FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of switches. Particularly, the present invention relates to a low current switch for use in automobile applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, vehicles are equipped with a variety of control switches having different mechanical and electrical configurations. Generally, the control switches has mechanical configuration such as a push type or a hinge type or a slide type or a rocker type configuration etc. and the electrical configuration such as utilization of said switches for high, low or ultra low current applications.

A variety of vehicle’s control switches are available in the market. While switches having different mechanical and electrical configurations have been proposed, there is still a need to provide a switch which is simple in terms of its construction, which is easy to manufacture, which can be manufactured at a reasonable price, which occupies less space, which has high precision and which can be used for low current applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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 invention relates to a low ampere switch (100). The low ampere switch comprises housing (102) with an aperture. The housing (102) defines a first storage space. The switch (100) comprises a cover (104) enveloping the housing (102) and an actuating member (106). The actuating member (106) comprises a first end (106a) adapted to traverse via the aperture in housing (102) and a second end (106b) adapted to be located within the first storage space. The first end (106a) of the actuating member (106) is adapted to receive an actuating force and the second end (106b) is adapted to cooperate with a moving contact member (108) to transfer said actuating force to the moving contact member (108).

To further clarify 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 FIGURES:

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a low ampere switch (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a close-up view of a base element of the low ampere switch (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a close-up view of a moving contact member of the low ampere switch

(100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a top-up view of contact zones of the low ampere switch (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a bottom-up view of contract zones of the low ampere switch (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a functional view of the low ampere switch (100) in actuated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a functional view of the low ampere switch (100) in non-actuated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 illustrates imaginary triangles between the contact zones of the low ampere switch

(100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 illustrates male connecting members and female connecting members of the low ampere switch (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 illustrates an exploded view of a low ampere switch (200) according to another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 11 illustrates a close-up view of a moving contact member of the low ampere switch

(200) in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 illustrates a top-up view of contact zones of the low ampere switch (200) in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 illustrates a bottom-up view of contract zones of the low ampere switch (200) in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 14 illustrates a functional view of the low ampere switch (200) in actuated state in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 illustrates a functional view of the low ampere switch (200) in non-actuated state in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 16 illustrates imaginary triangles between the contact zones of the low ampere switch

(200) in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements 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 the Invention:

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 device, 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.

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

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device 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.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

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 this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

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

Referring to Figure 1, which is an exploded view of a low ampere switch (100). The low ampere switch comprises housing (102) with an aperture. The housing (102) defines a first storage space. The switch (100) comprises a cover (104) enveloping the housing (102) and an actuating member (106). The actuating member (106) comprises a first end (106a) adapted to traverse via the aperture in housing (102) and a second end (106b) adapted to be located within the first storage space. The first end (106a) of the actuating member (106) is adapted to receive an actuating force and the second end (106b) is adapted to cooperate with a moving contact member (108) to transfer said actuating force to the moving contact member (108).

The switch (100) further comprises a base element (110) which is adapted to cooperate with the housing (102) thereby seal the internal space of the housing (102). The switch (100) furthermore comprise a resilient member (112) disposed between the actuating member (108) and the base element (110) such that the resilient member (112) is adapted to provide a restoring force to the actuating member (108).

Referring to Figure 2, which is close-up view and bottom view of the base element (110)

respectively, the base element (110) comprises a first set of fixed contact terminals (114)

disposed on the base element (110) and a pair of non-conductive pillars (116) adapted to hold a second set of fixed contact terminals (118)

Referring to Figure 3, which is close-up view of the moving contact member (108) illustrates that the moving contact member (108) comprises a plate member (122), a first set of legs (124) extending in a first direction along the direction of movement of the actuating member (106) and a second set of legs (126) extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In a non-actuated state, the second set of legs (126) makes contact with the second set of fixed contact terminals (118) while upon actuation, the first set of legs (124) makes contact with the first set of fixed contact terminals (114).

Referring to Figure 4, which illustrates a top-up view of contact zones of the low ampere switch (100) and to Figure 5 which illustrates a bottom-up view of contract zones of the low ampere switch (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first set of fixed contact terminals (114) define a first fixed contact zone (117a), a second fixed contact zone (117b), a third fixed contact zone (117c) and a fourth fixed contact zone (117d) that are located at corners of an imaginary square; the first set of legs (124) define a first moving contact zone (125a), a second moving contact zone (125b), a third moving contact zone (125c) and a fourth moving contact zone (125d); such that in the actuated state, the first fixed contact zone (117a) abuts the first moving contact zone (125a); the second fixed contact zone (117b) abuts the second moving contact zone (125b); the third fixed contact zone (117c) abuts the third moving contact zone (125c); and the fourth fixed contact zone (117d) abuts the fourth moving contact zone (125d). The second set of fixed contact terminals (120) define a fifth fixed contact zone (117e) and a sixth fixed contact zone (117f) that are spaced apart from each other; and the second set of legs (126) define a fifth moving contact zone (125e) and a sixth moving contact zone (125f); such that in a non-actuated state, the fifth fixed contact zone (117e) abuts the fifth moving contact zone (125e); the sixth fixed contact zone (117f) abuts the sixth moving contact zone (125f).

Figure 6 illustrates a functional view of the low ampere switch (100) in actuated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates a functional view of the low ampere switch (100) in non-actuated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fifth fixed contact zone (117e) does not overlap with any of the first to fourth fixed contact zones (117a,117b,117c,117d); and the sixth fixed contact zone (117f) does not overlap with any of the first to fourth fixed contact zones(117a,117b,117c,117d).

In an embodiment of the invention, the fifth fixed contact zone (117e), the first fixed contact zone (117a) and the second fixed contact zone (117b) are located at the edges of a first imaginary triangle (T1); and the sixth fixed contact zone (117f), the third fixed contact zone (117c) and the fourth fixed contact zone (117d) are located at the edges of a second imaginary triangle (T2).

In this construction, when the fifth moving contact zone (125e) abuts the fifth fixed contact zone (117e), any oxide layer formed on the fifth moving contact zone (125e) or on the fifth fixed contact zone (117e) is removed. Similar action happens for any oxide layer formed on the sixth moving contact zone (125f) or on the sixth fixed contact zone (117f) is removed.

By way of making non-overlapping contact zone, the oxidised layer thus removed from the fifth/sixth fixed contact zones (117e,117f) and fifth/sixth moving contact zones (125e,125f) will not fall on the first fixed contact zone (117a) or second fixed contact zone (117b) or third fixed contact zone (117c) or fourth fixed contact zone (117d). This issue is specific to this kind of switches only where there exist two different sets of contacts spaced apart from each other or exist in two different planes, where contaminants be it carbon layer or oxidation deposited after a prolong use of switch will fall on the below plane or due to gravity which affects the operating life of the switch.

Referring to Figure 8, which illustrates imaginary triangles between the contact zones discloses that the first imaginary triangle (T1) is parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member (106), and the first imaginary triangle (T1) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, and obtuse angle triangle; and the second imaginary triangle (T2) is parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member (106), and the second imaginary triangle (T2) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, and obtuse angle triangle.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first imaginary triangle (T1) makes a first predetermined angle with the direction of movement of the actuating member (106), and the

first imaginary triangle (T1) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, right angle triangle and obtuse angle triangle; and the second imaginary triangle (T2) makes a second predetermined angle with the direction of movement of the actuating member (106), the second predetermined angle being equal to the first predetermined angle, and the first imaginary triangle (T1) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, right angle triangle and obtuse angle triangle.

In an embodiment of the invention, the actuating member (106) is provided with the guiding means to be able to guide along the guiding track of the housing (102).

In an embodiment of the invention, the cover (104) may snap fit the housing or a combination of the housing (102) and the base element (110).

In an embodiment of the invention, the base element (110) comprises a set of male connecting members (128) to co-operate with a set of female connecting members (130) of the housing (102). The male connecting members (128) of the base element (110) snap fit or interlock with the set of female connecting members (130) of the housing (102). Figure 9 illustrates the male connecting members (128) and female connecting members (130) of the low ampere switch (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The cover (104) may in addition to covering the aperture provided in the housing may also be made to cover the side walls of the housing. Especially, the cover (104) may provide a covering to the place where the female connecting members and the male connecting members snap fit with each other. While this results in use of marginal excess quantity of cover (104), any unexpected entry of foreign contaminants such as dirt, dust, water via the snap fits can be totally avoided.

Alternatively, the housing and the base made so as to coupled via other mechanism. For instance, the based member may be ultrasonically welded to the housing, in which case providing the female connecting members and the male connecting members is not a compulsion. However, it has been felt that adopting this embodiment, may be less preferred, as it results in performing an additional step in the process of assembling the switch.

Now referring to Figure 10, there is illustrated a low ampere switch (200) according to another embodiment of the invention. The low ampere switch (200) comprises a housing

(202) with an aperture and defines a first storage space. The housing (202) accommodates a first set of fixed contact terminals (204) and a second set of fixed contact terminals (206). The switch (200) further comprise an actuating member (208) comprising a first end (206a) adapted to traverse via the aperture in housing (202) and a second end (206b) adapted to be located within the first storage space housed at least partly within the housing (202). Further the switch (200) comprise a singular moving contact member (210) which co-operates with the actuating member (208) so as to provide a first electrical path between the first set of fixed contact terminals (204) in a first state and a second electrical path between the second set of fixed contact terminals (206) in a second state.

In an embodiment of the invention, the housing (202) comprises a case element (202a) and a base element (202b) co-operating with the case element (202a). The case element (202a) of the housing (202) is provided with an aperture to allow the actuating member (208) to traverse outside the case element (202a) of the housing (202) and is adapted to receive an actuating force.

The switch (200) furthermore comprise a resilient member (222) disposed between the actuating member (208) and the base element (202b) such that the resilient member (222) is adapted to provide a restoring force to the actuating member (208).

In an embodiment of the invention, the first set of fixed contact terminals (204) and the second set of fixed contact terminals (206) are spaced apart from each other in a direction of movement of the actuating member (208).

In an embodiment of the invention, the first set of fixed contact terminals (204) is disposed on the base element (202b) and a pair of non-conductive pillars (214) is adapted to hold the second set of fixed contact terminals (206).

Referring to Figure 11, which is close-up view of the moving contact member (210) illustrates that moving contact member (210) comprises: a plate member (216), a first set of legs (218) extending in a first direction along the direction of movement of the actuating member (208), a second set of legs (220) extending in a second direction opposite to the fist direction, such that in a non-actuated state, the second set of legs (220) makes contact with the second set of fixed contact terminals (206)while , the first set of legs (218) makes contact with the first set of fixed contact terminals (204) in an actuated state..

Referring to Figure 12, which illustrates a top-up view of contact zones of the low ampere switch (100) and to Figure 13 which illustrates a bottom-up view of contract zones of the low ampere switch (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first set of fixed contact terminals (204) define a first fixed contact zone (205a), a second fixed contact zone (205b), a third fixed contact zone (205c) and a fourth fixed contact zone (205d) that are located at corners of an imaginary square. Further, the first set of legs (218) define a first moving contact zone (217a), a second moving contact zone (217b), a third moving contact zone (217c) and a fourth moving contact zone (217d), such that in the actuated state, the first fixed contact zone (205a) abuts the first moving contact zone (217a), the second fixed contact zone (205b) abuts the second moving contact zone (217b), the third fixed contact zone (205c) abuts the third moving contact zone (217c) , and the fourth fixed contact zone (205d) abuts the fourth moving contact zone (217d). Similarly, the second set of fixed contact terminals (206) define a fifth fixed contact zone (205e) and a sixth fixed contact zone (205f) that are spaced apart from each other, and the second set of legs (220) define a fifth moving contact zone (217e) and a sixth moving contact zone (217f), such that in a non- actuated state, the fifth fixed contact zone (205e) abuts the fifth moving contact zone (217e), the sixth fixed contact zone (205f) abuts the sixth moving contact zone (217f).

Referring to Figure 14 and Figure 15 there is illustrated a functional view of the low ampere switch (100) in actuated state and a functional view of the low ampere switch (100) in non- actuated state, respectively.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fifth fixed contact zone (205e) does not overlap with any of the first to fourth fixed contact zones (205a, 205b, 205c, 205d), and the sixth fixed contact zone (205f) does not overlap with any of the first to fourth fixed contact zones (205a,
205b, 205c, 205d).

In this construction, when the fifth moving contact zone (217e) abuts the fifth fixed contact zone (205e), any oxide layer formed on the fifth moving contact zone (217e) or on the fifth fixed contact zone (205e) is removed. Similar action happens for any oxide layer formed on the sixth moving contact zone (217f) or on the sixth fixed contact zone (205f) is removed.

By way of making non-overlapping contact zone in switch (200), the oxidation layer if formed on the fifth fixed contact zone (205e) and sixth fixed contact zone (205f) will not fall

on the first fixed contact zone (205a) or second fixed contact zone (205b) or third fixed contact zone (205c) or fourth fixed contact zone (205d). This issue is specific to this kind of switches only where there exist two different sets of contacts spaced apart from each other or exist in two different planes, where contaminants be it carbon layer or oxidation layer deposited after a prolong use of switch will fall on the below plane due to abutment of the contacts with the oxidation layer.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fifth fixed contact zone (205e), the first fixed contact zone (205a) and the second fixed contact zone (205b) are located at the edges of a first imaginary triangle (T3), and the sixth fixed contact zone (205f), the third fixed contact zone (205c) and the fourth fixed contact zone (205d) are located at the edges of a second imaginary triangle (T4).

Referring to Figure 16, which illustrates imaginary triangles between the contact zones discloses that the first imaginary triangle (T3) is parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member (208), and the first imaginary triangle (T3) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, and obtuse angle triangle, and the second imaginary triangle (T4) is parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member (208), and the second imaginary triangle (T4) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, and obtuse angle triangle.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first imaginary triangle (T3) makes a first predetermined angle with the direction of movement of the actuating member (208), and the first imaginary triangle (T3) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, right angle triangle and obtuse angle triangle, and the second imaginary triangle (T4) makes a second predetermined angle with the direction of movement of the actuating member (208), the second predetermined angle being equal to the first predetermined angle, and the first imaginary triangle (T3) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, right angle triangle and obtuse angle triangle.

Referring back to Figure 10, the actuating member (208) is provided with the guiding means to be able to guide along the guiding track of the housing (202). In an embodiment of the invention, a protective member (224) is provided at the aperture of the case element (202b) to protect the switch from foreign contaminants.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same 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 figures 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. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

WE CLAIM:

1. A low ampere switch (100), comprising:

a housing (102) comprising an aperture, the housing defining a first storage space;
a cover (104) enveloping the housing (102); and

a actuating member (106) comprising a first end (106a) adapted to traverse via the aperture in housing (102) and a second end (106b) adapted to be located within the first storage space, the first end of the actuating member (106a) being adapted to receive an actuating force and the second end of the actuating member (106b) being adapted to cooperate with a moving contact member (108) to transfer said actuating force to the moving contact member (108).

2. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein a base element (110) is adapted to cooperate with the housing (102) thereby sealing the internal space of the housing (102).

3. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein a resilient member (112) is disposed between the actuating member (108) and the base element (110) such that the resilient member (112) is adapted to provide a restoring force to the actuating member (108).

4. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base element (110)

comprises:

a first set of fixed contact terminals (114) disposed on the base element

(110);and

a pair of non-conductive pillars (116) adapted to hold a second set of fixed contact terminals (118); and

5. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein moving contact member (108)

comprises:

a plate member (122);

a first set of legs (124) extending in a first direction along the direction of movement of the actuating member (106);

a second set of legs (126) extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction;
such that in a non-actuated state, the second set of legs (126) makes contact with the second set of fixed contact terminals (118) and in an actuated state, the first set of legs (124) makes contact with the first set of fixed contact terminals (114).

6. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the first set of fixed contact terminals (114) define a first fixed contact zone (117a), a second fixed contact zone (117b) , a third fixed contact zone (117c) and a fourth fixed contact zone (117d) that are located at corners of an imaginary square;
the first set of legs (124) define a first moving contact zone (125a), a second moving contact zone (125b), a third moving contact zone (125c) and a fourth moving contact zone (125d); such that in the actuated state, the first fixed contact zone (117a) abuts the first moving contact zone (125a); the second fixed contact zone (117b) abuts the second moving contact zone (125b); the third fixed contact zone (117c) abuts the third moving contact zone (125c); and the fourth fixed contact zone (117d) abuts the fourth moving contact zone (125d);
the second set of fixed contact terminals (118) define a fifth fixed contact zone (117e) and a sixth fixed contact zone (117f) that are spaced apart from each other; and the second set of legs (126) define a fifth moving contact zone (125e) and a
sixth moving contact zone (125f);

such that in a non-actuated state, the fifth fixed contact zone (117e) abuts the fifth moving contact zone (125e); the sixth fixed contact zone (117f) abuts the sixth moving contact zone (125f).

7. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fifth fixed contact zone

(117e) does not overlap with any of the first to fourth fixed contact zones (117a,117b,

117c, 117d); and the sixth fixed contact zone (117f) does not overlap with any of the first to fourth fixed contact zones (117a,117b, 117c, 117d).

8. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

the fifth fixed contact zone (117e), the first fixed contact zone (117a) and the second fixed contact zone (117b) are located at the edges of a first imaginary triangle (T1); and

the sixth fixed contact zone (117f), the third fixed contact zone (117c) and the fourth fixed contact zone (117d) are located at the edges of a second imaginary triangle (T2).

9. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the first imaginary triangle (T1) is parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member (106), and the first imaginary triangle (T1) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, and obtuse angle triangle; and
the second imaginary triangle (T2) is parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member (106), and the second imaginary triangle (T2) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, and obtuse angle triangle.

10. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 9, wherein:

the first imaginary triangle (T1) makes a first predetermined angle with the direction of movement of the actuating member (106), and the first imaginary triangle (T1) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, right angle triangle and obtuse angle triangle; and
the second imaginary triangle (T2) makes a second predetermined angle with the direction of movement of the actuating member (106), the second predetermined angle being equal to the first predetermined angle, and the first imaginary triangle (T1) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, right angle triangle and obtuse angle triangle.

11. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating member (106) is provided with the guiding means to be able to guide along the guiding track of the housing (102).

12. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover (104) envelops the combination of the housing (102) and the base element (110).

13. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base element (110) further comprises a set of male connecting members (128) to co-operate with a set of female connecting members (130) of the housing (102).

14. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 13, wherein the male connecting members (128) of the base element snap fit or interlock the set of female connecting members (130) of the housing (102).

15. A low ampere switch (200), comprising:

a housing (202) with an aperture defining a first storage space; the housing (202) accommodating a first set of fixed contact terminals (204) and a second set of fixed contact terminals (206);
an actuating member (208) comprising a first end (206a) adapted to traverse via the aperture in housing (202) and a second end (206b) adapted to be located within the first storage space housed at least partly within the housing (202); and
a singular moving contact member (210) co-operating with the actuating member (208) so as to provide a first electrical path between the first set of fixed contact terminals (204) in a first state and a second electrical path between the second set of fixed contact terminals (206) in a second state.

16. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein the housing (202) comprises a case element (202a) and a base element (202b) co-operating with the case element (202a).

17. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein the case element (202a) of the housing (202) is provided with an aperture to allow the actuating member (208) to traverse outside the case element (202a) of the housing (202) and is adapted to receive an actuating force.

18. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein a resilient member (222) disposed between the actuating member (208) and the base element (202b) such that the resilient member (222) is adapted to provide a restoring force to the actuating member (208).

19. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first set of fixed contact terminals (204) and the second set of fixed contact terminals (206) are spaced apart from each other in a direction of movement of the actuating member (208).

20. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein the base element (202b)

comprises:

the first set of fixed contact terminals (204) disposed on the base element

(202b); and

a pair of non-conductive pillars (214) adapted to hold the second set of fixed contact terminals (206).

21. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein moving contact member

(210) comprises:

a plate member (216);

a first set of legs (218) extending in a first direction along the direction of movement of the actuating member (208);
a second set of legs (220) extending in a second direction opposite to the fist direction;
such that in a non-actuated state, the second set of legs (220) makes contact with the second set of fixed contact terminals (206) and in an actuated state, the first set of legs (218) makes contact with the first set of fixed contact terminals (204).

22. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

the first set of fixed contact terminals (204) define a first fixed contact zone (205a), a second fixed contact zone (205b), a third fixed contact zone (205c) and a fourth fixed contact zone (205d) that are located at corners of an imaginary square;
the first set of legs (218) define a first moving contact zone (217a), a second moving contact zone (217b), a third moving contact zone (217c) and a fourth moving contact zone (217d); such that in the actuated state, the first fixed contact zone (205a) abuts the first moving contact zone (217a); the second fixed contact zone (205b) abuts the second moving contact zone (217b); the third fixed contact zone (205c) abuts the third moving contact zone (217c); and the fourth fixed contact zone (205d) abuts the fourth moving contact zone (217d);
the second set of fixed contact terminals (206) define a fifth fixed contact zone (205e) and a sixth fixed contact zone (205f) that are spaced apart from each other; and the second set of legs (220) define a fifth moving contact zone (217e) and a
sixth moving contact zone (217f); such that in a non-actuated state, the fifth fixed

contact zone (205e) abuts the fifth moving contact zone (217e); the sixth fixed contact zone (205f) abuts the sixth moving contact zone (217f).

23. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 22, wherein the fifth fixed contact zone (205e) does not overlap with any of the first to fourth fixed contact zones (205a,205b,205c,205d); and the sixth fixed contact zone (205f) does not overlap with any of the first to fourth fixed contact zones (205a,205b,205c,205d).

24. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 22, wherein:

the fifth fixed contact zone (205e), the first fixed contact zone (205a) and the second fixed contact zone (205b) are located at the edges of a first imaginary triangle (T3); and
the sixth fixed contact zone (205f), the third fixed contact zone (205c) and the fourth fixed contact zone (205d) are located at the edges of a second imaginary triangle (T4).

25. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

the first imaginary triangle (T3) is parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member (208), and the first imaginary triangle (T3) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, and obtuse angle triangle; and
the second imaginary triangle (T4) is parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member (208), and the second imaginary triangle (T4) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, and obtuse angle triangle.

26. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

the first imaginary triangle (T3) makes a first predetermined angle with the direction of movement of the actuating member (208), and the first imaginary triangle (T3) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, right angle triangle and obtuse angle triangle; and
the second imaginary triangle (T4) makes a second predetermined angle with the direction of movement of the actuating member (208), the second predetermined angle being equal to the first predetermined angle, and the first imaginary triangle

(T3) is any one of equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, scalene triangle, acute angle triangle, right angle triangle and obtuse angle triangle.

27. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein the actuating member (208) is provided with the guiding means to be able to guide along the guiding track of the housing (202).

28. The low ampere switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein a protective member (224) is provided at the aperture of the case element (202b) to protect the switch from foreign contaminants.