Switch and lock device

Abstract

A switch (28) includes: a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) (74) including a printed circuit board (PCB) (75) and fixed contacts (72); a cover portion (30) in contact with the PCB (75) such that the cover portion (30) and the PCB (75) define a switching chamber (68) for the fixed contact (72), the cover portion (30) carrying the movable contact (70), the cover portion (30) being arranged to deform from an open state (36) in which the movable contact (70) is separated from the fixed contact (72) to a connected state (92) in which the movable contact (70) is in contact with the fixed contact (72), and the cover portion (30) being forced towards the open state (36); an actuator (32) movable relative to the fixed contact (72) between an active position (90), in which the actuator (32) pushes the cover (30) into the connected state (92), and a deactivated position (34), in which the cover (30) is forced into the disconnected state (36); and a potting compound (76) that encapsulates the PCB (75) and the lid section (30). A lock device (10) comprising a switch (28) is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to switches. In particular, a switch and a lock device including the switch are provided. Background Art

[0002] There are various types of lock devices known. One example of a lock device is a lock case having a bolt that can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. The lock device may include or be associated with many different movable parts. Examples of such movable parts include door leaves, lock cylinders, latchbolts, deadbolts, handles, privacy thumb-turns, and screws.

[0003] For various reasons, it may be desirable to detect the position of a movable component in (or associated with) a lock device. One reason may be to monitor the state of the lock device, for example to detect misuse or errors. Another reason may be that the lock device relies on the position of the movable component to trigger an electronic function.

[0004] It is previously known to use sensors, such as optical sensors, in locks to detect the position of movable components. However, prior art sensors for locks are often bulky, complex, not adequately protected and / or prone to error. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved switch.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved lock device including a switch.

[0007] These objects are achieved by a switch according to the appended claim 1 and a lock device according to the appended claim 14 .

[0008] The invention is based on the recognition that a very effective weather protection can be achieved for a switch by providing a switch comprising a deformable cover in contact with a printed circuit board PCB and a potting compound encapsulating the PCB and the cover.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a switch is provided, comprising: a printed circuit board assembly PCBA, comprising a printed circuit board PCB and fixed contacts; a cover portion, which contacts the PCB so that the cover portion and the PCB define a switch chamber for the fixed contacts, the cover portion carrying a movable contact, the cover portion being arranged to be deformed from a disconnected state in which the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact to a connected state in which the movable contact is in contact with the fixed contact, and the cover portion is forced toward the disconnected state; an actuator, which can be moved between an activated position and a deactivated position relative to the fixed contact, in the activated position, the actuator pushes the cover portion to the connected state, and in the deactivated position, the cover portion is forced to be in the disconnected state; and a potting compound, which encapsulates the PCB and the cover portion.

[0010] The potting compound and the cover provide comprehensive weather protection for the movable and fixed contacts, such as protection against moisture and water. The switch can be used as a sensor in a lock device to monitor various states of the lock device. Examples of such states include the state of the door leaf (closed or open), the state of the lock cylinder (locked or unlocked), the state of the lock tongue (extended or retracted), the state of the handle (neutral or pressed), the state of the privacy thumb turner (locked or unlocked), and the state of the fastener (installed or not installed). For example, the lock tongue can be a latch bolt or a deadbolt.

[0011] The switch has a durable design, so that the cover can remain in any state for several years, in the deactivated state and in the activated state. When the cover adopts the disconnected state and the actuator adopts the deactivated position, the switch adopts the deactivated state. Conversely, when the cover adopts the connected state and the actuator adopts the activated position, the switch adopts the activated state. Since the switch is compact and weather-protected, it can be easily introduced into the locking device without affecting the design and function of the locking device.

[0012] If no external force acts on the actuator, the cover will be forced into the open state and the cover will thereby push the actuator into the inactive position. The switch is therefore a non-tactile switch.

[0013] In the connected state, the movable contact may come into contact with the fixed contact to close an electrical circuit, for example an electrical circuit between two electrical conductors of the fixed contact. The fixed contact may be a finger contact, for example.

[0014] The cover covers the movable contact and the fixed contact. The cover may be molded. Alternatively or additionally, the cover may be made of silicone.

[0015] In the disconnected state, the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact in the separation direction. When the cover part is transformed from the disconnected state to the connected state, the movable contact moves to the fixed contact along the separation direction. The potting compound can be positioned outside the cover part relative to the separation direction. Therefore, the potting compound can surround the cover part in a plane that is substantially transverse to or transverse to the separation direction.

[0016] The cover may be in sealing contact with the PCB at the interface to seal the switch chamber. In this case, the potting compound may seal the interface. Thus both the cover and the potting compound may contribute to sealing the switch chamber. In this way, it may be avoided that the potting compound enters the switch chamber during molding of the potting compound. The absence of potting compound in the switch chamber allows the fixed contacts to be placed directly on the PCB. This in turn makes it possible to eliminate wiring between the fixed contacts and the PCB.

[0017] When the cover is in sealing contact with the PCB at the interface, the cover participates in both the function of activating and deactivating the switch and the function of sealing the switch chamber. The interface may be between the potting compound and the switch chamber. The cover may include a frame in sealing contact with the PCB. The frame may be a lip.

[0018] The actuator can be rotated between an activated position and a deactivated position. By providing a switch with a deformable cover and an actuator that can be rotated to activate the switch by deforming the cover, the switch can be made compact. The switch can be actuated with less force and a durable design can be achieved. In particular, the switch enables a low build height in the separation direction between the fixed contact and the movable contact. The rotatable arrangement of the actuator enables a short stroke of the movable contact and thus contributes to a very compact design.

[0019] The actuator may be an arm or a pedal. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator may be made of sheet metal. The total length of the actuator may be less than 10 mm, for example less than 5 mm.

[0020] The actuator can rotate around the rotation axis. The actuator can extend in a direction transverse to the rotation axis.

[0021] The actuator may include a cover portion and a target portion, the cover portion being configured to contact and push the cover in an activated position, the target portion being configured to contact a target member. The target member may be a member of a locking device but may also be external to the switch. In each state of the switch, the movable contact may be positioned on a straight line between the cover portion and the fixed contact.

[0022] The cover portion may be positioned between the rotation axis and the target portion.Alternatively or additionally, the cover portion may be flat and oriented transversely to the separation direction when the actuator adopts the inactive position.

[0023] The actuator may be connected to the cover. The actuator may include a base and the cover may include a frame. In this case, the base may be fixed to the frame.

[0024] The switch may further comprise an elastic component arranged to force the cover towards the disconnected state. The elastic component ensures that the cover does not get stuck in the connected state and reliably prevents the switch from being erroneously activated, for example due to vibrations. In addition, the elastic component can improve the durability of the switch. For example, the switch can be switched more than a million times and can be switched to a deactivated state after being in an activated state for several years, or vice versa. The elastic component may be positioned between the cover and the PCB.

[0025] As an alternative to the elastic component, in addition to the cover, the cover itself can be configured to flexibly return to the disconnected state. In this case, the disconnected state can be the neutral state of the cover and the connected state can be the deformed state of the cover.

[0026] The cover may cover the elastic member. Therefore, the elastic member may be disposed inside the switch chamber.

[0027] The elastic member may be a washer. The washer enables a compact design of the switch. The washer may include an annular body.

[0028] According to a variant, the elastic member is a finger-shaped elastic washer. The finger-shaped elastic washer may include a plurality of curved fingers extending from an annular body. The finger-shaped elastic washer reduces slippage and thereby makes the operation of the switch more reliable.

[0029] The cover may include a contact portion and a dome surrounding the contact portion. In this case, the contact portion may carry the movable contact. Furthermore, the cover may be arranged to be deformed from a disconnected state to a connected state by deformation of the dome. Thus, the dome may be flexible.

[0030] The contact portion may be harder than the dome, for example at least 50% harder. In a variant, the contact portion is cylindrical. The contact portion may be accommodated by the annular body of the washer.

[0031] The contact portion may protrude from two opposing sides of the dome. In this case, the cover portion may be configured to contact the contact portion in the activated position.

[0032] The switch may also include a fixed structure including a recess for accommodating the actuator in the activated position. In this case, in the deactivated position, the actuator may be positioned outside the recess.

[0033] The cover can be sealingly engaged with the fixing structure. In this way, it is possible to prevent the potting compound from entering the space between the fixing structure and the cover.

[0034] The fixing structure may be a switch housing. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing structure may be made of plastic.

[0035] The target part can be arranged to be accommodated in the recess.In this case, in the inactive position, the target part can be positioned outside the recess.

[0036] The fixing structure may comprise a top surface. The recess may be an opening in the top surface. The actuator can be positioned so that in the activated position no part of the actuator protrudes beyond the top surface. This allows a very compact design of the switch.

[0037] According to a second aspect, there is provided a lock device comprising a switch according to the first aspect. The lock device may be a lock box. The lock device may comprise a plurality of switches according to the first aspect, for example at least three switches.

[0038] The lock device may further include a target member movable between a first position in which the target member does not push the actuator and a second position in which the target member pushes the actuator from the deactivated position to the activated position.

[0039] The target member and the actuator may be made of different materials. In this way, friction may be reduced. According to one example, the target member is made of steel and the actuator is made of plastic. According to another example, the target member is made of plastic and the actuator is made of metal.

[0040] According to a third aspect, a switch is provided, comprising: a fixed contact; a cover portion, which covers the fixed contact and carries a movable contact, the cover portion being arranged to be transformed from a disconnected state in which the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact to a connected state in which the movable contact is in contact with the fixed contact, and the cover portion is forced toward the disconnected state; and an actuator, which can rotate between an activated position and a deactivated position relative to the fixed contact, in which the actuator pushes the cover portion to the connected state in the activated position and forces the cover portion to be in the disconnected state in the deactivated position.

[0041] The switch according to the third aspect may or may not include one, several or all features of the switch according to the first aspect.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a lock device comprising a switch according to the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Additional details, advantages and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 schematically showing a side view of a lock device including a switch;

[0045] Figure 2 A partial perspective view schematically showing a switch;

[0046] Figure 3 another partial perspective view schematically showing a switch;

[0047] Figure 4 a perspective view schematically showing an actuator and a resilient member of a switch;

[0048] Figure 5 a perspective bottom view schematically showing a cover portion and a resilient member of a switch;

[0049] Figure 6 schematically showing a partial cross-sectional side view of the switch when the actuator is in the deactivated position and the cover is in the open state;

[0050] Figure 7 schematically showing a partial cross-sectional side view of the switch when the actuator is in an activated position and the cover is in a connected state;

[0051] Figure 8 schematically showing a cross-sectional side view of a potting device; and

[0052] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional side view of another example of a potting device is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Hereinafter, a switch and a lock device including the switch will be described. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to represent the same or similar structural features.

[0054] Figure 1 A side view of the lock box 10 is schematically shown. Figure 1 The lock box 10 in FIG. 1 is one specific non-limiting example of many examples of lock devices according to the present disclosure. The lock box 10 of this specific example includes a lock housing 12, a forend 14, and a lock tongue 16. The lock tongue 16 can be linearly moved from the extended position 18 shown to the retracted position through the forend 14 by manual actuation of a handle (not shown).

[0055] The lock box 10 of this example includes a plurality of movable parts. Each movable part can move relative to the lock housing 12. In addition to the lock tongue 16, the lock box 10 of this example also includes a shaft 20, an interlocking rod 22, a rotatable member 24, and a screw 26 constituting movable parts. Other examples of movable parts of the lock box 10 or movable parts associated with the lock box 10 include a door leaf, a handle, a lock cylinder, and a privacy thumb turner in which the lock box 10 is installed.

[0056] The lock box 10 includes a switch 28. Figure 1In the specific non-limiting example of FIG. 1 , the switch 28 is used as a sensor for detecting the position of the locking tongue 16. However, the switch 28 may be positioned elsewhere relative to the lock box 10. The locking tongue 16 constitutes an example of a target member according to the present disclosure. Although Figure 1 Only one switch 28 is shown in the figure, but the lock box 10 may include multiple switches 28, for example, one switch 28 is associated with one, several or all of the movable parts. In addition to the switch 28, the function of the lock box 10 is described in the international patent application WO 2020126183 A1, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the switch 28 has a very small size. The small size of the switch 28 is of great value because the space within the lock housing 12 is usually very limited. The small size of the switch 28 enables a greater number of switches 28 to be installed in the lock box 10. Therefore, the lock box 10 provides increased functionality and / or reduced size compared to the situation using prior art switches.

[0058] Figure 2 Schematically shows a partial perspective view of a switch 28. The switch 28 includes a cover 30 and an arm 32. The arm 32 is an example of an actuator according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 , the arm 32 is in the inactive position 34 and the cover 30 is in the open state 36. Thus, the switch 28 is in the inactive state 38.

[0059] The switch 28 of this example also includes a switch housing 40. The switch housing 40 is an example of a fixed structure according to the present disclosure. The switch housing 40 can be made of plastic. The switch housing 40 includes an opening 42. In the inactive position 34, the arm 32 passes through the opening 42.

[0060] The switch housing 40 further comprises a recess 44 for accommodating the arm 32. In this example, the recess 44 forms a part of the opening 42. The switch housing 40 comprises a top surface 46. Here, the recess 44 is a depression relative to the top surface 46.

[0061] The arm 32 of this example includes a cover portion 48 and a target portion 50. The cover portion 48 is configured to interact with the cover 30. The target portion 50 is configured to interact with the locking bolt 16 or other target member.

[0062] In the rest position 34 of the arm 32, the target portion 50 protrudes beyond the top surface 46. Thus, in the rest position 34 of the arm 32, the top surface 46 is positioned between the target portion 50 and the recess 44.

[0063] like Figure 2As shown, the cover 30 of this example includes a dome 52 and a contact portion 54. The contact portion 54 is illustrated here as a central portion surrounded by the dome 52. The contact portion 54 of this example is cylindrical. The dome 52 is flexible. In this example, when the arm 32 is in the inactive position 34, the cover portion 48 is in contact with the contact portion 54 and is parallel to the top surface 46.

[0064] Figure 3 Schematically shows another partial perspective view of the switch 28. Similarly, in Figure 3 , the arm 32 is in the inactive position 34 , the cover 30 is in the open state 36 and the switch 28 is in the inactive state 38 .

[0065] As shown, the arm 32 of this example also includes a base 56. The cover portion 48 is positioned between the base 56 and the target portion 50.

[0066] The cover 30 of this example includes a frame 58, which is illustrated here as a lip. The cover 30 forms a groove 60 between the frame 58 and the dome 52. In this example, the base 56 is fixed in the groove 60. The arm 32 is thus connected to the cover 30. The cover 30 of this example is molded from silicone. The frame 58 and the contact portion 54 are thicker than the dome 52 and are therefore harder than the dome 52.

[0067] Figure 4 A perspective view schematically illustrates the arm 32 and washer 62 of the switch 28. The arm 32 of this example is made of sheet metal. The arm 32 is elongated and includes a plurality of bends to form a base 56, a cover portion 48, and a target portion 50. The maximum overall length of the arm 32 of this example is less than 5 mm.

[0068] The washer 62 is an example of an elastic member according to the present disclosure. The washer 62 of this example is a finger-shaped elastic washer. The washer 62 includes an annular body 64 and a plurality of flexible fingers 66a to 66c, here three fingers 66a to 66c, extending from the annular body 64. The fingers 66a to 66c are bent relative to the annular body 64.

[0069] Figure 5 A perspective bottom view of the cover 30 and the gasket 62 is schematically shown. The dome 52 defines a switching chamber 68. The gasket 62 is completely housed inside the switching chamber 68. The contact portion 54 passes through the annular body 64 of the gasket 62.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the switch 28 further comprises a movable contact 70, which is illustrated here as a carbon pillow. The movable contact 70 is carried by the cover 30. In this example, the movable contact 70 is carried by the contact portion 54.

[0071] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional side view of the switch 28 is schematically shown. Figure 6 3, the arm 32 is in the inactive position 34, the cover 30 is in the open state 36 and the switch 28 is in the inactive state 38. The switch 28 can remain in the inactive state 38 shown for several years without functional degradation. The switch 28 is a non-tactile switch. The switch 28 can be oriented in any direction in space.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, the switch 28 also includes a fixed contact 72. The fixed contact 72 is fixed relative to the switch housing 40. The cover 30 covers the gasket 62, the movable contact 70, and the fixed contact 72. The fixed contact 72 can be, for example, a circuit, such as a gold-plated circuit.

[0073] The switch 28 of this example also includes a PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) 74. The PCBA 74 includes a fixed contact 72. The PCBA 74 also includes a PCB (printed circuit board) 75. Figure 6 As shown, in this example, the fixed contacts 72 are positioned directly on the PCB 75 .

[0074] The switch 28 of this example also includes a potting compound 76. In this example, the PCB 75 and a portion of the cover 30 are potted in the potting compound 76. The potting compound 76 is disposed on two opposite sides of the PCB 75 relative to the main extension plane of the PCB 75. The potting compound 76 may be, for example, polyurethane or epoxy. The switch 28 may be oriented upside down (with the potting compound 76 in the opposite direction) when pouring and hardening the potting compound 76. Figure 6 compared to).

[0075] The PCBA 74 of this example also includes an electronic control system 78. The control system 78 includes a data processing device 80 and a memory 82. A computer program is stored on the memory 82. The computer program includes program code that, when executed by the data processing device 80, causes the data processing device 80 to perform various steps or instructs the data processing device 80 to perform various steps. The computer program may, for example, include program code that, when executed by the data processing device 80, causes the data processing device 80 to output a status signal indicating whether the movable contact 70 is in contact with the fixed contact 72. The status signal may be sent, for example, wirelessly to a central processor of the lock box 10 and / or one or more external devices.

[0076] like Figure 6As shown, the frame 58 sealingly contacts the PCB 75 at a contact interface 83. This sealed contact prevents the potting compound 76 from entering the switch chamber 68 during molding of the potting compound 76. The cover 30 thus serves as both a seal and a functional component of the switch 28, i.e., facilitating activation and deactivation of the switch 28. In this example, the potting compound 76 seals the interface 83 between the frame 58 and the PCB 75. As shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the outer side of the frame 58 and the surface of the PCB 75 outside the switch chamber 68 are embedded in the potting compound 76 here. Therefore, the cover 30 and the potting compound 76 seal the switch chamber 68 in an airtight manner. The switch 28 is thus reliably protected against moisture. For example, in many implementations, moisture may be generated due to condensation of water.

[0077] The cover 30 also sealingly engages the switch housing 40. Since the cover 30 sealingly engages both the switch housing 40 and the PCB 75, the cover 30 can prevent the potting compound 76 from entering the switch chamber 68 and between the switch housing 40 and the cover 30. The switch 28 enables the cover 30 to be mounted directly on the PCB 75 without the need for the potting compound 76 inside the switch chamber 68, while achieving very reliable weather protection. The absence of the potting compound 76 inside the switch chamber 68 enables the fixed contacts 72 to be placed directly on the PCB 75.

[0078] In this example, the arm 32 is rotatable relative to the switch housing 40 and PCBA 74 about a rotation axis 84. The arm 32 is elongated in a direction transverse to the rotation axis 84. In this particular example, the rotation axis 84 is provided by a living hinge between the base 56 and the cover portion 48. However, the arm 32 may be rotatable relative to the switch housing 40 and PCBA 74 in alternative manners.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, the contact portion 54 includes an outer portion that projects outwardly from the dome 52 toward the arm 32 and an inner portion that projects inwardly from the dome 52 toward the fixed contact 72. The outer portion interacts with the cover portion 48. The inner portion carries the movable contact 70.

[0080] In the illustrated open state 36 of the cover 30, the movable contact 70 is spaced apart from the fixed contact 72 by a separation distance 86. The cover portion 48 of this example is flat in a plane transverse to the separation distance 86 when the arm 32 is in the rest position 34.

[0081] In this example, the gasket 62 acts between the PCBA 74 and the cover 30 to provide a force on the cover 30 away from the PCBA 74 so as to hold the cover 30 in the disconnected state 36. As a result, the arm 32 is pushed by the cover 30 to the inactive position 34, here by the engagement between the contact portion 54 and the cover portion 48. In this example, the arm 32 engages the switch housing 40 in the inactive position 34. Therefore, in the inactive position 34, the switch housing 40 acts as a stopper for the arm 32.

[0082] Figure 6 In addition, a locking tongue 16 is shown. Figure 6 , the locking tongue 16 is in the retracted position 88. In the retracted position 88, the locking tongue 16 does not contact the arm 32. Thus, the arm 32 is caused to adopt the inactive position 34, and the cover 30 is thereby forced into the shown disconnected state 36. The retracted position 88 and the extended position 18 of the locking tongue 16 constitute examples of a first position and a second position, respectively, of a target member according to the present disclosure.

[0083] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional side view of the switch 28 is schematically shown. Figure 7 , the arm 32 is in the activated position 90 and the cover 30 is in the connected state 92. The switch 28 is therefore in the activated state 94.

[0084] exist Figure 7 9, the locking tongue 16 has been moved linearly from the retracted position 88 to the extended position 18, as shown using arrow 96. The locking tongue 16 can move very close to and parallel to the top surface 46. During the movement of the locking tongue 16, the locking tongue 16 contacts the target portion 50. The target portion 50 is thereby pushed into the recess 44. As a result, the arm 32 (except for the fixed base 56 of the arm 32) is rotated about the rotation axis 84 from the deactivated position 34 to the activated position 90 shown. The locking tongue 16 can be provided with a plastic coating to reduce friction with the arm 32. Alternatively, the arm 32 can be made of plastic. Figure 7 As shown, with the locking tongue 16 traveling relatively close to the top surface 46 , the target portion 50 may be pushed slightly downward into the recess 44 so that no portion of the arm 32 is located above the top surface 46 .

[0085] As the arm 32 rotates, the cover portion 48 pushes against the contact portion 54 so that the contact portion 54 moves along the separation distance 86 relative to the force of the washer 62 and under the deformation of the dome 52 until the movable contact 70 contacts the fixed contact 72 and the cover 30 adopts the connected state 92. The fingers 66a to 66c of the washer 62 are deformed. The switch 28 is thereby activated by the lateral movement of the locking tongue 16. In this example, the cover portion 48 remains above the contact portion 54 in each of the deactivated state 38 and the activated state 94 of the switch 28 (in the embodiment of FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 and Figure 7 middle).

[0086] Cover 30 and potting compound 76 reliably prevent moisture from entering switch chamber 68 . Reliable activation and deactivation of switch 28 is thereby achieved.

[0087] The activation force of the switch 28 is very low and has a compact and weather-protected design. Due to the gasket 62, the switch 28 can remain in the activated state 94 for several years without the risk of getting stuck in the activated state 94. The switch 28 is therefore well suited for use as a sensor in a lock box 10 or other type of lock device.

[0088] Figure 8 A cross-sectional side view of a potting device 98 is schematically shown. The potting device 98 includes a housing 100 and a potting tool 102. The housing 100 includes a main chamber 104 and an overflow chamber 106, where the overflow chamber 106 is adjacent to the main chamber 104. The main chamber 104 and the overflow chamber 106 are separated by a partition structure, where a wall 108 is taken as an example. The potting device 98 also includes a PCBA, which includes a PCB 110 and a plurality of electronic components placed thereon, where a first electronic component 112a, a second electronic component 112b, and a third electronic component 112c are taken as examples. The electronic components 112a to 112c may include, for example, one or more sensors and / or one or more diodes.

[0089] In some implementations, the level 114 of the potting compound 76 applied to the PCB 110 is important. A sufficient amount of potting compound 76 is required to protect the electronic components 112a to 112c, for example, by covering the connection points of the electronic components 112a to 112c. However, if an excessive amount of potting compound 76 is applied, the subsequent assembly process may be negatively affected. Some potting tools also cannot provide an accurate amount of potting compound 76.

[0090] like Figure 8 As shown, the level 114 of the potting compound 76 is defined by the height of the wall 108. When the liquid potting compound 76 is poured onto the PCB 110 by the potting tool 102 as shown by arrow 116, any excess potting compound 76 will pass over the wall 108 and enter the overflow chamber 106, as shown by arrow 118. In this way, the amount of potting compound 76 provided to the main chamber 104 does not need to be so precise. Therefore, the dispensing accuracy requirements of the potting tool 102 can be relaxed. As long as the amount of potting compound 76 reaches at least the top of the wall 108 but does not overflow the overflow chamber 106, the result will be that the amount of potting compound 76 in the main chamber 104 is just right, as indicated by the liquid level 114. The housing 100 enables the potting compound 76 to be poured quickly while accurately obtaining the desired liquid level 114. Therefore, the potting device 98 speeds up the production process and improves the quality of the potting process.

[0091] When the potting compound 76 hardens, the electronic components 112a to 112c are protected from vibration and weathering influences, such as temperature changes and moisture. Figure 8 The wall 108 is shown with a height defining the level 114 of the potting compound 76, a taller wall may be used and one or more through holes may be provided in the wall to establish fluid communication between the main chamber 104 and the overflow chamber 106 and define the level 114 of the potting compound 76. Figure 8 The encapsulation principle described in relation to the encapsulation device 98.

[0092] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional side view of another example of a potting device 120 is schematically shown. Figure 8 The potting device 120 includes a housing 122 having a main chamber 104. The PCB 110 is arranged in the housing 122 so that the channel 124 is disposed below the PCB 110. In addition, the PCB 110 includes a first through hole 126 and a second through hole 128, each of which is in fluid communication with the channel 124.

[0093] By injecting the potting compound 76 into the first through hole 126, for example by sealingly connecting the potting tool 102 to the first through hole 126, the potting compound 76 moves in the channel 124 as shown by arrow 130. Therefore, the potting compound 76 contacts the underside of the PCB 110. At the same time, as shown by arrow 132, the air in the channel 124 is pushed out through the second through hole 128 by the moved potting compound 76. The potting process continues until the potting compound 76 fills the second through hole 128. In this way, the potting compound 76 can be provided under the PCB 110 while eliminating the formation of air pockets or bubbles. Thereby improving the quality of the potting process. The potting process also eliminates the need to establish a vacuum environment.

[0094] The top of the PCB 110 may then be potted, for example using Figure 8 Similarly, the cover 30 of the switch 28 and the PCB 75 can be potted using Fig. 9 The encapsulation principle described in relation to the encapsulation device 120 .

[0095] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it should be understood that the size of the components can be changed as needed. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A switch (28), comprising: - a printed circuit board assembly PCBA (74), comprising a printed circuit board PCB (75) and fixed contacts (72); - a cover (30) which is in contact with the PCB (75) so that the cover (30) and the PCB (75) define a switch chamber (68) for the fixed contact (72), the cover (30) carrying a movable contact (70), the cover (30) being arranged to be deformed from a disconnected state (36) in which the movable contact (70) is separated from the fixed contact (72) into a connected state (92) in which the movable contact (70) is in contact with the fixed contact (72), and the cover (30) is forced towards the disconnected state (36); - an actuator (32) movable relative to the fixed contact (72) between an activated position (90) in which the actuator (32) pushes the cover (30) into the connected state (92) and a deactivated position (34) in which the cover (30) is forced into the disconnected state (36); and - A potting compound (76) encapsulating the PCB (75) and the cover (30).

2. The switch (28) according to claim 1, wherein: The cover (30) sealingly contacts the PCB (75) at an interface (83) to sealingly close the switch chamber (68), and wherein the potting compound (76) seals the interface (83).

3. A switch (28) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The actuator (32) is rotatable between the activated position (90) and the deactivated position (34).

4. The switch (28) according to claim 3, wherein: The actuator (32) is rotatable about a rotation axis (84).

5. The switch (28) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The actuator (32) includes a cover portion (48) configured to contact and push the cover (30) in the activated position (90) and a target portion (50) for contacting a target member (16).

6. The switch (28) according to claim 4 and 5, wherein: The cover portion (48) is positioned between the rotation axis (84) and the target portion (50).

7. The switch (28) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a resilient member (62) arranged to force the cover portion (30) towards the open state (36).

8. The switch (28) according to claim 7, wherein: The cover portion (30) covers the elastic component (62).

9. The switch (28) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The elastic component (62) is a washer (62).

10. The switch (28) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover (30) comprises a contact portion (54) and a dome (52) surrounding the contact portion (54), wherein the contact portion (54) carries the movable contact (70), and wherein the cover (30) is arranged to be deformed from the disconnected state (36) to the connected state (92) by deformation of the dome (52).

11. The switch (28) of claim 10, when dependent on claim 5, wherein: The contact portion (54) protrudes from two opposing sides of the dome (52), and wherein the cover portion (48) is configured to contact the contact portion (54) in the activated position (90).

12. The switch (28) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fixing structure (40) comprising a recess (44) for receiving the actuator (32) in the activated position (90), wherein: In the inactive position (34), the actuator (32) is positioned outside the recess (44).

13. The switch (28) of claim 12, when dependent upon claim 5, wherein: The target portion (50) is arranged to be received in the recess (44).

14. A locking device (10) comprising a switch (28) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. The lock device (10) according to claim 14 further includes a target member (16) capable of moving between a first position (88) and a second position (18), wherein in the first position (88), the target member (16) does not push the actuator (32), and in the second position (18), the target member (16) pushes the actuator (32) from the deactivated position (34) to the activated position (90).

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