Reflection-type light sensation microswitch with self-correction function

Abstract

The utility model discloses a self-correcting reflection type light sensation microswitch. Comprising an insulating base, an upper shell which is matched with the base to form a mounting cavity, a conductive bracket which is positioned in the mounting cavity and is inserted into the base, a conductive spring piece which is mounted in the mounting cavity through the conductive bracket, an operation block which partially extends out of the upper shell and is matched with the spring piece, and a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) which is positioned in the mounting cavity and is inserted into a static contact piece of the base, the movable end of the spring piece is provided with a movable contact opposite to the static contact piece, and when the operation block is pressed, the spring piece pushes the static contact piece to be in contact with the movable contact for conduction. The microswitch can automatically adjust the trigger threshold value through the arranged contact loop, thereby ensuring that the switch can keep consistent trigger sensitivity under different environmental conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of microswitches, and in particular to a reflective photosensitive switch with self-calibration. Background Art

[0002] Existing microswitch technology primarily employs mechanical structures for triggering control, while optical sensing triggering is a newer technology. Compared to mechanical shaft microswitches, optical sensing microswitches offer several significant advantages. Firstly, optical sensing microswitches are structurally simpler, eliminating the need for mechanical contacts and thus reducing mechanical wear and extending service life. Furthermore, optical sensing switches exhibit faster response times because their triggering relies on changes in the light signal, resulting in lower latency. Simultaneously, due to the absence of physical contact with mechanical parts, optical sensing microswitches demonstrate higher reliability and a lower failure rate during frequent use.

[0003] In photosensitive technology, there are two main implementation methods: direct-fire photointerruptors and reflective photointerruptors. Direct-fire photointerruptors trigger by detecting whether the straight optical path between the light source and the receiver is blocked. While this method is simple in structure, it requires extremely high installation precision; even slight deviations can lead to misjudgments or sensing failures. Therefore, direct-fire photosensitive technology is somewhat limited in practical applications.

[0004] To overcome the installation precision limitations of direct-emission photointerrupters, reflective photointerrupters have been introduced into microswitch designs. A reflective photointerrupter (ITR) typically consists of an infrared light-emitting diode (IRLED) and a phototransistor (PT). Its working principle is to determine whether to trigger the switch by detecting changes in the intensity of reflected light. Specifically, the IRLED emits infrared light; when an object approaches or blocks it, the intensity of the reflected infrared light changes. The phototransistor senses these changes and generates a corresponding signal, thereby triggering the switch. Compared to direct-emission photointerrupters, reflective photointerrupters have lower installation precision requirements and are more suitable for a variety of complex application scenarios.

[0005] While reflective photosensitive microswitches offer advantages in installation and use, they also face the challenge of photosensitive parameter calibration. The sensitivity of photosensitive devices is affected by various factors, such as ambient light intensity, the angle between the light source and the reflective surface, device aging, dust contamination, and minor positional changes of the components during use. Changes in ambient light intensity can interfere with the photoelectric crystal's sensing of reflected light, leading to misjudgments. Furthermore, the performance of the IRLED and PT gradually degrades with increasing usage time, affecting sensing sensitivity. In addition, even slight deviations in the relative positions of the IRLED and PT during installation can alter the light reflection effect, resulting in an unstable sensing signal.

[0006] Existing optical microswitches typically lack automatic calibration, making it difficult to avoid errors caused by changes in light intensity during long-term use. These errors directly affect the switch's triggering timing, leading to premature or delayed operation, and consequently impacting the overall response speed and stability of the device. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this application is to overcome at least one deficiency of the prior art and provide a self-correcting reflective photosensitive microswitch. This microswitch can automatically adjust the trigger threshold through a set contact circuit, thereby ensuring that the switch maintains a consistent trigger sensitivity under different environmental conditions.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses a self-calibrating reflective photosensitive microswitch, comprising an insulated base, an upper shell that mates with the base to form a mounting cavity, a conductive bracket located within the mounting cavity and inserted into the base, a conductive spring plate mounted within the mounting cavity via the conductive bracket, an operating block partially extending out of the upper shell and mates with the spring plate, and a PCB board located within the mounting cavity and inserted into the base as a stationary contact. The movable end of the spring plate is provided with a moving contact opposite the stationary contact. When the button is pressed, the spring plate pushes the stationary contact against the moving contact. Point contact conduction; the movable end of the spring sheet extends a side plate towards the base, and the side plate is provided with a reflective layer or reflective plate for reflecting light; the PCB board is provided with a photosensitive group, which consists of an adjacent and co-directional emitting end and a receiving end; the photosensitive group and the side plate are respectively located on both sides of the stationary contact piece and are horizontally opposite and compatible, and the stationary contact piece is provided with an opening for the light path to pass between the photosensitive group and the side plate; when the spring sheet is pushed down to the set position by the operating block, the side plate reflects the light emitted by the emitting end to the receiving end, and the receiving end receives and outputs a signal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the transmitter and receiver are a light-emitting diode and a photoelectric crystal, respectively.

[0010] In some embodiments, the conductive support extends out of the base to form a first terminal, and correspondingly, the stationary contact also extends out of the base to form a second terminal, with the first and second terminals connected to an external circuit.

[0011] In some embodiments, the end of the stationary contact opposite the moving contact is bent to form a wider conductive contact surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, a limiting frame is installed in the mounting cavity to provide preload to the spring and form an upper stop position for the spring sheet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the PCB board is connected to a plurality of pins passing through the base, and is connected to external circuitry through the pins.

[0014] In some embodiments, the PCB board is U-shaped with a central opening to avoid moving contacts.

[0015] In some embodiments, the spring sheet has a bending structure that provides elasticity.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. Automatic calibration function: The trigger threshold is automatically adjusted through a contact circuit to ensure that the switch maintains consistent trigger sensitivity under different environmental conditions, thereby improving adaptability and reliability.

[0018] 2. Extended service life: Because it uses light-sensitive triggering instead of mechanical contacts, mechanical wear is reduced, significantly extending the service life of the switch.

[0019] 3. High response speed: It relies on changes in optical signals for triggering, resulting in faster response speed and lower latency, meeting the application scenarios with high requirements for rapid response.

[0020] 4. Low installation accuracy requirements: The reflective optical interrupter design has low installation accuracy requirements, making it suitable for complex installation environments and application scenarios, and reducing the misjudgment rate.

[0021] 5. Strong environmental adaptability: Equipped with a reflective layer and a light sensor, the optical path design counteracts interference from ambient light and equipment aging, ensuring stability during long-term use.

[0022] The beneficial effects listed above are not exhaustive of all advantages. Other potential beneficial effects and detailed technical implementation methods will be further disclosed in the embodiments or other descriptive sections of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] A better understanding of various aspects of this disclosure will be achieved by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The positions, dimensions, and extents of the structures shown in the drawings, etc., do not always represent actual positions, dimensions, and extents. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of one embodiment disclosed in this application.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment disclosed in this application, with the upper shell omitted.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment disclosed in this application from another perspective, with the upper shell omitted in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure more complete and to fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments.

[0028] It should be understood that the same reference numerals denote the same elements in all the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the dimensions of certain features may be modified in the drawings.

[0029] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. All terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail; however, where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of this specification.

[0030] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this specification include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term “and / or” used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. Example

[0031] See attached document Figure 1-3This embodiment discloses a self-calibrating reflective photosensitive microswitch, including an insulated base 1, an upper shell 2 that mates with the base 1 to form a mounting cavity 3, a conductive bracket 4 located within the mounting cavity 3 and inserted into the base 1, a spring plate 5 mounted within the mounting cavity 3 via the conductive bracket 4, an operating block 6 partially extending out of the upper shell 2 and mates with the spring plate 5, a PCB board 7 located within the mounting cavity 3, and a stationary contact 8 inserted into the base 1. The tight connections between the various components ensure the structural integrity and functional effectiveness of the device.

[0032] In the above structural composition, the base 1 serves as the base of the entire microswitch. It is rectangular in shape and has multiple mounting slots and guide holes for precise positioning and installation of other components. The base 1 and the upper shell 2 are engaged via a snap-fit ​​structure to form a mounting cavity 3, which accommodates other internal components and provides mechanical strength and electrical insulation.

[0033] More specifically, the base 1 is made of high-strength, high-temperature resistant engineering plastic material, which has excellent insulation and impact resistance, and can ensure the stable operation of the equipment in various complex environments.

[0034] In the above structure, the upper shell 2 covers the top of the base 1 and together with the base 1 forms the internal mounting cavity 3. The upper shell 2 is also made of high temperature resistant and wear resistant engineering plastic material, which can provide good protection for the internal components, prevent dust and moisture from entering the mounting cavity 3, and ensure the long-term reliability of the micro switch.

[0035] In the above structure, the conductive bracket 4 is inserted into the base 1 and fixed in the mounting cavity 3. A part of the conductive bracket 4 extends out of the base 1 to form a first terminal 14 for connection with an external circuit.

[0036] More specifically, the conductive bracket 4 is made of copper alloy to ensure good conductivity and corrosion resistance. The conductive bracket 4 has mounting holes or grooves inside for fixing the spring sheet 5. The spring sheet 5 is securely mounted on the conductive bracket 4, ensuring the stability of the spring sheet 5 during operation.

[0037] In the above structure, the stationary contact 8 also extends from inside the base 1 to outside the base 1 to form a second terminal 15, which is connected to the external circuit to ensure the circuit's conduction function.

[0038] More specifically, the stationary contact 8 is made of silver-plated copper and is bent to form a wider conductive contact surface at the end, thereby increasing the contact area, reducing contact resistance, and improving conductivity and contact reliability. The stationary contact 8 is precisely positioned by a guide groove in the base to ensure accurate contact with the spring plate 5.

[0039] In the above structure, one end of the spring plate 5 is a fixed end, and the other end is a movable end. The movable end is provided with a moving contact 18 opposite to the stationary contact plate 8. When the operating block 6 moves down to a specific position, the operating block 6 pushes the spring plate 5 to make the moving contact 18 contact the stationary contact plate 8, forming an electrical signal conduction path.

[0040] More specifically, the spring plate 5 is made of highly elastic stainless steel, which has good fatigue strength and can withstand multiple operations over a long period of time without deformation. The spring plate 5 is provided with a bending structure to form a structure that provides elastic force, ensuring that it can quickly return to its original position when the operating block is released.

[0041] In the above structure, the operating block 6 extends out of the upper shell 2 for the user to press and operate. The operating block 6 is made of wear-resistant engineering plastic material, and its bottom contacts the movable end of the spring plate 5. When the user presses the operating block 6, it can drive the spring plate 5 down to the set position, so that the moving contact 18 contacts the stationary contact 8 to conduct electricity.

[0042] Inside the mounting cavity, the PCB board 7 is located on the upper surface of the base 1, and has a U-shaped design with a central opening to avoid the moving contact piece 8.

[0043] Specifically, a light sensor assembly 10 is mounted on the PCB board 7. The light sensor assembly 10 includes adjacent, co-directional emitting terminals 11 and receivers 12. The combination of the emitting terminal 1 and receiver 12 typically uses an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED) and a phototransistor to detect changes in light reflection intensity, thereby controlling the operation of the switch. The PCB board 7 is connected to external circuitry via several pins 16 passing through the base 1 to ensure signal transmission and response.

[0044] A side plate 9 extends from the movable end of the spring plate 5 toward the base 1. This side plate 9 is provided with a reflective layer (not shown in the figure) for reflecting infrared light emitted by the emitting end of the light sensor assembly 10. The reflective layer is made of a highly reflective metal coating or silver-plated material to ensure maximum reflection of infrared light and improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the light sensor.

[0045] Specifically, the emitting end 11 and receiving end 12 of the photosensitive group 10 are located on one side of the stationary contact plate 9, and the stationary contact plate 8 is provided with an opening 13 for the light path between the photosensitive group 10 and the side plate 9. When the operating block 6 is pressed, the spring plate 5 is forced to move downward to the set position, and the side plate 9 reflects the light emitted by the emitting end 11 to the receiving end 12. The receiving end 12 senses the light signal and outputs the corresponding electrical signal. This reflection design makes the entire device less sensitive to the effects of ambient light and device aging, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the system.

[0046] It should be understood that the self-calibration function in this embodiment is achieved by the conduction of the moving contact 18 and the stationary contact 8. Specifically, the conduction of the moving contact 18 and the stationary contact 8 serves as a reference signal. When the above signal is conducted, the corresponding light sensing data is obtained. The light sensing data is used as the trigger threshold to meet the requirements, so that even if the infrared light-emitting diode of the transmitter 11 has a certain light decay, the micro switch can adaptively adjust the trigger threshold.

[0047] Meanwhile, during operation, the IR LED of the transmitter 11 emits infrared light, which is reflected by the reflective layer to the receiver 12. After the device has been used for a period of time, changes in ambient light, device aging, or dust accumulation may cause changes in the intensity of light reflection, thereby affecting the sensing sensitivity of the photoelectric crystal. To cope with these changes, the reflective photosensitive microswitch is designed with an automatic correction mechanism.

[0048] Through the aforementioned automatic correction mechanism, the reflective photosensitive microswitch can maintain stable triggering characteristics in complex environments, unaffected by changes in ambient light, dust, or device aging.

[0049] While exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, all changes and modifications are included within the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined by the claims. This disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of those claims are also included.

Claims

1. A self-calibrating reflective optical micro switch, characterized in that: The device includes an insulated base, an upper shell that mates with the base to form a mounting cavity, a conductive bracket located within the mounting cavity and inserted into the base, a conductive spring plate mounted within the mounting cavity via the conductive bracket, an operating block that partially extends out of the upper shell and mates with the spring plate, a PCB board located within the mounting cavity, and a stationary contact plate located within the mounting cavity and inserted into the base. The movable end of the spring plate has a moving contact opposite the stationary contact plate. When the button is pressed, the spring plate pushes the stationary contact plate to contact the moving contact, thus establishing electrical connection. A side plate extends from the movable end of the spring plate towards the base, and this side plate has a reflective layer or reflective plate for reflecting light. The PCB board has a photosensitive group, consisting of adjacent, co-directional emitting and receiving ends. The photosensitive group and the side plate are located on opposite sides of the stationary contact plate, horizontally opposite and compatible. The stationary contact plate has an opening for light to pass between the photosensitive group and the side plate. When the spring plate is pushed downwards to a set position by the operating block, the side plate reflects the light emitted by the emitting end to the receiving end, which receives and outputs a signal.

2. A self-calibrating reflective photosensitive microswitch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The transmitter and receiver are a light-emitting diode and a photoelectric crystal, respectively.

3. A self-calibrating reflective photosensitive microswitch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive support extends out of the base to form a first terminal, and the stationary contact also extends out of the base to form a second terminal. The first terminal and the second terminal are connected to an external circuit.

4. A self-calibrating reflective photosensitive microswitch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the stationary contact opposite the moving contact is bent to form a wider conductive contact surface.

5. A self-calibrating reflective photosensitive micro switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting cavity is equipped with a limiting frame that provides preload to the spring and forms the upper stop position of the spring sheet.

6. A self-calibrating reflective photosensitive micro switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The PCB board is connected to several pins that pass through the base, and is connected to external circuits through the pins.

7. A self-calibrating reflective photosensitive micro switch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The PCB board is shaped like a square, with a central opening to avoid the moving contact piece.

8. A self-calibrating reflective photosensitive microswitch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The spring sheet has a bending structure that provides elasticity.

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