Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to switch assemblies for two wheeled vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a slidable actuator for a switch assembly of a two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present disclosure.

Two wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles and scooters, are popular means of transportation globally due to their efficiency and easy maneuverability in traffic. Typically, such two-wheeled vehicles are equipped with switch assemblies that control various functions associated with the two-wheeled vehicle. These functions include, but are not limited to, activation/deactivation of lights, turn signal indicators, horn devices, and other electrical components. The actuation mechanisms within these switch assemblies that help activate/deactivate the electrical components are important for ensuring the safety, convenience, and overall riding experience of a rider.

Conventionally, switch assemblies face several challenges related to their actuation mechanisms. One such challenge is the issue of durability. For example, knobs or similar actuation mechanisms are typically assembled from outside a case of the switch assembly. Typically, knobs are assembled from outside the case using a snap fit arrangement, screw fasteners, or dowel pins. The screw fasteners and/or dowel pins are used when more space is available and application of these are in hidden area and not visible to the rider in any way. The snap fit arrangement is used when less space is available. However, the snap fit arrangement is not robust and is easily prone to being dismantled when knob has sliding or angular movement.

Moreover, the constant exposure to unpredictable weather conditions, vibrations, and mechanical stress during operation can lead to wear and tear of components of the actuation mechanism affecting their reliability. Additionally, due to excessive vibration or mechanical stress, some components of the actuation mechanism may be unintentionally dismantled from the switch assembly. Consequently, frequent replacements and repairs result in inconvenience for the riders and additional maintenance costs.

Another drawback of the existing switch assemblies is the easy entry of dust and excess moisture into the case of the switch assemblies. Two-wheeled vehicles often encounter varying weather conditions, including rain and dust, which can seep into the case and affect the functionality of the switch assembly. Therefore, ensuring water and dust resistance during design of the switch assembly is desirable.

Another significant concern is the ergonomics of the switch assembly, for example, the design and placement of the actuation mechanisms in the switch assembly. Poorly designed actuation mechanisms lead to increased discomfort, reduced response time, and compromised safety. Moreover, the design of the actuation mechanism must not be complex or prohibitively expensive to implement.

Therefore, considering these challenges, an actuation mechanism that enhances durability and water and dust resistance without compromising ergonomics or increasing costs, is therefore desirable.

The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purposes and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are 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.
A slidable actuator for a switch assembly is disclosed. The slidable actuator includes a knob portion, a stem portion, and a protruding pin assembly. The stem portion extends from the knob portion and defines a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the protruding pin assembly. The protruding pin assembly includes a metallic head and a biasing element. The metallic head is locked with the stem portion. The biasing element is adapted to engage the metallic head to facilitate slidable movement of the metallic head. The metallic head is at a retracted position upon exertion of an external force on the metallic head and the metallic head is at an extended position in the absence of the external force. In an embodiment, the metallic head is integrated with the stem portion using a heat caulking method.
Also disclosed herein is a switch assembly including a slidable actuator and a case. The slidable actuator includes a stem portion extending from a knob portion and defining a cavity for receiving at least a portion of a protruding pin assembly. The protruding pin assembly includes a metallic head locked with the stem portion and a biasing element adapted to engage the metallic head to facilitate slidable movement of the metallic head. The case includes at least one recessed portion, an opening, and a second cavity. The at least one recessed portion is adapted to seat the knob portion. The opening is defined in the at least one recessed portion by sidewalls of the case for inserting the stem portion and the protruding pin assembly into a first cavity defined by a supporting element. The second cavity is defined by a flanged sidewall of the supporting element. The second cavity is adapted to receive a second portion of the metallic head of the protruding pin assembly. Upon insertion of the stem portion into the first cavity, the metallic head extends into the second cavity and restricts upward movement of the slidable actuator.
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 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 THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure 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 1A exemplarily illustrates an isometric view of a switch assembly including a slidable actuator;
Figure 1B exemplarily illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly about an axis (A-A’) shown in Figure 1A;
Figure 1C exemplarily illustrates an isometric view of the switch assembly including the slidable actuator;
Figure 1D exemplarily illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly about an axis (X-X’) shown in Figure 1C;
Figures 2A-2B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of the switch assembly;
Figure 3A exemplarily illustrates a side view of the slidable actuator;
Figure 3B exemplarily illustrates a side view of a carrier of the switch assembly;
Figure 4A exemplarily illustrates an isometric view of the slidable actuator;
Figure 4B exemplarily illustrates a sectional view of the slidable actuator about an axis (Y-Y’) shown in Figure 4A; and
Figure 4C exemplarily illustrates a side view of the slidable actuator.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the disclosure. Furthermore, in terms of 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 disclosure 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 FIGURES

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 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 disclosure. 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 "comprise", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-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.
Figure 1A exemplarily illustrates an isometric view of a switch assembly 200 including a slidable actuator 100. The switch assembly 200 includes the slidable actuator 100 mounted on a case 201. In an embodiment, the case 201 may be mounted to a two wheeler. Moreover, the switch assembly 200 may be adapted to activate and/or deactivate a plurality of functions associated with the two wheeler, for example, switching ON/OFF a headlight, turning ON/OFF an indicator, activating or deactivating a horn device of the two wheeler, and the like. The slidable actuator 100 includes a knob portion 101 adapted to receive one or more fingers of a user. The slidable actuator 100 is mounted to the case 201 such that the knob portion 101 is adapted to slide relative to the case 201. For example, the knob portion 101 may initially be at a rest position. Thereafter, the user may place his/her finger on the knob portion 101 and push the knob portion 101 in a tangential direction relative to the case 201. This force exerted by the user pushes the knob portion 101 to a first position away from the rest position of the knob portion 101. The first position may trigger one or more functions associated with the two-wheeler. When the knob portion 101 returns to the first position, the one or more functions associated with the two-wheeler may be deactivated.
In an embodiment, the knob portion 101 of the slidable actuator 100 is adapted to slide on the at least one recessed portion 202 of the case 201 between a plurality of predefined positions. Each of the plurality of predefined positions of the slidable actuator 100 may be associated with a corresponding function of the switch assembly 200. For example, a first position may be associated with a dim function of a headlight, a second position may be associated with a bright function of the headlight, and so on.
Figure 1B exemplarily illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly 200 about an axis (A-A’) shown in Figure 1A. The switch assembly 200 includes the knob portion 101, a stem portion 102, and a protruding pin assembly 103. The stem portion 102 extends downward into the interior of the case 201 and is supported by a supporting element 205.
Figure 1C exemplarily illustrates an isometric view of the switch assembly 200 including the slidable actuator 100. Figure 1D exemplarily illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly 200 about an axis (X-X’) shown in Figure 1C. The slidable actuator 100 includes the knob portion 101, the stem portion 102, and the protruding pin assembly 103. The stem portion 102 extends from the knob portion 101 and defines a cavity 102a for receiving at least a portion of the protruding pin assembly 103. In an embodiment, a central axis of the stem portion 102 is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the cavity 102a. In an embodiment, the protruding pin assembly 103 includes a metallic head 103a and a biasing element 103b adapted to engage the metallic head 103a. The biasing element 103b is adapted to engage the metallic head 103a to facilitate slidable movement of the metallic head 103a.
The case 201 of the switch assembly 200 includes at least one recessed portion 202, an opening 203 defined in the recessed portion 202, and a second cavity 206 defined by the supporting member 205. The second cavity 206 is defined by a flanged sidewall 208 of the supporting member 205 The recessed portion 202 is adapted to seat the knob portion 101. The opening 203 defined in the at least one recessed portion 202 is provided for inserting the stem portion 102 and the protruding pin assembly 103 into a first cavity 204 defined by a supporting element 205. The second cavity 206 is adapted to receive another portion of the metallic head 103a of the protruding pin assembly 103. Moreover, a central axis of the cavity 102a of the stem portion 102 aligns with a central axis of the second cavity 206 when the slidable actuator 100 is assembled to the case 201.
In an embodiment according to the disclosure, the metallic head 103a is at a retracted position upon exertion of an external force on the metallic head 103a and the metallic head 103a is at an extended position in the absence of the external force. During insertion of the stem portion 102 into the first cavity 204, the flanged sidewall 208 of the supporting member 205 exerts the external force on the metallic head 103a. The flanged sidewall 208 may be defined with a slanting portion. The slanting portion is in contact with a second portion 103d (shown in Figure 4A) of the metallic head 103a during insertion of the stem portion 102 in the first cavity 204. Upon insertion of the stem portion 102 into the first cavity 204, the metallic head 103a extends into the second cavity 206 and restricts upward movement of the slidable actuator 100. This is because the metallic head 103a is restricted by the supporting element 205 defining the second cavity 206. As such, the metallic head 103a engages with the cavity 206 of the supporting element 205 to restrict the upward movement of the stem portion 102 when the slidable actuator is assembled to the case 201.
Figures 2A-2B exemplarily illustrate exploded views of the switch assembly 200. As already explained in the detailed descriptions of Figures 1A-1D, the switch assembly 200 includes the slidable actuator 100 mounted on the case 201. The slidable actuator 100 includes the knob portion 101, the stem portion 102, and the protruding pin assembly 103. Moreover, the protruding pin assembly 103 includes the metallic head 103a and the biasing element 103b adapted to engage the metallic head. The biasing element 103b is adapted to engage the metallic head 103a to facilitate slidable movement of the metallic head 103a. In an embodiment, the biasing element 103b is a compressible spring.
The stem portion 102 extends from the knob portion 101 and defines the cavity 102a for receiving a portion of the protruding pin assembly 103. In an embodiment, the stem portion 102 extends downward relative to the knob portion 101 into the opening 203 defined in the case 201. The opening 203 defined in the at least one recessed portion 202 is provided for inserting the stem portion 102 and the protruding pin assembly 103 into the first cavity 204. The supporting element 205 is adapted to be received in a bracket 207. A cover 209 may be provided to enclose the supporting member 205 in the bracket 207. Moreover, the supporting element 205 and the bracket 207 collectively define the first cavity 204 for receiving the stem portion 102 of the slidable actuator 100.
Figure 3A exemplarily illustrates a side view of the slidable actuator 100. Figure 3B exemplarily illustrates a side view of the supporting element 205 of the switch assembly 200.
Figure 4A exemplarily illustrates an isometric view of the slidable actuator 100. Figure 4B exemplarily illustrates a sectional view of the slidable actuator 100 about an axis (Y-Y’) shown in Figure 4A. Figure 4C exemplarily illustrates a side view of the slidable actuator 100.
The slidable actuator 100 includes the knob portion 101, the stem portion 102, and the protruding pin assembly 103. In an embodiment, the cavity 102a is defined in the stem portion 102 for receiving a portion of the protruding pin assembly 103 including the metallic head 103a and the biasing element 103b adapted to engage the metallic head. In an embodiment, the metallic head 103a is locked in the cavity 102a of the stem portion 102. The metallic head 103a may be locked in the cavity 102a of the stem portion 102 at a region 102b using a heat caulking method. The heat caulking method uses a material of the stem portion 102 at region 102b adapted to lock the interface between the metallic head 103a and the cavity 102a. Advantageously, the locking of the metallic head 103a in the cavity 102a prevents ingress of dust or moisture into the cavity 102a which may corrode or degrade the metallic head 103a. This may prevent the slidable actuator 100 from sliding optimally. The biasing element 103b is adapted to engage the metallic head 103a to facilitate slidable movement of the metallic head 103a inside the cavity 102a. In an embodiment, the biasing element 103b is a compressible spring.
In an embodiment, the metallic head 103a includes a first portion 103c and the second portion 103d. The diameter of the first portion 103c is equal to diameter of the cavity 102a of the stem portion 102. The first portion 103c of the metallic head 103a may be locked in the cavity 102a of the stem portion 102. Similarly, the diameter of the second portion 103d is equal to the diameter of the second cavity 206 of the supporting member 205. The heat caulking method causes the material of the stem portion 102 at region 102b to lock the interface between the first portion 103c of the metallic head 103a and the cavity 102a.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled 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 disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, 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. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
Technical advantages of the present disclosure:
1. The switch assembly 200 and the slidable actuator 100 are slidable relative to each other while maintaining a robust construction. The robust construction of the slidable actuator 100 is ensured by the provision of the protruding pin assembly 103 that restrains any chance of dismantling the slidable actuator 100 by exertion of a small pull out force. The engagement of the protruding pin assembly 103 against the supporting member 205 prevents easy dismantling of the slidable actuator 100. The slidable actuator 100 can withstand a pull out force of about 20Kgf.
2. The improved mechanism using the protruding pin assembly 103 and the stem portion 102 of the slidable actuator 100 requires less space within the case 201. Moreover, the improved slidable actuator assembly is easily assembled to the case 201. There are minimal changes to the exterior of the case 201 thereby allowing easy implementation of the case 201 in existing two wheeled vehicles.
3. Finally, the entire mechanism is neatly positioned within the case 201 and is not visible or easily accessible to the driver. This feature improves the aesthetics and prevents unintentional dismantling of the protruding pin assembly 103 from the case 201 while driving the two wheeled vehicle.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.
While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description 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. , Claims:1. A slidable actuator (100) for a switch assembly (200), the slidable actuator (100) comprising:
a knob portion (101);
a stem portion (102) extending from the knob portion (101) and defining a cavity (102a) for receiving at least a portion of a protruding pin assembly (103); and
the protruding pin assembly (103) including:
a metallic head (103a) locked with the stem portion (102); and
a biasing element (103b) adapted to engage the metallic head (103a) to facilitate slidable movement of the metallic head (103a),
wherein the metallic head (103a) is at a retracted position upon exertion of an external force on the metallic head (103a) and the metallic head (103a) is at an extended position in the absence of the external force.

2. The slidable actuator (100) of claim 1, wherein the metallic head (103a) is locked in the cavity (102a) of the stem portion (102) using a heat caulking method.

3. The slidable actuator (100) of claim 1, wherein a central axis of the stem portion (102) is perpendicular to a central axis of the cavity (102a).

4. A switch assembly (200) comprising:
a slidable actuator (100) comprising:
a knob portion (101);
a stem portion (102) extending from the knob portion (101) and defining a cavity (102a) for receiving at least a portion of a protruding pin assembly (103); and
the protruding pin assembly (103) including:
a metallic head (103a) locked with the stem portion (102); and
a biasing element (103b) adapted to engage the metallic head (103a) to facilitate slidable movement of the metallic head (103a); and
a case (201) comprising:
at least one recessed portion (202) for seating the knob portion (101);
an opening (203) defined in the at least one recessed portion (202) by sidewalls of the case (201) for inserting the stem portion (102) and the protruding pin assembly (103) into a first cavity (204) defined by a supporting element (205); and
a second cavity (206) defined by a flanged sidewall (208) of the supporting element (205), the second cavity (206) adapted to receive a second portion (103d) of the metallic head (103a) of the protruding pin assembly (103),
wherein upon insertion of the stem portion (102) into the first cavity (204), the metallic head (103a) extends into the second cavity (206) and restricts upward movement of the slidable actuator (100).

5. The switch assembly (200) of claim 4, wherein the flanged sidewall (208) of the supporting member (205) exerts an external force on the second portion (103d) of the metallic head (103a) during insertion of the stem portion (102) into the first cavity (204).

6. The switch assembly (200) of claim 4, wherein the biasing element (103b) is a compressible spring.

7. The switch assembly (200) of claim 4, wherein the metallic head (103a) engages with the second cavity (206) of the flanged sidewall (208) of the supporting member (205) to restrict the upward movement of the stem portion (102) when the slidable actuator is assembled to the case (201).

8. The switch assembly (200) of claim 4, wherein a central axis of the cavity (102a) of the stem portion (102) aligns with a central axis of the second cavity (206) when the slidable actuator (100) is assembled to the case (201).

9. The switch assembly (200) of claim 4, wherein the diameter of a first portion (103c) is equal to the diameter of the cavity (102a) of the stem portion (102) and the diameter of the second portion (103d) is equal to the diameter of the second cavity (206) of the supporting member (205).

10. The switch assembly (200) of claim 4, wherein the knob portion (101) of the slidable actuator (100) is adapted to slide on the at least one recessed portion (202) of the case (201) between a plurality of predefined positions, each of the plurality of predefined positions associated with a corresponding function of the switch assembly (200).

11. The switch assembly (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the case (201) is adapted to be mounted on a two-wheeled vehicle.