DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an electrical switch assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a contact strip for an electrical 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 electrical switch includes an operating panel, a rocker, a housing, and a contact strip. 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 switch in an ON-state and an OFF-state.

Currently, the contact strip is adapted to electrically couple a first pillar with a moving contact of the electrical switch. The existing contact strip extends from a pillar within the housing of the electrical switch. The existing contact strip is bulky and requires more space for installation and operations. Thus, a large-sized housing is required to accommodate the contact strip which increases the overall size and weight of the electrical switch. This further increases the overall cost associated with the manufacturing of the electrical switch.

Therefore, in view of the above, there is an immense need for a contact strip for the switch assembly which eliminates the above-mentioned problem associated with the existing art.

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 contact strip for a switch assembly. The contact strip may include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion may be adapted to be coupled with a first pillar of the switch assembly. The second portion orthogonally extends from the first portion and may be disposed in a parallel orientation relative to the first portion. The third portion orthogonally extends from the second portion in the opposite direction relative to the first portion. The third portion may include a groove adapted to receive a moving contact of the switch assembly.

Further, the present disclosure relates to a switch assembly. The switch assembly may include a rocker, a moving contact, and a contact strip. The rocker may be adapted to be pivotally moved to operate the switch assembly in an on-state and an off-state. The moving contact may be adapted to move with the pivotal movement of the rocker. The contact strip may be coupled with the rocker and the moving contact. The contact strip may include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion may be adapted to be coupled with a first pillar of the switch assembly. The second portion orthogonally extends from the first portion and may be disposed in a parallel orientation relative to the first portion. The third portion orthogonally extends from the second portion in the opposite direction relative to the first portion. The third portion may include a groove adapted to receive a moving contact of the switch assembly.

In the present disclosure, the switch assembly a compact structure as the contact strip may be less bulky and accommodated in a smaller space. Thus, the contact strip may require less space for installation which reduces the overall space and size of the switch assembly. This further reduces the overall cost associated with the manufacturing of the switch assembly.

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 a partial perspective view of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a contact strip coupled to a first pillar 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 a partial perspective view of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the switch assembly 100 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, a lighting unit, a fan, or 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.

The switch assembly 100 may be adapted to be mounted on a mounting platform, 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 metal box (not shown) to facilitate the positioning/installation of the switch assembly 100 within the wall. Further, as per the standards followed by the electrical switches, the switch assembly 100 may be adapted to be rested/positioned inside the metal boxes of predetermined shape, size, and configuration.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the switch assembly 100 may include, but is not limited to, a housing 101, a rocker 102, a base plate 104, a first pillar 106, a second pillar 108, a moving contact 114, and a contact strip 110. The housing 101 may be adapted to accommodate the components of the switch assembly 100. The switch assembly 100 may be a soft switch which requires minimal force for operation and also minimal movement of the rocker 102. In an embodiment, the housing 101 may be formed of a polymeric material. In another embodiment, the housing 101 may be formed of a metallic material.

The rocker 102 may be pivotally supported on the base plate 104 and movably coupled with the contact strip 110. The rocker 102 may be adapted to be pressed to pivotally move and to facilitate the movement of the moving contact 114. In an embodiment, the rocker 102 may be embodied in a rectangular shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the rocker 102 may be embodied in any other shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The first pillar 106 may be adapted to be electrically connected with a power source. The second pillar 108 may be adapted to selectively couple with the first pillar 106 upon the actuation of the rocker 102. Further, the contact strip 110 may be coupled with the rocker 102 and adapted to be fixed within the metal box to facilitate the positioning of the switch assembly 100 within the wall. Constructional and functional details of the contact strip 110 are explained later in the subsequent paragraphs with reference to Figure 3.

The moving contact 114 may include a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end may be adapted to rest on the contact strip 110. The second end may be coupled with the rocker 102 and adapted to contact/abut a second contact strip 112 in response to the actuation of the rocker 102 to facilitate the electrical coupling of the second pillar 108 with the main source. In an embodiment, the moving contact 114 is adapted to tilt/pivot in response to the switching of the rocker 102. In an embodiment, the pivoting point may be a contact point of the moving contact 114 with the contact strip 110.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the contact strip 110 coupled to the first pillar 106 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The contact strip 110 may include a first portion 110-1, a second portion 110-2, and a third portion 110-3. The first portion 110-1, the second portion 110-2, and the third portion 110-3 may be formed as an integral structure. The first portion 110-1 and the third portion 110-3 extend in the opposite direction with respect to the second portion 110-2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the contact strip 110 may have a S-shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The first portion 110-1 may be adapted to be coupled with a first pillar 106 of the switch assembly 100. The first portion 110-1 may include a hole 118 formed in the centre of the first portion 110-1. The hole 118 may be adapted to receive a protruded portion 120 of the first pillar 106 to couple the contact strip 110 with the first pillar 106.

The second portion 110-2 orthogonally extends from the first portion 110-1. Herein, the second portion 110-2 extends along the same plane of the first portion 110-1, such that the second portion 110-2 forms an extension of the first portion 110-1. A first bending portion 110-4 may be formed between the first portion 110-1 and the second portion 110-2. In an embodiment, the second portion 110-2 has a greater length with respect to the first portion 110-1, and the third portion 110-3.

The third portion 110-3 orthogonally extends from the second portion 110-2 in the opposite direction relative to the first portion 110-1. The third portion 110-3 may include a groove 116 adapted to receive a moving contact 114 of the switch assembly 100. The groove 116 may be formed on a top surface of the third portion 110-3, along a width of the third portion 110-3. In an embodiment, the groove 116 has a curved surface adapted to support the movement of the moving contact 114. A second bending portion 110-5 may be formed between the second portion 110-2 and the third portion 110-3.

During the operation of the switch assembly 100, the first pillar 106 may be connected to the power source, and the contact strip 110 is electrically connected with the first pillar 106. The groove 116 may be disposed on the second portion 110-2 to facilitate the resting of the moving contact 114. Upon actuation of the rocker 102, the moving contact 114 pivots, such that a portion proximate to the second end of the moving contact 114 abuts the second contact strip 112. This enables the electrical coupling of the first pillar 106 with the second pillar 108. In this manner, an electrical circuit is complete for the switch assembly 100.

The switch assembly 100 of the present disclosure has a compact structure as the contact strip 110 may be less bulky and accommodated in a smaller space. Thus, the contact strip 110 may require less space for installation which reduces the overall space and size of the switch assembly 100. This further reduces the overall cost associated with the manufacturing of the switch assembly 100.

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 contact strip (110) for a switch assembly (100), the contact strip (110) comprising:
a first portion (110-1) adapted to be coupled with a first pillar (106) of the switch assembly (100);
a second portion (110-2) orthogonally extending from the first portion (110-1) and disposed in a parallel orientation relative to the first portion (110-1); and
a third portion (110-3) orthogonally extending from the second portion (110-2) in the opposite direction relative to the first portion (110-1), the third portion (110-3) comprising a groove (116) adapted to receive a moving contact (114) of the switch assembly (100).

2. The contact strip (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the groove (116) is formed on a top surface of the third portion (110-3), along a width of the third portion (110-3).

3. The contact strip (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the groove (116) has a curved surface adapted to support the movement of the moving contact (114).

4. The contact strip (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (110-1) comprises a hole (118) adapted to receive a protruded portion (120) of the first pillar (106) to couple the contact strip (110) with the first pillar (106).

5. The contact strip (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (110-2) has a greater length with respect to the first portion (110-1) and the third portion (110-3).

6. A switch assembly (100), comprising:
a rocker (102) adapted to be pivotally moved to operate the switch assembly (100) in an on-state and an off-state;
a moving contact (114) adapted to move with the pivotal movement of the rocker (102); and
a contact strip (110) coupled with the rocker (102) and the moving contact (114), the contact strip (110) comprising:
a first portion (110-1) adapted to be coupled with a first pillar (106) of the switch assembly (100);
a second portion (110-2) orthogonally extending from the first portion (110-1) and disposed in a parallel orientation relative to the first portion (110-1); and
a third portion (110-3) orthogonally extending from the second portion (110-2) in the opposite direction relative to the first portion (110-1), the third portion (110-3) comprising a groove (116) adapted to receive a moving contact (114) of the switch assembly (100).

7. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the groove (116) is formed on a top surface of the third portion (110-3), along a width of the third portion (110-3).

8. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the groove (116) has a curved surface adapted to support the movement of the moving contact (114).

9. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first portion (110-1) comprises a hole (118) adapted to receive a protruded portion (120) of the first pillar (106) to couple the contact strip (110) with the first pillar (106).

10. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second portion (110-2) has a greater length with respect to the first portion (110-1) and the third portion (110-3).