DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an electrical switch assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mounting plate for a switch assembly.

BACKGROUND

Electrical switches are employed for operating a wide range of appliances by controlling a flow of current to such appliances. In addition, 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.

Typically, an existing switch assembly includes an operating panel, a rocker, a housing, and a frame. The operating panel is adapted to be pivotally moved relative to the housing and the frame, 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.

For instance, the current design employs a separate cover plate to facilitate the positioning of the operating panel with the rocker. Such a design includes more number of parts and the frame utilizes a major portion of the face of the switch assembly making the switch assembly less aesthetically pleasing.

Therefore, in view of the above, there is an immense need for a configuration of the switch assembly which eliminates the above-mentioned problem while ensuring the safety of the user.

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 nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a mounting plate for a switch assembly. The mounting plate may include a first surface, a second surface, a set of recesses and a cut-out portion. The first surface may be adapted to support at least one operating module, at least one rocker, and a pair of cover strips. The second surface may be opposite to the first surface and adapted to be mounted on a mounting platform to secure the switch assembly with the mounting platform. The set of recesses is adapted to mount the mounting plate onto the mounting platform. The cut-out portion extends between the first surface and the second surface and is adapted to receive the at least one operating module having the at least one rocker. The at least one rocker may be adapted to at least partially cover the cut-out portion and an area of the mounting plate. The pair of cover strips may be adapted to at least partially cover the remaining area of the mounting plate.

Further, the present disclosure relates to a switch assembly. The switch assembly may include at least one operating module, at least one rocker, a pair of cover strips, and a mounting plate. The at least one rocker may be adapted to be pivotally supported on the at least one operating module. The pair of cover strips may be positioned adjacent to the at least one rocker. The mounting plate may be adapted to support the at least one operating module the at least one rocker, and the pair of cover strips. The mounting plate may include a first surface, a second surface, and a cut-out portion. The first surface may be adapted to support the at least one operating module, at least one rocker, and a pair of cover strips. The second surface may be opposite to the first surface and adapted to be mounted on a mounting platform to secure the switch assembly with the mounting platform. The cut-out portion extends between the first surface and the second surface and is adapted to receive the at least one operating module having the at least one rocker. The at least one rocker may be adapted to at least partially cover the cut-out portion and an area of the mounting plate. The pair of cover strips may be adapted to at least partially cover the remaining area of 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 a perspective 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;

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a mounting plate coupled with a mounting platform of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the mounting plate coupled with the mounting platform of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting plate of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the mounting plate of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 illustrates a front view of the mounting plate of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of a front view of the mounting plate 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, one or more 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 the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” 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 one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”

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 one or more 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, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more 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 one or more 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.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

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

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective 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 an exploded view of a mounting plate 102 coupled with a mounting platform 300 of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the mounting plate 102 coupled with the mounting platform 300 of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, Figure 1 to Figure 4 have been explained together.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, 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 a lighting unit or a fan. In an embodiment, the electrical appliance may be, but not limited to, lighting unit, a fan, a doorbell, without departing from the scope of the invention. The electrical application for the switch assembly 100 may include, but is not limited, to a doorbell switch, a machine switch, an emergency switch, or any other electrical switching application, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0001] Referring to Figure 3 and 4, the switch assembly 100 may be adapted to be mounted on a mounting platform 300, for example, a wall, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The switch assembly 100 may be adapted to be positioned/installed inside a mounting platform 300 to facilitate the positioning/installation of the switch assembly 100 within the wall. In one example, the mounting platform 300 is a metal box which is either mounted on or embedded in the wall for mounting of the switch assembly 100. Further, the as per the standards followed by the electrical switches, the switch assembly 100 may be adapted to be rested/positioned inside the mounting platform 300 of predetermined shape, size, and configuration. The positioning of the electrical switch assembly 100 within the mounting platform 300 eliminates the need for a different mounting fixture within the wall and the electrical switch assembly 100 may be mounted onto the existing fixtures.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the switch assembly 100 may include, but is not limited to, at least one operating module 104, at least one rocker 106, a pair of cover strips 108, and the mounting plate 102. The at least one rocker 106 may be pivotally supported by the at least one operating module 104 and movably coupled with the mounting plate 102. The at least one rocker 106 may be adapted to be pressed to actuate the at least one operating module 104. Upon pressing, the at least one rocker 106 may be pivotally moved. In an embodiment, the at least one rocker 106 may be embodied in a rectangular shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the at least one rocker 106 may be embodied in any other shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The pair of cover strips 108 may be disposed adjacent to the at least one operating module 104. Further, the plurality of cover strips 108 may be adapted to cover an area AR1adjacent to the at least one operating module 104 for ensuring the safety of a user. In an embodiment, the pair of cover strips 108 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The operating module 104 may be adapted to partially rest within the mounting plate 102 and adapted to partially rest outwardly from the mounting plate 102 to facilitate the positioning of the one or more rockers 106. In addition, the mounting plate 102 may be adapted to be fixed within the mounting platform 300 to facilitate the positioning of the switch assembly 100 within the wall. Constructional and functional details of the mounting plate 102 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting plate 102 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the mounting plate 102 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 illustrates a front view of the mounting plate 102 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of a front view of the mounting plate of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, Figure 5 to Figure 8 have been explained together.

Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 7, the mounting plate 102 may be adapted to support the at least one operating module 104, the at least one rocker 106, and the pair of cover strips 108. Further, the mounting plate 102 may be mounted on the mounting platform 300 fitted in the mounting plate 102 to secure the switch assembly 100 with the mounting platform 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate 102 has a rectangular shape. In another embodiment, the mounting plate 102 may have any other shape such as a square shape, and a circular shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the mounting plate 102 may be formed of a metallic material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The mounting plate 102 may include, but is not limited to, a first surface 110, a second surface 112, a side surface 116, and a cut-out portion 114 extending between the first surface 110 and the second surface 112. The first surface 110 may be adapted to support the at least one operating module 104, the at least one rocker 106, and the pair of cover strips 108.

The second surface 112 may be opposite to the first surface 110. The second surface 112 may be adapted to be mounted on the mounting platform 300 to secure the switch assembly 100 with the mounting platform 300. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first surface 110 may be embodied as a front surface and the second surface 112 may be embodied as a rear surface.

The cut-out portion 114 may be adapted to receive the at least one operating module 104 having the at least one rocker 106. In an embodiment, the first surface 110 defines a periphery of the cut-out portion 114. In an embodiment, the at least one rocker 106 is adapted to at least partially cover the cut-out portion 114 and an area ‘AR1 of the mounting plate 102. Further, the pair of cover strips 108 may be adapted to at least partially cover the remaining area (“AR2) of the mounting plate 102.

The side surface 116 may be formed along a periphery of the mounting plate 102. The side surface 116 may be adapted to be covered by the at least one rocker 106 and the pair of cover strips 108. The mounting plate 102 may include a plurality of slots 118 and a plurality of protruding portions 120. In an embodiment, the plurality of slots 118 may be spaced apart from each other at an equidistance. The plurality of slots 118 may be positioned in a parallel orientation with respect to each other. The plurality of slots 118 may be formed adjacent to the cut-out portion 114. The plurality of protruding portions 120 defines an enclosure around each of the slots 118 to receive the at least one rocker 106.

In an embodiment, the mounting plate 102 may include a plurality of receiving members 122 orthogonally extending from the cut-out portion 114 towards the second surface 112. The plurality of receiving members 122 may be positioned in a parallel orientation relative to each other. The plurality of receiving members 122 may be adapted to be engaged with a plurality of engaging members of the at least one operating module 104 to secure the at least one operating module 104 with the mounting plate 102.

The mounting plate 102 of the present disclosure, enables the mounting of the switch assembly 100 in the standard mounting platform 300, which makes the switch assembly 100 more flexible for the implementation. In order to facilitate the mounting of the switch assembly 100 onto the mounting platform 300 the mounting plate 102 includes a set of recesses 302. The set of recesses 302 allow the mounting plate 102 to be mounted onto the mounting platform 300. The set of recesses 302 may be positioned onto at least one pair of the side surfaces 116 of the mounting plate 102. In an embodiment, screws (not shown) may be used to mount the mounting plate 102 onto the mounting platform 300, which may be inserted through the set of recesses 302. Further, the plurality of slots 118 of the mounting plate 102 may be adapted to receive the at least one rocker 106. In the present disclosure, the area ‘AR1 of the mounting plate 102 may be covered by the at least one rocker 106 and the pair of cover strips 108, such that the at least one rocker 106 and the pair of cover strips 108 may be removed easily based on the user’s preference.

Referring to Figure 8, the mounting plate 102’ may be similar to the mounting plate 102, which may utilize similar components to the mounting plat 102. Alternatively, at least one pair of the side surfaces 116 may be greater in length than the side surfaces 116. The increased length of the at least one pair of the side surfaces 116 facilitates mounting of an increased number of the at least one operating module 104 and the at least one rocker 106 onto the mounting plate 102’.

The present disclosure presents various technical advancements which may include mounting of the switch assembly 100 onto the mounting platform 300 which facilitates mounting of the switch assembly 100 onto the wall. Further, the enclosure of the set of recesses 302 allow the mounting plate 102 to be mounted on the mounting platform 300. Moreover, the incorporation of the mounting platform 300 allows for the switch assembly 100 to be mounted onto the wall without any additional fixtures.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, 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 mounting plate (102) for a switch assembly (100), the mounting plate (102) comprising:
a first surface (110) adapted to support at least one operating module (104), at least one rocker (106), and a pair of cover strips (108);
a second surface (112) opposite to the first surface (110) and adapted to be mounted on a mounting platform (300) to secure the switch assembly (100) with the mounting platform (300);
a set of recesses (302) adapted to mount the mounting plate (102) onto the mounting platform (300); and
a cut-out portion (114) extending between the first surface (110) and the second surface (112) and adapted to receive the at least one operating module (104) having the at least one rocker (106), wherein:
the at least one rocker (106) is adapted to at least partially cover the cut-out portion (114) and an area (‘A’) of the mounting plate (102); and
the pair of cover strips (108) is adapted to at least partially cover the remaining area (AR2) of the mounting plate (102).

2. The mounting plate (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first surface (110) defines a periphery of the cut-out portion (114).

3. The mounting plate (102) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a side surface (116) formed along a periphery of the mounting plate (102) and adapted to be covered by the at least one rocker (106) and the pair of cover strips (108).

4. The mounting plate (102) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a plurality of slots (118) formed adjacent to the cut-out portion (114); and
a plurality of protruding portions (120) defining an enclosure around each of the slots (118) to receive the at least one rocker (106).

5. The mounting plate (102) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of receiving members (122) orthogonally extending from the cut-out portion (114) towards the second surface (112) and adapted to be engaged with a plurality of engaging members of the at least one operating module (104) to secure the at least one operating module (104) with the mounting plate (102).

6. The mounting plate (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
a first surface (110) is a front surface; and
a second surface (112) is a rear surface.

7. The mounting plate (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of recesses (302) adapted to mount the mounting plate (102) onto the mounting platform (300) using screws.

8. A switch assembly (100), comprising:
at least one operating module (104);
at least one rocker (106) adapted to be pivotally supported on the at least one operating module (104);
a pair of cover strips (108) positioned adjacent to the at least one rocker (106); and
a mounting plate (102) adapted to support the at least one operating module (104), the at least one rocker (106), and the pair of cover strips (108), the mounting plate (102) comprising:
a first surface (110) adapted to support the at least one operating module (104), the at least one rocker (106), and the pair of cover strips (108);
a second surface (112) opposite to the first surface (110) and adapted to be mounted on a mounting platform 300 to secure the switch assembly (100) with the mounting platform 300; and
a cut-out portion (114) extending between the first surface (110) and the second surface (112) and adapted to receive the at least one operating module (104) having the at least one rocker (106), wherein:
the at least one rocker (106) is adapted to at least partially cover the cut-out portion (114) and an area (‘A’) of the mounting plate (102); and
the pair of cover strips (108) adapted to at least partially cover a remaining area (“AR2) of the mounting plate (102).

9. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first surface (110) defines a periphery of the cut-out portion (114).

10. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the mounting plate (102) comprises a side surface (116) formed along a periphery of the mounting plate (102) and adapted to be covered by the at least one rocker (106) and the pair of cover strips (108).

11. The mounting plate (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the mounting plate (102) comprises:
a plurality of slots (118) formed adjacent to the cut-out portion (114); and
a plurality of protruding portions defining an enclosure around each of the slots (118) to receive the at least one rocker (106).