Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to switches and assemblies configured and adapted to enable “hot plugging” of electrical components and/or elements. According to an embodiment, slide switch assembly includes a body portion configured and adapted to support a first and a second spaced apart contact pin therein; and a plunger slidably supported within the body portion. Each contact pin is electrically connectable to an electrical conduit. The plunger has a first position in electrical contact with one of the first and second contact pins, and a second position in electrical contact with both the first and second contact pins. In use, when the plunger is in the second condition electrical current is transmitted between the first and the second contact pins.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     1. Technical Field  
         [0002]     The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors and, more particularly, to in-line slide switches and assemblies for hot plugging and the like.  
         [0003]     2. Background of Related Art  
         [0004]     Industry data has shown that a leading cause of fatalities for electricians is electrocution while working on 277V lighting systems. Electricians are often pressured to change out ballasts while the circuits are energized to avoid removing illumination from the area. When the electrician gets to the wire nut, with three white wires (neutral), the thought is that these wires are grounded conductors and therefore are not a hazard. Typically, the electrician unscrews or otherwise opens the nut and gets between two of the white wires, resulting in shock or electrocution. These white wires carry the unbalanced load current from all phases of the white wires.  
         [0005]     Accordingly, the need exists for systems and devices which allow electricians to de-energize a ballasted illuminaire without removing illumination to an entire area.  
         [0006]     The need exists for systems and devices which enable the safe changing of ballasts, by an electrician or the like, without being exposed to a shock hazard.  
         [0007]     The need exists for systems and devices capable of effectuating “hot plugging” of electrical components and/or elements as needed and/or desired.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008]     The present disclosure relates to switches and assemblies configured and adapted to enable “hot plugging” of electrical components and/or elements.  
         [0009]     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a slide switch assembly is provided. Slide switch assembly includes a body portion configured and adapted to support a first and a second spaced apart contact pin therein; and a plunger slidably supported within the body portion. Each contact pin is electrically connectable to an electrical conduit. The plunger has a first position in electrical contact with one of the first and second contact pins, and a second position in electrical contact with both the first and second contact pins. In use, when the plunger is in the second condition electrical current is transmitted between the first and the second contact pins.  
         [0010]     The plunger includes a first end and a second end each defining a recess therein for slidably engaging a respective contact pin. The plunger may include an electrical sleeve operatively disposed within each end thereof. Each electrical sleeve defines at least one contact point with a respective contact pin.  
         [0011]     The slide switch assembly may further include an actuation slide slidably supported on the body portion and in operative engagement with the plunger. Accordingly, in use, axial slidable movement of the actuation slide along the body portion results in movement of the plunger. The plunger may include a tab, extending therefrom and through a slot formed in the body portion, for operatively engagement with the actuation slide.  
         [0012]     The plunger is fabricated from an electrically conductive material. It is envisioned that the body portion and the actuation slide are electrically insulative.  
         [0013]     The slide switch assembly may further include indicia indicating to the user when the plunger is in the first or second condition. The slide switch assembly may further include tactile feedback elements between the body portion and the actuation slide for providing the user with tactile indications regarding the condition of the plunger. The tactile feedback elements may include at least one detent formed on an outer surface of the body portion and at least one annular groove formed in an inner surface of the annular slide.  
         [0014]     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a slide switch assembly, for performing hot plugging, is provided. The slide switch assembly includes a body portion; a first and a second contact pin operatively supported in the body portion, the first and the second contact pin being spaced from one another, wherein each contact pin is electrically connectable to an electrical conduit; a plunger slidably supported within the body portion, the plunger having a first position in electrical contact with one of the first and second contact pins, and a second position in electrical contact with both the first and second contact pins; wherein when the plunger is in the second condition electrical current is transmitted between the first and the second contact pins; and an actuation slide slidably supported on the body portion, the actuation slide being in operative engagement with the plunger, wherein axial movement of the actuation slide results in axial movement of the plunger.  
         [0015]     The plunger may include a first end and a second end each defining a recess therein for slidably engaging a respective contact pin. The plunger may include an electrical sleeve operatively disposed within each end thereof. Each electrical sleeve may define at least one contact point with a respective contact pin. The plunger may include a tab extending therefrom and through a slot formed in the body portion, wherein the tab operatively engages the actuation slide.  
         [0016]     The plunger is fabricated from an electrically conductive material. The body portion and the actuation slide are electrically insulative.  
         [0017]     The slide switch assembly further includes indicia indicating to the user when the plunger is in the first or second condition. The slide switch assembly further includes tactile feedback elements between the body portion and the actuation slide for providing the user with tactile indications regarding the condition of the plunger. The tactile feedback elements include at least one detent formed on an outer surface of the body portion and at least one annular groove formed in an inner surface of the annular slide.  
         [0018]     The slide switch assembly may further include crimping elements supported in the body portion for electrically connecting each contact pin to a respective electrical conductor.  
         [0019]     For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a slide switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the slide switch assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown in a first or open condition;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional, perspective view of the slide switch assembly of  FIG. 2 , shown in the first or open condition;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the slide switch assembly of  FIGS. 1-3 , shown in a second or closed condition;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional, perspective view of the slide switch assembly of  FIGS. 1-4 , shown in the second or closed condition; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of  FIG. 5 , illustrating the tactile feedback elements. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]     Embodiments of the presently disclosed slide switch assembly for “hot plugging” will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. As used herein and as is traditional, the term “distal” refers to that portion which is furthest from the user while the term “proximal” refers to that portion which is closest to the user. In addition, terms such as “above”, “below”, “forward”, “rearward”, etc. refer to the orientation of the figures or the direction of components and are simply used for convenience of description.  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , a switch assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated as  100 . Switch assembly  100  includes an elongate body portion  102  defining a lumen  104  extending therethrough. As seen in  FIG. 1 , body portion  102  may include a top-half shell section  102   a  and a bottom-half shell section  102   b . Top-half shell section  102   a  and a bottom-half shell section  102   b  may be secured and/or bonded together using methods known by those skilled in the art.  
         [0028]     Body portion  102  includes at least one elongate, longitudinally oriented slot  102   c  formed therein and extending into lumen  104  thereof. Body portion  102  of switch assembly  100  is fabricated from an electrically non-conductive or insulative material. In this manner, no current is transmitted through body portion  102  of switch assembly  100 .  
         [0029]     Switch assembly  100  includes a first or distal contact pin  110  operatively supported within lumen  104  of body portion  102 , and a second or proximal contact pin  120  operatively supported within lumen  104  of body portion  102 . First and second contact pins  110 ,  120  are spaced from one another and define a gap or space “G” therebetween, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Each contact pin  110 ,  120  includes a contoured or rounded free end  110   a ,  120   a , respectively.  
         [0030]     Switch assembly  100  includes crimping or clamping elements  112 ,  122  for electrically connecting electrical wires “W1, W2” to second ends  110   b ,  120   b  of respective contact pins  110 ,  120 . Each crimping element  112 ,  122  may include an annular flange  112   a ,  122   a , respectively, which is received in respective annular grooves  106   a ,  106   b  formed in lumen  104  of body portion  102 . In this manner, the position of contact pins  110 ,  120  within lumen  104  of body portion  102  is fixed.  
         [0031]     Switch assembly  100  includes a plunger  130  slidably disposed within lumen  104  of body portion  102 . Plunger  130  includes a first end  132  defining a recess  132   a  formed therein for selectively, slidably receiving free end  110   a  of first contact pin  110 , and a second end  134  defining a recess  134   a  therein for selectively, slidably receiving the free end  120   a  of the second contact pin  120 . Each end  132 ,  134  includes a respective transverse slot  132   b ,  134   b  formed therein which permits ends  132 ,  134  of plunger  130  to expand radially outward upon insertion of a respective contact pin  110 ,  120  therein.  
         [0032]     As seen in  FIGS. 3, 5  and  6 , plunger  130  includes at least one tab  136  extending substantially radially from an outer surface thereof and slidably through an elongate slot  102   c  formed in body portion  102 .  
         [0033]     Switch assembly  100  includes sleeve-like electrical contacts or louvertacs  138   a ,  138   b  disposed within respective ends  132 ,  134  of plunger  130 . Plunger  130  is fabricated from an electrically conductive material capable of transmitting electrical current between electrical sleeves  138   a ,  138   b . Accordingly, in use, plunger  130  takes the initial spark and dissipates heat when first and second contact pins  110 ,  120  are electrically connected to one another. Each electrical sleeve  138   a ,  138   b  is configured and dimensioned to slidably receive and engage a respective contact pin  110 ,  120  therein. Accordingly, in use, plunger  130  and electrical sleeves  138   a ,  138   b  electrically interconnect first contact pin  110  to second contact pin  120  when plunger  130  is in the second or closed condition.  
         [0034]     In an alternative embodiment, plunger  130  may be fabricated from electrically insulative materials, such that, in use, plunger  130  does not itself transmit electrical current between first and second contact pins  110 ,  120 . Additionally, an electrical conduit may be provided between each electrical sleeve  138   a ,  138   b . Alternatively, electrical sleeves  138   a ,  138   b  may be in direct electrical contact with one another.  
         [0035]     Each electrical sleeve  138   a ,  138   b  includes a plurality of radially inward projecting ribs  139   a ,  139   b , respectively, which provide a multiplicity of points or contact with contact pins  110 ,  120 .  
         [0036]     As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , plunger  130  includes a first or opened condition wherein plunger  130  is located at a right-most position (as indicated by arrow “A”) such that first end  132  of plunger  130  is not in electrical contact with first contact pin  110 . In the first or open condition no electrical current is transmitted between first contact pin  110  and second contact pin  120 . As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , plunger  130  includes a second or closed condition wherein plunger  130  is located at a left-most position (as indicated by arrow “B”) such that first end  132  of plunger  130  is in electrical contact about first contact pin  110 . In the second or closed condition electrical current may be transmitted between first contact pin  110  and second contact pin  120 .  
         [0037]     Switch assembly  100  further includes an actuation slide  140  slidably supported about body portion  102 . Actuation slide  140  includes an internal recess  144  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) configured and dimensioned to receive tab  136  of plunger  130 . In this manner, as actuation slide  140  is slidably moved along body portion  102 , plunger  130  is slidably displaced within lumen  104  of body portion  102 .  
         [0038]     Actuation slide  140  is made from a non-conductive or electrically insulative material such that electrical current does not escape through tab  136  of plunger  130 . Actuation slide  140  may include a top-half shell section  140   a  and a bottom-half shell section  140   b . Top-half shell section  140   a  and a bottom-half shell section  140   b  may be secured and/or bonded together using methods known by those skilled in the art.  
         [0039]     As seen in  FIGS. 1-3 , actuation slide  140  includes a first or opened condition wherein actuation slide  140  is located at a right-most position (as indicated by arrow “A”) so that first end  132  of plunger  130  is not in electrical contact with first contact pin  110 . As mentioned above, in the first or open condition no electrical current is transmitted between first contact pin  110  and second contact pin  120 . As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , actuation slide  140  includes a second or closed condition wherein actuation slide  140  is located at a left-most position (as indicated by arrow “B”) so that first end  132  of plunger  130  is in electrical contact about first contact pin  110 . As mentioned above, in the second or closed condition electrical current may be transmitted between first contact pin  110  and second contact pin  120 .  
         [0040]     Switch assembly  100  may include a pair of spaced apart annular flanges  108   a ,  108   b  provided on an outer surface of body portion  102 . Annular flanges  108   a ,  108   b  define proximal and distal stops for actuation slide  140 .  
         [0041]     Switch assembly  100  may include first indicia  152   a  which indicates when switch assembly  100  is in the first or open condition. Switch assembly  100  may further include second indicia  152   b  which indicates when switch assembly  100  is in the second or closed condition. In an embodiment, indicia  152   a ,  152   b  may be in the form of recesses or ink stamped formed in body portion  102 . Accordingly, in use, as actuation slide  140  and plunger  130  are moved between the first and second conditions, actuator slide  140  is positioned over indicia  152   a ,  152   b  and thus is a visible indicator of its electrical condition. In this manner, the recess or colored ink of indicia  152   a ,  152   b  will be discernable and visible to the user.  
         [0042]     As seen in  FIGS. 1, 3 ,  5  and  6 , switch assembly  100  includes tactile feedback elements provided on the outer surface of body portion  102  and the inner surface of actuation slide  140 . In particular, the tactile feedback elements include at least one detent  154  formed and projecting from an outer surface of body portion  102 , and an annular rib  156  formed and projecting from an inner surface of actuation slide  140 . The tactile feedback elements further includes an annular groove  158  formed in the inner surface of body portion  140 . Annular groove  158  functions as a stop and is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive detent  154  therein.  
         [0043]     Switch assembly  100  further includes finger grips  142  provided on actuation slide  140  for facilitating the movement (i.e., sliding movement) of actuation slide  140  and plunger  130  relative to body portion  102 .  
         [0044]     In use, switch assembly  100  is typically maintained in the closed condition, as seen in  FIGS. 4-5 , wherein electrical current is flowing between first and second contact pins  110 ,  120  and first and second wires “W1, W2”. As described above, when switch assembly  100  is in the closed condition, first contact pin  110  is in electrical contact with second contact pin  120  through electrical sleeves  138   a ,  138   b  and plunger  130 . In order to perform a “hot swapping” or a “hot plugging” procedure, switch assembly  100  is placed in an open condition by moving actuation slide  140  along body portion  102 , in the direction of arrow “A”, as seen in  FIG. 2 . As described above, when switch assembly  100  is in the open condition, first contact pin  110  is electrically disconnected from second contact pin  120 . In particular, actuation slide  140  and plunger  130  are positioned such that first end  132  is spaced from and/or disconnected from first contact pin  110 .  
         [0045]     It is to be understood that the foregoing description is merely a disclosure of particular embodiments and is no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other possible modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and all modifications will be apparent to those in the art and all modifications are to be defined by the following claims.