact structure of existing door light switches, this invention provides a switch structure, a refrigerator door light switch device, and a refrigerator. By increasing the width of the second bend segment and eliminating the reinforcing rib structure of the traditional technology, the stress point of the third segment is changed, so that the rebound force of the moving contact is distributed by the second segment between the first and second bend segments, reducing the risk of tearing under stress and improving overall reliability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a switch structure, including a base and an opening / closing contact piece inserted into the base, the opening / closing contact piece including a moving contact piece with a moving contact and a stationary contact piece with a stationary contact, the moving contact piece being pushed by a pushing force to move toward the stationary contact piece so that the moving contact and the stationary contact abut against each other to conduct the electrical connection connecting the two ends of the opening / closing contact piece;

[0006] The movable contact piece has a first segment fixed on the base, a second segment with a movable contact point, and a third segment subjected to a pushing force. The first segment and the second segment, the second segment and the third segment are connected by a first bend segment and a second bend segment, respectively. The middle part of the third segment is provided with an abutting bending segment for moving the second segment and the third segment toward the stationary contact piece under the action of a pushing force.

[0007] Preferably, the first segment and the second segment at both ends of the first bend form a first included angle, and the second segment and the third segment at both ends of the second bend form a second included angle, wherein the second included angle is greater than the first included angle.

[0008] Preferably, the width of the second bend segment is greater than the width of the end of the second segment furthest from the second bend segment, and is also greater than the width of the third segment.

[0009] Preferably, the stationary contact piece is fixed in the base and includes a plug section for electrical connection with an external circuit and a phase contact section for setting a stationary contact and bending and fixing it with the plug section so that the stationary contact is located on the movement trajectory of the moving contact. The first segment of the moving contact piece is electrically connected to the external circuit so that the external circuit is connected when the moving contact and the stationary contact are in contact.

[0010] On the other hand, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a refrigerator door light switch device, including the above-mentioned switch structure.

[0011] Preferably, the refrigerator door switch device further includes a button, which is located on the base with its bottom inside the base and its head extending outside the base. The bottom side facing the switch structure is provided with a push block for moving the movable contact piece.

[0012] Preferably, the button is provided with an elastic element, one end of which is located inside the button and the other end is located at the bottom of the base so that the button compresses the elastic element when the button is pushed to close the refrigerator door or is reset by the elastic force of the elastic element when the button is released from the refrigerator door.

[0013] Preferably, the top of the push block is provided with a rounded corner, which pushes the second and third segments of the moving contact piece when the button is pushed by the opening and closing of the refrigerator door so that the moving contact comes into contact with the stationary contact.

[0014] Preferably, the abutting rounded corner position slides and abuts against the abutting bent section located in the middle of the third segment.

[0015] On the other hand, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a refrigerator, including the above-mentioned refrigerator door light switch device, wherein when the refrigerator door is opened and / or closed, the button of the refrigerator door switch device is pushed and / or disengaged so that the moving contact of the switch structure contacts and / or separates from the stationary contact.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] This invention eliminates the stamping of reinforcing ribs and the reinforcing rib structure of the second bend segment in the production process, avoiding the situation where the second bend segment is torn along the reinforcing rib when the moving contact piece with reduced toughness is pushed. Eliminating the reinforcing rib structure reduces the adverse phenomenon of the second bend segment tearing due to material damage caused by the reinforcing rib, increases the width of the second bend segment, and increases the resilience and stress strength.

[0018] This invention shortens the distance between the pushed contact point of the third segment and the second bend segment. By using the abutting bend segment located in the middle of the third segment as the pushed contact point, the travel distance between the pushed contact point and the second bend segment is shortened. The shorter travel distance results in stronger mechanical strength between the second bend segment and the abutting bend segment, while distributing the rebound force to the second segment, effectively reducing breakage and improving the reliability of the switch structure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the existing technology.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the moving contact structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention in the closed refrigerator door state.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention in the state of the refrigerator door being opened.

[0024] The reference numerals in the attached drawings are as follows: base 100, moving contact piece 200, moving contact point 210, second segment 230, third segment 240, first bend segment 250, second bend segment 260, abutting bend segment 270, stationary contact piece 300, stationary contact point 310, plug-in segment 320, phase contact segment 330, button 400, push block 410, abutting rounded corner position 420, elastic element 500. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In order to clearly and completely understand the technical solution, the present invention will be further described in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0027] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0029] Example 1:

[0030] like Figure 2-4 As shown, a switch structure includes a base 100 and an opening / closing contact piece inserted into the base. The opening / closing contact piece includes a moving contact piece 200 with a moving contact 210 and a stationary contact piece 300 with a stationary contact 310. The moving contact piece 200 moves toward the stationary contact piece 300 under the action of a pushing force so that the moving contact 210 abuts against the stationary contact 310, thereby conducting an electrical connection between the two ends of the opening / closing contact piece. The stationary contact piece 300 is fixed inside the base 100 and includes a function for connecting with... The external circuit includes a plug-in section 320 for electrical connection and a phase contact section 330 for setting a stationary contact 310 and bending and fixing it to the plug-in section 320 so that the stationary contact 310 is located on the movement trajectory of the moving contact 210. The moving contact 200 has a first segment 220 for electrical connection with the external circuit. When the moving contact 200 is subjected to force so that the moving contact 210 contacts the stationary contact 310, the external circuits connecting the first segment 220 and the plug-in section 320 are connected.

[0031] The movable contact piece 200 has a first segment 220 fixed on the base 100, a second segment 230 with a movable contact 210, and a third segment 240 subjected to a pushing force. The first segment 220 and the second segment 230, the second segment 230 and the third segment 240 are connected by a first bend segment 250 and a second bend segment 260, respectively. The third segment 240 has an abutting bending segment 270 in the middle for moving the second segment 230 and the third segment 240 toward the stationary contact piece 300 under the action of a pushing force.

[0032] The first segment 220 and the second segment 230 at both ends of the first bend segment 250 form a first included angle α, and the second segment 230 and the third segment 240 at both ends of the second bend segment 260 form a second included angle β. The second included angle β is greater than the first included angle α. As a preferred embodiment, the first included angle α is 110°, and the second included angle β is preferably 130°.

[0033] This embodiment addresses the drawback of traditional techniques where adding reinforcing ribs to the second bend of the movable contact reduces the overall material toughness. It eliminates the stamping of the reinforcing ribs during production and removes the reinforcing rib structure from the second bend. This prevents the second bend from tearing along the reinforcing ribs when the movable contact is pushed, as this reduces its toughness. In this embodiment, the width of the second bend 260 is greater than the width of the end of the second segment 230 furthest from the second bend 260, and also greater than the width of the third segment 240. Eliminating the reinforcing rib structure reduces the risk of the second bend tearing due to material damage caused by the reinforcing ribs. Increasing the width of the second bend increases the resilience and strength.

[0034] This embodiment shortens the distance between the pushed contact point of the third segment and the second bend segment by incorporating a contact bending section in the middle of the third segment. Traditional moving contacts use the tail end as the point of force application, which concentrates the force at the second bend, easily leading to breakage. This embodiment uses the contact bending section in the middle of the third segment as the pushed contact point, shortening the travel distance between the contact point and the second bend. The shorter travel provides greater mechanical strength between the second bend segment and the contact bending section, while distributing the rebound force across the second segment, effectively reducing breakage and improving the reliability of the switch structure.

[0035] Example 2:

[0036] like Figure 2-4 As shown, a refrigerator door light switch device includes a switch structure as described in Embodiment 1.

[0037] The refrigerator door opening and closing device also includes a button 400. The button 400 is disposed on the base 100 with its bottom inside the base 100 and its head extending outside the base 100. When the refrigerator door is closed, the head is pushed, causing the button 400 to be pressed and moved inward toward the base 100. The button 400 is provided with an elastic element 500. One end of the elastic element 500 is disposed inside the button 400, and the other end is disposed at the bottom of the base 100. When the refrigerator door is closed, the button 400 moves toward the base 100 to compress the elastic element 500. When the refrigerator door is opened, the button 400 is reset due to the elastic force of the elastic element 500.

[0038] The bottom of the button 400, facing the switch structure, has a push block 410 for moving the movable contact 200. The top of the push block 410 has a rounded abutment 420, which slides against the abutment bend 270 located in the middle of the third segment 240. When the button 400 is pushed by the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, the rounded abutment 420 pushes the second segment 230 and the third segment 240 of the movable contact 200, causing the movable contact 210 to contact the stationary contact 310. This contact between the movable and stationary contacts establishes an electrical connection, turning on the refrigerator compartment light. When the refrigerator door is opened, the light turns on; when the door is closed, the button resets due to the elastic force of the elastic element, and the movable contact, due to its own rebound force, separates from the stationary contact, disconnecting the connection and turning off the refrigerator compartment light.

[0039] This embodiment moves the end-push contact point towards the second bend segment, preferably the middle of the third segment, in the conventional technology. This shortens the travel distance between the contact point and the second bend segment, preventing the rebound force and stress from concentrating in the second bend segment. By distributing the rebound force and stress across the second segment, the tearing phenomenon in the second bend segment is effectively reduced. Testing was conducted on this embodiment. Applying a 0.2A current and rated voltage to the refrigerator door opening device at a temperature of 25±2℃, with a "closing" cycle of 2 seconds and an "opening" cycle of 15 seconds, 300,000 cycles were performed. The device remained operational and showed no mechanical failures, representing at least a 50% improvement over the conventional technology, which only required 200,000 cycles under the same testing conditions.

[0040] Example 3:

[0041] A refrigerator includes the aforementioned refrigerator door light switch device, wherein when the refrigerator door is opened and / or closed, a button of the refrigerator door switch device is pushed and / or disengaged to cause the moving contact of the switch structure to contact and / or separate from the stationary contact.

[0042] The above disclosures are merely one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, used to help understand the inventive concept of the technical solution, and are not intended to limit the present invention in any other way. Any other equivalent or conventional substitution schemes made by those skilled in the art based on the features defined by the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A switch structure, comprising a base and an opening / closing contact inserted into the base, characterized in that: The opening and closing contact includes a moving contact with a moving contact and a stationary contact with a stationary contact. The moving contact moves toward the stationary contact under the action of a pushing force so that the moving contact abuts against the stationary contact to conduct the electrical connection between the two ends of the opening and closing contact. The movable contact piece has a first segment fixed on the base, a second segment with a movable contact point, and a third segment subjected to a pushing force. The first segment and the second segment, the second segment and the third segment are connected by a first bend segment and a second bend segment, respectively. The third segment has an abutting bend segment in the middle for moving the second segment and the third segment toward the stationary contact piece under the action of a pushing force. The first segment and the second segment at both ends of the first bend form a first included angle, and the second segment and the third segment at both ends of the second bend form a second included angle, wherein the second included angle is greater than the first included angle. The width of the second bend segment is greater than the width of the end of the second segment furthest from the second bend segment, and is also greater than the width of the third segment.

2. The switch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stationary contact piece is fixed in the base and includes a plug section for electrical connection with an external circuit and a phase contact section for setting a stationary contact and bending and fixing it with the plug section so that the stationary contact is located on the movement trajectory of the moving contact. The first segment of the moving contact piece is electrically connected to the external circuit so that the external circuit is connected when the moving contact and the stationary contact are in contact.

3. A refrigerator door light switch device, characterized in that: Includes a switch structure as described in any one of claims 1-2.

4. A refrigerator door light switch device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The refrigerator door light switch device also includes a button, which is located on the base with its bottom inside the base and its head extending out of the base. A push block for pushing the movable contact piece is provided on the side of the bottom facing the switch structure.

5. A refrigerator door light switch device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The button is equipped with an elastic element, one end of which is located inside the button and the other end is located at the bottom of the base so that the button compresses the elastic element when the button is pushed to close the refrigerator door or is reset by the elastic force of the elastic element when the button is released from the refrigerator door.

6. A refrigerator door light switch device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top of the push block is provided with a rounded abutment. When the button is pushed by the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, the rounded abutment pushes the second and third segments of the moving contact piece so that the moving contact comes into contact with the stationary contact.

7. A refrigerator door light switch device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rounded corner of the abutment makes sliding contact with the abutment bend section located in the middle of the third segment.

8. A refrigerator, characterized in that: The refrigerator door light switch device includes any one of claims 3-7, wherein when the refrigerator door is opened and / or closed, the button of the refrigerator door light switch device is pushed and / or disengaged so that the moving contact of the switch structure contacts and / or separates from the stationary contact.

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