DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a switch assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an improved operating panel of the switch assembly.

BACKGROUND

Commonly, electrical switches are employed for operating a wide range of appliances by controlling a flow of current to such appliances. In particular, electrical switches are employed in electrical circuits to divert or interrupt the flow of current toward the appliances, thereby switching ON or switching OFF such appliances.

Currently, an existing switch assembly includes an operating panel, a rocker, a housing, etc. The operating panel is adapted to be pivotally moved relative to the housing, upon applying a pushing force on the operating panel. The operating panel is adapted to be pressed/pushed to move the rocker of the switch assembly. The rocker is adapted to be pivotally moved to operate the switch assembly in an ON-state and an OFF-state.

However, the existing configuration of the switch assembly has limitations, that, the operating panel of the switch assembly may be supported on the rocker and further, on the housing with a pair of supporting members, simultaneously. Thus, there is the possibility that the pair of supporting members may get damaged, gradually, due to the excessive use of the switch assembly. This configuration increases the probability of a loose connection of the operating panel with the housing, which may compromise the safety of the user and also impact the user experience. Additionally, this configuration also leads to the requirement of additional components, for example, the pair of supporting members to support the operating panel on the housing. Thus, the configuration of the existing switch assembly is costly.

Hence, in view of the above, it is desirable to develop a configuration of the switch assembly which eliminates the above-mentioned problem.

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.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch assembly is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a mounting plate, at least one rocker, and at least one operating panel. The at least one rocker is adapted to be supported on the mounting plate. The at least one operating panel is adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker and pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate. The at least one operating panel includes a base member, a plurality of side walls, and a plurality of edge walls. The base member is adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker of the switch assembly. The plurality of side walls is formed at a periphery of the base member and extended towards the at least one rocker with respect to the base member. The plurality of side walls includes at least one cut-out portion formed at an extreme end of the plurality of side walls. The at least one cut-out portion is adapted to establish a contact with the mounting plate, when the at least one operating panel pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate. The plurality of edge walls extends towards the at least one rocker from the base member. Each edge wall includes a bent portion adapted to be rested on the mounting plate, when the at least one operating panel pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate.

In another embodiment, an operating panel of a switch assembly is disclosed. The at least one operating panel includes a base member, a plurality of side walls, and a plurality of edge walls. The base member is adapted to be supported on at least one rocker of the switch assembly. The plurality of side walls is formed at a periphery of the base member and extended towards the at least one rocker with respect to the base member. The plurality of side walls includes at least one cut-out portion formed at an extreme end of the plurality of side walls. The at least one cut-out portion is adapted to establish a contact with a mounting plate of the switch assembly, when the at least one operating panel pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate. The plurality of edge walls extends towards the at least one rocker from the base member. Each edge wall includes a bent portion adapted to be rested on the mounting plate, when the at least one operating panel pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, 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 invention 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 an assembled view of a switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of at least one operating panel of the switch assembly, 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 invention 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 invention 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.

Figure 1 illustrates an assembled view of a switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of at least one operating panel 102 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 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, a mounting plate, 208, at least one rocker 202, and the at least one operating panel 102. In an embodiment, the at least one rocker 202 may be supported on the mounting plate 208, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the at least one operating panel 102 may be supported on the at least one rocker 202. Further, the at least one operating panel 102 may be adapted to be supported on the mounting plate 208, when the at least one operating panel 102 pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate 208. In an embodiment, a plurality of cover strips 104 may be disposed adjacent to the at least one operating panel 102. In an embodiment, a plurality of cover strips 104 may be disposed on the mounting plate 208 adjacent to the at least one operating panel 102. Further, the plurality of cover strips 104 may be disposed on the mounting plate 208 such that the cover stripes 104 adapted to cover an area adjacent to the at least one operating panel 102 ensuring the safety of a user.

In an embodiment, the at least one operating panel 102 may be adapted to be pushed/pressed to move in a downward direction with respect to the installation surface. Further, the at least one operating panel 102 may be adapted to pivotally move with respect to the mounting plate 208 in a plurality of positions to actuate the at least one rocker 202. The actuation of the at least one rocker 202 results in the operation of the switch assembly 100 in one of an ON state and an OFF state.

In an embodiment, the at least one operating panel 102 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 may be embodied in any other shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the at least one operating panel 102 may include a base member 302, a plurality of side walls 304, and a plurality of edge walls 306. The base member 302 may be adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker 202.

In an embodiment, the plurality of side walls 304 may be formed at a periphery of the base member 302. The plurality of side walls 304 may be extended towards the at least one rocker 202. In an embodiment, the plurality of side walls 304 may include at least one cut-out portion 304a (referred to here as the cut-out portion 304a). In such embodiment, the cut-out portion 308a may be formed in a curved profile, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The cut-out portion 304a may be formed at an extreme end of the plurality of side walls 304. The cut-out portion 304a may be formed below the plurality of edge walls 306. Further, the cut-out portion 304a may be adapted to establish contact with the mounting plate 208, when the at least one operating panel 102 pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate 208. In an embodiment, the plurality of side walls 304 may include a depressed portion 310 adjacent to the cut-out portion 304a, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The depressed portion 310 may have a predefined profile, where the predefined profile may be a curved-shaped profile, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The depressed portion 310 defined in the plurality of side walls 304 may facilitate in soft movement of the at least one operating panel 102. The soft movement of the at least one operating panel 102 may be understood as a dampened movement when the at least one operating panel 102 pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate 208. Further, the soft movement may dampen the noise generated during the operation of the at least one operating panel 102 ensuring a quite operation. Furthermore, the depressed portion 310 enables for proper fitment of the at least one operating panel 102 of different sizes into the mounting plate 208.

In an embodiment, the plurality of edge walls 306 may be extended from the base member 302 towards the at least one rocker 202, from the base member 302. In such embodiment, the base member 302 includes an upper portion 302a and a lower portion 302b. Further, the plurality of edge walls 306 may be adapted to be extended orthogonally from the upper portion 302a and the lower portion 302b of the base member 302.

In an embodiment, the plurality of edge walls 306 may include a flat portion 306a, and a bent portion 306b. In such embodiment, the flat portion 306a may be formed orthogonally with respect to the base member 302. Further, the bent portion 306b may be projected in an outward direction with respect to the flat portion 306a. The bent portion 306b may be adapted to be rested on the mounting plate 208 when the at least one operating panel 102 pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate 208.

As would be gathered, the present disclosure ensures a simple configuration of the at least one operating panel 102 having the base member 302, the plurality of side walls 304, and the plurality of edge walls 306. The cut-out portion 304a of the each side wall 304 and the bent portion 306b of the each edge wall 306 ensure ease of connection of the at least operating panel 102 on the mounting plate 208, when the at least one operating panel 102 pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate 208. Further, the cut-out portion 304a of the each side wall 304 and the bent portion 306b of the each edge wall 306 eliminates direct contact between the at least one rocker 202 and the plurality of side wall 304 of the at least one operating panel 102, during the operation of the at least one operating panel 102. The elimination of direct contact between the at least one rocker 202 and the at least one operating panel 102 provides for a tactile operation of the at least one operating panel 102.

The advantages of the switch assembly 100 and the operating panel 102 are now explained. The switch assembly 100 disclosed herein eliminates the need for additional components to support the at least one operating panel 102 on the mounting plate 208, unlike the existing switch assemblies. The simple configuration of the switch assembly 100 of having the at least one operating panel 102 ensures that the user/operator may engage the at least one operating panel 102, in one direction or an opposite direction, with the mounting plate 208. Thus, this configuration ensures an improved user experience. Further, the present configuration of the at least one operating panel 102 provides ease of customization to the user. Further, the cut-out portion 304a and the bent portion 306b in the at least one operating panel 102 provide the tactile feel during the operation of the least one operating panel 102.

Further, the depressed portion 310 in the switch assembly 100 ensures soft movement of the at least one operating panel and provides for quieter operation of the switch assembly 100. Additionally, the present configuration of the at least one operating panel 102 also ensures the assembly of a long operating panel in the switch assembly 100 as compared to the existing switch assembly. Thus, the present configuration of the at least one operating panel 102 ensures an improved operating panel of the switch assembly 100.

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 in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing 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 switch assembly (100), comprising:
a mounting plate (208);
at least one rocker (202) adapted to be supported on the mounting plate (208);
at least one operating panel (102) adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker (202) and pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate (208), the at least one operating panel (102) comprising:
a base member (302) adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker (202) of the switch assembly (100);
a plurality of side walls (304) formed at a periphery of the base member (302) and extended towards the at least one rocker (202) with respect to the base member (302), wherein:
the plurality of side walls (304) comprises at least one cut-out portion (304a) formed at an extreme end of the plurality of side walls (304), the at least one cut-out portion (304a) adapted to establish a contact with the mounting plate (208), when the at least one operating panel (102) pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate (208); and
a plurality of edge walls (306) extends towards the at least one rocker (202) from the base member (302), each edge wall comprises a bent portion (306b) adapted to be rested on the mounting plate (208) when the at least one operating panel (102) pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate (208).

2. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cut-out portion (304a) is formed in a curved profile.

3. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of edge walls (306) is extended orthogonally from an upper portion (302a) and a lower portion (302b) of the base member (302).

4. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of edge walls (306) comprises a flat portion (306a) and the bent portion (306b), wherein:
the flat portion (306a) is formed orthogonally with respect to the base member (302); and
the bent portion (306b) is projected in an outward direction with respect to the flat portion (306a).

5. An operating panel (102) of a switch assembly (100), comprising:
a base member (302) adapted to be supported on at least one rocker (202) of the switch assembly (100);
a plurality of side walls (304) formed at a periphery of the base member (302) and extended towards the at least one rocker (202) with respect to the base member (302), wherein
the plurality of side walls (304) comprises at least one cut-out portion (304a) formed at an extreme end of the plurality of side walls (304), the at least one cut-out portion (304a) adapted to establish a contact with a mounting plate (208) of the switch assembly (100), when the at least one operating panel (102) pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate (208); and
a plurality of edge walls (306) extends towards the at least one rocker (202) from the base member (302), each edge wall (306) comprises a bent portion (306b) adapted to be rested on the mounting plate (208) when the at least one operating panel (102) pivotally moves with respect to the mounting plate (208).

6. The operating panel (102) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one cut-out portion (304a) is formed in a curved profile.

7. The operating panel (102) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of edge walls (306) is extended orthogonally from an upper portion (302a) and a lower portion (302b) of the base member (302).

8. The operating panel (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of edge walls (306) comprises a flat portion (306a) and the bent portion (306b), wherein:
the flat portion (306a) is formed orthogonally with respect to the base member (302); and
the bent portion (306b) is projected in an outward direction with respect to the flat portion (306a).