DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a motor-starter switch assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the knobs of the motor-starter switch assembly.

BACKGROUND

A motor-starter switch assembly is a control device used for switching an electric motor, either manually or automatically. The motor-starter switch assembly also provides low voltage and overcurrent protection. Although, it is primarily responsible for the safe ON/OFF control of electric motors. A typical motor-starter switch assembly has two major components that work in consonance with each other to control and protect the electric motor, i.e., a moving contact bridge, and an overload relay. The moving contact bridge is used to control the power supply to the electric motor by making or breaking the connection with a power circuit of the electric motor. The overload relay is used to protect the electric motor from potential harm due to the overload condition by sensing excess current and breaking the power supply.

The switching ON and switching OFF of the electric motor is performed by pushing of ‘start’ and ‘stop’ buttons provided on the motor-starter switch assembly. Generally, the electric motor is switched ON by pressing the start button which in turn energizes the contactor coil and supplies current to the electric motor. The electric motor is then switched OFF by pressing the stop button which releases the contactor coil, with the aid of a spring arrangement, to its normal position. This action de-energizes the contactor coil resulting in the disconnection of the power supply to the electric motor.

In the existing motor-starter switch assembly, push knobs for switching may not be well retained within a housing of the motor-starter switch assembly. In addition, the push knobs are directly coupled with the moving contact bridge to facilitate the actuation electrical coupling of the moving contact bridge with a pillar. Additionally, the actuation mechanism for the push-knob may not be efficient in providing the actuating function.

Hence, in view of the above, it is desirable to develop knobs of the switch assembly that eliminates the above-mentioned problem while electrically ensuring the safety of 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 nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a motor-starter switch assembly having a housing, a top cover disposed on the housing, and an inner rocker positioned within the housing and adapted to pivot between an ON-state and an OFF-state. In addition, the motor-starter switch assembly includes a pair of knobs movably coupled to the top cover and adapted to partially extend outwardly from the top cover. Each knob is adapted to be pushed relative to the top cover. Further, each knob is adapted to move the inner rocker between the ON-state and the OFF-state based on the movement of each knob.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a knob for a motor-starter switch assembly, a top portion defining an interacting surface for a user, a plurality of sidewalls extending orthogonally from the top portion. The retaining portion is coupled with the sidewalls of each knob. In addition, the motor-starter switch assembly includes a protruding portion extending orthogonally outwardly from the top portion and selectively abutting the inner rocker. The protruding portion is enclosed within the plurality of sidewalls. Further, the knob includes a spring adapted to rest over the protruding portion and extending within the inner rocker and abutting the top portion to facilitate the actuation and the restoration of the knobs.

The motor-starter switch assembly having the pair of knobs such as a first knob and a second knob provides a balance to the motor-starter switch assembly. In addition, the inner rocker is actuated by pressing the knobs thereby limiting the force required to actuate the inner rocker and the moving contact bridge. In addition, the engaging portion facilitates a secure coupling of the knob with the top plate thereby providing a secure coupling of the knob with the top plate. Additionally, the indirect connection of the knob with the moving contact bridge and the inner rocker prevents any chances of sparking or a display of flash of the sparking to the user thereby improving the user's experience.

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 planar sectional view of a motor-starter switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a partial planner view of the motor-starter switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a knob of the motor-starter switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the knob, in accordance with 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 the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

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

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.”

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.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

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

Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a motor-starter switch assembly 100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a planar sectional view of the motor-starter switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a partial planner view of the motor-starter switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The motor-starter switch assembly 100 may be an electrical device that is used to start and stop a motor safely. The motor-starter switch assembly 100 may serve the functions of safely starting/stopping a motor, reversing the motor’s direction, or protecting the motor from low voltage and overcurrent. The motor-starter switch assembly 100 may be used for heavy-load electrical equipment, such as, but not limited to, air conditioners, coolers, water pumps, refrigerators, and mixers.

The motor-starter switch assembly 100 may include a retainer 101 adapted to be fixed inside the housing 103. In addition, the housing 103 may be adapted to accommodate one or more components of the motor-starter switch assembly 100. Further, the motor-starter switch assembly 100 may include an inner rocker 105 adapted to pivot in response to the switching, and a pair of knobs 107 to facilitate the actuation of the motor-starter switch assembly 100.

Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, different perspective views of the knob 107 are shown, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 3 a perspective view of the knob 107 of the motor-starter switch assembly 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the knob 107, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the pair of knobs may include a first knob 107a to facilitate the actuation/pivoting of the inner rocker 105 of the motor-starter switch assembly 100 in a first direction. In addition, the pair of knobs may include a second knob 107b disposed spaced apart from the first knob 107a and adapted to actuate/pivot the inner rocker 105 of the motor-starter switch assembly 100 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

In an embodiment, the first knob 107a facilitates the switching of the motor-starter switch assembly 100 in the ON-state, and the second knob 107b facilitates the switching of the motor-starter switch assembly 100 in the OFF-state. The constructional and operational details of the knob 107a are similar to the constructional and operational details of the knob 107b.

Additionally, the motor-starter switch assembly 100 may include a top cover 109 adapted to position over the housing 103, a first rivet 111, a second rivet 113, and a moving contact bridge 115 to facilitate the electrical coupling and de-coupling of the motor-starter switch assembly 100. In an embodiment, the top cover 109 may include a plurality of slots/openings to facilitate the positioning/resting of the two knobs 107a, 107b.

The retainer 101 may be fixed within the housing 103 of the motor-starter switch assembly 100. The retainer 101 may be adapted to protect the moving contact bridge 115 of the motor-starter switch assembly 100 and to prevent the moving contact bridge 115 from bouncing and vibrating thereby preventing any short circuit or sparking.

The inner rocker 105 may be adapted to operate in a see-saw manner to facilitate the electrical coupling and de-coupling of the motor-starter switch assembly 100 with an external load such as but not limited to a motor. In addition, the inner rocker 105 is adapted to protect a spark generated within the housing 103 of the motor-starter switch assembly 100.

Further, the knob 107 may be spring-loaded and may be adapted to actuate the inner rocker 105 when the knob 107 is pressed by a user. The top cover 109 is coupled with the housing 103. In an embodiment, the top cover 109 may be coupled with the housing 103 via a snap lock arrangement, In another embodiment, the top cover 109 may be coupled with the housing 103 via a plurality of fasteners. In addition, the top cover 109 facilitates a peripheral support to the knobs 107 and the housing 103 thereby facilitating the positioning/installation of the knobs 107 within the top cover 109. The motor-starter switch assembly 100 may be a dual rivet type motor-starter switch assembly 100, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, the first rivet 111 may be positioned at one end of the moving contact bridge 115 and the second rivet 113 may be positioned at a fixed terminal. In addition, the moving contact bridge 115 may also be adapted to operate in a see-saw manner upon the actuation of the knobs 107 and facilitate tripping of the motor-starter switch assembly 100. In an example, the actuation of the first knob 107a, the inner rocker 105 is pivoted in the first direction. The pivoting of the inner rocker 105 in the first direction enables a gap between the first rivet 111 and the second rivet 113 thereby breaking the electrical connection. Further, upon actuation of the second knob 107b, the inner rocker 105 is pivoted in the second direction. The pivoting of the inner rocker 105 in the second direction facilitates the engagement/abutting of the first rivet 111 and the second rivet 113 thereby enabling an electrical connection.

As shown in Figure 3, each knob from the pair of knobs 107 may be adapted to partially extend outwardly from the top cover 109 and coupled with the inner rocker 105. In addition, the knob 107 may facilitate the pivoting of the inner rocker 105 in an ON-state and an OFF-state in response to the actuation of each knob 107. Further, in an example, the first knob 107a may be for switching the motor-starter switch assembly 100 in the ON-state. In such an example, the second knob 107b may be for switching the motor-starter switch assembly 100 in the OFF-state. In addition, each knob 107 may include a one or more retaining portion 120 to facilitate the locking of the knob 107 on the top cover 109 and facilitate a secure coupling of the knob 107 with the top cover 109. In an embodiment, the top cover 109 may include the slots (not shown) to facilitate the slidable coupling of the knob 107 with the top cover 109 thereby facilitating the relative movement of the knob 107 with respect to the top cover 109.

Additionally, the knob 107 may include a top portion 122 defining an interacting surface for a user while interacting with the motor-starter switch assembly 100. Further, the top portion 122 may include a first surface 124 defining the outer surface of the top portion 122 of the knob 107. Additionally, the top portion 122 may include a second surface 126 disposed opposite to the first surface 124 thereby defining an inner surface of the knob 107.

In an illustrated embodiment, the knob 107 may include a plurality of sidewalls 128 extending orthogonally from the top portion 122 such that the plurality of sidewalls 128 are adapted to extend away from the second surface 126 of the top portion 122. As shown, the retaining portion 120 is coupled with the retaining portion 120 and may be extending downwardly from the sidewalls 128 of the knob 107 to facilitate the mechanical coupling with the top cover 109. In an embodiment, each of the retaining portion 120 of the knob 107 may include an engaging end 136 to facilitate the locking of the knob with the top plate 109. In an example, the engaging end 136 may define a shape of a hook, or may include a clip to facilitate the locking of the knob with the top plate 109. In an embodiment, a contour of the engaging end 136 is aligned with a contour of the top cover 109 to facilitate the positioning and locking of the knob 107 with the top cover 109.

Furthermore, the motor-starter switch assembly 100 may include a protruding portion 130 extending orthogonally outwardly from the top portion 122 and selectively abutting the inner rocker 105. In an embodiment, the protruding portion 130 of the each knob 107 is adapted to abut the inner rocker 105 upon being actuated. In another embodiment, the protruding portion 130 is disposed spaced apart from the inner rocker 105. Further, the protruding portion 130 may be surrounded by the plurality of sidewalls 128. The protruding portion 130 may include a first end 132 disposed on the second surface 126 of the top portion 122 and a second end 134 disposed opposite to the first end. The second end 134 may be adapted to selectively abut with the inner rocker 105 upon the actuation of the knob 107.

Additionally, the knob 107 may include a spring 140 (as shown in Figure 3) adapted to rest over the protruding portion 130 such that the spring 140 is extended along a length of the protruding portion 130. The spring 140 may facilitate an efficient actuation operation and the knob 107. Further, the spring 140 is adapted extend between the inner rocker (105) and top portion 122 to facilitate the actuation and restoration of the knobs 107. In addition, the spring 140 facilitates controlling the switching operation of the motor-starter switch assembly 100. In addition, the spring 140 may enable toggling of the knob 107 such that the pressing of the knob 107 causes the spring 140 to compress and move the inner rocker 105 pivotally to operate the motor-starter switch assembly 100.

The advantages of the motor-starter switch assembly 100 are now explained. The pair of knobs 107 having the first knob 107a and the second knob 107b provides a balance to the motor-starter switch assembly 100. In addition, the inner rocker 105 is actuated by pressing the knobs 107 thereby limiting the force required to actuate the inner rocker 105 and the moving contact bridge 115. In addition, the engaging portion 136 facilitates a secure coupling of the knob 107 with the top plate 109 thereby providing a secure coupling of the knob 107 with the top plate 109. Additionally, the indirect connection of the knob 107 with the moving contact bridge 115 and the inner rocker 105 prevents any chances of sparking or a display of flash of the sparking to the user thereby improving the user’s experience.

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. A motor-starter switch assembly (100) comprising:
a housing (103);
a top cover (109) disposed on the housing (103);
an inner rocker (105) positioned within the housing (103) and adapted to pivot between an ON-state and an OFF-state; and
a pair of knobs (107) movably coupled to the top cover (109) and adapted to partially extend outwardly from the top cover (109), wherein each knob 107 is adapted to be pushed relative to the top cover (109), each knob (107) is adapted to move the inner rocker (105) between the ON-state and the OFF-state based on the movement of each knob (107).

2. The motor-starter switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of knobs (107) includes a first knob (107a) for switching the motor-starter switch assembly (100) in the ON-state, and a second knob (107b) for switching the motor-starter switch assembly (100) in the OFF-state.

3. The motor-starter switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each knob (107) includes a retaining portion (120) to couple the knob (107) with the top cover (109).

4. The motor-starter switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each knob (107) comprising:
a top portion (122) defining an interacting surface for a user;
a plurality of sidewalls (128) extending orthogonally from the top portion (122), wherein the retaining portion (120) is coupled with the sidewalls (128) of each knob (107);
a protruding portion (130) extending orthogonally outwardly from the top portion (122) and selectively abutting the inner rocker (105), wherein the protruding portion (130) is enclosed within the plurality of sidewalls (128); and
a spring (140) adapted to rest over the protruding portion (130) and extending within the inner rocker (105) and abutting the top portion (122) to facilitate the actuation and the restoration of the knobs (107).

5. The motor-starter switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the retaining portion (120) includes an engaging end (136) to facilitate the locking of the knob (107) with the top plate (109), wherein the engaging end (136) defines a shape of a hook and a clip to facilitate a snap locking of the knob (107) with the top cover (109).

6. The motor-starter switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a contour of the engaging end (136) is aligned with a contour of the top cover (109) to facilitate the positioning and locking of the knob (107) with the top plate (109).

7. A knob (107) for a motor-starter switch assembly (100), the knob (107) comprising:
a top portion (122) defining an interacting surface for a user;
a plurality of sidewalls (128) extending orthogonally from the top portion (122), wherein the retaining portion (120) is coupled with the sidewalls (128) of each knob (107);
a protruding portion (130) extending orthogonally outwardly from the top portion (122) and selectively abutting the inner rocker (105), wherein the protruding portion (130) is enclosed within the plurality of sidewalls (128); and
a spring (140) adapted to rest over the protruding portion (130) and extending within the inner rocker (105) and abutting the top portion (122) to facilitate the actuation and the restoration of the knobs (107).

8. The knob (107) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of sidewalls (128) includes a retaining portion (120) to facilitate the locking of the knob (107) on a top cover (109) of the motor-starter switch assembly (100).

9. The knob (107) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the retaining portion (120) includes an engaging end (136) to facilitate the locking of the knob (107) with the top plate (109), wherein the engaging end (136) defines a shape of a hook and a clip to facilitate a snap locking of the knob (107) with the top cover (109).

10. The knob (107) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a contour of the engaging end (136) is aligned with a contour of the top cover (109) to facilitate the positioning and locking of the knob (107) with the top plate (109).