Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

“THREE POSITION SWITCH”

Napino Auto & Electronics Ltd., an Indian Company of Plot No. 7, Sector 3, IMT Manesar,
Distt-Gurgaon – 122050, Haryana

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATIONPARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION
AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a three-position switch for vehicles, particularly for use in motorcycle handle switch assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, switches are required in almost every electrical circuit to complete or interrupt electrical connections and corresponding flow of electricity between one or more components of the electrical circuit. Conventionally, vehicles are provided with plurality of switches for realizing various functions such as a horn function, a headlight ON-OFF function, a turn indicator (or a winker) function, a high-beam to low-beam transition (and vice versa) function), a pass function, a engine ON-OFF function, etc. Generally, a three-position switch is commonly used in vehicles to control various functions, such as turn signals or winker lights. A turn indicator switch is a three position switch that brings two different electrical circuits in conducting state in two positions while retaining both the electrical circuits in non-conducting state in the third position. Existing three-position switches have complex designs which are riddled with problems. Some of the prominent problems are a large number of components are used for making the three-position switch, a size of the three-position switch is comparatively large, a cost of the three-position switch is substantially high, a time taken to manufacture the three-position switch is high, the three-position switch is not well protected from foreign contaminant ingress, has substantially short life, is operable only at high currents, etc. Thus, there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a three-position switch for vehicles, comprising: a knob assembly including a push knob and a slider knob, the slider knob being adapted to receive the push knob; the slider knob being adapted to exhibit movement in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, the push knob being adapted to exhibit movement in a third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; a casing adapted to receive the knob assembly; a first detector switch disposed along the first direction within the casing such that in operation the first detector switch gets actuated by movement of the slider knob in the first direction; a second detector switch disposed along the second direction within the housing such that in operation the second detector switch gets actuated by movement of the slider knob in the second direction; and a dome based switch disposed within the housing such that in operation the dome based switch gets actuated by movement of the push knob in the third direction.

In an aspect of the invention, the slider knob together with the push knob are adapted to exhibit movement in the first direction and the second direction, the push knob being adapted to exhibit movement independent of the slider knob in the third direction.

In another aspect of the invention, the push knob comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion, the proximal portion being adapted to receive the actuating force along the third direction; the intermediate portion being operably connected to a carrier element, the carrier element being adapted to transfer an actuating force received in the first direction to the first detector switch and transfer an actuating force received in the second direction to the second detector switch; the distal portion being adapted to directly transfer the actuating force received along the third direction to the dome based switch.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the carrier element comprises an aperture for allowing the intermediate portion of the push knob to traverse there-through, the intermediate portion of the push knob interacts with the aperture of the carrier element during movement of the push knob along the third direction to provide a push-cancellation action.

In still another aspect of the invention, the casing comprises a housing and a cap element, the housing comprises a first slot adapted to receive the first detector switch and a second slot adapted to receive the second detected switch, the cap element comprising a third slot adapted to receive the dome based switch.

In a further aspect of the invention, the first slot is provided at a first height of the housing and the second slot is provided at a second height of the housing, the first height being different from the second height.

In a further more aspect of the invention, the third slot is provided at about a centre location of the cap element corresponding to a neutral position of the push knob.
In a furthermore aspect of the invention, a ball-spring mechanism is disposed between the housing and the carrier element.

In a furthermore aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a handle switch assembly for use in motorcycle in combination with handle grip of a steering handle, the handle switch assembly comprising at least one three-position switch comprising: a knob assembly including a push knob and a slider knob, the slider knob being adapted to receive the push knob; the slider knob being adapted to exhibit movement in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, the push knob being adapted to exhibit movement in a third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; a casing adapted to receive the knob assembly; a first detector switch disposed along the first direction within the casing such that in operation the first detector switch gets actuated by movement of the slider knob in the first direction; a second detector switch disposed along the second direction within the housing such that in operation the second detector switch gets actuated by movement of the slider knob in the second direction; and
a dome based switch disposed within the housing such that in operation the dome based switch gets actuated by movement of the push knob in the third direction.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Figures:
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 illustrates an exploded view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 illustrates a front view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 3 illustrates a top view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 4 illustrates a first side view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 5 illustrates a second side view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 6 illustrates a front sectional view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 7 illustrates a front sectional view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 8 illustrates a front section view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE9(A) illustrates a three-position switch in a non-actuated state which corresponds to both electrical circuits bring in non-conducting state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE9(B) illustrates a three-position switch in a first actuated state which corresponds to a first electrical circuit being in conducting state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE9(C) illustrates a three-position switch with the knob assembly in neutral position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 9(D) illustrates a three-position switch in a second actuated state which corresponds to a second electrical circuit being in conducting state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 9(E) illustrates a three-position switch with the knob assembly in neutral position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 9(F) illustrates a three-position switch in a third actuated state which corresponds to both electrical circuits bring in non-conducting state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 10 illustrates a front section view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 11 illustrates a second side view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 12illustrates a top view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 13 illustrates a front section view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 14 illustrates a front section view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 15 illustrates a perspective view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 16 illustrates a first side view of the three-position switch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1, illustrates an exploded view of the three-position switch (100) for vehicles in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Further, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, and Figure 5 illustrates a front view, a top view, a first side view and a second side view respectively of the three-position switch.

The three-position switch (100) comprises: a knob assembly (102, 104), a housing (106), a cap element (108), a first detector switch (110a), a second detectors witch (110b), a dome based switch(110c), a carrier element (112), a ball-spring mechanism (114)and a first resilient member (116).

The knob assembly (102, 104) includes a push knob (102) and a slider knob (104). The slider knob (104) is adapted to receive the push knob (102). The slider knob (104) is adapted to exhibit movement in a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2).The second direction (D2) is opposite to the first direction (D1). The push knob (102) is adapted to exhibit movement in a third direction (D3) being perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2).

The push knob (102) comprises a proximal portion (102a), an intermediate portion (102b) and a distal portion (102c), the proximal portion (102a) being adapted to receive the actuating force along the third direction (D3). The intermediate portion (102b) is operably connected to the carrier element (112), the carrier element (112) being adapted to transfer an actuating force received in the first direction (D1) to the first detector switch (110a) and transfer an actuating force received in the second direction (D2) to the second detector switch (110b). The distal portion (102c) is adapted to directly transfer the actuating force received along the third direction (D3) to the dome based switch (110c).

In an embodiment of the invention, the distal portion (102c) has a tapered ends and is extending in Z plane.

The push knob (102) is coupled with the first resilient member (116), the first resilient member (116) is a spring configured to secure at least a part of the push knob (102) in the knob assembly (102, 104). The push knob (102) is loaded in the longitudinal direction by the first resilient member (116). The term ‘longitudinal direction’ herein refers to a direction along the Y plane of the said three-position switch.

The slider knob (104) includes an opening (104a) to accommodate at least a part of the push knob (102) and the first resilient member (116). The slider knob (104) and the push knob (102) can move together and exhibit movement in the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2). Additionally, the push knob (102) has an additional capability and can move independently of the slider knob (104) in a third direction (D3).

In an embodiment of the invention, the knob assembly (102, 104) may be provided with a second resilient member (not shown in fig). The second resilient member is provided in the lateral direction. The term ‘lateral direction’ herein refers to a direction along X plane of the said three-position switch.

Referring to Figure 6, 7 and 8, illustrates a front sectional view of the three-position switch after removing of knob assembly, housing and carrier respectively.

In an embodiment, the carrier element (112) comprises a first part (112b) and a second part (112c) and an aperture (112a) (as best seen from Fig. 7).The first part (112a) faces the first detector switch (110a) and the second part (110b) faces the second detector switch. In an embodiment of the invention, the carrier element (112) has a T-shaped profile.

The aperture (112a) of the carrier element (112) allows the distal portion (102c) of the push knob (102) to traverse there-through, the distal portion (102c) of the push knob (102) interacts with the aperture (112a) of the carrier element (112) during movement of the push knob (102) along the third direction to provide a push-cancellation action.

The casing (106, 108) comprises a housing (106) and a cap element (108). The housing (106) defines a hollow space to accommodate one or more components of the three-position switch (100). In an embodiment of the invention, the housing (106) and cap element (108) may be connected using conventional connecting mechanisms such as connecting means may be selected from group comprising a click fit system, snap fit system, screws, nuts, bolts, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, welding etc.

The casing (106, 108) of the three-position switch (100) is adapted to receive the knob assembly (102, 104).The casing (106, 108) is further configured to accommodate the one or more components of the three-position switch such as the first detector switch (110a), the second detector switch (110b), the dome based switch(110c) and the carrier element (112).The first detector switch (110a) is disposed along the first direction (D1) within the casing (106, 108) such that in operation, the first detector switch (110a) gets actuated by movement of the slider knob (104) in the first direction (D1). The second detector switch (110b) is disposed along the second direction (D2) within the casing (106, 108) such that in operation, the second detector switch (110b) gets actuated by movement of the slider knob (104) in the second direction (D2). The dome based switch (110c) is disposed within the casing (106, 108) such that in operation the dome based switch(110c) gets actuated by movement of the push knob (104) in the third direction (D3).

In an embodiment, the housing (106) comprises a pocket (121) provided at the top of the housing (106). The pocket (121) allows a portion of the push knob (102) to traverse there-through the housing (106).

In an embodiment, the housing (106) comprises a first slot (106a) adapted to receive the first detector switch (110a) and a second slot (106b) adapted to receive the second detected switch (110b) (as best seen from Fig. 2). In an embodiment, the cap element (108) comprises a third slot (108a) adapted to receive the dome based switch (110c).The first slot (106a) is precisely tailored to fit the dimensions of the first detector switch (110a), ensuring a snug and stable fit. Likewise, the second slot (106b) is adapted to accommodate the second detector switch (110b), providing a secure location for its placement within the housing (106). This arrangement helps to prevent unintended movement or dislodging of the detector switches during operation.

Referring to Fig. 7, the first slot (106a) is provided at a first height (H1) of the housing (106). This height (H1) is chosen to ensure proper placement and alignment to securely place the first detector switch (110a) at the appropriate position within the three-position switch (100) for optimal functionality. In an embodiment of the invention, the second slot (106b) is provided at a second height (H2) of the housing (106). This height (H2) is chosen to ensure proper placement and alignment to securely place the second detector switch (110b) at the appropriate position within the three-position switch (100) for optimal functionality. In an embodiment of the invention, the first height (H1) being different from the second height (H2). This difference in height allows for proper alignment and functioning of the corresponding detector switches (110a, 110b) within the three-position switch (100).

In an embodiment of the invention, the housing (106) has a Z shaped structure with two slots (106a, 106b)being provided at the extreme ends of the Z shape.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first slot (106a) and the second slot (106b) are disposed opposite each other, in the same plane but separated by a distance. The first slot (106a) and the second slot (106b) are disposed in a first X plane (X1) and a second X plane (X2) respectively, which are parallel to each other and is separated by a distance (A) in plane Y, which is perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane. This arrangement mutatis mutandis applies to the first detector switch (110a) and the second detector switches (110b).

By employing this configuration, a compact switch design can be achieved. For example, if the detector switches (110a, 110b) were aligned in the same plane facing each other, the total width of the casing (106, 108) would include the combined width of the first detector switch (110a), the width of the second detector switch (110b), the width of the carrier element, as well as the tolerance between the detector switches (110a, 110b) and the carrier element (112), and between the detector switches (110a, 110b) and the casing. However, by arranging them out of plane and making them interact with different portions of the carrier element (112), the overall width of the casing (106, 108) can be decreased.

In the present configuration, the first detector switch (110a) interacts with the first part (112b) of the carrier element (112) and the second detector switch (110b) interacts with the second part (112c) of the carrier element (112), which is a projection substantially projecting from the middle of the first part (112b) of the carrier element (112). This way, the total width would be lesser than the above calculated width of the first detector switch (110a), the width of the second detector switch (110b), the width of the carrier element, as well as the tolerance between the detector switches (110a, 110b) and the carrier element (112), and between the detector switches (110a, 110b) and the casing.

This configuration allows for a more compact switch design, reducing the space required for installation while maintaining the functionality of the detector switches (110a, 110b). The specific dimensions, shapes, and materials used may vary based on the implementation and application of the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the third slot (108a) is provided at about a centre location of the cap element (108) corresponding to a neutral position of the push knob (102). In this embodiment of the invention, the third slot is provided in a Z plane of the switch.

The third slot (108a) comprises the dome based switch (110c), which is disposed on a Printed circuit board (PCB) (134). The dome based switch (110c) is further provided with a protective means (124) such as a grommet to prevent the ingress of the dust, water and other contaminants. In an embodiment of the invention, the protective means (124) is composed of a silicon or rubber or alike.

The protective means (124) comprises a top cylindrical portion (126), which upon actuation by the distal portion (102c) of the push knob (102), move in a third direction (D3) to depress the dome based switch (110c).

In an embodiment, a ball-spring mechanism (114) is disposed between the housing (106) and the carrier element(112).The ball spring mechanism (114) comprises a ball (114a) and a spring (114b) which is received in a cylindrical cavity (132) provided in the carrier element (112).The ball (114a) is biased by the spring (114b) and the cylindrical cavity (132) has dimensions to partially receive the ball (114a) and the spring (114b) in the longitudinal direction (Y plane).

The housing (106) has detent profile defined on an inner surface of the housing (106).The ball (114a) moves on the detent profile. The detent profile has a recessed profile and a raised profile.

This ball-spring mechanism (114) serves a specific function within the three-position switch (100) and contributes to its overall operation. The ball-spring mechanism (114) enhances the overall functionality and reliability of the three-position switch (100). It ensures consistent and accurate actuation of the dome-based switch (110c), providing a tactile and responsive user experience. By offering controlled movement and guidance, the ball-spring mechanism (114) contributes to the smooth operation and longevity of the three-position switch (100).

The placement of the ball-spring mechanism (114) between the housing (106) and the carrier element (112) allows for controlled movement and engagement. The ball-spring mechanism (114) facilitates smooth and precise movement of the carrier element (112) within the housing (106), ensuring proper alignment and actuation of the dome-based switch (110c).

In an embodiment of the invention, a flapper (118) is provided to prevent the ingress of the dust, water and other contaminants. In an embodiment of the invention, a circlip (120) is provided to hold and secure the push knob (102) in the three-position switch (100).

Referring to Fig. 9(A) to 9(F), the operation of the three-position switch is explained.

FIGURE 9(A) illustrates a three-position switch in a non-actuated state which corresponds to both electrical circuits in non-conducting state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the non-actuated state, the three-position switch (100) is in its default position, and both the push knob (102) and the slider knob (104) remain stationary. There is no active movement of the knob assembly (102, 104) or pressing of either detector switch (110a, 110b). This state serves as the initial or neutral or default position of the three-position switch (100), awaiting user input.

FIGURE 9(B) illustrates a three-position switch in a first actuated state which corresponds to a first electrical circuit being in conducting state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the first actuated state, the knob assembly (102, 104) is engaged and moved in the first direction (D1). As the knob assembly (102, 104) is moved in the first direction (D1) by the user, the knob assembly (102, 104) being operably connected to a carrier element (112), transfers the actuating force to the carrier element (112) to move the carrier element (112) in the first direction (D1) to make contact with the first detector switch (110a), thereby actuating the first detector switch (110a). In an embodiment of the invention, the first part (112a) of the carrier element (112) makes contact with the first detector switch (110a).

Upon removal of actuating force by the user, the knob assembly (102, 104) and the carrier element (112) returns to a neutral position (as shown in Figure 9(C)) but the three position switch remains in a first actuated state for a short duration. The user, then, by pushing the push knob (102) in a third direction, provides the cancellation of the first actuated state, and thereby bringing the third position switch in a third actuated state by actuating the dome based switch (110c).(as shown in Figure 9 (F))

In an embodiment of the invention, upon removal of actuating force by the user, the knob assembly (102, 104) returns to the neutral position but the carrier element (112) remain parked in the first direction or in contact making position with the first detector switch (110a).The user, then, by pushing the push knob (102) in a third direction, brings the carrier element (112) to return back to the neutral position or default position. Simultaneously, the distal portion (102c) of the push knob (102) comes in contact with the dome based switch (110c) to bring the dome based switch (110c) in an actuated state.

In an embodiment of the invention, a first level of force may be applied to bring the carrier element (112) in the default position or neutral position and a second level of force may be applied to actuate the dome based switch (110c) to bring the three position switch in a third actuated state. The second level of force is greater than the first level of force.

FIGURE 9(D) illustrates a three-position switch in a second actuated state which corresponds to a second electrical circuit being in conducting state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the second actuated state, the knob assembly (102, 104) is engaged and moved in the second direction (D2). As the knob assembly (102, 104) is moved in the second direction (D2) by the user, the knob assembly (102, 104) being operably connected to a carrier element (112), transfers the actuating force to the carrier element (112) to move the carrier element (112) in the second direction (D2) to make contact with the second detector switch (110b), thereby actuating the second detector switch (110b).

In an embodiment of the invention, the second part (112b) of the carrier element (112) makes contact with the second detector switch (110b).

Upon removal of actuating force by the user, the knob assembly (102, 104) and the carrier element (112) returns to a neutral position (as shown in Figure 9(E)) but the three position switch remains in a second actuated state for a short duration. The user, then, by pushing the push knob (102) in a third direction, provides the cancellation of the second actuated state, and thereby bringing the third position switch in a third actuated state by actuating the dome based switch (110c).(as shown in Figure 9 (F))

In an embodiment of the invention, upon removal of actuating force by the user, the knob assembly (102, 104) returns to the neutral position but the carrier element (112) remain parked in the second direction or in contact making position with the second detector switch (110b). The user, then, by pushing the push knob (102) in a third direction, brings the carrier element (112) to return back to the neutral position or default position. Simultaneously, the distal portion (102c) of the push knob (102) comes in contact with the dome based switch (110c) to bring the dome based switch (110c) in an actuated state.

In an embodiment of the invention, a first level of force may be applied to bring the carrier element (112) in the default position or neutral position and a second level of force may be applied to actuate the dome based switch (110c) to bring the three position switch in a third actuated state. The second level of force is greater than the first level of force.

Figure 10illustrates the interaction of push knob (102) with the dome based switch (110c).

Figure 11, Figure 12 and Figure 13 illustrates a front view, a side view and a top view respectively of the three-position switch in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the dome based switch (110c) is disposed in the housing (106). In an embodiment of the invention, the dome based switch (110c) is disposed in third slot (106c) and is disposed in Y plane of the switch.

Referring to Figure 14 and 15, illustrates a front sectional view of the three-position switch after removing of knob assembly and housing respectively. The actuation of first detector switch (110a) i.e. first actuated state and the second detector switch (110b) i.e. the second actuated state and returning to non-actuated state is same as explained via Figure 9. The mechanism for actuation of dome based switch (110c) in the third slot (106c) for push cancellation requires a specific construction of the distal portion (102c) of the push knob (102).

Referring to Figure 16 and 17, illustrates an interaction of the distal portion (102c) of the push knob with the carrier element (112) and the dome based switch (110c) respectively. In an embodiment of the invention, the distal portion (102c) of the push knob (102) comprises a projection extended in Y plane to actuate the dome based switch (110c) disposed below the distal portion (102c) in Y plane. In an embodiment of the invention, the projection being a tapered shaped projection. In an embodiment of the invention, the aperture (112a) in the carrier element (112) is constructed to accommodate the distal portion (102c) of the push knob (102).
This construction is advantageous when there exists space constraint in the handle console of the two wheeler vehicle.
The slider knob (104) may be engaged by the operator for actuation of the turn signal. The slider knob (104) may be configured to be engaged using a thumb or fingers of an operator and may be made of any suitable material such as plastic. The knob assembly (102, 104) is designed and may be configured on the vehicle (not shown) such that for activation of a left turn signal, an operator may move the slider knob (104) in a first direction (D1), and for activation of a right turn signal, the operator may move the slider knob (104) in the second direction (D2). For cancellation of any activated turn signal, the operator may push the push knob (102) inwards of the knob assembly (102, 104).

The three-position switch can be incorporated into a handle switch assembly used in combination with a handle grip of a steering handle in motorcycles. This integration enhances the functionality and convenience of operating the motorcycle's winker
lights or turn signals.

The embodiments described above provide improved control, reliable operation, and enhanced functionality to the three-position switch for vehicles. The switch can be manufactured using conventional techniques and materials suitable for automotive applications.

The drawings the foregoing descriptions give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of process described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. In addition, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as the following claims.
, Claims:We Claim:

1. A three-position switch (100) for vehicles, comprising:
a knob assembly (102, 104) including a push knob (102) and a slider knob (104), the slider knob (104) being adapted to receive the push knob (102); the slider knob (104) being adapted to exhibit movement in a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1), the push knob (102) being adapted to exhibit movement in a third direction (D3) being perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2);
a casing (106, 108) adapted to receive the knob assembly (102, 104);
a first detector switch (110a) disposed along the first direction within the casing(106, 108) such that in operation the first detector switch (110a) gets actuated by movement of the slider knob (104) in the first direction;
a second detector switch (110b) disposed along the second direction within the housing (106, 108) such that in operation the second detector switch (110b) gets actuated by movement of the slider knob (104) in the second direction; and
a dome based switch(110c) disposed within the housing (106, 108) such that in operation the dome based switch (110c) gets actuated by movement of the push knob (104) in the third direction.

2. The three-position switch (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider knob
(104) together with the push knob (102) are adapted to exhibit movement in the first direction and the second direction, the push knob (102) being adapted to exhibit movement independent of the slider knob (104) in the third direction.

3. The three-position switch (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the push knob
(102) comprises a proximal portion (102a), a distal portion (102b) and an intermediate portion (102c),the proximal portion (102a) being adapted to receive the actuating force along the third direction (D3); the intermediate portion (102b) being operably connected to a carrier element(112), the carrier element (112) being adapted to transfer an actuating force received in the first direction (D1) to the first detector switch (110a) and transfer an actuating force received in the second direction (D2) to the second detector switch(110b); the distal portion (102c) being adapted to directly transfer the actuating force received along the third direction (D3) to the dome based switch (110c).

4. The three-position switch (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 3, wherein the carrier element (112) comprises an aperture (112a) for allowing the intermediate portion (102b) of the push knob (102) to traverse there-through, the intermediate portion (102b) of the push knob (102) interacts with the aperture of the carrier element (112) during movement of the push knob (102) along the third direction to provide a push-cancellation action.

5. The three-position switch (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (106,108) comprises a housing (106) and a cap element (108), the housing (106)comprises a first slot (106a) adapted to receive the first detector switch (110a) and a second slot (106b) adapted to receive the second detected switch (110b),the cap element (108) comprising a third slot (108a) adapted to receive the dome-based switch (110c).

6. The three-position switch (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first slot(106a) is provided at a first height (H1) of the housing (106) and the second slot (106b) is provided at a second height (H2) of the housing (106), the first height (H1) being different from the second height (H2).

7. The three-position switch (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 5, wherein the third slot(108a) is provided at about a centre location of the cap element (108)corresponding to a neutral position of the push knob (102).

8. The three-position switch (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ball-spring
mechanism (114) is disposed between the housing (106) and the carrier element(112).

9. A handle switch assembly for use in motorcycle in combination with handle grip of a steering handle, the handle switch assembly comprising at least one three-position switch comprising:
a knob assembly (102, 104) including a push knob (102) and a slider knob (104), the slider knob (104) being adapted to receive the push knob (102); the slider knob (104) being adapted to exhibit movement in a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1), the push knob (102) being adapted to exhibit movement in a third direction (D3) being perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2);
a casing (106, 108) adapted to receive the knob assembly (102, 104);
a first detector switch (110a) disposed along the first direction within the casing (106, 108) such that in operation the first detector switch (110a) gets actuated by movement of the slider knob (104) in the first direction;
a second detector switch (110b) disposed along the second direction within the housing (106, 108) such that in operation the second detector switch (110b) gets actuated by movement of the slider knob (104) in the second direction; and
a dome based switch (110c) disposed within the housing (106, 108) such that in operation the dome based switch (110c) gets actuated by movement of the push knob (104) in the third direction.