CN109616363B - Electrical switch with recognition function - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric switch with identification function. Embodiments include a switching assembly for an electrical switch including a switch body having a contact mechanism configured as a control circuit. Movement of the switch assembly from the first position to the second position is mechanically transferred to the contact mechanism. The switch assembly may also include a user operable actuation portion extending between the switch engagement portion and the front end of the switch assembly to enable a user to pivot the switch assembly from the first position to the second position. Second position. Embodiments include interchangeable sheets. The interchangeable sheets may include an identifier. Embodiments include light emitting elements.

Description

Electrical switch with identification function

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/554,665, filed September 6, 2017, U.S. Patent Application 15/813,822, filed November 15, 2017, and Priority to US provisional application 62/666,474, which is incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of electrical switches, and in particular to electrical switches suitable for use in building wiring.

Background technique

In many built environments, lights, electrical outlets, and other devices are controlled by a series of electrical switches (often referred to as "light switches"). For convenience, these switches are usually arranged on a board with two or more switches in close proximity. The individual switches on the board are often generic, leading to user confusion as to which electrical device(s) is controlled by any particular switch.

A variety of labeling options exist for switch plates ranging from permanently marked plates to removable affixed labels. However, in many environments the switch plate design is decorative and labels incorporated into the switch plate may be intrusive.

Accordingly, there is a need to be able to identify electrical switches configured to be controlled electrical devices and/or circuits.

Contents of the invention

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a light switch with an identification label. In an embodiment, the user-facing surface of the electrical switch includes identification symbols on the interchangeable sheet.

Embodiments of the invention include a switching assembly for an electrical switch including a switch body having a contact mechanism configured as a control circuit. The switch assembly may include a switch mating portion proximate to the switch body at a rear end of the switch assembly and operatively coupled to the switch body such that the switch assembly moves from the first position to the second position. Movement is mechanically transmitted to the contact mechanism. The switch assembly may also include a user operable actuation portion extending between the switch engagement portion and the front end of the switch assembly to enable a user to pivot the switch assembly from the first position to the Describe the second position. Embodiments include an interchangeable sheet removably coupled to the actuating portion at a front end of the switching assembly.

In an embodiment, the interchangeable sheet includes a user-containable identifier on the front surface of the interchangeable sheet such that the interchangeable sheet identifies the nature of the circuit controlled by the electrical switch such as , the desired function.

In an embodiment, said interchangeable sheets comprise connecting means at a rear surface of said interchangeable sheets, and said actuating part comprises receiving means at a front surface of said actuating part . The connecting mechanism and the receiving mechanism are configured to provide removable fixation between the interchangeable sheet and the actuating portion.

In an embodiment, the connection mechanism may be a rearwardly directed pin, and the receiving mechanism includes a slot of sufficient diameter to receive the pin. In an embodiment, the connection mechanism may be a rearwardly directed screw, and the receiving mechanism includes a threaded hole configured to receive the screw. In an embodiment, the connection mechanism may include one or more flanges extending along an axis parallel to the front surface of the connection mechanism, and the receiving mechanism may include a flange configured to receive the one or more flanges. One or more slots for .

In an embodiment, a light emitting element, such as a light emitting diode (LED), is also included. In an embodiment, a conductive wire may electrically couple the light emitting element to the circuit controlled by the electrical switch such that the light emitting element is powered by the circuit. In an embodiment, a power source separate from the circuitry may power the light emitting elements. In an embodiment, said interchangeable sheets are manufactured at least partly from a light transmissive material such that light generated by said light emitting elements can be seen at the front surface of said interchangeable sheets. The actuation part may be made of an opaque material such that the light generated by the light emitting element cannot be seen through the actuation part.

In other aspects, embodiments of the invention include an electrical switch for controlling a circuit. The electrical switch includes a switch body, the switch body includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a contact mechanism, the first terminal is used to electrically connect to the first lead of the circuit, and the second terminal is used to electrically connect to the first lead of the circuit. The second lead, the contact mechanism includes a contact point and a lever arm, the contact point is electrically coupled to the first terminal, and the lever arm is electrically coupled to the second terminal. A lever arm is manipulable to selectively contact the contact points. The switch may also include a switch assembly including a switch mating portion proximate to the switch body at a rear end of the switch assembly and operably coupled to the switch body such that when the switch assembly is in the first In the first position, the lever arm is not in contact with the contact point, and when the switching assembly is in the second position, the lever arm is in contact with the contact point. The switch assembly may also include a user-operable actuation portion extending between the switch engagement portion and the front end of the switch assembly to enable a user to move the switch assembly from The first position is pivoted to the second position, and an interchangeable sheet is removably coupled to the actuation portion at a front end of the switch assembly.

In other aspects, embodiments of the invention may include a kit for providing identification of a function of an electrical switch. A kit may include an electrical switch including a switch body including a contact mechanism configured to control a circuit, a switch, and a plurality of interchangeable sheets. A switch is pivotable between a first position and a second position and is operatively coupled to the switch body at a rear end of the switch body, the switch including a A user to the front end can operate the actuation portion. Each of the interchangeable sheets is removably coupled to the actuating portion at a front end of the switch.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter. The figures and detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.

Description of drawings

The inventive subject matter can be more fully understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view showing the electrical switch of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a side view illustrating an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3B is a front view showing the electrical switch of Fig. 3A.

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

4C is a side view illustrating an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

5A is a perspective view illustrating an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

5B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

6A is a top view illustrating an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

6B is a side view illustrating an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6C is a front view showing an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

6D is a perspective view illustrating an electrical switch according to an embodiment.

detailed description

Although the respective embodiments can be changed into various modifications and variations, specifics have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the claims.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical switch 100 . The electrical switch 100 includes a switch 200 operatively coupled to an interchangeable sheet 300 . In an embodiment, the sheet 300 and the switch 200 may be combined into a switch assembly. The light switch 100 enables a user to control a circuit by manipulating the switch 200 . In embodiments, the electrical circuit may include one or more lighting devices, electrical outlets, other devices, or combinations thereof.

The switch 100 may include a switch body 102 . The switch body 102 may have a similar form, size, material and structure as a conventional electrical switch capable of housing the switcher 200 . The switch body 102 may include two or more terminals 104 for connection to leads of an electrical circuit. As shown here, switch 100 is a single polarity light switch that includes terminals 104a and 104b for connection to electrical wiring. Embodiments of the light switch 100 may be three-way or four-way switches, and may include more terminals 104, including one or more ground terminals, to support environments where multiple switches may control circuits.

2A and 2B are exploded perspective views of a switch 100 according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch body 102 also includes a housing 106 , a contact assembly 108 , a shield plate 110 and a mounting plate 112 . In an embodiment, the switch body 102 may have dimensions based on those shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the configuration of the switch body 102 shown and described herein is a specific example and that various alternative configurations may be used, particularly those appropriate to local electrical standards or codes.

The housing 106 may include a pivot bracket 114 . Contact assembly 108 may include contact structures 116 to selectively electrically couple one or more terminals 104 . In an embodiment, the contact mechanism 116 may include a lever arm 118 operatively coupled to the first terminal 104a and a contact point 120 operatively coupled to the second terminal 104b. The lever arm 118 may be spring loaded, flexible, or otherwise manipulable such that inward pressure on the lever arm 118 may break contact between the lever arm 118 and the contact point 120 . The contact assembly may also include a spring 122 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations of the contact mechanism 116 may be used.

Switcher 200 may include a user-operable actuation portion 202 and a switch engagement portion 204 . The switch mating portion 204 may include one or more pivot pins 206 such that the front end 208 of the switch 200 arcs within the switch body 102 (centered on the pivot pin 206 ) by movement of the user-operable actuating portion 202 . Pivots from a first position to a second position. The switch engagement portion 204 may also include one or more features configured to selectively mate with the contact mechanism of the switch body 102 (see FIG. 2A ), such as a strike, button, piston, protrusion, or other feature. The user-operable actuation portion 202 may include a housing mechanism 210 that houses the interchangeable sheet 300 .

When assembled, the pivot pin 206 may cooperate with the pivot bracket 114 such that the actuator portion 202 extends forwardly through the contact assembly 108 , the shield plate 110 and the mounting plate 112 . The actuation portion 202 can protrude outwardly from the switch body 102 by a length of about 19/32 inches, although other lengths can also be used.

The interchangeable sheet 300 may be permanently or removably coupled to the user-operable actuation portion 202 . The interchangeable sheet 300 may include a user-containable identifier 302 on a front surface 304 . Here, the user-inclusive identifier 302 is shown as the letter "K," but may include any letters, numbers, characters, pictograms, icons, other symbols, patterns, colors, or other markings or identifiers that can aid in identification. In an embodiment, the sheet 300 may comprise a material that is temporarily or permanently markable with various substances, including permanent ink, dry erase ink, chalk, graphite, crayons, or other marking materials.

In an embodiment, sheet 300 may exhibit a square cross-section having a length and width of between about 1/8 inch and about 3/8 inch. In embodiments, the sheet 300 may exhibit cross-sections of alternate shapes or sizes, including a shape commensurate with the front end 208 of the switch 200 . Sheet 300 may have a rear surface 306 configured to correspond with front end 208 of switch 200 . Front end 208 and rear surface 306 may be generally curved (as shown), flat, sloped, smooth, rough, or assume a desired shape or texture.

In an embodiment, identifier 302 may be molded into front surface 304 of sheet 300 . In an embodiment, identifier 302 may be raised in high relief or lowered in low relief relative to front surface 304 . In an embodiment, the identifier 302 may appear as an aperture or hole extending from the front surface 304 to the rear surface 306 of the interchangeable sheet 300 .

Sheet 300 may include connection mechanism 308 configured to mate with receiving mechanism 210 of switch 200 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A , receiving member 210 includes structure of switch 200 that defines the size and shape (e.g., width, diameter, length, height, or other dimension) of slot 210 a to accommodate connection mechanism 308 including pin 308 a. . The pins 308a and slots 210a may include a keyed structure such that the sheet 300 is defined into a particular orientation when coupled to the switch 200 .

4A-4C are exploded perspective views illustrating an embodiment of a switch 100 that includes an alternative connection method between the sheet 300 and the switch 200 . In FIG. 4A , sheet 300 includes flange 308b that slidably engages slot 210b of switch 200 . As shown, the slot 210b may extend partially along the surface of the switch 200 at the front end 208, thereby preventing the flange 308b from sliding out of the slot 210b. The slot 210b is shown so that the sheet 300 is inserted from the bottom end of the switch 100, however in embodiments the slot 210b and flange 308b may be arranged so that the sheet 300 is inserted from the bottom, top, left or right side of the switch 200 .

Figure 4B shows sheet 300 including threaded pins or screws 308c. The switcher 200 may include a corresponding threaded hole 210c. Sheet 300 may be rotated by a user such that screw 308c engages hole 210c to removably couple sheet 300 to switch 200 . Figure 4C shows sheet 300 including cover 308d. Cover 308d is configured to extend along switcher 200 toward switch body 102 . The receiving mechanism 210d may include a conventional switcher tip or a textured material to provide additional fit with the cover 308d. In an embodiment, the cover 308d may be constructed of a resilient material (eg, silicone or latex) and may stretch to accommodate one or more sized and configured switches.

As shown in Figures 5A-5B and 6A-6D, the sheet 300 may include a transparent or translucent cover 308d. The receiving mechanism 210 may include a post 210e including a recess 212 to receive a protrusion disposed on one or more interior surfaces of the cover 308d. Front surface 304 may include labels, stickers, decals, or other interchangeable decorative elements. As noted above, front surface 304 may be partially transparent or translucent to enable transmission of light through user-containable identifier 302 .

In an embodiment, the connection mechanism 308 and the receiving mechanism 210 may be removably attached by a press fit or friction fit between the respective components. In alternative embodiments, each of the connection mechanism 308 and the receiving mechanism 210 may also include compatible adhesive surfaces. In embodiments, the adhesive surface may include a temporarily removable adhesive or a permanent adhesive.

Although a number of connection mechanisms 308 and receiving mechanisms 210 are shown and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other connection methods may be used, including male and female snap connectors, hook and loop connectors, magnetic connectors, or tabs. Any other connector that can be removably connected or permanently connected between the material 300 and the switch 200.

Now returning to FIG. 1 , in an embodiment, the switch 100 may further include a light emitting element 500 . The light emitting element 500 may be a light emitting diode (LED) or other light source capable of generating light without causing excess power consumption or heat generation of the switch 100 . In an embodiment, the light emitting element 500 may consume power from an independent battery or other power source. In an embodiment, the light emitting element 500 may be electrically coupled to a terminal by one or more conductive traces (not shown) to dissipate energy from a circuit controlled by a switch.

In an embodiment, light emitting element 500 may comprise a multi-element LED, such as a red-green-blue (RGB) LED described in US Patent No. 8,339,058 to Simmers, or other light source capable of emitting light of different colors. In an embodiment, the light emitting element 500 may be factory configured to display a particular color. In an embodiment, the switch 100 may include a configuration mechanism suitable to enable a user to select the color or intensity of the light emitting element 500 . In an embodiment, the configuration mechanism may include one or more switches, dials, or jumpers to enable the user to determine whether the light emitting element 500 will emit light, and if so, determine the relative intensity of each element of the multi-element LED to Determine the color. In an embodiment, the configuration mechanism may comprise a wired or wireless connection to a control device (e.g., a computer, mobile phone, tablet, remote control or other device) adapted to transmit information interpreted by the configuration mechanism to the light emitting element 500. A control signal for modifying operating parameters.

In an embodiment, switch 200 and sheet 300 may be constructed of hard plastic or other material suitable to allow operation of switch 100 . In an embodiment, all or part of the switch 200 and the sheet 300 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent to allow the light emitted from the light emitting element 500 to be seen from all or part of the switch 200 and the sheet 300 Light. The switch body 102 can be constructed from various materials known to those skilled in the art for constructing point switches.

Although switch 100 has been shown and described as a toggle switch, in embodiments of the present invention, switch 100 may be configured as a rocker switch, a dimmer switch, a push button switch, or other electrical switch configurations known in the art.

In an embodiment, one or more switches 100 may be provided in a kit comprising a plurality of interchangeable sheets 300 such that the identifier 302 displayed on the switch 100 may be selected when the switch is installed. For example, in one embodiment, a kit may include a single switch 100 or toggle 200 and multiple sheets 300 . In an embodiment, a kit may include a plurality of switches and a plurality of identifiers arranged in a ganged panel configuration (eg, one, two, three or more ganged switches).

In an embodiment, the sheet 300 may be provided in a kit based on a generally grouped switch type arrangement. For example, one set may include identifiers for common family rooms (eg, kitchen, living room, and bedroom). Other sets may include, for example, identifiers for ceiling lights, floor lights, or audio equipment. The sheet material 300 is provided in a set corresponding to combinations of English (or other language) letters, Arabic numerals (1-10) or colors, pattern shapes or other designs.

In use, the sheet 300 may provide an identifier associated with the circuit controlled by the switch 100 so that a user may more easily distinguish the purpose of multiple switches 100 within a single area.

Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These examples are given by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that various features of the described embodiments can be combined in various ways to yield many additional embodiments. Furthermore, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with the disclosed embodiments, other than those disclosed may be used without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. other materials.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter herein may include fewer features than shown in any single embodiment above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive representation of the ways in which various features of the inventive subject matter may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, various embodiments may include combinations of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even if not described in those embodiments unless otherwise stated.

Although dependent claims may refer to a specific combination in a claim with one or more other claims, other embodiments may also include combinations of the subject matter of a dependent claim with each other dependent claim or one or more features Combination with other dependent claims or independent claims. Unless it is stated that a particular combination is not desired, such combinations are proposed herein.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is contained that is contrary to the express disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims contained in the documents are incorporated herein by reference. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated herein by reference unless expressly included herein.

Claims (13)

1. A switching assembly for an electrical switch, the electrical switch including a switch body having a contact assembly configured to control an electrical circuit, the switching assembly comprising:

a light emitting element including a light emitting diode;

a switch mating portion proximate to and operatively coupled to the switch body at a rear end of the switching assembly such that movement of the switching assembly from a first position to a second position is mechanically transferred to the contact assembly, the switch mating portion including a switching insert adapted to receive the light emitting element and mate with a rear portion of an actuator portion;

wherein the actuation portion extends between the switch mating portion and a forward end of the switch assembly such that a user can pivot the switch assembly from the first position to the second position;

an interchangeable sheet removably coupled to the actuation portion at a front end of the switching assembly, the interchangeable sheet including a front surface showing an identifier, the interchangeable sheet at least partially including a light transmissive material such that light generated by the light emitting element when the interchangeable sheet is coupled to the actuation portion is visible at the front surface of the interchangeable sheet; and

a cover adapted to removably couple about a front of the actuation portion such that the interchangeable sheet is disposed within the cover behind a front surface of the cover when the cover is coupled to the actuation portion;

wherein the front surface of the cover comprises a light transmissive material.

2. The switching assembly of claim 1, wherein the front surface of the cover is connected to a bottom surface of the cover that extends further forward from the actuation portion than a top surface of the cover such that the front surface of the cover is presented at an upward facing angle when the cover is coupled to the actuation portion.

3. The switching assembly of claim 1 wherein said front surface of said interchangeable sheet is presented at an upwardly facing angle when said interchangeable sheet is coupled to said actuator portion.

4. The switching assembly of claim 1 wherein the interchangeable sheet includes a connection mechanism at a rear surface thereof and the actuator includes a receiving mechanism at a front surface thereof; and wherein the connecting mechanism and the receiving mechanism are configured to provide removable securement between the interchangeable sheet and the actuating portion.

5. The switching assembly of claim 4, wherein the connecting mechanism includes a rearwardly directed pin and the receiving mechanism includes a slot of sufficient diameter to receive the pin.

6. The switching assembly of claim 4, wherein the connection mechanism includes a rearwardly directed screw and the receiving mechanism includes a threaded bore configured to receive the screw.

7. The switching assembly of claim 4, wherein the connection mechanism includes one or more flanges extending along an axis parallel to a front surface of the connection mechanism, and the receiving mechanism includes one or more slots configured to receive the one or more flanges.

8. The switching assembly of claim 1, further comprising a conductive wire electrically coupling the light emitting element to the circuit controlled by the electrical switch such that the light emitting element is powered by the circuit.

9. The switching assembly of claim 1, further comprising a power source independent of the circuit such that the light emitting element is powered by the power source.

10. The switching assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuation portion comprises an opaque material such that light generated by the light emitting element is not visible through the actuation portion.

11. An electrical switch for controlling an electrical circuit, the electrical switch comprising:

a switch body, which comprises

A first terminal for electrical connection to a first lead of the circuit,

a second terminal for electrical connection to a second lead of the circuit,

a contact assembly comprising

A contact point electrically coupled to the first terminal, an

A lever arm electrically coupled to the second terminal, the lever arm being manipulable to selectively contact the contact point;

a switching assembly comprising

A light emitting element including a light emitting diode;

a switch mating portion proximate to and operatively coupled to the switch body at a rear end of the switching assembly such that the lever arm is not in contact with the contact point when the switching assembly is in a first position and the lever arm is in contact with the contact point when the switching assembly is in a second position, the switch mating portion including a switch insert adapted to receive the light emitting element and mate with a rear portion of an actuation portion;

wherein the actuation portion extends between the switch mating portion and a forward end of the switch assembly such that a user can pivot the switch assembly from the first position to the second position;

an interchangeable sheet removably coupled to the actuator at a front end of the switching assembly, the interchangeable sheet including a front surface showing an identifier, the interchangeable sheet at least partially including a light transmissive material such that light generated by the light emitting element when the interchangeable sheet is coupled to the actuator is visible at the front surface of the interchangeable sheet; and

a cover adapted to removably couple about a front of the actuation portion such that the interchangeable sheet is disposed within the cover behind a front surface of the cover when the cover is coupled to the actuation portion;

wherein the front surface of the cover comprises a light transmissive material.

12. The electrical switch of claim 11, wherein said interchangeable sheet includes a connection mechanism at a rear surface thereof and said actuator includes a receiving mechanism at a front surface thereof; and wherein the attachment mechanism and the receiving mechanism are configured to provide removable securement between the interchangeable sheet and the actuation portion.

13. The electrical switch of claim 11, wherein the identifier identifies a property of the electrical circuit controlled by the electrical switch.

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