WO2023213431A1 - Bouton de mise en prise avec partie conforme intégrée - Google Patents

Bouton de mise en prise avec partie conforme intégrée Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2023213431A1
WO2023213431A1 PCT/EP2023/025201 EP2023025201W WO2023213431A1 WO 2023213431 A1 WO2023213431 A1 WO 2023213431A1 EP 2023025201 W EP2023025201 W EP 2023025201W WO 2023213431 A1 WO2023213431 A1 WO 2023213431A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
moveable component
housing
moveable
engagement
engagement knob
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/025201
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Roger BURKETT
Alistair STEVENS
Chinmay Jivani
Mangesh Manikrao BRAHMANKAR
Rahil SHAIKH
Original Assignee
Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB2208905.6A external-priority patent/GB2618391A/en
Application filed by Eaton Intelligent Power Limited filed Critical Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
Publication of WO2023213431A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023213431A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/20—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms
    • H01H9/28—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms for locking switch parts by a key or equivalent removable member
    • H01H9/281—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms for locking switch parts by a key or equivalent removable member making use of a padlock
    • H01H9/282—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms for locking switch parts by a key or equivalent removable member making use of a padlock and a separate part mounted or mountable on the switch assembly and movable between an unlocking position and a locking position where it can be secured by the padlock
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/036—Return force
    • H01H2221/044—Elastic part on actuator or casing

Definitions

  • This relates to an engagement knob for opening and closing a switch.
  • this relates to an engagement knob comprising a moveable component having an integral compliant portion configured to bias the moveable component.
  • the integral compliant portion can be a cantilevered compliant portion
  • Padlock knobs typically comprise a sliding mechanism which can be pressed by an operator to reveal a window or aperture through which the padlock or lock can be inserted. The presence of the padlock through the aperture prevents the sliding mechanism from moving, locking off the knob and preventing actuation of the switch.
  • Such sliding mechanisms typically comprise a metal helical spring that is compressed when the operator presses the sliding mechanism. When the padlock is removed, the helical spring returns to an uncompressed state.
  • a device is provided as defined in the appended independent apparatus claim, with optional features defined in the dependent claims appended thereto.
  • a method of operating the device of the first aspect is provided as defined in the appended independent method claim. Any features of the first aspect maybe implemented as part of the method of the second aspect.
  • the engagement knob for opening and closing a switch.
  • the engagement knob comprises a housing and a moveable component moveable between a first position and second position within the housing.
  • the moveable component comprises an integral compliant portion configured to bias the moveable component towards the first position.
  • Use of an integral compliant portion provides a simple and cost-effective alternative to a conventional helical spring.
  • the integral compliant portion can provide the desired resilience without requiring assembly of multiple components.
  • the moveable component can be configured to move towards the second position in response to an application of force in a first direction, wherein the integral compliant portion is configured to bias the moveable component in a direction opposite the first direction.
  • the biasing may be at least in part in a direction other than opposite the first direction.
  • the moveable component further comprises an engagement portion extending from the housing.
  • the moveable component is configured to move towards the second position in response to the application of force to the engagement portion.
  • the engagement portion can be configured for engagement by a user/ operator, or may be automatically engaged by an actuator, for example.
  • the integral compliant portion is a cantilever having a fixed end and a free end, the cantilever extending at an acute angle.
  • the free end is configured to contact an internal portion of the housing, wherein bending of the cantilever against the internal portion acts to bias the moveable component towards the first position.
  • Other forms of deformation other than bending are also possible.
  • the cantilever comprises a notch proximal to the fixed end.
  • a thickness of the cantilever at the free end may be greater than a thickness of the cantilever at the fixed end.
  • the change in thickness forms or provides the notch.
  • the cantilever may comprise one or more curved portions.
  • the cantilever comprises a curved portion proximate to the fixed end, and wherein a remainder of a length of the cantilever is straight (or substantially straight) when the moveable component is in the first position.
  • the cantilever may comprise curved portions along its length.
  • the moveable component is configured to move between the first position and the second position along a first axis, the movement relative to the housing.
  • the first direction can be parallel (or substantially parallel) to the first axis.
  • the engagement knob can further comprise a base portion, wherein the housing and moveable component are moveable relative to the base portion when the moveable component is in the first position.
  • the moveable component further comprising a protruding portion, wherein, the protruding portion extends into a recess in the base portion when the moveable component is in the second position to prevent movement of the housing and the moveable component relative to the base portion.
  • the housing and moveable component being moveable relative to the base portion comprises the housing and moveable component being rotatable relative to the base portion.
  • the rotation is around a rotation axis parallel (or substantially parallel) to the first axis.
  • the housing and moveable component being moveable relative to the base portion comprises the housing and moveable component being moveable in a lateral direction relative to the base portion.
  • the lateral direction is perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the first axis.
  • the housing may comprise one or more apertures.
  • the apertures can be arranged such that, when the moveable component is in the second position, the engagement knob comprises a through-hole, wherein when a locking member is inserted through the through-hole, the moveable component is retained in the second position.
  • the apertures can be arranged such that, when the moveable component is in the first position, the moveable component overlaps with the one or more apertures and the engagement knob does not comprise the through-hole.
  • a stiffness of the integral compliant portion can be predetermined based on a form and/or material and/or size of the integral compliant portion. A stiffness of the integral compliant portion can be selected or predetermined in accordance with a desired use case or application for the engagement knob.
  • the stiffness can be greater when the moveable component is in the second position than when in the moveable component is in the first position.
  • the integral compliant portion can be resiliently deformable by way of its form or structure.
  • the integral compliant portion comprises a flexure.
  • the integral compliant portion can be resiliently deformable by way of its material.
  • the integral compliant portion comprises an elastic material.
  • the integral compliant portion comprises a polymer.
  • the integral compliant portion comprises a plastic. It can be desirable, in regard to the electrical environment in which engagement knob too is for use, that at least the engagement portion of the moveable component is formed from an insulating material.
  • a system comprising the engagement knob of any example of the first aspect and a switch. The engagement knob is coupled (either directly or indirectly) to the switch for opening and closing the switch.
  • the engagement knob comprises a housing and a moveable component moveable between a first position and second position within the housing.
  • the moveable component comprises an integral compliant portion configured to bias the moveable component towards the first position.
  • the method comprises applying a force to the moveable component to move the moveable component from the first position to the second position.
  • the method further comprises biasing, by the integral compliant component, the moveable component towards the first position in response to applying the force.
  • the housing comprises one or more apertures arranged such that when the moveable component is in the second position, the engagement knob comprises a through-hole.
  • the method further comprises inserting a locking member through the through-hole to retain the moveable component in the second position.
  • Figure 1A illustrates an example engagement knob with a moveable component in a first position
  • Figure 1B illustrates the engagement knob of Figure 1A with the moveable component in a second, compressed, position
  • Figure 2 shows an exemplary cross section of a moveable component (integral compliant portion not shown) illustrating a protrusion for preventing movement of the engagement knob;
  • Figures 3A, 3B, 3C provide schematic illustrations of example engagement knobs
  • Figure 4 shows an example cantilevered integral compliant portion
  • Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D provide schematic illustrations of example cantilevered integral compliant portions
  • Figure 6 shows an example notched cantilevered integral compliant portion
  • Figure 7A shows an example cantilevered integral compliant portion in accordance with Figure 4 in a compressed state
  • Figure 7B shows an example notched cantilevered integral compliant portion in accordance with Figure 6 in a compressed state
  • Figure 8 shows a modelled deformation of example cantilevered integral compliant portions obtained using finite element analysis
  • Figures 9A to 9D provide schematic illustrations of example integral compliant portions; and Figure 10 is a flowchart showing example operations for operating an engagement knob as described herein.
  • FIG. 1 Figures 1A and 1B
  • a device too for opening and closing a switch is described.
  • Device too is termed herein an engagement knob, e.g. a knob (or handle) for engagement of the switch by a user.
  • the term switch is used, but the knob too may be implemented in combination with any other type of electrical switching action (such as a contactor or electrical isolation device).
  • Knob too comprises a housing 102 and a moveable component 104.
  • the moveable component may also be known as a “slider”.
  • the moveable component is moveable between a first position ( Figure 1A) and a second position ( Figure 1B).
  • the moveable component 104 is configured to move towards the second position of Figure 1B in response to an application of force, F, in a first direction 106.
  • the moveable component 104 comprises an engagement portion 108 extending from the housing 102.
  • the housing 102 is configured so that it does not extend across the entire moveable component 104, i.e. the moveable component is only partially enclosed by the housing 102.
  • the engagement portion corresponds to the portion of the moveable component not enclosed by the housing.
  • the engagement portion 108 can extend through one or more apertures in the housing 102.
  • the engagement portion can be any portion of the moveable component which is external to the housing 102 and which can be engaged by a user or operator.
  • the moveable component is configured to move from the first position of Figure 1A towards the second position of Figure 1B in response to the application of force F to the engagement portion.
  • the engagement portion 108 is configured for engagement by a user.
  • engagement or actuation of the moveable component is in response to application of force F by an operator, or user.
  • the actuation may be controlled by one or more actuators or actuating mechanisms.
  • the moveable component 104 is configured to move between the first position and the second position along a first axis 110, represented here by the dashed line.
  • the movement along axis 110 is movement relative to the housing 102.
  • the housing 102 does not move when force F is applied to the moveable component 104.
  • the first direction 106 in which the force is applied, is substantially parallel to the first axis in the specific example of Figure 1.
  • the moveable component 104 moves relative to the housing 102 only along axis too. In other words, there is no rotational movement of the moveable component relative to the housing, and no lateral movement perpendicular to the first axis 110. Rather, there is a fixed range of motion along the first axis 110.
  • the engagement knob too can further comprise a base portion 112.
  • the base portion 112 can be configured to be mounted on an enclosure or casing of a switch.
  • the base portion 112 can be formed from the enclosure or casing of a switch; in other words, engagement knob too can be mounted directly on the switch.
  • the moveable component When the moveable component is in the first position of Figure 1A, the housing 102 and moveable component 104 are moveable relative to the base portion.
  • the moveable component can be configured such that, when the moveable component is in the second position of Figure 1B, movement of the housing 102 and the moveable component 104 relative to the base portion 112 is prevented.
  • the engagement knob when a sufficient force F is applied to the moveable component, the engagement knob is prevented from moving, thereby preventing opening (or closing) of the switch.
  • the engagement knob can be locked-off to prevent opening (or closing) of the switch during inspection or maintenance.
  • the engagement knob too comprises one or more apertures 116.
  • the aperture(s) 116 are arranged such that when the moveable component is in the second position, the engagement knob comprises a through-hole
  • a locking member (not shown) can then be inserted through the through-hole 118, to retain the moveable component 114 in the second position. However, when the moveable component is in the first position, the moveable component 114 overlaps with the one or more apertures 116 and the engagement knob toodoes not comprise the through-hole.
  • the moveable component defines at least a portion of the through-hole 118.
  • the locking mechanism can be inserted above the moveable component; the moveable component defines one edge of the through-hole 118, with the aperture 116 in the housing defining the other edges of the through-hole 118.
  • the through- hole 118 can be defined through the moveable component as well as through the housing 112.
  • the through-hole can be configured such that the locking mechanism can be inserted in any suitable position relative to the moveable component to prevent movement of the engagement knob too relative to the base portion 112.
  • the moveable component further comprises a protruding portion 214.
  • the protruding portion 214 extends into a recess in the base portion to prevent movement of the housing and the moveable component relative to the base portion.
  • the base portion is configured such that the protruding portion 214 only prevents movement of the housing and the moveable component relative to the base portion when the engagement knob too is in an “off’ position. In other words, the switch can be locked-off (and thus not switched on).
  • the engagement knob may be configured such that the switch may additionally or alternatively be locked “on”.
  • the padlock or locking mechanism is removed from the through-hole 118 and the slider or moveable component is biased back to the uncompressed state, ensuring that the protrusion 214 comes out of the recess. Movement (rotational or lateral) of the engagement knob is then possible.
  • the housing and moveable component being moveable relative to the base portion 112 comprises the housing 102 and moveable component 104 being rotatable relative to the base portion 112.
  • the rotation is rotation around a rotation axis.
  • the rotation axis is substantially parallel to the first axis 110.
  • the rotation axis passes through a centre of the housing 102.
  • the housing and moveable component being moveable relative to the base portion 112 comprises the housing 102 and moveable component 104 being moveable in a lateral direction relative to the base portion.
  • the lateral direction is substantially perpendicular to the first axis 110.
  • the moveable component 104 is configured to move in first direction 106 into the housing 102.
  • the moveable component can move in any suitable direction.
  • Schematic illustrations of some alternative arrangements are shown in Figure 3.
  • Figure 3A mirrors the arrangement of Figure 1B, wherein the first direction 106 is substantially parallel with the first axis 110 of the knob too as defined in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3B illustrates an alternative, wherein the first direction 106 is at an actuate angle with respect to the first axis 110 of Figure 1.
  • Figure 3C illustrates another alternative, wherein the first direction 106 is substantially perpendicular to the first axis 110 of Figure 1.
  • the separate helical spring can be replaced by providing a moveable component 104 comprising an integral compliant portion 420.
  • the integral compliant portion is integrated with the moveable component as a single component.
  • the moveable component with integral compliant portion is formed as a single piece, without the need for pieces to be joined together during assembly.
  • the component may be physically manufactured by injection molding, but any other suitable manufacturing techniques maybe used.
  • the integral compliant portion 420 is configured to bias the moveable component 104 towards the first position of Figure 1A.
  • integral compliant portion 420 is configured to bias the moveable component 104 in a direction substantially opposite the first direction 106 in which the force F is applied by an operator or user.
  • the moveable component can be formed as a single part, reducing the cost and complexity of manufacture and assembly of the engagement knob too. Moreover, a stiffness of the compliant portion can be fine-tuned to a particular application by altering the geometry of the compliant portion 420 without requiring changes to the housing 102.
  • the compliant portion 420 is a flexible mechanism that is resiliency deformable through elastic body deformation. It gains some or all of its deformation from the relative flexibility of its members.
  • the compliant portion 420 can be resiliently deformable by its form and/ or by its material. In some examples, the compliant portion is formed from an elastic material (i.e. a material that wants to go back in the original form when it is pushed or bent).
  • the integral compliant portion 420 is provided as a cantilever having a fixed end 422 and a free end 424.
  • the cantilever 420 extends between the fixed end 422 and the free end 424.
  • the cantilever extends at an acute angle relative to the first axis
  • the free end 424 of the compliant portion 420 is configured to contact an internal portion 102-a of the housing 102.
  • the internal portion 102-a of the housing 102 is fixed relative to the moveable component 104.
  • the cantilever 420 is compressed between the rest of the moveable component 104 (i.e. the portion of the moveable component that comprises the engagement portion) and the internal portion 102-a.
  • This compression causes bending of the compliant portion 420 (not shown).
  • the bending of the cantilever against the internal portion 102-a acts to bias the moveable component 104 towards the first position of Figure 4.
  • the bending (or deformation) of the compliant portion 420 due to the compression against the fixed internal portion 102-a creates a restoring force that acts in the opposite direction to direction 106 in which the force is applied.
  • the cantilevered integral compliant portion 420 of Figure 4 comprises one or more curved portions.
  • the curved portion is proximate to the fixed end 420.
  • Curved portion(s) can facilitate bending or deformation of the compliant portion.
  • a remainder of a length of the cantilever 420 is substantially straight.
  • the cantilever comprises a curved portion proximate to the fixed end, and a remainder of the length of the cantilever is substantially straight when the moveable component is in the first position.
  • other cantilevered examples are possible, as discussed with respect to Figure 5.
  • a length of the cantilever 420 can be substantially straight, as in Figure 5C. Contrary to the example of Figure 4, this example of Figure 5C does not comprise a curved portion proximate to the fixed end. Rather, the cantilever is substantially straight along its length.
  • a length of the cantilever can comprise one or more curved portions.
  • the length of the cantilever can be substantially circular, as in Figure 5D, or the cantilever can comprise one or more curved portions along its length, as in Figures 5A and 5B.
  • Figure 5D it will be understood that the free end of the cantilevered portion 420 will not contact the internal portion 102-a of the housing; rather, a middle portion of the cantilever 420 will contact the housing to produce the desired deformation.
  • Any of these examples may be configured to integrate directly with the rest of the moveable component 104 at the fixed end 422, as shown in Figure 5 (i.e., there may not be a curved portion proximate the fixed end).
  • any of these examples may comprise a curved portion proximate to the fixed end 422 similar to that illustrated in Figure 4.
  • the cantilever may comprise a curved portion proximate to the fixed end, and a remainder of a length of the cantilever may comprise one or more curved portions.
  • a geometry of the compliant portion 420 can be adjusted or altered to tune a stiffness of the compliant portion, for example by manipulation of a curvature of the cantilever or other compliant portion 420.
  • the material of the compliant portion may (additionally or alternatively) be chosen to adjust the stiffness.
  • a thickness of the compliant portion can (additionally or alternatively) be used to alter or tune the stiffness, as discussed with reference to Figure 6.
  • the compliant portion 420 comprises a notch 626 (shown within the circle).
  • the notch 626 is formed proximal to the fixed end of the cantilevered compliant portion 420.
  • the notch 626 can be used to alter a stiffness of the compliant portion.
  • a moveable component with an integral compliant portion is generally manufactured using a moulding process, which process requires a minimum thickness of the component to avoid any defects in the finished component.
  • a compliant portion there is a limitation on the length of the compliant portion, since the moveable component sits within a housing 102. Due to this limitation on thickness from a manufacturing perspective, and this limitation on length from a design perspective, a complaint portion 420 with a uniform thickness (as shown in Figure 4) cannot have a stiffness less than a certain value. By providing a notch 626, a stiffness of the compliant portion can be decreased, which can facilitate easier operation of the engagement knob too by a user.
  • the compliant portion has a uniform thickness along its length, with the exception of the notch 626.
  • a notch is formed in a compliant portion of uniform thickness.
  • the notch can be formed as a scoop, or cut out.
  • the thickness of the compliant portion in the notch region is less than the uniform thickness of the rest of the compliant portion.
  • a thickness of the cantilever at the free end is greater than a thickness of the cantilever at the fixed end.
  • the portion proximate the fixed end has a first thickness, t
  • the remainder of the compliant portion has a second thickness, T, where T > t. In other words, thickness is increased towards the free end 424.
  • This change in thickness along the length of the compliant portion 420 forms the notch 626.
  • the notch is formed due to the compliant portion increasing in thickness along its length after a predetermined point (here after the curved portion proximate the fixed end, but the thickness can increase at any suitable point).
  • the increase in thickness along the length of the compliant portion 420 reduces bending throughout the compliant portion. The majority of the bending occurs at the curved portion proximate the fixed end 422.
  • the change in thickness is abrupt. In other examples, the change in thickness may be gradual along the length of the compliant portion.
  • a thicker compliant portion is more durable, increasing the lifetime of the moveable component.
  • a thicker compliant portion is typically stiffer.
  • the inclusion of notch 626 acts to decrease the stiffness of the compliant portion 420 at the same time as compared to the example of Figure 4, at the same time as the thickness is increased. A more durable component can therefore be provided, which facilitates easy operation of the engagement knob too by a user.
  • the thickness of the compliant portion and/or shape of the notch 626 can be selected for a given application to provide a desired stiffness.
  • Figure 6 shows the moveable component in the first position, i.e. in an uncompressed state of the compliant portion 420.
  • Figure 7A shows the moveable component in the second position, i.e. in a compressed state, for a cantilevered compliant portion of uniform thickness.
  • Figure 7B shows the moveable component in the second position, i.e. in a compressed state, for a cantilevered compliant portion of variable thickness having a notch.
  • the point of contact between the moveable component 104 and the housing 102 changes from the free end of the cantilever to the compliant portion itself.
  • the free end 424 remains free in the compressed state and does not contact the housing 102.
  • the compliant portion appears to lie substantially flat against the internal portion 102-a of the housing in the compressed state.
  • the point of contact 728 is shown at a distance x from the fixed end in Figure 7A, and at distance x’ from the fixed end in Figure 7B.
  • the reaction force at the point of contact 728 acts to bias the moveable component towards the first position.
  • A be the required deformation of the compliant portion 420 for a given application (i.e. the deflection of the beam end). If a force F is applied at the end of the “beam”, then:
  • the cantilevered compliant portion 420 can be designed to shift the point of contact 728 between the compressed compliant portion and the fixed internal portion 120-a of the housing away from the fixed end 422 of the compliant portion 420, thereby increasing the distance I (or x) at which the force is applied to the “beam” and so decreasing the stiffness.
  • FIG. 8 shows the modelled deformation of a compliant portion 420 with applied force F for a uniform thickness compliant portion and a compliant portion having a notch (modelled using finite element analysis, FEA).
  • the uniform thickness compliant portion has a thickness of 1.34 mm.
  • the integral compliant portion in both cases had an overall length of 27 mm.
  • these parameters are exemplary only, and it will be understood that any suitable geometry/form/size maybe used instead.
  • a maximum stiffness for the compliant portion (as obtained from FEA) is:
  • x 10.5 mm from the fixed end for the uniform thickness compliant portion
  • x’ 16.6 mm from the fixed end for the compliant portion with a notch (as in Figure 7B).
  • the point of contact with the internal portion 102-a of the housing is towards the fixed end 422, due to bending of spring throughout the length of the compliant portion.
  • bending is reduced through the length and concentrated near the fixed end 422. Since the majority of the bending occurs near the fixed end (and not in the length), the point of contact is correspondingly located towards the free end. In other words, the point of contact is moved away from the fixed end by the notch. Overall stiffness is therefore reduced as compared to the uniform thickness compliant portion discussed herein.
  • a lower stiffness is desirable from an ergonomic perspective, to facilitate ease of use by a user.
  • the use of a notched cantilevered compliant portion as described herein can facilitate provision of a low stiffness helical spring replacement which fits within an existing, compact, housing footprint.
  • the use of a varying thickness and/or a notched portion allows a desired stiffness curve to be determined for a given application.
  • the integrated compliant portion discussed herein is a feasible replacement for conventional helical springs, as well as allowing for adjustment of a desired stiffness.
  • Use of such a compliant portion also reduces manufacturing and assembly costs as it replaces multiple parts by a single, integrated, component.
  • a stiffness of the integral compliant portion 420 is greater when the moveable component 104 is in the second position than when in the moveable component is in the first position.
  • the stiffness increases as the compliant portion is compressed (i.e. as the moveable component is depressed by a user and moved towards the second position).
  • This increased stiffness in the second position causes a higher reaction force to be exerted to bias the moveable component towards the first position. This higher biasing force can make it more difficult to remove the locking mechanism, reducing the risk of accidental un-locking of the engagement knob. Safety may therefore be improved.
  • any suitable stiffness curve may be formulated for a given application.
  • the moveable component is preferably (though not necessarily) formed of an insulating material.
  • the moveable component with integrated compliant portion can be formed of a polymer.
  • the moveable component is formed of a plastic.
  • other example integral compliant portions are illustrated. These may be implemented in place of the cantilevered compliant portion described above.
  • the integral compliant portion 420 may have one free end and extend in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel to, the first direction 106 in which force is applied to the moveable component 104 by a user/operator.
  • the integral compliant portion 420 may not have a free end; instead, the reliance maybe provided by deformation around point 925 (for example due to contact between point 925 and an internal portion of the housing).
  • the integral compliant portion 420 may have two free ends and extend in two directions, both of which are at an acute angle to the first direction 106 in which force is applied to the moveable component 104 by a user/operator.
  • the integral compliant portion 420 may not have a free end; instead, the reliance maybe provided by flattening around point 925 (for example due to contact between point 925 and an internal portion of the housing). Any other suitable integral compliant mechanism may be used.
  • the engagement knob too is as described herein, comprising a housing and a moveable component moveable between a first position and second position within the housing.
  • the moveable component comprises an integral compliant portion configured to bias the moveable component towards the first position.
  • Operation 1001 comprises applying a force to the moveable component to move the moveable component from the first position to the second position. Applying said force causes deformation of the resiliently deformable compliant portion.
  • Operation 1003 comprises biasing, by the integral compliant component, the moveable component towards the first position in response to applying the force.
  • the moveable component is biased away from the second position by the deformation of the integral compliant component.
  • the housing comprises one or more apertures arranged such that when the moveable component is in the second position, the engagement knob comprises a through-hole.
  • optional operation 1005 comprises inserting a locking member through the through-hole to retain the moveable component in the second position.
  • a system may also be provided comprising an engagement knob as described herein.
  • a system comprises the engagement knob too and a switch (or switching device) can be provided herein.
  • the engagement knob is coupled to the switch for opening and closing the switch.
  • the engagement knob can be mounted on a casing or housing of the switch and coupled to a switching mechanism for operating the switch.

Landscapes

  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)

Abstract

Sont décrits dans la description un bouton de mise en prise destiné à ouvrir et à fermer un commutateur, et un procédé de fonctionnement de ce dernier. Le bouton de mise en prise comprend un boîtier et un composant mobile (mobile entre une première position et une seconde position à l'intérieur du boîtier). Le composant mobile comprend une partie conforme intégrée configurée pour solliciter le composant mobile en direction de la première position. Dans certains exemples, la partie conforme intégrée peut être une partie conforme en porte-à-faux.
PCT/EP2023/025201 2022-05-02 2023-05-02 Bouton de mise en prise avec partie conforme intégrée WO2023213431A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IN202211025615 2022-05-02
IN202211025615 2022-05-02
GB2208905.6A GB2618391A (en) 2022-05-02 2022-06-16 Engagement knob with integral compliant portion
GB2208905.6 2022-06-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2023213431A1 true WO2023213431A1 (fr) 2023-11-09

Family

ID=86331086

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2023/025201 WO2023213431A1 (fr) 2022-05-02 2023-05-02 Bouton de mise en prise avec partie conforme intégrée

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2023213431A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4271342A (en) * 1980-05-15 1981-06-02 The Singer Company Lock-on trigger switch with integral return spring
DE9405433U1 (de) * 1993-04-01 1994-08-04 Uher Ag Einrichtung zur Betätigung eines in einem elektrischen oder elektronischen Gerät befindlichen Schalters
EP0798753A1 (fr) * 1996-03-26 1997-10-01 Schlumberger Industries Limited Ensemble de bouton poussoir
US6596952B1 (en) * 2002-05-08 2003-07-22 Eaton Corporation Locking mechanism for a rotary handle operator
US20190057820A1 (en) * 2017-08-15 2019-02-21 Weg Drives And Controls Automação Ltda Rotating Handle Device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4271342A (en) * 1980-05-15 1981-06-02 The Singer Company Lock-on trigger switch with integral return spring
DE9405433U1 (de) * 1993-04-01 1994-08-04 Uher Ag Einrichtung zur Betätigung eines in einem elektrischen oder elektronischen Gerät befindlichen Schalters
EP0798753A1 (fr) * 1996-03-26 1997-10-01 Schlumberger Industries Limited Ensemble de bouton poussoir
US6596952B1 (en) * 2002-05-08 2003-07-22 Eaton Corporation Locking mechanism for a rotary handle operator
US20190057820A1 (en) * 2017-08-15 2019-02-21 Weg Drives And Controls Automação Ltda Rotating Handle Device

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN109891540B (zh) 开关触点构造、触发开关及电动工具
GB1572563A (en) Snap-action switching device
EP3644793B1 (fr) Actionneur linéaire
MXPA06010741A (es) Compensador de movimiento lineal.
JP2008243474A (ja) スイッチ装置
WO2023213431A1 (fr) Bouton de mise en prise avec partie conforme intégrée
GB2618391A (en) Engagement knob with integral compliant portion
US7060917B1 (en) Plunger switch for electric appliances
EP0395561B1 (fr) Mécanisme de commutateur à touche avec organe de commande à membrane
CN110911187A (zh) 一种旋转式开关操作机构
EP0902451B1 (fr) Dispositif commutateur pour circuits électriques
WO2007101638A1 (fr) Élément de commutateur électrique, en particulier relais, avec mécanisme de commutateur à leviers pivotants
JP2012528423A (ja) 角度のついたプランジャを有する電気スイッチアセンブリ
WO2002037517A1 (fr) Commutateur de dimension reduite
JP4962614B1 (ja) スイッチ
CN112786321B (zh) 用于对电气装置的触发组件锁止的锁止机构
US20060254889A1 (en) Switch
US11822363B2 (en) Operation device
US4916277A (en) Alternate action mechanism
JP5502415B2 (ja) シーソー式スイッチ
CN218568735U (zh) 用于接触器的辅助触点设备
US20230123429A1 (en) Switch actuator
EP3352195B1 (fr) Relais électromécanique avec bouton de test
JP2019138057A (ja) ラッチ式解錠装置
EP1768145B1 (fr) Dispositif de commande comportant un mécanisme de point dur et actionnant des contacts électriques

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 23722820

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1