Microswitch with switchable path

Abstract

A kind of microswitch of switchable access, including shell, several pins for being inserted on circuit board are provided on the shell, and further including switching assembly, several pins of intercommunication circuit board form first function loop and second function loop between each other, and the switching assembly is used to form the switching between first function loop and second function loop between several pins.The beneficial effects of the utility model are: by setting switching assembly, the switching of different function loops in single microswitch is realized, the redundant design of multiple independent switches in traditional scheme is avoided, so as to significantly reduce overall volume and assembly complexity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a micro switch, and more particularly to a micro switch with switchable paths. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, microswitches are widely used in flashlights to control various functions, such as power on / off, brightness adjustment, and mode switching. These switches are typically integrated into the tail or side of the flashlight and are triggered by a user press. In outdoor or tactical scenarios, microswitches allow for one-handed operation: for example, a single press turns on the flashlight, a second press may switch to high brightness mode, and continuous presses cycle through low brightness, SOS flashing, or other preset modes. This design is common in multi-functional flashlights, such as tactical lighting equipment, where the sensitive response of the microswitch allows for rapid adjustment to adapt to different environmental needs. The operation involves a simple physical press, with the switch internally using mechanical contacts to open and close the circuit, providing instant feedback and improving portability and ease of operation. However, existing configurations often rely on the coordinated operation of multiple switches, and multiple presses of a single switch can lead to misoperation or response delays.

[0003] However, existing technologies have significant drawbacks, primarily due to their reliance on the coordinated operation of multiple switches for function switching. This results in an excessive number of switches on the flashlight; for example, one switch might be used for power control while another is used for mode selection. Users often struggle to quickly distinguish the specific function of each switch, especially in dark, emergency, or one-handed operation scenarios, easily leading to confusion and misoperation. This multi-switch layout increases product design complexity, impacting not only the intuitiveness and convenience of the user experience but also potentially increasing switch failure rates and affecting overall reliability. Furthermore, the excessive number of components increases production costs and assembly difficulty, hindering lightweight and simplified flashlight design and limiting the product's market competitiveness and user acceptance. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a switchable path micro switch that achieves function switching through the same micro switch.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a micro switch with switchable paths, comprising a housing, wherein the housing is provided with a plurality of pins for insertion onto a circuit board, and further comprising a switching component, wherein the plurality of pins connected to the circuit board form a first functional circuit and a second functional circuit with each other, and the switching component is used to switch between the first functional circuit and the second functional circuit formed among the plurality of pins.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting a switching component, switching between different functional circuits can be completed within a single microswitch, avoiding the redundant design of multiple independent switches required in traditional solutions, thus significantly reducing the overall size and assembly complexity. This improves the integration and reliability of the device; for example, in compact electronic devices such as portable instruments or circuit board modules, it simplifies layout and reduces failure rates. Furthermore, the introduction of the switching component ensures the stability of circuit switching, reduces the risk of electrical failures due to poor contact or misoperation, and improves the lifespan and safety of the switch. As a preferred embodiment, the switching component can adopt a sliding or pressing structure. For example, an axially movable conductive electrode plate can be set within the housing. This conductive electrode plate cooperates with the pin contacts through an elastic element. When an external force is applied to the conductive electrode plate, it moves axially to a preset position, connecting different pin contacts to form a circuit. This achieves functional switching through simple mechanical action, eliminating the need for additional drive circuitry and reducing manufacturing costs. Another preferred approach involves the limiting design of the switching components, such as adding limiting grooves or protrusions within the housing, to ensure that the moving components stop precisely at their movement limits. This prevents connection instability caused by overshoot or springback, enhancing the accuracy and repeatability of the switching, and is suitable for high-precision control scenarios. The above solutions not only optimize structural compactness but also achieve reliable electrical connections through mechanical linkage.

[0007] Furthermore, the number of pins is three, namely a normally open pin, a first switching pin, and a second switching pin. The switching component can move along the axial direction of the housing, and at one end of its movement limit, the normally open pin and the first switching pin are electrically connected to form a first functional circuit, and at the other end of its movement limit, the normally open pin and the second switching pin are electrically connected to form a second functional circuit.

[0008] By limiting the number of pins to three and specifying their functional roles, this solution significantly simplifies the switch structure, reduces material costs and manufacturing complexity, while ensuring the clarity and efficiency of circuit switching. This avoids the wiring complexity caused by using redundant pins; for example, in circuit board design, the three pins can directly correspond to standard connector interfaces, reducing the risk of signal interference. The axial movement design provides a stable linear motion path, making the switching action more reliable, less susceptible to external vibration, and improving adaptability to harsh environments. As a preferred approach, the normally active pin can be fixedly connected to the conductive base built into the housing, while the first and second switching pins are arranged at both ends of the axial movement path via elastic contacts or sliding rails; when the switching component moves, its end contacts sequentially contact the pins, and the spring preload ensures a gapless electrical connection. This achieves precise circuit switching through physical limiting and elastic compensation. Another preferred approach involves the mechanical definition of motion limits, such as by incorporating adjustable stops or cam mechanisms within the housing. These structures are pre-positioned during manufacturing to limit the travel range of the switching components, ensuring a stable connection only at the two endpoints. This prevents malfunctions caused by intermediate states and enhances the consistency and safety of user operation.

[0009] Furthermore, the switching assembly includes a pressing post, a conductive plate, a return spring, and a trigger spring, all arranged from top to bottom within the housing. The pressing post protrudes from the housing and can move along the axial direction of the housing. The two ends of the return spring abut against the trigger spring and the conductive plate, respectively. The normally open pin is always electrically connected to the trigger spring. The first switching pin is located at one end of the pressing post's movement limit and can form an electrical connection with the conductive plate. The second switching pin is located at the other end of the pressing post's movement limit and can form an electrical connection with the trigger spring.

[0010] This structure optimizes the internal component layout, achieving a compact and efficient circuit switching mechanism. The layered design (press post, conductive plate, return spring, trigger spring) ensures coordinated operation of all components, improving response speed and durability. For example, the return spring provides reset force, reducing manual fatigue, while the continuous connection between the trigger spring and the normally open pin ensures the stability of the basic circuit, avoiding the risk of power outages during switching. The formation principle of the first and second functional circuits (normally open pin - trigger spring - return spring - conductive plate - first switching pin for the first circuit, normally open pin - trigger spring - second switching pin for the second circuit) simplifies the current path, reducing resistance loss and heat accumulation. As a preferred approach, the return spring can be a helical compression spring or a conical spring. Its preload acts between the conducting piece and the trigger spring. When the pressing post is pressed down, the spring stores energy, causing the trigger spring to contact the second switching pin, forming a circuit. When released, the spring returns to its original position, causing the conducting piece to contact the first switching pin. This provides reliable mechanical feedback and electrical isolation through the elastic deformation of the spring. Another preferred approach involves the fixing design of the trigger spring, such as riveting or welding the trigger spring to the contact of the normally active pin. Its elastic deformation capability allows it to deform and contact the second switching pin under the action of the pressing post. This ensures that the second circuit is only activated at specific locations, avoiding false triggering due to component loosening and improving the switch's lifespan and accuracy under frequent operation.

[0011] Furthermore, the first switching pin includes a contact portion that abuts against the conductive plate. The contact portion is horizontally positioned and, when abutting against the conductive plate, provides a torque to the conductive plate that is opposite in direction to the torque provided to the conductive plate by the return spring.

[0012] The horizontal positioning and torque design of the contact portion significantly improve switching stability and reliability. The contact portion not only serves as an electrical connection point but also acts as a limiter, preventing excessive displacement of the conductive piece and ensuring that the switching action is completed at the preset position. This reduces mechanical wear and contact resistance fluctuations, extending switch life. The torque-reverse design (the contact portion torque is opposite to the return spring torque) achieves dynamic balance, preventing the conductive piece from wobbling or bouncing during contact, thus eliminating momentary interruptions in the electrical connection. This is suitable for high-frequency switching applications such as power management or signal control. As a preferred embodiment, the contact portion can be formed as an L-shaped or flat metal sheet, with its horizontal section contacting the conductive piece surface parallel to it. When the conductive piece moves to its limit position, the reaction force of the contact portion counteracts the thrust of the return spring, forming stable support. This achieves torque control through a simple geometry, eliminating the need for additional sensors. Another preferred approach involves torque optimization, such as adding micro-bumps or coatings to the contact area to increase the coefficient of friction, ensuring that the conductive piece does not slip when it comes into contact. At the same time, the reverse design of the torque direction is achieved by calculating the spring stiffness and contact angle, and the angle is pre-adjusted during manufacturing (such as a 5-10 degree tilt) to accurately balance the force system, thereby improving the accuracy of switching and the ability to resist interference.

[0013] Furthermore, the pressing column includes a bearing part and a trigger part, the conductive piece abuts against the end face of the bearing part, and a through hole is provided at the center of the conductive piece for the trigger part to pass through.

[0014] This structure optimizes the connection between the pressing post and the conductive plate, ensuring a stable fit and precise movement between components. The abutment provides a support surface to prevent the conductive plate from shifting, while the trigger part's design, passing through a through-hole, allows direct action on the lower component, simplifying the force transmission path and improving response efficiency. The through-hole design avoids component interference, ensuring consistent movement of the conductive plate when the pressing post moves, reducing the risk of jamming. As a preferred approach, the abutment can be designed as a circular boss or platform, its end face fixed to the conductive plate by snap-fit ​​or adhesive, and the trigger part as a columnar extension passing through the through-hole; when the pressing post is pressed down, the abutment pushes the conductive plate axially, while the trigger part independently acts on the trigger spring. This split structure achieves multi-functional linkage, ensuring the synchronicity of circuit switching. Another preferred approach involves matching the size of the through-hole, for example, the through-hole diameter is slightly larger than the trigger part diameter, and a guide groove is provided on the edge of the conductive plate to restrict its rotational freedom; this mechanical constraint prevents component skewing, ensures the linearity of axial movement, thereby improving switching accuracy and repeatability, suitable for scenarios with high reliability requirements.

[0015] Furthermore, the contacts of the normally accessible pin and the second switching pin are both located below the trigger spring. The trigger spring is elastic and arc-shaped, with its outer edge in contact with the contact of the normally accessible pin. The contact of the second switching pin is located at the center of the trigger spring, and the axis of the triggering part coincides with the axis of the trigger spring.

[0016] The innovative use of the arc-shaped trigger spring and contact arrangement leverages the principle of height difference to achieve reliable circuit switching and status feedback. The arc design provides elastic deformation capability; when the trigger is pressed down, the center of the spring moves downward to contact the second switching pin, eliminating the height difference between the center of the trigger spring and the contact of the second switching pin to conduct the second circuit. Upon release, the spring returns to its original shape, disconnecting the connection. Coincident axes ensure uniform force distribution, reducing localized stress and extending component life. The separation design of the outer edge from the center contact allows for a time difference between the initial disconnection of the first functional circuit and the activation of the second functional circuit, avoiding circuit conflicts. As a preferred method, the trigger spring can be made of stainless steel or phosphor bronze sheet, stamped into a bowl or dome shape, with its outer edge welded to the normally active pin contact, leaving the center suspended. When the trigger is pressed down, the spring deforms, causing the center contact to engage the second switching pin. This passive switching, achieved through the deformation characteristics of the elastic material, eliminates the need for electronic control. Another preferred approach is to optimize the height difference, for example, by pre-setting the spring arc height and adjusting the protrusion height of the second switching pin contact through the housing base to ensure that the center gap exists when not pressed; after pressing, the gap eliminates the conduction loop, which achieves precise electrical isolation and connection through simple geometric parameter control, improving the operating feel.

[0017] Furthermore, the return spring abuts against the outer edge of the trigger spring.

[0018] This design enhances the connection stability between the normally-connected pin and the trigger spring, preventing contact separation due to vibration or impact. The return spring acts on the outer edge, directly pressurizing the connection point to ensure a continuous and reliable electrical connection, reducing contact resistance variations and the risk of arcing. As a preferred option, the return spring can be a leaf spring or a wave spring, its end hooked or pressed into a groove on the outer edge of the trigger spring; the spring force is vertically downward, increasing contact pressure, while the elasticity of the spring counteracts some of the force, creating a dynamic balance. This mechanical preload maintains a tight connection. Another preferred option involves optimizing the spring position, such as installing a spring seat inside the housing to fix the return spring at the junction of the spring and the normally-connected pin contact; when an external force is applied, the spring compresses to store energy, and upon release, pushes the spring back to its original position, ensuring the contacts do not disengage and improving the switch's durability in harsh environments.

[0019] Furthermore, the trigger spring will generate a feedback sound during the deformation process.

[0020] The feedback tone design provides operational confirmation, enhancing the user experience and allowing users to perceive the switching status (such as the second circuit being on or off) without visual assistance. This is achieved by generating sound through the mechanical vibration of the spring as it deforms, simplifying the structure and eliminating the need for additional audio components. As a preferred approach, the trigger spring can be made of a material with high elastic modulus and low damping properties, such as beryllium copper alloy, and designed with a specific arc shape (such as a sine wave or a notched surface); when deformed, the material quickly rebounds, producing a crisp sound, which achieves reliable sound feedback through material selection and geometric optimization. Another preferred approach addresses the deformation mechanism, for example by adding micro-protrusions or indentations to the central area of ​​the spring, which collide with the second switching pin contact during deformation to generate sound; simultaneously, the synergistic vibration of the return spring amplifies the sound, ensuring clear and distinguishable sound, improving the intuitiveness and safety of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is an internal view of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention after the casing has been removed. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This utility model embodiment provides a micro switch with switchable paths, such as... Figure 1-3 As shown: It includes a housing 1, which has a plurality of pins for insertion onto a circuit board, specifically three pins: a normally open pin 11, a first switching pin 12, and a second switching pin 13. When the normally open pin 11 is connected to the first switching pin 12, a first functional circuit is formed; when the normally open pin 11 is connected to the second switching pin 13, a second functional circuit is formed. It also includes a switching component 2 for switching between the first functional circuit and the second functional circuit. The switching assembly 2 is located inside the housing 1 and includes a pressing post 21, a conductive piece 22, a return spring 23, and a trigger spring 24 distributed from top to bottom. The pressing post 21 protrudes from the housing 1 and can move along the axial direction of the housing 1 (that is, the pressing post 21 serves as the user's trigger button). The two ends of the return spring 23 abut against the trigger spring 24 and the conductive piece 22, respectively. The normally open pin 11 is always electrically connected to the trigger spring 24. The first switching pin 12 is located at one end of the movement limit of the pressing post 21 and can form an electrical connection with the conductive piece 22. The second switching pin 13 is located at the other end of the movement limit of the pressing post 21 and can form an electrical connection with the trigger spring 24.

[0023] The first switching pin 12 includes a contact portion 121, which is horizontally arranged and provides a torque to the conductive piece 22 when it abuts against the conductive piece 22. The torque provided to the conductive piece 22 by the return spring 23 is in the opposite direction to that provided to the conductive piece 22. The pressing post 21 includes an abutting portion 211 and a trigger portion 212. The conductive piece 22 abuts against the end face of the abutting portion 211 and a through hole 221 is provided at the center of the conductive piece 22 for the trigger portion 212 to pass through. The first contact 111 of the normally connected pin 11 and the second contact 131 of the second switching pin 13 are both located below the trigger spring 24. The trigger spring 24 is elastic and arc-shaped, with its outer edge in contact with the first contact 111. The second contact 131 is located at the center of the trigger spring 24, and when the trigger spring 24 is not deformed, the center of the trigger spring 24 is disengaged from the second contact 131. The axis of the trigger part 212 coincides with the axis of the trigger spring 24. The return spring 23 abuts against the outer edge of the trigger spring 24 to prevent the first contact 111 from disengaging from the trigger spring 24. The trigger spring 24 generates a feedback sound during deformation. This feedback sound is generated by the vibration of the elastic material, such as by using a conductive metal material like phosphor bronze, to indicate to the user that the second function circuit has been switched to the correct position or has been disconnected.

[0024] In the unpressed state, the pressing post 21 is in its initial position, and the conductive piece 22 is electrically connected to the contact portion 121 of the first switching pin 12, forming a first functional circuit: current flows from the normally open pin 11 through the trigger spring 24, the return spring 23, and the conductive piece 22 to the first switching pin 12. At this time, the torque provided by the return spring 23 is balanced with the torque provided by the contact portion 121, maintaining stable contact. When the pressing post 21 is pressed, the pressing post 21 moves downward along the axial direction, causing the conductive piece 22 to move downward, causing the conductive piece 22 to disengage from the contact portion 121 of the first switching pin 12, thereby disconnecting the first functional circuit. Continuing to press the pressing post 21 triggers the contact portion... 212 Press the center of the trigger spring 24 to deform the trigger spring 24 and eliminate the height difference between its center and the second contact 131, thereby making the trigger spring 24 electrically connected to the second contact 131 to form the second functional circuit: the current flows from the normally open pin 11 through the trigger spring 24 to the second switching pin 13; during the deformation of the trigger spring 24, the elastic material vibrates to generate a feedback sound, indicating that the second functional circuit has been switched to the position; after releasing the pressing column 21, under the action of the restoring force of the return spring 23, the pressing column 21 moves upward, the switching component 2 returns to the initial position, the first functional circuit is reconnected, and the second functional circuit is disconnected.

[0025] The above embodiments are merely one preferred embodiment of the present utility model. Ordinary changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model's technical solution are all included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A micro switch with switchable paths, comprising a housing, wherein the housing is provided with a plurality of pins for insertion onto a circuit board, characterized in that: It also includes a switching component, in which pins of several connected circuit boards form a first functional circuit and a second functional circuit with each other. The switching component is used to switch between the first functional circuit and the second functional circuit among the several pins. The switching component includes a pressing post, a conductive plate, a return spring and a trigger spring distributed from top to bottom in the housing. The pressing post protrudes from the housing and can move along the axial direction of the housing. The two ends of the return spring abut against the trigger spring and the conductive plate, respectively.

2. The micro switch with switchable path according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of pins is three, namely a normally open pin, a first switching pin, and a second switching pin. The switching component can move along the axial direction of the housing, and at one end of its movement limit, the normally open pin and the first switching pin are electrically connected to form a first functional circuit, and at the other end of its movement limit, the normally open pin and the second switching pin are electrically connected to form a second functional circuit.

3. The micro switch with switchable path according to claim 2, characterized in that: The normally connected pin and the trigger spring are always electrically connected. The first switching pin is located at one end of the pressing column's movement limit and can form an electrical connection with the conductive piece. The second switching pin is located at the other end of the pressing column's movement limit and can form an electrical connection with the trigger spring.

4. The micro switch with switchable path according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first switching pin includes a contact portion that abuts against the conductive plate. The contact portion is horizontally positioned and, when abutting against the conductive plate, provides a torque to the conductive plate that is in the opposite direction to the torque provided to the conductive plate by the return spring.

5. The micro switch with switchable path according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressing column includes a supporting part and a triggering part. The conductive piece abuts against the end face of the supporting part, and a through hole is provided at the center of the conductive piece for the triggering part to pass through.

6. The micro switch with switchable path according to claim 5, characterized in that: The contacts of the normally accessible pin and the second switching pin are both located below the trigger spring. The trigger spring is elastic and arc-shaped, with its outer edge in contact with the contact of the normally accessible pin. The contact of the second switching pin is located at the center of the trigger spring, and the axis of the trigger part coincides with the axis of the trigger spring.

7. The micro switch with switchable path according to claim 6, characterized in that: The return spring rests against the outer edge of the trigger spring.

8. The micro switch with switchable path according to claim 6, characterized in that: The trigger spring will generate a feedback sound during the deformation process.

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