ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVICE

Abstract

Electrical switching device, including: a switch housing (2a, 2b) comprising a first chamber (2a) and a second chamber (2b) separated by a partition, an electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) arranged in the second chamber (2b), a control knob (3a, 3b) located in the first chamber (2a), and a user engagement section (3a) and a plunger (3b) configured to extend from the user engagement section (3a) in the first chamber (2a) through an opening in the partition separating the first chamber (2a) and the second chamber (2b) when the control knob (3a, 3b) is attached, wherein the plunger (3b) is configured to movably interact with the electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) to open and close an electrical switch of the electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) in response to a movement of the control knob (3a, 3b) by a user actuation between several operating positions, and a sealing element (4a, 4b) comprising a base section (4b) for fixing the sealing element (4a, 4b) to the switch housing (2a, 2b) and a tubular section (4a) extending from the base section (4b) and designed to surround the plunger (3b) in order to reduce the ingress of liquid from the first chamber (2a) through the opening in the partition into the second chamber (2b), The control knob (3a, 3b) comprises a user engagement section (3a) to allow the user's finger to rock the rocker switch between several operating positions, and a plunger (3b) extending from a spindle (3f) of the user engagement section (3a). A contact spring (3c) is arranged between a lower surface of the spindle (3f) and the plunger (3b), while a return spring (3d) is also arranged between the user engagement section (3a) and the first chamber (2a) or the sealing element (4a, 4b) to enable a pre-tensioned instantaneous movement of the control knob (3a, 3b) between several operating positions. The spindle (3f) and the user engagement section (3a) are formed in one piece. Strip-shaped holes are formed on two sides of the user engagement section (3a).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical switching devices, such as rocker switches and push button switches. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] For certain electrical switching devices, such as rocker switches and push-button switches, it is crucial to properly seal the electrical switch components against contamination from water, dust, and other contaminants to mitigate potential damage. Existing design methods for manufacturing such electrical switching devices with the necessary sealing performance are perceived as needing improvement in terms of assembly time, cost, and effort. Chinese patent CN104269308B discloses a watertight, boat-shaped switch. After connecting the upper and lower housings via a snap-fit ​​mechanism, the platform surface of the upper housing presses against the edge of the sealing element. The sealing ring in the center of the sealing element is firmly connected to the rocker arm.The sealing element separates the upper and lower housings, creating a sealed cavity in the lower housing, which in turn ensures water and dust resistance. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is based on the objective of mitigating at least one of the problems mentioned above.

[0004] The present invention may relate to several extensive embodiments. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise one or any combination of the various extensive embodiments described herein.

[0005] In a first extensive embodiment, the present invention provides an electrical switching device comprising the following: a switch housing comprising a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a partition, an electrical switch assembly located in the second chamber, a control knob located in the first chamber, comprising a user engagement section and a plunger configured to extend from the user engagement section of the first chamber into the second chamber through an opening in the partition separating the first and second chambers when the control knob is in place, wherein the plunger is configured to movably interact with the electrical switch assembly to open and close an electrical switch of the electrical switch assembly in response to movement of the control knob by user operation between several operating positions, and a sealing element comprising a base section for fixing the sealing element to the switch housing and a tubular section extending from the base section and designed to surround the plunger in order to reduce the ingress of liquid from the first chamber through the opening in the partition into the second chamber.

[0006] Preferably, a lip of the tubular section of the sealing element can be provided to receive it in a recess or groove arranged in the control knob in order to fix the tubular section to the control knob.

[0007] Preferably, the lip of the tubular section can be configured for ratchet engagement with the recess or groove arranged in the control knob.

[0008] Preferably, the positions of the recess or groove and the lip are interchangeable, in other words, the recess or groove can be arranged on the tubular section of the sealing element, while the lip can be arranged on the control knob.

[0009] Preferably, the base section of the sealing element can comprise a substantially planar arrangement.

[0010] Preferably, the sealing element can comprise at least one of the materials rubber and polymer material.

[0011] Preferably, the base section of the sealing element can form at least part of the partition wall that separates the first chamber and the second chamber of the switch housing.

[0012] Preferably, the base section of the sealing element can be overmolded with part of the first chamber.

[0013] Preferably, the present invention may further comprise several electrical terminals for electrically connecting the electrical switch of the switch assembly in the second chamber to an external device, wherein the electrical terminals extend beyond a wall of the second chamber.

[0014] Preferably, it is provided that the multiple electrical terminals can be formed by insert technology with at least a part of the second chamber.

[0015] Preferably, at least one ventilation opening can be arranged in a wall of the first chamber of the switch housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] For a better understanding of the present invention, preferred, but not limiting, embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 a partial sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention in a side view, Fig. 3 a side sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 a perspective top view of a first chamber of the switch housing with the sealing element formed therein according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the control knob is removed, Fig. 5 a perspective partial sectional view of the first chamber of the switch housing with the sealing element formed therein according to an embodiment of the present invention in a top view, wherein the control knob is removed, Fig. 6 a bottom view of the first chamber of the switch housing with the sealing element formed therein according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 7 a perspective top view of the first chamber of the switch housing with the control knob mounted thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 8 a perspective bottom view of the electrical switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 a perspective side view of the electrical switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig.9. The exemplary embodiments comprise a novel rocker switch (1) comprising a switch housing (2a, 2b), an electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) arranged in the second chamber (2b), a control knob (3a, 3b) for controlling the operating modes of an electrical switch of the electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b), and a sealing element (4a, 4b) arranged between the control knob (3a, 3b) and the first chamber (2a) of the switch housing (2a, 2b). Although the exemplary embodiments are explained with regard to a rocker switch for the sake of clarity, it is understood that exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also be applicable in a similar manner to electrical switching devices of other types, including push-button switches.

[0018] The electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) comprises an electrical switch (5, 6a, 6b) with at least one fixed switching contact (6a) and one movable switching contact (6b), which are mounted on a contact lever (5) and arranged to move relative to each other between open and closed positions in order to electrically open and close the electrical switch (5, 6a, 6b) in response to a movement of the control knob (3a, 3b) by a user, thus allowing or limiting the flow of current through the electrical switch (5, 6a, 6b). A pair of electrical switching terminals (7a, 7b) is provided for electrically connecting the electrical switch (5, 6a, 6b) of the switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) in the second chamber (2b) to an external device.The pair of electrical switching terminals (7a, 7b) extends beyond a wall of the second chamber (2b) and can be formed by insert technology with at least a part of the second chamber (2b).

[0019] The first chamber (2a) and the second chamber (2b) of the switch housing (2a, 2b) are generally rectangular and are separately molded from rigid plastic or other suitable rigid metal or polymer materials using injection molding. The first chamber (2a) includes a skirt section (2c) extending from a lower end of the first chamber (2a) and comprising several receiving slots (8) which, when the lower end of the first chamber (2a) is placed on an upper end of the second chamber (2b), engage with several associated tabs (9) located on an outer surface of the second chamber (2b). This arrangement facilitates the speed and ease of assembly of the first and second chambers (2a, 2b) together during manufacturing.

[0020] The sealing element (4a, 4b) comprises a base section (4b) with a substantially planar arrangement and a tubular section (4a) extending from the base section (4b) along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the planar arrangement of the base section (4b). The sealing element (4a, 4b) is molded in one piece from a rubber material or a suitable polymer material and is conveniently installed in the switch housing (2a, 2b). For example, the base section (4b) can be overmolded into part of the first chamber (2a) to form at least a partial partition between the first and second chambers (2a, 2b) when they snap together. Because the sealing element (4a, 4b) can be conveniently installed in the switch housing (2a, 2b), the additional assembly time, costs, and effort required to install an additional, separate sealing plate element in the switch housing (2a, 2b) are avoided.Furthermore, since the sealing element (4a, 4b) is installed in the switch housing (2a, 2b), the risk of displacement of the sealing element (4a, 4b) is reduced.

[0021] The control knob (3a, 3b) comprises a user engagement section (3a) to allow the user's finger to rock the switch between several operating positions, and a plunger (3b) extending from a spindle (3f) of the user engagement section (3a). A contact spring (3c) is arranged between a lower surface of the spindle (3f) and the plunger (3b), while a return spring (3d) is also arranged between the user engagement section (3a) and the first chamber (2a) or the sealing element (4a, 4b) to enable a pre-tensioned instantaneous movement of the control knob (3a, 3b) between several operating positions.With the electrical switching device fully assembled, the control knob (3a, 3b) is located above the sealing element (4a, 4b), and the spindle (3f) and plunger (3b) are configured to extend from the first chamber (2a) through the tubular section (4a) of the sealing element (4a, 4b) towards the second chamber (2b). The plunger (3b) can movably interact with the electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) to electrically open and close the electrical switch (5, 6a, 6b) of the electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) in response to a movement of the control knob (3a, 3b) by a user. Advantageously, the built-in sealing element (4a, 4b) reduces the ingress of water and other particles from the first chamber (2a) into the second chamber (2b) when the plunger (3b) is moved, thereby mitigating any potential damage to the electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b).

[0022] Existing plungers typically use round bolts, and due to the lack of a support point, the plungers cannot pivot left and right. Furthermore, the existing spindle has a support point, and without a plunger, the switch cannot be activated. However, in the present invention, the spindle (3f) and the user engagement section (3a) (namely, the push button) are formed as a single piece and interact with the plunger (3b) to achieve a true rocker switch function.

[0023] In the present invention, strip-shaped holes are formed on two sides of the user engagement section (3a) (not shown in the drawings; arranged above pivot shafts on the front and rear sides of the user engagement section 3a), so that the user engagement section (3a) and the spindle (3f), which are formed in one piece, can be easily demolded, whereas the spindle, which is formed in one piece with the push button, cannot be demolded without the strip-shaped holes.

[0024] The existing push button and spindle are formed separately, which reduces the internal space of the switch, preventing the return spring from being attached to it and thus limiting functional design options, such as automatic switch reset. In the present invention, however, the user engagement section (3a) and the spindle (3f) are formed as a single piece, thereby increasing the internal space of the switch and allowing the return spring (3d) to be attached to it, thus providing the rocker switch with an automatic reset function.

[0025] In preferred embodiments, the tubular section (4a) of the sealing element (4a, 4b) further comprises a lip (4c) which is configured to engage in a groove (3e) arranged around the circumference of the spindle (3f) of the control knob (3a, 3b) in order to secure the tubular section (4a) to the control knob (3a, 3b). The positions of the groove (3e) and the lip (4c) are interchangeable; in other words, the groove (3e) can be located on the tubular section (4a) of the sealing element (4a, 4b), while the lip (4c) can be located on the control knob (3a, 3b). Advantageously, such an arrangement allows for relatively quick and easy securing of the control knob (3a, 3b) to the sealing element (4a, 4b).The relatively rounded, annular circumference of the tubular section (4a) also advantageously provides a curved contour line to allow the control knob (3a, 3b) to rock smoothly against it. Furthermore, the rubber sealing element advantageously provides damping for the control knob (3a, 3b), thereby not only reducing wear on the control knob (3a, 3b) due to repeated rocking against the sealing element (4a, 4b), but also providing the user with improved tactile feedback when rocking the control knob (3a, 3b).

[0026] With an existing sealing element, an internal snap fit with the spindle is necessary to achieve watertightness. However, with an existing spindle, an internal snap fit is not possible, and interaction with a push button is required. The spindle (3f) and the user engagement section (3a) (namely, the push button) of the present invention are formed in one piece, and the groove (3e), which is arranged around the circumference of the spindle (3f), enables an internal snap fit of the tubular section (4a), thus achieving the water protection function together with the sealing element (4a, 4b). Furthermore, the groove (3e) is arranged deeper than the switch housing (2a, 2b), which allows watertightness to be achieved together with the sealing element (4a, 4b) without compromising the design.

[0027] By designing the assembly by firmly pressing together the control knob (3a, 3b), the sealing element (4a, 4b), and the switch housing (2a, 2b), the electrical switching device of the present invention can achieve watertightness. A high IP protection rating (IP67) and instantaneous operation can be achieved without additional watertight treatment of the switch body. The design of the assembly by firmly pressing together in the present invention can also be extended to the pressure switches.

[0028] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least one ventilation opening (10) is arranged in a wall of the first chamber (2a) of the switch housing (2a, 2b) to allow water, dust, and other particles to be removed from the first chamber (2a) and thus further reduce the risk of such contaminants penetrating from the first chamber (2a) into the second chamber (2b). For example, four ventilation openings (10) can be spaced apart from one another around the wall of the first chamber (2a).

[0029] It is understood by those skilled in the art that modifications and alterations to the invention are possible without derogation from the scope of the invention and are not limited to those specifically explained herein. All such modifications and alterations that are obvious to those skilled in the art shall fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly explained herein. It is understood that the invention encompasses all such modifications and alterations. The invention also encompasses all the steps and features mentioned or specified individually or collectively in the description, and all combinations of two or more of the aforementioned steps or features.

[0030] Reference to the prior art in this description is not to be regarded as an acknowledgment or suggestion of any kind that the prior art forms part of general technical knowledge, and should not be regarded as such.

Claims

[1] Electrical switching device comprising: a switch housing (2a, 2b) comprising a first chamber (2a) and a second chamber (2b) separated by a partition, an electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) arranged in the second chamber (2b), a control knob (3a, 3b) located in the first chamber (2a), and a user engagement section (3a) and a plunger (3b) configured to extend from the user engagement section (3a) in the first chamber (2a) through an opening in the partition separating the first chamber (2a) and the second chamber (2b) when the control knob (3a, 3b) is attached, wherein the plunger (3b) is configured to movably interact with the electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) to open and close an electrical switch of the electrical switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) in response to a movement of the control knob (3a, 3b) by a user actuation between several operating positions, and a sealing element (4a, 4b) comprising a base section (4b) for fixing the sealing element (4a, 4b) to the switch housing (2a, 2b) and a tubular section (4a) extending from the base section (4b) and designed to surround the plunger (3b) in order to reduce the ingress of liquid from the first chamber (2a) through the opening in the partition into the second chamber (2b), The control knob (3a, 3b) comprises a user engagement section (3a) to allow the user's finger to rock the rocker switch between several operating positions, and a plunger (3b) extending from a spindle (3f) of the user engagement section (3a). A contact spring (3c) is arranged between a lower surface of the spindle (3f) and the plunger (3b), while a return spring (3d) is also arranged between the user engagement section (3a) and the first chamber (2a) or the sealing element (4a, 4b) to enable a pre-tensioned instantaneous movement of the control knob (3a, 3b) between several operating positions. The spindle (3f) and the user engagement section (3a) are formed in one piece. Strip-shaped holes are formed on two sides of the user engagement section (3a). [2] Electrical switching device according to claim 1, wherein a lip (4c) of the tubular section (4a) of the sealing element (4a, 4b) is provided for receiving in a recess or groove (3e) arranged in the control knob (3a, 3b) in order to achieve fixing the tubular section (4a) to the control knob (3a, 3b). [3] Electrical switching device according to claim 2, wherein the lip (4c) of the tubular section (4a) is configured to engage with the recess or groove (3e) arranged in the control knob (3a, 3b). [4] Electrical switching device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the positions of the recess or groove (3e) and the lip (4c) are interchanged. [5] Electrical switching device according to claim 1, wherein the base section (4b) of the sealing element (4a, 4b) comprises a substantially planar arrangement, and wherein the sealing element (4a, 4b) comprises at least one of the materials rubber and polymer material. [6] Electrical switching device according to claim 1, wherein the base section (4b) of the sealing element (4a, 4b) forms at least a part of the partition separating the first chamber (2a) and the second chamber (2b) of the switch housing (2a, 2b). [7] Electrical switching device according to claim 1, wherein the base section (4b) of the sealing element (4a, 4b) is overmolded with a part of the first chamber (2a). [8] Electrical switching device according to claim 1, further comprising several electrical terminals (7a, 7b) for electrically connecting the electrical switch of the switch assembly (5, 6a, 6b) in the second chamber (2b) to an external device, wherein the electrical terminals (7a, 7b) extend beyond a wall of the second chamber (2b). [9] Electrical switching device according to claim 8, wherein the multiple electrical terminals (7a, 7b) are formed by insert technology with at least a part of the second chamber (2b). [10] Electrical switching device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one ventilation opening (10) arranged in a wall of the first chamber (2a) of the switch housing (2a, 2b).

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