OA22196A - Convertible electric switch. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a convertible electric switch comprising an actuation rocker arm (1) mounted on a base (2) such that same can rock between two stable positions for connecting and disconnecting the switch, and an activation element (3) that can be connected to the actuation rocker arm (1) and which, when the activation element (3) and the rocker arm (1) are connected in an activation position, pushes the actuation rocker arm (1) to a single stable position, the activation element being disposed in an assembly slidingly guided through an opening (1.1) of the rocker arm (1) that has a geometry matching the outer geometry of the activation element (3), such that in the inactive position, the activation element (3) passes through the opening without pushing the rocker arm (1), while in the activation position, the activation element (3) is configured to push the rocker arm (1) once the activation element (3) is rotated.

Description

DESCRIPTION

CONVERTIBLE ELECTRIC SWITCH

Technical fîeld

The présent invention relates to electric switches, and more specifically to those comprising an actuation rocker amn mounted on the base body of the switch that can be actuated between two stable positions for connecting and disconnecting, being convertible into a switch with a single stable position by way of a push button by the action of a spring.

State of the art

Solutions are known of an electric switch with two stable positions convertible into a switch with a single stable position push button by the action of a spring by means of various solutions According to current switch régulations, a switch is understood to be a momentary switch, where the electric connection takes place during the actuation and returns to the off position when the actuation is finished. In addition, these momentary switches can be normaliy open or normaliy closed.

European Patent Document EP2924702 discloses such a switch in which the rocker arm has a hollow head into which a force transmission element is coupled, so that when coupled the spring is activated so that the rocker arm acts as a push button, and when uncoupled the transmission element functions as an all-nothing switch with two opposite stable positions.

However, this solution has a number of drawbacks, such as the fact that the coupling of the force transmission element is done by pressure, e.g. by clipping, which makes activation difficult for the user who must apply a pressing force to engage the pressure element in the hollow head of the rocker arm, and the correct coupling cannot be established if not enough force is applied, or the part that makes up the transmission element may break when the force is applied if too much pressure is applied. In addition, if it is configured so that the pressure to be exerted is very small, it is possible that the spring force may uncouple the clipping between the rocker arm head and the force transmission element.

A further problem arises when decoupling to switch from a push button function to a two stable

-222196 position function of the rocker arm. In this case, it is necessary to use a tool to remove the clipping force, but the access for disconnection makes the disconnection manoeuvre more difficult, which may again lead to the breakage of one of the couplable éléments and render it unusableforthe push button function. In addition, in the inactive position, said part that makes up the transmission element must remain attached to the rocker arm to prevent it from being lost, which means establishing a pivot point that is susceptible to breakage or failure. Another possible malfunction is that when the switch is actuated abruptly, the fastening, which is created as a clipping that is activated and deactivated, may jump, losing the push button effect and having to be reactivated by dismantling at least the aesthetic part of the switch.

In view of the described drawbacks or limitations of currently existing solutions, a simple and safe solution is required to enable the activation and deactivation of the spring that establishes the conversion from a switch with two stable positions to a switch with a single stable position push button.

Object of the invention

In order to meet this objective and to solve the technical problème discussed thus far, as well as providing additional advantages which may be derived later, the present invention provides a convertible electric switch with an actuation rocker arm mounted on a base such that same can rock between two stable positions for connecting and disconnecting the switch, and with an activation element that can be connected to the actuation rocker arm and which, when the activation element and the rocker arm are connected in an activation position, by means of the action of a spring coupled to the activation element, pushes the actuation rocker arm to a single stable position, converting the switch into a push button. Switch in which the activation element is disposed in an assembly slidingly guided through an opening of the rocker arm that has a geometry matching the outer geometry of the activation element, such that in the inactive position, the activation element passes through the opening without pushing the rocker arm, while in the activation position, the activation element is configured to push the rocker arm by means of at least one projection once the activation element is rotated, so that the projection makes contact with the rocker arm and moves together with the activation element by spring action without the two éléments being connected. The spring force pushes the activation element which, by means of a rectilinear movement in the direction of spring actuation, in turn pushes the rocker arm along its curvilinear movement, there being a relative displacement between the rocker arm and the activation element along the movement.

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Due to this configuration, the activation element is freely mounted inside the switch without having to be coupled to any part of the switch, but rather being positioned inside the switch with a freedom of movement (in the direction of spring actuation) established by the guidance provided by the opening of the rocker arm, thus eliminating possible couplings or joints susceptible to breakage or malfunctioning.

In addition, the spring activation for the conversion of the switch into a push button is facilitated, as the activation element merely requires rotating to connect the activation element to the rocker arm and push the rocker arm by the spring force through the contact of the projection of the activation element. in this case it is not necessary to adjust the spring force for the coupling as the rotation ensures the contact between rocker arm and activation element without the risk of disconnecting their connection resulting from the push of the spring. The transition to the inactive position is also facilitated by simply rotating in the opposite direction to the initial inactive position in which the spring does not exert any force on the rocker arm.

Preferably the geometry of the activation element is cylindrical, this being the optimum configuration for establishing rotational activation.

According to a feature of the invention, the convertible electric switch comprises a cup-shaped hole establishing an internai guide with respect to a shaft projecting from the base by sliding between respective surfaces. Thus, in addition to being guided externally by the opening of the rocker arm, the activation element is guided internally by the shaft that projects from the base to be inserted into the activation element.

In this way, the activation element is slidingly mounted inside the switch, allowing it to move only in the direction of the spring force, without having to be fixed to any element of the switch, thus avoiding a coupling susceptible to breakage, and making the assembly more robust.

According to another feature of the invention, the spring is sitting in contact with the base shaft along the same. This configuration retains the spring between the base and the activation element, preventing it from slipping out of its seat, and ensuring that the spring force is in one direction only.

According to another feature of the invention, the activation element comprises in the hole an

-4 22196 activation element shaft on which the spring is seated in contact with said activation element shaft along the same. This configuration more effectively secures the spring in its seat by preventing it from moving laterally, and by ensuring that the effort is only in one direction of activation.

In order to ensure more precisely that the activation element moves only in the direction of spring actuation and to avoid possible buckling of its bottom portion (the part closest to the base of the switch), the base is provided to comprise a groove configured to guide the activation element. This groove has a geometry matching the geometry of the activation element, preferably cylindrical, so that an annular groove is established in which the lower part of the activation element pénétrâtes, being guided at the bottom on its outer surface along the wall of said groove and on the inside by the base shaft.

Preferably, the activation element comprises on its periphery at least one flange complementary to at least one clipping tooth for clipping the base configured to establish a displacement stop of the activation element once the clipped mounting of the activation element on the base has been established.

In this way, the activation element, in addition to being retained by the established guide(s), comprises a displacement stop that prevents it from slipping out of its housing.

Said flange may be a continuous perimeter rib such that the stop acts during the rotation of the activation element.

According to another aspect of the invention, the activation element comprises at least one stop rib which defines the rotational stop of the activation element up to the activation position when making contact with the clipping tooth of the base. This ensures that the active position has been reached, and the activation element pushes the rocker arm correctly. This rib can also serve as an indicator of the angular position of the activation element by visualising said rib.

As a system to ensure that the rotating element unintentionally returns to the inactive position, it is provided that the actuation rocker arm comprises a retaining recess configured to engage the projection of the activation element in the activation position. Simply by the force of the spring, the projection of the activation element is lifted until engaging in the recess of the rocker

-522196 arm when it reaches the activation position.

According to a last aspect of the invention, the activation element comprises an activation groove that can be accessed through the opening of the actuation rocker arm by means of a tool such as a screwdriver, which facilitâtes access to the activation element and establishes the required rotation.

Description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the switch that is the subject of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the switch of the invention mounted with the activation element in the inactive position.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the switch of the invention mounted with the activation element in the active position.

Figure 4 shows an upper view of the switch of the invention with the activation element in the inactive position.

Figure 5 shows an upper view of the switch of the invention with the activation element in the active position.

Figure 6 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the switch of the invention showing the recess in the rocker arm and the projection of the activation element fitted in said recess.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the switch of the invention mounted, and in the active position, where a rib of the activation element can be seen butting against a clipping tooth of the base.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the switch that is the subject of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

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In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the adopted numbering, a preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention is disclosed, which comprises the parts and éléments indicated and described in detail below.

As can be seen ïn the practical exemplary embodiment shown in figure 1, the switch comprises a body (5) with a base (2) on which the actuation rocker arm (1) is mounted such that same can rock between two stable positions for connecting and disconnecting the switch, with a plate (6) mounted on said rocker arm (1) by way of a trim to facilitate activation by a user.

Thus, the object of the invention is to convert the switch with two stable positions into a switch with push button function, which by the action of a spring (4) forces the rocker arm (1) to a single momentary stable position as long as the actuation on the plate (6) is maintained.

For this purpose, the switch comprises an activation element (3) which is arranged in a sliding guide assembly between the rocker arm (1) and the base (2), and which serves as a seat for a spring (4) which carries out the push to convert the switch with two stable positions into a push button.

As can be seen in the figures, the rocker arm (1) comprises an opening (1.1) the geometry of which matches the geometry of the activation element (3) which, in the inactive State, as can be seen in figures 2 and 4, the activation element (3) is free without interfering with the rocker arm (1) when it is pressed. So the activation element (3) remains stationary and passes through the opening (1.1) of the rocker arm (1), the spring (4) being in its extended position. Preferably, the activation element (3) is provided in a cylindrical shape.

In order to convert the switch to a push button, as can be seen in figures 1 and 3, the activation element (3) preferably comprises two projections (3.1) and preferably in diametrically opposite positions, so that when a manual rotation of said activation element (3) is established by the user, as can be seen in figure 3, the activation element (3) by action of the spring (4) connects with the rocker arm (1) in an activation position. Thus, the activation element (3) moves together with the rocker arm (1) without both éléments being connected, pushing it with the projections (3.1) by the action of the spring (4), so that in said activation position the rocker arm (1 ) is always forced into a single stable position, being converted into a push button. Figure 5 shows the manner in which the projections (3.1) no longer coïncide with the geometry of the opening (1.1) when in contact with the rocker arm (1).

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For précisé displacement in the activation position, the base (2) comprises a base shaft (2.1) which projects from said base (2) so that it is inserted into an inner cup-shaped hole (3.2) of the activation element (3). The shaft (2.1) is preferably of a cylindrical configuration as is the hole (3.2) of the activation element (3), so that an inner sliding guide between both éléments is established, which together with the sliding guide between the outer surface of the activation element (3) and the opening (1.1) of the rocker arm, ensures the positioning of the activation element (3) in sliding mounting inside the switch. As can be seen in the practical embodiment of figures 1 to 7, this inner guide is established between the outer surface of the base shaft (2.1) and the inner surface of the hole (3.2) of the activation element.

This guide limits the movement of the activation element (3) to the direction of actuation of the spring (4), which in the practical embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7 has a first end (4.1 ) which is coupled to an activation element shaft (3.3) in the hole (3.2) of the activation element (3), the spring at said first end (4.1) remaining in contact with the activation element shaft along the same. With a second end (4.2) of the spring (4) seating in contact with an inner channel (2.1.1) of the shaft (2.1) of the base (2). Preferably the inner diameter of the inner channel (2.1.1) is of the same diameter as the spring (4) allowing a sliding adjustment that prevents it from slipping out of its housing and acting only in one direction of activation.

As can be seen in figures 2 and 3, the spring (4) only remains in compression in its activation position before bringing the rocker arm to the stable position, thus extending the service life of the switch by not keeping the spring (4) in its forced compression position.

In order to ensure more accurate positioning of the activation element (3) in its sliding mounting, the base (2) is provided to comprise an annular groove (2.2) which, as shown in figures 1 to 3, surrounds the shaft (2.1) of the base (2). This groove (2.2) allows the activation element (3) to be inserted therein and when in the activation position it does not move out of its travel in the direction of actuation of the spring (4), being guided internally by the shaft (2.1) of the base (2) and externally by the walls of the groove (2.2), since in this position it does not hâve the guide of the opening (1.1) of the rocker arm (1).

According to another feature of the invention, as can be seen in figures 1 to 3, the activation element (3) comprises on its periphery at least one flange (3.4), preferably two flanges (3.4) facing each other (not shown), and even more preferably a flange (3.4) in the form of a

-822196 continuous perimeter rib (figure 7), which in a complementary manner to at least one clipping tooth (2.3) of the base (2), and preferably two clipping teeth (2.3) facing each other in diametrically opposite positions, establishes a clipped mounting of the activation element (3) defining a displacement stop of the activation element in the direction of actuation of the spring. This configuration prevents it from slipping out of its housing. Preferably, said clipping teeth (2.3) are formed by respective pins projecting from the base (2).

The activation element (3) moves into its activation position once the projections (3.1) hâve rotated sufficiently to move out of the geometry of the opening (1.1), however, in order to establish a safe rotation stop whereby the activation element (3) is prevented from moving out of its activation position, it is provided that said activation element (3) comprises a stop rib (3.5). Said stop rib (3.5) being on the outer surface of the activation element (3) such that it establishes the rotational stop when making contact with the clipping tooth (2.3) of the base (2). This stop rib (3.5) can also serve as a guide for the user as an indicator to détermine the positioning of the activation element (3).

Even if a safety angle rotation is set, it may be the case that said rotation is unintentionally reversed and the push button function is eliminated. To avoid this problem, the rocker arm (1) is provided with at least one retaining recess (1.2) configured to engage the projection (3.1) of the activation element (3) when the maximum safe rotation has been established, the projection (3.1) of the activation element being inserted into the recess (1.2) by the action of the spring force (Figure 6).

Additionally, in order to make it easier to move the activation element (3) into its activation position, the activation element (3) comprises an activation groove (3.6), preferably in the form of a crosshead, such that it can be accessed through the opening (1.1) of the actuation rocker arm (1) so that the activation element (3) can be easily rotated using a tool such as a screwdriver. And in the case of the retaining recess (1.2), in order to change from the push button function to that of a switch with two stable positions, it will be necessary to apply an initial pressure so that the activation element (3) cornes out of the retaining recess (1.2) and subsequently applying rotation to move the activation element (3) to its inactive position.

According to the alternative embodiment of figure 8, the inner guide of the activation element with respect to the base shaft (2.1) is established between the inner surface of the inner channel (2.1.1) of the base shaft (2.1) and the outer surface of the activation element shaft

-922196 (3.3). In this case, the spring (4) has a first end (4.1) sitting in contact with the inner surface of the hole (3.2) of the activation element (3) along the length thereof, and a second end (4.2) of the spring (4) sitting in contact with the outer surface of the base shaft (2.1) along the same.

This provides a safe and reliable convertible switch with features that guarantee a longer service life than known solutions.

Claims (9)

1,- A convertible electric switch with an actuation rocker arm (1) mounted on a base (2) of a switch body (5) such that same can rock between two stable positions for connecting and disconnecting the switch, and with an activation element (3) that can be connected to the actuation rocker arm (1) which, when the activation element (3) and the rocker arm (1) are connected in an activation position, by the action of a spring (4) coupled to the activation element (3), pushes the actuation rocker arm (1) into a single stable position converting the switch into a push button, characterised in that the activation element is disposed in an assembly slidingly guided through an opening (1.1) of the rocker arm (1) that has a geometry matching the outer geometry of the activation element (3), such that in the inactive position, the activation element (3) passes through the opening without pushing the rocker arm (1), while in the activation position, the activation element (3) is configured to push the rocker arm (1) by means of at least one projection (3.1) once the activation element (3) is rotated, so that the projection (3.1) makes contact with the rocker arm (1) being jointly displaced with the activation element (3) by the action of the spring (4).

2,- The convertible electric switch according to the preceding claim, wherein the activation element (3) comprises a cup-shaped hole (3.2) establishing an internai guide with respect to a base shaft (2.1) projecting from the base (2) by sliding between respective surfaces.

3,- The convertible electric switch according to any one of the preceding daims, wherein the spring (4) is sitting in contact with the base shaft (2.1) along the same.

4.- The convertible electric switch according to any one of the preceding daims wherein the activation element (3) comprises in the hole (3.2) an activation element shaft (3.3) on which the spring (4) is seated in contact with said activation element shaft (3.3) along the same.

5,- The convertible electric switch according to any one of the preceding daims, wherein the base (2) comprises a groove (2.2), with a geometry matching the geometry of the activation element (3), configured to guide the activation element (3).

6,- The convertible electric switch according to any one of the preceding daims, wherein the activation element (3) comprises on its periphery at least one flange (3.4) complementary to at least one clipping tooth (2.3) for clipping the base (2) configured to establish a displacement

-11 22196 stop of the activation element (3) once the clipped mounting has been established.

7,- The convertible electric switch according to the preceding claim wherein the activation element (3) comprises at least one stop rib (3.5) which defines the rotational stop of the activation element (3) up to the activation position when making contact with the clipping tooth (2.3) ofthe base (2).

8 . The convertible electric switch according to any one of the preceding daims, wherein the actuation rocker arm (1) comprises a retaining recess (1.2) configured to engage the projection (3.1) of the activation element (3) in the actuation position, preventing the rotation of the activation element (3).

9 .- The convertible electric switch according to any one of the preceding daims, wherein the activation element (3) comprises an activation groove (3.6) that can be accessed through the opening (1.1) of the actuation rocker arm (1) by means of a tool such as a screwdriver.