DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to electrical switches and more particularly, relates to a switch assembly having provisions for dissipating heat generated during an operation of the switch assembly and thereby increasing the overall service life and performance of the switch assembly.

BACKGROUND

Commonly, electrical switches are employed for operating a wide range of appliances by controlling a flow of current to such appliances. In particular, the electrical switches are employed in electrical circuits to divert or interrupt the flow of current flowing towards appliances, thereby switching-ON or switching-OFF such appliances. The electrical switches, such as Double Pole (DP) switches, are usually deployed to control two different electrical circuits at the same time, which allows the appliances to isolate in a safe and reliable manner.

Generally, a DP switch is used for operating the appliances that require heavy electrical loads. Therefore, the DP switch tends to undergo heavy electrical loads during its operation compared to other electrical switches, such as single-pole switches, deployed for the appliances that require lower electrical loads. During a prolonged operation of the DP switch, a temperature of such switch may substantially increase due to heavy electrical loads. This might result in the overall failure of the DP switch and may also lead to hazardous scenarios, such as fire. Therefore, it is essential to design the DP switch in order to effectively dissipate the heat generated during its prolonged operation.

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.

The present disclosure aims to provide a switch assembly with a path having plurality of openings for ease of heat dissipation from the switch assembly, thus ensuring the enhanced service life of the switch assembly and the overall safety of a user while operating the switch assembly.

In one or more embodiments, a switch assembly with improved heat dissipation is disclosed. The switch assembly comprises a covering member and a switching unit. The switching unit is adapted to be attached with the covering member. The switching unit comprises a base having a top portion and a bottom portion opposite to the top portion. The base is adapted to be mounted on a mounting surface such that the bottom portion forms a surface contact with the mounting surface. The bottom portion comprises a path having a depressed profile extending laterally with respect to the base. The path defines a clearance between the mounting surface and the bottom portion to reduce the surface contact therebetween when the base is mounted on the mounting surface. The path is adapted to channelize heat dissipated by the switching unit.

The present disclosure ensures a simple configuration of the switch assembly which ensures the heat dissipation from the switch assembly. The path as formed ensures clearance with respect to the mounting surface, thus reducing the heating of the switching unit. Owing to such clearance, the air may flow, through the path, between the mounting surface and the bottom portion of the base which might result in heat dissipation from the switch assembly due to convective heat transfer. Further, the plurality of openings as formed ensures the heat dissipation from the switch assembly through the clearance between the path and the mounting surface. This configuration reduces the heating of the switching unit, thus, reducing the possibility of fire hazards. Therefore, the configuration as disclosed ensures the safety of the user and also increases the service life 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 an exploded view of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3a illustrates a top view of a switching unit of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3b illustrates a perspective view of the switching unit of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of the switching unit of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, a plurality of components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which invention belongs. The system and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of a plurality of features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of the plurality of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “plurality of features” or “plurality of elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “plurality of” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be plurality of...” or “plurality of elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining plurality of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, plurality of particular features and/or elements described in connection with plurality of embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although plurality of features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch assembly having a covering member and a switching unit is disclosed. The switch assembly may be mounted on a mounting surface, such as a wall, via the switching unit. The switching unit may include a rocker and a base that is adapted to be mounted on the mounting surface to support the switch assembly on such a surface. The rocker may be covered by the covering member in a manner that the rocker is projected outwardly from the covering member. The rocker may be adapted to be pivotally coupled to the switching unit.

The switching unit may be attached to the mounting surface. The base includes a top portion and a bottom portion distal to the top portion. The top portion of the base receives the rocker. The bottom portion of the base may be adapted to be coupled to the mounting surface and comprises a path having a plurality of openings. The path, as formed, has a depressed profile with respect to the base of the switching unit. The path having the depressed profile ensures a clearance between the base with respect to the mounting surface when the switch assembly is mounted on the mounting surface. The path with the depressed profile may be referred to as a channel with a predefined depth formed on the bottom portion of the base. The plurality of openings is adapted to allow the heat dissipation from the switch assembly which is channelized through the clearance formed between the path and the mounting surface.

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 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. 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. In an embodiment, the switch assembly 100 may be employed for operating various electrical devices and electrical appliances which require heavy electrical loads. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch assembly 100 may be embodied as a Double-Pole (DP) switch assembly, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Although the present disclosure is explained with respect to the DP switch assembly, however, it should not be construed as limiting and the present disclosure is equally applicable to other switch assemblies deployed for heavy electrical loads.

The switch assembly 100 may be employed to switch-ON and/or switch-OFF the operation of the electrical devices and/or the electrical appliances. The switch assembly 100 may be adapted to be mounted on a mounting surface such as, a wall and a surface of an electrical enclosure, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the switch assembly 100 may include, but is not limited to, a covering member 104 and a switching unit 213. The covering member 104 may be adapted to cover various sub-components of the switching unit 213 of the switch assembly 100. The switching unit 213 may be adapted to be attached with the covering member 104 to define a housing for accommodating various sub-components of the switching unit 213.

In an embodiment, the covering member 104 may be adapted to be disposed parallel to the mounting surface of the switch assembly 100. The switching unit 213 may include a rocker 102 covered by the covering member 104 in a manner that the rocker 102 is projected outwardly from the covering member 104 and away from the mounting surface (not shown). The rocker 102 may be pivotally adapted to be operated between a switch-ON position and/or a switch-OFF position. In an embodiment, the switch assembly 100 may include a lens member 101 adapted to indicate light based on the pivotal movement of the rocker 102 between the switch-ON position and/or the switch-OFF position. For instance, when the rocker 102 pivots to the switch-ON position, an indicator reflects light through the lens member 101. Similarly, when the rocker 102 pivots to the switch-OFF position, then the indicator turns OFF, thus no light reflects through the lens member 101.

Further, the covering member 104 may be attached with the switching unit 213 through various attachments means, for example, fasteners 103. More precisely, referring to Figure 2, the covering member 104 may include a plurality of openings 201 to receive the fasteners 103 to attach the covering member 104 with the switching unit 213. In an embodiment, the covering member 104 may include a shielding member (not shown) to suppress the generation of a spark near the lens member 101. Further, in an embodiment, the covering member 104 may include a plurality of housing members (not shown) to house different components of the switching unit 213 (as shown in Figure 2) thus ensuring the protection of the sub-components from wear and tear.

Referring to Figure 2, the rocker 102 may be adapted to be coupled to the switching unit 213. The rocker 102 may be adapted to be coupled to the switching unit 213 in a manner that the rocker 102 is disposed between the covering member 104 and the switching unit 213. The covering member 104 may include an opening 202 adapted to project the rocker 102 outwardly and away from the mounting surface. Further, the switching unit 213 may be attached to the mounting surface. More precisely, the switching unit 213 may include a base 204 having a top portion 204-1 and a bottom portion 204-2 opposite to the top portion 204-1. The base 204 may be adapted to be mounted on the mounting surface such that the bottom portion 204-2 forms a surface contact with the mounting surface. The top portion 204-1 of the base 204 may receive the rocker 102. In an embodiment, the rocker 102 may be attached to a knob 205 which is further coupled with the base 204 of the switching unit 213.

Further, the top portion 204-1 of the base 204 of the switching unit 213 may include a plurality of resilient members 206, a plurality of rollers 207, a plurality of extended members 214, a plurality of terminals 208, and a plurality of strips 209. In an embodiment, the plurality of resilient members 206 may be attached to the plurality of rollers 207. Further, the plurality of extended members 214 may be attached with the plurality of rollers 207. The plurality of extended members 214 and the plurality of resilient members 206 may be attached such that the plurality of resilient members 206 and the plurality of extended members 214 may move along with the plurality of rollers 207. Further, the plurality of rollers 207 may be disposed on the plurality of strips 209. The plurality of strips 209 may be further attached to the base 204 of the switching unit 213 through the plurality of terminals 208 to establish electrical connections. In particular, the plurality of strips 209 may be attached to the top portion 204-1 of the base 204 switching unit 213 through the plurality of terminals 208 to establish electrical connections. The plurality of rollers 207 may be disposed on the plurality of strips 209.

In an embodiment, the plurality of resilient members 206 and the plurality of extended members 214 may be disposed on the plurality of rollers 207 to receive the knob 205. The knob 205, coupled with the plurality of resilient members 206 and the plurality of extended members 214, may pivot along with the rocker 102. Thus, when the user applies force on the rocker 102, the rocker 102, having the knob 205, transfers the force to the plurality of resilient members 206 and the plurality of extended members 214. Therefore, the rocker 102, having the knob 205, may pivot along with the plurality of rollers 207.

The rocker 102 may pivot to the switch-ON position and/or the switch-OFF position, where the plurality of rollers 207 may ensure a sufficient electrical connection with the plurality of strips 209. This configuration ensures stable attachment of the knob 205 with the plurality of resilient members 206 and the plurality of extended members 214. The configuration as disclosed also ensures sufficient contact of the plurality of rollers 207 with the plurality of strips 209. In an embodiment, a lubricant oil, for example, a conductive grease is applied at a contact portion of the plurality of strips 209 and the plurality of terminals 208, on the plurality of rollers 207, thus reducing friction in the switching unit 213 and also ensures a sufficient flow of electricity in the switch assembly 100. In an embodiment, the switching unit 213 may include a plurality of dubby 203 to be seated on the base 204 and avoids interference of the plurality of rollers 207 and the plurality of resilient members 206 with surrounding components.

In an embodiment, the switching unit 213 may include a plurality of grips 210 adapted to be attached to the base 204. The plurality of grips 210 may be adapted to be attached at both sides of the base 204 to ensure a closed structure of the switch assembly 100 and provide protection to the user while accessing the switch assembly 100.

In an embodiment, the bottom portion 204-2 of the base 204 may include a plurality of fasteners 211 and a plurality of U-shaped bolts 212. The plurality of fasteners 211 may be adapted to attach the switching unit 213 with the covering member 104. In an embodiment, the plurality of fasteners 211 may be embodied as Hex nuts, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the plurality of U-shaped bolts 212 may be disposed in the base 204 to ensure dust-proof switch assembly 100. In an embodiment, the bottom portion 204-2 of the base 204 may be made up of a porcelain material, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Figure 3a illustrates a top view of the switching unit 213 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3b illustrates a perspective view of the switching unit 213 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of the switching unit 213 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figures 3a and 3b, the switching unit 213 may include a plurality of cavities (not shown) adapted to accommodate the plurality of strips 209 therein. The plurality of strips 209 may be disposed adjacently with each other and is separated by a separating member 301, for example, a vertical wall. This configuration may eliminate the interference of the plurality of strips 309 with each other, and thus eliminates the possibility of short-circuiting. In an embodiment, the plurality of strips 209 may be formed of Copper (Cu), without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In an embodiment, the plurality of strips 209 may be attached to the base 204 through the plurality of terminals 208. The plurality of terminals 208 may be attached with the plurality of strips 209 and the base 204 with various attachment means, for example, mechanical fasteners. In an embodiment, the plurality of terminals 208 may be embodied as a slanted L-shaped configuration to ensure ease of wire routing in the plurality of terminals 208. In an embodiment, the plurality of terminals 208 may be formed of Copper (Cu), without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In an embodiment, the plurality of resilient members 206 and the plurality of extended members 214 along with the plurality of rollers 207 may be disposed over the plurality of strips 209 to establish the electrical connection. The plurality of rollers 207 may pivot over the plurality of strips 209, where the plurality of strips 209 may restrict further pivoting of the plurality of rollers 207. This configuration may eliminate the problem of slippage in the switch assembly 100. Further, the top portion 204-1 of the base 204 may include a plurality of depressed portions 302 having a plurality of openings 302a, 302b for receiving the plurality of U-shaped bolts 212.

Referring to Figure 4, the bottom portion 204-2 of the base 204 may include a path 403 having a plurality of openings 402. The path 403 may be formed laterally with respect to the base 204. The path 403, as formed, has a depressed profile extending laterally with respect to the base 204. The path 403 with the depressed profile may be referred to as a channel with a predefined depth formed on the bottom portion 204-2 of the base 204.

In an embodiment, the path 403 may define a clearance between the mounting surface and the bottom portion 204-2 to reduce the surface contact therebetween when the base 204 is mounted on the mounting surface. The path 403 may be adapted to channelize heat dissipated by the switching unit 213. In particular, the path 403, having a depressed profile, ensures clearance with respect to the mounting surface, thus reducing surface contact of the switch assembly 100 with the mounting surface while being mounted on the mounting surface. The dissipated heat from the switch assembly 100 may be channelized through the clearance formed between the path 403 and the mounting surface.

The plurality of openings 402 may be adapted to allow the heat dissipation from the switch assembly 100, especially from the plurality of strips 209. The heat dissipated by the plurality of strips (209) may be directed through the plurality of opening (402) to the path (403). In an embodiment, the bottom portion 204-2 of the base 204 may include a plurality of slots 404 adapted to attach the switching unit 213 with the covering members 104 through various attachments means, for example, the plurality of fasteners 211. Further, the switching unit 213 may include a plurality of grooved portions 401. The plurality of grooved portions 401 may be adapted to house the plurality of U-shaped bolts 212.

As would be gathered, the present disclosure ensures a simple configuration of the switch assembly 100 which ensures the dissipation of heat from the switch assembly 100. The path 403, as formed, ensures clearance with respect to the mounting surface, thus reducing the heating of the switching unit 213. Further, the plurality of openings 402, as formed, ensures the heat dissipation from the switching unit 213 of the switch assembly 100 through the clearance between the path 403 and the mounting surface. This configuration reduces the heating of the switching unit 213, thus, reducing the possibility of fire hazards. Therefore, the configuration as disclosed ensures the safety of the user and also increases the overall service life 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) with improved heat dissipation, the switch assembly (100) comprising:
a covering member (104); and
a switching unit (213) adapted to be attached with the covering member (104), the switching unit (213) comprising:
a base (204) having a top portion (204-1) and a bottom portion (204-2) opposite to the top portion (204-1), the base (204) adapted to be mounted on a mounting surface such that the bottom portion (204-2) forms a surface contact with the mounting surface,
wherein:
the bottom portion (204-2) comprises a path (403) having a depressed profile extending laterally with respect to the base (204), and
the path (403) defines a clearance between the mounting surface and the bottom portion (204-2) to reduce the surface contact therebetween when the base (204) is mounted on the mounting surface, wherein the path (403) is adapted to channelize heat dissipated by the switching unit (213).

2. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch assembly (100) is embodied as one of a Double-Pole (DP) switch assembly and a switch assembly switch deployable for heavy electrical loads.

3. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion (204-1) of the switching unit (203) comprises:
a plurality of rollers (207);
a plurality of resilient members (206) attached to the plurality of rollers (207);
a plurality of extended members (214) attached to the plurality of resilient members (206), wherein the plurality of extended members (214) and the plurality of resilient members (206) are attached such that the plurality of resilient members (206) and the plurality of extended members (214) move along with the plurality of rollers (207);
a plurality of terminals (208); and
a plurality of strips (209) attached to the top portion (204-1) of the base (204) through the plurality of terminals (208) to establish electrical connections, wherein the plurality of rollers (207) is disposed on the plurality of strips (209).

4. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of strips (209) is disposed adjacently to each other and is separated by a separating member (301) to eliminate the interference of the plurality of strips (309) with each other.

5. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the top portion (204-1) of the switching unit (213) comprises:
a rocker (102) covered by the covering member (104) in a manner that the rocker (102) is projected outwardly from the covering member (104) and away from the mounting surface, wherein the rocker (102) is pivotally adapted to be operated between a switch-ON position and/or a switch-OFF position; and
a knob (205) pivots along with the rocker (102) and coupled with the plurality of resilient members (206) and the plurality of extended members (214),
wherein when the force is applied on the rocker (102), the knob (205) transfers the force to the plurality of resilient members (206) and the plurality of extended members (214).

6. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a lubricant oil is applied at a contact portion of the plurality of strips (209) and the plurality of terminals (208), on the plurality of rollers (207).

7. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the switching unit (213) comprises:
a plurality of dubby (203) adapted to be seated on the base (204) to avoid interference of the plurality of rollers (207) and the plurality of resilient members (206) with surrounding components; and
a plurality of grips (210) adapted to be attached to the base (204), wherein the plurality of grips (210) is adapted to be attached at both sides of the base (204) to ensure a closed structure of the switch assembly (100).

8. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom portion (204-2) of the base (204) is formed of a porcelain material and comprises:
a plurality of fasteners (211) adapted to attach the switching unit (213) with the covering member (104).

9. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the path (403) is embodied as a channel with a predefined depth formed on the bottom portion (204-2) of the base 204.

10. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings (402) is adapted to allow the heat dissipation from the plurality of strips (209), wherein the heat dissipated by the plurality of strips (209) is directed through the plurality of opening (402) to the path (403).