CONVERTIBLE ELECTRIC SWITCH

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical switches, and more specifically to those that comprise an operating rocker arm mounted on the base body of the switch that can be operated between three stable ON and OFF positions, and being convertible into a switch with one stable position as a push-button by the action of a spring.State of the art

[0002] Three-position electrical switch solutions with ON and OFF positions are known. Switches with two stable positions that can be converted into a push-button with a single stable position by means of action of a spring with several solutions are also known. As a push-button and according to current regulations on switches, momentary switches are understood as being where the electrical connection occurs while it occurs in the action and returns to the OFF position when the action ends. Furthermore, said momentary switches can be normally open or normally closed.

[0003] European Patent document EP0921547 discloses a switch of this type wherein the rocker arm can come in contact with up to three terminals and which operation as a push-button or switch depends on the presence of a spring therein or not. The switch therefore has the possibility of functioning as a push-button, with a spring, or a switch, without a spring.

[0004] However, this solution has a series of drawbacks, such as the fact that the spring is located inside the switch, requiring its disassembly to insert or remove the spring and thus convert it from a push-button into a switch and vice versa, or the limitation that the entire assembly functions as a switch or as a push-button. For this reason, the conversion cannot be carried out quickly and voluntarily, since there must be the necessary spring to carry out the conversion from switch to push-button, as well as expertise in disassembling the switch.

[0005] Another problem arises when setting the OFF position, which is achieved by removing one of the terminals, in this embodiment being the position in which the spring is required to bring the rocker arm to the OFF position. In the event that all the terminals were present, there would be an ON position to which the spring would always push the rocker arm.

[0006] The need to disassemble and assemble the assembly in order to convert the push-button into a switch and vice versa entails a possible failure in the assembly, since any part may be left in the wrong position, poorly adjusted or even broken during handling. That is why the conversion can only be carried out by a technician who knows the product and the sector.

[0007] Furthermore, FR 3 105 564 A1 discloses a convertible electrical switch according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0008] In view of the described drawbacks or limitations of the currently existing solutions, a simple and safe solution that allows the activation and deactivation of the spring that establishes the conversion of a stable position switch into a push-button is necessary.Object of the invention

[0009] In order to meet this objective and solve the technical problems discussed so far, in addition to providing additional advantages that can be derived later, the present invention provides a convertible electrical switch with an operating rocker arm mounted on a base of a switch body, in a pivotable manner between three stable ON and OFF positions of the switch, and with an activation element for each ON position that can be connected to the operating rocker arm so that the activation element and the rocker arm are connected in an activation position, by action of a spring coupled to the activation element, and pushes the operating rocker arm to a single stable position, converting the switch into a push-button. Switch in which the activation elements are arranged in sliding guided assembly through windows of the operating rocker arm with a geometry corresponding to the external geometry of the activation element, so that in the inactive position the corresponding activation element passes through the window without pushing the rocker arm, while in the activation position the corresponding activation element is configured to push the rocker arm by means of at least one projection after a rotation of said activation element is established, so that the projection comes in contact with the rocker arm, moving together with the activation element by action of the spring without both elements being joined. The force of the spring pushes the activation element which, by means of a rectilinear movement in the acting direction of the spring, in turn pushes the rocker arm along its curvilinear movement, there being relative displacement between the rocker arm and the activation element along the movement.

[0010] Due to this configuration, the activation elements are in free assembly inside the switch without having to be coupled to any part of the switch, but positioned inside the switch with freedom of movement (in the acting direction of the spring) established by the guide provided by the windows of the rocker arm, thus eliminating possible couplings or joints susceptible to breakage or malfunction.

[0011] The electrical switch has three stable positions, preferably with two ON positions and one OFF position. This allows the switch to establish three different operations by means of the OFF position and each of the two ON positions. Preferably, the two ON positions can each establish movement, in a device or system, in opposite directions while the OFF position would prevent movement. The switch, in each of the ON positions, comprises the activation element to convert the ON position in a switch or push-button.

[0012] Additionally, the activation of the spring to convert the switch to a push-button is facilitated, since simply rotating the activation elements makes it possible to connect the activation elements to the rocker arm and push the rocker arm with the force of the spring, by contact of the projection of the activation element. In this case, the force of the spring does not need to be adjusted for coupling, since the rotation ensures contact between the rocker arm and the activation element without the risk of their joining being disconnected as a result of the push of the spring. Likewise, the change to the inactive position is facilitated by simply rotating in the opposite direction until reaching the initial inactive position in which the spring does not exert force on the rocker arm.

[0013] Optionally, an activation element in an ON position can be rotated and another not, achieving a switch with an ON position in the form of a push-button and another ON position in the form of a switch. In this way, each of the activation elements allows the activation position to be in push-button mode or in button mode towards each side independently.

[0014] Preferably, the geometry of the activation elements will be cylindrical, this configuration being optimal for establishing activation by rotation.

[0015] According to a feature of the invention, the convertible electrical switch comprises a cup-shaped hole that establishes an inner guide with respect to a shaft that projects from the base by sliding between respective surfaces. Thus, the activation elements, in addition to being externally guided by the windows of the rocker arm, are guided internally by the springs that project from the corresponding base to be inserted inside the activation elements.

[0016] In this way, the activation elements are in sliding assembly inside the switch, allowing their movement only in the direction of the force of the corresponding spring, without the need for it to be fixed to any element of the switch, thus avoiding coupling susceptible to breakage and providing more robustness to the assembly.

[0017] According to another feature of the invention, the spring is seated in contact with the shaft of the base along its length. This configuration retains the spring between the base and the corresponding activation element, preventing it from coming out of its seat and ensuring that the force of the spring is carried out in only one direction.

[0018] According to another feature of the invention, the activation element comprises, in the hole, an activation element shaft in which the corresponding spring is seated in contact with said activation element shaft and along the same. This configuration more effectively secures the spring in its seat, preventing it from moving laterally and ensuring the force in only one direction of activation in each of the activation positions.

[0019] To more precisely ensure that the acting elements move only in the acting direction of the corresponding spring and to avoid possible buckling of its bottom portion (the portion closest to the base of the switch), it is envisaged that the base comprises a slot configured to guide each corresponding activation element. This slot comprises a geometry corresponding to the geometry of the activation element, preferably cylindrical, so that an annular slot in which the bottom portion of the corresponding acting element penetrates is established, being guided from below on its outer surface by the wall of said slot and internally by the shaft of the base.

[0020] Preferably, the activation element comprises at least one stop rib that determines the rotation stop of the activation element until reaching the activation position upon contact with a stop on the base. In this way, it is ensured that the active position has been reached, and the activation element correctly pushes the rocker arm. This rib can also serve as an indicator to know the angular position of the activation element when viewing said rib. The stop of the base could be a point-like projection or a longitudinal rib.

[0021] Alternatively, the stop rib of the activation element could rotate in a recess in the base between the activation and inactivation position. In this way, two stops would be established along the walls of the recess, one for each position of the activation element.

[0022] As a system for ensuring that the rotation element inadvertently returns to the inactive position, it is envisaged that the operating rocker arm comprises a retention recess configured to engage the projection of the activation element in the activation position. The projection of the activation element will rise until it engages in the recess of the rocker arm simply due to the force of the spring when it reaches the activation position.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, each activation element comprises an activation slot accessible through the window of the operating rocker arm by means of a tool such as a screwdriver, which makes it easier to access the activation element and establish the necessary rotation.

[0024] The switch comprises a lever, which is accessible by a user from the outside, transmitting the movement to the rocker arm and making it change from one stable position to another. Preferably, the intermediate position is the OFF position, the rocker arm always changing from an ON position to another OFF position. The lever can pivot the rocker arm from an OFF position to an ON position, and said ON position can be a push-button or a switch, depending on the active or inactive position of the corresponding activation element, respectively.

[0025] Preferably, the lever can be secured to the rocker arm, for its pivoting between the three stable positions. For each ON position, the activation element can be in the active position, coming in contact with and pushing the rocker arm towards the OFF position when the lever action is released, or it can be in the inactive position, passing the activation element through the window of the base and not coming in contact with the rocker arm. In this way, it is achieved that the activation element converts the push-button into a switch and vice versa.

[0026] The activation elements can be accessed by removing the trim and the lever, which are detachably secured to the rocker arm. Alternatively, the lever can have holes corresponding to the windows in the base to allow access to the activation slots. In this way, with the removal of the trim, the position of the activation element could be changed without needing to remove the lever or any other part of the assembly.

[0027] For all these reasons, this switch offers advantages over what is known and a solution that solves the problems contemplated in the state of the art.Description of the figures

[0028] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the wall-mounted switch. Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective schematic view of an embodiment of the switch object of the invention. Figure 3a shows a cross-sectional view of the switch object of the invention assembled with the activation element in the active position. Figure 3b shows a cross-sectional view of the switch object of the invention assembled with the activation element in the inactive position. Figure 4a shows a longitudinal sectional view of the switch object of the invention assembled with the activation elements in the active position. Figure 4b shows a longitudinal sectional view with the activation elements in the active position and the rocker arm in the OFF position. Figure 5a shows a top view of the switch object of the invention with the activation element in the inactive position. Figure 5b shows a top view of the switch object of the invention with the activation element in the active position. Detailed description of the invention

[0029] In light of the aforementioned figures and, according to the numbering adopted, a non-limiting preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention can be seen in them, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

[0030] As shown in the practical exemplary embodiment in figures 1 and 2, the switch comprises a body (5) with a base (2) on which the operating rocker arm (1) is mounted in a pivotable manner between three stable ON and OFF positions of the switch, a lever (6) that facilitates the pivoting of the rocker arm (1) by a user being mounted on said rocker arm (1).

[0031] Thus, the object of the invention is to convert the switch with three stable positions into a switch with a push-button function, at least for one of the ON positions, which by action of a spring (4) forces the rocker arm (1) to a stable momentary OFF position as long as the action on the lever (6) is not maintained.

[0032] To this end, the switch comprises an activation element (3) that is arranged in sliding guided assembly between the rocker arm (1) and the base (2). Said base serves as a seat for a spring (4) that performs the push to convert the switch into a push-button in a corresponding ON position.

[0033] As shown in the figures, the rocker arm (1) comprises windows (1.1) which geometry corresponds to the geometry of the activation elements (3) where, in the inactive state, as shown in figure 3b, the activation element (3) is free without interfering with the rocker arm (1) when it is pressed. Therefore, the activation element (3) remains immobile and passes through the window (1.1) of the rocker arm (1), leaving the spring (4) in its extended position. Preferably, the activation element (3) is cylindrical.

[0034] To convert the switch into a push-button in one of the ON positions, as shown in figures 2 and 3a, the activation element (3) preferably comprises two projections (3.1) and preferably in diametrically opposite positions, so that when manual rotation of said activation element (3) is established by the user, the activation element (3) is connected to the rocker arm (1) in an activation position by action of the spring (4). Thus, the activation element (3) moves together with the rocker arm (1) without both elements being joined, pushing the same with the projections (3.1) by action of the spring (4), so that in said activation position the rocker arm (1) is always forced to a single intermediate stable position, converting into a push-button in said ON position.

[0035] Figure 4a shows how moving the lever (6) makes the rocker arm (1) tilt, compressing the spring (4) when the activation element (3) and the rocker arm (1) are connected. When the displacement of the lever (6) stops, the spring (4) pushes the activation element (3) which in turn pushes the rocker arm (1) thus returning to the intermediate OFF position, shown in figure 4b. In these figures, both activation elements (3) are in the active position, so in both ON positions the spring (4) will push the activation elements (3) and this will push the rocker arm (1) towards the intermediate position.

[0036] Figure 5a shows how the projections (3.1) coincide with the geometry of the windows (1.1) since the activation elements (3) are not in contact with the rocker arm (1). In this way, when the rocker arm (1) pivots, the activation elements (3) pass through the windows (1.1) and the spring (4) is not compressed. On the contrary, figure 5b shows how the projections (3.1) no longer coincide with the geometry of the window (1.1) since they are in contact with the rocker arm (1). In this way, when the rocker arm (1) pivots, it comes in contact with the activation element (3) corresponding to the ON position, compressing the spring (4), and when the action stops, the spring pushes the rocker arm (1) through the activation element (3) to the intermediate position.

[0037] In order for the displacement to be carried out precisely in the activation position, the base (2) comprises a base shaft (2.1) that projects from said base (2) in such a way that it is inserted into an inner cup-shaped hole (3.2) in the activation element (3). The shaft (2.1) is preferably cylindrical in configuration, like the hole (3.2) in the activation element (3), so that an inner sliding guide is established between both elements, which together with the sliding guide between the outer surface of the activation element (3) and the window (1.1) of the rocker arm, ensures the positioning of the activation element (3) in sliding assembly inside the switch. As shown in the practical embodiment of figures 2, 3a and 3b, this inner guide is established between the outer surface of the base shaft (2.1) and the inner surface of the hole (3.2) in the activation element.

[0038] This guide limits the movement of the activation element (3) in the acting direction of the spring (4), which in the practical embodiment of the figures has a first end (4.1) that couples to an activation element shaft (3.3) of the hole (3.2) in the activation element (3), keeping the spring at said first end (4.1) in contact with the activation element shaft along the same. With a second end (4.2) of the spring (4) that is seated in contact with an inner channel of the shaft (2.1) of the base (2). Preferably, the inner diameter of the inner channel will be the same diameter as the spring (4), allowing a sliding adjustment that prevents it from coming out of its housing and acting only in one activation direction.

[0039] As shown in figures 3a, 4a and 4b, the spring (4) will only remain compressed in its activation position before bringing the rocker arm (1) to the stable position, thus extending the useful life of the switch by not keeping the spring (4) in its forced compression position.

[0040] To more accurately ensure the positioning of the activation element (3) in its sliding assembly, it is envisaged that the base (2) comprises an annular slot (2.2), which, as shown in figures 3a to 3b, surrounds the shaft (2.1) of the base (2). This slot (2.2) allows the activation element (3) to be inserted inside the same and when it is in the activation position it does not leave its path in the operational direction of the spring (4), being guided inside by the shaft (2.1) of the base (2) and externally by the walls of the slot (2.2), since in this position it does not have the guide of the window (1.1) of the rocker arm (1).

[0041] The activation element (3) changes to its activation position once the projections (3.1) have rotated enough to come out of the geometry of the window (1.1); however, to establish a safe rotation stop in which the activation element (3) is prevented from coming out its activation position, it is envisaged that said activation element (3) comprises a stop rib (3.4). Said stop rib (3.4) being on the outer surface of the activation element (3) in such a way that it establishes the rotation stop upon contact with a stop of the base (2). Said stop of the base (2) can be a projection in the form of a protuberance that prevents the displacement of the stop rib (3.4). Alternatively, the stop of the base (2) can be made by the walls of a recess in the base (2) itself, in which the stop rib (3.4) can move. This stop rib (3.4) can also serve as a guide for the user as an indicator to determine the positioning of the activation element (3).

[0042] Even if an angular safety rotation is established, it could be the case that said rotation is inadvertently reversed, eliminating the push-button function. To avoid this problem, it is envisaged that the rocker arm (1) comprises at least one retention recess (1.2) configured to engage the projection (3.1) of the activation element (3) when the maximum safety rotation has been established, inserting the projection (3.1) of the activation element in the recess (1.2) by action of the spring force.

[0043] Additionally, to facilitate the change of the activation element (3) to its activation position, the activation element (3) comprises an activation slot (3.5), preferably in the shape of a crosshead, in such a way that it is accessible through the window (1.1) of the operating rocker arm (1) so that the activation element (3) can be easily rotated by using a tool such as a screwdriver. In the case of having the retention recess (1.2), in order to change from the push-button function to the function of a switch with two stable positions, an initial pressure must be applied so that the activation element (3) comes out of the retention recess (1.2) and then rotation must be applied to move the activation element (3) to its inactive position.

[0044] Each ON position has an independent activation element (3), so that for two ON positions, the activation elements (3) can be both inactive, both active, or one active and the other inactive. Each of them is activated or inactivated individually, thus giving the freedom of choice on the active or inactive position of each one.

[0045] According to the alternative embodiment, the inner guide of the activation element (3) with respect to the base shaft (2.1) is established between the inner surface of the inner channel of the base shaft (2.1) and the outer surface of the activation element shaft (3.3). In this case, the spring (4) has a first end (4.1) that is seated in contact with the inner surface of the hole (3.2) in the activation element (3) along the same, and a second end (4.2) of the spring (4) that is seated in contact with the outer surface of the base shaft (2.1) along the same.

[0046] In the embodiments shown, there is a lever (6) with which a user interacts to pivot the rocker arm (1). Said lever (6) can be secured to the rocker arm (1), preferably in a removable manner. In this way, the lever (6) pivots integrally with the rocker arm (1), thus transmitting the action exerted by the user to the rocker arm (1). Any other way of pivoting the rocker arm (1) could be used, for example by means of a pivoting key.

[0047] Preferably, the lever (6) has through holes (6.1) corresponding to the windows (1.1), thus allowing access to the activation elements (3) and especially to the activation slots (3.5). In this way, the activation elements (3) could be activated or deactivated only by removing the trim, without needing to disassemble any part of the switch, thus achieving easy handling and conversion of the same.

[0048] Optionally, the holes (6.1) can be complete, in the same way as the windows (1.1), if they are arranged inside the lever (6), or they can be partial, such as those shown in figure 2. In this way, it can be seen how the holes (6.1) are partial since the lever (6) does not completely cover the rocker arm (1). With this embodiment it is not necessary to remove the lever (6) to change the position of the activation elements (3).

[0049] Thus, a safe and reliable convertible switch is available with features that ensure a longer useful life than the known solutions.

Claims

1. A convertible electrical switch with an operating rocker arm (1) mounted on a base (2) of a switch body (5) in a pivotable manner between three stable ON and OFF positions of the switch, comprising an activation element (3) for each ON position, that can be connected to the operating rocker arm (1), which, when the corresponding activation element (3) and the rocker arm (1) are connected in an activation position, by action of a spring (4) coupled to the activation element (3), pushes the operating rocker arm (1) to a single stable OFF position, converting the switch into a push-button, characterised in that the activation elements (3) are arranged in sliding guided assembly through windows (1.1) of the operating rocker arm (1) with a geometry corresponding to the external geometry of the activation elements (3), so that in the inactive position the corresponding activation element (3) passes through the window (1.1) without pushing the rocker arm (1), while in the activation position the corresponding activation element (3) is configured to push the rocker arm (1) by means of at least one projection (3.1) after a rotation of said activation element (3) is established, so that the projection (3.1) comes in contact with the rocker arm (1), moving together with the activation element (3) by action of the spring (4).

2. The convertible electrical switch according to the preceding claim, wherein the activation elements (3) comprise a cup-shaped hole (3.2) that establishes an inner guide with respect to a base shaft (2.1) that projects from the base (2) by sliding between respective surfaces.

3. The convertible electrical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring (4) is seated in contact with the base shaft (2.1) along the same.

4. The convertible electrical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation elements (3) comprise, in the hole (3.2), an activation element shaft (3.3) in which the spring (4) is seated in contact with said activation element shaft (3.3) along the same.

5. The convertible electrical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (2) comprises a slot (2.2), with a geometry corresponding to the geometry of the activation element (3), configured to guide the activation element (3).

6. The convertible electrical switch according to the preceding claim, wherein the activation element (3) comprises at least one stop rib (3.4) that determines the rotation stop of the activation element (3) until reaching the activation position upon contact with a stop of the base (2).

7. The convertible electrical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating rocker arm (1) comprises retention recesses (1.2) configured to engage the projection (3.1) of the activation elements (3) in the activation position, preventing the rotation of the activation elements (3).

8. The convertible electrical switch according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation elements (3) comprise an activation slot (3.5) accessible through the window (1.1) of the operating rocker arm (1) by means of a tool such as a screwdriver.

9. The convertible electrical switch according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a lever (6) that can be secured to the rocker arm (1) for its pivoting between the three stable ON and OFF positions.

10. The convertible electrical switch according to claim 9, wherein said lever (6) has through holes (6.1) that allow access to the activation slots (3.6) through the windows (1.1) of the rocker arm (1).