AU2011253892B2

AU2011253892B2 - Switch illumination system

Info

Publication number: AU2011253892B2
Application number: AU2011253892A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Paul David Barron; Grant Coe; Dinesh Vijayaraman
Original assignee: Legrand Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Legrand Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-12-08
Filing date: 2011-12-08
Publication date: 2015-03-19
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-08
Also published as: AU2011253892A1

Abstract

Abstract An illumination system for an electrical switch comprises a display mountable to a switch module and comprising at 5 least one light emitting member and at least one light guide arranged to direct light from a light source into the at least one light emitting member. ell ar

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant (m) Legrand Australia Pty Ltd Invention Title: SWITCH ILLUMINATION SYSTEM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: - 2 SWITCH ILLUMINATION SYSTEM Technical Field 5 This disclosure relates generally to switches for electrical components and in particular to an illumination system for a switch module. Background 10 Switches are commonly used to control electrical components such as lights or power. A switch assembly generally includes a switch module that comprises the necessary circuitry and mechanical aspects of the switch 15 that allows the switch to make and break connections between the power source and the electrical component. The switch module includes an actuator (such as a dolly or button) that is able to be actuated by a user to control the switch module. 20 Illuminated switch assemblies have been used to make a switch visible to a user in low light situations, such as at night or in the dark. Known illuminated switch assemblies generally comprise a light source associated 25 with the switch module or in the switch actuator. The light illuminates the actuator of switch module making it more visible for a user. These known illuminated switch assemblies are generally complex and are made as integrated components with a light source positioned in 30 the actuator or switch module.

-3 Summary In one embodiment an illumination system for an electrical 5 switch includes a display mountable to a switch module having a switch actuator and having at least one light emitting member and at least one light guide arranged to direct light from a light source into the at least one light emitting member, the light emitting member being 10 arranged to be mounted at a periphery of the switch actuator. In another embodiment, a switch assembly includes a switch module having a switch actuator and a switch illumination 15 system having at least one light emitting member and at least one light guide arranged to direct light from a light source into the at least one light emitting member, the light emitting member being arranged to be mounted at a periphery of the switch actuator, the display of the 20 switch illumination system being mounted to the switch module and being operative to emit light generated by the light source through the at least one light emitting member. 25 In yet another form, there is provided a switch module assembly comprising a switch module, the module including a body having an actuator and a frame mounted on the body, the frame having a coupling operative to connect the module to a grid of a switch assembly; and a switch 30 illumination system releasably connected to the switch module in a manner that does not inhibit coupling of the switch module to the assembly grid, the switch illumination system having a light emitting member being - 3a arranged to be mounted at a periphery of the actuator. The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the 5 illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

Detailed Description of the Drawings 5 Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a switch assembly including a switch module and illumination system; and Fig. 2 shows an assembled view of the switch assembly of Fig. 1. 10 Description of Preferred/Specific Embodiments In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify 15 similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or 20 scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different 25 configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein. This disclosure is directed generally switches for electrical components and in particular to wall switches 30 for lighting or the like. illuminated switch assemblies have been used to make a switch visible to a user in low light situations, such as at night or in the dark. Known illuminated switch assemblies generally comprise a light source associated with the switch module or in a switch actuator. The light illuminates the actuator of the switch module making it 5 more visible for a user. These known illuminated switch assemblies are generally complex and are made as integrated components with a light source positioned in the actuator or switch module. 10 Disclosed in some embodiments is an illumination system for an electrical switch comprising; a display mountable to a switch module and comprising at least one light emitting member and at least one light guide arranged to direct light from a light source into the at least one 15 light emitting member. A feature of the above system is that the illumination system uses at least one light guide to direct light to a light emitting member of the display. In this way it 20 enables the light source to be separate from the display and as such obviates the need for integrating the light source into the switch module. In one form, the display is releasably mountable to the 25 switch module. In this way a common switch module may be used with different displays. For example displays having different coloured light emitting members may be used and/or different configurations of light emitting members. This enables switch assemblies with different illuminated 30 displays to be available using interchangeable components and common switch modules. In one form the illumination system further comprises a - 6 base incorporating the light source thereon. In a particular form, the base member is configured to be mountable on a rear portion of the switch module. 5 In one embodiment, the base member includes an aperture and a rear portion of the switch module extends through the aperture. In a particular arrangement, the display is releasably 10 coupled to the base member and/or the switch module. In one form, the releasable connection is by interfitting components on the display and base or switch module such that the connection is a snap or interference fit. In another form, separate mechanical fasteners may be used. 1s In one form, the light emitting member is annular in shape and is arranged in use to be disposed about the actuator of the switch module. In such an arrangement the light emitting member may be in the form of a ring that 20 surrounds the actuator (such as a dolly) that is arranged to illuminate from the light source. In a particular form, the light source is one or more light emitting diodes (LED). In a particular form, the 25 display comprises a plurality of light guides arranged to direct light from the light source into the at least one light emitting member. In one form, where there is a plurality of light sources, the plurality of light guides are associated with respective ones of the light sources 30 to direct light from the light sources to the at least one light emitting member. In a further embodiments, a switch module assembly - 7 comprises a switch module and a switch illumination system according to any form described above, the display of the switch illumination system being mounted to the switch module and being operative to emit light generated by the 5 light source through the at least one light emitting member. In one form, the switch includes a body and a frame mounted on the body, the frame having a coupling operative 10 to connect the module to a grid of a switch assembly, wherein the switch illumination system is releasably connected to the switch module in a manner that does not inhibit coupling of the switch module to the assembly grid. 15 In one form, the display and/or the base member is releasably connected to the module frame. In other embodiments, a switch module assembly comprises a 20 switch module, the module including a body and a frame mounted on the body, the frame having a coupling operative to connect the module to a grid of a switch assembly; and a switch illumination system releasably connected to the switch module in a manner that does not inhibit coupling 25 of the switch module to the assembly grid. In one form, the display and/or the base member is releasably connected to the module frame. 30 An advantage of that least one form of the illumination system is that one or both of the base and the display may be releasably connected to the switch module. This allows for a modular switch assembly that may be retrofitted to - 8 pre-installed switch assemblies, or may be configured to particular requirements through interchanging of displays. As illustrated in the Figures, some illustrative 5 embodiments of a switch assembly comprising an illumination system and switch module that allows for simple retrofitting of the illuminated system to switch modules. 10 Fig. 1 shows an assembled switch assembly including a switch module and illumination system. As illustrated, the switch assembly 10 comprises a switch module 12 and illumination system 14 which includes two main components being a base member 16, and a display 18 both of which are 15 releasably mounted to the display as will be described below. The switch module 12 includes a body 20, having an actuator 22 at one end and terminals 24 at an opposite 20 end. In the illustrated form the actuator is in the form of a dolly switch but could also be a push button switch, touch sensor or the like. The terminals of the switch module in the illustrated form are screw threaded and include screws 26. 25 The switch module 12 also includes a frame 28 that surrounds the body and in use is arranged to be fitted to a grid or plate of a switch outlet (not shown). In use the grid or plate forms the base of a switch outlet (such 30 as a light switch or GPO) and components such as the switch module 12, socket outlet, and cover are mounted to the grid or plate usually by an interference or snap fit arrangement. To this end in the illustrated form, the - 9 frame 28 includes coupling components 30 disposed thereon to interfit with complementary components thereon. The base member 16 of the illumination system 14 includes 5 at least one light source 32 (in the illustrated form there are four light sources) and circuitry 34 adapted to supply power to the light source 32. The base member 16 is designed to locate over the end of the switch module and connect to the module frame 28. In this form, the 10 base member is shaped to include a central aperture 35 that is able to receive the switch module 12 and has a peripheral edge 36 that forms a sub-frame to the module frame 28 and is able to clip into the module frame 28. Whilst other forms of connection of the base member 16 to 15 the switch module 12 may be employed (such as with separate mechanical fasteners or the like) the illustrated arrangement has the benefit of simplicity of use and moreover enables the base member to become an integrated part of the switch module as it does not impede connection 20 of the frame module 28 to the grid or plate of a switch assembly. In the illustrated form, the one or more light sources 32 are in the form of LEDs. However it will be appreciated 25 that other light sources may be used. The display 18 of the illumination system 14 includes a light emitting member 38, which in the illustrated form is in the form of a ring which is arranged to surround the 30 switch actuator 22. The light emitting member 38 is arranged in use to emit light from the light source. The purpose of the display may be to illuminate the actuator or may be for other purposes such as to indicate a state - 10 of the switch (typically either on or off), to provide information on a characteristic of the switch or its intended use, or solely for decorative purposes. Accordingly the light emitting member may be configured 5 other than a ring as disclosed depending on its intended purpose. The light emitting member 12 is typically formed from plastic or glass and may be transparent, coloured or translucent depending on its intended purpose but could be made from any other material that allows transmission of 10 light. The display 18 also includes at least one light guide 40 that in use is designed to register with respective ones of the light sources 32 in the base to pass the light from 15 the light sources 32 to the light emitting members 38. In the illustrated form, four light guides 40 are provided which project from the light emitting member 38 and are arranged to align with the four LEDs on the base member 14. 20 The light guides 40 and the light emitting member 38 are shaped to allow the passage of light through, around and within the light guide 40 and the light emitting member 38. The light guides 40 direct at least some of the light 25 from the light source 32 into the light emitting member 38 such that the light shines through, or from within, the light emitting member 38. The light emitting member 38 appears illuminated when light is directed through it. 30 The light guides 40 are formed to allow total internal reflection when light is directed into or through them. The total internal reflection allows the passage of light through the light guides with little loss enabling maximum - 11 light passage to the light emitting member 38. The light emitting member and light guides can be designed so that that the light emitting member emits an evenly distributed light due to total internal reflection of the light within 5 the display 18. The display 18 is also arranged to be removably fitted to the switch module 12. In the form as illustrated, the display 18 is fitted to the front face of the module frame 10 28 and again interfits with the frame. In the form shown, the module frame 28 includes apertures 42 through which the light guides 40 extend so that they can register with the light sources 32. The display also includes retaining portions 44 that interengage with complementary retaining 15 portions 46 on the frame 28 to removably secure the display 18 in place. In one form, the coupling system between the display 18 and the switch module 12 is such that the display, when secured in place, does not impede connection of the switch module 12 with a switch plate or 20 grid. Also the display is able to be unclipped from the switch module after it is installed in a switch assembly. Typically to remove the display, the switch cover is removed and the display can be pried from the module frame 28. A feature of the display 16 is that it is not 25 electrically connected to a power source as the light source is mounted separately on the base 16. As best shown in Fig. 2, once assembled the illumination system 14 (including the base member 16 and display 18) 30 become an integrated with the switch module 12. Advantages of the illumination system 14 and switch assembly include: - 12 1. The illumination system is made separate from the switch module simplifying the design of the switch module and allowing conversions of non illuminated switch modules to illuminated switch modules and vice 5 versa; 2. Its module structure allows the system 14 to be configured in different arrangements by replacing the display with one that is configured differently (either with a different light emitting member, or 10 even with a display that has not light emitting characteristics); 3. The illumination system is able to be easily installed and removed from the switch module allowing ease of both installation and repair; 15 4. The illumination system allows enables an non illuminated switch module to be easily converted to an illuminated version without impeding the modularity of the module to fit in switch frames or grids; and 20 5. The incorporation of LEDs and the use of light guides to transmit light to the light emitting portions of the display allows for an even distribution of light to be emitted in the display whilst allowing that light source to be separate from the display. 25 The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. 30 It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the parts as shown in the specific embodiments without - 13 departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 5

Claims

1. An illumination system for an electrical switch comprising: 5 a display mountable to a switch module having a switch actuator, the display comprising at least one light emitting member and at least one light guide arranged to direct light from a light source into the at least one light emitting member, the light emitting member being 10 arranged to be mounted at a periphery of the switch actuator.

2. A switch illumination system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the display is releasably mountable to the switch 15 module.

3. A switch illumination system as claimed in either claim 1 or 2, further comprising a base member, the base member incorporating the light source thereon. 20

4. A switch illumination system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base member is configured to be mountable on a rear portion of the switch module. 25 5. A switch illumination system as claimed in either claim 3 or 4, wherein the base member includes an aperture and a rear portion of the switch module extends through the aperture. 30 6. A switch illumination system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the display is releasably coupled to the switch module. - 15 7. The switch illumination system as claimed any preceding claim, wherein the light emitting member is annular in shape and is arranged in use to be disposed about the switch of the switch module. 5

8. The switch illumination system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the display comprises a plurality of said light guides arranged to direct light from the light source into the at least one light emitting member. 10

9. The switch illumination system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of light sources and a plurality of light guides which are associated with respective ones of the light sources to 15 direct light from the light sources to the at least one light emitting member.

10. The switch illumination system as claimed in claim 9, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the base member 20 includes the plurality of light sources.

11. The switch illumination system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the or each light source is a light emitting diode. 25

12. A switch module assembly comprising: a switch module comprising a switch actuator; and a switch illumination system according to any preceding claim, the display of the switch illumination 30 system being mounted to the switch module and being operative to emit light generated by the light source through the at least one light emitting member. - 16 13. A switch module assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the module includes a body and a frame mounted on the body, the frame having a coupling operative to connect the module to a grid of a switch assembly, wherein the 5 switch illumination system is releasably connected to the switch module in a manner that does not inhibit coupling of the switch module to the assembly grid.

14. A switch module assembly according to claim 13, 10 wherein the display and/or the base member is releasably connected to the module frame.

15. A switch module assembly comprising: a switch module, the module including a body having 15 an actuator and a frame mounted on the body, the frame having a coupling operative to connect the module to a grid of a switch assembly; and a switch illumination system releasably connected to the switch module in a manner that does not inhibit 20 coupling of the switch module to the assembly grid, the switch illumination system having a light emitting member being arranged to be mounted at a periphery of the actuator. 25 16. A switch module assembly according to claim 15, wherein the display and/or the base member is releasably connected to the module frame.

17. A illumination system for a switch module 30 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. A switch module assembly substantially as herein - 17 described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. An illumination system for an electrical switch according to any of claims 1 to 11 wherein the light 5 emitting member is in the form of a ring which is arranged to surround the switch actuator when mounted to the switch actuator.