HK1112320A - Large actuation area switching device - Google Patents

Description

Large actuation area switching device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an actuating switch device, and more particularly to a generally moving area switch device that can be actuated by applying a force anywhere on its surface.

Background

In the prior art, it is known to cover or enclose the switch with an additional protective housing that functions as an actuating mechanism. In the free state, the top member of the housing is positioned directly above the switch, but does not actuate the underlying switch. The top member of the housing (or its attached actuating mechanism) is depressed to actuate the underlying switch by applying an external force directly on the surface of the top member of the housing that is above the surface of the switch. The flexible top member returns to its free state when the external force is removed from the surface of the top member of the housing.

A disadvantage of the known actuation switch device is that an external force must be applied at a specific point in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the top member of the housing to ensure that the top member of the housing (or the actuation mechanism to which it is attached) is in physical contact with the switch to actuate the switch. Thus, prior art actuation switch devices have a large number of "dead" points along the surface of the top member of the housing at which the switch is not actuated regardless of the amount of external force applied. Other prior art actuated switching devices attempt to eliminate a large number of "dead" points by utilizing multiple switches (multiple switches). However, using multiple switches increases manufacturing time and cost.

Another disadvantage of the known actuating switch device is the small size of the actuating switch. Known actuating switch devices tend not to be much larger than the switches they cover. These known devices may be difficult to utilize if the user must actuate the switch quickly if both hands are occupied or poor eyesight exists.

Accordingly, there is a need for a gross-motion switching device that can be actuated by applying a force anywhere on its surface.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a switch for actuation by application of force anywhere on its surface, thereby eliminating any "dead" spots that were common in prior art switching devices.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a single switch for actuation by application of force anywhere on its surface to reduce the manufacturing time and cost associated with multiple switches employed in known prior art actuated switch devices.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a device with a substantially dynamic surface so that the user can activate the switch if the user must act quickly with both hands occupied or poor eyesight. Examples of useful applications include, but are not limited to, emergency switches, ice/water dispensers, door openers (doors), automotive horns, and any other application provided with a switch device.

The invention therefore relates to a substantially dead band switching device comprising a housing holding a switch, a compression element and at least three slotted hinges. The slotted hinge establishes an operating axis such that a force applied at any point on the surface of the housing actuates the switch.

Drawings

The features of the present invention can be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an assembled view of a large actuation area switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a large actuation area switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a slotted hinge of a large actuation area switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a large actuation area switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a large actuation area switching device in a free state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a large actuation area switching device in an actuated state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a large actuation area switching device in an actuated state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a large actuation area switching device in an actuated state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, a gross motion zone switch assembly, generally designated 2, includes a housing 4, a switch 18, at least three slotted hinges 14, and a compression member 20.

The housing 4 is shown as a rectangular structure, although other shapes may be used. The housing 4 comprises an upper housing part 6 and a lower housing part 8. The upper housing part 6 comprises a top wall 6a and side walls 6 b. The lower housing portion 8 comprises a bottom wall 8a and side walls 8 b. The inner periphery of sidewall 6b is approximately the same size as the outer periphery of sidewall 8b so that upper housing portion 6 fits over (fit over) lower housing portion 8 as shown in fig. 1. The upper housing part 6 and the lower housing part 8 are each made of a suitable material, for example plastic, and by means of known methods, for example moulding.

A recess 12 is formed on the inner surface of the lower housing portion 8 for retaining a switch 18 therein. Various switches known in the art, including but not limited to miniature sealed switches, reed switches, and opto-electronic switches, may be used as the switch 18 of the present invention. The upper housing part 6 also comprises a post 10(plunger) on its inner surface. The post 10 is positioned directly on top of the switch 18, and the switch 18 is actuated whenever the upper housing portion 6 is depressed sufficiently, regardless of the force applied at any location of the upper housing portion 6.

The upper housing part 6 and the lower housing part 8, respectively, are fixed to each other by at least three slotted hinges 14. The slotted hinge 14 establishes operating axes 22 and 24. As long as the operating shafts 22 and 24 are not parallel to each other, the switch 18 can be actuated by applying a force at any position of the surface of the upper housing part 6.

If n slotted hinges are used (where n ≧ 3), n operating axes can be established. As long as at least one of the operating axes is not parallel to the remaining operating axes, the large actuation area switching device 2 can be actuated by applying a force on its surface. That is, when the n-1 operation axes are parallel to each other, the dynamic range switching device will still function normally as long as at least one of the operation axes is not parallel to the n-1 operation axes.

Each slotted hinge 14 is comprised of a slot member 26 and a pin 27. The slot element 26 is attached to the lower housing part 8 and the pin 27 is attached to the upper housing part 6. There must be sufficient clearance between the slot element 26 and the pin 27 to allow random (uninhibited) movement and prevent binding during off-axis (off-axis) actuation. During assembly, the chamfers on the slot member 26 and pin 27 enable the slot member 26 and pin 27 to deflect and snap into position (snap) after the pin 27 passes over the top of the slot member 26.

When the deadband switch arrangement 2 is substantially in the free state, the compression element 20 prevents actuation of the switch 18. Although a compression spring is shown as the preferred compression element, any element capable of providing spring resistance, such as a cantilevered member, may be substituted.

When no force is applied to the top surface of the upper housing portion 6, the compression member 20 generates a spring force to drive the pin 27 of the upper housing portion 6 to the end of the slot member 26 of the lower housing portion 6, as shown in figure 5.

As shown in fig. 6, when an opposite direction force F, which is greater than the generated spring force, is applied directly onto the switch 18, the upper housing part 6 moves towards the lower housing part 8. As a result the mast 10 actuates the switch 18. When the force is removed, the switching device 2 returns to the free state.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, when an opposing force F, greater than the generated spring force, is applied to any point other than directly above the switch 18, the slotted hinge 14 closest to the applied force moves the upper housing portion 6 along the operating axis in use towards the lower housing portion 8, while the opposing slotted hinge 14 acts as a pivot. Lateral movement of the upper housing part 6 is limited along the unused operating axis by the clearance between the slot element 26 and the pin 27. As a result, the mast 10 actuates the switch 18. When the force is removed, the gross movement area switch device 2 returns to the free state.

In describing example embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity in this disclosure. The patent specification as disclosed is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner.

In addition, the specific embodiments above are illustrative, and many variations may be introduced in these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of the invention and the appended claims.

Claims (2)

1. A large field switching device comprising:

a movable top member, said top member further comprising a post and at least three pins;

a base member, said base member further comprising at least three slots, wherein said slots and pins connect to form at least three slotted hinges;

a switch received on the base member; and

a compression device received between the top member and the bottom member.

2. The deadband switch arrangement of claim 1 wherein said switch is actuatable by application of force at any point on the surface of said top member.