AU2016102061A4 - Switch assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric switch assembly (10) includes a base (16) with an outer perimeter (22), an outer face (24) facing a front side of the assembly, and an inner face (26) facing a rear side of the assembly with a switch actuator (18) within the outer perimeter. An elastomeric cover (20) has a front surface (30) and an opposite rear surface (32) and includes an attachment portion (34) for detachably mounting the cover onto the base with the rear surface extending over the outer face of the cover. A first portion (36) of the cover extends over the switch actuator with the front surface facing the front side of the assembly. The first portion enables a visible determination from the front side of the assembly of at least one position at which the at least one switch actuator is located. The first portion is flexible such that the switch is pressably actuatable via the cover from the front surface. Fig. ig 2 v 28 12 18- 22 36 50 48 12 - --9 - 36, -16 32 46 50 24 22 14" 30 56.. 36 10 4' 20 --16 0 Fi 41 Fig.P 3 3

Description

2016102061 01 Dec 2016 1

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Innovation Patent

Invention Title: Switch assembly

The invention is described in the following statement 2 2016102061 01 Dec 2016

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to light switch assemblies.

5 BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Typical electric switches include switch actuators mounted on bases so as to be movable relative to the bases, often in a rocking movement in order to close or open an electric circuit, for example for switching a light on or off, or activating 10 or deactivating an electrically powered item or device.

Usually, there is a slight gap between the switch actuator and the base which allows the ingress of water or moisture, air and dust to the space behind the base, which can affect the integrity and operation of the switch. In addition, such 15 switches are subject to being touched frequently which results in the accumulation of dirt, grime and germs on the switches, which can be detrimental especially in locations where high levels of hygiene are often required such as hospitals. 20 Another difficulty often experienced with switches, especially light switches, is that they are difficult to locate when it is dark, which is a situation in which it may be desired to use the switch to switch on a light.

In is an object of the invention to overcome or ameliorate disadvantages of the 25 prior art, or to provide a useful alternative thereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided an electric switch assembly 30 adapted for controlling at least part of an electric circuit, the assembly including: a base having an outer perimeter, an outer face facing a front side of the assembly, and an inner face facing a rear side of the assembly; 3 2016102061 01 Dec 2016 at least one switch actuator mounted on the base at at least one position within the outer perimeter, the switch actuator being movable relative to the base for effecting control over at least part of the electric circuit; and an elastomeric cover having a front surface and an opposite rear 5 surface, the cover including at least one attachment portion for detachably mounting the cover onto the base such that the rear surface extends substantially continuously over, and in a face to face relationship with, the outer face of the cover, with at least one first portion of the cover extending over the at least one switch actuator and with the front surface facing the front side of 10 the assembly, the at least one first portion enabling a visible determination from the front side of the assembly of at least one position at which the at least one switch actuator is located, wherein said at least one first portion of the cover is flexible such that the switch is pressably actuatable via the cover from the front surface. 15

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the cover includes at least one second portion surrounding said at least one first portion, such that said at least one first portion protrudes relative to the at least one second portion towards the front side of the assembly. 20

Preferably, the at least one first portion is of convex formation relative to the front side of the assembly.

The at least one first portion of the cover and at least one second portion of the 25 cover preferably together constitute the entirety of the front surface of the cover.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment portion is adapted to mount the cover onto the base such that the cover is substantially waterproof relative to the at least one switch actuator. 30

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment portion is adapted to mount the cover onto the base such that the cover is substantially airtight relative to the at least one switch actuator. 4 2016102061 01 Dec 2016

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment portion is adapted to mount the cover onto the base such that the cover is substantially dustproof relative to the switch actuator. 5 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly includes at least one light source disposed adjacent to the inner face of the base, the light source being adapted for connection to an electric power supply and for being illuminated when electrically powered by said power supply such that light from the light source is visible adjacent to at least a portion of the outer perimeter 10 from the front side of the assembly.

In that case, preferably, light from the at least one light source is visible via a portion of the cover extending around the outer perimeter. 15 In a preferred embodiment of the invention the electric power supply includes said electric circuit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly includes a motion detector switch device having a disconnection condition in which the at least 20 one light source is electrically disconnected from the power supply, and a connection condition in which the switch device effects electrical connection between the at least one light source and the power supply whereby the at least one light source is illuminated by the power supply, wherein the switch device is adapted to detect motion of a body at a position proximate the front side of 25 the assembly and to change from the disconnection condition to the connection condition on such detection of motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 30 Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic, perspective, exploded view of a light switch assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; 2016102061 01 Dec 2016 5

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section, viewed from the side, of the light switch assembly of Figure 1 mounted on a surface;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section, corresponding to the view of Figure 2, of the light switch assembly according to another embodiment of the invention; 5 and

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section, corresponding to the view of Figure 2, of the light switch assembly according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 10

Referring to the drawings, there is shown an electric switch assembly 10 having a front side 12 and a rear side 14. The assembly 10 includes a base 16, a pair of switch actuators 18, and an elastomeric cover 20. Although two switch actuators 18 are shown, other embodiments may have different numbers of 15 switch actuators, such as a single switch actuator or a plurality of switch actuators exceeding two in number.

The base 16 has an outer perimeter 22, an outer face 24 facing the front side 12 of the assembly 10, and an inner 26 face facing the rear side 14 of the 20 assembly.

The switch actuators 18 are mounted on the base 16 at positions within the outer perimeter 22. Each switch actuator 18 is moveable relative to the base 16 for effecting control over an electric circuit 28 as described in more detail below. 25

According to a preferred embodiment, each switch actuator 18 is in the form of a button which is spring loaded by a spring (not shown) to a non-depressed position, and can be pressed into a depressed position relative to the base 16. 30 The cover 20 is of silicon rubber. Flowever, in other embodiments the cover 20 is of other suitable elastomeric materials. 6 2016102061 01 Dec 2016

The cover 20 has a front surface 30 and an opposite rear surface 32. The cover 20 includes, around its periphery, an attachment portion in the form of a rim 34. As described in more detail below, the rim 34 is adapted for detachably mounting the cover 20 onto the base 16. 5

The cover 20 includes a pair of press portions 36 and a surrounding portion 38. The press portions 36 are shaped to protrude outwardly with respect to the front surface 30, in a convex fashion relative to the surrounding portion 38. The entire cover 20, including the press portions 36, is flexible and stretchable due to being 10 made of silicon rubber.

The press portions 36 and surrounding portion 38 together constitute the entirety of the front surface 30 of the cover 20. 15 The cover 20 is shaped to be mounted onto the base 16. In order to mount the cover 20 onto the base 16, the cover is stretched relative to the base so that the rim 34 extends over the perimeter 22 of the base. The cover 20 can then be released so that the rim 34 is disposed adjacent to the perimeter and contracts into engagement with the outer face 24 of the base 16, as shown in 20 Figures 2 and 3.

Because of the respective dimensions of the base 16 and the cover 20, when the cover is mounted on the base in this fashion, it is in a stretched condition, so that the rim 34 is in tight, sealing engagement with the outer face 24 of the 25 base. In this position, the rear surface 32 of the cover 20 extends as a continuous expanse over the entirety of the outer face 24 of the base 16, in a face-to-face relationship with that outer face, with the front surface 30 of the cover facing the front side 12 of the assembly 10. 30 With the cover 20 mounted on the base 16, the press portions 36 are aligned with the switch actuators 18. Thus, the positions of the switch actuators 18 are visible from the front side 12 of the assembly 10. 7 2016102061 01 Dec 2016

In order to provide space for the rim 34 adjacent to the inner face 26 of the base 16, the base is adapted to be mounted on a mounting surface 40, such as a wall, in such a manner as to be spaced from the mounting surface. 5 According to one preferred embodiment, this mounting of the base 16 is achieved by way of the assembly 10 including mounting brackets 42 which are adapted to be connected to the mounting surface 40 such that the base is maintained, by the brackets, a small distance 44 away from the mounting surface as best seen in Figure 2. 10

According to another embodiment as shown in Figure 4, the base 16 itself is shaped at its perimeter 22 with a recess 22.1 to provide space for accommodating the rim 34. 15 Each of the switch actuators 18 is movable relative to the base 16 as described above, in the direction of the arrows 46 as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the switch actuators 18 are disclosed as being suitable to engage contacts 48 forming part of the assembly 10, these contacts 20 being connected to wiring 50 forming part of the electric circuit 28. In particular, each switch actuator 18 is configured, on being depressed, to connect the contacts 48 thereby closing the circuit 28.

According to a preferred embodiment, the electric circuit 28 is for providing 25 electric power to lights. Thus, the switch actuators 18 constitute light switches.

In other embodiments, the electric circuit 28 is for providing electrical power to other electric or electronic items, devices, or equipment (not shown), such as light electronic dimmers, control systems for automatic curtains, and so on. 30

Because of the flexibility of the cover 20 as mentioned above, and in particular of the press portions 36, when the cover is mounted on the base 16, the switch actuators 18 can be actuated by pressing the press portions. It will be 8 2016102061 01 Dec 2016 appreciated that this involves actuating the switch actuators 18 from the front surface 30 of the cover 20 and hence from the front side 12 of the assembly 10.

According to another embodiment as illustrated in Figure 3, instead of the 5 switch actuators 18 directly acting on contacts 48 to close the circuit 28, the switch actuators can be adapted to actuate other actuators 52, which in turn are adapted to close an electric circuit (not shown) of another electrical item or device, for example, of the types mentioned above. 10 The assembly 10 includes a light source 54, for example in the form of one or more a light emitting diode (LED), which is mounted in relation to the base 16 adjacent to the inner face 26 of the base. The light source 54 according to a preferred embodiment is connected to, and powered by, the same electric circuit (e.g. the circuit 28) which is adapted to be controlled or closed by the 15 switch actuators 18.

According to one preferred form of this embodiment, the connection of the light source 54 to the relevant circuit is such that the light source is continuously powered by the circuit and hence is constantly illuminated. 20

According to another form of the embodiment in question, the assembly 10 includes a motion detector switch 56 as shown schematically in Figure 2, with the light source 54 being electrically connected to the motion detector switch. 25 The motion detector switch 56 is adapted to provide electrical power from the circuit 28 to the light source 54 to illuminate the light source. The motion detector switch 56 has a default condition in which it opens a portion of the circuit 28 to prevent powering and hence illumination of the light source 54. However, the motion detector switch 56 is adapted to detect motion of a body, 30 such as a person, at or near the front side 12 of the assembly 10, and on detecting such motion, to close the portion of the circuit 28 to establish electrical connection between the circuit and the light source 54 to cause the light source to be illuminated. 9 2016102061 01 Dec 2016

According to a preferred embodiment, the rim 34 of the cover 20 is transparent or translucent so that, when the light source 54 is illuminated, the light is visible through the rim, and hence visible around the periphery of the cover and from the front side 12 of the assembly 10. 5

Similarly, or as an alternative, the position of the light source 54 relative to the base 16 is such that light from the light source is visible through the cover 20 or at least through the press portions 36 where these portions are transparent or translucent. 10

Because of the tight engagement of the cover 20, especially the rim 34, with the base 16 as described above, the rim is in a sealing engagement with the base. Thus, the cover 20 is adapted to assist in preventing the ingress or water or moisture, air and dust to the switch actuators 54 and is hence substantially 15 waterproof, airtight and dustproof relative to the switch actuators 18.

As a result, embodiments of the assembly 10 may be suitable for use in locations where high degrees of safety and hygiene are required, such as hospitals. 20

The light source 54 which is continuously illuminated or caused to be illuminated by motion of a person as described above, serves as a backlight for the assembly 10, and this can assist a person to locate the press portions 36 for actuating the switch actuators 18 in dark environments. 25

As a result of the method of mounting the cover 20 to the base 16 as described above, the cover is easily detachable from the base. This serves to facilitate rapid and easy replacement of the cover 20. Such replacement of the cover 20 may be useful if the cover becomes damaged, or contaminated or dirty. 30

In addition, the easy replicability of the cover 20 can be useful in enabling a cover of a particular colour or pattern to be selected and mounted to the base 16 where a choice of differently coloured or patterned covers is available. 2016102061 01 Dec 2016 10

Although the invention is described above with respect to particular embodiments, the invention is not limited to those embodiments but may be embodied in many different forms as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. An electric switch assembly adapted for controlling at least part of an electric circuit, the assembly including: a base having an outer perimeter, an outer face facing a front side of the assembly, and an inner face facing a rear side of the assembly; at least one switch actuator mounted on the base at at least one position within the outer perimeter, the switch actuator being movable relative to the base for effecting control over at least part of the electric circuit; and an elastomeric cover having a front surface and an opposite rear surface, the cover including at least one attachment portion for detachably mounting the cover onto the base such that the rear surface extends substantially continuously over, and in a face to face relationship with, the outer face of the cover, with at least one first portion of the cover extending over the at least one switch actuator and with the front surface facing the front side of the assembly, the at least one first portion enabling a visible determination from the front side of the assembly of at least one position at which the at least one switch actuator is located, wherein said at least one first portion of the cover is flexible such that the switch is pressably actuatable via the cover from the front surface.

2. An electric switch assembly according to claim 1 wherein the cover includes at least one second portion surrounding said at least one first portion, such that said at least one first portion protrudes relative to the at least one second portion towards the front side of the assembly.

3. An electric switch assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the attachment portion is adapted to mount the cover onto the base such that the cover is at least one of substantially airtight and substantially dustproof relative to the at least one switch actuator.

4. An electric switch assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, including at least one light source disposed adjacent to the inner face of the base, the light source being adapted for connection to an electric power supply and for being illuminated when electrically powered by said power supply such that light from the light source is visible adjacent to at least a portion of the outer perimeter from the front side of the assembly.

5. An electric switch assembly according to claim 4, including a motion detector switch device having a disconnection condition in which the at least one light source is electrically disconnected from the power supply, and a connection condition in which the switch device effects electrical connection between the at least one light source and the power supply whereby the at least one light source is illuminated by the power supply, wherein the switch device is adapted to detect motion of a body at a position proximate the front side of the assembly and to change from the disconnection condition to the connection condition on such detection of motion.