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 the flow of current to such appliances. In particular, the 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 electrical switch 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 electrical switch. The rocker is adapted to be pivotally moved to operate the electrical switching an ON-state and an OFF-state.

However, the existing configuration of the electrical switch has limitations, that, the operating panel has a smaller length and thus, has minimum contact surface area. Therefore, the user has to apply increased force on the operating panel, to operate the switch assembly. Thus, the present configuration of the operating panel increases discomfort for the user. Further, the operating panel with the smaller length also reduces the aesthetic appearance of the electrical switch.

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 herein. The switch assembly includes at least one rocker and at least one operating panel. The at least one operating panel is adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker. The at least one operating panel includes a base member, and a plurality of mounting members. The base member is adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker of the switch assembly. The plurality of mounting members is disposed at a rear surface of the base member. The plurality of mounting members is adapted to be attached to the at least one rocker such that the at least one operating panel is attached to the at least one rocker.

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;

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

Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate different assembled views of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 4 illustrates a rear 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 fulfill 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. Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate different exploded views of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The switch assembly 100 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, 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 a 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, the 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 strips 104 may be 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 have a larger length unlike the existing switch assembly, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the at least one operating panel 102 may include a base member 222, a plurality of side walls 224, a plurality of edge walls 226, and a plurality of mounting members 212. In an embodiment, the plurality of side walls 224 may be formed at a periphery of the base member 222. The plurality of side walls 224 may be extended towards the at least one rocker 202.

In an embodiment, the plurality of edge walls 226 may be extended from the base member 222 towards the at least one rocker 202, from the base member 222. In such embodiment, the base member 222 includes an upper portion 222a and a lower portion 222b. Further, the plurality of edge walls 206 may be adapted to be extended orthogonally from the upper portion 222a and the lower portion 222b of the base member 222.

In an embodiment, the base member 222 may be adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker 202. In such embodiment, the base member 222 may be attached to the at least one rocker 202 with the plurality of mounting members 212, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the plurality of mounting members 212 may be disposed in an enclosure 214 defined at a rear surface of the base member 222. The plurality of mounting members 212 may be adapted to be attached to the at least one rocker 202 such that the at least one operating panel 102 may be attached to the at least one rocker 202. In such embodiment, the plurality of mounting members 212 may include a pair of first mounting members 212-1, 212-3, and a second mounting member 212-2. Each first mounting member 212-1, 212-3 may be adapted to be disposed opposite to each other.

In an embodiment, the pair of first mounting members 212-1, 212-3 may include a lower mounting member 212-1 and an upper mounting member 212-3. The lower mounting member 212-1 may be disposed towards the lower portion 222b of the base member 222 and away from a centre AA’ of the base member 222. Further, the upper mounting member 212-3 may be disposed towards the upper portion 222a of the base member 222 and away from the centre AA’ of the base member 222. Each of the lower mounting member 212-1 and the upper mounting member 212-3 may include a top portion 228. The top portion 228 may have a bent-shaped profile, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the top portion 228 of each first mounting member 212-1, 212-3 may have an L-shaped profile with respect to the base member 222, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, in an embodiment, the second mounting member 212-2 may be adapted to be formed between the pair of first mounting members 212-1, 212-3. In such an embodiment, the second mounting member 212-2 may have a step profile, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, the at least one rocker 202 may be provided with a first mounting slot 230 and a second mounting slot 232. The first mounting slot 230 may be provided in a lower portion 234a of the at least one rocker 202 and the second mounting slot 232 may be provided in an upper portion 234b of the at least one rocker 202. During the assembly of the at least one operating panel 102 with the at least one rocker 202, the first mounting slot 230 may be adapted to receive the lower mounting member 212-1. Similarly, during the assembly of the at least one operating panel 102 with the at least one rocker 202, the second mounting slot 232 may be adapted to receive the upper mounting member 212-3.

Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate different assembled views of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly, Figure 3A illustrates an isometric view of the at least one operating panel 102 mounted on the at least one rocker 202. Figure 3B illustrates a front view of the at least one operating panel 102 mounted on the at least one rocker 202. Figure 3C illustrates a side view of the at least one operating panel 102 mounted on the at least one rocker 202. During assembly of the at least one operating panel with the at least one rocket, the top portion 228 may be adapted to be attached with the at least one rocker 202 with various attachment members, for example, a snap-fit mechanism. The attachment of the at least one operating panel 102 with the at least one rocker 202 may be enabled by the insertion of the lower mounting member 212-1 into the first mounting slot 230 and the insertion of the upper mounting member 212-3 into the second mounting slot 232.

Figure 4 illustrates a rear view of at least one operating panel 102 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the pair of first mounting members 212-1, 212-3 may be adapted to be supported by a plurality of reinforcing brackets 402, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the at least one operating panel 102 provides for a symmetrical structure along the center AA’. The symmetrical structure of the at least one operating panel 102 allows for mounting or attaching the at least one operating panel 102 with the at least one rocker 202 in both an upward direction and downward direction.

As would be gathered, the present disclosure ensures a simple configuration of the at least one operating panel 102 having the base member 222, the plurality of mounting members 212. The plurality of mounting members 212 may provide ease of assembly of the at least one operating panel 102 on the at least one rocker 202. This configuration also reduces the assembly time of the at least one operating panel 102 with the at least one rocker 202. The configuration as disclosed ensures stable attachment of the at least one operating panel 102, having a larger length, with the at least one rocker 202 as compared to the existing switch assembly. This configuration provides a maximum contact surface area on the at least one operating panel 102.

Therefore, the user has to apply less force while operating the at least one operating panel 102 ensuring ease of the operation of the at least one operating panel 102 by the user. Further, the present configuration of the at least one operating panel 102 provides ease of customization to the user. Thus, the present configuration of the at least one operating panel 102 ensures an improved operating panel of the switch assembly 100 and maintains the aesthetic appearance 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:
at least one rocker (202);
at least one operating panel (102) adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker (202), the at least one operating panel (102) comprising:
a base member (222) adapted to be supported on the at least one rocker (202); and
a plurality of mounting members (212) disposed at a rear surface of the base member (222) and adapted to be attached to the at least one rocker (202) such that the at least one operating panel (102) is attached to the at least one rocker (202).

2. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of mounting members (212) comprises:
a pair of first mounting members (212-1, 212-3), each first mounting member (212-1, 212-3) adapted to be disposed opposite to each other; and
a second mounting member (212-2) adapted to be formed between the pair of first mounting members (212-1, 212-3).

3. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pair of first mounting members (212-1, 212-3) comprises a lower mounting member (212-1) and an upper mounting member (212-3), wherein:
the lower mounting member (212-1) is disposed towards a lower portion (222b) of the base member (222) and away from a centre (AA’) of the base member (222); and
the upper mounting member (212-3) is disposed towards an upper portion (222a) of the base member (222) and away from the centre (AA’) of the base member (222).

4. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lower mounting member (212-1) and the upper mounting member (212-3) comprises a top portion (228), wherein the top portion (228) has a bent-shaped profile.

5. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the top portion (228) is adapted to be attached with the at least one rocker (202).

6. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of first mounting members (212-1, 212-3) is formed in an L shape with respect to the base member (222).

7. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of reinforcing brackets (402) adapted to support the pair of first mounting members.

8. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second mounting member (212-2) is formed in a step profile.

9. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of mounting members (212) may be disposed in an enclosure (214) defined at a rear surface of the base member (222).