Actuating device for a rotary switch with automatic reset

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuating device, in particular for a rotary switch with automatic reset for use on a toilet. State of the art

[0002] Typical actuators for manually operated rotary switches with reset use rotary knobs for control, although some knobs do not have an automatic reset function. Some knobs implement an automatic reset function by interacting with a magnet or spring. The solution using a magnet for automatic reset is structurally complex and expensive. When used to trigger a Hall effect component, failures are likely to occur. With a spring-based automatic reset solution, the installation of the spring is not straightforward. Furthermore, the considerable space required by the spring affects the layout of other components. Thus, the actuators for an automatic reset rotary switch are not sufficiently simple according to the state of the art.

[0003] From GB 1 225 768 A an actuating device for a rotary switch with automatic resetting is known, which has a handle, a mounting axis and two springs, one end of the handle having a through-opening for gripping around the mounting axis, the above-mentioned handle being rotatable in the circumferential direction about the mounting axis, two circumferentially extending arcuate grooves being arranged between the handle and the mounting axis, the two springs being respectively mounted in the two arcuate grooves, the springs being clamped between the mounting axis and the handle, and the handle compressing one spring during a forward rotation about the above-mentioned mounting axis, while the handle compressing the other spring during a reverse rotation about the mounting axis. Content of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides an actuating device for a rotary switch with automatic reset, comprising a handle, a mounting shaft, and two springs, wherein one end of the above-mentioned handle has a through-opening for gripping the above-mentioned mounting shaft, wherein the above-mentioned handle is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the above-mentioned mounting shaft, wherein two circumferentially extending arcuate grooves are arranged between the above-mentioned handle and the mounting shaft, wherein the two above-mentioned springs are each mounted in the two above-mentioned arcuate grooves, wherein the above-mentioned springs are clamped between the above-mentioned mounting shaft and the handle, and wherein the above-mentioned handle compresses one spring upon forward rotation about the above-mentioned mounting shaft,while the above-mentioned handle compresses the other spring during a reverse rotation about the above-mentioned mounting axis. Specifically, the above-mentioned handle is designed to gradually compress one spring during the forward rotation from the initial position, so that a corresponding function can be started by the forward rotation of the handle. After the above-mentioned handle is released, the compressed spring is automatically released and the above-mentioned handle is pressed to rotate backward to the initial position. During the reverse rotation of the above-mentioned handle from the initial position, the other spring is gradually compressed.The corresponding function can also be initiated by rotating the handle forward. After releasing the above-mentioned handle, the compressed spring is automatically released and the above-mentioned handle is pressed forward to rotate to its initial position.

[0005] Between the handle and the mounting axis, arcuate grooves are provided for mounting the springs. One spring is compressed simultaneously with the rotation of the handle, storing energy after compression. Once the handle is released, the reset is achieved by simultaneously releasing the spring's energy and pushing the handle to rotate in the opposite direction. This means that the springs can drive the handle to automatically reset to its initial position. Thus, the inventive solution is extremely simple and compact, just as the installation of the springs is very easy.

[0006] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the two arcuate grooves referred to above are arranged in a radial section on the same circumference. Thus, the pressure of the springs is uniform and consistent during forward and reverse rotation of the handle, resulting in a better tactile sensation during operation.

[0007] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the springs referred to above are either curved springs or straight springs. If curved springs are used, the shape of the springs is similar to the curved grooves, which facilitates the rotation of the handle.

[0008] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, a limiting device is provided between the aforementioned handle and the aforementioned mounting axis, which limits the forward and reverse rotation of the aforementioned handle. In this way, the occurrence of incorrect operation can be prevented.

[0009] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the above-mentioned limiting device comprises a projection provided on the above-mentioned handle and a limiting recess provided on the above-mentioned mounting axis. Because the projection abuts the walls of both ends of the limiting recess, the forward and reverse rotation are limited, which represents a simple construction.

[0010] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, a positioning cover is further included, wherein the above-mentioned positioning cover encompasses the above-mentioned mounting axis, and wherein the above-mentioned positioning cover is arranged at an axial end of the above-mentioned handle and is connected to the above-mentioned handle by clamping.

[0011] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the above-mentioned positioning cover is axially connected to the above-mentioned mounting axis by clamping. The positioning cover is connected not only to the handle but also to the mounting axis by clamping, so that an axial position of the handle is defined on the mounting axis and axial displacement of the handle is prevented.

[0012] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, it is provided that a rotatable cover is also included, wherein the above-mentioned rotatable cover and the above-mentioned positioning cover are each located at one end of the above-mentioned handle, and wherein the above-mentioned rotatable cover axially covers the end of the above-mentioned mounting axis and extends to the end face of the other side of the above-mentioned handle. The rotatable cover and the positioning cover cover the sides of the handle from two sides, which improves the compactness of the product.

[0013] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, it is provided that an adjusting pin extending axially towards the above-mentioned rotatable cover is provided in the centre of the circuit board, wherein the above-mentioned adjusting pin is connected to the above-mentioned rotatable cover by plugging, wherein the above-mentioned rotatable cover is clamped to the above-mentioned adjusting pin in the circumferential direction, and wherein the above-mentioned adjusting pin is rotatable relative to the above-mentioned circuit board.

[0014] The rotating cover can move the adjustment pin to rotate, so that the corresponding adjustment function can be realized (by rotating the adjustment pin, the board parameters can be adjusted).

[0015] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, a fastening cover is further included, wherein the above-mentioned circuit board is arranged within the above-mentioned mounting axis, wherein the above-mentioned fastening cover is received within the above-mentioned rotatable cover and arranged outside the above-mentioned mounting axis, wherein the above-mentioned adjusting pin extends axially out of the above-mentioned mounting axis, and wherein the above-mentioned fastening cover is in threaded engagement with the above-mentioned adjusting pin. The locking and fastening of the circuit board can be carried out by the screw connection of the fastening cover to the adjusting pin.

[0016] In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned mounting cover is transparent. The transparent mounting cover is suitable for certain circumstances, for example, for light-emitting components on the circuit board.

[0017] According to the invention, the actuating device for a rotary switch with automatic reset comprises a handle, a mounting shaft, and two arcuate springs, wherein an interior space is provided within the above-mentioned mounting shaft, in which a circuit board is received, wherein two Hall components are provided on the above-mentioned circuit board, wherein one end of the above-mentioned handle has a through-opening for gripping the mounting shaft, wherein the above-mentioned handle is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the above-mentioned mounting shaft, wherein two arcuate grooves provided in the circumferential direction are arranged between the above-mentioned handle and the above-mentioned mounting shaft, wherein the two above-mentioned arcuate springs are each mounted in the two above-mentioned arcuate grooves,wherein the above-mentioned arcuate springs are clamped between the above-mentioned mounting axis and the handle, wherein a slot is provided on the above-mentioned handle, wherein a magnetic component for triggering the above-mentioned Hall components is provided within the above-mentioned slot, wherein the above-mentioned handle, upon forward rotation about the above-mentioned mounting axis, compresses one arcuate spring and moves the magnetic component to trigger one Hall component, while the above-mentioned handle, upon reverse rotation about the above-mentioned mounting axis, compresses the other arcuate spring and moves the magnetic component to trigger the other Hall component. Specifically, it is provided that the above-mentioned handle gradually compresses one arcuate spring during the forward rotation from the initial position,So that the magnetic component triggers one Hall component after synchronizing the forward rotation with the handle. After releasing the above-mentioned handle, the above-mentioned handle is pressed simultaneously with the automatic relaxation of the compressed arc-shaped spring and the above-mentioned handle is pressed for reverse rotation to the initial position. During the reverse rotation of the above-mentioned handle from the initial position, the other arc-shaped spring is gradually compressed, so that the magnetic component triggers the other Hall component after synchronizing the backward rotation with the handle. After releasing the above-mentioned handle, the above-mentioned handle is pressed simultaneously with the automatic relaxation of the compressed arc-shaped spring and the above-mentioned handle is pressed for forward rotation to the initial position.

[0018] The interaction of springs and arcuate grooves allows, in addition to the automatic resetting of the rotary switch, the actuating device for a rotary switch with automatic resetting to be used for the activation of Hall components and avoids the disturbances of the Hall components occurring in the prior art due to the magnet provided for the implementation of the resetting. Character description

[0019] In the following, the invention is described using exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the attached figures. Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the actuating device for a rotary switch with automatic reset. Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional representation of the mounting axis. Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional representation of the actuating device for a rotary switch with automatic reset from Figure 1 . Figure 4 shows an axial sectional view of the actuating device for a rotary switch with automatic reset from Figure 1 . Figure 5 shows a radial sectional view of the actuating device for a rotary switch with automatic reset from Figure 1 . Figure 6 shows a representation of the operation of the handle of the operating device for a rotary switch with automatic reset from Figure 1 when turned counterclockwise. Figure 7 shows a representation of the operation of the handle of the operating device for a rotary switch with automatic reset from Figure 1 when rotated clockwise. Example

[0020] The Figures 1 to 7The actuating device shown for a rotary switch with automatic reset comprises a handle 10, a mounting axis 20 and two arcuate springs 30, wherein an interior space 22 is provided within the above-mentioned mounting axis 20, in which interior space a circuit board 40 is received, wherein two Hall components 42 are provided on the above-mentioned circuit board 40, wherein one end of the above-mentioned handle 10 has a through-opening 12 for engaging around the mounting axis, wherein the above-mentioned handle 10 is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the above-mentioned mounting axis 20, and wherein two arcuate grooves 50 running in the circumferential direction are arranged between the above-mentioned handle 10 and the above-mentioned mounting axis 20.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, a groove is provided on the inner surface of the through-hole 12 and on the outer circumferential surface of the mounting shaft 20, wherein the two grooves form the arcuate grooves 50. Because the handle is rotatable, it is understood that the length of the arcuate groove 50 changes as the handle rotates. Figure 2a groove 21 provided on the mounting axis 20 is shown. The two above-mentioned arcuate springs 30 are each mounted in the two above-mentioned arcuate grooves 50, wherein the above-mentioned arcuate springs 30 are clamped between the above-mentioned mounting axis 20 and the handle 10, so that in the event of a shortening of the arcuate grooves 50 caused by the rotation of the handle, the above-mentioned arcuate springs 30 experience pressure. A slot is also formed on the above-mentioned handle 10, wherein a magnetic component for triggering the above-mentioned Hall components 42 is arranged within the above-mentioned slot. It is understood that rotation of the handle 10 moves the magnetic component for joint movement, so that the magnetic component, when it is close to the Hall components 42, triggers the Hall components 42.For the specific principle, reference is made to the state of the art.

[0022] Thus compressed, as in Figure 6 As shown, the above-mentioned handle 10, when rotated forward about the above-mentioned mounting axis 20, moves the one arcuate spring 30 and the magnetic component to trigger the one Hall component 42.

[0023] Specifically, the aforementioned handle 10 gradually compresses the arcuate spring during the forward rotation from the initial position, so that the magnetic component triggers the Hall component after the synchronous forward rotation with the handle. Upon release of the aforementioned handle, the aforementioned handle is pressed simultaneously with the automatic relaxation of the compressed arcuate spring to reverse the rotation to the initial position.

[0024] Thus compressed, as in Figure 7As shown, the above-mentioned handle 10, when rotated backward about the above-mentioned mounting axis 20, moves the other arcuate spring 30 and the magnetic component to trigger the other Hall component 42.

[0025] Specifically, the aforementioned handle gradually compresses the other arcuate spring during the reverse rotation from the initial position, so that the magnetic component triggers the other Hall component after the synchronous reverse rotation with the handle. After releasing the aforementioned handle, the aforementioned handle is pressed simultaneously with the automatic relaxation of the compressed arcuate spring to rotate forward to the initial position.

[0026] It is advantageous that the two arcuate grooves 50 referred to above are located on the same circumference in a radial section.

[0027] Advantageously, a limiting device is provided between the aforementioned handle 10 and the aforementioned mounting axis 20, which limit the forward and reverse rotation of the aforementioned handle. In the present embodiment, the aforementioned limiting device comprises a projection 14 provided on the aforementioned handle 10 and a limiting recess 24 provided on the aforementioned mounting axis 20.

[0028] Advantageously, a positioning cover 60 is also included, wherein the above-mentioned positioning cover 60 encompasses the above-mentioned mounting shaft 10, and wherein the above-mentioned positioning cover 60 is arranged at an axial end of the above-mentioned handle 10 and is connected to the above-mentioned handle by clamping. Such a positioning cover 60 can rotate together with the handle 10 in the circumferential direction.

[0029] It is advantageously provided that the above-mentioned positioning cover 60 is in axial clamping connection with the above-mentioned mounting axis 20 in such a way that the handle is fixed in the axial direction.

[0030] Advantageously, it is also provided that a rotatable cover 70 is included, wherein the above-mentioned rotatable cover 70 and the above-mentioned positioning cover 60 are each arranged at one end of the above-mentioned handle 10, wherein the above-mentioned rotatable cover 70 axially covers the end of the above-mentioned mounting axis 20 and extends to the end face of the other end of the above-mentioned handle.

[0031] Advantageously, an adjusting pin 44 extending axially toward the above-mentioned rotatable cover 70 is provided centrally on the above-mentioned circuit board 40. The above-mentioned adjusting pin 44 is connected to the above-mentioned rotatable cover 70 by plugging, the above-mentioned rotatable cover 70 being clamped to the above-mentioned adjusting pin 44 in the circumferential direction, and the above-mentioned adjusting pin 44 is rotatable relative to the above-mentioned circuit board 40. Thus, by actuating the above-mentioned rotatable cover, the above-mentioned adjusting pin 44 can be rotated along with it.

[0032] Advantageously, it is provided that a fastening cover 80 is also included, wherein the above-mentioned circuit board 40 is arranged within the above-mentioned mounting axis 20, wherein the above-mentioned fastening cover 80 is received within the above-mentioned rotatable cover 70 and arranged outside the above-mentioned mounting axis 20, wherein the above-mentioned adjusting pin 44 extends axially out of the above-mentioned mounting axis 20, and wherein the above-mentioned fastening cover 80 is threadably engaged with the above-mentioned adjusting pin 44 such that the circuit board is fastened to the mounting axis. Advantageously, it is provided that the above-mentioned fastening cover 80 is transparent.

[0033] It is understood that in the present embodiment, the use of arcuate springs 50 enables better matching with the arcuate grooves 50, although the use of straight springs is also possible. The shape of arcuate grooves 50 also enables the fixation of straight springs. Furthermore, although it was described in the present embodiment that the circuit board 40 is provided within the mounting axis 20 and that two Hall components 42 are provided on the circuit board, the forward or reverse rotation of the handle can also realize a coupled movement of other parts, for example, microswitches or optocouplers. In other words, this means that the question of which part realizes the function of which part after the rotation of the handle 10 does not represent the technical problem to be solved by the present application.It is sufficient that after operating the handle for forward and reverse rotation, the handle automatically rotates in the opposite direction under the drive of the springs and is reset to the initial position.

Claims

1. Actuating apparatus for a rotary switch with automatic resetting, comprising a handle (10), wherein the actuating apparatus has a mounting shaft (20) and two springs (30), wherein, within the mounting shaft (20) referred to above, provision is made for an interior space (22) in which a circuit board (40) is received, wherein, on the circuit board (40) referred to above, provision is made for two Hall components (42), wherein one end of the handle referred to above has a passage opening (12) for engagement around the mounting shaft (20), wherein the handle (10) referred to above is rotatable in a circumferential direction around the mounting shaft (20) referred to above, wherein two arcuate grooves (50) provided in the circumferential direction are arranged between the handle (10) referred to above and the mounting shaft (20) referred to above, wherein the two springs (30) referred to above are respectively fitted into the two arcuate grooves (50) referred to above, wherein the springs (30) referred to above are clamped between the mounting shaft (20) referred to above and the handle (10), wherein provision is made for a slot in the handle (10) referred to above, wherein, within the slot referred to above, provision is made for a magnetic component for triggering the Hall components (42) referred to above, wherein, during a forward rotation around the mounting shaft (20) referred to above, the handle (10) referred to above compresses the one spring (30) and carries along the magnetic component for triggering the one Hall component (42), while, during a backward rotation around the mounting shaft (20) referred to above, the handle (10) referred to above compresses the other spring (30) and carries along the magnetic component for triggering the other Hall component (42).

2. Actuating apparatus for a rotary switch with automatic resetting according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in a radial section, the two arcuate grooves (50) referred to above are situated on the same circumference, wherein the springs (30) referred to above are bent springs or straight springs.

3. Actuating apparatus for a rotary switch with automatic resetting according to Claim 1, characterized in that, between the handle (10) referred to above and the mounting shaft (20) referred to above, provision is made for a limiting device which limits the forward rotation and the backward rotation of the handle (10) referred to above.

4. Actuating apparatus for a rotary switch with automatic resetting according to Claim 3, characterized in that the limiting device referred to above comprises a projection (14), which is provided on the handle (10) referred to above, and a limitation cutout (24), which is provided in the mounting shaft (20) referred to above.

5. Actuating apparatus for a rotary switch with automatic resetting according to Claim 1, characterized in that a positioning cover (60) is comprised, wherein the positioning cover (60) referred to above engages around the mounting shaft (20) referred to above, and wherein the positioning cover (60) referred to above is arranged on an axial end of the handle (10) referred to above and is connected to the handle (10) referred to above by way of clamping.

6. Actuating apparatus for a rotary switch with automatic resetting according to Claim 5, characterized in that the positioning cover (60) referred to above is in axial clamping connection with the mounting shaft (20) referred to above.

7. Actuating apparatus for a rotary switch with automatic resetting according to Claim 6, characterized in that a rotatable cover (70) is comprised, wherein the rotatable cover (70) referred to above and the positioning cover (60) referred to above are arranged on respective ends of the handle (10) referred to above, and wherein the rotatable cover (70) referred to above axially covers the end of the mounting shaft (20) referred to above and extends as far as the end face of the other end of the handle (10) referred to above.

8. Actuating apparatus for a rotary switch with automatic resetting according to Claim 7, characterized in that, centrally in the circuit board (40) referred to above, provision is made for a setting pin (44) which extends axially towards the rotatable cover (70) referred to above, wherein the setting pin (44) referred to above is connected by way of plugging to the rotatable cover (70) referred to above, wherein the rotatable cover (70) referred to above is in clamping connection with the setting pin (44) referred to above in the circumferential direction, and wherein the setting pin (44) referred to above is rotatable in relation to the circuit board (40) referred to above.

9. Actuating apparatus for a rotary switch with automatic resetting according to Claim 8, characterized in that a fastening cover (80) is comprised, wherein the circuit board (40) referred to above is arranged within the mounting shaft (20) referred to above, wherein the fastening cover (80) referred to above is received within the rotatable cover (70) referred to above and is arranged outside the mounting shaft (20) referred to above, wherein the setting pin (44) referred to above extends axially out of the mounting shaft (20) referred to above, wherein the fastening cover (80) referred to above is in threaded engagement with the setting pin (44) referred to above, and wherein the fastening cover (80) referred to above is transparent.