ELECTRIC ROTARY SWITCH AND SWITCHING LAYER, ENERGY STORAGE ARRANGEMENT, ASSEMBLY METHOD FOR IT

Description

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to any reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTIONFIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present application relates to the field of switches, and in particular to a rotary electric switch for a photovoltaic system, a switch layer of the rotary electric switch, an energy storage assembly of the rotary electric switch, and an assembly method of the rotary electric switch.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ARTS

[0003] With the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, the safety problem of a photovoltaic system has gradually been concerned by the general public, and has become a hot issue in the industry in recent years. A photovoltaic direct current switch is used in the photovoltaic system to control an electric connection between a photovoltaic cell panel and an inverter. Therefore, the reliability of the photovoltaic direct current switch is not only related to the good operation of the whole photovoltaic system, but also related to the stable development of the photovoltaic industry. The photovoltaic direct current switch faces a core challenge: the unit breaking capacity is required to be increasing but the size of an outer casing for accommodating the photovoltaic direct current switch is required to be decreasing. That is, the required unit breaking capacity is a technical contradiction to the compactness of the photovoltaic direct current switch.

[0004] A commonly used photovoltaic direct current switch is a rotary electric switch, which generally includes one or more modularly encapsulated contact modules and a control module for operatively controlling the one or more contact modules. The contact module generally includes a movable contact conductive assembly and a pair of stationary contact conductive elements, wherein the control module is configured to rotate the movable contact conductive assembly so as to be switched on or off with the pair of stationary contact conductive elements, thereby realizing electric breaking between the photovoltaic cell panel and the inverter.

[0005] In a direct current return, with the increasing of voltage or current in the loop, the electric breaking will cause more arcs to be generated, and when the generated arcs exceed certain limits, the photovoltaic direct current switch will be burnt out or fail to work normally. In the field of photovoltaic switches, a performance index, i.e., breaking capacity is used to measure the safe breaking capacity of the photovoltaic direct current switch under predetermined voltage and current.

[0006] There are some technical means for improving the breaking capacity of the photovoltaic direct current switch, e.g., means of increasing the rotation speed of a movable contact conductive assembly, adding a magnet to guide arcs, adding an arc extinguishing grid, or increasing the diameter of a moving contact conductive element of the movable contact conductive assembly. However, the above-mentioned technical means may increase the cost of the photovoltaic direct current switch or increase the size of the photovoltaic direct current switch.

[0007] Therefore, a novel photovoltaic direct current switch capable of achieving compatibility between increased breaking capacity and miniaturization without greatly increasing the cost is desired.

[0008] EP2718947A1 disclosed a roll (12) for rotating a movable contact (14)of a rotary switch comprising a first slot (34) going along the diameter of the roll (12) and open from the top of the roll for receiving the movable contact (14)for contacting with a stationary contact (11) of the rotary switch (1), and a second slot (36) arranged perpendicularly to the first slot (34) for receiving teeth (37, 38) of an upper roll to be mounted together with the roll.SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0009] The invention is advantageous in that it provides a rotary electric Switch and switch Layer, energy storage assembly, assembly method thereof, wherein the rotary electric switch may be applied to a photovoltaic system for controlling electric on-off between a photovoltaic cell panel and an inverter. It is compatible to increase the unit breaking capacity and to miniaturize the rotary electric switch without greatly increasing the cost or even without increasing the cost.

[0010] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a rotary electric Switch and switch Layer, energy storage assembly, assembly method thereof, wherein the safety space between two adjacent switch layers in the rotary electric switch is utilized to ingeniously design a way in which a stationary contact conductive element extends in each switch layer, whereby a moving contact conductive element and the stationary contact conductive element at least partially overlap along an axial direction of the rotary electric switch in a three-dimensional space. In this way, the size of a housing may be not increased while the diameter of the moving contact conductive element is increased. That is, the diameter of the moving contact conductive element is increased in a limited housing space. It should be understood that the unit breaking capacity may be increased by increasing the diameter of the moving contact conductive element. Therefore, it is compatible to increase the unit breaking capacity and to miniaturize the rotary electric switch without greatly increasing the cost or even without increasing the cost.

[0011] Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appended claims.

[0012] According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by a rotary electric switch according to claim 1, wherein the rotary electric switch comprises: a multi-layered switch layer structure, comprising at least two switch layers overlapping each other; and an actuation control assembly operatively coupled to the multi-layered switch layer structure, wherein the actuation control assembly is configured to control the multi-layered switch layer structure to switch between an ON state and an OFF state; wherein the at least two switch layers comprise an upper first switch layer and a lower second switch layer; the first switch layer comprises a first encapsulation housing, a first movable contact conductive assembly comprising a first moving contact conductive element, and a pair of first stationary contact conductive elements, wherein the first encapsulation housing forms a first central mounting seat, the first movable contact conductive assembly and the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements are mounted on the first central mounting seat, and the first movable contact conductive assembly is adapted to be driven by the actuation control assembly so as to drive the first moving contact conductive element to be optionally engaged with or disengaged from the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements; the second switch layer comprises a second encapsulation housing, a second movable contact conductive assembly comprising a second moving contact conductive element, and a pair of second stationary contact conductive elements, wherein the second encapsulation housing forms a second central mounting seat, the second movable contact conductive assembly and the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements are mounted on the second central mounting seat, the second movable contact conductive assembly is operatively coupled to the first movable contact conductive assembly, and the second movable contact conductive assembly is adapted to be driven by the first movable contact conductive assembly so as to drive the second moving contact conductive element to be optionally engaged with or disengaged from the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements; the first encapsulation housing also has an insulating encapsulation sleeve extending downwardly from the first central mounting seat, and the insulating encapsulation sleeve encapsulates the second central mounting seat of the second encapsulation housing therein.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements are encapsulated in the insulating encapsulation sleeve.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements are insulated by the insulating encapsulation sleeve relative to an external space of the second encapsulation housing.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second central mounting seat has a second mounting cavity formed in a middle region thereof and a third mounting channel and a fourth mounting channel formed in edge regions thereof, the second movable contact conductive assembly is fittingly embedded in the second mounting cavity, and the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements are mounted in the third mounting channel and the fourth mounting channel, respectively.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one second stationary contact conductive element in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements is fittingly inserted into the third mounting channel or the fourth mounting channel from a side portion of the second central mounting seat.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second movable contact conductive assembly and the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements are mounted on the second central mounting seat in a way such that at least one second stationary contact conductive element in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements at least partially overlaps a motion plane of the second moving contact conductive element in an axial direction defined by the multi-layered switch layer structure.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an outer edge of at least one second stationary contact conductive element in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements is not protruded beyond an outer periphery of the second central mounting seat.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an outer edge of at least one second stationary contact conductive element in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements is not extended beyond the third mounting channel or the fourth mounting channel.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a width size of at least one second stationary contact conductive element in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements is smaller than or equal to a depth size of the third mounting channel or the fourth mounting channel.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the second stationary contact conductive elements has a second stationary contact conductive end, a second electric connection end opposite to the second stationary contact conductive end, and a second stationary contact extending portion extending between the second stationary contact conductive end and the second electric connection end, the second stationary contact conductive end is coplanar with the motion plane of the second moving contact conductive element, the second stationary contact extending portion of at least one second stationary contact conductive element in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements extends from the second stationary contact conductive end downwardly, inwardly and then horizontally, and a part extending inwardly and / or a part extending horizontally in the second stationary contact extending portion at least partially overlaps the motion plane of the second moving contact conductive element in the axial direction defined by the multi-layered switch layer structure.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second stationary contact conductive end of the second stationary contact conductive element and the part extending horizontally in the second stationary contact extending portion of the second stationary contact conductive element are extended at different heights of an internal space defined by the second encapsulation housing.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the second central mounting seat is clamped between the second stationary contact conductive end of the second stationary contact conductive element and the part extending horizontally in the second stationary contact extending portion of the second stationary contact conductive element, and the part extending horizontally in the second stationary contact extending portion of the second stationary contact conductive element is insulated relative to the motion plane of the second moving contact conductive element.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first central mounting seat has a first mounting cavity formed in a middle region thereof and a first mounting channel and a second mounting channel formed in edge regions thereof, the first movable contact conductive assembly is adapted to be fittingly embedded in the first mounting cavity, and the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements are mounted in the first mounting channel and the second mounting channel, respectively.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein at least one first stationary contact conductive element in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements is fittingly inserted into the first mounting channel or the second mounting channel from a side portion of the first central mounting seat.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first movable contact conductive assembly and the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements are mounted on the first central mounting seat in a way such that at least one first stationary contact conductive element in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements at least partially overlaps a motion plane of the first moving contact conductive element in the axial direction defined by the multi-layered switch layer structure.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein an outer edge of at least one first stationary contact conductive element in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements does not protrude beyond an outer periphery of the first central mounting seat.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein an outer edge of at least one first stationary contact conductive element in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements is not extended beyond the first mounting channel or the second mounting channel.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a width size of at least one first stationary contact conductive element in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements is smaller than or equal to a depth size of the first mounting channel or the second mounting channel.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein each of the first stationary contact conductive elements has a first stationary contact conductive end, a first electric connection end opposite to the first stationary contact conductive end, and a first stationary contact extending portion extending between the first stationary contact conductive end and the first electric connection end, the first stationary contact conductive end is coplanar with the motion plane of the first moving contact conductive element, the first stationary contact extending portion of at least one first stationary contact conductive element in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements extends from the first stationary contact conductive end downwardly, inwardly and then horizontally, and a part extending inwardly and / or a part extending horizontally in the first stationary contact extending portion at least partially overlaps the motion plane of the first moving contact conductive element in the axial direction defined by the multi-layered switch layer structure.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first stationary contact conductive end of the first stationary contact conductive element and the part extending horizontally in the first stationary contact extending portion of the first stationary contact conductive element are extended at different heights of an internal space defined by the first encapsulation housing.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein at least a part of the first central mounting seat is clamped between the first stationary contact conductive end of the first stationary contact conductive element and the part extending horizontally in the first stationary contact extending portion of the first stationary contact conductive element, and the part extending horizontally in the first stationary contact extending portion of the first stationary contact conductive element is insulated relative to the motion plane of the first moving contact conductive element.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements of the first switch layer are insulated from the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements of the second switch layer via the first central mounting seat.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a part of the first stationary contact conductive element extending beyond the first encapsulation housing forms the first electric connection end.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a part of the second stationary contact conductive element extending beyond the second encapsulation housing forms the second electric connection end.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the actuation control assembly comprises an actuation housing, and an energy storage assembly and a rotation assembly mounted in the actuation housing, the at least one switch layer is operatively coupled to a lower end of the energy storage assembly, and the rotation assembly is disposed at an upper end of the energy storage assembly and is configured to rotate the energy storage assembly to drive the multi-layered switch layer structure, so as to switch the multi-layered switch layer structure between the ON state and the OFF state.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, the disclosure also provides an assembly method for a multi-layered switch layer structure according to claim 12, which comprises the steps of: providing a second encapsulation housing having a second central mounting seat, the second central mounting seat having a second mounting cavity; fittingly mounting a second movable contact conductive assembly in the second mounting cavity, wherein the second movable contact conductive assembly comprises a second insulating rotary table, a second dial element, and a second moving contact conductive element insulatively clamped between the second insulating rotary table and the second dial element; mounting a pair of second stationary contact conductive elements into a third mounting channel and a fourth mounting channel of the second central mounting seat from a side portion of the second central mounting seat respectively to form a second switch layer, the third mounting channel and the fourth mounting channel being concavely formed at a side portion of an edge region of the second central mounting seat; providing a first encapsulation housing having a first central mounting seat and an insulating encapsulation sleeve extending downwardly from the first central mounting seat, wherein the first central mounting seat has a first mounting cavity; fittingly mounting a first movable contact conductive assembly in the first mounting cavity, wherein the first movable contact conductive assembly comprises a first insulating rotary table, a first dial element, and a first moving contact conductive element insulatively clamped between the first insulating rotary table and the first dial element; mounting a pair of first stationary contact conductive elements into a first mounting channel and a second mounting channel of the first central mounting seat from a side portion of the first central mounting seat respectively to form a first switch layer, the first mounting channel and the second mounting channel being concavely formed at a side portion of an edge region of the first central mounting seat; and assembling the first switch layer to the second switch layer by clamping between the insulating encapsulation sleeve of the first encapsulation housing and the second encapsulation housing.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, the disclosure also provides an assembly method for a rotary electric switch, which comprises the steps of: providing a multi-layered switch layer structure which is assembled using the assembly method for the multi-layered switch layer structure according to the above-mentioned assembly method for a multi-layered switch layer structure; and mounting an actuation control assembly above the multi-layered switch layer structure, wherein the actuation control assembly comprises an actuation housing, an energy storage assembly and a rotation assembly, the energy storage assembly and the rotation assembly are received in the actuation housing, at least two switch layers are rotatably coupled to a lower end of the energy storage assembly, and the rotation assembly is disposed at an upper end of the energy storage assembly and is configured to rotate the energy storage assembly to drive the at least two switch layers, so as to realize state switching of the at least two switch layers

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, the disclosure also provides a switch layer, which comprises: an encapsulation housing forming a central mounting seat, wherein the central mounting seat has a mounting cavity formed in a middle region thereof and a pair of mounting channels formed in edge regions thereof; a movable contact conductive assembly mounted in the mounting cavity, wherein the movable contact conductive assembly comprises a moving contact conductive element that is movable; and a pair of stationary contact conductive elements embedded in the pair of mounting channels respectively; wherein the moving contact conductive element of the movable contact conductive assembly is adapted to be actuated to be optionally engaged with or disengaged from the pair of stationary contact conductive elements; wherein the movable contact conductive assembly and the pair of stationary contact conductive elements are mounted on the central mounting seat in a way such that at least one stationary contact conductive element in the pair of stationary contact conductive elements at least partially overlaps a motion plane of the moving contact conductive element in an axial direction defined by the switch layer.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one mounting channel in the pair of mounting channels at least partially overlaps the mounting cavity in the axial direction defined by the switch layer.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of mounting channels at least partially overlap the mounting cavity in the axial direction defined by the switch layer.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the stationary contact conductive elements has a stationary contact conductive end, an electric connection end opposite to the stationary contact conductive end, and a stationary contact extending portion extending between the stationary contact conductive end and the electric connection end, the stationary contact conductive end is coplanar with the motion plane of the moving contact conductive element, the stationary contact extending portion of at least one stationary contact conductive element in the pair of stationary contact conductive elements extends from the stationary contact conductive end downwardly, inwardly and then horizontally, and a part extending inwardly and / or a part extending horizontally in the stationary contact extending portion at least partially overlaps the motion plane of the moving contact conductive element in the axial direction defined by the switch layer.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a part extending inwardly and / or a part extending horizontally in the stationary contact extending portion of each of the stationary contact conductive elements at least partially overlaps the motion plane of the moving contact conductive element in the axial direction defined by the switch layer.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one stationary contact conductive element in the pair of stationary contact conductive elements is not extended beyond the mounting channel.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an outer edge of at least one stationary contact conductive element in the pair of stationary contact conductive elements does not protrude beyond an outer edge of the central mounting seat.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a width size of at least one stationary contact conductive element in the pair of stationary contact conductive elements is smaller than or equal to a depth size of the mounting channel.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width size of each of the stationary contact conductive elements is smaller than or equal to the depth size of the mounting channel.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stationary contact conductive end of each of the stationary contact conductive elements and the part extending horizontally in the stationary contact extending portion of the stationary contact conductive element extend over different height spaces in the encapsulation housing.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the central mounting seat is clamped between the stationary contact conductive end of the stationary contact conductive element and the part extending horizontally in the stationary contact extending portion of the stationary contact conductive element, whereby the part extending horizontally in the stationary contact extending portion of the stationary contact conductive element is insulated relative to the stationary contact conductive end of the stationary contact conductive element.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the part extending horizontally in the stationary contact extending portion of the stationary contact conductive element is insulated relative to the motion plane of the moving contact conductive element.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a part of the stationary contact conductive element extending beyond the encapsulation housing forms the electric connection end.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the movable contact conductive assembly comprises an insulating rotary table, a dial element, and the moving contact conductive element insulatively clamped between the insulating rotary table and the dial element, wherein the dial element is adapted to be rotated so as to drive the insulating rotary table and the moving contact conductive element to rotate relative to the pair of stationary contact conductive elements.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moving contact conductive element is embedded in the insulating rotary table along a central axis of the insulating rotary table, and the moving contact conductive element has a pair of moving contact conductive ends forming opposite ends thereof.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present invention, the disclosure also provides an energy storage assembly, which comprises: a rotary seat, comprising a rotary seat body having a receiving channel and a connector extending downwardly from the rotary seat body, the connector of the rotary seat being adapted to be operatively coupled to at least one switch layer, wherein the rotary seat body further comprises a base plate, a support wall extending upwardly from the base plate, and at least one release arm comprising a reinforcement portion extending upwardly from the base plate and a cantilever portion extending along a circumferential direction defined by the base plate; an energy storage element mounted in the receiving channel and retained by the support wall; and a driving rotary plate mounted on the rotary seat, comprising a rotary plate body, an actuation member extending downwardly from the rotary plate body and a release member extending downwardly from the rotary plate body, the actuation member corresponding to the support wall, and the release member corresponding to the at least one release arm, wherein the driving rotary plate is adapted to be driven so as to control the energy storage assembly to operate switchably between an energy storage state and an energy release state, when the energy storage assembly is in the energy storage state, the driving rotary plate is driven to rotate relative to the rotary seat so as to drive the energy storage element to store energy via the actuation member of the driving rotary plate, and when the energy storage assembly is in the energy release state, the energy storage element having stored energy drives the rotary seat to rotate so as to actuate the at least one switch layer; each of the release arms has a fixed end fixed to the base plate and a free end opposite to the fixed end, and comprises a locking head formed at the free end thereof, which is adapted to incorporate with a limiting arm formed at an actuation housing so as to control the energy storage assembly to optionally switch between the energy storage state and the energy release state.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the energy storage assembly is in the energy storage state, the locking head of the at least one release arm is in a locking state with the limiting arm, and the release member of the driving rotary plate rotates along the at least one release arm and acts downwardly on the at least one release arm under the action of the rotation assembly; and when the energy storage assembly is in the energy release state, the locking head of the at least one release arm is released from the limiting arm under the action of the release member of the driving rotary plate, and the energy storage element having stored energy drives the rotary seat to rotate.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a top surface of the at least one release arm is an arc-shaped surface.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arc-shaped surface is an involute surface.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a width size of the reinforcement portion is greater than a width size of the cantilever portion.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one release arm comprises a first release arm extending upwardly from the base plate and then circumferentially along the base plate and a second release arm extending upwardly from the base plate and then circumferentially along the base plate, and a direction in which the first release arm extends circumferentially along the base plate is opposite to a direction in which the second release arm extends circumferentially along the base plate.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first release arm and the second release arm are symmetrically arranged relative to a central axis defined by the base plate.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement portion of the first release arm and the reinforcement portion of the second release arm at least partially overlap.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cantilever portion of the first release arm and the cantilever portion of the second release arm share the same reinforcement portion

[0063] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

[0064] These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hot melt glue device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a exploded perspective view of the hot melt glue device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded stereogram of a rotary electric switch according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 2 illustrates a stereogram of the rotary electric switch according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 3A illustrates an exploded stereogram of a switch layer of the rotary electric switch according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 3B illustrates a stereogram of the switch layer of the rotary electric switch according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 4A illustrates an exploded stereogram of an energy storage assembly of the rotary electric switch according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 4B illustrates a stereogram of the energy storage assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 4C illustrates another stereogram of the energy storage assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 4D illustrates a stereogram of the energy storage assembly and a housing according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 4E illustrates a stereogram of a base of the energy storage assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 4F illustrates a stereogram of a modified implementation of the base of the energy storage assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the switch layer according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of a relative positional relationship between a moving contact conductive element and a stationary contact conductive element of the switch layer according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 7A illustrates a stereogram of the relative positional relationship between the moving contact conductive element and the stationary contact conductive element of the switch layer according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 7B illustrates a plan of the relative positional relationship between the moving contact conductive element and the stationary contact conductive element of the switch layer according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 7C illustrates a plan of a relative positional relationship between a moving contact conductive element and a stationary contact conductive element of a switch layer of a conventional rotary electric switch. Fig. 8A illustrates a stereogram of a relative positional relationship between a moving contact conductive element and a stationary contact conductive element of a switch layer according to a modified implementation of an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 8B illustrates a plan of the relative positional relationship between the moving contact conductive element and the stationary contact conductive element of the switch layer according to a modified implementation of an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 8C illustrates a plan of a relative positional relationship between a moving contact conductive element and a stationary contact conductive element of a switch layer of a conventional rotary electric switch. Figs. 9A to 9D illustrate assembly diagrams of the rotary electric switch according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 10 illustrates a stereogram of the rotary electric switch according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 11 illustrates a stereogram of the rotary electric switch according to another embodiment of the present application. Fig. 12A illustrates a schematic diagram of a switch layer of the rotary electric switch according to another embodiment of the present application. Fig. 12B illustrates a schematic diagram of a multi-layered switch layer structure of the rotary electric switch according to another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0066] The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as embodiments and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Summary of the Application

[0067] As described above, with the increasing of voltage or current in a circuit loop, electric breaking will cause more arcs to be generated. That is, with the increasing of voltage or current in the circuit loop, the state switching of each switch layer of a rotary electric switch will generate more arcs, and when the generated arcs exceed certain limits, each switch layer will be burnt out or fail to work normally.

[0068] The inventors of the present application have found by studying conventional rotary electric switches that: there is a significant technical blind zone or technical prejudice in conventional rotary electric switches.

[0069] Specifically, in a conventional rotary electric switch as disclosed in Patent Publication No. CN 105742107A, it is considered subconsciously by those ordinarily skilled in the art that sufficient space must be provided between stationary contact conductive elements of an upper switch layer and a lower switch layer to meet the requirements of high-voltage insulation. Therefore, in the conventional rotary electric switch, there is usually a relatively large "safety space" between the upper and lower switch layers. In practice, however, this "safety space" is functionally unnecessary. Since the upper and lower switch layers have an encapsulation housing respectively, the stationary contact conductive elements of the upper and lower switch layers are insulated from each other in the presence of the encapsulation housing when the upper and lower switch layers are assembled together.

[0070] Based on the general consensus that the upper and lower switch layers need to ensure high-voltage insulation, in the conventional rotary electric switch, a movable contact conductive assembly and stationary contact conductive elements are usually arranged on the same plane. For example, in the rotary electric switch disclosed in Patent Publication No. CN 105742107A, a housing of each switch layer of the rotary electric switch has a central seat and a peripheral seat extending outwardly from the central seat. Thus, after the movable contact conductive assembly is mounted on the central seat and the stationary contact conductive element is mounted on the peripheral seat, the movable contact conductive assembly and the stationary contact conductive element are disposed in one plane (or the stationary contact conductive element is located outside the movable contact conductive assembly).

[0071] Those ordinarily skilled in the art would have been aware that increasing the diameter of a moving contact conductive element of the movable contact conductive assembly is an important technical means for improving the breaking capacity of the rotary electric switch. However, the technical solution of increasing the diameter of the moving contact conductive element of the movable contact conductive assembly in the presence of the above-mentioned technical blind zone (or technical prejudice) may hardly be implemented in the practical industry. Once the diameter of the moving contact conductive element is increased, since each component in the switch layer is disposed in one plane, the size of the whole switch layer will be inevitably increased, which does not comply with the development trend of miniaturization of the switch layer.

[0072] Upon finding the above-mentioned technical blind zone and technical prejudice, the inventors of the present application utilizes the safety space between stationary contact conductive elements of two adjacent switch layers to ingeniously design a way in which the stationary contact conductive element extends in each switch layer, whereby a moving contact conductive element and the stationary contact conductive element at least partially overlap along an axial direction of the rotary electric switch in a three-dimensional space. In this way, the size of a housing may be not increased while the diameter of the moving contact conductive element is increased. That is, the diameter of the moving contact conductive element is increased in a limited housing space. Accordingly, the unit breaking capacity may be increased by increasing the diameter of the moving contact conductive element. Therefore, it is compatible to increase the unit breaking capacity and to miniaturize the rotary electric switch without greatly increasing the cost or even without increasing the cost.

[0073] Upon description of the basic principles of the present application, various nonlimiting embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.Exemplary rotary electric switch

[0074] As shown in Figs. 1 to 10, the rotary electric switch according to an embodiment of the present application is illustrated as being adapted to be applied to a photovoltaic system for controlling electric breaking between a photovoltaic cell panel and an inverter. It should be understood that although the rotary electric switch is illustrated as being applied to the photovoltaic system, in other embodiments of the present application, the rotary electric switch may also be applied to other occasions, such as a wind power system. This is not limited by the present application.

[0075] As shown in Figs. 1 to 10, the rotary electric switch according to an embodiment of the present application includes at least one switch layer and an actuation control assembly 10 for controlling and actuating the at least one switch layer to switch in different states. In order to improve the performance of the rotary electric switch, in some embodiments of the present application, the rotary electric switch usually includes a plurality of switch layers overlapping each other. That is, the at least one switch layer includes at least two switch layers overlapping each other to form a multi-layered switch layer structure 20. In some embodiments of the present application, the rotary electric switch further includes a bottom mounting structure for carrying the at least two switch layers and the actuation control assembly 10 thereon for mounting the rotary electric switch at a corresponding position, such as a mounting rail of a power distribution cabinet, via the bottom mounting structure.

[0076] The actuation control assembly 10 is mounted on the top of the at least two switch layers and is configured to control the switching of electric states of the at least two switch layers, i.e. to control the on or off of the at least two switch layers. As shown in Fig. 1, in some embodiments of the present application, the actuation control assembly 10 includes an actuation housing 11, an energy storage assembly 12 and a rotation assembly 13. The energy storage assembly 12 and the rotation assembly 13 are received in the actuation housing 11. The at least two switch layers are rotatably coupled to a lower end of the energy storage assembly 12. The rotation assembly 13 is disposed at an upper end of the energy storage assembly 12 and is configured to rotate the energy storage assembly 12 to drive the at least two switch layers, so as to realize state switching of the at least two switch layers. Meanwhile, in the embodiments of the present application, the various switch layers are operatively assembled together. That is, when the topmost switch layer is rotated by the energy storage assembly 12, the bottommost switch layer is driven.

[0077] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, in the embodiments of the present application, the rotation assembly 13 includes a rotation shaft 131 that penetrates into the actuation housing 11 and is fixedly inserted into the energy storage assembly 12, and a knob 132 for driving the rotation shaft 131. In one specific example of the present application, the knob 132 is mounted to an upper end portion of the rotation shaft 131. In some embodiments of the present application, the rotation assembly 13 further includes a nut 133 fixed to the actuation housing 11. The rotation shaft 131 passes through the nut 133 and extends into the actuation housing 11. It should be understood that the rotation shaft 131 is rotatable relative to the nut 133. In order to improve sealing, in one specific example of the present application, the rotation assembly 13 further includes a sealing gasket 134 disposed between the actuation housing 11 and the nut 133.

[0078] As shown in Figs. 4A to 4E, in the embodiments of the present application, the energy storage assembly 12 includes a driving rotary plate 121, a rotary seat 123 and an energy storage element 122. A lower end of the rotary seat 123 is rotatably coupled to the topmost switch layer. The energy storage element 122 is disposed in the rotary seat 123. The driving rotary plate 121 is mounted on the rotary seat 123. Accordingly, in the embodiments of the present application, the rotation shaft 131 is fixed to an upper end of the driving rotary plate 121. That is, when the rotation shaft 131 rotates under the action of the knob 132, the driving rotary plate 121 may be driven to rotate relative to the rotary seat 123. That is, in the embodiments of the present application, the driving rotary plate 121 is fixed to a lower end portion of the rotation shaft 131, and the knob 132 is fixed to the upper end portion of the rotation shaft 131. Thus, the knob 132 may control a motion state of the driving rotary plate 121 through the conduction of the rotation shaft 131.

[0079] As shown in Figs. 4A to 4E, in the embodiments of the present application, the driving rotary plate 121 includes a rotary plate body 1211 having an insertion head 12111, and an actuation member 1212 and a release member 1213 extending downwardly from the rotary plate body 1211. In one specific example of the present application, the actuation member 1212 and the release member 1213 extend downwardly from an outer periphery of the rotary plate body 1211, and the actuation member 1212 and the release member 1213 define an included angle ranging from 170° to 175° relative to the center of the rotary plate body 1211. That is, in the embodiments of the present application, the actuation member 1212 and the release member 1213 are arranged asymmetrically relative to the center of the rotary plate body 1211. It is worth mentioning that in the embodiments of the present application, the included angle defined by the actuation member 1212 and the release member 1213 relative to the center of the rotary plate body 1211 affects the operational control of the rotary electric switch. More specifically, when the included angle defined by the actuation member 1212 and the release member 1213 relative to the center of the rotary plate body 1211 ranges from 170° to 175°, the states of the at least two switch layers may be switched by rotating the knob 132 by approximately 80° to 85° in a predetermined direction. This section will be described later.

[0080] It should be understood that in other embodiments of the present application, the actuation member 1212 and the release member 1213 may also be symmetrically arranged relative to the center of the rotary plate body 1211. This is not limited by the present application.

[0081] As shown in Figs. 4A to 4E, the rotary seat 123 includes a rotary seat body 1231 having a receiving channel 12310, and a connector 1232 extending downwardly from the rotary seat body 1231. The connector 1232 is adapted to be coupled to the topmost switch layer so as to realize linkage between the rotary seat 123 and the topmost switch layer. The energy storage element 122 is disposed in the receiving channel 12310. More specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, the rotary seat body 1231 includes a base plate 12311 having a central seat 123110 and a support wall 12312 extending upwardly from the base plate 12311. The support wall 12312 is configured to fix the energy storage element 122. As shown in Figs. 4A to 4E, in the embodiments of the present application, the rotary seat body 1231 further includes at least one release arm 12313 extending upwardly from the base plate 12311 and then along a circumferential direction defined by the base plate 12311. Accordingly, each of the release arms has a fixed end fixed to the base plate 12311 and a free end opposite to the fixed end. Moreover, it should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, each of the release arms includes a locking head 12316 formed at the free end thereof. The locking head 12316 is adapted to fit a limiting arm 111 formed at the actuation housing 11 (for example, in one specific example of the present application, the limiting arm 111 is formed at a bottom surface of the actuation housing 11) so as to control the state switching of the energy storage assembly 12.

[0082] As shown in Figs. 4A to 4E, in the embodiments of the present application, the energy storage element 122 is received in the receiving channel 12310 and the energy storage element 122 is held to the support wall 12312 of the rotary seat 123. In one specific example of the present application, the energy storage element 122 is composed of a spring wire. Opposite first and second ends of the energy storage element 122 are held to opposite sides of the support wall 12312, respectively, when the energy storage element 122 is mounted in the receiving channel 12310. It is worth mentioning that the energy storage element 122 is wound with a spring wire. When the energy storage element 122 is received in the receiving channel 12310 and the opposite first and second ends of the energy storage element 122 are held to the opposite sides of the support wall 12312, respectively, the energy storage element 122 is partially stretched so that the energy storage element 122 may be stably fixed to the support wall 12312.

[0083] Further, in the embodiments of the present application, the insertion head 12111 of the driving rotary plate 121 is adapted to be inserted into the central seat 123110 of the rotary seat 123 when the driving rotary plate 121 covers the rotary seat 123, the actuation member 1212 of the driving rotary plate 121 corresponds to the support wall 12312, and the release member 1213 of the driving rotary plate 121 corresponds to the at least one release arm 12313. More specifically, when the driving rotary plate 121 covers the rotary seat 123, the actuation member 1212 of the driving rotary plate 121 is located between the first and second ends of the energy storage element 122. Thus, when the driving rotary plate 121 is rotated, the actuation member 1212 of the driving rotary plate 121 is adapted to drive the first end or the second end of the energy storage element 122 to rotate and the other end of the energy storage element 122 remains stationary to realize energy storage of the energy storage element 122. It should be understood that when the driving rotary plate 121 is rotated, the release member 1213 of the driving rotary plate 121 may rotate along the at least one release arm 12313 until the locking head 12316 of the at least one release arm 12313 is released from the limiting arm 111 under the action of the release member 1213 to realize energy release of the energy storage element 122. Accordingly, when the energy storage element 122 is in an energy release state, the energy storage element 122 having stored energy may drive the rotary seat 123 to rotate so as to drive the state switching of the at least two switch layers.

[0084] From the perspective of the energy storage assembly 12, the rotation assembly 13 is used to drive the energy storage assembly 12 to switch between an energy storage state and an energy release state. When the energy storage assembly 12 is in the energy storage state, the locking head 12316 of the at least one release arm 12313 is in a locking state with the limiting arm 111, and the release member 1213 of the driving rotary plate 121 rotates along the at least one release arm 12313 and acts downwardly on the at least one release arm 12313 under the action of the rotation assembly 13. When the energy storage assembly 12 is in the energy release state, the locking head 12316 of the at least one release arm 12313 is released from the limiting arm 111 under the action of the release member 1213 of the driving rotary plate 121. The energy storage element 122 having stored energy drives the rotary seat 123 to rotate, so as to drive the state switching of the at least two switch layers.

[0085] As shown in Figs. 4A to 4E, in the embodiments of the present application, a top surface of the at least one release arm 12313 is an arc-shaped surface. More specifically, the top surface of the at least one release arm 12313 is an involute arc-shaped surface. It should be understood that when the release member 1213 of the driving rotary plate 121 rotates along the top surface of the at least one release arm 12313 under the action of the rotation assembly 13, due to the profile characteristics of the top surface of the at least one release arm 12313, the downward force exerted by the release member 1213 on the at least one release arm 12313 is gradually increased as the rotation angle is increased until the force generated thereby releases the locking head 12316 of the at least one release arm 12313 from the limiting arm 111. That is, the energy storage assembly 12 completes the energy storage state and enters the energy release state.

[0086] Accordingly, in one specific example of the present application, the included angle of the actuation member 1212 and the release member 1213 of the driving rotary plate 121 defined relative to the center thereof ranges from 170° to 175°. Thus, when the knob 132 is rotated by 80° to 85° in a predetermined direction (e.g. clockwise or counterclockwise), the force applied by the release member 1213 of the driving rotary plate 121 on the at least one release arm 12313 releases the at least one release arm 12313 from the limiting arm 111 so as to realize the state switching of the energy storage assembly 12. It should be understood that a trigger angle of 80° to 85° is in accordance with the user's operating habits for the switch and this trigger angle may avoid misoperation to some extent.

[0087] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiments of the present application, the force exerted by the release member 1213 of the driving rotary plate 121 on the at least one release arm 12313 depends not only on the profile characteristics of the top surface of the at least one release arm 12313, but also on a length between the locking head 12316 of the at least one release arm 12313 and the fixed end of the at least one release arm 12313. It should be noted that in some embodiments of the present application, the locking head 12316 of the at least one release arm 12313 is located at the free end of the at least one release arm 12313. Therefore, the length size between the locking head 12316 of the at least one release arm 12313 and the fixed end of the at least one release arm 12313 is the length size between the free end of the at least one release arm 12313 and the fixed end thereof.

[0088] In particular, in the embodiments of the present application, the at least one release arm 12313 extends upwardly from the base plate 12311 and then extends along the circumferential direction defined by the base plate 12311. In this way, the length size (i.e. the length of a moment arm) between the free end of the at least one release arm 12313 and the fixed end thereof may be increased without increasing the diameter of the at least one release arm 12313, thereby meeting the control requirements of the energy storage assembly 12 without increasing a radial size of the rotary seat 123. In other words, in the embodiments of the present application, the energy storage assembly 12 is traded for the reduction of the radial size thereof by a sacrifice in the height size thereof.

[0089] For ease of explanation and understanding, in the embodiments of the present application, a part extending upwardly in the at least one release arm 12313 is defined as a reinforcement portion 123130 and a part extending circumferentially along the base plate 12311 in the at least one release arm 12313 is positioned as a cantilever portion 123131. It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the height size of the reinforcement 123130 (i.e. the height of the part extending upwardly in the at least one release arm 12313) depends on the control requirements of the energy storage assembly 12. Preferably, in the embodiments of the present application, a width size of the reinforcement portion 123130 of the at least one release arm 12313 is greater than a width size of the cantilever portion 123131 of the at least one release arm 12313. In this way, the reinforcement portion 123130 may increase a strengthening effect on the at least one release arm 12313 with the same height size.

[0090] In order to facilitate operation and use of the rotary electric switch, as shown in Figs. 4A to 4E, in some embodiments of the present application, the at least one release arm 12313 includes a first release arm 12314 extending upwardly from the base plate 12311 and then circumferentially along the base plate 12311 and a second release arm 12315 extending upwardly from the base plate 12311 and then circumferentially along the base plate 12311. A direction in which the first release arm 12314 extends circumferentially along the base plate 12311 is opposite to a direction in which the second release arm 12315 extends circumferentially along the base plate 12311. For example, the first release arm 12314 extends circumferentially along the base plate 12311 in a counterclockwise direction and the second release arm 12315 extends circumferentially along the base plate 12311 in a clockwise direction. For another example, the first release arm 12314 extends circumferentially along the base plate 12311 in a clockwise direction and the second release arm 12315 extends circumferentially along the base plate 12311 in a counterclockwise direction. In this way, the state of the energy storage assembly 12 may be switched regardless of whether the knob 132 of the rotation assembly 13 is rotated in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, thereby greatly improving the operation and use of the rotary electric switch.

[0091] As shown in Figs. 4A to 4E, the first release arm 12314, the second release arm 12315 and the support wall 12312 nearly enclose a circumference. The receiving channel 12310 for receiving the energy storage element 122 is defined between the central seat 123110 of the rotary seat 123 and the circumference enclosed by the support wall 12312, the first release arm 12314 and the second release arm 12315.

[0092] Preferably, in the embodiments of the present application, the first release arm 12314 and the second release arm 12315 are symmetrically arranged relative to a central axis defined by the base plate 12311. Thus, a user may switch the state of the energy storage assembly 12 by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise by a nearly uniform angle.

[0093] More preferably, in the embodiments of the present application, the reinforcement portion 123130 of the first release arm 12314 and the reinforcement portion 123130 of the second release arm 12315 at least partially overlap (or, the reinforcement portion 123130 of the first release arm 12314 and the reinforcement portion 123130 of the second release arm 12315 are coupled to each other). Thus, the reinforcement portion 123130 of the first release arm 12314 not only reinforces the first release arm 12314, but also reinforces the second release arm 12315. Similarly, the reinforcement portion 123130 of the second release arm 12315 not only reinforces the second release arm 12315, but also reinforces the first release arm 12314. In this way, diameter sizes of the first release arm 12314 and the second release arm 12315 may be further reduced so that the radial size of the energy storage assembly 12 and the radial size of the whole rotary electric switch may be reduced, thereby satisfying the development trend of miniaturization of the rotary electric switch.

[0094] More preferably, in the embodiments of the present application, the first release arm 12314 and the second release arm 12315 share one reinforcement portion 123130. That is, the reinforcement portion 123130 of the first release arm 12314 and the reinforcement portion 123130 of the second release arm 12315 completely coincide. In this way, not only the structural design of the rotary seat 123 is simplified for industrial production, but also the size design of the first release arm 12314 and the second release arm 12315 is maximally optimized.

[0095] Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the first release arm 12314 and the second release arm 12315 are two release arms that are completely independent, as shown in Fig. 4F. That is, in this embodiment, the reinforcement portion 123130 of the first release arm 12314 and the reinforcement portion 123130 of the second release arm 12315 are not coupled to each other. This is not limited by the present application.

[0096] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the rotation assembly 13 and the energy storage assembly 12 fit for the purpose of controlling the state switching of the at least two switch layers. Here, for ease of explanation and understanding, the at least two switch layers are illustrated to include two switch layers (a first switch layer 21 and a second switch layer 22), as shown in Fig. 2. However, it should be understood that in other examples of the present application, the rotary electric switch may also include a greater number of switch layers (as shown in Fig. 10). This is not limited by the present application.

[0097] As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, in some embodiments of the present application, the first switch layer 21 and the second switch layer 22 are assembled with each other to form the multi-layered switch layer structure 20. The second switch layer 22 is located on a lower side of the first switch layer 21 and the first switch layer 21 is located on an upper side of the second switch layer 22. Accordingly, in the embodiments of the present application, each of the switch layers includes an encapsulation housing, a movable contact conductive assembly mounted on the encapsulation housing, and a pair of stationary contact conductive elements mounted on the encapsulation housing. The movable contact conductive assembly is adapted to be switched on or off with the pair of stationary contact conductive elements under the action of the rotation assembly 13 and the energy storage assembly 12 so as to realize the state switching of the various switch layers.

[0098] Specifically, the top first switch layer 21 includes a first encapsulation housing 211, a first movable contact conductive assembly 212 mounted on the first encapsulation housing 211, and a pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 mounted on the first encapsulation housing 211. The first movable contact conductive assembly 212 is operatively coupled to the connector 1232 of the energy storage assembly 12. Thus, under the control of the rotation assembly 13 and the energy storage assembly 12, the first movable contact conductive assembly 212 is optionally engaged with or disengaged from the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 so as to realize the state switching (on / off) of the first switch layer 21. The bottom second switch layer 22 includes a second encapsulation housing 221, a second movable contact conductive assembly 222 mounted on the second encapsulation housing 221, and a pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 mounted on the second encapsulation housing 221. The second movable contact conductive assembly 222 is operatively coupled to the first movable contact conductive assembly 212 of the first switch layer 21. Thus, when the first movable contact conductive assembly 212 is driven under the action of the rotation assembly 13 and the energy storage assembly 12, the second movable contact conductive assembly 222 is driven to be optionally engaged with or disengaged from the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 so as to realize the state switching (on / off) of the second switch layer 22.

[0099] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 3A, the first encapsulation housing 211 forms a first central mounting seat 2111. The first central mounting seat 2111 has a first mounting cavity 2112. The first movable contact conductive assembly 212 is fittingly embedded in the first mounting cavity 2112 of the first central mounting seat 2111. Accordingly, the first movable contact conductive assembly 212 includes a first insulating rotary table 2121, a first dial element 2122 for driving the first insulating rotary table 2121, and a first moving contact conductive element 2123 insulatively clamped between the first insulating rotary table 2121 and the first dial element 2122.

[0100] More specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, the first moving contact conductive element 2123 is embedded to the first insulating rotary table 2121 along a center line of the first insulating rotary table 2121, and the diameter of the first moving contact conductive element 2123 is approximate to the diameter of the first insulating rotary table 2121. Thus, an edge of the first moving contact conductive element 2123 is nearly flush with an edge of the first insulating rotary table 2121 after the first moving contact conductive element 2123 is mounted on the first insulating rotary table 2121. Accordingly, the first moving contact conductive element 2123 has a first moving contact conductive end 2124 formed at a first end portion thereof and a second moving contact conductive end 2125 formed at a second end portion thereof (opposite to the first end portion). That is, in the embodiments of the present application, the first moving contact conductive end 2124 of the first moving contact conductive element 2123 is formed at the edge of the first insulating rotary table 2121, and the second moving contact conductive end 2125 of the first moving contact conductive element 2123 is formed at the edge of the first insulating rotary table 2121.

[0101] Accordingly, in the embodiments of the present application, the first dial element 2122 is clamped with the connector 1232 of the energy storage assembly 12. In this way, the first movable contact conductive assembly 212 is operatively coupled to the energy storage assembly 12. Thus, under the action of the rotation assembly 13 and the energy storage assembly 12, the first dial element 2122 is rotated to drive the rotation of the first insulating rotary table 2121 on which the first moving contact conductive element 2123 is mounted. Further, in the embodiments of the present application, the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 are mounted on the first central mounting seat 2111, and the first stationary contact conductive elements 213 respectively have a first stationary contact conductive end 2131. The mounting position of the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 on the first central mounting seat 2111 is such that the first stationary contact conductive ends 2131 of the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 are located on the central axis of the first central mounting seat 2111 and adjacent to the edge of the first insulating rotary table 2121. Through such a position and structural configuration, the first moving contact conductive end 2124 and the second moving contact conductive end 2125 of the first moving contact conductive element 2123 of the first movable contact conductive assembly 212 may be engaged with or disengaged from the first stationary contact conductive ends 2131 of the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 simultaneously under the action of the rotation assembly 13 and the energy storage assembly 12, so as to realize the state switching of the first switch layer 21.

[0102] More specifically, as shown in Figs. 3B and 5, the second encapsulation housing 221 forms a second central mounting seat 2211. The second central mounting seat 2211 has a second mounting cavity 2212. The second movable contact conductive assembly 222 is fittingly embedded in the second mounting cavity 2212 of the second central mounting seat 2211. Accordingly, the second movable contact conductive assembly 222 includes a second insulating rotary table 2221, a second dial element 2222 for driving the second insulating rotary table 2221, and a second moving contact conductive element 2223 insulatively clamped between the second insulating rotary table 2221 and the second dial element 2222. More specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, the second moving contact conductive element 2223 is embedded to the second insulating rotary table 2221 along a center line of the second insulating rotary table 2221, and the diameter of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 is approximate to the diameter of the second insulating rotary table 2221. Thus, an edge of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 is nearly flush with an edge of the second insulating rotary table 2221 after the second moving contact conductive element 2223 is mounted on the second insulating rotary table 2221. Accordingly, the second moving contact conductive element 2223 has a third moving contact conductive end 2224 formed at a first end portion thereof and a fourth moving contact conductive end 2225 formed at a second end portion thereof (opposite to the first end portion). That is, in the embodiments of the present application, the third moving contact conductive end 2224 of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 is formed at the edge of the second insulating rotary table 2221, and the fourth moving contact conductive end 2225 of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 is formed at the edge of the second insulating rotary table 2221.

[0103] Accordingly, in the embodiments of the present application, the second dial element 2222 is clamped with the first insulating rotary table 2121. In this way, the second movable contact conductive assembly 222 is operatively coupled to the first movable contact conductive assembly 212. Thus, when the first movable contact conductive assembly 212 rotates under the action of the rotation assembly 13 and the energy storage assembly 12, the second dial element 2222 is rotated to drive the rotation of the second insulating rotary table 2221 on which the second moving contact conductive element 2223 is mounted. Further, in the embodiments of the present application, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are mounted on the second central mounting seat 2211, and the second stationary contact conductive elements 223 respectively have a second stationary contact conductive end 2231. The mounting position of the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 on the second central mounting seat 2211 is such that the second stationary contact conductive ends 2231 of the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are located on the central axis of the second central mounting seat 2211 and adjacent to the edge of the second insulating rotary table 2221. Through such a position and structural configuration, the third moving contact conductive end 2224 and the fourth moving contact conductive end 2225 of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 of the second movable contact conductive assembly 222 may be engaged with or disengaged from the second stationary contact conductive ends 2231 of the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 simultaneously under the action of the rotation assembly 13 and the energy storage assembly 12, so as to realize the state switching of the second switch layer 22.

[0104] As described above, with the increasing of voltage or current in a circuit loop involved in the rotary electric switch, electric breaking will cause more arcs to be generated. That is, with the increasing of voltage or current in the circuit loop, the state switching of the first switch layer 21 and the second switch layer 22 will generate more arcs, and when the generated arcs exceed certain limits, the first switch layer 21 and / or the second switch layer 22 will be burnt out or fail to work normally.

[0105] The inventors of the present application have found by studying conventional rotary electric switches that: there is a significant technical blind zone or technical prejudice in conventional rotary electric switches. Firstly, in a conventional rotary electric switch as disclosed in Patent Publication No. CN 105742107A, it is considered subconsciously by those ordinarily skilled in the art that sufficient space must be provided between stationary contact conductive elements of an upper switch layer and a lower switch layer to meet the requirements of high-voltage insulation. Therefore, in the conventional rotary electric switch, there is usually a relatively large "safety space" between the upper and lower switch layers. In practice, however, this "safety space" is functionally unnecessary. Since the upper and lower switch layers have an encapsulation housing respectively, the stationary contact conductive elements of the upper and lower switch layers are insulated from each other in the presence of the encapsulation housing when the upper and lower switch layers are assembled together. Moreover, in the conventional rotary electric switch, a movable contact conductive assembly and stationary contact conductive elements are arranged on the same plane. For example, in the rotary electric switch disclosed in Patent Publication No. CN 105742107A, a housing of a switch layer has a central seat 123110 and a peripheral seat located outside the central seat 123110. Thus, after the movable contact conductive assembly is mounted on the central seat 123110 and the stationary contact conductive element is mounted on the peripheral seat, the movable contact conductive assembly and the stationary contact conductive element are disposed in one plane (or the stationary contact conductive element is located outside the movable contact conductive assembly).

[0106] Upon finding the above-mentioned technical blind zone and technical prejudice, the inventors of the present application utilizes the safety space between stationary contact conductive elements of two adjacent switch layers to ingeniously design a way in which the stationary contact conductive element extends in each switch layer, whereby a moving contact conductive element and the stationary contact conductive element at least partially overlap along an axial direction of the rotary electric switch in a three-dimensional space. In this way, it is possible to increase the diameter of the moving contact conductive element without increasing the overall size of the rotary electric switch. Accordingly, the unit breaking capacity may be increased by increasing the diameter of the moving contact conductive element. Therefore, it is compatible to increase the unit breaking capacity and to miniaturize the rotary electric switch without greatly increasing the cost or even without increasing the cost.

[0107] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3A, in the embodiments of the present application, the first central mounting seat 2111 of the first encapsulation housing 211 has a first mounting channel 2113 and a second mounting channel 2114 concavely formed in an edge region thereof. The pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 are fittingly mounted in the first mounting channel 2113 and the second mounting channel 2114, respectively. In particular, in the embodiments of the present application, the forming positions and extending ways of the first mounting channel 2113 and the second mounting channel 2114 on the first central mounting seat 2111 and the shape configuration of the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 are such that after the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 are mounted on the first mounting channel 2113 and the second mounting channel 2114 respectively, at least one first stationary contact conductive element 213 in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 at least partially overlaps the first moving contact conductive element 2123 in an axial direction defined by the first switch layer 21. In this way, the first stationary contact conductive element 213 and the first moving contact conductive element 2123 are folded in a three-dimensional space defined by the first encapsulation housing 211. Thus, it is possible to still maintain the size of the first switch layer 21 while increasing the diameter of the first moving contact conductive element 2123 to increase the breaking capacity of the first switch layer 21.

[0108] Similarly, as shown in Fig. 3B, in the embodiments of the present application, the second central mounting seat 2211 of the second encapsulation housing 221 has a third mounting channel 2213 and a fourth mounting channel 2214 concavely formed in an edge region thereof. The pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are fittingly mounted in the third mounting channel 2213 and the fourth mounting channel 2214, respectively. In particular, in the embodiments of the present application, the forming positions and shape configurations of the third mounting channel 2213 and the fourth mounting channel 2214 on the second central mounting seat 2211 and the shape configuration of the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are such that after the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are mounted on the third mounting channel 2213 and the fourth mounting channel 2214 respectively, at least one second stationary contact conductive element 223 in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 at least partially overlaps the second moving contact conductive element 2223 in an axial direction defined by the second switch layer 22. In this way, the second stationary contact conductive element 223 and the second moving contact conductive element 2223 are folded in a three-dimensional space defined by the second encapsulation housing 221. Thus, it is possible to still maintain the size of the second switch layer 22 while increasing the diameter of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 to increase the breaking capacity of the second switch layer 22.

[0109] Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, a relative positional relationship between the moving contact conductive element and the stationary contact conductive element will be explained by way of example only with the second switch layer 22.

[0110] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, in the embodiments of the present application, the third mounting channel 2213 and the fourth mounting channel 2214 are formed in two opposite side regions of the second central mounting seat 2211 respectively. For example, in some embodiments of the present application, the third mounting channel 2213 and the fourth mounting channel 2214 are concavely formed in two opposite side regions of the second central mounting seat 2211, respectively. Accordingly, the third mounting channel 2213 and the fourth mounting channel 2214 are communicated with the second mounting cavity 2212 of the second central mounting seat 2211, respectively. The second stationary contact conductive ends 2231 of the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are adjacent to or located at the edge of the second insulating rotary table 2221 at the mounting position of the second central mounting seat 2211 after the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are mounted in the third mounting channel 2213 and the fourth mounting channel 2214, respectively.

[0111] In the embodiments of the present application, the second moving contact conductive element 2223 and the second stationary contact conductive ends 2231 of the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are coplanar in the three-dimensional space defined by the second encapsulation housing 221, as shown in Fig. 6. For ease of explanation, the internal three-dimensional space defined by the second encapsulation housing 221 is divided into an upper space 2215 and a lower space 2216 by taking a plane defined by the second moving contact conductive element 2223 and the second stationary contact conductive ends of the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 as a boundary. The plane defined by the second moving contact conductive element 2223 and the second stationary contact conductive ends 2231 of the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 belongs to the upper space 2215, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0112] In particular, in the embodiments of the present application, the third mounting channel 2213 and / or the fourth mounting channel 2214 extend from the upper space 2215 of the second encapsulation housing 221 to the lower space 2216 thereof. At least one second stationary contact conductive element 223 in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 extends from the upper space 2215 of the second encapsulation housing 221 to the lower space 2216 thereof after the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are mounted in the third mounting channel 2213 and the fourth mounting channel 2214 through such a shape configuration. That is, in the embodiments of the present application, at least one second stationary contact conductive element 223 in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 extends in the three-dimensional space defined by the second encapsulation housing 221 in a bending manner, whereby at least one second stationary contact conductive element 223 in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 at least partially overlaps the second moving contact conductive element 2223 in an axial direction defined by the second switch layer 22 (as shown in Fig. 7B). In this way, the second stationary contact conductive element 223 and the second moving contact conductive element 2223 are folded in a three-dimensional space defined by the second encapsulation housing 221. Thus, it is possible to still maintain the size of the second switch layer 22 while increasing the diameter of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 to increase the breaking capacity of the second switch layer 22.

[0113] From the perspective of a relative positional relationship between the second mounting cavity 2212 of the second central mounting seat 2211 and the third mounting channel 2213, and a relative positional relationship between the second mounting cavity 2212 of the second central mounting seat 2211 and the fourth mounting channel 2214, in the embodiments of the present application, the second mounting cavity 2212 of the second central mounting seat 2211 at least partially overlaps the third mounting channel 2213 and / or the fourth mounting channel 2214 in the axial direction defined by the second switch layer 22, whereby the second moving contact conductive element 2223 and at least one stationary contact conductive element in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are folded in the three-dimensional space defined by the second encapsulation housing 221. Thus, it is possible to still maintain the size of the second switch layer 22 while increasing the diameter of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 to increase the breaking capacity of the second switch layer 22.

[0114] From the perspective of the mounting mode of the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223, in the embodiments of the present application, at least one second stationary contact conductive element 223 in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 is embedded in a side region of the second central mounting seat 2211. Moreover, the depth at which at least one second stationary contact conductive element 223 in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 is embedded in the edge region of the second central mounting seat 2211 is such that the second moving contact conductive element 2223 and at least one second stationary contact conductive element in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are folded in the three-dimensional space defined by the second encapsulation housing 221.

[0115] In the embodiments of the present application, the second moving contact conductive element 2223 is a moving member and the second stationary contact conductive element 223 is a stationary member. Therefore, from the perspective of a movement locus of the second moving contact conductive element 2223, in the embodiments of the present application, the movement locus of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 and at least one stationary contact conductive element in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 at least partially overlap in the axial direction defined by the second switch layer 22.

[0116] In the embodiments of the present application, a part for electrically connecting other electrical devices in the second stationary contact conductive element 223 is positioned as a second electric connection end 2233 (for example, in the example illustrated in Fig. 5, the second electric connection end 2233 is a part of the second stationary contact conductive element 223 extending beyond the second encapsulation housing 221). That is, each of the second stationary contact conductive elements 223 has a second stationary contact conductive end 2231, a second electric connection end 2233 opposite to the second stationary contact conductive end 2231, and a second stationary contact extending portion 2232 extending to the second stationary contact conductive end 2231 and the second electric connection end 2233. Accordingly, in the embodiments of the present application, the second stationary contact extending portion 2232 of at least one of the second stationary contact conductive elements 223 and the second stationary contact conductive end 2231 thereof at least partially overlap in the axial direction defined by the second switch layer 22. Alternatively, an extension path of the second stationary contact extending portion 2232 of at least one of the second stationary contact conductive elements 223 passes through the edge of the second mounting cavity 2212 (or, passes through the movement locus of the second moving contact conductive element 2223, or, passes through the outer peripheral edge of the second insulating rotary table 2221). In this way, the second moving contact conductive element 2223 and at least one of the second encapsulation housings 221 at least partially overlap in a defined three-dimensional space. Thus, it is possible to still maintain the size of the second switch layer 22 while increasing the diameter of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 to increase the breaking capacity of the second switch layer 22.

[0117] From another perspective, in the embodiments of the present application, the second stationary contact extending portion 2232 of at least one of the second stationary contact conductive elements 223 extends in the lower space 2216 of the second encapsulation housing 221 and the second moving contact conductive element 2223 extends in the upper space 2215 of the second encapsulation housing 221. That is, in the embodiments of the present application, the second stationary contact extending portion 2232 of at least one of the second stationary contact conductive elements 223 and the second moving contact conductive element 2223 extend in different height spaces of the second encapsulation housing 221. Therefore, the increase of the diameter size of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 does not affect the extension way of the second stationary contact extending portion 2232 of the second stationary contact conductive element 223. Thus, the second switch layer 22 according to the embodiment of the present application may increase the diameter of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 to increase the breaking capacity of the second switch layer 22 without increasing the overall size.

[0118] As shown in Figs. 5, 7A and 7B, in some embodiments of the present application, the second moving contact conductive element 2223 and the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are folded in the three-dimensional space defined by the second encapsulation housing 221 respectively. In this way, the space on the opposite sides of the second encapsulation housing 221 may be fully utilized to maintain or even reduce the overall size of the second switch layer 22 while increasing the diameter of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 to increase the breaking capacity of the second switch layer 22. Fig. 7C illustrates a schematic diagram of a relative positional relationship between a moving contact conductive element 1P and a stationary contact conductive element 2P of a conventional rotary switch. As shown in Fig. 7C, the stationary contact conductive element 2P extends outwardly from the moving contact conductive element 1P. Therefore, when the diameter of the moving contact conductive element 1P is increased, the overall size of the switch layer will be necessarily increased.

[0119] Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate a modified embodiment of the second switch layer 22 according to an embodiment of the present application. In this modified embodiment, the second moving contact conductive element 2223 and one of the second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are folded in the three-dimensional space defined by the second encapsulation housing 221. In this way, the space on one side of the second encapsulation housing 221 may be fully utilized to maintain or even reduce the overall size of the second switch layer 22 while increasing the diameter of the second moving contact conductive element 2223 to increase the breaking capacity of the second switch layer 22. Fig. 8C illustrates a schematic diagram of a relative positional relationship between a moving contact conductive element 1P and a stationary contact conductive element 2P of a conventional rotary switch. As shown in Fig. 8C, the stationary contact conductive element 2P extends outwardly from the moving contact conductive element 1P. Therefore, when the diameter of the moving contact conductive element 1P is increased, the overall size of the switch layer will be necessarily increased.

[0120] Further, in some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Fig. 3A, the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 are mounted in the first mounting channel 2113 and the second mounting channel 2114 of the first central mounting seat 2111. Each of the first stationary contact conductive elements 213 has a first stationary contact conductive end 2131, a first electric connection end 2133 opposite to the first stationary contact conductive end 2131, and a first stationary contact extending portion 2132 extending between the first stationary contact conductive end 2131 and the first electric connection end 2133. In the embodiments of the present application, the first electric connection end 2133 of each of the first stationary contact conductive elements 213 is used to electrically connect other electrical devices.

[0121] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiments of the present application, the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 may have a symmetrical structure. That is, the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 have the same shape and size configuration. Of course, the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 may also have different shape configurations. For example, in the example illustrated in Fig. 3A, the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 have different configuration shapes. The first stationary contact extending portion 2132 of one of the first stationary contact conductive elements 213 extends outwardly from the first stationary contact conductive end 2131 thereof, downwardly, inwardly (this part has a "[" shape), and then horizontally. The first stationary contact extending portion 2132 of the other first stationary contact conductive element 213 extends outwardly from the first stationary contact conductive end 2131 thereof, downwardly, outwardly (this part has a "Z" shape), and then horizontally.

[0122] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, a part of the first stationary contact conductive element 213 extending beyond the first encapsulation housing 211 forms the first electric connection end 2133 of the first stationary contact conductive element 213. It is worth mentioning that in the embodiments of the present application, the first electric connection end 2133 of the first stationary contact conductive element 213 may also be implemented in other forms, as shown in Figs. 11 to 12B.

[0123] Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 3B, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are mounted in the third mounting channel 2213 and the fourth mounting channel 2214 of the second central mounting seat 2211. Each of the second stationary contact conductive elements 223 has a second stationary contact conductive end 2231, a second electric connection end 2233 opposite to the second stationary contact conductive end 2231, and a second stationary contact extending portion 2232 extending between the second stationary contact conductive end 2231 and the second electric connection end 2233. In the embodiments of the present application, the second electric connection end 2233 of each of the second stationary contact conductive elements 223 is used to electrically connect other electrical devices.

[0124] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiments of the present application, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 may have a symmetrical structure. That is, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 have the same shape and size configuration. Of course, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 may also have different shape configurations. For example, in the example illustrated in Fig. 3B, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 have a symmetrical structure. The second stationary contact extending portions 2232 of the second stationary contact conductive elements 223 extend outwardly from the second stationary contact conductive ends 2231 thereof, downwardly, inwardly (this part has a "[" shape), and then horizontally.

[0125] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, a part of the second stationary contact conductive element 223 extending beyond the second encapsulation housing 221 forms the second electric connection end 2233 of the second stationary contact conductive element 223. It is worth mentioning that in the embodiments of the present application, the second electric connection end 2233 of the second stationary contact conductive element 223 may also be implemented in other forms, as shown in Figs. 11 to 12B.

[0126] As shown in Fig. 2, in some embodiments of the present application, the pair of first electric connection ends 2133 of the first switch layer 21 and the pair of second electric connection ends 2233 of the second switch layer 22 simultaneously protrude beyond the same side face on the rotary electric switch. In this way, a greater number of components may be arranged on both sides of the rotary electric switch (i.e., making the layout of other components more compact).

[0127] Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 2 and 10, in some embodiments of the present application, the pair of first electric connection ends 2133 of the first switch layer 21 and the pair of second electric connection ends 2233 of the second switch layer 22 are disposed in alignment respectively. One of the first electric connection ends 2133 and one of the second electric connection ends 2233 are arranged in a vertical line, and the other of the first electric connection ends 2133 and the other of the second electric connection ends 2233 are also arranged in a vertical line.

[0128] As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, in the embodiments of the present application, the first encapsulation housing 211 of the upper first switch layer 21 further includes an insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 extending downwardly from the first central mounting seat 2111. The insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 of the first encapsulation housing 211 is fittingly clamped outside the second central mounting seat 2211 of the second encapsulation housing 221 of the second switch layer 22 so as to encapsulate the second central mounting seat 2211 of the second encapsulation housing 221 therein via the insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 of the first encapsulation housing 211.

[0129] It should be noted that as shown in Fig. 3A, in the embodiments of the present application, the first stationary contact conductive element 213 and the second stationary contact conductive element 223 between the first switch layer 21 and the second switch layer 22 are insulated and isolated by the first encapsulation housing 211. Moreover, the insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 of the first encapsulation housing 211 is fittingly clamped outside the second central mounting seat 2211 of the second encapsulation housing 221 of the second switch layer 22. The pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are encapsulated in the insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 of the first encapsulation housing 211 so as to insulate the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 from an external space relative to the second encapsulation housing 221. It should be noted that by means of the fit between the first encapsulation housing 211 and the second encapsulation housing 221, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 (except the second electric connection ends 2233 of the second stationary contact conductive elements 223) are not exposed, so that components disposed aside cannot be disposed adjacently to the rotary electric switch due to the requirements of a safe distance, resulting in the increased occupied space actually required for the rotary electric switch.

[0130] Further, in the embodiments of the present application, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are embedded into the third mounting channel 2213 and the fourth mounting channel 2214, respectively, from side portions of the second central mounting seat 2211. From the perspective of the second stationary contact conductive element 223, the second stationary contact conductive end 2231 of the second stationary contact conductive element 223 is located in the upper space 2215 (more specifically, coplanar with a motion plane of the moving contact conductive element), while at least a part of the second stationary contact extending portion 2232 of the second stationary contact conductive element 223 extends in the lower space 2216. That is, the second stationary contact conductive end 2231 of the second stationary contact conductive element 223 and at least a part of the second stationary contact extending portion 2232 of the second stationary contact conductive element 223 are isolated by the second central mounting seat 2211. Thus, the second stationary contact conductive end 2231 of the second stationary contact conductive element 223 located in the upper space 2215 and at least a part of the second stationary contact extending portion 2232 of the second stationary contact conductive element 223 located in the lower space 2216 are insulated from each other, or at least a part of the second stationary contact extending portion 2232 of the second stationary contact conductive element 223 located in the lower space 2216 is insulated relative to a motion space in which the moving contact conductive element 2223 is located.

[0131] It is worth mentioning that when the insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 of the first encapsulation housing 211 is sleeved outside the second encapsulation housing 221, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are fixed at the mounting position of the second central mounting seat 2211. That is, in the embodiments of the present application, a laminated structure of the first switch layer 21 and the second switch layer 22 does not bring extra work for assembly, and may also achieve the purpose of insulation.

[0132] More specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, the insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 includes at least one clamping groove penetratingly formed on a side surface thereof. The second encapsulation housing 221 also has at least one clamping head convexly formed on a side portion of the second central mounting seat 2211, so that the first switch layer 21 is fittingly assembled on the second switch layer 22 by means of the fit between the at least one clamping head and the at least one clamping groove. Of course, the positions where the clamping head and the clamping groove are formed may be reversed. That is, the at least one clamping groove is concavely formed at the side portion of the second central mounting seat 2211, and the at least one clamping head is convexly formed on an inner side face of the insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115. Moreover, in other examples of the present application, the first encapsulation housing 211 and the second encapsulation housing 221 may also be assembled by other connection structures. This is not limited by the present application.

[0133] In summary, the rotary electric switch based on the embodiments of the present application is illustrated. The safety space between two adjacent switch layers is utilized to ingeniously design a way in which the stationary contact conductive element extends in each switch layer, whereby a moving contact conductive element and the stationary contact conductive element at least partially overlap along an axial direction of the rotary electric switch in a three-dimensional space. In this way, the size of a housing may be not increased while the diameter of the moving contact conductive element is increased. That is, the diameter of the moving contact conductive element is increased in a limited housing space. It should be understood that the unit breaking capacity may be increased by increasing the diameter of the moving contact conductive element. Therefore, it is compatible to increase the unit breaking capacity and to miniaturize the rotary electric switch without greatly increasing the cost or even without increasing the cost.

[0134] As shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, according to another aspect of the present application, an assembly method for a multi-layered switch layer structure 20 is also provided. The method includes the following steps.

[0135] In S110, a second encapsulation housing 221 having a second central mounting seat 2211 is provided. The second central mounting seat 2211 has a second mounting cavity 2212.

[0136] In S120, a second movable contact conductive assembly 222 is fittingly mounted in the second mounting cavity 2212. The second movable contact conductive assembly 222 includes a second insulating rotary table 2221, a second dial element 2222, and a second moving contact conductive element 2223 insulatively clamped between the second insulating rotary table 2221 and the second dial element 2222.

[0137] In S130, a pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are mounted into a third mounting channel 2213 and a fourth mounting channel 2214 of the second central mounting seat 2211 from a side portion of the second central mounting seat 2211 respectively to form a second switch layer 22. The third mounting channel 2213 and the fourth mounting channel 2214 are concavely formed at a side portion of an edge region of the second central mounting seat 2211.

[0138] In S140, a first encapsulation housing 211 is provided. The first encapsulation housing 211 has a first central mounting seat 2111 and an insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 extending downwardly from the first central mounting seat 2111. The first central mounting seat 2111 has a first mounting cavity 2112.

[0139] In S150, a first movable contact conductive assembly 212 is fittingly mounted in the first mounting cavity 2112. The first movable contact conductive assembly 212 includes a first insulating rotary table 2121, a first dial element 2122, and a first moving contact conductive element 2123 insulatively clamped between the first insulating rotary table 2121 and the first dial element 2122.

[0140] In S160, a pair of first stationary contact conductive elements 213 are mounted into a first mounting channel 2113 and a second mounting channel 2114 of the first central mounting seat 2111 from a side portion of the first central mounting seat 2111 respectively to form a first switch layer 21. The first mounting channel 2113 and the second mounting channel 2114 are concavely formed at a side portion of an edge region of the first central mounting seat 2111.

[0141] In S170, the first switch layer 21 is assembled to the second switch layer 22 by clamping between the insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 of the first encapsulation housing 211 and the second encapsulation housing 221.

[0142] In particular, the first stationary contact conductive element 213 and the second stationary contact conductive element 223 between the first switch layer 21 and the second switch layer 22 are insulated and isolated by the first encapsulation housing 211. Moreover, the insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 of the first encapsulation housing 211 is fittingly clamped outside the second central mounting seat 2211 of the second encapsulation housing 221 of the second switch layer 22. The pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are encapsulated in the insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 of the first encapsulation housing 211 so as to insulate the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 from an external space relative to the second encapsulation housing 221. It should be noted that by means of the fit between the first encapsulation housing 211 and the second encapsulation housing 221, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 (except the second electric connection ends 2233 of the second stationary contact conductive elements 223) are not exposed, so that components disposed aside cannot be disposed adjacently to the rotary electric switch due to the requirements of a safe distance, resulting in the increased occupied space actually required for the rotary electric switch.

[0143] Accordingly, when the insulating encapsulation sleeve 2115 of the first encapsulation housing 211 is sleeved outside the second encapsulation housing 221, the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements 223 are fixed at the mounting position of the second central mounting seat 2211. That is, in the embodiments of the present application, a laminated structure of the first switch layer 21 and the second switch layer 22 does not bring extra work for assembly, and may also achieve the purpose of insulation.

[0144] It should be understood that although the multi-layered switch layer structure 20 is illustrated to have two switch layers (the first switch layer 21 and the second switch layer 22) in the embodiments of the present application, it should be understood that when the multi-layered switch layer includes a greater number of switch layers, the assembly method for the multi-layered switch layer remains unchanged.

[0145] As shown in Figs. 9A to 9D, according to another aspect of the present application, an assembly method for a rotary electric switch is also provided. The method includes the following steps.

[0146] In S210, a multi-layered switch layer structure 20 is obtained by using the assembly method for the multi-layered switch layer structure 20 as described above.

[0147] In S220, an actuation control assembly 10 is mounted above the multi-layered switch layer structure 20. The actuation control assembly 10 includes an actuation housing 11, an energy storage assembly 12 and a rotation assembly 13. The energy storage assembly 12 and the rotation assembly 13 are received in the actuation housing 11. At least two switch layers are rotatably coupled to a lower end of the energy storage assembly 12. The rotation assembly 13 is disposed at an upper end of the energy storage assembly 12 and is configured to rotate the energy storage assembly 12 to drive the at least two switch layers, so as to realize state switching of the at least two switch layers.

[0148] Further, according to another aspect of the present application, a rotary electric switch is also provided. The rotary electric switch includes a housing cover, a multi-layered housing disposed at the bottom of the housing cover. The multi-layered housing divides the interior of a device into a multi-layered mounting cavity. An energy storage assembly 12 and a conductive assembly are arranged from top to bottom in the multi-layered mounting cavity. An upper portion of the energy storage assembly 12 is operatively coupled to an operation assembly via a rotation assembly 13 penetrating through the housing cover, and a lower portion is operatively coupled to the conductive assembly. There is at least one group of conductive assemblies disposed in mounting cavities of adjacent layers and operatively coupled in sequence.

[0149] In some embodiments of the present application, the conductive assembly includes a conductive rotary table and an input stationary contact and an output stationary contact disposed at two sides of the conductive rotary table. The conductive rotary table is provided with moving contacts corresponding to the input stationary contact and the output stationary contact. One end of the input stationary contact and one end of the output stationary contact are in contact with the exterior of the conductive rotary table, and the other ends are coupled to an input-side connecting wire and an output-side connecting wire. And at least one of the input-side connecting wire and the output-side connecting wire coincides with all or part of projection regions in a motion plane of the conductive rotary table, so that the conductive rotary table, the input-side connecting wire and the output-side connecting wire share the same projection region through the above-mentioned arrangement, thereby facilitating wiring while realizing the volume miniaturization of the switch. Current products on the market cannot achieve the above effects at the same time. The input stationary contact is inserted from a side face of the multi-layered mounting cavity, and the input-side connecting wire on an upper layer in the multi-layered mounting cavity covers the input-side connecting wire on an adjacent lower layer, whereby the input stationary contact and the input-side connecting wire are insulated, and the position is fixed. The output stationary contact is inserted from a side face of the multi-layered mounting cavity, and the output-side connecting wire on an upper layer in the multi-layered mounting cavity covers the output-side connecting wire on an adjacent lower layer, whereby the output stationary contact and the output-side connecting wire are insulated, and the position is fixed.

[0150] In the present embodiment, the rotation assembly 13 includes a rotation rod penetrating through the housing cover and inserted into the energy storage assembly 12. The rotation rod is rotatably coupled to the housing cover via a nut 133 and a sealing gasket 134.

[0151] It should be noted that the energy storage assembly 12 in the present embodiment is another main design point of the present application, which may not only be combined with the switch structure in the present embodiment, but also be applied to other switch devices separately, specifically:

[0152] In the present embodiment, the energy storage assembly 12 includes a driving rotary plate 121, a rotary seat 123 and an energy storage element 122 disposed in the rotary seat 123, which are disposed in sequence from top to bottom. The top of the driving rotary plate 121 is fixedly inserted into the rotation rod, one side of the bottom is provided with a mounting arm of the energy storage element 122, and the other side is provided with a release block of the rotary seat 123. The bottom of the rotary seat 123 is provided with a connector 1232 fixedly inserted into the conductive assembly. The top of the conductive rotary table is provided with an insertion head coupled to the connector 1232 at the bottom of the rotary seat 123. One side of the top is provided with an opening region. A connecting arm is disposed in the middle of the opening region. The top of the connecting arm is circumferentially provided with a release arm to two sides, and an end of the release arm away from the connecting arm is a free end. The energy storage element 122 is an energy storage torsion spring.

[0153] A top surface of the release arm is an upwardly inclined arc-shaped surface, and the end of the release arm away from the connecting arm is provided with a locking arm. In an initial state, the locking arm is clamped and locked with a limiting arm 111 on an inner bottom surface of the housing cover. The driving rotary plate 121, driven by the rotation assembly 13, drives the release block of the rotary seat 123 to move along the top surface of the release arm, and meanwhile, the energy storage element 122 stores energy. The release block of the rotary seat 123 exerts a downward pressure on the top surface of the release arm. When the release block of the rotary seat 123 moves to the locking arm end, the downward pressure thereof disengages the locking arm from the limiting arm 111. Thus, the rotary seat 123 is released and rotated under the action of the energy storage element 122 storing energy, thereby driving the conductive assembly to rotate.

[0154] Preferably, the arc-shaped surface is an involute surface.

[0155] In particular, in the present embodiment, the input stationary contact and the output stationary contact are disposed on two sides of the conductive rotary table. The input-side connecting wire and the output-side connecting wire are linear, two ends of at least one of the input-side connecting wire or the output-side connecting wire are respectively bent twice to form a "[" shape, and tail ends thereof extend out of the housing.

[0156] As a preferred implementation scheme of the present embodiment, the input stationary contact is disposed on one side of the conductive rotary table and is located at an end of the conductive rotary table close to a wiring outlet. One end of the input-side connecting wire is bent twice to form a "Z" shape, and the other end horizontally extends out of the housing. The output stationary contact is disposed on one side of the conductive rotary table and is located at an end of the conductive rotary table away from the wiring outlet. One end of the output-side connecting wire is bent twice to form a "[" shape, and the other end horizontally extends out of the housing. Moreover, the parts of the input-side connecting wire and the output-side connecting wire extending out of the housing 2 approach the same plane parallel to the conductive rotary table, and the housing is provided in multiple layers.

[0157] As a preferred implementation scheme of the present embodiment, the input stationary contact is disposed on one side of the conductive rotary table and is located at an end of the conductive rotary table close to a wiring outlet. The input-side connecting wire is bent once to form an "L" shape and extends out of the housing, and the parts of a plurality of input-side connecting wires extending out of the housing are in the same straight line. The output stationary contact is disposed on one side of the conductive rotary table and is located at an end of the conductive rotary table away from the wiring outlet. The two ends of the output-side connecting wire are bent twice respectively to form a "[" shape, an end extending out of the housing is a vertical surface, and the parts of a plurality of output-side connecting wires extending out of the housing are in the same straight line. A wiring terminal and a terminal cover corresponding to the extension ends of the input-side connecting wire and the output-side connecting wire are further disposed outside the housing, and the housing is provided in multiple layers.

[0158] The present embodiment is different from the design point of "the connecting wires and the conductive rotary table are in the same projection region" in Embodiments 1 to 3. The present embodiment is an independent design for reducing the size of the switch, and the function of reducing the size may be realized separately, specifically as follows. The input stationary contact is disposed on one side of the conductive rotary table and is located at an end of the conductive rotary table close to a wiring outlet. One end of the input-side connecting wire is bent twice to form a "Z" shape, and the other end horizontally extends out of the housing. The output stationary contact is disposed on one side of the conductive rotary table and is located at an end of the conductive rotary table away from the wiring outlet. The output-side connecting wire is bent once to form an "L" shape and extends out of the housing from an end away from an extension direction of the input-side connecting wire, and the parts of a plurality of output-side connecting wires extending out of the housing are in the same straight line. A wiring terminal and a terminal cover corresponding thereto are further disposed outside the housing.

[0159] During use in the present application, when the switch rotates the operation assembly, the rotation assembly 13 drives the driving rotary plate 121 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, and the energy storage element 122 starts to store energy. At this moment, the rotary seat 123 keeps locked under the limitation of the housing cover. When the rotation member drives the driving rotary plate 121 to rotate by about 85°, the release block of the rotary seat 123 rotates to the locking arm end and presses the release arm downwardly to unlock the rotary seat 123. The rotary seat 123 instantly rotates the conductive rotary table clockwise or counterclockwise via the torsion of the torsion spring so as to complete a switching-on or switching-off action. In the present application, the energy storage assembly 12 of a brand-new involute design is used, which has a compact structure and a small weight, so as to achieve a faster switch-on and switch-off and prolong the service life of the switch.

Claims

1. A rotary electric switch, comprising: a multi-layered switch layer structure (20), comprising at least two switch layers (21, 22) overlapping each other; and an actuation control assembly (10) operatively coupled to the multi-layered switch layer structure (20), wherein the actuation control assembly (10) is configured to control the multi-layered switch layer structure (20) to switch between an ON state and an OFF state; wherein the at least two switch layers (21, 22) comprise an upper first switch layer (21) and a lower second switch layer (22); characterized in that, the first switch layer (21) comprises a first encapsulation housing (211), a first movable contact conductive assembly (212) comprising a first insulating rotary table (2121), a first dial element (2122), and a first moving contact conductive element (2123) insulatively clamped between the first insulating rotary table (2121) and the first dial element (2122), and a pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213), wherein the first encapsulation housing (211) forms a first central mounting seat (2111), the first movable contact conductive assembly (212) and the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213) are mounted on the first central mounting seat (2111), and the first movable contact conductive assembly (212) is adapted to be driven by the actuation control assembly (10) so as to drive the first moving contact conductive element (2123) to be optionally engaged with or disengaged from the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213); the second switch layer (22) comprises a second encapsulation housing (221), a second movable contact conductive assembly (222) comprising a second insulating rotary table (2221), a second dial element (2222), and a second moving contact conductive element (2223) insulatively clamped between the second insulating rotary table (2221) and the second dial element (2222), and a pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223), wherein the second encapsulation housing (221) forms a second central mounting seat (2211), the second movable contact conductive assembly (222) and the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) are mounted on the second central mounting seat (2211), the second movable contact conductive assembly (222) is operatively coupled to the first movable contact conductive assembly (212), and the second movable contact conductive assembly (222) is adapted to be driven by the first movable contact conductive assembly (212) so as to drive the second moving contact conductive element (2223) to be optionally engaged with or disengaged from the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223); the first encapsulation housing (211) also has an insulating encapsulation sleeve (2115) extending downwardly from the first central mounting seat (2111), and the insulating encapsulation sleeve (2115) encapsulates the second central mounting seat (2211) of the second encapsulation housing (221) therein.

2. The rotary electric switch according to claim 1, wherein the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) are encapsulated in the insulating encapsulation sleeve (2115).

3. The rotary electric switch according to claim 2, wherein the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) are insulated by the insulating encapsulation sleeve (2115) relative to an external space of the second encapsulation housing (221).

4. The rotary electric switch according to claim 2, wherein the first central mounting seat (2111) has a first mounting cavity (2112) formed in a middle region thereof and a first mounting channel (2113) and a second mounting channel (2114) formed in edge regions thereof, the first movable contact conductive assembly (212) is fittingly embedded in the first mounting cavity (2112), and the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213) are mounted in the first mounting channel (2113) and the second mounting channel (2114), respectively; and wherein the second central mounting seat (2211) has a second mounting cavity (2212) formed in a middle region thereof and a third mounting channel (2213) and a fourth mounting channel (2214) formed in edge regions thereof, the second movable contact conductive assembly (222) is fittingly embedded in the second mounting cavity (2212), and the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) are mounted in the third mounting channel (2213) and the fourth mounting channel (2214), respectively.

5. The rotary electric switch according to claim 4, wherein at least one first stationary contact conductive element (213) in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213) is fittingly inserted into the first mounting channel (2113) or the second mounting channel (2114) from a side portion of the first central mounting seat (2111); and wherein at least one second stationary contact conductive element (223) in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) is fittingly inserted into the third mounting channel (2213) or the fourth mounting channel (2214) from a side portion of the second central mounting seat (2211).

6. The rotary electric switch according to claim 4, wherein the first movable contact conductive assembly (212) and the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213) are mounted on the first central mounting seat (2111) in a way such that at least one first stationary contact conductive element (213) in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213) at least partially overlaps a motion plane of the first moving contact conductive element (2123) in an axial direction defined by the multi-layered switch layer structure (20); and wherein the second movable contact conductive assembly (222) and the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) are mounted on the second central mounting seat (2211) in a way such that at least one second stationary contact conductive element (223) in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) at least partially overlaps a motion plane of the second moving contact conductive element (2223) in an axial direction defined by the multi-layered switch layer structure (20).

7. The rotary electric switch according to claim 5, wherein an outer edge of at least one first stationary contact conductive element (213) in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213) is not protruded beyond an outer periphery of the first central mounting seat (2111); and wherein an outer edge of at least one second stationary contact conductive element (223) in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) is not protruded beyond an outer periphery of the second central mounting seat (2211).

8. The rotary electric switch according to claim 5, wherein an outer edge of at least one first stationary contact conductive element (213) in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213) is not extended beyond the first mounting channel (2113) or the second mounting channel (2114); and wherein an outer edge of at least one second stationary contact conductive element (223) in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) is not extended beyond the third mounting channel (2213) or the fourth mounting channel (2214).

9. The rotary electric switch according to claim 5, wherein a width size of at least one first stationary contact conductive element (213) in the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213) is smaller than or equal to a depth size of the first mounting channel (2113) or the second mounting channel (2114); and wherein a width size of at least one second stationary contact conductive element (223) in the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) is smaller than or equal to a depth size of the third mounting channel (2213) or the fourth mounting channel (2214).

10. The rotary electric switch according to claim 1, wherein the pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213) of the first switch layer (21) are insulated from the pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) of the second switch layer (22) via the first central mounting seat (2111).

11. The rotary electric switch according to claim 1, wherein the actuation control assembly (10) comprises an actuation housing (11), an energy storage assembly (12) and a rotation assembly (13) mounted in the actuation housing (11), the at least one switch layer (21, 22) is operatively coupled to a lower end of the energy storage assembly (12), and the rotation assembly (13) is disposed at an upper end of the energy storage assembly (12) and is configured to rotate the energy storage assembly (12) to drive the multi-layered switch layer structure (20), so as to switch the multi-layered switch layer structure (20) between the ON state and the OFF state.

12. An assembly method for a multi-layered switch layer structure (20), characterized in that, comprising the steps of: providing a second encapsulation housing (221) having a second central mounting seat (2211), the second central mounting seat (2211) having a second mounting cavity (2212); fittingly mounting a second movable contact conductive assembly (222) in the second mounting cavity (2212), wherein the second movable contact conductive assembly (222) comprises a second insulating rotary table (2221), a second dial element (2222), and a second moving contact conductive element (2223) insulatively clamped between the second insulating rotary table (2221) and the second dial element (2222); mounting a pair of second stationary contact conductive elements (223) into a third mounting channel (2213) and a fourth mounting channel (2214) of the second central mounting seat (2211) from a side portion of the second central mounting seat (2211) respectively to form a second switch layer (22), the third mounting channel (2213) and the fourth mounting channel (2214) being concavely formed at a side portion of an edge region of the second central mounting seat (2211); providing a first encapsulation housing (211) having a first central mounting seat (2111) and an insulating encapsulation sleeve (2115) extending downwardly from the first central mounting seat (2111), wherein the first central mounting seat (2111) has a first mounting cavity (2112); fittingly mounting a first movable contact conductive assembly (212) in the first mounting cavity (2112), wherein the first movable contact conductive assembly (212) comprises a first insulating rotary table (2121), a first dial element (2122), and a first moving contact conductive element (2123) insulatively clamped between the first insulating rotary table (2121) and the first dial element (2122); mounting a pair of first stationary contact conductive elements (213) into a first mounting channel (2113) and a second mounting channel (2114) of the first central mounting seat (2111) from a side portion of the first central mounting seat (2111) respectively to form a first switch layer (21), the first mounting channel (2113) and the second mounting channel (2114) being concavely formed at a side portion of an edge region of the first central mounting seat (2111); and assembling the first switch layer (21) to the second switch layer (22) by clamping between the insulating encapsulation sleeve (2115) of the first encapsulation housing (211) and the second encapsulation housing (221).

13. An assembly method for a rotary electric switch, characterized in that, comprising: providing a multi-layered switch layer structure (20) which is assembled using the assembly method for the multi-layered switch layer structure (20) according to claim 12; mounting an actuation control assembly (10) above the multi-layered switch layer structure (20), wherein the actuation control assembly (10) comprises an actuation housing (11), an energy storage assembly (12) and a rotation assembly (13), the energy storage assembly (12) and the rotation assembly (13) are received in the actuation housing (11), at least two switch layers (21, 22) are rotatably coupled to a lower end of the energy storage assembly (12), and the rotation assembly (13) is disposed at an upper end of the energy storage assembly (12) and is configured to rotate the energy storage assembly (12) to drive the at least two switch layers (21, 22), so as to realize state switching of the at least two switch layers (21, 22).