WO2021130720A1

WO2021130720A1 - Electrical switch

Info

Publication number: WO2021130720A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/062438
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alberto Volpato; Antonio Cavalli
Original assignee: Vimar S.P.A.
Priority date: 2019-12-24
Filing date: 2020-12-24
Publication date: 2021-07-01
Also published as: EP4088296B1; EP4088296C0; EP4088296A1; IT201900025549A1

Abstract

An electrical switch includes a main body, a button which is slidably coupled, along a sliding direction, to said main body, a switching mechanism, housed inside said main body and configured to control the opening and closing of an electrical contact by means of an oscillating movement of a relative actuation element. The button comprises at least one pushing element and at least one pulling element configured to interact with said switching mechanism during a lowering movement and a raising movement of the button. The switching mechanism further comprises a motion transformation device configured to transform the sliding of the button into said oscillating movement of the actuation element. The motion transformation device comprises a tilting slide which includes a slide body and a movable portion sliding on the slide body.

Description

ELECTRICAL SWITCH

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an electrical switch capable of closing or switching electrical contacts, of the type comprising a button, sliding with respect to a main body and a switching mechanism, housed inside the main body and configured to control the opening and closing of an electrical contact following the sliding of the button.

In the technical field of civil and industrial electrical systems, electro-mechanical switches through which electrical contacts are closed or switched are commonly used, for example for switching on or off light sources.

In one of their most common configurations, switches comprise a control mechanism, operable by a manual pressure action, which moves a movable anchor. The movable anchor comprises a flexible conductive foil which is brought from a first position, in which an electrical contact is open, to a second position, in which the contact is closed.

The interface with which a user interacts with the switch control mechanism generally comprises a button.

In particular, the present invention relates to a control mechanism for switches and the like of the axial type. In an axial control mechanism for switches and the like, the switching takes place due to the axial movement of the button which, by means of suitable transmissions, causes the rotation of the contact-carrier anchor. An example of an axial control mechanism is described in patent EP2672498.

Generally, the mechanisms for actuating switches by means of an axial button provide, between the button and the movable contact-carrier anchor, an element which converts the axial movement of the button into rotatory movement of the anchor.

In the case of compression actuation mechanisms, the element interposed between the button and the movable contact-carrier anchor is normally a tilting slide which sets in rotation a pin, pushed by a compression spring against the anchor, so that the displacement of the pin produces the oscillation of the movable contact-carrier anchor when a dead point is overcome.

These compression actuation mechanisms, although widespread, nevertheless require improvement in terms of reliability, cost-effectiveness, simplicity of construction, and the like.

The actuation stroke of the axial button may be excessively high and require a certain force of actuation of the button, giving a feeling of weighting of the whole mechanism and causing an unpleasant operation for the user.

The technical problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of providing an electrical switch which is structurally and functionally designed to obviate, at least in part, one or more of the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the cited prior art.

Within the scope of this problem, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical switch which is particularly reliable and easily operated by the user. Another object of the invention is to provide such a mechanism which requires a modest actuating force.

This problem is solved and these objects are achieved by the invention by means of an electrical switch according to one or more of the appended claims.

The electrical switch according to the present invention makes it possible to improve the ergonomics and reliability with which the user may operate the mechanism.

This advantage may also be associated with an advantageous reduction in the actuation stroke of the button.

In particular, the electrical switch of the invention includes a main body, a button which is slidably coupled, along a sliding direction, to the main body, a switching mechanism, housed inside said main body and configured to control the opening and closing of an electrical contact by means of an oscillating movement of a relative actuation element.

The button comprises at least one pushing element and at least one pulling element configured to interact with said switching mechanism during a lowering movement and a raising movement of the button, respectively, along said sliding direction. The switching mechanism further comprises a motion transformation device configured to transform the sliding of the button in said sliding direction into said oscillating movement of the actuation element. The motion transformation device comprises a tilting slide which includes a slide body and a movable portion sliding on said slide body. The movable portion is configured to abut with said pushing element during the lowering movement of the button so that the movable portion is urged in sliding translation on said slide body away from the pushing element. The pulling element is configured to pull said motion transformation device towards a rest position during the raising movement of the button.

According to a further aspect, the switch further comprises a lever capable of obtaining a multiplying effect of the sliding movement of the button.

For this purpose, in some embodiments, it is provided that the button comprises an operating body and an axial thrust support operatively connected and slidably coupled to the operating body of the button, with the lever interposed between the button and the axial thrust support, pivoted on the main body and comprising a lever pin which can be operated by sliding the button, so as to obtain the multiplying effect of the movement of the axial thrust support. According to a preferred embodiment, the lever comprises a fulcrum region, suitable for being pivoted on a button-carrier comprised in the main body, and two elongate regions comprising the lever pin. This allows the lever pin to be suitably positioned on the relative elongate region to obtain the multiplying effect appropriate to the shape and length of the button. According to a further aspect of the invention, the elongate region comprises a curved end suitable for engaging on an upper protuberance comprised on the axial thrust support. The configuration of the end of the elongate region therefore makes it possible to achieve a stable interaction between the two elements. Advantageously, the fulcrum region of the lever is inserted in a cavity of the button-carrier. Preferably, the cavity is made at a first end and/or a second end of the button-carrier. Preferably, the cavity is made between an upper portion and a lower portion of the button-carrier. This allows for a particularly effective connection between the lever and the button-carrier.

Advantageously, the button comprises a lower recessed surface, suitable for coming into contact with the lever pin. The recess makes it possible to limit the distance between the button and the button support with the same length of the lever pin.

In a preferred embodiment, the switch comprises two levers pivoted on the button-carrier in a substantially symmetrical and opposite manner with respect to a vertical centre line of the switch. In this symmetrical configuration, a more stable and balanced actuation of the switch is obtained.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the tilting slide comprises a slide body including a grooved region suitable for receiving a first movable portion, a second movable portion and an elastic component, interposed between the first and the second movable portion. Advantageously, the first movable portion may be operated by the first pushing element and the second movable portion may be operated by the second pushing element.

The features and the further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-exclusive exemplary embodiment thereof illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a front view of the electrical switch;

- Figure 2 is a section of a detail of the first end of the button-carrier;

- Figure 3a is a sectional front view of the electrical switch in the rest position;

- Figure 3b is a sectional perspective view of the electrical switch in the rest position;

- Figure 4a is a sectional front view of the electrical switch during switching;

- Figure 4b is a sectional perspective view of the electrical switch during switching;

- Figure 5 is a sectional front view of the electrical switch in the rest position after switching;

- Figure 6 is a section at the actuation element;

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of the axial thrust support;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of the lever;

- Figure 9 is a perspective view of the tilting slide; and

- Figure 10 shows the first and second movable portions and an elastic component interposed therebetween. With reference to the figures, an electric switch is indicated as a whole with the reference numeral 1.

It will be appreciated that in the present exemplary embodiment, the switch 1 is intended to be used in an electrical appliance of the type commonly referred to as a diverter, that is an electrical appliance which is used to control an electrical device, for example a lamp, from two different positions.

In this regard, it should be noted that the switch 1 according to the present invention may be adopted in an independent module which may be installed on the wall and may be wired by means of terminal blocks 130. The terminal blocks 130 are advantageously mounted on a main body 120, preferably box-shaped.

For this purpose, the main body 120 may advantageously comprise fixing portions 121 arranged for connecting the electrical switch 1 to a support frame which may be fixed to the wall, the latter not shown in the figure.

In general, it should be noted that the switch 1 of the present invention may also find application in other apparatus for electrical systems, such as ON/OFF switches, inverters, push-buttons and the like.

The main body 120 is suitable for containing the terminal blocks 130 to which electrical cables of the system in which the switch 1 is used may be connected. The terminal blocks 130 advantageously comprise a primary fixed contact 131 and a secondary fixed contact 132, which preferably form a phase contact and a frame, respectively. In the embodiment shown in the figure, relating to the application of the switch as a diverter, there are a pair of secondary fixed contacts 132, 132' which may be selectively closed on the main contact 131.

In some embodiments, the main body 120 comprises a button-carrier 5. Preferably, the button-carrier 5 is supported on a casing 120A, together with which it defines a volume of the main body 120 inside which a switching mechanism 8 is housed. Preferably, the button-carrier 5 may be directly hooked to the support frame mentioned above. It will be appreciated that the frame may be suitable for example for being installable on a wall and for containing a plurality of modules for switches 1 and other devices.

A button 4, designed to operate the switch 1, is slidably coupled to the main body 120 and, preferably, to the button-carrier 5. The button 4 is suitable for sliding along a sliding direction M from a rest position, visible in Figures 3a and 3b, to a switching position, visible in Figures 4a and 4b. The button 4 may therefore perform a lowering movement, with which it approaches the main body 120 and a raising movement with which it moves away from the main body 120.

Advantageously, the button 4 is rectangular in shape. The button 4 preferably comprises an over-button 41. As illustrated in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the button 4 may comprise housings 43, suitable for being connected to ends 58 included in the button- carrier 5. This type of coupling limits the vertical sliding of the button 4 with respect to the button-carrier 5.

The switch 1 preferably comprises an axial thrust support 6, slidably connected to the button-carrier 5. The actuation of the button 4 from the rest position to the switching position, for example by pressing the button visible in Figure 4a downwards, causes a downward movement of the axial thrust support 6.

The axial thrust support 6 is subjected to the action of a deformable component 53. In Figure 3a, the axial thrust support 6 is pushed upwards by the elastic element 53, preferably at least partially contained in the button-carrier 5. The button-carrier 5 preferably comprises a duct 54 inside which the deformable component 53 is present. Advantageously, the deformable element 53 is a helical spring.

The axial thrust support 6 advantageously comprises an opening 64 suitable for receiving one end of the deformable component 53. The function of the deformable component 53 is to keep or return the axial thrust support 6, and consequently also the button 4, in the rest position, as visible in Figures 3a and 5a. In an advantageous embodiment there are two ducts 54, 54', each containing a deformable component 53, 53'. The ducts 54, 54' are advantageously positioned in a substantially symmetrical manner with respect to a vertical centre line M of the switch 1, visible in Figure 3a. In this embodiment, the axial thrust support 6 comprises two openings 64, 64' advantageously positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the vertical centre line M of the switch 1. Advantageously, the axial thrust support 6 has a substantially rectangular shape of such dimensions as to be housed inside the button-carrier 5. Preferably, the axial thrust support 6 is normally held raised by the action of the deformable component 53, more preferably of the two deformable elements 53, 53'. The detachment of the axial thrust support 6 from the button-carrier 5 is advantageously prevented by pairs of projections 68, 68' included on the outer walls of the axial thrust support 6 and visible in Figure 7, which engage with corresponding teeth, not shown, included on the inner walls of the button-carrier 5.

The axial thrust support 6 advantageously comprises a first pushing element 63 and a second pushing element 63', preferably formed by a first operating wall and a second operating wall, designed to rotate alternately a tilting slide 2A with each operation of the axial thrust support 6, according to the angular position of an actuation element 9, as will be explained in more detail below. The tilting slide 2A is advantageously pivoted on the actuation element 9.

Preferably, the first operating wall 63 and the second operating wall 63' project from underneath the axial thrust support 6. Advantageously, the first operating wall 63 and the second operating wall 63' are symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the switch parallel to the sliding direction M of the button. Preferably, the first operating wall 63 and the second operating wall 63' have substantially the same shape and size. On the basis of a further aspect, between the first operating wall 63 and the second operating wall 63' a volume is defined inside which, during the lowering movement of the button, the tilting slide 2A may be partially housed, in particular a movable portion thereof, as will be illustrated in greater detail below. Advantageously, the axial thrust support 6 comprises a pair of pulling elements 67, 67', preferably formed by teeth, suitable for urging the tilting slide 2A to bring it back to a horizontal position, that is to a rest position, with each actuation. Preferably, the pair of teeth 67, 67' protrudes from underneath the axial thrust support 6.

The actuation element 9 preferably comprises a pin-carrier support 80 suitable for being combined with a pin 90. Preferably, the pin-carrier support 80 is pivoted on the button-carrier 5 so as to be able to rotate with respect to it. The tilting slide 2A is preferablyjointed to the pin-carrier support 80.

In some embodiments, as in the example illustrated in Figure 3b and 4b, the pin- carrier support 80 comprises a protuberance 81 suitable for being inserted into a corresponding cavity, shown in Figure 1, made on the button-carrier 5. In an advantageous embodiment there are a pair of protuberances 81, preferably formed on opposite sides of the pin-carrier support 80, and which may be combined with a pair of cavities of the button-carrier 5.

The pin-carrier support 80 preferably comprises a rocker arm 89 which may be operated by the tilting slide 2A, as will be better explained hereinafter.

With reference to Figure 6, the pin-carrier support 80 advantageously comprises a central sleeve 81, preferably cylindrical, inside which the pin 90 and a deformable element 91 are inserted. Preferably, the deformable element 91 is a helical spring, advantageously arranged around a central elongate section 92 of the pin 90. Preferably, the pin 90 comprises a plurality of side elongate sections 93 which include fins 94 at their ends.

Advantageously, the pin-carrier support 80 comprises a transverse element 82 on which the deformable element 91 abuts. In some embodiments, in the central sleeve 81 there are slots 84 suitable for receiving the fins 94 of the pin 90. The deformable element 61 pushes the pin 90 towards a movable contact 10, preferably formed by an anchor.

Advantageously, the movable contact 10 comprises a pair of protuberances 14 suitable for being inserted into corresponding slots 99, preferably formed in a lower region of the pin 90. In other embodiments, the slots are formed on the anchor 10 while the protuberances are formed on the pin 90.

The movable contact 10 preferably comprises a metal foil, having an upper end 11 and a lower end 12, and a contact portion 13 advantageously in proximity to the upper end 11. The movement of the movable contact 10 may place the contact portion 13 in contact with the fixed contact 131 or away from it. In the preferred embodiment, the movable contact 10 comprises two contact portions 13, 13', preferably positioned on opposite faces of the movable contact 10. When the contact portion 13 of the movable contact 10 is positioned on the fixed contact 131, the cables connected to the terminal blocks 130 are electrically connected. Preferably, the lower end 12 of the anchor 10 is coupled to an abutment surface 133, advantageously formed on the frame 132, which constitutes the fulcrum region of the anchor 10, which will rotate around it. It will be appreciated that by urging the anchor 10 against the abutment surface 133 it is possible to maintain the electrical connection during the oscillation of the movable contact 13 and the relative movement. The rotation of the pin 90 produces a rotation of the anchor 10 preferably in the opposite direction with respect to the rotation of the pin 90. Upon overcoming a dead point, the pin 90 causes the anchor 10 to snap from a closed position to an open position of the fixed contact 131 and vice versa. Overcoming the dead point preferably occurs when the pin 90 overcomes a substantially vertical position or a position parallel to the central axis M.

The upper end 11 of the anchor is advantageously received in a slot 95 included in the pin 90. At least at one end of the groove 95 there is a shoulder 96 which acts as a stop for the upper end 11. The slot 95 and the shoulder 96 are useful for unlocking the anchor 10 in the event of blocking phenomena of same on the fixed contact 131. Preferably there are two shoulders 96, 96', one for each end of the slot 95.

The slide 2A advantageously forms a motion transformation device 2 and preferably comprises a slide body 200, a first movable portion 20, a second movable portion 20' and an elastic component 201, interposed between the first and the second movable portion 20, 20'. Advantageously, the elastic component 201 is a helical spring. The movable portions may be in the form of axial slides. Preferably, the slide body 200 includes a hole 202 which may be associated with a projection 88 included in the pin-carrier support 80 visible in Figure 3a. Advantageously, the slide body 200 includes two holes 202, 202' which may be associated with respective projections 88 of the pin-carrier support 80. In alternative embodiments, the projections may be included in the slide body 200, while the holes may be included in the pin-carrier support 80.

Advantageously, the slide body 200 includes a grooved region 203 suitable for receiving the first movable portion 20, the second movable portion 20' and the elastic component 201.

According to an aspect of the invention, the movable portion 20, 20' is defined by an axial slide 20, 20'.

Preferably, the slide body 200 comprises a first wall 204 and a second wall 205, formed on opposite sides with respect to the groove 203. Advantageously, the slide body 200 comprises a pair of fins 210, 211 on which the pair of teeth 67, 67' of the axial thrust support 6 acts, so as to return the slide 2A to the rest position each time the switch 1 is operated. Preferably, each wall 204, 205 comprises a pair of fins 210, 211.

Advantageously, both walls 204, 205 include a first opening 206, 206' and a second opening 207, 207', preferably equidistant with respect to the centre of the slide body 200. In other embodiments not shown, a single opening is provided on one or both walls 204, 205.

Advantageously, the slide body 200 comprises a lower surface 209 which during the rotation of the slide body 200 comes into contact with the pin-carrier support 80, making it rotate. Preferably, the lower surface 209 comes into contact with the rocker arm 89 included in the pin-carrier support 80.

Preferably, the axial slides 20, 20' slide in the grooved region 203 of the slide body 200.

Advantageously, the movable portions 20, 20' have substantially the same shape and size.

Preferably, the movable portion 20, 20' comprises a recess 21 suitable for receiving a relief of the grooved region 200 of the slide body 200.

Advantageously, the first movable portion 20 comprises an opening 22 suitable for receiving a first end 222 of the elastic component 201. Preferably, the second movable portion 20' comprises an opening 22' suitable for receiving a second end 223 of the elastic component 201.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first movable portion 20 comprises two protuberances 23, 24 suitable for being inserted into the corresponding openings

206, 206' of the slide body 200 and the second movable portion 20' comprises two protuberances 23', 24' suitable for being inserted in the corresponding openings

207, 207' of the slide body 200.

The openings of the slide body 200 advantageously have larger dimensions than the protuberances of the axial slides 20, 20' so as to allow the sliding of the axial slides in the grooved region 203 within the limits imposed by the dimensions of the openings.

Advantageously, a limit stop is thus formed, configured in such a way as to limit the sliding of each movable portion 20, 20' along the slide body 200.

Preferably, the first movable portion 20 is operable by the first operating wall 63 of the axial thrust support 6 and the second movable portion 20' is operable by a second operating wall 63' of the axial thrust support 6. Even more preferably, the first movable portion 20 comprises a first projecting section 25 operable by the first operating wall 63 of the axial thrust support 6 and the second movable portion 20' comprises a second projecting section 25' operable by a second operating wall 63' of the axial thrust support 6. According to another aspect, the button 4 may comprise an operating body 40, preferably formed by the over-button 41 and a support structure 41 A.

A lever 7 is interposed between the operating body 40 and the axial thrust support 6. The lever 7 is suitable for multiplying the displacement of the axial thrust support 6 by a certain sliding of the button 4. Preferably, the lever 7 comprises a lever pin 71, more preferably two lever pins 71, 72.

Advantageously, the lever 7 comprises a fulcrum region 77, suitable for being pivoted on the button-carrier 5, and two elongate regions 73, 74. Preferably, the lever 7 has a U or C shape.

Advantageously, the lever pin 71, 72 is included in at least one elongate region 73, 74. Preferably, the lever pin 71, 72 is positioned approximately halfway along the length of the elongate region 73, 74. In an advantageous embodiment, each elongate region 73, 74 comprises a lever pin 71, 72.

Advantageously, at least one elongate region 73, 74 comprises a curved end 75, 76. The curved end 75, 76 is suitable for engaging on an upper protuberance 61, 62 included on the axial thrust support 6. In an advantageous embodiment, both elongate regions 73, 74 comprise a curved end 75, 76, suitable for engaging on their respective upper protuberances 61, 62 of the axial thrust support 6.

Preferably, the fulcrum region 77 is inserted in a cavity 600 of the button-carrier 5. Advantageously, the cavity 600 is made at a first end 58 and/or a second end 58' of the button-carrier 5. Advantageously, the cavity 600 is made between an upper portion 51 and a lower portion 52 of the button-carrier 5. The cavity is preferably made partially on the upper portion 51 and partially on the lower portion 52. In other embodiments, the cavity 600 is made only on the upper portion 51 or only on the lower portion 52. Preferably, the fulcrum region 77 comprises a cylindrical area suitable for inserting into the cavity 600, which is advantageously cylindrical in shape.

Advantageously, the button 4 has a lower surface 42 suitable for coming into contact with the lever pin 71, 72, or for acting as a contact surface for same. Preferably, the lower surface 42 is recessed, to keep the distance between the button 4 and the button-carrier 5 equal to the length of lever pin 71, 72.

In an advantageous embodiment, there are two levers 7, 7', pivoted on the button- carrier 5 in a substantially symmetrical and opposing way with respect to the vertical centre line axis M of the switch 1.

Preferably, the two levers 7, 7' have substantially the same shape and size. Advantageously, the two levers 7, 7' are respectively pivoted on the first 58 and on the second end 58' of the button-carrier 5. Even more preferably, the fulcrum region 77 of each lever 7, 7' is inserted in a corresponding cavity 600, included on each end 58, 58' of the button-carrier 5. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the second lever 7' comprises a fulcrum region 77', two elongate regions 73', 74', two lever pins 71', 72' and two curved ends 75', 76'.

In an advantageous embodiment, each lever 7, 7' comprises two curved ends 75, 76, which may be associated with respective upper protuberances 61, 62, 61', 62' of the axial thrust support 6.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3a to 5, the operating principle of the switch according to the invention will now be described. The configuration of Figure 3a corresponds to the rest position, in which the axial thrust support 6 is pushed upwards by the elastic elements 53, 53'. The tilting slide 2A is held in the horizontal position by the pairs of teeth 67, 67' of the axial thrust support 6 acting on the pair of fins 210, 211 of the tilting slide 2. In this position, the rocker arm 89 of the pin-carrier support 80 is inclined upwards to the left due to the thrust that the deformable element 91 exerts on the pin 90 and on the anchor 10. The tilting slide 2A, pivoted on the pin-carrier support 80, is consequently displaced in the direction of the first operating wall 63. In this embodiment, the two holes 202, 202' of the slide body 20 are therefore moderately more displaced to the left with respect to the vertical centre line M. In this condition, the first operating wall 63 is partially superimposed on the first movable portion 20, advantageously on the first projecting section 25 of the first movable portion 20. The second operating wall 63' is preferably not superimposed on the second movable portion 20'. By exerting a downward pressure on the button 4, the lever pin 71 is urged, causing the lever 7 pivoted to the button-carrier 5 to rotate. Consequently, the curved end 75, 76 of the lever will push on the axial thrust support 6, in contrast to the action of the elastic element 53, 53', so that the first operating wall 63 of the axial thrust support 6 brings it into contact with the first movable portion 20, preferably with the first projecting section 25.

By continuing to axially press the axial thrust support 6, this pushes the first movable portion 20, causing the slide body 200 to rotate counterclockwise, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. The lower surface of the slide body 200 pushes the raised end of the rocker arm 89 causing the rotation of the pin-carrier support 80 and consequently also of the pin 90. The anchor 10, pressed on the frame 132 and pivoted on the pin 90 is consequently rotated in the opposite direction with respect to the pin 90, bringing the movable contact 13 into contact with the fixed contact 131.

During the rotation of the slide 2A, the second movable portion 20' preferably abuts an abutment wall of the second operating wall 63'.

This is advantageously made possible by the presence of the volume between the two operating walls. Consequently, the elastic component 201 will urge the second movable portion 20' towards the first movable portion 20.

By releasing the pressure exerted manually on the button 4, the elastic elements 53, 53' push the axial thrust support 6, and consequently also the button 4, upwards. The teeth 67, 67' included in the axial thrust support 6 are hooked to the fins 210, 211 of the slide body 200, bringing the tilting slide 2A back to a horizontal position, that is to rest, causing the resetting of the mechanism, as shown in Figure 5. The configuration of Figure 5 corresponds to the initial configuration of Figure 3a, with the difference that now the rocker arm 89 is inclined in the opposite direction and the slide 2A is consequently displaced in the direction of the second operating wall 63'. In this embodiment, the two holes 202, 202' of the slide body 20 are therefore more displaced to the right with respect to the vertical centre line M. In this condition, the second operating wall 63' is partially superimposed on the second movable portion 20', advantageously on the second projecting section 25' of the second movable portion 20'. The first operating wall 63 is preferably not superimposed on the first movable portion 20.

A subsequent actuation of the axial thrust support 6 will cause the engagement of the second operating wall 63' with the second movable portion 20', repeating the previously described cycle in the opposite direction. The advantages of the switch according to the invention are evident from the foregoing. In particular, the presence of the lever interposed between the operating body and the axial thrust support of the button causes the actuation force to be lower than in similar articles of the prior art. The invention thus solves the problem proposed, at the same time achieving a plurality of advantages. In particular, in the switch according to the present invention the operating stroke of the button is reduced, improving the ergonomics and reliability with which the user operates the switch.

Claims

1. Electrical switch (1) including: a main body (120) comprising fixing portions (121) for connecting the electrical switch (1) to a support frame that can be fixed to a wall; a button (4) which is slidably coupled, along a sliding direction (M), to said main body (120); a switching mechanism (8), housed inside said main body (120) and configured to control the opening and closing of an electrical contact by means of an oscillating movement of a relative actuation element (9); the button (4) comprises at least one pushing element (63, 63') and at least one pulling element (67, 67') configured to interact with said switching mechanism (8) respectively during a lowering movement and a raising movement of the button along said sliding direction (M), said switching mechanism (8) also comprises a motion transformation device (2) configured so as to transform the sliding of the button (4) in said sliding direction (M) into said oscillating movement of said actuation element (9), said motion transformation device (2) comprising a tilting slide (2A) that includes a slide body (200) and a movable portion (20, 20') sliding on said slide body (200), said movable portion (20, 20') being configured to abut with said pushing element (63, 63') during the lowering movement of the button (4) so that the movable portion (20, 20') is urged in sliding translation on said slide body (200) away from the pushing element (63, 63'), said pulling element (67, 67') being configured so as to pull said motion transformation device (2) towards a rest position during the raising movement of the button (4).

2. Electrical switch (1) according to claim 1, wherein said button (4) comprises: an operating body (40) and an axial thrust support (6) operatively connected and slidably coupled to the operating body (40) of the button (4); said at least one pushing element (63, 63') and at least one pulling element (67, 67') being rigidly connected to the axial thrust support (6); and wherein the switch (1) comprises: a lever (7) interposed between the operating body (40) and the axial thrust support (6), which lever is pivoted on the main body (120) and comprises a lever pin (71, 72) that can be operated by the sliding of the button (4), so as to achieve a multiplying effect of the movement of the axial thrust support (6).

3. Electrical switch (1) according to claim 2, wherein the lever (7) comprises a fulcrum region (77), suitable for being pivoted on a button-carrier (5) of the main body (120), and two elongated regions (73, 74) comprising the lever pin (71, 72).

4. Electrical switch (1) according to claim 3, wherein the elongated region (73, 74) comprises a curved end (75, 76) suitable for engaging on an upper protuberance (61, 62) of the axial thrust support (6).

5. Electrical switch (1) according to either claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the fulcrum region (77) is inserted in a cavity (600) of the button-carrier (5).

6. Electrical switch (1) according to claim 5, wherein the cavity (600) is made at a first end (58) and/or at a second end (58') of the button-carrier (5).

7. Electrical switch (1) according to either claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the cavity (600) is made between an upper portion (51) and a lower portion (52) of the button-carrier (5).

8. Electrical switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the button (4) comprises a lower recessed surface (42) designed to come into contact with the lever pin (71, 72).

9. Electrical switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are two levers (7, 7'), pivoted on the button-carrier (5) in a substantially symmetrical and opposing way in relation to a vertical centre line axis (M) of the switch (1).

10. Electrical switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pin-carrier support (80), included in the actuation element (9), comprises a rocker arm (89) that can be operated by the tilting slide (2A).

11. Electrical switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting slide (2A) comprises a pair of projections (210, 211) that can be hooked by a pair of teeth (67, 67') of the axial thrust support (6), so that the tilting slide (2A) is brought back to a horizontal position whenever the switch (1) is operated.

12. Electrical switch (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting slide (2A) comprises a slide body (200) including a grooved region (203) suitable for receiving said movable portion (20, 20').

13. Electrical switch (1) according to claim 12, wherein there are a first movable portion (20) and a second movable portion (20')and an elastic component (201) interposed between the first and the second movable portion (20, 20').

14. Electrical switch (1) according to either claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said movable portion (20, 20') is defined by an axial slide (20, 20').

15. Electrical switch (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the movable portion (20) comprises an opening (22) suitable for receiving a first end (222) of the elastic component (201) and the second movable portion (20') comprises an opening (22') designed to receive a second end (222') of the elastic component (201).

16. Electrical switch (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the movable portion (20, 20') comprises a recess (21, 21') suitable for receiving a relief of the grooved region (203) of the slide body (200).

17. Electrical switch (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the movable portion (20, 20') comprises a limit stop (23, 23') configured to limit the sliding of the movable portion (20, 20') along said slide body (200).

18. Electrical switch (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the first movable portion can be operated by a first pushing element (63) and the second portion (20') can be operated by a second pushing element (63').

19. Electrical switch (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the slide body (200) comprises a first wall (204) and a second wall (205), located on opposite sides of the groove (203), wherein both walls (204, 205) include a first opening (206, 206') and a second opening (207, 207').

20. Electrical switch (1) according to claim 19, wherein the first axial slide (20) comprises two protuberances (23, 24) suitable for being inserted into the corresponding openings (206, 206') of the slide body (200) and the second axial slide (20') comprises two protuberances (23', 24') suitable for being inserted into the corresponding openings (207, 207') of the slide body (200).