DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an electric switch assembly having an operator panel acting as the front panel.

BACKGROUND

An electric switch is an electrical device used to open or close an electric circuit. One type of electric switch is a push switch that is used to ring an electric bell. The bell push switch is a non-latching switch that temporarily closes the electric circuit when a user operates a switch. Currently, the push switch has a box-shaped housing based installed in the wall which houses all the electric wires. The push switch also includes a back plate installed on the housing and a front plate installed on the back plate. The front plate also includes a switch installed thereon which can temporarily close the electric circuit. Generally, the switch may have an aesthetically appealing cover for a user to push to operate the switch.

There are some limitations associated with the current design of the push switch. For instance, the current design employs a separate front plate and back plate which increases the cost associated with the push switch. Moreover, the use of a greater number of parts reduces the serviceability of the push switch. In addition, the front panel also limits the size of the switch and cover thereby limiting the area that the user may operate. Generally, the switch may have geometrically symmetric design that may confuse the user to identify the area for pressing the cover which can hamper the operation of the switch.

In some scenarios, improper pressing of the switch or the cover can damage the cover or the switch. Damage to the switch or the cover may render the complete push switch inoperable and would then warrant replacing the complete push switch which is also a labour and time-intensive task.

Generally, the switch has a limiter that prevents the travel of the switch to close the electric switch. However, such a limiter is susceptible to breakage under forceful pressing of the switch thereby rendering the switch inoperable. Moreover, the movement of the switch produces noise that can cause discomfort to the user.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to an electric switch assembly. The electric switch assembly has an operator panel that covers the back plate thereby doing away with the need for a separate front panel. Further, the operator panel has diagonally opposite round corners and pointed corners which is not only aesthetically appealing but only intuitive for the user to operate the switch. Furthermore, the operator panel is detachably connected to an operator switch improves the serviceability of the electric switch assembly. Furthermore, the operator panel is sized to limit the operator switch’s movement against the back plate. Furthermore, the operator panel has a set of outer and inner walls that dampens the noise of operating the operator switch.

In an embodiment, an electric switch assembly is disclosed that includes a back plate, an operator switch, and a front panel. The back plate is mountable on a wall and has an outer surface facing away from the wall. Further, the operator switch is installed on the outer surface and is adapted to toggle between an open state and a closed state. Furthermore, the front panel is installed on the operator switch and adapted to receive an input to toggle the operator switch and the front panel is adapted to overlap with the operator switch and the inner surface of the back plate.

According to the present disclosure, the front panel covers both the operator switch and the inner surface thereby alleviating the need for a separate panel. In addition, the front panel prevent dust from entering the operator switch thereby ensuring the long operational life of the operator switch. Moreover, the front panel also provide a larger area for the user to engage the operator switch as compared to a similarly sized conventional switch thereby ensuring the correct engagement of the switch. In addition, the front panel is detachably installed over the operator switch thus ensuring that the front panel or the operator switch can be easily replaced in an event of failure of either component. Furthermore, the round corner and pointed corners provide an intuitive location for the user to press and also reduce the material needed to manufacture the front panel. In addition, the pivoting of the front panel is limited by the back plate which ensures that any excessive load on the front panel does not damage the operator switch. Lastly, the front panel dampens the noise thereby making the operation of the operator switch quiet.

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 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 schematic view of an assembled electric socket assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the electric socket assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates different views of the electric socket assembly without a wall mount, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates different views of a back plate of the electric socket assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 5 illustrates different views of a front panel of the electric socket assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having 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 one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more 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 “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more elements is required.”

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 one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

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

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

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

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate various views of an electric switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates an assembled electric socket assembly 100 whereas Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the electric socket assembly 100. Further, Figure 3 illustrates different views of the electric assembly 100 without a wall mount. Specifically, 3(A) illustrates a right-side view while 3(B) shows a top view of the electric socket assembly 100. Further 3(C) shows a bottom view while 3(D) shows a left-side view of the electric socket assembly 100. Furthermore, 3(E) shows a front view while 3(F) shows a back view of the electric socket assembly 100.

The electric socket assembly 100 is designed to be installed at an outdoor location, such as an outer wall of a house. Further, the electric socket assembly 100 is adapted to temporarily establish electric contact to activate electric equipment, such as a doorbell. Alternatively, the electric socket assembly 100 may be employed to operate a machine. In either case, the electric socket assembly 100 allows temporary activation of the electric equipment based on the need of the user. The electric socket assembly 100 may include, but is not limited to, a wall mount 102, back plate 104, an operator switch 106, and a front panel 108, details of which will be discussed in subsequent paragraphs.

The wall mount 102 is adapted to install into a wall, such that the wall mount 102 remains fully inside the wall. The wall mount 102 is adapted to house the electric wires that connect the operator switch 106 to the electric equipment. The wall mount 102 may include an opening 110 formed on the back surface of the wall mount 102. The opening 110 may allow the electric wires to enter the wall mount 102. The wall mount 102 may also include a plurality of depressions 112 formed on the walls of the wall mount 102. The depressions 112 are removable to create additional openings for the electric wires to enter the wall mount 102. Therefore, the depressions 112 allow a person installing the wall mount 102 to have different options to insert the electric wires. The wall mount 102 can be made of metallic or non-metallic material. Further, the wall mount 102 may include a pair of mounting holes 138. The mounting holes 138 may be adapted to receive fasteners to secure the back plate 104 to the wall mount 102. Details of the back plate will be provided in detail in conjunction with Figure 4.

Figure 4 illustrates different views of the back plate 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Specifically, 4(A) illustrates a right-side view while 4(B) shows a top view of the back plate 104. Further 4(C) shows a bottom view while 4(D) shows a left side view of the back plate 104. Furthermore, 4(E) shows a front view while 4(F) shows a back view of the back plate 104.

In one example, the back plate 104 is installed on the wall mount 102 such that the back plate 104 is mounted on the wall. In other words, the back plate 104 is mounted outside the wall by the wall mount 102. In one example, the back plate 104 is sized in such a way that the back plate 104 covers the wall mount 102 such that the wall mount 102 is not visible once the back plate 104 is installed on the wall mount 102. In one example, the back plate 104 has a width of about 98 millimetres (mm) and a length of about 95.6 mm. Further, the back plate 104 is designed to prevent dust particles from entering the wall mount 102. Further, the back plate 104 may have a similar shape to the front panel 108. Details of the shape will be explained with respect to the front panel 108.

The back plate 104 may have an inner surface 114 and an outer surface 116 opposite to the outer surface 116. The inner surface 114 may face the wall mount 102 and the outer surface 116 may face away from the wall mount 102. The back plate 104 may also include a plurality of wall mounters 118 between the inner surface 114 and the outer surface 116. The wall mounters 118 may allow the back plate 104 to mount on the wall. The back plate 104 may include a supporter 120 formed on the outer surface 116. The supporter 120 is adapted to install the operator switch 106 thereon. Further, the supporter 120 includes inwardly extending extensions 122 that form a step-shaped seat on which the operator switch 106 can be installed. Referring now to Figure 2, the extensions 122 may include a plurality of locking holes 124 that may engage with snap locks 126 on the operator switch 106. The snap locks 126 and the locking holes 124 ensure that the operator switch 106 is firmly mounted on the back plate 104.

The back plate 104 also includes a pair of back plate holders 128 that may be employed to install the back plate on the wall mount 102. In one example, the back plate holders 128 are aligned with the mounting holes 138, as shown in Figure 2, to receive fasteners to install the back plate 104 on the wall mount 102. Referring now to Figure 4, the back plate 104 may include a set of bezel wall 130 that may extend orthogonally from the periphery of the back plate 104. The bezel wall 130 acts as an outer covering of the back plate 104 which may house other components therein. For instance, the front panel 108 is housed within the set of bezel walls 130. According to the present disclosure, the bezel walls 130 are sized to reduce the material used for manufacturing the back plate 104. For instance, the bezel walls 130 may have a height of about 14 mm and a thickness of about 1.25 mm.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the operator switch 106 is sandwiched between the back plate 104 and the front panel 108. The operator switch 106 is a rocker switch and may include a live wire contact 132 which is adapted to receive a live wire and a ground wire contact 134 which is adapted to receive a ground wire. Further, the operator switch 106 includes a spring-loaded connector 136 which is adapted to selectively contact with the live wire contact 134 and the ground wire contact 134. In one example, the spring-loaded connector 136 may pivot about an axis with respect to the housing of the operator switch 106 when the user presses the front panel 108 to change the state of the operator switch 106 from an open state to a close state in which the electric circuit is complete and the electric current flows into the electric equipment. In one example, the operator switch 106 may include sides that may attach to the front panel 108. The operator switch 106 is designed to be replaced in case of its failure without changing the complete electric socket assembly 100 thereby enhancing the serviceability of the electric socket assembly 100. During operation, the operator switch 106 works synergistically with the front panel 108 to activate the electric equipment, such as the doorbell. For instance, the front panel 108 is operated by the user which, in turn, operates the spring-loaded connector 136 to electrically connect the live wire contact 132 to the ground wire contact 134 to close the electric circuit.

Figure 5 illustrates various views of the front panel 108, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Specifically, 5(A) illustrates a right-side view while 5(B) shows a top view of the front panel 108. Further 5(C) shows a bottom view while 5(D) shows a left side view of the front panel 108. Furthermore, 5(E) shows a front view while 5(F) shows a back view of the front panel 108.

The front panel 108 forms the face of the electric switch assembly 100. The front panel 108 may perform two tasks. First, the front panel 108 allows the user to operate the operator switch 106. Second, the front panel 108 acts as a case or a cover for the electric switch assembly 100. The front panel 108 overlaps the inner surface 114 and the operator switch 106 when the front panel 108 is installed on the back plate 104. As a result, the front panel 108 does away with the need for a separate front plate used in conventional electric switches. Moreover, the front panel 108 is installed in such a way that the front panel 108 is housed in the bezel walls 130. In one example, the front panel 108 may have a width of about 93 mm and a length of about 89 mm which are smaller than the width and length of the back plate 104.

In one example, the front panel 108 may have a leaf shape design and may have a front surface 150 and a rear surface 152 facing the outer surface 116 of the back plate 104. Further, the front panel 108 may have a square shape and with different designs on the corner. For instance, the front panel 108 may include a pair of round corners 140 that are diagonally opposite to each other. Further, the front panel 108 may include a pair of pointed corners 142 that are diagonally opposite to each other. Furthermore, the pointed corners 142 and the round corners 140 are formed alternatively around the perimeters of the front panel 108, such that one of the round corners 140 is adjacent to one of the pointed corners 142.

The pointed corners 142 and the round corners 140 enhance the aesthetic appeal of the electric switch assembly 100 and also provide an indication for the user to operate the front panel 108. For instance, each of the pair of round corners 140 and the pair of pointed corners 142 are indicative of a location on the front surface 150 to provide the input. Further, the location to provide the input can be between the round corner 140 and the pointed corner 142 and near the edges of the front panel 108. In another example, the location may be proximate to a bottom pointed corner 142 which is intuitive for the user as compared to a symmetric square-shaped switch. The front panel 108 may also include visual markers 144 at the bottom round corners 140 to enhance the aesthetic appeal as well as a marker for the user to operate the switch.

As mentioned before, the front panel 108 is installed on the back plate 104, such that the front panel 108 is housed inside the back plate 104. Further, the front panel 108 and the back plate 104 are installed in such a way that the dust is prevented from reaching the operator switch 106. In one example, the front panel 108 includes a set of outer walls 146 formed on the edges of the front panel 108. The set of outer walls 146 extends towards the outer surface 116 of the back plate 104 (shown in Figure 4). Further, the set of outer walls 146 is shaped as per the round corners 140 and the pointed corner 142. The outer walls 146 may have a height of about 10.17 mm

In addition, the front panel 108 includes a set of inner walls 148 formed on the rear surface 152. The inner walls 148 may have a shorter height than the outer walls 146. In another example, the inner walls 148 may have the same height as the outer walls 146. The inner walls 148 and the outer walls 146 dampen the noise generated during the toggling of the operator switch 106. In one example, the outer walls 146 and the inner walls 148 form a noise preventing zone therebetween. During the operation, the toggling of the operator switch 106 generates the noise which travels along the rear surface 152 and gets dispersed by the inner walls 148 thereby dampening the major portion of noise. The remainder noise travels further to the outer walls 146 which disperse the remaining noise. Furthermore, the bezel walls 130 are designed to dissipate any residual noise thereby making the operation of the operator switch 106 quiet.

As mentioned before, the front panel 108 is detachably installed on the operator switch 106. The front panel 108 is installed on the operator switch 106, for instance using locks and grippers. For instance, the front panel 108 may include a pair of grippers 154 that extends from the rear surface 152 and in-between the inner walls 148. The pair of grippers 154 detachably attached to the side of the operator switch 106. In addition, the front panel 108 includes a pair of locks 156 that detachably attach to a top end and a bottom end of the operator switch 106. The pair of grippers 154 and the pair of locks 156 form a snap lock on which the spring-loaded connector 136 is inserted. The detachable installation of the front panel 108 enables quicker installation and uninstallation of the front panel 108, thereby making the electric switch assembly 100 serviceable.

During the operation, the front panel 108 pivots with respect to the back plate 104 to toggle the operator switch 106. Further, the front panel 108 has a contact area 158 formed at a bottom portion on the rear surface 152 which is adapted to selectively contact the inner surface based on the toggling of the operator switch 106. In one example, the contact area 158 limits the amount of pivoting of the front panel 108 with respect to the back plate 104. As a result, the contact area ensures that the toggling of the operator switch 106 does not exceed a safe value and is not damaged in case the user applies a great magnitude of the load on the front panel 108 while pressing. In one example, the contact area is thicker than the noise preventing zone. Moreover, the outer walls 146 at the contact area 158 can bend causing the front panel 108 to strike inside the back plate 104 if an excessive load is applied.

According to the present disclosure, the size of the front panel 106 does away with the need for a separate front panel used in conventional switches thereby reducing the material needed to manufacture the electric switch assembly 100. Moreover, avoiding the front plate also enables the increase in the size of the front panel 106 for a given size of the electric switch assembly 100.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. ,CLAIMS:1. An electric switch assembly (100) comprising:
a back plate (104) mountable on a wall and having an outer surface (114) facing opposite to the wall;
an operator switch (106) installed on the outer surface (114) and adapted to toggle between an open state and a closed state; and
a front panel (108) detachably installed on the operator switch (106) and adapted to receive an input to toggle the operator switch (106), wherein the front panel (108) overlaps the operator switch (106) and the outer surface (114) of the back plate (104).

2. The electric switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front panel (108) includes a pair of grippers (154) on a rear surface (152) facing the outer surface (114), the pair of grippers (154) detachably attaches to side of the operator switch (106).

3. The electric switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the front panel (108) includes a pair of locks (156) between the pair of grippers (154), wherein the pair of locks (156) detachably attaches to a top end and a bottom end of the operator switch (106).

4. The electric switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a supporter (120) formed on the outer surface (114) adapted to install the operator switch (106) thereon, wherein the front panel (108) overlaps the supporter (120).

5. The electric switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, comprising a wall mount (102) adapted to insert to a wall, wherein the wall mount (102) mounts the back panel on the wall.

6. The electric switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the back plate (104) comprising a set of peripheral walls extending orthogonally from periphery of the back plate (104) such that the front panel (108) is housed within the set of peripheral walls.

7. The electric switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a thickness of each peripheral wall is about 1.25 millimetres.

8. The electric switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the back plate (104) includes a pair of back plate holders (128) adapted to receive a plurality of fasteners to install the back panel on the wall mount (102).

9. The electric switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein length and width of the back plate (104) is greater than length and width of the wall mount (102).

10. The electric switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the supporter (120) includes an inwardly extending extension (122) forming a seat for the operator switch (106) to install thereon.