Panel switch and method for operating a panel switch

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a panel switch and a method for operating a panel switch. The panel switch (100, 200) comprises a base and a face cover (110, 290) pivotably mounted to the base (130, 260), at least one of the actuating lever and the face cover comprising a drive portion (112, 212) configured to cause the actuating lever and the face cover to interact. In a rocker mode, the face cover (110, 290) is in a first position, the drive portion (112, 212) abuts the actuating lever (142, 242) and is pivoted in response to a pressing of the face cover (110, 290) to actuate the actuating lever (142, 242) to pivot; and wherein in a translation mode, the face cover (110, 290) is translatable from the first position to a second position in response to a translational force applied to the face cover (110, 290), the drive portion (112, 212) being configured to actuate the actuating lever (142, 242) to pivot during the translation of the face cover (110, 290) from the first position to the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to a panel switch, and more particularly to a panel switch with dual operating modes. Background Technology

[0002] Panel switches can be operated by rotation, rocker, button, pull cord, etc., but traditional panel switches have a limited range of operation methods. There is a desire to improve panel switches to enable multi-mode operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a panel switch and a method for operating the panel switch, aimed at solving one or more of the problems described above and other potential problems.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a panel switch is provided. The panel switch includes: a base housing a switch module actuated by pivoting an actuating rod; and a cover pivotally mounted to the base, wherein at least one of the actuating rod and the cover includes a drive portion configured such that the actuating rod and the cover interact, wherein the cover is configured to operate in a rocker mode and a translational mode, wherein in the rocker mode, the cover is in a first position, the drive portion abuts against the actuating rod and pivots in response to pressing the cover to actuate the actuating rod; and wherein in the translational mode, the cover is translatable from the first position to a second position in response to a translational force applied to the cover, the drive portion being configured to actuate the actuating rod to pivot during the translation of the cover from the first position to the second position.

[0005] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the panel switch realizes the translational mode and rocker mode of the panel switch by directly driving the actuator rod through the driving unit. The structure is simple and the cost is low.

[0006] In some embodiments, the drive unit may be disposed on one of the actuating rod and the faceplate and include a pair of inclined surfaces whose height gradually increases from the center toward both sides. These inclined surfaces are configured to actuate the actuating rod to pivot during the process of the faceplate translating from the first position to the second position. The pair of inclined surfaces facilitates actuation of the actuating rod in both translational and rocker modes.

[0007] In some embodiments, the drive unit may include a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment to facilitate corresponding engagement in the first position and the second position, as well as movement between the first position and the second position. This arrangement of the drive unit ensures reliable operation in rocker mode without interfering with translational mode.

[0008] In some embodiments, the panel switch may further include a support frame for the face cover disposed between the base and the face cover, wherein the support frame is fixedly mounted to the base, and the face cover is pivotally mounted to the support frame via a axial hole engagement.

[0009] In some embodiments, the support frame may include an elongated hole adapted to receive a shaft of the panel, wherein the shaft moves along the elongated hole during the movement of the cover from the first position to the second position, the size of the elongated hole corresponding to the translational stroke of the cover from the first position to the second position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support frame may include an opening, wherein the drive portion passes through the opening and abuts against the actuating rod.

[0011] In some embodiments, the panel switch may further include a support frame for the face cover disposed between the base and the face cover, wherein the support frame includes a slide rail such that the face cover and the support frame are slidably mounted together, and the support frame is pivotally mounted to the base via a shaft hole engagement.

[0012] In some embodiments, the faceplate may include a stop portion configured to abut against the support frame during translation of the faceplate to prevent the support frame from pivoting.

[0013] In some embodiments, the actuating rod may further include a shift fork, wherein the shift fork is mounted to the support frame via a shaft hole, wherein the shift fork is disposed through the support frame such that the switch module is actuated via the shift fork.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support frame may further include an elastic arm projecting toward the bottom surface of the cover to elastically support the cover.

[0015] In some embodiments, the panel switch may further include a damping spring disposed between the support frame and the faceplate.

[0016] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method for operating a panel switch according to the first aspect is provided. The method may include: operating the panel switch in a rocker mode and a translational mode, wherein in the rocker mode, with a cover in a first position, pressing the cover to pivot via the drive unit actuates the actuation rod to switch the on / off state of the switch module; and in the translational mode, translating the cover from the first position to a second position or from the second position to the first position such that the drive unit actuates the actuation rod to pivot during the movement to switch the on / off state of the switch module. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and not limitation.

[0018] Figure 1 (a) and (b) show a top view and a side view of the initial state of the panel switch according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0019] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the panel switch, with the panel switch in the OFF position.

[0020] Figure 3 (a) and (b) show a top view and a side view, respectively, of a panel switch in rocker mode according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the panel switch, with the panel switch in the ON position.

[0022] Figure 5 (a) and (b) show a top view and a side view, respectively, of a panel switch in translation mode according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the panel switch, with the panel switch in the ON position.

[0024] Figure 7 An exploded view of a panel switch according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 8 (a) and (b) show a top view and a side view of the initial state of the panel switch according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0026] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the panel switch, with the panel switch in the OFF position.

[0027] Figure 10 (a) and (b) show a top view and a side view, respectively, of a panel switch in rocker mode according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the panel switch, with the panel switch in the ON position.

[0029] Figure 12 (a) and (b) show a top view and a side view, respectively, of a panel switch in translation mode according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the panel switch, with the panel switch in the OFF position.

[0031] Figure 14 An exploded view of a panel switch according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 15 An exploded view from a first perspective of the panel switch cover assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 16 An exploded view from a second perspective of the panel switch cover assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 17 An assembly diagram of a panel switch cover assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the states of the cover and the support frame correspond to the OFF state of the panel switch.

[0035] Figure 18 An assembly diagram of a panel switch cover assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the states of the cover and the support frame correspond to the ON state of the panel switch.

[0036] In the various figures, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0038] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein signify an open-ended inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" means "and / or". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The terms "one example embodiment" and "one embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment". Terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", and "rear", indicating placement or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the purpose of describing the principles of this disclosure, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0039] Traditional panel switches have a single operation method, while users desire the ability to operate them in multiple ways. The panel switch according to embodiments of this disclosure provides a panel switch that can be operated in a rocker mode and a translational mode with a simple structure to achieve switching between the on and off states of the panel switch. The panel switch according to embodiments of this disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiment shows an example of two independently operating panel switches arranged side-by-side to illustrate the operating principle of the panel switch according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that this is merely exemplary; the panel switch according to embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in a single panel switch, or in three or more panel switches. The panel switch according to embodiments of this disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figures 1-7 A panel switch 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figures 1-2 A structural view showing the initial state of the panel switch. Figures 3-4 A structural view showing the panel switch operating in rocker mode. Figures 5-6 The diagram shows a structural view of the panel switch operating in translation mode. Figure 7 An exploded view of the panel switch is shown.

[0041] As shown in the figure, the panel switch 100 may include a base 130, a faceplate 110, and a switch module 140. The base is typically fixed to a fixed object such as a wall to support the switch module, faceplate, and their operating components. The base 130 may include an opening in which the switch module 140 may be mounted. It is worth noting that this is merely exemplary. The base may be implemented in any other suitable form. A detailed description of the base is omitted as it is not the focus of this disclosure. The switch module 140 can be switched between ON and OFF states by actuating an actuating lever 142. The faceplate 110 is pivotally mounted to the base 130 and includes a drive portion 112 disposed on its bottom surface.

[0042] The panel switch 100 can be operated in both rocker and translation modes. In rocker mode, the cover 110 is in a first position (OFF position of the panel switch in the illustrated embodiment), the drive unit 112 abuts against the actuation rod 142 and pivots in response to pressing the cover 110, thereby actuating the actuation rod 142. In translation mode, the cover 110 can move from the first position to a second position (ON position of the panel switch in the illustrated embodiment) in response to a translational thrust applied to the cover 110, and the drive unit 112 is configured to actuate the actuation rod 142 to pivot during the process of the cover 110 moving from the first position to the second position. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the panel switch can achieve dual-mode operation of the panel switch with a simple structure by directly driving the actuation rod 142 of the switch module 140 by means of the drive unit 112.

[0043] In some embodiments, the drive portion 112 protrudes from the bottom surface of the faceplate 110 and includes a pair of inclined surfaces whose height gradually increases from the center toward both sides. The inclined surfaces can be implemented in various ways. The drive portion 112 can include other shapes besides the inclined surfaces, as long as the drive portion 112 is capable of providing a force component to drive the actuator rod 142 to pivot during horizontal movement of the faceplate 110. It is worth noting that although the drive portion 112 is disposed on the faceplate 110 in the illustrated embodiment, this is merely exemplary; in other embodiments not shown, the drive portion may be disposed on the actuator rod 142. For embodiments where the drive portion may be disposed on the actuator rod 142, it can be similarly implemented based on the teachings of this disclosure. Furthermore, the actuator rod 142 can be implemented in other shapes besides those shown, as long as the actuator rod 142 and the drive portion 112 can interact to achieve pivoting of the actuator rod 142.

[0044] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the panel switch 100 is in the initial OFF state. As illustrated, the cover 110 may include a shaft 114, and the base 130 may include a hole 124, thereby mounting the cover 110 to the base 130 via a shaft-hole fit. It is worth noting that the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary; in other embodiments, the shaft may be disposed on the base, and the hole may be disposed on the cover. Furthermore, the forms of the shaft and hole are also merely exemplary, and any other suitable form of shaft-hole fit may be used.

[0045] In some embodiments, particularly such as Figure 7As shown, the base 130 may also include a support frame 120. The support frame 120 is fastened to the base 130, for example, by a snap-fit ​​engagement. The support frame 120 is arranged between the base 130 and the cover 110. With the support frame 120 provided, the cover 110 can be pivotally mounted via a shaft hole engagement between the support frame 120 and the cover 110. As shown, the support frame 120 may include an elongated hole 124 adapted to receive a shaft of the panel. During the movement of the cover 110 from a first position to a second position, the shaft 114 moves along the elongated hole 124. In some embodiments, the size of the elongated hole 124 corresponds to the translational travel of the cover 110 from the first position to the second position. Thus, the elongated hole 124 provides the translational travel of the cover 110. In some embodiments, the support frame 120 may include an opening. A drive portion 112 passes through the opening and abuts against an actuating rod 142. The actuating rod 142 can swing within the opening to actuate a switch module.

[0046] like Figures 1-2 As shown, shaft 114 is initially located at a predetermined position in hole 124, specifically at one end of hole 124 in the illustrated embodiment. Faceplate 110 remains stationary relative to base 130. Faceplate 110 may include a pair of drive portions 112, each abutting against both ends of actuator rod 142 to hold the actuator rod in a predetermined engaged position. In some embodiments, drive portions 112 and actuator rod 142 may be shaped to engage or abut against each other. In the illustrated embodiment, when the panel switch is in the ON / OFF position, i.e., when the ends of drive portions 112 and actuator rod 142 are engaged, drive portions 112 and actuator rod 142 are form-fitted to each other to prevent accidental minor wobbling of faceplate 110 from causing actuator rod 142 to wobble.

[0047] like Figures 3-4 As shown, when the user from Figures 1-2 When the faceplate 110 is pressed in the indicated state, the faceplate 110 will pivot relative to the base 130 via the shaft hole engagement. Consequently, a pair of drive units 212 apply pivoting forces to both ends of the actuator 142, driving the actuator 142 to swing. The swinging of the actuator 142 further drives the silver bridge of the switch module 140 to move, thereby moving the switch module 140 from... Figure 2 The OFF state shown has been switched to Figure 4 The ON state is shown. Similarly, when in Figure 4 In the indicated state, when the user presses the faceplate 110, a pair of drive units 212 respectively press the two ends of the actuator 142 to drive the actuator 142 to swing (in Figure 4 (In the clockwise direction), the swing of the actuator 142 drives the silver bridge of the switch module 140 to move so as to move the switch module 140 from... Figure 4 The ON state shown has been switched to Figure 2 The OFF state is shown.

[0048] like Figures 5-6 As shown, when the user from Figures 1-2 When the face cover 110 is pushed up and down as shown, the shaft 114 of the face cover 110 will slide along the elongated hole 124. As the face cover 110 moves, the contact position between the drive unit 112 and the actuator rod 142 changes according to the shape of the drive unit 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined portion 112 includes a pair of inclined surfaces 1122, which respectively press against the two ends of the actuator rod 142. The height of the inclined surfaces 122 gradually increases from the center towards both ends. As the face cover 110 moves from left to right, the drive unit 112 provided on the face cover 110 moves together with the face cover 110 from left to right. Under the force applied by the drive unit 112, the actuator rod 142 will follow the inclined surface of the drive unit 112 from... Figure 2 The state shown is rotated counterclockwise to Figure 6 In the state shown, the swing of the actuator 142 drives the silver bridge of the switch module 140 to move, thereby moving the switch module 140 from... Figure 2 The OFF state shown has been switched to Figure 6 The ON state is shown.

[0049] Similarly, when in Figure 6 In the state shown, when the user pushes the faceplate 110 (in Figure 6 When the faceplate 110 slides along the elongated hole 124 in the right-to-left direction (in the direction from right to left), the shaft 114 of the faceplate 110 will slide along the elongated hole 124 in the right-to-left direction. Simultaneously, the actuator rod 142 will follow the inclined surface of the drive unit 112 from... Figure 2 The state shown is rotated counterclockwise to Figure 6 In the state shown, the swing of the actuator 142 drives the silver bridge of the switch module 140 to move, thereby moving the switch module 140 from... Figure 2 The OFF state shown has been switched to Figure 6 The ON state is shown.

[0050] It is worth noting that the ON / OFF positions in the illustrated embodiment are merely examples. The shape of the elongated hole 124 is only exemplary, and the elongated hole 124 can be formed in other shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the elongated hole 124 in the ON position may be formed in other suitable shapes to achieve a secure engagement between the elongated hole 124 and the shaft 114, preventing movement due to slight shaking of the cover 110; similarly, the elongated hole 124 in the OFF position may be formed in other suitable shapes to achieve a secure engagement between the elongated hole 124 and the shaft 114.

[0051] In some embodiments, the drive portion 112 may be formed in a suitable shape to interact with the actuating rod. In the illustrated embodiment, as... Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the actuator 142 may include a fork-shaped body that interacts with the silver bridge of the switch module 140 via a spring. It is worth noting that this is merely exemplary. The actuator 142 may be formed in any other suitable shape. Furthermore, the actuator 142 may also include a shape suitable for engaging or actuating relative to the drive portion 112. In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of the actuator 142 may include arcuate protrusions abutment portions 1421. The switch state operation of the panel switch 100 can be achieved by engaging and / or abutting with the drive portion 112 via the abutment portions 1421. It is worth noting that the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary, and the arcuate protrusions abutment portions 1421 are merely exemplary; the abutment portions 1421 may be formed in any other suitable shape.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 112 may include a first segment 1121, a second segment 1122, and a third segment 1123. During the horizontal movement of the faceplate 110 from the OFF position to the ON position, the second segment 1121 contacts the engagement portion of the actuator rod 142 to provide a force component that drives the actuator rod 142 to move. In some embodiments, the second segment 1121 has a different inclination than the first and second segments. In a first position, the first segment 1121 abuts against a corresponding abutment portion of the actuator rod 142; in a second position, the third segment 1123 abuts against a corresponding abutment portion of the actuator rod 142.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, the panel switch 100 also includes a damping spring 150 disposed between the support frame 120 and the faceplate 110. One end of the damping spring 150 can be fixed together, for example, by a protrusion provided on the support frame 120, and the other end of the damping spring 150 can be fixed together, for example, by a joint (not shown) provided on the faceplate 110. The damping spring 150 can improve the motion damping of the faceplate 110 relative to the support frame 120, thereby enhancing stability and tactile feel during movement.

[0054] Figures 8-18 A panel switch 200 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figures 8-9 A structural view showing the initial state of the panel switch. Figures 10-11 A structural view showing the panel switch operating in rocker mode. Figures 12-13 The diagram shows a structural view of the panel switch operating in translation mode. Figure 14 An exploded view of the panel switch is shown. Figures 15-18 Structural details of the faceplate and support frame according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0055] Figures 8-18 The panel switch 200 of the second embodiment shown adopts the same as... Figure 1The drive unit is similar to that of panel switch 100 in the embodiment. The difference between panel switch 200 and panel switch 100 is that the actuation lever 242 for actuating switch module 240 adopts a similar... Figure 1 The actuating rod 142 in the illustrated embodiment has a different structure. The actuating rod 242 for the switch module 240 may also be provided with an independent fork 280, which drives the actuating rod 242, thereby amplifying the rotation angle of the actuating rod 242 through the leverage effect of the fork 280. Thus, actuation of the switch module 240 can still be achieved even when the pivot angle of the cover assembly 210 of the panel switch 200 is small. Therefore, for example, a large cover can be achieved.

[0056] like Figures 8-14 As shown, the panel switch 200 may include a base, a faceplate assembly 210, and a switch module 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the base may include multiple components and is typically fixed to a fixed object such as a wall. In the illustrated embodiment, the base may include a mounting panel 230 and a mounting frame 260 mounted on the mounting panel 230 for supporting the switch module, faceplate, and their operating components. It is worth noting that this is merely exemplary. The base may be implemented in any other suitable form. Providing the mounting frame 260 as a separate component offers numerous structural advantages for the panel switch 200, particularly considering that the mounting frame 260 serves as a moving support for the shift fork 280. Providing a separate mounting frame 260 allows for more precise control of structural and dimensional accuracy, reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the mounting frame 260 facilitates the installation and removal of the panel switch 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch module 240 includes an actuating lever 242, which can be actuated to switch the switch module 240 to an ON / OFF state. The faceplate assembly 210 is pivotally mounted to the mounting frame 260 and includes a drive portion 212 disposed on its bottom surface. It is worth noting that, although in the illustrated embodiment the drive portion 212 is disposed on the faceplate 210, this is merely exemplary; in other embodiments not shown, the drive portion may be disposed on the actuating rod 242. For embodiments where the drive portion may be disposed on the actuating rod 242, similar implementation is possible based on the teachings of this disclosure. Furthermore, the actuating rod 242 may be implemented in other shapes not shown, as long as the actuating rod 242 and the drive portion 212 can interact to achieve pivoting of the actuating rod 242.

[0057] like Figures 16-18As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the faceplate assembly 210 may include two components: a faceplate 290 and a support frame 270 for the faceplate 290. The faceplate 290 and the support frame 270 are slidably arranged relative to each other. The support frame 270 may include one or more slide rails 276 in the form of slots. The faceplate 290 may include one or more protrusions 216 adapted to engage with the slide rails 276. The support frame 270 and the faceplate 290 are horizontally slidable relative to each other via the protrusions 216 and the slide rails 276. It is worth noting that the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary and not limiting, and the support frame 270 and the faceplate 290 may include other implementations that allow them to slidably relative to each other.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the faceplate 290 may further include a stop 215, which restricts the pivoting of the support frame 270. The stop 215 may be implemented in various ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 215 is implemented as a protrusion extending from the bottom surface of the faceplate 290. The stop 215 can prevent the support frame 270 from rotating by abutting against it. It is worth noting that the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary and not limiting, and the stop 215 may include other implementations.

[0059] Figure 17 and Figure 18 The positional relationship of the cover 290 relative to the support frame 270 is shown in the ON and OFF states of the panel switch, respectively. The translational stroke for actuating the shift fork 280 can be provided by the relative sliding of the cover 290 relative to the support frame 270.

[0060] In some embodiments, the faceplate assembly 210 is pivotally mounted to the mounting frame 260 via a axial bore engagement. Thus, pivoting movement of the faceplate assembly 210 actuates the actuator 242. Figures 16-18 In the illustrated embodiment, the faceplate assembly 210 is pivotally coupled relative to the mounting frame 260 via a hole 278 in the support frame 270 and an axis disposed in the mounting frame 260. It is worth noting that the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary and not limiting; the axis-hole fit may include other implementations.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figures 16-18 As shown, the support frame 270 also includes one or more resilient arms 274 projecting toward the bottom surface of the cover 290. The resilient arms 274 enable gap control between the support frame 270 and the cover 290, ensuring a tactile feel between them.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figures 16-18As shown, the shift fork 280 can be mounted to the faceplate assembly 210 via a shaft hole. When the faceplate assembly 210 includes a support frame 270 and a faceplate 290, the shift fork 280 can be mounted to the support frame 270 via a shaft hole. As shown, the shift fork 280 may include a shaft 282, and the support frame 270 may include a hole 272 adapted to mate with the shaft 282. It is worth noting that the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary and not limiting; the shaft hole mating may include other implementations.

[0063] The following is combined Figures 8-14 The operation process of the panel switch 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0064] like Figures 8-9 As shown, the panel switch 200 is in its initial OFF state. As shown, the faceplate assembly 210 may include a support frame 270 and a faceplate 290. The faceplate assembly 210 is pivotally mounted to the mounting frame 260. A shift fork 280 is pivotally mounted on the faceplate assembly 210. In the illustrated OFF state, a pair of drive units 212 provided on the faceplate 290 press against the shift fork 280, which in turn holds the actuation lever 242 of the switch module 240 in a predetermined OFF position.

[0065] like Figures 10-11 As shown, when the user from Figures 8-9 When the faceplate 290 is pressed as shown, the faceplate assembly 210 will pivot relative to the mounting frame 260 in response to the pressure applied by the user. As the faceplate assembly 210 pivots, the shift fork 280 will follow the movement of the drive unit 212 to pivot. The pivoting of the shift fork 280 will drive the actuator rod 242 to swing, thereby driving the silver bridge of the switch module 240 to move the switch module 240 from... Figure 9 The OFF state shown has been switched to Figure 11 The ON state is shown. Similarly, when in Figure 11 In the indicated state, when the user presses the face cover 290, the face cover assembly 210 will... Figure 11 The state shown is rotated clockwise; the drive unit 220 provided on the faceplate 290 pivots the drive fork 280 clockwise, thereby driving the actuator rod 242 of the switch module 240 to pivot, so as to move the switch module 140 from... Figure 11 The ON state shown has been switched to Figure 9 The OFF state is shown.

[0066] like Figures 12-13 As shown, when the user pushes the faceplate 290, the faceplate 290 will move in response to the force applied by the user (in... Figure 13In the illustrated embodiment, the movement is from left to right. Since the faceplate 290 of the faceplate assembly 210 and the support frame 270 of the faceplate assembly 210 are slidably arranged relative to each other, the faceplate 290 slides relative to the support frame 270, while the support frame 270 does not move. Simultaneously, as the faceplate 290 moves, the drive portion 212 of the faceplate 290 remains pressed against the shift fork 280, and as the faceplate 290 translates, the contact position between the drive portion 212 and the shift fork 280 changes according to the shape of the drive portion 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive portion 212 is implemented as an inclined portion including an inclined surface. The height of the inclined surface gradually increases from the center towards both ends. Under the force component applied by the drive portion 212, the shift fork 280 will follow the inclined surface of the drive portion 212 from... Figure 9 The state shown is rotated counterclockwise to Figure 13 As shown, the pivoting motion of the shift fork 280 actuates the actuator rod 242 to swing, thereby switching the switch module 240 to the OFF state.

[0067] Similarly, when in Figure 13 In the state shown, when the user pushes the faceplate 290 (in Figure 13 When the faceplate assembly 210 slides from right to left (in the direction from right to left), the fork 280 pivots under the action of the vertical force component of the drive unit 212, thereby driving the actuator rod 242 from... Figure 13 The state shown is rotated counterclockwise to Figure 9 The state shown indicates that the switch module 240 is switched from... Figure 14 The ON state shown has been switched to Figure 9 The ON state is shown.

[0068] In some embodiments, the panel switch 100 further includes a damping spring 250. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the panel switch 100 also includes a damping spring 250 disposed between the support frame 220 and the cover 290. The damping spring 250 can improve the motion damping of the cover 290 relative to the support frame 220, thereby enhancing stability and tactile feel during movement.

[0069] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for operating panel switches 100, 200 is also provided. The method may include: operating the panel switches 100, 200 in a rocker mode and a translational mode; in the rocker mode, with faceplates 110, 290 in a first position, pressing the faceplates 110, 290 to pivot such that the drive portions 112, 212 of the faceplates 110, 290 actuate the actuation rods 142, 242 of the switch modules 140, 240 to switch the on / off state of the switch modules 140, 240; and in the translational mode, translating the faceplates 110, 290 from the first position to a second position or translating the faceplates 110, 290 from the second position to the first position such that the drive portions 112, 212 of the faceplates 110, 290 actuate the actuation rods 142, 242 to pivot such that the on / off state of the switch modules 140, 240 is switched.

[0070] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order, or requiring that all illustrated operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In certain environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations.

[0071] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

[0072] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A panel switch (100, 200), characterized in that, include: A base (130, 260) houses a switch module (140, 240) and is provided with an actuator (142, 242) for switching the switch state of the switch module (140, 240); and A faceplate (110, 290) is pivotally mounted to the base (130, 260), wherein the faceplate (110, 290) is configured to operate in a rocker mode and a translational mode. At least one of the actuator rod and the faceplate includes a drive unit (112, 212) configured such that the actuator rod and the faceplate interact to actuate the switch module (140, 240) by pivoting the actuator rod (142, 242). In the rocker mode, the faceplate (110, 290) is in a first position, the drive unit (112, 212) abuts against the actuating rod (142, 242) and pivots in response to the pressing of the faceplate (110, 290) to actuate the actuating rod (142, 242) to pivot. and In the translation mode, the faceplate (110, 290) is capable of translating from the first position to the second position in response to a translational force applied to the faceplate (110, 290), and the drive unit (112, 212) is configured to actuate the actuation rod (142, 242) to pivot during the process of the faceplate (110, 290) translating from the first position to the second position.

2. The panel switch (100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit (112, 212) is disposed on one of the actuating rod and the face cover and includes a pair of inclined surfaces whose height gradually increases from the center toward both sides. The inclined surfaces are configured to actuate the actuating rod (142, 242) to pivot during the process of the face cover (110, 290) translating from the first position to the second position.

3. The panel switch (100, 200) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit (112, 212) includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment to facilitate corresponding engagement at the first position and the second position, as well as movement between the first position and the second position.

4. The panel switch (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It also includes a support frame (120) for the face cover disposed between the base (130) and the face cover (110), wherein the support frame is fixedly mounted to the base, and the face cover is pivotally mounted to the support frame (120) via a shaft hole.

5. The panel switch (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support frame (120) includes an elongated hole (124) adapted to receive a shaft (114) of the panel, wherein the shaft moves along the elongated hole during the movement of the cover (110) from the first position to the second position, the size of the elongated hole corresponding to the translational stroke of the cover (110, 290) from the first position to the second position.

6. The panel switch (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support frame includes an opening, wherein the drive unit (112) passes through the opening and abuts against the actuating rod (142).

7. The panel switch (200) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It also includes a support frame (270) for the face cover (110, 290) disposed between the base (260) and the face cover (110, 290), wherein the support frame (270) includes a slide rail (276) so that the face cover (290) and the support frame (270) are slidably mounted together, and the support frame is pivotally mounted to the base via a shaft hole.

8. The panel switch (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cover (290) includes a stop (215) configured to abut against the support frame during translation of the cover (290) to prevent the support frame from pivoting.

9. The panel switch (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The actuating rod includes a fork (280), wherein the fork is mounted to the support frame (270) via a shaft hole, wherein the fork is disposed through the support frame to actuate the switch module via the fork.

10. The panel switch (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support frame also includes an elastic arm (274) protruding toward the bottom surface of the cover (290) to elastically support the cover (290).

11. The panel switch (100, 200) according to any one of claims 5, 6, 8-10, characterized in that, It also includes damping springs (150, 250) arranged between the support frame and the faceplate.

12. A method for operating a panel switch (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1-11, comprising: Operate the panel switches (100, 200) in rocker mode and translation mode. In the rocker mode, with the faceplate (110, 290) in the first position, press the faceplate (110, 290) to actuate the actuation rod to pivot via the drive unit (112, 212) to switch the on / off state of the switch module (140, 240). as well as In the translation mode, the faceplate (110, 290) is translated from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, so that during the movement, the drive unit (112, 212) actuates the actuator rod (142, 242) to pivot, thereby switching the on / off state of the switch module (140, 240).

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