Field of the Invention:
The present disclosure relates to a push button switch. More particularly the present
disclosure relates to a push button switch which can simultaneously couple a first power
source to a first electrical load and a second power source to a second electrical load.
Description of the Prior Art:
A switch is generally used to selectively couple a power source to an electrical load. In some
instances, a single switch is used to selectively couple a power source to one electrical load
from a plurality of electrical loads. When the single switch is required to selectively couple a
power source to one electrical load from a plurality of electrical loads, it is a common
practice to select a multi-contact switch such as a rotary switch.
In places where two different electrical apparatuses are required to operate in synchronous, it
is preferred to couple the two different electrical apparatuses via a single switch to the power
source. In case where the two different electrical apparatuses can be operated via a single
power source, a push button switch (a switch whose construction is comparatively simple)
can be used. However, where two different electrical apparatuses requiring two different
types of power sources are to be operated in synchronous, a Double Pole Double Throw
(DPDT) switch is generally used.
As a push button switch is comparatively simple in terms of its construction, and is very cost
effective, there exists a need to develop a push button switch that can be used to
simultaneously couple a first power source to a first electrical load and a second power
source to a second electrical load.
Summary of the Invention:
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.
In accordance with an embodiment, the present invention provides a push button switch
comprising a body defining a first open end and a second open end opposing the first open
end. The push button switch further comprises a base adapted to close the second open end
of the body. The push button switch further comprises plunger is adapted to exhibit
3
movement with respect to the base. The push button switch further comprises a resilient
member adapted to apply a restoring force on the plunger. The plunger defines a first end and
a second end opposing the first end. The second end of the plunger is adapted to receive a
first pair of moving contact terminals and at least one further pair of moving contact
terminals. The base defines an inner surface locatable inside the body. The inner surface is
provided with a pillar facing the plunger. The pillar is adapted to receive a first pair of fixed
contact terminals and at least one further pair of fixed contact terminals. The first pair of
moving contact terminals is adapted to selectively come in contact with the first pair of fixed
contact terminals to define a first current flow path through the push button switch. The at
least one further pair of moving contact terminals is adapted to selectively come in contact
with the at last one further pair of fixed contact terminals to define at least one further current
flow path through the push button switch. The first current flow path and the at least one
further current flow path is defined simultaneously and based on a single actuation of the
plunger.
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 FIGURES:
In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference
will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the
accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally
similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed
description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further
illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with
the present invention where:
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the push button switch in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded-sectional view of the push button switch in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
4
Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of the push button switch in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the push button switch showing two different crosssectional
planes in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the push button switch taken along the section A-A of
Figure 4 with the switch being in ON position in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention; and
Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the push button switch taken along the section B-B of
Figure 4 with the switch being in ON position in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for
simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow
charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve
understanding of aspects of the present invention. 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
device, 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.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be
restrictive thereof.
5
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar
language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same
embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a
non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device 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.
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 this invention
belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
Referring to Figure 1 which is an exploded view of the push button switch (100), Figure 2,
which is an exploded-sectional view of the push button switch and Figure 3, which is a
bottom view of the switch, it can be observed that the push button switch (100) comprises a
body (102). The body (102) defines a first open end (104) and a second open end (106)
opposing the first open end (104).
The push button switch (100) further comprises a base (108) adapted to close the second open
end (106) of the body (102). The push button switch (100) further comprises plunger (110)
accommodated at least partly within the body (102) and adapted to exhibit movement with
respect to the base (108). The push button switch further comprises a resilient member (112)
adapted to apply a restoring force on the plunger (110). The plunger (110) defines a plunger
6
first end (114) and a plunger second end (116). The plunger second end (116) is adapted to
receive a first pair of moving contact terminals (1181) and a second pair of moving contact
terminals (1182).
The base (108) defines an inner surface (120) locatable inside the body (102). The inner
surface (120) is provided with a pillar (122). The pillar (122) faces the plunger (110). The
pillar (122) is adapted to receive a first pair of fixed contact terminals (1241) and a second
pair of fixed contact terminals (1242). The first pair of moving contact terminals (1181) is
adapted to selectively come in contact with the first pair of fixed contact terminals (1241) to
define a first current flow path through the push button switch (100). At the same time, the
second pair of moving contact terminals (1182) is adapted to selectively come in contact with
the second pair of fixed contact terminals (1242) to define a second current flow path through
the push button switch (100).
In an embodiment, the plunger second end (116) is further provided with a first groove (126).
The first groove (126) surrounds the first and the second pair of moving contact terminals
(1181, 1182). The first groove (126) is adapted to receive a first end (128) of the resilient
member (112).
In an embodiment, the inner surface (120) of the base (108) is further provided with a second
groove (130). The second groove (130) surrounds the pillar (122). The second groove (130)
faces the first groove (126) as provided in the plunger second end (116). The second groove
(130) is adapted to receive a second end (132) of the resilient member (112).
In an embodiment, the push button switch (100) further comprises a grommet (134) adapted
to be received by the first end (104) of the body (102). The grommet cooperates with the first
end of the body and the plunger (110) and provides a sealing effect and restricts ingress of
water and dust via the first end (104) of the body (102).
Now referring to Figure 4, which is a top view of the push button switch, and Figure 5, which
is a sectional view of the push button switch taken along section A-A, it can be observed that
in an embodiment of the invention, the first pair of moving contact terminals 1181 in turn
comprises a first input moving contact terminal 1181-I and a first output moving contact
terminal 1181-O. In an embodiment of the invention, the first input moving contact terminal
1181-I faces the first output moving contact terminal 1181-O.
7
In an embodiment of the invention, the first input moving contact terminal 1181-I includes a
first input contacting zone (136) and a first input moving contact terminal rear end (138).
Likewise, the first output moving contact terminal 1181-O includes a first output contacting
zone (140) and a first output moving contact terminal rear end (142). The first input moving
contact terminal rear end (138) is electrically in contact with the first output moving contact
terminal rear end (142).
Thus, it can be said that the first input moving contact terminal 1181-I is electrically in contact
with the first output moving contact terminal 1181-O.
In an embodiment, the first pair of moving contact terminals (1181) includes a first “U”
shaped element with the first “U” shaped element defining the first input moving contact
terminal 1181-I and the first output moving contact terminal 1181-O.
In an embodiment of the invention, the first pair of fixed contact terminals 1241 in turn
comprises a first input fixed contact terminal 1241-I and a first output fixed contact terminal
1241-O. In an embodiment of the invention, the first input fixed contact terminal 1241-I faces
the first output fixed contact terminal 1241-O.
In an embodiment of the invention, the first input fixed contact terminal 1241-I defines a first
input contacting end (144), a first input wire connecting end (146), and a first intermediate
portion (148) located between the first input contacting end (144) and the first input wire
connecting end (146). The first input contacting end (144) lies exposed on a first surface
(150) of the pillar (122), the first input wire connecting end (146) protrudes out of the base
(108) and the first intermediate portion (148) lies submerged within the pillar (122).
In an embodiment of the invention, the first output fixed contact terminal 1241-O defines a
first output contacting end (152), a first output wire connecting end (154), and a second
intermediate portion (156) located between the first output contacting end (152) and the first
output wire connecting end (154). The first output contacting end (152) lies exposed on a
second surface (158) of the pillar (122), the first output wire connecting end (154) protrudes
out of the base (108) and the second intermediate portion (156) lies submerged within the
pillar (122).
8
In an embodiment of the invention, each of the first intermediate portion (148) and the second
intermediate portion (156) is provided with apertures.
Now referring to Figure 4, which is a top view of the push button switch, and Figure 6 which
is a sectional view of the push button switch taken along section B-B, it can be observed that
in an embodiment of the invention, the second pair of moving contact terminals 1182 in turn
comprises a second input moving contact terminal 1182-I and a second output moving contact
terminal 1182-O. In an embodiment of the invention, the second input moving contact terminal
1182-I faces the second output moving contact terminal 1182-O.
In an embodiment of the invention, the second input moving contact terminal 1182-I includes
a second input contacting zone (160) and a second input moving contact terminal rear end
(162). Likewise, the second output moving contact terminal 1182-O includes a second output
contacting zone (164) and a second output moving contact terminal rear end (166). The
second input moving contact terminal rear end (162) is electrically in contact with the second
output moving contact terminal rear end (166).
Thus, it can be said that the second input moving contact terminal 1182-I is electrically in
contact with the second output moving contact terminal 1182-O.
In an embodiment, the second pair of moving contact terminals (1182) includes a second “U”
shaped element with the second “U” shaped element defining the second input moving
contact terminal 1182-I and the second output moving contact terminal 1182-O.
In an embodiment of the invention, the second pair of fixed contact terminals 1242 in turn
comprises a second input fixed contact terminal 1242-I and a second output fixed contact
terminal 1242-O. In an embodiment of the invention, the second input fixed contact terminal
1242-I faces the second output fixed contact terminal 1242-O.
In an embodiment of the invention, the second input fixed contact terminal 1242-I defines a
second input contacting end (168), a second input wire connecting end (170), and a third
intermediate portion (172) located between the second input contacting end (168) and the
second input wire connecting end (170). The second input contacting end (168) lies exposed
on a third surface (174) of the pillar (122), the second input wire connecting end (170)
protrudes out of the base (108) and the third intermediate portion (172) lies submerged within
the pillar (122).
9
In an embodiment of the invention, the second output fixed contact terminal 1242-O defines a
second output contacting end (176), a second output wire connecting end (178), and a fourth
intermediate portion (180) located between the second output contacting end (176) and the
second output wire connecting end (178). The second output contacting end (176) lies
exposed on a fourth surface (182) of the pillar (122), the second output wire connecting end
(178) protrudes out of the base (108) and the fourth intermediate portion (180) lies
submerged within the pillar (122).
In an embodiment of the invention, each of the third intermediate portion (172) and the fourth
intermediate portion (180) is provided with apertures.
Applicant has observed that, it is possible to produce by metal-plastic insert moulding process
the plunger (124) with the first pair of moving contact terminals and the second pair of
moving contact terminals (1181; 1182). Even the first groove (126) can be formed on the
plunger second end (116) during the metal-plastic insert moulding process.
Likewise, it is possible to produce by metal-plastic insert moulding process the base (108)
with the pillar (122), the first pair of fixed contact terminals (1241), the second pair of fixed
contact terminals (1242), and the second groove (132). Thus, the total number of parts being
used reduces. This leads to cost reduction as well reduction in the time of assembling.
Since first groove (126) surrounds the first pair of moving contact terminals and the second
pair of moving contact terminals (1181; 1182) and the second groove (132) surrounds the
pillar (122), the complexity in assembling the resilient member (112) reduces substantially
and hence, the time period also reduces.
Since the first intermediate portion (148) of the first input fixed contact terminal 1241-I, the
second intermediate portion (156) of the first output fixed contact terminal 1241-O, the third
intermediate portion (172) of the second input fixed contact terminal 1242-I, and the fourth
intermediate portion (156) of the second output fixed contact terminal 1242-O are embedded
within the pillar, the performance characteristics in terms of ultra-low level of current flow
are improved.
In an embodiment of the invention, the first surface (150) of the pillar (122) is opposite to the
second surface (158) of the pillar. In an embodiment of the invention, the third surface (174)
10
of the pillar (122) is opposite to the fourth surface (182) of the pillar. This also contributes to
improving the performance characteristics in terms of ultra-low level of current flow.
Thus, the push button switch (100) whose construction is as per the present invention can be
produced easily produced. Other factors such as time consumed for production and the cost
of the product are also lesser. Even performance characteristic in terms of ultra-low level of
current flow is improved. Also, the push button switch which can simultaneously couple a
first power source to a first electrical load and a second power source to a second electrical
load.
While in the drawings a switch comprising two pairs of moving contact terminals (1181;
1182) and two pairs of fixed contact terminals (1241; 1242) is illustrated and described, it may
be noted that it is possible to incorporate more pairs of moving terminals and more pairs of
fixed contact terminals. For example, the pillar may be constructed to define 6 surfaces (in
the form of a hexagon) and three pairs of fixed contact terminals (1241; 1242; 1243) may be
incorporated therein. Also, three pairs of moving contact terminals (1181; 1182; 1183) may be
incorporated in the plunger. In such a case, the push button switch which can simultaneously
couple a first power source to a first electrical load; a second power source to a second
electrical load; and a third power source to a third electrical load.
Also, it is possible to construct the pillar to define 8 surfaces (in the form of an octagon) and
four pairs of fixed contact terminals (1241; 1242; 1243; 1244) may be incorporated therein.
Also, four pairs of moving contact terminals (1181; 1182; 1183; 1184) may be incorporated in
the plunger. In such a case, the push button switch which can simultaneously couple a four
power sources to four electrical loads.
While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on
account of the same 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.
11
The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous
variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in
structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least
as broad as given by the following claims.

WE CLAIM:
1. A push button switch (100), comprising:
a body (102) defining a first open end (104) and a second open end (106) opposing
the first open end (104);
a base (108) adapted to close the second open end (106) of the body (102);
a plunger (110) adapted to exhibit movement with respect to the base (108);
a resilient member (112) adapted to apply a restoring force on the plunger (110);
the plunger (110) defining a plunger first end (114) and a plunger second end (116)
with the plunger second end (116) opposing the plunger first end (114);
the plunger second end (116) being adapted to receive a first pair of moving contact
terminals (1181) and at least one further pair of moving contact terminals (1182; 1183;
1184);
the base (108) defining an inner surface (120) locatable inside the body (102);
the inner surface (120) being provided with a pillar (122) facing the plunger (110);
the pillar (122) being adapted to receive a first pair of fixed contact terminals (1241)
and at least one further pair of moving contact terminals (1242; 1243; 1244);
the first pair of moving contact terminals (1181) being adapted to selectively come in
contact with the first pair of fixed contact terminals (1241) to define a first current
flow path through the push button switch (100);
the at least one further pair of moving contact terminals (1182; 1183; 1184) being
adapted to selectively come in contact with the at least one further pair of fixed
contact terminals (1242; 1243; 1244) to define at least one further current flow path
through the push button switch (100); and
the first current flow path and the at least one further current flow path being defined
simultaneously and based on a single actuation of the plunger.
2. The push button switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger second end (116)
is further provided with a first groove (126) surrounding the first pair of moving
contact terminals (1181) and the at least one further pair of moving contact terminals
(1182; 1183; 1184), the first groove (126) being adapted to receive a first end (128) of
the resilient member (112).
3. The push button switch as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner
surface (120) of the base (108) is further provided with a second groove (130)
13
surrounding the pillar (122), the second groove (130) facing the first groove (126) as
provided in the plunger second end (116), with the second groove (130) being adapted
to receive a second end (132) of the resilient member (112).
4. The push button switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the push button switch further
comprises a grommet (134) adapted to be received by the first end (104) of the body
(102).
5. The push button switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pair of moving contact
terminals (1181) includes a first input moving contact terminal (1181-I) and a first
output moving contact terminal (1181-O), the first input moving contact terminal (1181-
I) facing the first output moving contact terminal (1181-O), the first input moving
contact terminal (1181-I) being electrically in contact with the first output moving
contact terminal (1181-O).
6. The push button switch as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first input moving contact
terminal (1181-I) includes a first input contacting zone (136) and a first input moving
contact terminal rear end (138), the first output moving contact terminal (1181-O)
includes a first output contacting zone (140) and a first output moving contact
terminal rear end (142), the first input moving contact terminal rear end (138) being
electrically in contact with the first output moving contact terminal rear end (142).
7. The push button switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pair of moving contact
terminals (1181) includes a first “U” shaped element, the “U” shaped element defining
the first input moving contact terminal (1181-I) and the first output moving contact
terminal (1181-O).
8. The push button switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the further pair of moving
contact terminals (1182; 1183; 1184) includes a second pair of moving contact
terminals (1182), the second pair of moving contact terminals (1182) includes a second
input moving contact terminal (1182-I) and a second output moving contact terminal
(1182-O), the second input moving contact terminal (1182-I) facing the second output
moving contact terminal (1182-O), the second input moving contact terminal (1182-I)
being electrically in contact with the second output moving contact terminal (1182-O).
14
9. The push button switch as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second input moving
contact terminal (1182-I) includes a second input contacting zone (160) and a second
input moving contact terminal rear end (162), the second output moving contact
terminal (1182-O) includes a second output contacting zone (164) and a second output
moving contact terminal rear end (166), the second input moving contact terminal rear
end (162) being electrically in contact with the second output moving contact terminal
rear end (166).
10. The push button switch as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second pair of moving
contact terminals (1182) includes a second “U” shaped element, the second “U”
shaped element defining the second input moving contact terminal (1182-I) and the
second output moving contact terminal (1182-O).
11. The push button switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pair of fixed contact
terminals (1241) comprises a first input fixed contact terminal (1241-I) and a first
output fixed contact terminal (1241-O), the first input fixed contact terminal (1241-I)
facing the first output fixed contact terminal (1241-O).
12. The push button switch as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first input fixed contact
terminal (1241-I) defines a first input contacting end (144), a first input wire
connecting end (146), and a first intermediate portion (148) located between the first
input contacting end (144) and the first input wire connecting end (146), the first input
contacting end (144) being exposed on a first surface (150) of the pillar (122), the first
input wire connecting end (146) protruding out of the base (108) and the first
intermediate portion (148) being submerged within the pillar (122).
13. The push button switch as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first output fixed contact
terminal (1241-O) defines a first output contacting end (152), a first output wire
connecting end (154), and a second intermediate portion (156) located between the
first output contacting end (152) and the first output wire connecting end (154), the
first output contacting end (152) being exposed on a second surface (158) of the pillar
(122), the first output wire connecting end (154) protruding out of the base (108) and
the second intermediate portion (156) being submerged within the pillar (122).
15
14. The push button switch as claimed in any of claims 12 or 13, wherein the first
intermediate portion (148) and the second intermediate portion (156) is provided with
apertures.
15. The push button switch as claimed in any of claims 12 or 13, wherein the first surface
(150) of the pillar (122) is opposite to the second surface (158) of the pillar.
16. The push button switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the further pair of fixed contact
terminals (1242, 1243, 1244) comprises a second pair of fixed contact terminals (1242),
the second pair of fixed contact terminals (1242) including a second input fixed
contact terminal (1242-I) and a second output fixed contact terminal (1242-O), the first
input fixed contact terminal (1242-I) facing the first output fixed contact terminal
(1242-O).
17. The push button switch as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second input fixed contact
terminal 1242-I defines a second input contacting end (168), a second input wire
connecting end (170), and a third intermediate portion (172) located between the
second input contacting end (168) and the second input wire connecting end (170), the
second input contacting end (168) being exposed on a third surface (174) of the pillar
(122), the second input wire connecting end (170) protruding out of the base (108)
and the third intermediate portion (172) being submerged within the pillar (122).
18. The push button switch as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second output fixed
contact terminal 1242-O defines a second output contacting end (176), a second output
wire connecting end (178), and a fourth intermediate portion (180) located between
the second output contacting end (176) and the second output wire connecting end
(178), the second output contacting end (176) being exposed on a fourth surface (182)
of the pillar (122), the second output wire connecting end (178) protruding out of the
base (108) and the fourth intermediate portion (180) being submerged within the pillar
(122).
19. The push button switch as claimed in any of claims 17 or 18, wherein the third
intermediate portion (172) and the fourth intermediate portion (180) is provided with
apertures.
16
20. The push button switch as claimed in any of claims 17 or 18, wherein the third surface
(174) of the pillar (122) is opposite to the fourth surface (182) of the pillar.
21. The push button switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein three pairs of fixed contact
terminals (1241; 1242; 1243) are incorporated in the pillar (122) and three pairs of
moving contact terminals (1181; 1182; 1183) are incorporated in the plunger (110), and
wherein the pillar (122) defines six surfaces, the six surfaces being arranged so as to
form a hexagon.
22. The push button switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein four pairs of fixed contact
terminals (1241; 1242; 1243; 1244) are incorporated in the pillar (122) and four pairs of
moving contact terminals (1181; 1182; 1183; 1184) are incorporated in the plunger
(110), and wherein the pillar (122) defines eight surfaces, the eight surfaces being
arranged so as to form an octagon.