Convertible electrical switch

Abstract

The invention relates to a switchable electric switch comprising: an actuating rocker (1) mounted on a base (2) such that the actuating rocker can swing between two stable positions for connecting and disconnecting the switch; and an activation element (3) which can be connected to the actuating rocker arm (1) and which pushes the actuating rocker arm (1) into a single stable position when the activation element (3) and the rocker arm (1) are connected in an activated position, said activation element being arranged in an assembly slidably guided through an opening (1.1) of the rocker arm (1), the rocker arm (1) is provided with an opening (2) having a geometry matching the external geometry of the activation element (3) such that, in an inactive position, the activation element (3) passes through the opening without pushing the rocker arm (1), and, in an active position, the activation element (3) is configured to push the rocker arm (1) upon rotation of the activation element (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric switch, and more particularly to an electric switch comprising an actuating rocker arm mounted on a base body of the switch, the actuating rocker arm being actuated between two stable positions for connection and disconnection, and being convertible by the action of a spring into a switch having a single stable position as a button. Background Technology

[0002] A solution for an electrical switch with two stable positions is known, which can be converted into a switch with a single stable position by means of a spring through various solutions. According to current switching regulations, a switch is understood as a momentary switch, where electrical connection occurs during actuation and returns to the open position upon completion of actuation. Furthermore, these momentary switches can be normally open or normally closed.

[0003] European patent document EP2924702 discloses a switch in which a rocker arm has a hollow head into which a force transmission element is connected, such that when connected, a spring is activated, causing the rocker arm to function as a button, and when disconnected, the transmission element functions as an all-nothing switch with two opposing stable positions.

[0004] However, this solution has several drawbacks. For example, the fact that the force transmission element is engaged by pressure (e.g., by clamping) makes activation difficult for the user, who must apply pressure to engage the pressure element in the hollow head of the rocker arm. Furthermore, if insufficient force is applied, a proper connection cannot be established, or if excessive pressure is applied, the components constituting the transmission element may break when force is applied. Additionally, if configured such that the pressure to be applied is very small, the spring force may cause the clamp between the rocker arm head and the force transmission element to disengage.

[0005] Further problems arise when disconnecting the connection to switch from the button function to the rocker arm's bistable position. In this case, it is necessary to use tools to remove the clamping force, but the proximity for disconnection makes the disconnection operation more difficult, which may again lead to the breakage of one of the connectable components, rendering it unusable for the button function. Additionally, in the inactive position, the component constituting the transmission element must remain attached to the rocker arm to prevent its loss, meaning an easily broken or malfunctioning pivot point is established. Another possible failure is that when the switch is actuated suddenly, the clamping mechanism created by the activation and deactivation may bounce, losing the button effect and requiring reactivation by disassembling at least an aesthetically pleasing part of the switch.

[0006] Given the aforementioned drawbacks or limitations of existing solutions, there is a need for a simple and safe solution to activate and deactivate a spring, which establishes a transition from a switch with two stable positions to a switch with a single stable position button. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To achieve this objective and to resolve the technical problems discussed so far, as well as to provide additional advantages that can be derived later, the present invention provides a changeover electrical switch having an actuating rocker arm mounted on a base such that it can rock between two stable positions for connecting and disconnecting the switch, and having an activation element that can be connected to the actuating rocker arm, and when the activation element and the rocker arm are connected in the active position by the action of a spring coupled to the activation element, the activation element pushes the actuating rocker arm to a single stable position, converting the switch into a push-button operation. In the switch, the activation element is disposed in an assembly slidably guided through an opening in the rocker arm having a geometry that matches the external geometry of the activation element, such that in the inactive position, the activation element passes through the opening without pushing the rocker arm, while in the active position, the activation element is configured to push the rocker arm by at least one protrusion once the activation element rotates, such that the protrusion contacts the rocker arm and moves with the activation element by the action of a spring, without requiring the two elements to be connected. A spring force pushes an activation element, which in turn pushes a rocker arm to move along its curve by means of linear movement in the spring actuation direction, and there is a relative displacement between the rocker arm and the activation element along this movement.

[0008] Because of this configuration, the activating element is freely mounted inside the switch without having to be connected to any part of the switch. Instead, it is positioned inside the switch and has a degree of freedom of movement (along the direction of spring actuation) provided by the opening of the rocker arm, thus eliminating the possibility of connection or joint that is prone to breakage or failure.

[0009] Furthermore, the spring-activated switch facilitates conversion to a push-button operation because the activation element only needs to be rotated to connect to the rocker arm, and the rocker arm is pushed by spring force through the contact of the activation element's protrusion. In this case, there is no need to adjust the spring force used for connection, as rotation ensures contact between the rocker arm and the activation element, eliminating the risk of disconnection due to spring force. A simple rotation in the opposite direction to the initial inactive position, where the spring does not exert any force on the rocker arm, also facilitates the transition to the inactive position.

[0010] Preferably, the geometry of the activation element is cylindrical, which is the optimal configuration for establishing rotational activation.

[0011] According to one feature of the invention, the reversible electrical switch includes a cup-shaped aperture that establishes internal guidance relative to a shaft protruding from the base by sliding between corresponding surfaces. Thus, in addition to being guided externally by an opening in the rocker arm, the activation element is also internally guided by a shaft protruding from the base for insertion into the activation element.

[0012] In this way, the activating element is slidably mounted inside the switch, allowing the activating element to move only in the direction of the spring force, without having to be fixed to any component of the switch, thus avoiding easily broken connections and making the assembly more robust.

[0013] According to another feature of the invention, the spring is in contact with the base axis. This configuration holds the spring between the base and the actuating element, prevents the spring from slipping off its support, and ensures that the spring force is directed only in one direction.

[0014] According to another feature of the invention, the activating element includes an activating element shaft in the hole, and the spring is located on and in contact with the activating element shaft. This configuration more effectively secures the spring in its support by preventing lateral movement of the spring and by ensuring that the force is applied only in one activation direction.

[0015] To more precisely ensure that the activating element moves only in the direction of spring actuation and to avoid possible buckling of its bottom portion (the portion closest to the base of the switch), the base is configured to include a groove oriented to guide the activating element. This groove has a geometry that matches the geometry of the activating element, preferably cylindrical, such that an annular groove is formed in which the lower portion of the activating element is inserted, guided at the bottom along the wall of the groove on its outer surface, and internally guided by the base axis.

[0016] Preferably, the activation element includes at least one flange on its periphery, which is complementary to at least one clamping tooth for clamping the base and is configured to establish a displacement stop for the activation element once the clamping mounting of the activation element on the base has been established.

[0017] In this way, in addition to being held by the established guides (one or more), the activating element also includes a displacement stop to prevent it from sliding out of its housing.

[0018] The flange may be a continuous peripheral rib, so that the stop function during the rotation of the activating element.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the activating element includes at least one stop rib that, upon contact with the clamping teeth of the base, limits the rotation of the activating element to the activated position. This ensures that the activated position has been reached and that the activating element correctly actuates the rocker arm. The rib can also serve as an indicator of the angular position of the activating element by making the rib visible.

[0020] As a system to ensure that the rotating element does not unintentionally return to the inactive position, an actuating rocker arm is provided, which includes a retaining recess configured to engage a protrusion of the activating element in the activated position. Simply by the force of a spring, the protrusion of the activating element is lifted until it engages in the recess of the rocker arm when the activated position is reached.

[0021] According to a final aspect of the invention, the activation element includes an activation groove that can be accessed by means of a tool such as a screwdriver through an opening in an actuating rocker arm, which facilitates access to the activation element and the establishment of the desired rotation. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a switch that is the subject of this invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the switch of the present invention, with an activation element installed, in the inactive position is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the switch of the present invention, with an activation element installed, in the activated position is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 A top view of the switch of the present invention is shown, wherein the active element is in the inactive position.

[0026] Figure 5 A top view of the switch of the present invention is shown, wherein the activating element is in the activated position.

[0027] Figure 6 A longitudinal sectional view of the switch of the present invention is shown, revealing a recess in the rocker arm and a protrusion of the activation element fitted in the recess.

[0028] Figure 7 A perspective view of the switch of the present invention installed and in the activated position is shown, in which the rib of the activating element can be seen abutting against the clamping teeth of the base.

[0029] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the switch that is the subject of this invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In view of the above figures and according to the adopted reference numerals, a preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention is disclosed, which includes the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

[0031] As in Figure 1 As can be seen in the actual exemplary embodiment shown, the switch includes a body (5) having a base (2), an actuating rocker arm (1) mounted on the base such that the actuating rocker arm can rock between two stable positions for connecting and disconnecting the switch, wherein a plate (6) is mounted on the rocker arm (1) as a decorative element to facilitate activation by the user.

[0032] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to convert a switch with two stable positions into a switch with a button function, which forces the rocker arm (1) to a single instantaneous stable position by the action of a spring (4), as long as it remains actuated on the plate (6).

[0033] For this purpose, the switch includes an activation element (3) arranged in a sliding guide assembly between the rocker arm (1) and the base (2) and serving as a support for a spring (4) that performs a push to convert the switch, which has two stable positions, into a button.

[0034] As can be seen from the figure, the rocker arm (1) includes an opening (1.1), the geometry of which matches the geometry of the activation element (3). In the non-activated state, such as in Figure 2 and Figure 4 As can be seen, the activating element (3) is free and does not interfere with the rocker arm (1) when it is pressed. Therefore, the activating element (3) remains stationary and passes through the opening (1.1) of the rocker arm (1), and the spring (4) is in its extended position. Preferably, the activating element (3) is cylindrical.

[0035] To convert a switch into a button, as in Figure 1 and Figure 3 As can be seen, the activation element (3) preferably includes two protrusions (3.1), and is preferably positioned opposite each other along the diameter, so that when the user manually rotates the activation element (3), as in Figure 3 As can be seen, the activation element (3) is connected to the rocker arm (1) under the action of the spring (4) and is in the activated position. Therefore, the activation element (3) moves together with the rocker arm (1) without the two elements being connected. It is pushed by the protrusion (3.1) by the spring (4) so ​​that in the activated position, the rocker arm (1) is always forced into a single stable position and is converted into a button. Figure 5 This illustrates how the protrusion (3.1) no longer coincides with the geometry of the opening (1.1) when it contacts the rocker arm (1).

[0036] For precise displacement in the activated position, the base (2) includes a base shaft (2.1) protruding from the base (2) such that it is inserted into the inner cup-shaped hole (3.2) of the activation element (3). The shaft (2.1) preferably has the same cylindrical construction as the hole (3.2) of the activation element (3), thereby establishing an internal sliding guide between the two elements. This, together with the sliding guide between the outer surface of the activation element (3) and the opening (1.1) of the rocker arm, ensures the positioning of the activation element (3) during sliding installation within the switch. Figures 1 to 7 As can be seen in the actual embodiment, the inner guide is established between the outer surface of the base shaft (2.1) and the inner surface of the hole (3.2) of the activation element.

[0037] This guide restricts the movement of the activating element (3) to the actuation direction of the spring (4), in Figures 1 to 7 In the actual embodiment shown, the spring has a first end (4.1) that is connected to the shaft (3.3) of the activation element (3) in a hole (3.2), and the spring is kept in contact with the shaft of the activation element at this first end (4.1). The second end (4.2) of the spring (4) is in contact with the inner channel (2.1.1) of the shaft (2.1) of the base (2). Preferably, the inner diameter of the inner channel (2.1.1) is the same as that of the spring (4), thereby allowing sliding adjustment, preventing it from sliding out of its housing and acting only in one activation direction.

[0038] As in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen, the spring (4) remains compressed only in its active position before the rocker arm reaches a stable position, thereby extending the life of the switch by not keeping the spring (4) in its forced compressed position.

[0039] To ensure more accurate positioning of the activating element (3) in its sliding mount, the base (2) is configured to include an annular groove (2.2), such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the annular groove surrounds the shaft (2.1) of the base (2). The groove (2.2) allows the activation element (3) to be inserted therein, and when in the activated position, it does not move out of its path of travel in the actuation direction of the spring (4), guided internally by the shaft (2.1) of the base (2) and externally by the wall of the groove (2.2), because in this position, it is not guided by the opening (1.1) of the rocker arm (1).

[0040] According to another feature of the invention, such as in Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen, the activating element (3) includes at least one flange (3.4) on its periphery, preferably including two flanges (3.4) facing each other (not shown), and even more preferably including flanges (3.4) in the form of continuous peripheral ribs. Figure 7The flange, in a complementary manner to at least one clamping tooth (2.3) of the base (2), and preferably two clamping teeth (2.3) facing each other in a diametrically opposed position, establishes a clamping mount for the activation element (3), limiting the displacement of the activation element in the actuation direction of the spring to a stop. This configuration prevents it from slipping out of its housing. Preferably, the clamping teeth (2.3) are formed by corresponding pins protruding from the base (2).

[0041] Once the protrusion (3.1) has been fully rotated to move out of the geometry of the opening (1.1), the activation element (3) moves to its activated position. However, to establish a safe rotation stop and thus prevent the activation element (3) from moving out of its activated position, the activation element (3) is configured to include a stop rib (3.5). The stop rib (3.5) is located on the outer surface of the activation element (3) such that it establishes a rotation stop when in contact with the clamping teeth (2.3) of the base (2). The stop rib (3.5) can also be used as a guide for the user as an indicator for determining the positioning of the activation element (3).

[0042] Even with a safe rotation angle set, the rotation may be unintentionally reversed, disabling the button function. To avoid this problem, the rocker arm (1) is provided with at least one retaining recess (1.2), which is configured to engage the protrusion (3.1) of the activation element (3) when the maximum safe rotation has been established. The protrusion (3.1) of the activation element is inserted into the recess (1.2) by the action of a spring force. Figure 6 ).

[0043] Furthermore, to facilitate the movement of the activation element (3) to its activated position, the activation element (3) includes an activation recess (3.6) preferably in the form of a crosshead, which can be accessed through the opening (1.1) of the actuating rocker arm (1), allowing the activation element (3) to be easily rotated using a tool such as a screwdriver. And with the retaining recess (1.2) in place, to change the function from a button to a switch with two stable positions, an initial pressure will be applied to dislodge the activation element (3) from the retaining recess (1.2), followed by rotation to move the activation element (3) to its deactivated position.

[0044] according to Figure 8 In an alternative embodiment, the inner guide of the activating element relative to the base shaft (2.1) is established between the inner surface of the inner channel (2.1.1) of the base shaft (2.1) and the outer surface of the activating element shaft (3.3). In this case, the spring (4) has a first end (4.1) and a second end (4.2), the first end (4.1) being in contact with the inner surface of the hole (3.2) of the activating element (3) along its length, and the second end (4.2) of the spring (4) being in contact with the outer surface of the base shaft (2.1) along its length.

[0045] This provides a safe and reliable changeover switch with a guaranteed lifespan longer than known solutions.

Claims

1. A reversible electric switch having an actuating rocker arm (1) and an activation element (3) connectable to the actuating rocker arm (1), the actuating rocker arm (1) being mounted on a base (2) of a switch body (5) such that the actuating rocker arm (1) is oscillating between two stable positions for connecting and disconnecting the switch, wherein when the activation element (3) and the rocker arm (1) are connected in the activated position by the action of a spring (4) connected to the activation element (3), the activation element (3) pushes the actuating rocker arm (1) to a single stable position for converting the switch into a push button, characterized in that, The activation element is disposed in an assembly slidably guided through an opening (1.1) of the rocker arm (1), the opening having a geometry matching the external geometry of the activation element (3), such that in the inactive position, the activation element (3) passes through the opening without pushing the rocker arm (1), while in the active position, the activation element (3) is configured to push the rocker arm (1) by means of at least one protrusion (3.1) once the activation element (3) is rotated, such that the protrusion (3.1) contacts the rocker arm (1), the rocker arm being displaced together with the activation element (3) under the action of the spring (4).

2. The changeover switch according to the preceding claim, wherein, The activation element (3) includes a cup-shaped hole (3.2) that establishes internal guidance relative to the base shaft (2.1) protruding from the base (2) by sliding between corresponding surfaces.

3. The reversible electrical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The spring (4) is positioned to contact the base along the base axis (2.1).

4. The reversible electrical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The activation element (3) includes an activation element shaft (3.3) in the hole (3.2), and the spring (4) is located on the activation element shaft (3.3) and contacts it along the activation element shaft (3.3).

5. The reversible electrical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The base (2) includes a groove (2.2) having a geometry that matches the geometry of the activation element (3) and is configured to guide the activation element (3).

6. The reversible electrical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The activation element (3) includes at least one flange (3.4) on its periphery, the at least one flange being complementary to at least one clamping tooth (2.3) for clamping the base (2), configured to establish a displacement stop of the activation element (3) once the clamping installation has been established.

7. The reversible electrical switch according to the preceding claim, wherein, The activation element (3) includes at least one stop rib (3.5) that, when in contact with the clamping teeth (2.3) of the base (2), limits the rotation of the activation element (3) to the activation position.

8. The reversible electrical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The actuating rocker arm (1) includes a retaining recess (1.2) configured to engage the protrusion (3.1) of the activation element (3) in the actuated position to prevent the activation element (3) from rotating.

9. The reversible electric switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The activation element (3) includes an activation groove (3.6) that can be accessed by means of a tool such as a screwdriver through the opening (1.1) of the actuating rocker arm (1).

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