DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to switch assemblies. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cover strip for a switch assembly capable of protecting non-functional areas of the switch assembly.

BACKGROUND

Usually, switch assemblies are employed in various electrical and electronic devices and allow users to control the flow of electricity. The existing switch assembly has a back plate and a cover plate to cover the back plate. The cover plate is fastened to the back plate through fasteners, such as screws. Further, to hide the fasteners, the existing switch assembly includes a plurality of fins that are connected to the cover plate. The existing switch assembly has a complex installation process with a greater number of components to assemble. Also, while disassembling the existing switch assembly for service or replacement, a multi-step process is followed. Firstly, the plurality of fins is removed, then the fasteners are unscrewed to disassemble the cover plate and the back plate. Hence, the process of assembling and disassembling the existing switch assembly is labour-intensive and time-consuming.

Furthermore, the cover plates make the switch assembly bulky which is problematic in applications where space is limited, such as in tight electrical enclosures or control panels. At times, the cover plate may be improperly installed which can interfere with an operation of the switch assembly leading to inconsistent performance.

Additionally, owing to an implementation of the screw and screw holes on the switch assembly, the aesthetic appeal of the switch assembly is compromised. Furthermore, owing to the implementation of the screws for attaching the cover plate and the switch assembly, some customers require switch assemblies that are easy to attach and remove without the need for screws and screw holes for a simpler and more convenient installation.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved switch assembly that can address the above-mentioned challenges of the existing switch assembly.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a cover strip for a switch assembly. The cover strip includes a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of latching members. The front wall includes a front surface and a rear surface. The top wall and the bottom wall extend orthogonally from a top portion and a bottom portion of the front wall respectively. The pair of latching members are disposed opposite to each other. Each of the pair of latching members protrudes outwardly from the rear surface, and disposed between a mid-portion of the front wall and one of the top wall and the bottom wall.

The present disclosure further relates to a switch assembly including a mounting plate and at least one cover strip. The at least one cover strip includes a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of latching members. The front wall includes a front surface and a rear surface facing the mounting plate. The top wall and the bottom wall extend orthogonally from a top portion and a bottom portion of the front wall respectively. The pair of latching members are disposed opposite to each other. Each of the pair of latching members protrudes outwardly from the rear surface, disposed between a mid-portion of the front wall and one of the top wall and the bottom wall, and adapted to fit within a slot of the mounting plate.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate different exploded views of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a cover strip of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the cover strip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the cover strip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 illustrates a rear view of the cover strip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 8 illustrates a side view of the cover strip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, a plurality of components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which invention belongs. The system and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of a plurality of features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of the plurality of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “plurality of features” or “plurality of elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “plurality of” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be plurality of...” or “plurality of elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining plurality of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, plurality of particular features and/or elements described in connection with plurality of embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although plurality of features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

The present disclosure relates to a switch assembly 100, as depicted in Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate different exploded views of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure discloses the switch assembly 100 which may be employed in houses, corporate buildings, and similar premises for operating various electronic devices and electrical appliances, such as household appliances, laptops, computers, etc. Further, the switch assembly 100 may be employed to switch-ON and/or switch-OFF an operation of the electrical appliances or the electronic devices. The switch assembly 100 may be adapted to be mounted on an installation surface, for example, a wall, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the switch assembly 100 may include, but is not limited to, at least one rocker 202 and at least one operating panel 102. The at least one operating panel 102 may be attached to the at least one rocker 202. In an embodiment, the at least one rocker 202 and the at least one operating panel 102 may be supported on a mounting plate 204, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The mounting plate 204 may protect one or more internal components of the switch assembly 100. The mounting plate 204 may include a cavity 204-4 to accommodate a portion of the at least one rocker 202.

In an embodiment, the at least one operating panel 102 may be adapted to pivotally move with respect to the mounting plate 204 in the plurality of directions to actuate the at least one rocker 202. The at least one operating panel 102 may be adapted to be pressed downwards or upwards to move in a downward direction or an upward direction respectively. The actuation of the at least one rocker 202 results in the operation of the switch assembly 100 in one of the switch-ON state and the switch-OFF state.

In an embodiment, a plurality of cover strips 104 may be disposed adjacent to the at least one operating panel 102. Further, the plurality of cover strips 104 may be adapted to cover an area on side portions of the mounting plate 204. The plurality of cover strips 104 may be employed to cover a non-functional area of the switch assembly 100 ensuring the safety of a user and enhancing aesthetic appeal. Further, the plurality of cover strips 104 eliminates a requirement of a separate cover plate.

In an embodiment, the mounting plate 204 may include a plurality of slots 204-2 adapted to support installation of the plurality of cover strips 104 on the mounting plate 204. In an embodiment, the plurality of slots 204-2 may be formed on the side portions of the mounting plate 204. Further, the at least one operating panel 102, the mounting plate 204, and the plurality of cover strips 104 may be formed of materials such as polymeric material, metallic material, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the at least one operating panel 102 and the plurality of cover strips 104 may be embodied in a rectangular shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the at least one operating panel 102 and the plurality of cover strips 104 may be embodied in any other shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the at least one operating panel 102 and the plurality of cover strips 104 may extend from a top portion 100-1 to a bottom portion 100-2 of the switch assembly 100 thereby improving aesthetics while also eliminating a requirement for a separate cover plate.

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a cover strip 104 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the cover strip 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the cover strip 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 illustrates a rear view of the cover strip 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 illustrates a side view of the cover strip 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, referring to Figures 4-8, the cover strip 104 from the plurality of cover strips 104 may include a body having a front wall 402, at least one side wall 404 extending orthogonally from a side portion of the body, a top wall 406a extending orthogonally from a top portion of the body, and a bottom wall 406b extending orthogonally from a bottom portion of the body. The front wall 402 may have a front surface 402a adapted to face a user and a rear surface 402b adapted to face the mounting plate 204. The at least one side wall 404, the top wall 406a, and the bottom wall 406b extend away from the front surface 402a and towards the rear surface 402b. The rear surface 402b may be adapted to cover the side portion of the mounting plate 204 where the cover strip 104 may be mounted.

The at least one side wall 404 may be disposed between the top wall 406a and the bottom wall 406b such that the at least one side wall 404 may connect the top wall 406a and the bottom wall 406b with each other. Further, the at least one side wall 104, the top wall 406a, and the bottom wall 406b may be integrated with the front wall 402. A curved profile, such as a fillet, may be defined between the at least one side wall 404 and the top wall 406a. The curved profile may further be defined between the at least one side wall 404 and the bottom wall 406b. The curved profile may distribute stress more evenly along the cover strip 104 thereby reducing a likelihood of localized wear or damage. Also, the curved profile eliminates sharp corners that may potentially cause injury to a user.

In an embodiment, another side of the cover strip 104 may be abutted to the side wall of the operating panel 102 to enhance an aesthetical value of the switch assembly 100.

The cover strip 104 may include a pair of latching members 702 positioned opposite to each other. Each of the pair of latching members 702 may be disposed between at least one of the top wall 406a and the bottom wall 406b and a mid-portion of the cover strip 104. Each of the pair of latching member 702 may be embodied as a rectangular shaft that protrudes outwardly from the rear surface 402b of the front wall 402. An end of the rectangular shaft may extend from the front wall 402 and another end may be free to engage with a slot 204-2 from the plurality of slots 204-2 of the mounting plate 204.

As shown in Figure 7, each of the pair of cover strip 104 defines a symmetric profile along a horizontal axis (Y-Y’) and a vertical axis (X-X’) along the rear surface 402b of the pair of cover strip 104. The symmetric profile of the cover strip 104 along the rear surface 402b facilitates the interchangeability of the cover strip 104 while being positioned/installed adjacent to the two ends of the mounting plate 204.

In an embodiment, while installation, the cover strip 104 may be positioned along the two opposite sides of the mounting plate 204 at an angle of 180-degree, such that the pair of cover strip 104 are positioned in an upright position and an inverted position along the two ends of the mounting plate 102. In an embodiment, the inverted position and the upright position of the cover strip 104 define the same geometrical orientation of the cover strip 104 along the rear surface 402 due to the symmetric orientation of the cover strip 104.

The interchangeability and the positioning of the cover strip 104 in both positions (inverted position and upright positions) enable uniform production of the cover strip 104 adapted to be positioned along the two ends of the mounting plate 204. In addition, the process of installation of the cover strip 104 with the mounting plate 204 and the switch assembly 100 is simple. Also, no distinct cover strip 104 is required to be manufactured for the mounting plate 204 for the two opposite sides. This reduces the overall complexity of manufacturing and assembly of the cover strip 104 and the switch assembly 100. Also, the cost related to inventory handling for multiple types of the cover strip 104 is also reduced for the switch assembly 100.

Each of the pair of latching member 702 may be inserted within the slot 204-2 of the mounting plate 204. The slot 204-2 may have grooves to securely fasten the latching member 702. The latching member 702 may have a profile that conforms to the grooves of the slot 204-2 such that the latching member 702 may snap fit within the slot 204-2. In an embodiment, the rectangular shaft may have one of notches, grooves, or cuts along a length to match with a corresponding profile of grooves provided inside the slot 204-2 to lock the latching member 702 securely within the slot 204-2.

In an embodiment, each of the latching member 702 may be flat and have a rectangular profile, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an alternative embodiment, each of the latching member 702 may have any other profile/shape depending on the slot 204-2 of the mounting plate 204, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure discloses the switch assembly 100 having the cover strip 104 that covers non-functional areas of the switch assembly 100. The cover strip 104 may have the pair of latching member 702, facilitating an easy attachment and removal from the switch assembly 100. Further, the cover strip 104 may eliminate a need for fasteners or fastening holes to secure the cover strip 104 with the mounting plate 204. The cover strip 104 further eliminates a requirement of the cover plate, decreases part count, and reduces complexity while assembling/disassembling the switch assembly 100. The cover strip 104 may make the switch assembly 100 more compact and visually appealing.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. ,CLAIMS:1. A cover strip (104) for a switch assembly (100), the cover strip (104) comprising:
a front wall (402) including a front surface (402a) and a rear surface (402b);
a top wall (406a) and a bottom wall (406b) disposed on the rear surface (402b), and extends orthogonally from a top portion and a bottom portion of the front wall (402) respectively, and
a pair of latching members (702) disposed opposite to each other, wherein each of the pair of latching members (702) protrudes outwardly from the rear surface (402a), and disposed between a mid-portion of the front wall (402) and one of the top wall (406a) and the bottom wall (406b).

2. The cover strip (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of latching members (702) is adapted to be inserted within a slot (204-2) of a mounting plate (204).

3. The cover strip (104) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the pair of latching members (702) has one of notches, grooves, and cuts to fit within corresponding grooves of the slot (204-2).

4. The cover strip (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of latching members (702) has a rectangular profile.

5. The cover strip (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top wall (406a) and the bottom wall (406b), and the pair of latching members (702) are integrally formed with the front wall (402).

6. A switch assembly (100) comprising:
a mounting plate (204); and
at least one cover strip (104) adapted to cover a portion of the mounting plate, the at least one cover strip (104) comprising:
a front wall (402) including a front surface (402a) and a rear surface (402b) facing the mounting plate (204);
a top wall (406a) and a bottom wall (406b) disposed on the rear surface (402b), and extends orthogonally from a top portion and a bottom portion of the front wall (402) respectively, and
a pair of latching members (702) disposed opposite to each other, wherein each of the pair of latching members (702) protrudes outwardly from the rear surface (402a), disposed between a mid-portion of the front wall (402) and one of the top wall (406a) and the bottom wall (406b), and adapted to fit within a slot (204-2) of the mounting plate (204).

7. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, comprising at least one operating panel (102) mounted on the mounting plate (204), wherein the at least one cover strip (104) is disposed adjacent to the operating panel (102).