The present invention relates to a switch assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a push button switch assembly.
BACKGROUND
[002] A push button is a switch mechanism used to control a targeted aspect of a machine or a process. A push button is normally a tactile switch. The most common type of a push button switch found in everyday life includes a calculator, a telephone, a kitchen appliance, a door bell, etc. The push button powers the circuit and/or completes a circuit connection upon actuation by an external force.
[003] However, conventional push buttons may pose various limitations such as manufacturing and assembling of the push buttons is challenging. Further, the conventional push button includes a singular spring and a plate responsible for compression of the push button. The plate may become rigid over a period of time owing to constant use leading to decrease in performance of the push button. Further, the use of the plate may render the push button switch cost intensive.
[004] Moreover, terminals of a conventional push button may include more than one part joined together by means of welding. The two parts of the terminals may detach/break due to repeated use of the push buttons over a period of time. Further, the process of welding may lead to errors in achieving desired dimensions of the terminals as the process is difficult to be performed in small parts, is more time consuming and/or require more man power.
[005] Therefore, there exists a need of an improved push button switch which can overcome the limitations of the existing ones.
SUMMARY
[006] The present invention relates to a push button switch assembly. The push button switch assembly includes one actuation means including an upper end and a lower end and one first resilient member removably coupled to the lower end of the actuation means, one rivet, one second resilient member removably coupled with the rivet, one terminal configured to contact the rivet upon actuation by an external force, the terminal includes at least two resting portions. The terminal includes a singular structure, wherein the resting portions of the terminal are seated on at least two inserts of a connector body of the outer body. The actuation means, the first resilient member, the rivet, the second resilient member and the terminal are housed inside an outer body.
[007] The foregoing features and other features as well as the advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[009] Fig.1 depicts an isometric view of a push button assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[010] Fig. 1a depicts an exploded view of the push button assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[011] Fig. 2 depicts cross-sectional view of the push button assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[012] Fig.2a depicts an isometric view of the rivet 50 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[013] Fig.3 depicts a sectional view of the pushbutton switch assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[014] Fig.3a depicts a front view of the terminal 70 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[015] Fig.3b depicts a cross-sectional view of the connector body 10b in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[016] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[017] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[018] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[019] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[020] In accordance with the present invention, a push button switch assembly (or a switch) is disclosed. The push button switch assembly may be used in a brake lever, a clutch lever of vehicles and/or an electrical apparatus such as electrical switches, window switches, bonnet switches etc. In an embodiment, the push button switch assembly is used in the clutch lever of the vehicles. The vehicles may include a two-wheeler, a four-wheeler etc. In an embodiment, the vehicle is a two-wheeler.
[021] In an embodiment, the push button switch assembly of the present invention includes at least two resilient members. The use of the resilient members increases performance and/or life span of the switch. Further, owing to the resilient members, the switch is easy to manufacture and the manufacturing cost of the same is significantly reduced.
[022] In another embodiment, the push button switch assembly includes a singular structure. The singular structure of the terminal reduces need of welding of different parts of the terminals during manufacturing, thereby significantly reducing errors arising in the manufacturing process. In yet another embodiment, the terminal includes at least two resting portions to be fitted on a connector body. Owing to the presence of resting portions, the chances of downward movement and/or loosening of the terminals are eliminated, therefore lifespan of the switch is significantly increased.
[023] Now referring specifically to drawings, Fig. 1 represents an isometric view of a switch 100. The switch 100 includes an outer body 10. The outer body 10 acts as a housing for a plurality of components such as but not limited to at least one actuation means 20, a holder 30, at least one first resilient member 40, at least one rivet 50, at least one second resilient member 60, and one or more terminals 70 depicted in Fig. 1a. The outer body 10 acts as a protective cover and provides structural integrity to the switch 100.
[024] The outer body 10 includes at least to components, for example, an exterior body 10a and a connector body 10b. The exterior body 10a and the connector body 10b may be coupled with each other in a predefined manner in order to adequately house the aforesaid components of the switch 100.
[025] The exterior body 10a may include a plurality of portions such as an upper portion 10a1, a middle portion 10a2 and a lower portion 10a3. The aforesaid portions of the exterior body 10a may have varying diameters according to packaging requirements of the switch 100. Similarly, the connector body 10b may include a plurality of portions such as a first portion 10b1 and a second portion 10b2 (depicted in Fig.1a).
[026] The lower portion 10a3 of the exterior body 10a may be detachably or fixedly fitted on the first portion 10b1 of connector body 10b. In an embodiment, the exterior body 10a is detachably fitted on the connector body 10b. The exterior body 10a may be fitted on the connector body 10b by means of without limitation a caulking agent, an adhesive etc. In an embodiment, the exterior body 10a is attached with the help of the caulking agent using a mechanical caulking gun.
[027] The exterior body 10a may be made of a durable material but not limited to zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper alloy, nylon etc. In an embodiment, the exterior body 10a is made of nylon. The connector body 10b may be made of the same material and/or different material. In an embodiment, the connector body 10b is made of the same material as that of the exterior body 10a.
[028] The actuation means 20 may be disposed in the exterior body 10a as depicted in Fig.1 and Fig.2. The actuation means 20 may include a button, a lever, a rod, a bar, a knob, a pin, a shaft etc. In an embodiment, the actuation means 20 is the button. The actuation means 20 may be made of without limitation thermoplastic polymer such as polyoxymethylene, nylon, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). In an embodiment, the actuation means 20 is made of polyoxymethylene (POM).
[029] The actuation means 20 may include an upper end 20a and a lower end 20b as depicted in Fig. 2. In an embodiment, the actuation means 20 may be partially disposed in the upper portion 10a1 and partially in the middle portion 10a2 of the exterior body 10a as depicted in Fig. 2. In an embodiment, the actuation means 20 may be disposed in the exterior body 10a in a way such that the upper end 20a is extended out of the upper portion 10a1 and the lower end 20b is coupled with the holder 30. The actuation means 20 may be triggered by an external force in order to establish a circuit connection thereby activating the switch 100.
[030] Further, the actuation means 20 may be coupled with the first resilient member 40. In an embodiment, the lower end 20b of the actuation means 20 is coupled with the first resilient member 40. The lower end 20b may be fixedly or removably coupled with the actuation means 20. In an embodiment, the lower end 20b of the actuation means 20 is removably coupled with the first resilient member 40.
[031] In an embodiment, the first resilient member 40 is the spring. The first resilient member 40 may provide tension to the linear motion of the actuation means 20 and/or used to facilitate compression of the actuation means 20 upon trigger by the external force. It should be noted that, apart from spring any other resilient member which facilitate compression of the actuation means 20 may also be used and such members are well within the scope of the present invention. The first resilient member 40 may be provided in any shape such as but not limited to a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, a leaf shape etc. In an embodiment, the first resilient member 40 is in the conical shape. The conical shape of the first resilient member 40 is ease to manufacture and assemble in the switch 100. Moreover, the conical shape of the first resilient member 40 imparts smooth functioning to the switch 100 and/or increases life of the switch 100.
[032] The holder 30 may include a cylinder 30a and a base 30b. The cylinder 30a may include a top end 30a1 and a bottom end 30a2. The top end 30a1 may be attached with the lower end 20b of the actuation means 20. The lower end 20b may be attached with the top end 30a1 of the holder 30 by means of without limitation push fitting mechanism, snapping etc. In an embodiment, the lower end 20b is attached by snapping on the top end 30a1.
[033] Further, the bottom end 30a2 of the cylinder 30a of the holder 30 may be attached to the rivet 50 as depicted in Fig.2. The rivet 50 may be made of metallic material such as without limitation copper, brass, phosphorus bronze etc. In an embodiment, the rivet 50 is made of the copper.
[034] The rivet 50 may have a predefined shape. In an embodiment, the rivet 50 is manufactured in a circular shape having one or more extruded portions 51 as depicted in Fig.2a. In an embodiment, the rivet 50 includes two extruded portions 51. The extruded portions 51 prevent unwanted rotation of the rivet 50 upon actuation of the switch 100. The rivet 50 may be provided with a slot 53 in the centre. The slot 53 may be used to accommodate the bottom end 30a2 of the holder 30 as depicted in Fig. 2. The bottom end 30a2 of the holder 30 may be attached to the rivet 50 by means of mechanical compression.
[035] Further, the switch 100 may be provided with the second resilient member 60 coupled with the rivet 50. The second resilient member 60 may be removably coupled with the rivet 50. The second resilient member 60 may be provided in any shape such as but not limited to a cylindrical shape, a conical shape etc. In an embodiment, the second resilient member 60 is in the cylindrical shape. The second resilient member 60 may have a pitch ranging from 2.5mm to 3.5mm.
[036] The second resilient member 60 pushes the rivet 50 in an upward direction such that the rivet 50 and the terminal 70 stay in continuous contact with each other in order to complete a circuit connection. Owing to presence of the second resilient member 60, the contact between the rivet 50 and the terminal 70 is not broken, thereby effectively preventing fluctuations in the circuit. Further, the use of the second resilient member 60 significantly reduces the cost of manufacturing of the switch 100. In an embodiment, the second resilient member 60 is a spring. It should be noted that, apart from spring any other resilient member which pushes the rivet 50 in the upward direction in order to maintain a contact between the rivet 50 and terminal 70 may also be used and such members are well within the scope of the present invention.
[037] The terminal 70 of the switch 100 may be disposed in the connector body 10b. The terminal 70 is configured to contact with the rivet 50 as explained in above paragraph. The terminal 70 may fitted inside at least two grooves (not shown) provided in the connector body 10b as depicted in Fig.2. The terminal 70 may be fixed with the connector body 10b by means of mechanical snapping, ultrasonic welding, crimping, moulding etc. In an embodiment, the terminal 70 is attached by mechanical snapping in the grooves.
[038] The terminal 70 may facilitate current supply between the switch 100 and corresponding fitment of the switch 100. In an embodiment, the switch 100 may include one or more terminals 70. In an embodiment, the switch 100 includes two terminals 70.
[039] The terminal 70 may be made of electrically conductive material such as but not limited to steel, brass, copper, phosphorus, bronze etc. In an embodiment, the terminal 70 is made of the copper.
[040] In an embodiment, the terminal 70 is a singular structure. Owing to the singular structure of the terminal 70, chances of accidental breakage of the terminal 70 due to prolonged use of the switch 100 are significantly reduced. Additionally, manufacturing of the terminal 70 does not require welding of different parts which significantly reduces errors that arise due to the manufacturing process.
[041] The terminal 70 may include at least two resting portions 72 on either side as depicted in Fig.3a. The resting portions 72 of the terminal 70 may be seated on at least two inserts 10b’ (depicted in Fig. 3b) of the connector body 10b. The resting portions 72 prevent unwanted downward movement and/or loosening of the terminal 70 which may occur due to continuous use of the switch 100 over a period of time.
[042] The above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the present invention, any modification within the spirit and principles of the present invention, made by the equivalent replacement, improvement, etc., should be included in the protection of the present invention within the range.
[043] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used.

WE CLAIM

1. A push button switch assembly (100) comprising:
a. at least one actuation means (20) including an upper end (20a) and a lower end (20b);
b. at least one first resilient member (40) removably coupled to the lower end (20b) of the actuation means (20);
c. at least one rivet (50);
d. at least one second resilient member (60) removably coupled with the rivet (50); and
e. at least one terminal (70) configured to contact the rivet (50), the terminal (70) includes at least two resting portions (72);
wherein the terminal (70) includes a singular structure,
wherein the actuation means (20), the first resilient member (40), the rivet (50), the second resilient member (60) and the terminal (70) are housed inside an outer body (10),
wherein the resting portions (72) of the terminal (70) are seated on at least two inserts (10b’) of a connector body (10b) of the outer body (10).
2. The push button switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outer body (10) includes an exterior body (10a) and a connector body (10b).
3. The push button switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the actuation means (20) includes a button.
4. The push button switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein first resilient member (40) is a spring.
5. The push button switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein first resilient member (40) is in a conical shape.
6. The push button switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein second resilient member (60) is a spring
7. The push button switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein second resilient member (60) is in a cylindrical shape.
8. The push button switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rivet (50) includes one or more extruded portions (51).