TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to electrical switches and, more particularly, to a push type ON/OFF switch using a rocker mechanism in which the operating position of the knob of the switch remains unchanged during ON or OFF position.
BACKGROUND
Electrical switches are essential in electrical applications such as electrical appliances, apparatuses and installations. A power switch is a widely used electronic component for ON/OFF control of a power supply. Among the various types of known switches, push-button switches and rocker switches are probably the most widely used. A rocker switch typically comprises a rocker member which can be toggled between at least two alternative stable operating positions corresponding to different alternative operation modes. A push-button switch typically comprises a linearly actuated push-button which is operated by a sequence of simple linear motions, e.g. by pushing down and then releasing a push-button for directly or indirectly changing the state of an electrical contact i.e., opening or closing the contact. Push-button actuated switches comprising a rocker-type switching mechanism are known.
Indian Patent Application No. 2848/KOLNP/2007 relates to an electrical switch comprising a push-button, a rocker switching mechanism having a rocker member, resilient urging means and drive conversion means for converting
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motion of the push button into motion suitable for changing the operation modes of the rocker switching mechanism.
WO2004066329 relates to a switch comprising a fixed electric contact connected to one of two connection terminals, a pivotable metallic jumper element as rocker arm, provided at one of its ends with a mobile electric contact and electrically connected to the other of the two terminals, an operating organ connected to the jumper element in such a way as to make it oscillate between two positions, in one of which the mobile contact of the jumper element is in contact with the fixed electric contact.
CN201397754 (Y) relates to an electric switch, in particular to a key and/or push button switch. The switch comprises a frame, a key and/or push button and a switch unit with a rocker arm component, wherein the two ends of the rocker arm component are provided with keys and/or push buttons which are contacted or connected with the rocker arm component, and are further provided with a key/push button guiding mechanism, and the keys/push buttons are mechanically connected with the guiding mechanism.
Generally, the push ON/OFF switch mechanism is a combination of push mechanism with butterfly mechanism for making contacts. The push mechanism used with butterfly mechanism uses complex design and has relatively shorter life. Also, the push ON/OFF switches as mentioned above and forming a part of state-of-the-art have a costly design, face manufacturing difficulties, and have limitations on higher rating switches.

Further, the push ON/OFF switch mechanisms known in the art employ two springs, which are required to be aligned in the same plane. However, as the elasticity of each spring is different from the other, there is a possibility that the alignment of the springs is faulty and hence, the reliability and quality of the switch is compromised. This results in a reduced service life and increased cost of the switch. Furthermore, in case of a fault or damage to a part or a component, the entire switch is required to be replaced.
Therefore in view of foregoing, there is a need for an improved push type ON/OFF switch that has a simple structure, is easy to assemble, has enhanced life and higher rating possibilities, and suffers less chance of failure.
SUMMARY
It is an object of the present subject matter to provide an improved push type ON/OFF switch using a rocker mechanism, wherein the push mechanism transmits force to the rocker mechanism to turn the switch ON or OFF.
It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a push ON/OFF switch which has a simple and cost effective structure.
It is yet another object of the present subject matter to provide a push ON/OFF switch which is easy to assemble.
It is yet another object of the present subject matter to provide a push ON/OFF switch which is less prone to failure and is reliable.

It is a further object of the present subject matter to provide a push ON/OFF switch which offers enhanced life and higher rating possibilities.
The present subject matter described herein relates to a push on/off switch with rocker mechanism. The push on/off switch includes a base sub-assembly that further includes the rocker mechanism. The rocker mechanism includes a rocker terminal, a plurality of line terminals located at the opposite sides of the rocker terminal and a rocker strip pivotably positioned on the rocker terminal. The push on/off switch further includes a housing sub-assembly that is removably attached to the base sub-assembly. The housing sub-assembly includes a push mechanism, a link toggle capable of being activated by the push mechanism and a plunger attached to the link toggle. The plunger is capable of sliding over the rocker strip when the push mechanism is triggered. The push mechanism includes a push button housing and a lever push button secured in the push button housing such that during operation, one end of the lever push button contacts the link toggle to actuate the link toggle and the plunger, and thereby to turn the push ON/OFF switch in an ON or OFF position.
In one embodiment of the present subject matter, the base sub-assembly and the housing sub-assembly are attached to each other by a snap fit connection
In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the push mechanism is placed in an aperture formed in a housing of the housing sub-assembly in an assembled position.

In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the lever push button includes a plurality of transverse projections on one side and a longitudinal projection on the opposite side.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the longitudinal projection of the lever push button rests in a longitudinal guide of the push button housing.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, one of the plurality of transverse projections of the lever push button contacts with a projection on the link toggle when the push ON/OFF switch is actuated.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the push mechanism comprises a resilient member that rests in the push button housing.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the push mechanism further includes a mechanism plate for securing the lever push button in the push button housing.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the push button housing further includes a plurality of diagonally opposite lateral legs for guiding a plurality of plunger springs.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the push ON/OFF switch further includes a mechanical indicator.

In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the mechanical indicator is sandwiched between the housing sub-assembly and a push-button knob.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the mechanical indicator is pivotably mounted on the push mechanism such that when the push ON/OFF switch is turned in ON condition, the mechanical indicator rotates and a part of the mechanical indicator becomes visible from an opening in the push-button knob.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the base sub-assembly further includes a hollow first base that accommodates the rocker terminal and the plurality of line terminals.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the base sub-assembly further includes a second base that is mounted on the hollow first base such that the rocker strip projects into the second base.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, an upper end of the plunger is received in a slot provided in the link toggle and a tip of the plunger contacts the rocker strip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The foregoing and further objects, features and advantages of the present subject matter will become apparent from the following description of exemplary

embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals are used to represent like elements.
It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter, and are therefore, not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
Fig. 1 illustrates a sectional view of a push ON/OFF switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Fig. 2 illustrates a magnified view of a rocker mechanism and a push mechanism of the push ON/OFF switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b illustrate the solid diagrams of the push ON/OFF switch depicting different positions of a plunger on a rocker strip in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Fig. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a base sub-assembly of the push ON/OFF switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Fig. 5 depicts an exploded view of the base sub-assembly of Fig. 4 in accordance with the present subject matter.

Fig. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the rocker mechanism of the push ON/OFF switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Fig. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of a housing sub-assembly of the push ON/OFF switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Fig. 8 depicts an exploded view of the housing sub-assembly of Fig. 7 in accordance with the present subject matter.
Fig. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the push mechanism of the housing sub-assembly of Fig. 8 in accordance with the present subject matter.
Fig. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of the push ON/OFF switch depicting a mechanical indicator in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
Fig. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of the mechanical indicator of Fig. 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following presents a detailed description of various embodiments of the present subject matter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The embodiments of the present subject matter are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present subject matter is
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not limited to these embodiments which are only provided to explain more clearly the present subject matter to a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.
The present subject matter provides a simple, easy to manufacture and assemble push ON/OFF switch 100 as depicted in Fig. 1, which is a sectional view of a push ON/OFF switch 100 in according with one embodiment of the present subject matter. The push ON/OFF switch 100 includes a plurality of components that work in combination with each other. For instance, but not limiting the scope of the subject matter, the push ON/OFF switch 100 of the present embodiment includes two sub-assemblies i.e. a base sub-assembly 102 and a housing sub¬assembly 104. In an assembled position, the housing sub-assembly 104 is mounted on the base sub-assembly 102, and both the sub-assemblies 102, 104 are attached to each other in a simple, easy and fast attachment mechanism, such as snap fit connection. In the present embodiment, the base sub-assembly 100 and the housing sub-assembly 104 are designed to snap fit into each other to provide an unanticipated strong rocker mechanism 106, which has virtually no freedom of movement between the components, even with substantial manual leverage applied to the end of the arm portion to rock it. However, the base sub-assembly 102 and the housing sub-assembly 104 can be secured to each other similar mechanism that is simple, easy, fast and reliable as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
The rocker mechanism 106 is a part of the base sub-assembly 102 and further includes a plurality of line terminals LI, L2, a rocker terminal Rl and a rocker
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strip 108. The housing sub-assembly 104 on the other hand includes a push mechanism 110, a link toggle 112 and a plunger 114. The push mechanism 110 is actuated by a push button knob 116 that is connected to the housing sub-assembly 104 and is pivoted at a single point on the housing sub-assembly 104. The bottom end of the plunger 114 slides on the rocker strip 108 when the link toggle 112 is moved by the push mechanism 110.
As can be seen from Fig. 1, the actuation of the knob 116 triggers the push mechanism 106, which in turn transmits a force to the rocker mechanism 106 to turn the switch in ON or OFF position.
In one prefen^ed embodiment of the present subject matter, a mechanical indicator 118 is provided on the housing sub-assembly 104 and is sandwiched between the housing sub-assembly 104 and the knob 116. When the switch 100 is in ON condition, the mechanical indicator 108 rotates and a part of it becomes visible in an opening 120 in the knob 116.
A magnified view of the rocker mechanism 106 and the push mechanism 110 of the push ON/OFF switch 100 is illustrated in Fig. 2. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the push mechanism 110 is in contact with and facilitates swiveling of the linlc toggle 112. The link toggle 112 secures the upper end of the plunger 114 and the swiveling movement of the link toggle 112 allows sliding of the tip of the plunger 114 over the rocker strip 108. The rocker strip 108 is pivoted on the rocker terminal Rl at its center and has contacts 122, 122' at its ends, which come in contact with the line terminals LI, L2 during ON or OFF condition respectively.

Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate the push ON/OFF switch 100 depicting different positions of the plunger 114 on the rocker strip 108. As can be seen in Fig. 3a, the contact 122 of the rocker strip 108 is in contact with the line terminal LI. On the other hand, when the plunger 114 slides to the other side on the rocker strip 108, the contact 122' comes in contact with the line terminal L2 as can be seen in Fig. 3b.
Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 depict a perspective view and an exploded view of the base sub-assembly 102 of the push ON/OFF switch 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The base sub-assembly 102 includes a hollow first base 124 formed of a suitable insulating material that contains slots SI, S2, S3 for accommodating the line terminals LI, L2 and the rocker terminal Rl respectively. In a preferred embodiment of the present subject matter, three slots SI, S2, S3 are provided. However, the number of slots in the first base 124 can be varied as per the requirements as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art. The base sub-assembly 102 further includes a second base 126 which is securely positioned at the top of the first base 124. The terminal LI of the plurality of line terminals LI, L2, the rocker terminal Rl and the rocker strip 108 of the rocker mechanism 106 are clearly depicted in Fig. 5.
The line terminals LI, L2 and the rocker terminal Rl of rocker mechanism 106 are placed in the slots SI, S2 and S3 of the first base 124 respectively. The rocker terminal Rl is positioned in the middle slot S3 of the first base 124 and the rocker strip 108 forming a moving contact is fitted over the rocker terminal Rl such that it floats over the rocker terminal Rl for establishing contacts with the line terminals LI, L2. The line terminals LI, L2 are posifioned in the cavities SI & S2
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respectively of the first base 124. The assembly of the rocker mechanism 106 i.e. the line terminals LI, L2, the rocker terminal Rl and the rocker strip 108 in the first base 124 is shown in Fig. 6.
Once the rocker mechanism 106 is assembled in the first base 124 as shown in Fig. 6, the second base 126 is positioned at the top of the first base 124 in such a manner that the rocker strip 108 projects into the second base 126.
Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view respectively of the housing sub-assembly 104 of the push ON/OFF switch 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The housing sub-assembly 104 comprises a housing 128 in which the push mechanism 110 is secured. The housing sub-assembly 104 further includes the link toggle 107, the plunger 114 and a plurality of resilient members 130, 131. The resilient members include any member, device or mechanism that exerts a resilient biasing force as is obvious to a person skilled in the art. However, in the present embodiment, the resilient members include at least one mechanism spring 130 and at least one plunger spring 131, which are configured in the form of compression springs in a preferred embodiment of the present subject matter.
The exploded view of the push mechanism 110 is depicted in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 9, the push mechanism 110 includes a push button housing 132 that has two diagonally opposite lateral legs 134, 136. A longitudinal guide 138 is provided across the length of the push button housing 130 for accommodating a longitudinal projection 140 of a lever push button 142. Two transverse projections 144, 146 are provided at the opposite ends of the lever push button 142. The
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transverse projections 144, 146 of the lever push button 142 contact with the projections 148, 150 on the link toggle 112. The projections 148, 150 of the link toggle 112 are shown in Fig. 8. The lever push button 142 is placed in the push button housing 132 after resting the mechanism spring 130 in the push button housing 132 such that the longitudinal projection 140 of the lever push button 142 fits inside the longitudinal guide 138 of the push button housing 132. Thereafter, a mechanism plate 152 fits onto the lever push button 142 in the space formed between the opposite ends 154, 156 of the push button housing 132. The mechanism plate 152 is guided in the guides 158, 160 provided in the push button housing 132.
An aperture 162 is formed in the housing 128 of the housing sub-assembly 104 as shown in Fig. 8. Once assembled, the push mechanism 110 is positioned in the aperture 162 of the housing 128 as shown in Fig. 7. The link toggle 112 is then placed beneath the push mechanism 106 such that the projections 148, 150 of the link toggle 112 align with the transverse projections 144, 146 of the push mechanism 110. The link toggle 112 is biased by the plunger springs 131, which are guided over the lateral legs 134,136 of the push mechanism 110.
The spring chamber is centrally and symmetrically disposed with regard to the center of the switch base. The overall length of the chamber depends upon the length of the plunger spring 131.
One of the means of providing a spring force is sufficient to cause the plunger assembly to move the plunger 114 when the rocker mechanism 106 is moved from a first position to a second position.

When the knob 116 is pushed, a wedge/cam element exerts pressure on the push mechanism 110, which rotates the link toggle 112. The plunger 114 is received through its upper end in a slot provided in the link toggle 112. The plunger 114 through its bottom end contacts and slides over the rocker strip 108, thereby transmitting a force on rocker strip 108 to make and break contacts.
Figs. 10 and 11 indicate a mechanical ON-OFF indicator 118 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. The mechanical indicator 118 is pivotably mounted on the push mechanism 110 to indicate to a user if the switch 100 is in ON or OFF position. When the switch 100 is in ON condition, the mechanical indicator 118 rotates and a part 164 of the mechanical indicator 118 becomes visible from the opening 120 in the knob 116.
It should be noted that the shape, configuration and location of the indictor 118 can vary according to the requirement without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. The embodiment of the mechanical indicator 118 described above can be varied in a manner that is obvious to a person skilled in the art. Further, the mechanical indicator 118 can be replaced by an electronic indicator, such as LED bulb, which is capable of indicating the ON position of the switch 100.
As can be seen from above, the push ON/OFF switch 100 is a configured as a slider-less switch, which is less complicated, easy to assemble and is cost effective. Further, the push ON/OFF switch 100 of the present subject matter is

assembled as separate sub-assemblies i.e. the base sub-assembly 102 and the housing sub-assembly 104, and then these sub-assemblies 102, 104 are joined with each other. This simplifies manufacturing and assembly operations and also enables that the sub-assemblies of push ON/OFF switches having different Amperes to be assembled with each other. In other words, it is possible to assemble the base sub-assembly of a 6 Ampere push ON/OFF switch with the housing sub-assembly of a 16 Ampere push ON/OFF switch. Furthermore, in case a part of one sub-assembly is faulty or damaged, it is possible to replace only that sub-assembly with another sub-assembly without replacing the entire switch.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore, contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined.

WE CLAIM:-
1. A push ON/OFF switch 100 with a rocker mechanism 106, said push ON/OFF switch 100 comprising:
a base sub-assembly 102 comprising said rocker mechanism 106; said rocker mechanism 106 comprising a rocker terminal Rl, a plurality of line terminals LI, L2 located at the opposite sides of said rocker terminal Rl and a rocker strip 108 pivotably positioned on said rocker terminal Rl; and
a housing sub-assembly 104 removably attached to said base sub-assembly 102, said housing sub-assembly 104 comprising a push mechanism 110, a link toggle 112 capable of being activated by said push mechanism 110 and a plunger 114 attached to said link toggle 112, said plunger 114 being capable of sliding over said rocker strip 108 when said push mechanism 110 is triggered; said push mechanism 110 comprising a push button housing 132 and a lever push button 142 secured in said push button housing 132 such that during operation, one end of said lever push button 142 contacts said link toggle 112 to actuate said link toggle 112 and said plunger 114, and thereby to turn said push ON/OFF switch 100 in an ON or OFF position.
2. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base sub¬assembly 102 and said housing sub-assembly 104 are attached to each other by a snap fit connection.

3. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said push mechanism 110 is placed in an aperture 162 formed in a housing 128 of said housing sub-assembly 104 in an assembled position.
4. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lever push button 142 comprises a plurality of transverse projections 144, 146 on one side and a longitudinal projection 140 on the opposite side.
5. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein said longitudinal projection 140 of said lever push button 142 rests in a longitudinal guide 138 of said push button housing 130.
6. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein one of said plurality of transverse projections 144, 146 of said lever push button 142 contacts with a projection 148, 150 on the link toggle 112 when said push ON/OFF switch 100 is actuated.
7. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said push mechanism 110 comprises a resilient member 130 that rests in said push button housing 132.
8. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said push mechanism 110 comprises a mechanism plate 152 for securing said lever push button 142 in said push button housing 132.

9. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein said push button housing 132 comprises a plurality of diagonally opposite lateral legs 134,136 for guiding a plurality of plunger springs 131.
10. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said push ON/OFF switch 100 comprises a mechanical indicator 118.
11. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 10, wherein said mechanical indicator 118 is sandwiched between said housing sub-assembly 104 and a push-button knob 116.
12. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in any one of claims claim 10 and 11, wherein said mechanical indicator 118 is pivotably mounted on said push mechanism 110 such that when said push ON/OFF switch 100 is turned in ON condition, said mechanical indicator 118 rotates and a part 164 of said mechanical indicator 118 becomes visible from an opening 120 in said push-button knob 116.
13. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base sub-assembly 102 comprises a hollow first base 124 that accommodates said rocker terminal Rl and said plurality of line terminals LI, L2.
14. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 13, wherein said base sub-assembly 102 comprises a second base 126 that is mounted on said hollow first base 124 such that said rocker strip 108 projects into said second base 126.

15. The push ON/OFF switch 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upper end of said plunger 114 is received in a slot provided in said link toggle 112 and a tip of said plunger 114 contacts said rocker strip 108.