Claims:1. A rotary switch comprising:
a switch handle;
a rotary mechanism operatively coupled to the switch handle and configured to control actuation of the switch handle between a first position and a second position, wherein the first and second positions correspond to ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ conditions of the switch; and
a contact system operatively coupled to the rotary mechanism and to the switch handle, wherein the contact system is configured with plurality of contact paths and corresponding means to make or break the plurality of contact paths in a synchronized manner as the switch handle is moved between the first and second positions;
wherein movement of the switch handle, the rotary mechanism and the contact system beyond ON and OFF positions is restrained by a stopper pin operatively coupled to the rotary mechanism and the contact system through a slot.
2. The rotary switch of claim1, wherein the rotary mechanism is housed in a top housing and comprises a mechanism cam and a mechanism stopper configured to move the switch between the first position and the second position.
3. The rotary switch of claim1, wherein the contact system is housed in a bottom housing and comprises a contact cam, and terminals and bridge assemblies corresponding to each of the plurality of contact paths.
4. The rotary switch of claim 3, wherein the top housing and the bottom housing are joined together with bottom of the top housing separating the rotary mechanism and the contact system.
5. The rotary switch of claim 4, wherein the slot is located in the bottom of the top housing and is arc shaped.
6. The rotary switch of claim 5, wherein the stopper pin is configured between mechanism cam and the contact cam and passes through the slot in the bottom of the top housing.
7. The rotary switch of claim 6, wherein two ends of the stopper pin are configured with mechanism cam and the contact cam in two blind holes in respective cams.
8. The rotary switch of claim 3, wherein the bridge assemblies incorporate a moving contact configured to make or break the contact paths.
9. The rotary switch of claim 3, wherein the contact cam moves between the first position and the second position when the switch handle is moved between the first position and the second position.
10. The rotary switch of claim 9, wherein the bridge assemblies are operatively coupled to the contact cam and the contact cam, when moved between the first position and the second position, causes the bridge assemblies to slide and make or break the contact paths.
, Description:This is an application for patent of addition for which the main application is 903/MUM/2015 filed on 19/03/2015.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of low voltage power control equipment. In particular it relates to a rotary cam switch carrying multiple contact points in a single stage and having coupled cams.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art
[0003] Low voltage power supply and control systems require switching equipment that provide isolation and are capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal conditions. These switches should also be capable of withstanding short circuit conditions for 1 sec. within the power distribution and control systems these switches are required for diverse applications such as in motor control centers, in switchboards and panels for switching of equipment and machines and switching of main / control and instrumentation circuits, motor ON-OFF and other special application circuits.
[0004] In three phase applications, the control switches are required to control all phases simultaneously which is typically achieved by arranging individual switches pertaining to different phases at different depths (multiple stages). This arrangement leads to requirement of considerable depth in panels where these switches are installed which may not be available in certain applications.
[0005] There are disclosures pertaining to rotary switches that accommodates multiple contact points (more than two) in a single stage thereby reducing the depth of the switch and corresponding reduction in requirement of space in switch panel. A typical cam based rotary switch that accommodates multiple contact points in a single stage is illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. The switch comprises a cam based rotary mechanism 102 configured to control actuation of a switch handle 104 between two desired positions and a cam based contact system 106 operatively coupled to the rotary mechanism 102 and configured with multiple contact paths and means to make or break these contact paths in a synchronized manner as the switch handle 104 is moved from one desired position to other. The rotary mechanism 102 also comprises two stopper pins 110 and a pin 112 which together restrict the movement of rotary mechanism 102 within a desired predetermined range such as 60 degrees or more. The configuration of the two stopper pins 110 and the pin 112 takes some space 114 and therefore there is a scope of further reducing height of the rotary switch by providing alternate means to restrict the movement of rotary mechanism within a desired range.
[0006] There is therefore need for an improved three phase cam based rotary switch that incorporates improved means to restrict the movement of rotary mechanism within a desired range and has reduced height thereby further reducing the requirement of space in switch panel. Such a switch can result in overall economy in manufacture and in installation with corresponding benefit to users.
[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0008] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cam based, single stage, multi contact path rotary switch that has lower height than other similar known switches thus overcoming problem of installing switches in panels which have lesser depths for mounting.
[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to provide alternate means to restrict movement of rotary mechanism that eliminates need for separate space for mechanism to restrict motion.
[0014] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a unique coupling between mechanism cam and contact system cam that reduces height of the switch.
[0015] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a common housing for mechanism and contact system thus reducing number of components.
[0016] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce tooling cost for the rotary switch.
[0017] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce assembly time for the rotary switch.

SUMMARY
[0018] Aspects of present disclosure relate to a rotary cam switch carrying multiple contact points in a single stage. In an aspect the disclosed switch has lower height than other similar known switches thus overcomes problem of installing switches in panels which have lesser depths for mounting.
[0019] In an aspect, the disclosed switch can comprise a rotary mechanism and a contact system. The rotary mechanism can be configured to control actuation of a switch handle between two desired positions and accordingly actuate the contact system operatively coupled to the rotary mechanism. The contact system can be configured with multiple contact paths and means to make or break these contact paths in a synchronized manner as the switch handle is moved from one desired position to other.
[0020] In an aspect, the rotary mechanism can be cam based. It can comprise a star shaped cam and a mechanism stopper. The star shaped cam and the mechanism stopper are configured to move the switch between two desired positions corresponding to ON and OFF conditions.
[0021] In an aspect, the contact system can also be cam based and can incorporate a terminal and a bridge assembly for each of the contact paths. Each of the bridge assemblies can incorporate a moving contact configured to make or break the contact path by a sliding motion in radial direction. The bridge assemblies are operatively coupled to a contact system cam (or contact cam and terms used interchangeably hereinafter); the contact cam when rotated from one desired position to other causes the bridge assemblies to slide and make or break the contact paths. In an embodiment the contact system incorporates three contact paths thus eliminating requirement of any additional stage for a three phase application.
[0022] In an aspect, the rotary mechanism and the contact system can be housed in two separate housings, a top housing and a bottom housing respectively, that are joined together such that the rotary mechanism and the contact system are separated by a wall. In an aspect the wall is bottom part of the top housing.
[0023] In an aspect, the rotary switch can further incorporate means to restrict movement (rotation) of the rotary mechanism, and thus of the switch handle and the contact system, within a desired predetermined range such as 60 degrees. The means can be a stopper pin configured between the star shaped cam of the rotary mechanism (or mechanism cam and the terms used interchangeably hereinafter) and the cam of the contact system (or contact system cam or contact cam and the terms used interchangeably hereinafter) wherein the pin passes through an arc shaped slot in the wall separating the rotary mechanism and the contact system. Limited length of the arc shaped slot restricts the movement of the pin within the length of the slot thus restricting the rotational movement of the two cams and therefore the switch.
[0024] Thus the present disclosure eliminates the need of additional space that was taken by the two stopper pins and the pin which together restricted the movement of the switch in earlier known rotary switch. Further the rotary mechanism and contact system are now housed in housings that are joined directly instead of intermediate space for the two stopper pins and the pin. The configuration reduces number of components with corresponding reduction in tooling cost and assembly time; bringing overall economy in production of the rotary switch.
[0025] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate typical exploded view and side view of a rotary cam switch known in the art.
[0028] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C illustrate exemplary top view, side view and perspective view of the rotary cam switch in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the rotary cam switch in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram showing arrangement of a stopper pin between mechanism cam and contact system cam in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of top housing incorporating an arc shaped slot in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
[0032] FIG. 6B and FIG. 6B illustrate exemplary top and bottom views of the top housing indicating the stopper pin connected to the mechanism cam and contact cam respectively and in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram showing arrangement of a stopper pin between mechanism cam and contact system cam in the bottom housing in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG.8A, FIG.8B and FIG.8C illustrate exemplary bottom, top and perspective views respectively of the mechanism cam in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C illustrate exemplary bottom, top and perspective views respectively of the contact system cam in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C illustrate exemplary schematic diagrams indicating working of a mechanism cam and rotary mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B and FIG. 11C illustrate exemplary schematic diagrams indicating working of a contact system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of bridge assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0040] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0041] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0042] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0043] Embodiments of present disclosure relate to a rotary cam switch (or rotary switch) carrying multiple contact points in a single stage. In an aspect the disclosed switch has lower height than other similar known switches thus the disclosed switch overcomes problem of installing switches in panels which have lesser depths for mounting.
[0044] In an embodiment, the disclosed switch can comprise a rotary mechanism and a contact system wherein both rotary mechanism and the contact system are cam based and the two cams are linked by a stopper pin passing through an arc shaped slot. The arc shaped slot and the stopper pin together restrict rotary motion of the rotary mechanism to the extent of the length of the slot, and thus of the switch handle, within a desired predetermined range such as 60 degrees.
[0045] In an embodiment, the rotary mechanism and the contact system can be housed in two separate housings, top housing and bottom housing respectively, that are joined together such that the rotary mechanism and the contact system are separated by bottom of the top housing. The bottom of the top housing thus forming a wall between the cams of the rotary mechanism and the contact system and incorporates the arc shaped slot of limited length that in combination with the stopper pin restricts rotary motion of the switch handle within a desired predetermined range such as 60 degrees or more.
[0046] Thus the present disclosure eliminates the need of additional space that was taken by the two stopper pins and the pin which together restricted the movement of the switch in earlier known rotary switch. Further the rotary mechanism and contact system are now housed in housings that are joined directly instead of intermediate space for the two stopper pins and the pin. The configuration reduces number of components with corresponding reduction in tooling cost and assembly time; bringing overall economy in production of the rotary switch.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, wherein exemplary perspective view 220, top view 240and side view 260 respectively of the rotary cam switch 200 are disclosed. As shown in FIG. 2A, the disclosed rotary cam switch can comprise of a rotary mechanism (not visible) and a contact system 204. The rotary mechanism can be configured to control actuation of a switch handle 206 between two desired positions such as ‘ON’ position and ‘OFF’ position marked on top plate 208 configured on mechanism top cover 212. The switch handle 206, the rotary mechanism and the contact system 204 can be operatively coupled through a shaft 210 such that when switch handle 206 is operated from one position to the other position, the rotary mechanism actuates the contact system 204. The contact system 204 can be configured with multiple contact paths and means to make or break these contact paths in a synchronized manner as the switch handle 206 is moved from one position to other.
[0048] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary top view 240 of the rotary cam switch 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The view shows and the top plate 208 and the switch handle 206 fixed to the shaft 210 (not shown here) by a screw214. The top plate 208 can be marked with ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ positions and these markings can correspond to positions that the switch handle 206 can take under control of the rotary mechanism 202.
[0049] FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary side view 260 of the rotary cam switch 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown in the view 260 are the rotary mechanism 202 and the contact system 204 coupled to each other without any space between them that in earlier rotary switch was provided to accommodate the stopper pins 110 and the pin 112 (refer prior art FIG. 1). The rotary mechanism 202 and the contact system 204 can be operatively coupled to each other by the shaft 210 that can additionally hold the switch handle 206 such that when the switch handle 206 is moved from one position to other, shaft 210 moves the rotary mechanism 202 and the contact system 204 in synchronization; with the rotary mechanism 202 controlling the movement.
[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary exploded view 300 of the rotary cam switch 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The switch handle 206, mechanism top cover 212, the top plate 208, the screw 214 and the shaft 210 are shown in the upper part of the exploded view 300 in configuration as described above. Further shown are top housing 302 and bottom housing 304 configured to house rotary mechanism 202 and contact system204 respectively. The top housing 302 can be configured to house a star shaped mechanism cam 306 and a mechanism stopper 308. The mechanism stopper can be configured within a slot in the top housing 302 along with a spring 310 such that it can slide radially guided by the slot and engage with the mechanism cam 306.
[0051] The bottom housing 304 can be configured to house contact cam 312 and plurality of bridge assemblies 318. Each of the plurality of the bridge assembly 318 can be configured within a slot in the bottom housing 304 and can be backed by springs 320 to move the bridge assembly 318 towards center of the bottom housing 304. Each of the bridge assembly318 can comprise a moving contact that can make contact with terminal assemblies 314 configured on the bottom housing 304 as shown. Thus movement of the bridge assembly 318 towards center of the bottom housing 304 can make the contact of the corresponding contact path and its movement away can break the contact path.
[0052] The exemplary embodiment is configured with three bridge assemblies 318 corresponding to three contact paths such that the switch 200 can be used for three phase application. As is apparent, if the bottom housing 304 were to house less than three contact paths, one more housing in an additional layer corresponding to an additional stage would be required to accommodate additional contact path for the third phase thereby increasing the height of the switch 200 with corresponding increase in space requirement.
[0053] Though the exemplary embodiment shows only three contact paths, it would be apparent to those skilled in art that it is possible to add more paths in the bottom housing 304with corresponding changes in other parts of the switch 200 and all such modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0054] In an embodiment, the contact cam 312 can be configured in the center of the bottom housing 304 and rotate relative to the bottom housing 304. It can be further configured to cause movement of the bridge assemblies 318 in a synchronized manner so that all the contact paths are made or broken simultaneously. It should be understood that though in the exemplary embodiment all contact points make or break simultaneously in synchronized manner, it is possible to configure the contact cam 312 differently such that the multiple contact paths are made or broken in any set pattern to meet the requirement of different applications and all such modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0055] In an embodiment, the bottom housing 304 incorporates required clearances and creep ages so that no internal arcing or flashover can take place. Further the bottom housing 304 also incorporates proper venting near terminals from where the generated gases can escape out.
[0056] In an embodiment, the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 can be operatively coupled to each other and to the switch handle 206 by means of shaft 210 such that when the switch handle 206 is rotated from ON to Off position or vice versa, the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 rotate together wherein the mechanism cam 302 can function to control position of the switch 200 and contact cam 312 can function to make or break the multiple contact paths depending on position of the switch 200. After all the components are configured within the top housing 302 and the bottom housing 304, and the two cams are coupled by the shaft 210, the mechanism top cover 212, the top housing 302 and the bottom housing 304 can be permanently joined together by means such as rivets 322 to complete the switch assembly.
[0057] In an embodiment, the switch 200 incorporates means to restrict rotational motion of the switch handle 206, the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 keeping ON and OFF positions within its range. The means can be a stopper pin configured between the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 and passing through an arc shaped slot in the in the wall separating the cam mechanism 306 and the contact cam 312. The stopper pin can rotate along with the two cams but is restricted by length of the slot so as to restrict the rotation of the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 and the switch handle 206 to a predetermined travel such as 60 degrees or more that covers ON and OFF positions within the travel range.
[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram 400 showing arrangement of a stopper pin between the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312can be configured with a blind round hole 404 on one of their sides that faces the other cam. The stopper pin 402 diameter and diameter of the blind hole 404 can be dimensioned to provide a slide fit for the stopper pin 402 in the hole 404.
[0059] In an embodiment, the wall that separates the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 can be part of the top housing 302. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram 500 of the top housing 302 incorporating an arc shaped slot in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown the arc shaped slot 502 can be configured at the bottom of the top housing 302 wherein the bottom of the top housing 302 is the wall separating the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 with the two cams located on opposite sides of the bottom of the top housing 302.
[0060] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate exemplary schematic diagrams 600 and 650 respectively showing arrangement of the stopper pin 402 between the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 in the top housing 302 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 6A shows top view of the top housing 302 with slot 502 at bottom face, stopper pin 402 passing through the slot 502 and positioned to couple with the mechanism cam 306. View 602 shows an enlarged view of the slot 502 and the stopper pin 402. As is evident from the view 602, movement of the stopper pin 402 and therefore the two cams to which the stopper pin 402 is attached, is restricted by the slot 502 to the extent shown by arrow there.
[0061] FIG. 6B shows a bottom view 650 of the top housing 302 with stopper pin 402 passing through the slot 502 and positioned to couple with the contact cam 312.
[0062] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram 700 showing arrangement of the stopper pin 402 between the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 in the bottom housing 304 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The stopper pin 402 is configured between the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 through their respective bind holes.
[0063] FIG.8A, FIG.8B and FIG.8C illustrate exemplary bottom, top and perspective views respectively of the mechanism cam 306 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown the mechanism cam 306 can be star shaped having six lobes/V-notches spaced 60 degrees apart on the circumference of the cam 306. On one of its sides the mechanism cam 306 incorporates a blind hole 404 to accommodate one end of the stopper pin 402.
[0064] FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C illustrate exemplary bottom, top and perspective views respectively of the contact cam 312 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown the contact cam 312 can have only three slots spaced 120 degrees apart on the circumference of the contact cam 312. Just as for the mechanism cam 306, one side of the contact cam 306 can incorporates a blind hole 902 to accommodate other end of the stopper pin 402. Both the cams can also have square or some other shaped hole located at the center for the shaft 210 to pass through and be in rotational engagement.
[0065] FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C illustrate exemplary schematic diagrams indicating working of the mechanism cam 306 and the rotary mechanism 202 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The rotary mechanism 202 can comprise of the top housing 302 configured with the star shaped mechanism cam 306 and a mechanism stopper 1002 located in a slot backed by a mechanism spring 1004to have radial movement toward center under force of the spring 1004. The mechanism cam 306 and the mechanism stopper 1002 are operatively coupled to stop rotation of the mechanism cam 306 in certain positions. The shapes of the V notches on the mechanism cam 306 and the mechanism stopper 1002 can be complimentary such that they engage and stop the rotation of the mechanism cam 306 under force of the mechanism spring 810 that presses the mechanism stopper 1002 against the mechanism cam 306.
[0066] FIG. 10A shows position of the rotary mechanism 202 with the mechanism stopper 1002 engaged in one of the V notches on the mechanism cam 306 which is a stable position for rotary mechanism 202. As the switch handle is rotated, the mechanism cam 306 also rotates and the rotary mechanism 202 can take a position as shown in FIG. 10B which shows the mechanism stopper 1002 resting at a point in between two V notches (lobe of the cam) on the mechanism cam 306. The position as shown in the FIG. 10B is an unstable position for the switch 200 as under influence of the mechanism spring 1004 the mechanism stopper 1002 shall tend to make the mechanism cam 306 to rotate beyond/back to next/previous V notch depending on the force on the switch handle. FIG. 10B shows a stable position of the rotary mechanism 202 wherein the mechanism stopper 1002 has come to rest in next V notch. In an aspect the two adjacent notches can correspond to ON and OFF positions of the switch 200.
[0067] FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B and FIG. 11C illustrate exemplary schematic diagrams indicating working of the contact system 204 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The contact system 204 can comprise of the bottom housing 304 configured with the contact cam 312 and plurality of bridge assemblies 318. Each of the plurality of the bridgeassemblies318 can be configured within a slot in the bottom housing 304 and can be backed by springs 320 to move the bridge assembly318 towards center of the bottom housing 304. Each of the bridge assembly 318 can comprise a moving contact that can make contact with terminal assemblies 314 configured on the bottom housing 304 as shown. Thus movement of the bridge assembly 318 towards center of the bottom housing 304 can make the contact of the corresponding contact path and its movement away can break the contact path.
[0068] Also shown in FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B and FIG. 11C are views of the contact system 204 during operation from ON to OFF position. When the switch 200 is in “ON” position, position of the contact cam 312 and the bridge assemblies 318 can be as shown in view 1125 of FIG. 11A. In this position the bridge assemblies 318 can be in radially inwards position making the contact between the moving contacts and the terminal assembly 314. As the contact cam 312 is rotated, as shown in view 1150 of FIG. 11B, the slots of the contact cam 312 can move away from respective bridge assemblies 318 pushing them radially outward against the force of the springs 410 thus breaking the contact between the moving contacts of the bridge assemblies 318 and the terminal assemblies 314. This position is shown in view 1175 of FIG. 11C and corresponds to OFF position of the switch 200.
[0069] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of bridge assembly 318 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown the bridge assembly can comprise a bridge 1202 and a moving contact 1204 configured to move along with the bridge 1202.
[0070] In an embodiment, the mechanism cam 306 and the contact cam 312 can be configured such that position of slots on the contact cam 312 matches with one of the v-shaped notches on the mechanism cam 306 and this position can correspond to ‘ON’ position of the switch 200. The next v-shaped notch on the mechanism cam 306 can correspond to ‘OFF’ position of the switch 200. In the exemplary embodiment the mechanism cam 306 has 6V notches therefore ‘ON’ to ‘OFF’ movement of the switch 200 can correspond to 60 degree rotation of the switch handle 206. This 60 degree movement can match the restricted rotation of the switch 200 restrained by the stopper pin 402 and the slot 502 such that the switch handle 206 cannot be moved beyond ON and OFF positions of the switch 200.
[0071] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0072] The present disclosure provides a cam based, single stage, multi contact path rotary switch that has lower height than other similar known switches thus overcoming problem of installing switches in panels which have lesser depths for mounting.
[0073] The present disclosure provides alternate means to restrict movement of rotary mechanism that eliminates need for separate space for mechanism to restrict motion.
[0074] The present disclosure provides a unique coupling between mechanism cam and contact system cam that reduces height of the switch.
[0075] The present disclosure provides a common housing for mechanism and contact system thus reducing number of components.
[0076] The present disclosure reduces tooling cost for the rotary switch.
[0077] The present disclosure reduces assembly time for the rotary switch.