DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to switch assemblies. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an operating panel with a collar.

BACKGROUND

Electrical switches are devices that are used to control the flow of electric current in a circuit. The electrical switches are used to turn electrical devices on or off, or to change the flow of current in a circuit.

Usually, when a traditional switch is operated, contacts inside the switch move rapidly and suddenly to complete or break the circuit. The sudden movement creates a vibration in the switch, which in turn creates a clicking sound. The amount of force required to move the traditional switch can be quite high, especially in larger switches rated for higher currents. This force can cause the traditional switch to move with significant momentum, which can create a louder clicking sound. Also, the traditional switches can be difficult to operate for users with limited mobility or dexterity, as the traditional switches often require a lot of force or a precise motion to turn on or off.

Further, dust and other small particles can accumulate around corners and crevices of the traditional switches, which can interfere with a movement of the switch and cause the switch to malfunction. This further reduces the life of the switch.

Hence, in view of the above, there is an immense need for a switch that can overcome one or more problems associated with the traditional switches.

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 panel assembly with an operating panel and collars that may be easily retrofitted onto an existing base plate, hereinafter referred to as the base plate, and with an existing cover plate, hereinafter referred to as the cover plate, without the need for any modifications or replacement parts. The operating panel has a snap-fitting mechanism that secures the operating panel onto the base plate and the cover plate. The operating panel is designed to fit snugly onto the base plate, ensuring a secure and stable connection.

In another embodiment, a collar is provided around the operating panel to cover exposed parts between the operating panel and the cover plate. The collar may help to protect the operating panel from dust, dirt, or moisture by providing a seamless finish. The collar may also prevent any accidents while accessing the operating panel by acting as a barrier between the operating panel and internal components. Hence, the collar may improve the longevity and reliability of the operating panel.

Further, the operating panel can be used as a direct replacement for traditional switches, without the need for any special tools or expertise. The operating panel can be a significant advantage in situations where the existing switch infrastructure is already in place and incorporating any major changes to the wiring or installation is not feasible or desirable.

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 panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the switch panel assembly, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4a illustrates an exploded view of an operating panel with a rocker, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4b illustrates an exploded view of the operating panel with the rocker, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4c illustrates a side view of the operating panel with the rocker, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 4d illustrates an exploded view of the rocker, 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.

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 panel assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Usually, electrical switches are devices that are used to control a flow of electric current in a circuit. The electrical switches may be used to turn electrical devices on or off, or to change a flow of current in a circuit. The electrical switch typically consists of two or more conductive elements, called contacts, which may be moved into or out of contact with each other. When the contacts are touching, the circuit is closed, and the current can flow through the electrical switch. When the contacts are separated, the circuit is open, and current cannot flow through the switch.

In an embodiment, the switch panel assembly 100 may be adapted to temporarily establish an electrical contact to activate an electrical device. Alternatively, the switch panel assembly 100 may be employed to operate any other electrical equipment or device known in the art, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The switch panel assembly 100 may be adapted to be mounted on a surface, such as a wall, via an electrical module (not shown). In an embodiment, the electrical module may be positioned within the wall and adapted to support the switch panel assembly 100. The electrical module may be adapted to accommodate a plurality of electrical wires that connect the switch panel assembly 100 to an electrical device. In an embodiment, the electrical module may include an opening formed on a back surface of the electrical module. The opening may allow the plurality of electrical wires to be guided within the electrical module. The electrical module may be formed of one of metallic material and a non-metallic material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Constructional and operational details of the switch panel assembly 100 are explained in subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

In an illustrated embodiment, the switch panel assembly 100 may have mechanical and electrical components responsible for making and breaking the circuit. The switch panel assembly 100, includes an operating panel 101, one or more collars 102, and a cover plate 103. The operating panel 101 may be a visible portion of the switch panel assembly 100 that a user interacts with.

The operating panel 101 is designed in a semi-circular shape to provide a larger surface area for operation. More specifically, a profile of operating panel may be described as a sector of a circle that has an angular extent of 180 degrees. The operating panel 101 has a curved surface with a constant radius of curvature, which provides a larger surface area for operation compared to traditional switches. The larger surface area makes the operating panel 101 easier and more comfortable to use. The operating panel 101 may be actuated by applying force to one side of the curved surface to turn the operating panel 101 ON or OFF. The profile of the operating panel 101 may be further defined by its dimensions, such as diameter, thickness, and radius of curvature, which may be optimized for specific applications and user requirements. The operating panel 101 may be formed of a durable and lightweight material, such as polymer or metal, and is designed to be compatible with the cover plate 103.

The cover plate 103 may be disposed on a periphery of the switch panel assembly 100 and may provide additional protection to the switch panel assembly 100. In one embodiment, the one or more collars 102 may fit around the operating panel 101 and provides a finished appearance for the switch panel assembly 100. The collar 102 is designed to be compatible with the operating panel 101 and the cover plate 103 and is fitted over an exposed space created between the operating panel 101 and the cover plate 103.

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the switch panel assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The switch panel assembly 100 includes a base plate 202 and a rocker 201 (explained in detail in Figure 4). The base plate 202 provides mechanical support and electrical connections for the operating panel 101. The base plate 202 may be made of a non-conductive material, such as polymer or ceramic, and is designed to fit into an existing switch box or a mounting bracket. The base plate 202 has a central opening that allows the operating panel 101 with the rocker 201 to be fitted inside the base plate 202.

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the switch panel assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As explained earlier, the switch panel assembly 100 includes the cover plate 103, the base plate 202, the operating panel 101, the rocker 201, and the collar 102. The collar 102 is fitted over the exposed space created between the operating panel 101 and the cover plate 103. In an alternate embodiment, the switch panel assembly 300 includes a cover plate 303, a base plate 304, an operating panel 301, and a rocker 302.

The operating panel 301 is designed in a semi-circular shape to provide a larger surface area for operation. More specifically, a profile of operating panel may be described as a sector of a circle that has an angular extent of 180 degrees. The operating panel 301 has a curved surface with a constant radius of curvature, which provides a larger surface area for operation compared to traditional switches. The larger surface area makes the operating panel 301 easier and more comfortable to use.

The cover plate 303 may be disposed on the periphery of the switch panel assembly 300 and may provide additional protection to the switch panel assembly 300. The rocker 302 includes movable contacts, bi-metallic rivets, spring, and other electrical and mechanical connections to enable the functioning of the switch panel assembly 300. The base plate 304 provides mechanical support and electrical connections for the operating panel 301. The base plate 304 may be made of a non-conductive material, such as polymer or ceramic, and is designed to fit into an existing switch box or a mounting bracket. The base plate 304 has a central opening that allows the operating panel 301 with the intermediate switch body to fit inside the base plate 304. The base plate 304 is also equipped with electrical terminals or contacts that connect to wires in the switch box.

Figure 4a illustrates an exploded view of the operating panel 101 with the rocker 201, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4b illustrates an exploded view of the operating panel 101 with the rocker 201, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4c illustrates a side view of the operating panel 101 with the rocker 201, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 4a, 4b and 4c are explained together.

The rocker 201 has a rocker arm 401 for actuating the switch panel assembly 100. The rocker arm 401 is attached to the operating panel 101. When the user presses the operating panel 101, the rocker arm 401 also moves with the operating panel 101. The toggling of the rocker arm 401 makes or breaks the circuit resulting in turning the electrical device on or off.

The operating panel 101 has a snap-fitting mechanism which aids in coupling of the operating panel 101 with the rocker 201 and may be accomplished by simply pressing the operating panel 101 into the rocker 201 until the operating panel 101 fits into a predetermined position. The snap-fitting mechanism used in the operating panel 101 makes the operating panel 101 easy to install onto the existing base plate 202 and the existing cover plate 103, without the need for any modifications or replacement parts. The snap-fitting mechanism make the operating panel 101 to be retrofitted in the existing switch infrastructure.

Referring Figure 4c, an angle x is formed between the rocker 201 and the operating panel 101. In an embodiment, the angle x is between 5-10 degrees. Since, the angle x is small, the user may be able to operate the operating panel 101 with just a soft touch, and not much effort is required while turning the electrical device ON or OFF.

Further, when pressing the operating panel 101, there is reduction in a noise. The semi-circular shape of the operating panel 101 reduces a space inside the switch panel assembly 100 which dampens the noise that is generated when the operating panel 101 is pressed. This is because the sound waves generated by the switch panel assembly 100 are absorbed by the reduced space inside the rocker 201. Also, the semi-circular form of the operating panel 101 provides a larger surface area to operate for the user that prevents any sudden movements of the operating panel 101.

Figure 4d illustrates an exploded view of the rocker 201, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The rocker 201 includes the rocker arm 401, a switch cover 402, a spring 403, a bimetallic rivet 404, a movable contact 405, an intermediate bracket 406, and a support base 407.

The operating panel 101 is attached to the rocker arm 401 through the snap-fitting mechanism. The switch cover 402 acts as a protective cover that has an opening to fit the rocker arm 401. The movable contact 405 is an electrical component that is mounted on the rocker arm 401 and connects with stationary contacts when the operating panel 101 is actuated. The movable contact 405 may be a strip of metal, or a carbon or conductive polymer element, depending on a specific design and an application requirement.

The spring 403 is a mechanical component provided in the switch panel assembly 100. When the operating panel 101 is pressed, the rocker arm 401 moves and compresses the spring 403, which in turn causes the movable contact 405 to move and connects with the stationary contact. When the operating panel 101 is pressed in other direction, the spring 403 expands back to its original shape, causing the movable contact 405 to move away from the stationary contact and break the connection.

As would be gathered, the present disclosure ensures a simple configuration of the operating panel 101 which provides a modern and advanced switch design that is both easy to use and aesthetically pleasing. The operating panel 101 provides a larger surface area for operation, while the collar 102 and the cover plate 103 provide a finished appearance and additional protection for the switch panel assembly 100. The operating panel 101 further aids in reducing noise during operation. Advantageously, the operating panel 101 can be provided in the existing switch infrastructure without any requirement of modifications.

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. An operating panel (101) for a switch panel assembly (100), the operating panel (101) comprising:
a semi-circular base adapted to be snap fit to a rocker (201) having a movable contact (405) and a stationary contact,
wherein,
the movable contact (405) is adapted to contact the stationary contact when the semi-circular base is actuated in a first position, and
the movable contact (405) is adapted to move away from the stationary contact when the semi-circular base is actuated in a second position.

2. The operating panel (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the semi-circular base is oriented at an inclination ranging between 5 degrees and 10 degrees relative to the rocker (201) when the semi-circular base is actuated in the first position.

3. The operating panel (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the semi-circular base is oriented parallel relative to the rocker (201) when the semi-circular base is actuated in the second position.

4. A switch panel assembly (100) comprising:
a cover plate (103) disposed on a periphery of the switch panel assembly (100); and
one or more collars (102) disposed in a space defined between the cover plate (103) and an operating panel (101);
the operating panel (101) comprising:
a semi-circular base adapted to be snap fit to a rocker (201) having a movable contact (405) and a stationary contact,
wherein,
the movable contact (405) is adapted to contact the stationary contact when the semi-circular base is actuated in a first position, and
the movable contact (405) is adapted to move away from the stationary contact when the semi-circular base is actuated in a second position.

5. The switch panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the semi-circular base is oriented at an inclination ranging between 5 degrees and 10 degrees relative to the rocker (201) when the semi-circular base is actuated in the first position.

6. The switch panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the semi-circular base is oriented parallel relative to the rocker (201) when the semi-circular base is actuated in the second position.

7. The switch panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cover plate (103) is adapted be removably attached to a base plate (202).

8. The switch panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the base plate (202) comprises at least one of:
at least one opening for receiving the operating panel (101) mounted on the rocker (201); and
one or more electrical connections for supplying power to at least one of the operating panel (101) and the rocker (201).

9. The switch panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more collars (102) have a geometrical profile adapted to overlap and seal the space defined between the cover plate (103) and the operating panel (101).