rocker switches and electronic devices

Abstract

A rocker switch and an electronic device are disclosed. The rocker switch includes a housing, a metal spring, and a button. The housing includes an outer ring wall, a base plate, and an opening. The outer ring wall surrounds the periphery of the base plate and forms an internal space. An inner ring surface has a first pivot structure adjacent to the opening. The base plate has a first contact and a second contact. The metal spring includes a sliding portion, a fixed end, and a free end. The fixed end is fixed to the inner ring surface and electrically connected to the first contact. The button's pressing cap is fixed to a first end of an actuating rod. The actuating rod further has a second end axially away from the first end. The button is pivotally connected to the first pivot structure via the second pivot structure, allowing the button to selectively pivot between a first position and a second position. The second end abuts against the metal spring and slides along the sliding portion. The electronic device includes the aforementioned rocker switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a switch, and more particularly to a rocker switch, and an electronic device having a rocker switch. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional bridging switches require more components and have a more complex assembly structure. In addition, bridging switches are relatively large. When assembled into electronic devices, such as routers, the routers must first test the power switch. However, since bridging switches are too bulky, a simpler switch is usually installed on the router for testing before assembling it. This avoids problems caused by bridging switches after installation, which would lead to more cumbersome disassembly and assembly processes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, a rocker switch is provided according to one embodiment, including a housing, a metal spring, and a button. The housing includes an outer ring wall, a base plate, and an opening. The outer ring wall surrounds the periphery of the base plate and forms an internal space. The opening and the base plate are located at opposite ends of the internal space. The outer ring wall includes an inner ring surface adjacent to the internal space. The inner ring surface is provided with a first pivot structure adjacent to the opening. The base plate is provided with a first contact and a second contact. The metal spring includes a sliding portion, a fixed end, and a free end. The sliding portion is located between the fixed end and the free end. The fixed end is fixed to the inner ring surface and electrically connected to the first contact. The button includes a pressing cap, an actuating rod, and a second pivot structure. The pressing cap is fixed to a first end of the actuating rod. The actuating rod further has a second end axially away from the first end. The button is pivotally connected to the first pivot structure via the second pivot structure, allowing the button to selectively pivot between a first position and a second position, and causing the second end to abut against the metal spring and slide on the sliding portion. The first position refers to the second end of the actuator sliding to the sliding part near the fixed end, where the metal spring provides elasticity so that the free end does not contact the second contact point. The second position refers to the second end of the actuator sliding to the sliding part near the free end, and overcoming the elasticity of the metal spring so that the free end contacts the second contact point.

[0004] In some embodiments, the fixed end of the metal spring has a first anti-folding tab to connect to the sliding part, and the free end has a second anti-folding tab to connect to the sliding part.

[0005] In some embodiments, the fixed end of the metal spring is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the inner ring surface is provided with a positioning groove, and the positioning protrusion is correspondingly and tightly fitted and fixed in the positioning groove.

[0006] In some embodiments, the positioning groove extends further to the opening.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sliding portion of the metal spring has a concave arc plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first pivot structure includes two grooves located on opposite sides of the inner ring surface, and the second pivot structure includes two protrusions located on opposite sides of the pressing cap.

[0009] In some embodiments, the base plate further includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being electrically connected to a first contact and extending beyond the base plate, and the second terminal being electrically connected to a second contact and extending beyond the base plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, both the first terminal and the second terminal are L-shaped terminals.

[0011] In some embodiments, the outer ring wall further includes a assembly surface, the assembly surface having at least one positioning protrusion.

[0012] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, including a housing, a circuit board, and a rocker switch. The housing has a through-hole. The circuit board is housed within the housing. The rocker switch is fixed to the circuit board and corresponds to the through-hole. The through-hole is smaller than or equal to the outer circumferential wall of the housing.

[0013] In summary, according to one embodiment, the rocker switch selectively pivots between a first position and a second position via a button, causing the second end to abut against a metal spring and slide on a sliding portion. The first position refers to the second end of the actuating rod sliding to a position near the fixed end of the sliding portion, and the second position refers to the second end of the actuating rod sliding to a position near the free end of the sliding portion. When the second end is in the first position, the metal spring provides elasticity so that the free end of the metal spring does not contact the second contact point. When the second end is in the second position, the elasticity of the metal spring is overcome so that the free end contacts the second contact point. This invention reduces the number of components in the rocker switch and decreases its overall size, and also allows the rocker switch to be pre-assembled on a circuit board and tested before being integrally installed into the housing of an electronic device.

[0014] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a rocker switch according to one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the outer casing of a rocker switch according to one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the metal spring of a rocker switch according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a rocker switch button according to one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a rocker switch according to one embodiment (I);

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram (II) of the operation of a rocker switch according to one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Among them, the attached figures are labeled

[0023] 100: Rocker switch

[0024] 1: Outer shell

[0025] 10: Interior Space

[0026] 11: Outer ring wall

[0027] 110: Inner circumference

[0028] 111: First pivot structure

[0029] 112: Groove

[0030] 113: Positioning Groove

[0031] 114: Composite surface

[0032] 115: Positioning protrusion

[0033] 12: Base Plate

[0034] 121: First contact point

[0035] 122: Second contact point

[0036] 123: First terminal

[0037] 124: Second terminal

[0038] 13: Opening

[0039] 2: Metal shrapnel

[0040] 21: Sliding section

[0041] 211: Concave arc plate

[0042] 22: Fixed end

[0043] 221: First Reverse Fold

[0044] 222: Positioning bump

[0045] 23: Free End

[0046] 231: Second Reverse Fold

[0047] 3: Button

[0048] 31: Press the cap body

[0049] 311: First end

[0050] 312: Second end

[0051] 32: Actuator

[0052] 33: Second pivot structure

[0053] 331: Convex point

[0054] 400: Electronic Devices

[0055] 410: Chassis

[0056] 411: Perforation

[0057] 420: Circuit board

[0058] 5: Outer shell

[0059] 51: Outer ring wall

[0060] 500: Rocker switch

[0061] 7: Button

[0062] P1: First position

[0063] P2: Second position Detailed Implementation

[0064] The structural and working principles of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0065] Please see Figures 1 to 6 . Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a rocker switch according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the outer casing of a rocker switch according to one embodiment. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the metal spring of a rocker switch according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a rocker switch button according to one embodiment. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a rocker switch according to one embodiment (I). Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram (II) illustrating the operation of a rocker switch according to one embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the rocker switch 100 includes a housing 1, a metal spring 2, and a button 3. The rocker switch 100 can be applied to electronic devices. Here, the rocker switch 100 is used as an example in a router, but it is not limited thereto. It can also be used in electronic devices such as audio equipment, computer mainframes, water dispensers, or extension cords.

[0066] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 The outer casing 1 includes an outer ring wall 11, a bottom plate 12, and an opening 13. The outer ring wall 11 surrounds the periphery of the bottom plate 12 and forms an internal space 10. The opening 13 and the bottom plate 12 are located at opposite ends of the internal space 10. The outer ring wall 11 includes an inner ring surface 110 adjacent to the internal space 10. The inner ring surface 110 is provided with a first pivot structure 111 adjacent to the opening 13. The bottom plate 12 is provided with a first contact point 121 and a second contact point 122. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first pivot structure 111 is located on both sides of the outer ring wall 11. Here, only one side of the first pivot structure 111 is shown. The structure of the first pivot structure 111 will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, the outer ring wall 11 surrounds the periphery of the base plate 12 to form an outer shell 1 in, for example, a cylindrical shape, but it is not limited thereto. Depending on the assembly part of the electronic device to be assembled, it can also be formed as a rectangular outer shell 1.

[0067] See also Figure 1 and Figure 3 and Figure 5 The metal spring 2 includes a sliding part 21, a fixed end 22, and a free end 23. The sliding part 21 is located between the fixed end 22 and the free end 23. The fixed end 22 is fixed on the inner ring surface 110 and electrically connected to the first contact 121. In this embodiment, the metal spring 2 is assembled in the internal space 10. The structure of the metal spring 2 will be described in detail later.

[0068] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4 The button 3 includes a pressing cap 31, an actuating rod 32, and a second pivot structure 33. The pressing cap 31 is fixed to the first end 311 of the actuating rod 32. The actuating rod 32 further has a second end 312 that is axially away from the first end 311. The button 3 is pivotally connected to the first pivot structure 111 via the second pivot structure 33, allowing the button 3 to selectively pivot between the first position P1 and the second position P2, and causing the second end 312 to abut against the metal spring 2 and slide on the sliding part 21. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the second pivot structure 33 is located on both sides of the pressing cap body 31. Here, only one side of the second pivot structure 33 is shown, and the structure of the second pivot structure 33 will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, the middle section of the pressing cap body 31 is fixed to the first end 311 of the actuating rod 32, so that the actuating rod 32 swings evenly. In this embodiment, the first end 311 of the actuating rod 32 is adjacent to the opening 13 side of the outer shell 1, while the second end 312 of the actuating rod 32 is axially away from the first end 311, that is, the second end 312 is adjacent to the bottom plate 12 side of the outer shell 1.

[0069] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6The first position P1 refers to the second end 312 of the actuating rod 32 sliding to the sliding part 21 near the fixed end 22, with the metal spring 2 providing elastic force to prevent the free end 23 from contacting the second contact point 122. The second position P2 refers to the second end 312 of the actuating rod 32 sliding to the sliding part 21 near the free end 23, and overcoming the elastic force of the metal spring 2 to make the free end 23 contact the second contact point 122. In this embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, when the second end 312 is in the first position P1, the metal spring 2 is not subjected to a resisting force and does not deform, causing the free end 23 of the metal spring 2 to not contact the second contact 122 and thus break the circuit. Figure 6 As shown, when the second end 312 is in the second position P2, the second end 312 abuts against the metal spring 2, overcomes the elastic force of the metal spring 2, causes the metal spring 2 to deform, and causes the free end 23 to contact the second contact 122 and conduct.

[0070] Specifically, the button 3 is selectively pivoted between a first position P1 and a second position P2, causing the second end 312 of the actuating lever 32 to abut against the metal spring 2 and slide on the sliding part 21. When the second end 312 is in the first position P1, the metal spring 2 maintains its elasticity, preventing the free end 23 of the metal spring 2 from contacting the second contact 122 and thus breaking the circuit. When the second end 312 is in the second position P2, the abutting force of the second end 312 of the actuating lever 32 overcomes the elasticity of the metal spring 2, causing the free end 23 to contact the second contact 122 and thus conducting the circuit. By reducing the number of components in the rocker switch 100, the structure of the rocker switch 100 is simplified, and the overall size of the rocker switch 100 is reduced, making it easier to assemble the rocker switch 100 into electronic devices.

[0071] Please refer again to the section on the structure of metal shrapnel 2. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the fixed end 22 of the metal spring 2 has a first anti-folding tab 221 to connect to the sliding part 21, and the free end 23 has a second anti-folding tab 231 to connect to the sliding part 21. In this embodiment, by folding the fixed end 22 and the free end 23 of the metal spring 2 in reverse using the first anti-folding tab 221 and the second anti-folding tab 231 respectively, the lateral length of the metal spring 2 is reduced, resulting in a reduction in the overall volume of the metal spring 2. As the overall volume of the metal spring 2 is reduced, the assembly space reserved for the metal spring 2 in the rocker switch 100 can also be reduced, resulting in a reduction in the overall volume of the rocker switch 100.

[0072] like Figure 1 and Figure 3In this embodiment, the fixing end 22 of the metal spring 2 is provided with a positioning protrusion 222, and the inner ring surface 110 is provided with a positioning groove 113. The positioning protrusion 222 is correspondingly and tightly fitted and fixed in the positioning groove 113. In this embodiment, the positioning protrusion 222 protrudes from both sides of the fixing end 22 of the metal spring 2. Figure 1 and Figure 3 Only one side of the positioning protrusion 222 is indicated. The metal spring 2 is correspondingly and tightly fixed in the positioning groove 113 of the inner ring surface 110 by means of the positioning protrusion 222. In this embodiment, the positioning groove 113 extends further to the opening 13. That is, the positioning protrusion 222 can be used to facilitate the metal spring 2 to slide down the positioning groove 113 from the opening 13 side to the bottom and be tightly fixed by means of the positioning groove 113 extending to the opening 13 side. In another embodiment, the positioning protrusion 222 can, for example, protrude from one side of the fixing end 22 of the metal spring 2, and is correspondingly and tightly fixed in the positioning groove 113 of the inner ring surface 110 by means of the positioning protrusion 222 on one side.

[0073] See again Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the sliding portion 21 of the metal spring 2 has a concave arc plate 211. Specifically, the sliding portion 21 is arc-shaped, and the second end 312 of the button 3 slides between the fixed end 22 and the free end 23, corresponding to the concave arc plate 211.

[0074] See again Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the first pivot structure 111 includes two grooves 112 located on opposite sides of the inner annular surface 110, and the second pivot structure 33 includes two protrusions 331 located on opposite sides of the pressing cap 31. In this embodiment, the two protrusions 331 are located on opposite sides of the middle section of the pressing cap 31, the pressing cap 31 corresponds to the inner annular surface 110, and the two grooves 112 are located on opposite sides of the middle section of the inner annular surface 110. In another embodiment, the first pivot structure 111 may, for example, be configured with only one groove, and the second pivot structure 33 may, for example, be configured with only one protrusion, with the protrusion and the groove cooperating to achieve the pivoting effect.

[0075] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the base plate 12 further includes a first terminal 123 and a second terminal 124. The first terminal 123 is electrically connected to the first contact 121 and extends out of the base plate 12, and the second terminal 124 is electrically connected to the second contact 122 and extends out of the base plate 12. In this embodiment, the first terminal 123 and the second terminal 124 are, for example, L-shaped terminals, but this is not a limitation, and the first terminal 123 and the second terminal 124 may also be terminals of different shapes.

[0076] Please see again Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the outer ring wall 11 further includes a assembly surface 114, and the assembly surface 114 is provided with at least one positioning protrusion 115. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the positioning protrusion 115 and the ends of the two L-shaped terminals (first terminal 123 and second terminal 124) face the same direction, making it easier to assemble the rocker switch 100. Here, the ends of the two L-shaped terminals refer to the ends of the two L-shaped terminals that protrude from the bottom plate 12 of the outer casing 1 and are parallel to the bottom plate 12 after being bent vertically.

[0077] Please see Figure 7 . Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The electronic device 400 includes a housing 410, a circuit board 420, and a rocker switch 500. The housing 410 has a through hole 411. The circuit board 420 is housed within the housing 410, and the rocker switch 500 is fixedly mounted on the circuit board 420, corresponding to the through hole 411. The through hole 411 is less than or equal to the outer ring wall 51 of the housing 5. The specific structure of the rocker switch 500 is the same as that of the rocker switch 100, and therefore will not be described again. The electronic device 400 is exemplified by a router, but is not limited thereto. Figure 7 As shown, the perforation 411 is less than or equal to the outer ring wall 51 of the housing 5, so that when the rocker switch 100 is assembled from the inside of the housing 410 to the circuit board 420 through the perforation 411, it can be locked in place at the position where the button 7 protrudes from the housing 410 under the limitation of the outer ring wall 51 and the perforation 411.

[0078] The above also solves the problem that traditional bridged switches, due to their large size, cannot be effectively assembled onto the circuit board for testing before being directly installed into the chassis, making the assembly and power testing of the electronic device 400 more convenient. Specifically, traditional bridged switches, due to their numerous components, complex structure, and large size, often require the disassembly of some components before being assembled onto the chassis after being installed onto the circuit board for testing, making assembly inconvenient. This often leads to the creation of a simple button for testing during the electronic device testing phase to avoid the cumbersome disassembly and assembly process of bridged switches. However, in this embodiment, the rocker switch 500 reduces the component structure and shrinks the overall size, allowing for easy assembly of the rocker switch 500 onto the circuit board 420. After assembly, the rocker switch 500 can be directly tested with the circuit board 420. After the power test is completed, the assembled rocker switch 500 and circuit board 420 can be directly assembled into the router from inside the chassis 410, thereby achieving automated rocker switch 500 assembly and testing. Furthermore, since the perforation 411 of the housing 410 is less than or equal to the outer ring wall 51 of the outer casing 5, when the rocker switch 500 is installed, it passes through the perforation 411 from inside the housing 410. Under the mutual limiting effect of the outer casing 1 and the perforation 411, the button 7 is exposed from the perforation 411 of the housing 410, while the outer casing 5 of the rocker switch 500 is covered by the housing 410 of the router to protect the rocker switch 500.

[0079] In summary, according to one embodiment of the rocker switch 100, the button 3 selectively pivots between a first position P1 and a second position P2, causing the second end 312 of the actuating lever 32 to abut against the metal spring 2 and slide on the sliding portion 21. When the second end 312 is in the first position P1, the metal spring 2 maintains its elasticity, preventing the free end 23 of the metal spring 2 from contacting the second contact 122 and thus breaking the circuit. When the second end 312 is in the second position P2, the abutting force of the second end 312 of the actuating lever 32 overcomes the elasticity of the metal spring 2, causing the free end 23 to contact the second contact 122 and thus conducting the circuit. This invention reduces the number of components in the rocker switch 100, making the structure of the rocker switch 100 simpler and reducing the overall size of the rocker switch 100, allowing the rocker switch 100 to be more easily assembled into electronic devices. In another embodiment, the electronic device 400 can easily mount the rocker switch 500 onto the device circuit board 420, avoiding the cumbersome disassembly and assembly process, thereby achieving automated assembly and testing.

[0080] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rocker switch, characterized in that, include: An outer casing includes an outer ring wall, a bottom plate and an opening. The outer ring wall surrounds the periphery of the bottom plate and forms an internal space. The opening and the bottom plate are located at opposite ends of the internal space. The outer ring wall includes an inner ring surface adjacent to the internal space. The inner ring surface is provided with a first pivot structure adjacent to the opening. The bottom plate is provided with a first contact point and a second contact point. A metal spring includes a sliding portion, a fixed end, and a free end. The sliding portion is located between the fixed end and the free end. The fixed end is fixed to the inner annular surface and electrically connected to the first contact. The fixed end of the metal spring has a first anti-bend to connect to the sliding portion, and the free end has a second anti-bend to connect to the sliding portion. A button includes a pressing cap, an actuating rod, and a second pivot structure. The pressing cap is fixed to a first end of the actuating rod, and the actuating rod has a second end that is axially away from the first end. The button is pivotally connected to the first pivot structure via the second pivot structure, so that the button can selectively pivot between a first position and a second position, and the second end abuts against the metal spring and slides on the sliding part. The first position refers to the second end of the actuator sliding to the sliding part near the fixed end, where the metal spring provides a spring force to prevent the free end from contacting the second contact point. The second position refers to the second end of the actuator sliding to the sliding part near the free end, and overcoming the spring force of the metal spring to make the free end contact the second contact point.

2. The rocker switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed end of the metal spring is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the inner ring surface is provided with a positioning groove. The positioning protrusion is correspondingly and tightly fitted and fixed in the positioning groove.

3. The rocker switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning groove extends further to the opening.

4. The rocker switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding part of the metal shrapnel has a concave arc plate.

5. The rocker switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pivot structure includes two grooves located on opposite sides of the inner ring surface, and the second pivot structure includes two protrusions located on opposite sides of the pressing cap.

6. The rocker switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate further includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is electrically connected to the first contact and extends out of the base plate, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second contact and extends out of the base plate.

7. The rocker switch according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the first terminal and the second terminal are L-shaped terminals.

8. The rocker switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer ring wall further includes a composite surface, which is provided with at least one positioning protrusion.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: A housing with a perforation; A circuit board is housed within the casing; as well as A rocker switch includes an outer ring wall, the rocker switch is fixed on the circuit board and corresponds to a through hole, wherein the through hole is smaller than or equal to the outer ring wall, and the rocker switch includes: An outer casing includes an outer ring wall, a bottom plate and an opening. The outer ring wall surrounds the periphery of the bottom plate and forms an internal space. The opening and the bottom plate are located at opposite ends of the internal space. The outer ring wall includes an inner ring surface adjacent to the internal space. The inner ring surface is provided with a first pivot structure adjacent to the opening. The bottom plate is provided with a first contact point and a second contact point. A metal spring includes a sliding portion, a fixed end, and a free end. The sliding portion is located between the fixed end and the free end. The fixed end is fixed to the inner annular surface and electrically connected to the first contact. The fixed end of the metal spring has a first anti-bend to connect to the sliding portion, and the free end has a second anti-bend to connect to the sliding portion. A button includes a pressing cap, an actuating rod, and a second pivot structure. The pressing cap is fixed to a first end of the actuating rod, and the actuating rod has a second end that is axially away from the first end. The button is pivotally connected to the first pivot structure via the second pivot structure, so that the button can selectively pivot between a first position and a second position, and the second end abuts against the metal spring and slides on the sliding part. The first position refers to the second end of the actuator sliding to the sliding part near the fixed end, where the metal spring provides a spring force to prevent the free end from contacting the second contact point. The second position refers to the second end of the actuator sliding to the sliding part near the free end, and overcoming the spring force of the metal spring to make the free end contact the second contact point.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fixed end of the metal spring is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the inner ring surface is provided with a positioning groove. The positioning protrusion is correspondingly and tightly fitted and fixed in the positioning groove.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The positioning groove extends further to the opening.

12. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sliding part of the metal shrapnel has a concave arc plate.

13. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first pivot structure includes two grooves located on opposite sides of the inner ring surface, and the second pivot structure includes two protrusions located on opposite sides of the pressing cap.

14. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The base plate further includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is electrically connected to the first contact and extends out of the base plate, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second contact and extends out of the base plate.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, characterized in that, Both the first terminal and the second terminal are L-shaped terminals.

16. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outer ring wall further includes a composite surface, which is provided with at least one positioning protrusion.

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