Claims:1. A full flat switch comprising:
a cover plate (3) configured with:
a mechanical indication plate (11);
slider springs (14); and
a slider (8) having a roller (16)
a base (4) configured with:
atoggle (7);
a spring-loaded plunger (13); and
a moving contact (12) and a fixed contact (6), wherein when the cover plate (3) is pressed, the roller (16) in the slider (8) moves on the slope of the toggle (7) causing the spring-loaded plunger (13) to move such that when the spring-loaded plunger (13) crosses axial center position, the plunger (13) is pushed towards a first end to make the moving contact (12) move away from the fixed contact (6), switching the switch from ON to OFF position.
2. The switch of claim 1, wherein when the cover plate (3) is pressed again, the roller (16) moves in opposite slope direction such that when the spring-loaded plunger (13) crosses axial center position, the plunger (13) is pushed towards a second end to make the moving contact (12) push itself on the fixed contact (6), switching the switch from OFF to ON position.
3. The switch of claim 1, wherein the mechanical indication plate (11) is guided in a groove above the slider (8) so as to engage with the slider (8) such that the engagement allows the slider (8) to push the mechanical indication plate (11) whenever the switch is operated.
4. The switch of claim 1, wherein the mechanical indication plate (11) comprises an elongated cut that allows for free retraction of the slider (8) during centering and also ensures that the mechanical indication plate (11) stays in its position even when the slider (8) retracts back to the center position.
5. The switch of claim 1, wherein the cover plate (3) further comprisesslider stoppers (9 and 10) on each side of the slider (8)to keep the slider springs (14) charged in the center position.
6. The switch of claim 5, wherein when the roller (16) moves along any slope in the toggle (7), the roller (16) pushes the slider (8) against the slider stoppers (9 or 10), wherein once the slider (8) is retracted back into the center using the slider springs (14), the slider stoppers (9 or 10) ensure that the slider (8) remains in the center position, keeping the slider springs (14) charged.
7. The switch of claim 1, wherein the cover plate (3) further comprises a slider pin (15).
8. The switch of claim 1, wherein the base (4) is further configured with a center bush (5).
9. The switch of claim 1, wherein the switch is configured in a multi-module plate.
10. A full flat switch comprising:
a cover plate (3) configured with:
a mechanical indication plate (11);
slider springs (14); and
a slider (8) having a roller (16)
a base (4) configured with:
a toggle (7);
a spring-loaded plunger (13); and
a moving contact (12) and a fixed contact (6), wherein when the cover plate (3) is pressed, the roller (16) in the slider (8) moves on the slope of the toggle (7) causing the spring-loaded plunger (13) to move such that when the spring-loaded plunger (13) crosses axial center position, the plunger (13) is pushed towards a first end to make the moving contact (12) push itself on the fixed contact (6), switching the switch from OFF to ON position. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to switches, and particularly to construction of full flat switches.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Off late, flat switches have gained user attraction due to their better aesthetic appeal, as they do not protrude out of the wall. Such switches can be of one-way or two-way type, and can be designed to fit on a standardized plate module on a back plate.
[0004] With this prior art, there is a need in the art for more efficient flat switches for flush mounting that stay flushed and can operate effectively in making and breaking supply along with providing a better aesthetic appeal to the user.
[0005] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0006] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0007] 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.
[0008] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 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.
[0009] 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.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a more efficient full flat switch construction and configuration.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a mechanism that suffices to flush form of the switches without hampering on the mechanical life.
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a suitable mechanical indication for full flat flush switches.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present disclosure relates generally to switches, and particularly to construction of full flat switches.
[0014] The present disclosure relates to a full flat switch (or simply referred to as switch hereinafter) comprising a cover plate that is configured with a mechanical indication plate, slider springs, and a slider having a roller. The switch further comprises a base that is configured with a toggle, a spring-loaded plunger, and a moving contact and a fixed contact.
[0015] In operation, when the cover plate is pressed, the roller in the slider moves on the slope of the toggle, causing the spring-loaded plunger to move such that when the spring-loaded plunger crosses axial center position, the plunger is pushed towards a first end to make the moving contact move away from the fixed contact, switching the switch from ON to OFF position. On the other hand, when the cover plate is pressed again, the roller moves in opposite slope direction such that when the spring-loaded plunger crosses axial center position, the plunger is pushed towards a second end to make the moving contact push itself on the fixed contact, switching the switch from OFF to ON position.
[0016] In an aspect, the mechanical indication plate can be guided in a groove above the slider so as to engage with the slider such that the engagement allows the slider to push the mechanical indication plate whenever the switch is operated. In an aspect, the mechanical indication plate can include an elongated cut that allows for free retraction of the slider during centering and also ensures that the mechanical indication plate stays in its position even when the slider retracts back to the center position.
[0017] In an aspect, the cover plate can further include slider stoppers on each side of the slider so as to keep the slider springs charged in the center position. In another aspect, when the roller moves along any slope in the toggle wherein once the slider is retracted back into the center using the slider springs, the slider stoppers ensure that the slider remains in the center position, keeping the slider springs charged.
[0018] In an aspect, the cover plate can further include a slider pin. In another aspect, the base can further be configured with a center bush. In an aspect, the switch can be configured in a multi-module plate.
[0019] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a full flat switch that can include a cover plate that can be configured with a mechanical indication plate, slider springs, and a slider having a roller. The switch can further include a base that can be configured with a toggle, a spring-loaded plunger; and a moving contact and a fixed contact, wherein when the cover plate is pressed, the roller in the slider moves on the slope of the toggle causing the spring-loaded plunger to move such that when the spring-loaded plunger crosses axial center position, the plunger is pushed towards a first end to make the moving contact push itself on the fixed contact (6), switching the switch from OFF to ON position.
[0020] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates full-flat switch(s) configured in a six-module plate.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a standalone full-flat switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates cross-sectional view of the proposed full-flat switch in ON condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates cross-sectional view of the proposed full-flat switch in OFF condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates an assembled cover plate representation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0028] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0029] 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.
[0030] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 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.
[0031] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0032] The present disclosure relates generally to switches, and particularly to construction of full flat switches.
[0033] The present disclosure relates to a full flat switch (or simply referred to as switch hereinafter) comprising a cover plate that is configured with a mechanical indication plate, slider springs, and a slider having a roller. The switch further comprises a base that is configured with a toggle, a spring-loaded plunger, and a moving contact and a fixed contact.
[0034] In operation, when the cover plate is pressed, the roller in the slider moves on the slope of the toggle, causing the spring-loaded plunger to move such that when the spring-loaded plunger crosses axial center position, the plunger is pushed towards a first end to make the moving contact move away from the fixed contact, switching the switch from ON to OFF position. On the other hand, when the cover plate is pressed again, the roller moves in opposite slope direction such that when the spring-loaded plunger crosses axial center position, the plunger is pushed towards a second end to make the moving contact push itself on the fixed contact, switching the switch from OFF to ON position.
[0035] In an aspect, the mechanical indication plate can be guided in a groove above the slider so as to engage with the slider such that the engagement allows the slider to push the mechanical indication plate whenever the switch is operated. In an aspect, the mechanical indication plate can include an elongated cut that allows for free retraction of the slider during centering and also ensures that the mechanical indication plate stays in its position even when the slider retracts back to the center position.
[0036] In an aspect, the cover plate can further include slider stoppers on each side of the slider so as to keep the slider springs charged in the center position. In another aspect, when the roller moves along any slope in the toggle, wherein once the slider is retracted back into the center using the slider springs, the slider stoppers ensure that the slider remains in the center position, keeping the slider springs charged.
[0037] In an aspect, the cover plate can further include a slider pin. In another aspect, the base can further be configured with a center bush. In an aspect, the switch can be configured in a multi-module plate.
[0038] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a full flat switch that can include a cover plate that can be configured with a mechanical indication plate, slider springs, and a slider having a roller. The switch can further include a base that can be configured with a toggle, a spring-loaded plunger; and a moving contact and a fixed contact, wherein when the cover plate is pressed, the roller in the slider moves on the slope of the toggle causing the spring-loaded plunger to move such that when the spring-loaded plunger crosses axial center position, the plunger is pushed towards a first end to make the moving contact push itself on the fixed contact (6), switching the switch from OFF to ON position.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an indication and centering mechanism for a full flat switch. The present disclosure is further related to switches majorly used for final distribution of electricity at the standard distribution rating of 240V- 20A in applications of switching ON/OFF appliances. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to flat switches that stay flushed and can operate effectively in making and breaking supply along with providing a better aesthetic appeal to the user. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a full flat switch that enables achieving of better aesthetics, improving functionality, and increasing the ease of operation.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of full-flat switches 2 that are configured in an exemplary six-module plate 1. FIG. 2 illustrates a standalone full-flat switch 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates cross-sectional view of the proposed full-flat switch in ON condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates cross-sectional view of the proposed full-flat switch in OFF condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates an assembled cover plate representation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] With respect to FIGs. 3-5, present disclosure relates to a full flat switch (or simply referred to as switch hereinafter) 2 comprising a cover plate 3 that is configured with a mechanical indication plate 11, slider springs 14, and a slider 8 having a roller 16. The switch 2 further comprises a base 4 that is configured with a toggle 7, a spring-loaded plunger 13, and a moving contact 12 and a fixed contact 6.
[0043] In operation, when the cover plate 3 is pressed, the roller 16 in the slider 8 moves on the slope of the toggle 7, causing the spring-loaded plunger 13 to move such that when the spring-loaded plunger 13 crosses axial center position, the plunger 13 is pushed towards a first end to make the moving contact 12 move away from the fixed contact 6, switching the switch 2 from ON to OFF position. On the other hand, when the cover plate 3 is pressed again, the roller 16 moves in opposite slope direction such that when the spring-loaded plunger 13 crosses axial center position, the plunger 13 is pushed towards a second end to make the moving contact 12 push itself on the fixed contact 6, switching the switch 2 from OFF to ON position.
[0044] In an aspect, the mechanical indication plate 11 can be guided in a groove above the slider 8 so as to engage with the slider 8 such that the engagement allows the slider 8 to push the mechanical indication plate 11 whenever the switch 2 is operated. In an aspect, the mechanical indication plate 11 can include an elongated cut that allows for free retraction of the slider 8 during centering and also ensures that the mechanical indication plate ¡1 stays in its position even when the slider 8 retracts back to the center position.
[0045] In an aspect, the cover plate 3 can further include slider stoppers 9 and 10 on each side of the slider 8 so as to keep the slider springs 14 charged in the center position. In another aspect, when the roller 16 moves along any slope in the toggle 7 wherein once the slider 8 is retracted back into the center using the slider springs 14, the slider 8 stoppers ensure that the slider 8 remains in the center position, keeping the slider springs 14 charged.
[0046] In an aspect, the cover plate 3 can further include a slider pin 15. In another aspect, the base 4 can further be configured with a center bush 5. In an aspect, the switch 2 can be configured in a multi-module plate.
[0047] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a full flat switch 2 that can include a cover plate 3 that can be configured with a mechanical indication plate 11, slider springs 14, and a slider 8 having a roller 16. The switch 2 can further include a base 4 that can be configured with a toggle 7, a spring-loaded plunger 13; and a moving contact 12 and a fixed contact 6, wherein when the cover plate 3 is pressed, the roller 16 in the slider 8 moves on the slope of the toggle 7 causing the spring-loaded plunger 13 to move such that when the spring-loaded plunger 13 crosses axial center position, the plunger 13 is pushed towards a first end to make the moving contact 12 push itself on the fixed contact 6, switching the switch from OFF to ON position.
[0048] According to one embodiment, with respect to FIGs. 3-4, cross-section of the flushed switch in ON condition and OFF condition respectively is shown, whereas FIG. 5 shows an assembled cover plate. In general operation, the switch 2 remains flat and does not protrude out of the plate, wherein the switch can be operated by pressing the cover plate 3.
[0049] As can be seen, the proposed switch construction/configuration consists primarily of a cover plate 3 and a base 4, which enclose all the other components of the switch. FIGs. 3-5 shows the cover plate (3), which encompass an indication plate (11),slider springs (14),slider (8),slider stoppers (9 and 10), roller (16), and slider pin (15). The switch further includes a base 4, toggle 7, plunger 13 (which can be spring loaded (spring not shown in figure)), moving contact 12, fixed contact (Side bush) 6, and Centre bush 5 in addition to the parts in figure 5.
[0050] The toggle mechanism can be based on the principle that a spring loaded toggle 7 will be most vulnerable in the axial centre position i.e. at the centre the spring loaded plunger 13 where the spring is compressed to the maximum, the spring will try and get to one of the stable states which is the driving principle in switching ON/OFF of the switch.
[0051] The principle of indication in such operation is based on the fact that if the slider 8 retracts back after every operation to the centre of the cover plate 3, then for each operation, it has a different slope of the toggle 7to slide on, thus it moves back and forth for every operation. Every time the slider moves on the different slope, it takes the indication plate 11 along with it as the indication plate 11 engages in movement through a peep in the slider.
[0052] In an aspect, the full flush switch can operate on the principle that when the cover plate 3, shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, it moves the roller 16 in the slider 8 on the slope of the toggle 7,causing the spring loaded plunger13 to move. Once the spring loaded plunger 13 crosses the axial centre position, it is pushed towards one end of the groove in moving contact, and hence is moved away from the fixed contact and thereby switches it from ON to OFF position.
[0053] In an aspect, the mechanical indication 11 guided in the groove above the slider 8 engages with the slider because of the peep in the slider 8, which engagement allows the slider 8 to push the indication plate 11 whenever the switch 8 is operated. In another aspect, the elongated cut in the indication allows for free retraction of the slider 8 in its centering journey, which ensures the indication plate 11 stays in its on position even when the slider 8 retracts back to the centre position.
[0054] In an aspect, when the cover plate 3 is pressed again, the roller 16 moves in the opposite slope in the toggle7, as shown in FIG. 4, causing the spring loaded plunger 13 to move in the opposite direction. Once the spring loaded plunger 13 crosses the axial centre, it is pushed towards the other end of the groove in the moving contact 12 and thereby pushing it on to the fixed contact 6 and causing it to switch from OFF to ON position.
[0055] The mechanical indication 11 in the groove slot can be also pushed into the slot as the switch 2 is toggled from OFF to ON position.
[0056] The slider centering mechanism is shown in FIG. 5, wherein the slider centering mechanism allows us to overcome variations in force of spring owing to manufacturing variance. The slider can be limited by four springs (two on either side), wherein the spring variations can be as high as 15% from the rated force values, which in the worst case scenario, might not allow the slider to retract back to the centre position as intended for operation of the switch. To ensure proper centering, two slider stoppers 9,10 can be added in the mechanism, which keep the springs charged in the centre position, and thus, even on variation of forces, the slider is centered back into the top cover.
[0057] As the roller 16 in the slider 8 moves along any one of the slope in the toggle 7, it pushes the slider against the slider stopper 9 or 10. However, once the slider is retracted back into the centre using the slider springs (14) after the completion of the operation, the slider stopper9 or 10 ensures that the slider remains in the centre position, keeping the slider springs 14 still charged to a certain extent. The slider stopper 9or10 ensures that the slider 8 remains in centre irrespective of the variation in spring manufacturing.
[0058] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0059] The present disclosure provides a more efficient full flat switch construction and configuration.
[0060] The present disclosure provides a mechanism that suffices to flush form of the switches without hampering on the mechanical life.
[0061] The present disclosure provides a suitable mechanical indication for full flat flush switches.