Actuation knob with integrated padlock connection

Abstract

An actuation knob for opening and closing a switch, and an apparatus and system including the same. The actuation knob (100) is configured to move relative to a first axis (250) and comprises: an engagement portion (102) configured for engagement by a user, the engagement portion having a slot (108); and a slidable portion (104) disposed within the groove and configured to slide relative to the engagement portion. The slidable portion (104) is configured to slide along a second axis (260) between a first position (270) and a second position (280), where the first axis and the second axis are non-parallel. The slidable portion (104) comprises at least two flexible mechanisms (110) biased in a direction away from the second axis and offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the second axis along a plane of the slidable portion. In a first position (270), the flexible mechanism is configured to engage with one or more first recesses (114a) of the slot to retain the slidable portion in the first position, and in a second position, the flexible mechanism is configured to engage with one or more second recesses (114b) of the slot to retain the slidable portion in the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuation knob with an integrated padlock connection and a method of operating the same. Specifically, the padlock connection is provided by a slidable portion disposed within an engagement portion of the actuation knob. A device and system including the actuation knob are also described herein. Background Art

[0002] It is desirable to provide a lockable switch or switch module to prevent unauthorized opening and / or closing of the switch. For safety reasons, during repair or maintenance, the switch can be locked in the "off" position, or the switch can be locked in the "on" position to prevent power interruption.

[0003] Some switches have an integral padlock connector (i.e., a mechanism connected to the switch and configured to receive a padlock or other locking device) that can be pulled out to lock the switch. Other switches have an actuation knob with a padlock connector that can be pushed, slid, or rotated to access a padlock hole or aperture. In other words, the actuation device is lockable, not the switch itself.

[0004] Some lockable actuators use a rotating lever-type padlock connection. These mechanisms require various parts, such as pivots / hinge joints, springs, etc. Multiple parts and a delicate assembly process increase the cost and complexity of the device. Other lockable actuators use a sliding or slide-type padlock connection, but these parts may require complex tooling to manufacture.

[0005] It would therefore be desirable to provide a simple, robust and lockable actuation device with an integral padlock connection which is cost effective and easy to manufacture. Summary of the invention

[0006] Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims.

[0007] The present invention discloses an actuating knob for opening and closing a switch, wherein the actuating knob is configured to move relative to a first axis. The actuating knob configured to move relative to the first axis includes: an actuating knob configured to rotate (substantially) around the first axis; or an actuating knob configured to slide (substantially) along the first axis. The actuating knob includes: an engaging portion configured to be engaged by a user, the engaging portion having a groove; and a slidable portion arranged in the groove. The slidable portion is configured to slide relative to the engaging portion. The slidable portion is configured to slide (substantially) along a second axis between a first position and a second position, wherein the first axis and the second axis are not parallel. In other words, no matter how the actuating knob moves, the slidable portion can slide in a direction different from the movement of the actuating knob. The slidable portion includes at least two flexible mechanisms, which are biased in a direction away from the second axis and are offset relative to each other along the plane of the slidable portion in a direction perpendicular to the second axis. In an example in which the actuating knob rotates around the first axis, the at least two flexible mechanisms are offset relative to each other along the first axis. In the first position, the flexible mechanism is configured to engage with one or more first recesses of the slot to hold the slidable portion in the first position. In the second position, the flexible mechanism is configured to engage with one or more second recesses of the slot to hold the slidable portion in the second position.

[0008] This configuration is advantageous in providing a more stable actuation knob with an integrated padlock arrangement. The slidable portion can be formed as a single piece (i.e., the flexible mechanism is integral with the remainder of the slidable portion) and can be easily inserted into the engagement portion without requiring complicated assembly or multiple parts. By offsetting the flexible mechanism in the manner described, the actuation knob may be narrower than known methods without affecting stability. Thus, the actuation knob may be more compact, less expensive to manufacture and more ergonomic for the user.

[0009] In some instances, the slidable portion further comprises an aperture, which is configured to receive a locking device passing through the aperture when the slidable portion is in the first position. The aperture is arranged so that the locking device can prevent the slidable portion from sliding to the second position. In this way, the actuating knob can be locked in the "cut-off" (or "on") position. This enables routine maintenance and inspection (or prevents accidental interruption of power supply to the load). Therefore, safety can be improved. In some instances, when the slidable portion is in the second position, the aperture is at least partially arranged in the groove of the engaging portion. This can prevent the actuating knob from being locked in the second position, for example, preventing the actuating knob from being accidentally locked in the wrong position. In addition, compared with a padlock connector that needs to be rotated or pressed by a user, the device described herein may be easier to use and can facilitate the user to lock the actuating knob with a single hand.

[0010] In some implementations, at least two flexible mechanisms include a first flexible mechanism biased in a first direction away from the second axis and a second flexible mechanism biased in a second direction away from the second axis. The first direction and the second direction are different. Stability can be improved by providing different biasing forces against the engaging portion. In some instances, the first direction and the second direction extend on both sides of the second axis. This can further improve the stability of the slidable portion in the groove. In some specific instances, the first direction and the second direction extend from the second axis at (substantially) equal but opposite angles. This can help the user push the slidable portion between the first position and the second position, because before the slidable portion starts to move, the user only needs to input a force once to overcome the biasing force of the flexible mechanism to push the slidable portion between the first position and the second position.

[0011] In some examples, the flexible mechanism includes a protrusion configured to engage with one or more first recesses and one or more second recesses. This can improve the retention of the slidable portion in the first structure / second structure. Optionally, each protrusion includes a vertex and a symmetrical portion arranged around the vertex. This can improve the bidirectional sliding of the slidable portion and ensure that the user can apply the same amount of force no matter which direction the slidable portion is pushed.

[0012] Also described herein is a device for use with a switch module, the device comprising: a housing configured to be coupled to the switch module; and an actuation knob as described herein. The actuation knob is configured to move relative to the housing relative to a first axis to open and close a switch within the switch module.

[0013] In some specific examples, the actuation knob is configured to rotate relative to the housing relative to the first axis to open and close the switch. In the first position, the slidable portion is configured to engage the housing to prevent the actuation knob from rotating. In the second position, the actuation knob is configured to rotate around the first axis in response to actuation by a user. In other words, the position of the slidable portion along the second axis determines whether the actuation knob can move relative to the first axis.

[0014] In some examples, the slidable portion further comprises a guide portion configured to extend through the slot, the guide portion being configured to engage with the housing in the first position to prevent the actuation knob from rotating. By engaging the slidable portion with the housing, a stronger and more stable device may be provided.

[0015] In some specific examples, the housing further comprises an engagement channel configured to receive a guide portion, the engagement channel being configured to allow the slidable portion to slide between the second position and the first position. Optionally, the housing further comprises a guide channel configured to receive a guide portion, the guide channel controlling the range of rotation of the actuating knob. In this way, the movement of the actuating knob can be controlled by the housing design to facilitate, for example, a device that rotates the knob a quarter turn, a half turn, or a full turn. Therefore, safety can be improved by preventing undesired or accidental movement of the actuating knob.

[0016] In some examples, the device further includes an actuation mechanism disposed within the housing. The actuation knob is configured to engage with the actuation mechanism to (directly or indirectly) open and close a switch within the switch module.

[0017] Also described herein is a system comprising: a switch module including a switch configured to open and close a circuit arranged through the switch module; and a device as described herein.

[0018] In some examples, the system further comprises one or more additional switch modules, each of which comprises a switch. The housing is configured to couple and connect with each of the switch modules, wherein the actuation knob is configured to rotate relative to the housing to simultaneously open and close each of the switches.

[0019] A method for operating an actuating knob is also described herein. The method includes: when the slidable portion is in the second position and the flexible mechanism is engaged with one or more second recesses, moving the actuating knob from a third position to a fourth position relative to the first axis. In some instances, in the third position, the switch is closed and the switch module defines a current conduction path, and in the fourth position, the switch is disconnected and no current conduction path is defined. In other instances, the opposite arrangement is provided. When the actuating knob is in the fourth position, the slidable portion is slid from the second position to the first position along the second axis so that the flexible mechanism is engaged with one or more first recesses. Optionally, the method also includes: when the slidable portion is in the first position, inserting a locking device through an orifice in the slidable portion to prevent the slidable portion from sliding to the second position. In this way, the actuating knob can be locked as "off" or "on" as needed.

[0020] The present invention also describes an actuating knob for opening and closing a switch, wherein the actuating knob is configured to rotate about a first axis and includes: an engaging portion configured for engagement by a user, the engaging portion having a slot; and a slidable portion arranged in the slot and configured to slide relative to the engaging portion, the slidable portion configured to slide between a first position and a second position along a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are not parallel. The slidable portion includes at least two flexible mechanisms that are biased in a direction away from the second axis and offset relative to each other along the first axis. In the first position, the flexible mechanism is configured to engage with one or more first recesses of the slot to hold the slidable portion in the first position. In the second position, the flexible mechanism is configured to engage with one or more second recesses of the slot to hold the slidable portion in the second position. Optionally, the slidable portion also includes an orifice configured to receive a locking device passing through the orifice when the slidable portion is in the first position, the orifice being arranged so that the locking device can prevent the slidable portion from sliding to the second position.

[0021] The present invention also discloses a device for use with a switch module, the device comprising: a housing configured to be coupled to the switch module; and an actuation knob configured to rotate relative to the housing about a first axis to open and close a switch in the switch module. The actuation knob comprises: an engagement portion configured to be engaged by a user, the engagement portion having a slot; and a slidable portion arranged in the slot and configured to slide relative to the engagement portion, the slidable portion configured to slide between a first position and a second position along a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are not parallel, wherein the slidable portion comprises at least two flexible mechanisms biased in a direction away from the second axis and offset relative to each other along the first axis; wherein in the first position, the slidable portion is configured to engage the housing to prevent the actuation knob from rotating, and the flexible mechanism is configured to engage with one or more first recesses of the slot to keep the slidable portion in the first direction; and wherein in the second position, the actuation knob is configured to rotate about the first axis in response to actuation by the user, and the flexible mechanism is configured to engage with one or more second recesses of the slot to keep the slidable portion in the second position. Optionally, the slidable part further comprises an aperture configured to receive a locking device therethrough when the slidable part is in the first position, the aperture being arranged such that the locking device prevents the slidable part from sliding to the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 : Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary actuation knob;

[0023] Figure 2: Figure 2 shows Figure 1 The actuating knob in is in the first position ( Figure 2A), second position ( Figure 2B ) and the final position ( Figure 2C ) when viewed from above;

[0024] Figure 3: Figure 3A Shows Figure 1 a perspective view of the slidable portion of the actuating knob, and Figure 3B A perspective view of the engagement portion of the actuation knob is shown, showing the slot in which the slidable portion resides;

[0025] Figure 4: Figure 4A The invention shows a rotatably coupled to the housing. Figure 1 A side view of the actuating knob in FIG. 1 , and Figure 4B showing a cross section of the actuation knob when the slidable portion is in a second position;

[0026] Figure 5: Figure 5A , Figure 5B Shown with Figure 4A , Figure 4B The same arrangement wherein the slidable portion is in a first position;

[0027] Figure 6 : Figure 6 Shown are perspective views of the housing in FIGS. 4 and 5 ;

[0028] Figure 7 : Figure 7 A perspective view of a system is shown, the system comprising the apparatus of Figures 4 and 5 coupled to a switch module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] A lockable actuating device with an integrated padlock connection is described herein. The lockable actuating device is provided in the form of an actuating knob for opening and closing a switch, wherein the integrated padlock connection is provided by a slidable portion.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 An actuating knob for opening and closing a switch is described. Specifically, Figure 1 An exploded view of an exemplary actuation knob 100 is shown, which includes an engagement portion 102 configured for engagement by a user, and includes a slidable portion 104. The actuation knob 100 also includes a base portion 106. The engagement portion protrudes from the base portion. A slot 108 is formed in the engagement portion 102. The slidable portion 104 is disposed in the slot 108 and is configured to slide relative to the engagement portion.

[0031] With reference to FIG2 , the movement of the slidable portion 104 relative to the engagement portion 102 is discussed in more detail. The actuation knob is configured to move relative to a first axis. In some instances, the actuation knob is configured to slide along the first axis. In other instances, the actuation knob is configured to rotate around the first axis. It should be understood that the examples describing or illustrating the rotation of the actuation knob are merely one implementation, and such replacements may be replaced with sliding motion / movement of the actuation knob. The sliding of the actuation knob may be achieved without any modification to the features of the engagement portion 102 or the slidable portion 104 described herein.

[0032] In the following discussion, the actuation knob is described as rotating around a first axis 250 (which is shown here as extending into the page). In this example, the first axis 250 is located at the center of the base portion 106, but any other position of the axis of rotation can be used, depending on the specific geometry of the application. The slidable portion 104 is configured to slide along a second axis 260. In this example, the second axis is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first axis. However, this is just an example. Any first axis and second axis can be used as long as the first axis and second axis are not parallel. For example, when the actuation knob is configured to slide rather than rotate, the actuation knob can be configured to slide laterally along the first axis, and the slidable portion can slide in a lateral direction along the non-parallel second axis.

[0033] Specifically, the slidable portion 104 is configured to Figure 2A The first position 270 shown in FIG. Figure 2B The sliding is performed along the second axis 260 in the direction 275. Intermediate positions between the first position and the second position are not shown. Figure 2C The final position 290 of the slidable portion is shown when sliding in the direction 275. In other words, due to the size of the slot 108 and the size of the engagement portion 102, the slidable portion 104 cannot slide beyond the position 290. To move from the second position 280 to the first position 270, the slidable portion 104 is slid along the second axis 260 in a direction opposite to the direction 275. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C The left side figure of each of the figures shows a top view of the actuation knob 100, and the right side figure shows a bottom or lower view of the actuation knob (ie, the actuation knob 100 is seen from a direction from which it would not be visible in normal use).

[0034] Figure 3A An exemplary embodiment of the slidable portion 104 is shown, and Figure 3BAn exemplary embodiment of an actuation knob 100 is shown without a slidable portion 104. The actuation knob 100 is shown here from below (i.e., from a direction not visible in normal use) to better illustrate the slot 108. In this example, the slot 108 extends through the base portion 106 to form a through hole in the engagement portion, but in some other examples, the slot may not extend completely through the base portion and / or the engagement portion.

[0035] The slidable portion includes at least two flexible mechanisms 110. The flexible mechanisms are biased away from the body 116 of the slidable portion. In other words, the flexible mechanisms 110 extend away from the slidable body and are configured to apply a biasing force in a direction away from the body 116 when compressed. In other words, the flexible mechanisms 110 are biased in a direction away from the second axis (here, the orientation represented by the dashed line 260). The flexible mechanisms can be partially arranged in the body 116 of the slidable portion, for example, the flexible mechanisms can be partially set in a recess or aperture (such as the opening 124) formed in the body 116.

[0036] exist Figure 3A In a specific embodiment of the present invention, at least two flexible mechanisms include a first flexible mechanism 110a and a second flexible mechanism 110b (collectively referred to as flexible mechanism 110). The first flexible mechanism 110a is biased in a first direction away from the second axis 260, and the second flexible mechanism 110b is biased in a second direction away from the second axis 260. In some examples, the first direction and the second direction are the same: for example, the flexible mechanisms can be arranged up and down along the first axis and extend away from the body 116 of the slidable part in the same direction. In other examples, the first direction and the second direction are different. The first direction and the second direction can extend on the same side of the body 116 of the slidable part, or the first direction and the second direction can extend on opposite sides of the body 116 of the slidable part.

[0037] exist Figure 3A In the example shown in , the first direction and the second direction are different, and the first direction and the second direction extend on both sides of the second axis 260. Specifically, the first direction and the second direction extend at equal but opposite angles from the second axis 260. In other words, when viewed from above / below (as shown in FIG. 2 ), the slidable portion 104 appears symmetrical. This can improve the stability of the slidable portion during sliding and improve the retention of the slidable portion within the groove.

[0038] The flexible mechanism 110 is configured to engage with the recess 114 of the groove 108 to maintain the slidable portion 104 in a set position within the groove 108. Specifically, the groove 108 includes one or more first recesses 114a and one or more second recesses 114b (collectively referred to as recesses 114). In this example, there are two first recesses 114a, one on each side of the groove 108. In this example, there are two second recesses 114b, one on each side of the groove 108. However, any other arrangement of recesses 114 may be provided depending on the geometry of the flexible mechanism and the desired set position.

[0039] When the slidable portion is Figure 2A When the slidable portion is in the first position 270, the flexible mechanism 110 is configured to engage with one or more first recesses 114a of the slot 108 to hold the slidable portion in the first position 270. Figure 2B 2, the flexible mechanism 110 is configured to engage with one or the second first recess 114b of the slot 108 to retain the slidable portion in the second position 280. An input force is required to overcome the bias of the flexible mechanism 110 in order to move the slidable portion between the first position and the second position. Similarly, an input force is required to overcome the bias of the flexible mechanism 110 in order to move the slidable portion 104 from the second position 280 to the final position 290 (as can be seen in FIG. 2, the flexible mechanism 110 is compressed in position 290 compared to position 280). This force can be provided by a user actuating the slidable portion 104 along the second axis 260. In the absence of such a force, the slidable portion is retained in the first position or the second position by the bias of the flexible mechanism.

[0040] As from Figure 3A As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the flexible mechanisms 110 are offset relative to each other along the first axis (the orientation represented by dashed line 250). By offsetting the flexible mechanisms 110 along the first axis 250, the flexible mechanisms can be arranged closer together. In the example where the actuation knob slides along the first axis, the flexible mechanisms are offset relative to each other along the plane of the slidable portion in a direction perpendicular to the second axis. The planar surface of the body 116 is the plane defined by the first axis 250 and the second axis 260, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A In some specific examples, namely, in examples where the actuation knob slides along a first axis that is perpendicular to the second axis, the flexible mechanisms are offset relative to each other in a third direction (not shown) that is perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis. Offsetting the flexible mechanisms can be advantageous in providing a narrower slidable portion, thereby facilitating a more compact and ergonomic actuation knob. This benefit is further improved when the flexible mechanism is partially disposed within a recess or aperture (such as opening 124) formed within the body 116.

[0041] The flexible mechanisms 110 may at least partially overlap in some embodiments (not shown here). In some instances, the flexible mechanisms may almost completely overlap or meet in the middle of the slidable portion 104. The degree of overlap may be determined by the desired width of the slidable portion, which may itself be predetermined based on the strength of a given padlock connector and / or the intended operation or use of the actuating knob. Therefore, overlapping the flexible mechanisms (e.g., along a first axis, or along the plane of the slidable portion) may further facilitate providing a narrower slidable portion. Therefore, the slidable portion may be more compact and have a smaller form factor. Therefore, the actuating knob may be more ergonomic for the user.

[0042] Furthermore, the devices described herein can be manufactured without complex tooling or assembly. For example, the slidable portion 104 can be formed using a simple core and cavity tool.

[0043] The flexible mechanism 110 includes a protrusion 132. Figure 3A 114a and 114b. The projections 132 are configured to engage with one or more first recesses 114a and one or more second recesses 114b. In this example, each projection 132 includes a vertex 134 and a symmetrical portion arranged around the vertex. The symmetrical portion includes two fillets 136 extending on both sides of the vertex 134. This arrangement facilitates bidirectional sliding along the second axis and facilitates maintaining the slidable portion in multiple set positions.

[0044] The slidable portion 104 also includes an aperture 112. The aperture is configured to receive a locking device (not shown), such as a padlock or other locking member. In other words, the locking device can be inserted through the aperture 112 and then fastened / locked. Any other shape and / or positioning of the aperture 112 can also be used as required by the specific application. When the locking device is inserted through the aperture 112, the slidable portion 104 is prevented from sliding toward the second position 280, but is maintained in the first position 270. In other words, the aperture 112 is arranged so that the locking device prevents the slidable portion 104 from sliding to the second position. This arrangement makes it possible to lock the actuating knob to "cut off" using one or more padlocks or locking devices, thereby improving safety during routine testing or maintenance. In some instances, when the slidable portion 104 is in the second position 280, the aperture 112 is at least partially arranged in the groove of the engaging portion 102. This can prevent the actuating knob from being accidentally locked in the "on" position. Additionally, because the slidable portion 104 may be formed as a single piece, the component may be stronger when locked than known methods that rely on a movable lever or pivot.

[0045] The slidable portion 104 further includes a guide portion 118. The guide portion here extends from the body 116, but any other arrangement may be provided. The guide portion 118 is configured to extend through the slot 108 at the region 108'. The guide portion serves as an additional stop mechanism to prevent the slidable portion from moving beyond the position 290 along the direction 275. In this example, the slidable portion 104 further includes side protrusions 120a, 120b (collectively referred to as side protrusions 120). The side protrusions 120 are also configured to extend through the slot 108 at the region 108'. These side protrusions contact the lower side surface of the base portion 106 (i.e., at the Figure 3B The side projections may also serve as additional stop mechanisms, contacting the edge of the base portion 106 and preventing the slidable portion from moving past the first position 270. This may increase the stability of the slidable portion and minimize damage to the slidable portion during use.

[0046] During assembly of the actuation knob, the slidable portion 104 can be inserted into the slot 108. The geometry of the slidable portion enables the slidable portion to snap into the slot. In other words, the engagement portion 102 and the slidable portion 104 can be coupled in a snap-fit ​​manner. Figure 1 When the exploded arrangement in FIG. 1 is pushed in a direction along the first axis, the rounded corner 130 on the protrusion 132 of the flexible mechanism 110 engages with the groove 128 in the slot 108 of the engagement portion 102 to compress the flexible mechanism. The flexible device is biased so that after the slidable portion is fully inserted, the flexible device snaps into the second recess 114b. Then, the flexible device can be inserted into the second recess 114b. Figure 1 A fastening device (not shown) is inserted into the region 126 in the middle of the slide. Due to the arrangement of the slidable part, the component cannot be removed without first removing the fastening device, thereby preventing unauthorized removal of any locking device inserted through the aperture 112. Thus, a more reliable actuation device can be provided. Safety can also be improved.

[0047] The operation of the actuation knob 100 will now be discussed. The operation of the knob includes moving the actuation knob from the third position to the fourth position relative to the first axis when the slidable portion 104 is in the second position 280 and the flexible mechanism 110 is engaged with the one or more second recesses 114b. Optionally, the moving operation includes rotating the actuation knob from the third position to the fourth position about the first axis 250 when the slidable portion 104 is in the second position 280 and the flexible mechanism 110 is engaged with the one or more second recesses 114b. In other implementations, the moving operation includes sliding the actuation knob along the first axis. The operation of the knob also includes sliding the slidable portion 104 from the second position to the first position 270 along the second axis 260 when the actuation knob is in the fourth position so as to engage the flexible mechanism 110 with the one or more first recesses 114a.

[0048] The operation may also include: when the slidable portion is in the first position 270, inserting a locking device through the aperture 112 in the slidable portion to prevent the slidable portion from sliding to the second position. In this way, the actuation knob can be locked. In some instances, when the actuation knob is in the third position, the switch is closed and a current conduction path through the switch is defined. When the actuation knob is in the fourth position, the switch is disconnected and no current conduction path is defined. Therefore, when the switch is disconnected, the actuation knob can be locked in the "off" position. This can facilitate safer maintenance and inspection of the switch. However, it may be preferred to lock the actuation knob in the "on" position, for example to prevent interruption of power supply to the load. In these cases, the third position and the fourth position may alternatively correspond to the disconnected position and the closed position of the switch, respectively. In some implementations, the actuation knob may be configured so that the slidable portion can slide to the first position 270 when the actuation knob 100 is in both the third rotational position and the fourth rotational position.

[0049] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 , a device 400 for use with a switch module is described. The device includes a housing 440 configured to be coupled to the switch module. The device also includes the actuation knob 100 discussed above. The actuation knob is configured to move relative to the housing relative to a first axis to open and close the switch in the switch module. In some instances, the actuation knob can slide along the first axis (and be slidably coupled to the housing). In other instances, the actuation knob can rotate around the first axis (and be rotatably coupled to the housing). In the following description, the actuation knob is described as being configured to rotate relative to the housing 440 around a first axis 250 (defined here as entering the page) to open and close the switch in the switch module.

[0050] A fastening device 442 is inserted at the region 126 of the actuation knob to couple the actuation knob 100 to the housing 440. An actuation mechanism 446 is arranged within the housing 440. The actuation mechanism 446 can be directly or indirectly coupled to the switch. The actuation knob 100 is configured to engage with the actuation mechanism 446 so that rotation of the actuation knob causes the switch to open or close. In some examples, the actuation mechanism 446 is simply a connecting device or shaft that is configured to transmit the rotation of the knob 100 to the switch mechanism that controls the switch.

[0051] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The device 400 is shown with the slidable portion 104 in the second position 280. The actuation knob is in the fourth position. The aperture 112 is at least partially disposed within the engagement portion 102 (in Figure 4B In this second position, the actuation knob is configured to rotate about the first axis 250 in response to actuation by a user to cause opening and closing of the switch.

[0052] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The device 400 is shown with the slidable portion 104 in the first position 270. The actuation knob is in the fourth position. The aperture 112 is not disposed within the engagement portion 102, but is configured to receive a locking device therethrough. In the first position, the slidable portion 104 is configured to engage the housing to prevent the actuation knob 100 from rotating relative to the housing 440. In this manner, when the slidable portion 104 is in the first position, closing (or opening) of the switch is prevented.

[0053] The engagement of the slidable portion 104 with the housing can be provided by a guide portion 118 extending through the slot 118. Specifically, the guide portion can be configured to engage with the housing 440 when the slidable portion is in the first position to prevent the actuation knob 100 from rotating. The guide portion 118 can also be configured so that in the second position, the actuation knob 100 is configured to rotate around the first axis 250 in response to actuation by a user to cause the opening and closing of the switch. However, any other form of engagement between the slidable portion 104 and the housing 440 is also possible.

[0054] In some specific examples, such as Figure 6As shown in , the housing 440 includes an engagement channel 448 configured to receive the guide portion 118. The engagement channel is configured to allow the slidable portion to slide between the second position and the first position. When the slidable portion is in the first position, the engagement channel is configured to prevent rotation of the actuation knob 100. In addition, by exposing the aperture 112 in the first position (or allowing a user to access the aperture 112), the actuation knob 100 can be locked using one or more padlocks or locking devices (locking the switch to "off" or "on" depending on the application).

[0055] In some other examples, the housing further includes a guide channel 450 configured to receive the guide portion 118 when the slidable portion 104 is in the second position. The guide channel 450 controls the rotation range of the actuation knob 110 around the first axis 250 (or the extent of sliding of the actuation knob 110 along the first axis). Figure 6 In the example of , the guide channel 450 allows the actuation knob 100 to rotate a quarter turn from the fourth position to reach the above-mentioned third position, but any suitable size / shape of the guide channel may be provided. Similarly, engagement channels may be provided in other locations around the guide channel so that the actuation knob can be locked as "off" and "on" as required. The guide channel 450 and the engagement channel 448 are integrally formed to facilitate the receipt and movement of the guide portion 118. In this example, the extension channel 448 extends in a direction orthogonal to the edge of the guide channel 450, but other arrangements are possible as required by the corresponding arrangement of the non-parallel first and second axes.

[0056] refer to Figure 7 , describes a system 700. The system includes reference figures 4 to Figure 6 The device 400 is described and includes a switch module 770. The switch module 770 includes a switch configured to open and close a circuit arranged through the switch module 770.

[0057] In some examples, the actuation knob 100 can be coupled to the switch module 770 itself without an intermediate housing 440. In other examples, the system further includes one or more additional switch modules (not shown), each of which includes a switch. The housing 440 is configured to connect to each switch module, wherein a single actuation knob 100 is configured to rotate relative to the housing 440 to cause simultaneous opening and / or closing of each of the switches.

[0058] The examples described herein may be combined where appropriate.

Claims

1. An actuating knob for opening and closing a switch, wherein: The actuation knob is configured to move relative to a first axis and comprises: an engagement portion configured for engagement by a user, the engagement portion having a slot; and a slidable portion disposed in the slot and configured to slide relative to the engagement portion, the slidable portion configured to slide along a second axis between a first position and a second position, wherein the first axis and the second axis are not parallel; wherein the slidable portion comprises at least two flexible mechanisms, the at least two flexible mechanisms are biased in a direction away from the second axis and the at least two flexible mechanisms are offset relative to each other along the plane of the slidable portion in a direction perpendicular to the second axis, wherein, in the first position, the flexible mechanism is configured to engage with one or more first recesses of the slot to retain the slidable portion in the first position, and Wherein, in the second position, the flexible mechanism is configured to engage with one or more second recesses of the slot to retain the slidable portion in the second position.

2. The actuation knob according to claim 1, wherein: The slidable portion further comprises an aperture configured to receive a locking device therethrough when the slidable portion is in the first position, the aperture being arranged such that the locking device prevents the slidable portion from sliding to the second position.

3. The actuation knob according to claim 2, wherein: When the slidable portion is in the second position, the aperture is at least partially disposed within the slot of the engagement portion.

4. The actuation knob according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The at least two compliant mechanisms include a first compliant mechanism biased in a first direction away from the second axis and a second compliant mechanism biased in a second direction away from the second axis, wherein the first direction and the second direction are different.

5. The actuation knob according to claim 4, wherein: The first direction and the second direction extend on both sides of the second axis.

6. The actuation knob according to claim 5, wherein: The first direction and the second direction extend at equal but opposite angles from the second axis.

7. An actuation knob according to any preceding claim, wherein: The flexible mechanism includes a protrusion configured to engage with the one or more first recesses and the one or more second recesses, each of the protrusions including a vertex and a symmetrical portion disposed around the vertex.

8. A device for use with a switch module, the device comprising: a housing configured to be coupled to the switch module; as well as An actuation knob according to any preceding claim, configured to rotate relative to the housing about the first axis to open and close a switch within the switch module, wherein: In the first position, the slidable portion is configured to engage the housing to prevent rotation of the actuation knob, and In the second position, the actuation knob is configured to rotate about the first axis in response to actuation by a user.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The slidable portion further includes a guide portion configured to extend through the slot, the guide portion configured to engage with the housing in the first position to prevent the actuation knob from rotating.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, the housing further comprising an engagement channel configured to receive the guide portion, the engagement channel configured to allow the slidable portion to slide between the second position and the first position.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 or claim 10, the housing further comprising a guide channel configured to receive the guide portion, the guide channel controlling a range of rotation of the actuation knob.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising an actuation mechanism arranged within the housing, wherein: The actuation knob is configured to engage the actuation mechanism to open and close the switch within the switch module.

13. A system comprising: a switch module, the switch module comprising a switch configured to open and close a circuit disposed through the switch module; as well as Apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising one or more additional switch modules, each of which comprises a switch, the housing being configured to connect to each of the plurality of switch modules, wherein: The actuation knob is configured to rotate relative to the housing to simultaneously open and close each of the plurality of switches.

15. A method for operating an actuation knob according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising: moving the actuation knob from a third position to a fourth position relative to the first axis when the slidable portion is in the second position and the flexible mechanism is engaged with the one or more second recesses; When the actuation knob is in the fourth position, the slidable portion is slid along the second axis from the second position to the first position to engage the flexible mechanism with the one or more first recesses.

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