DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switch assembly, particularly, the present disclosure relates to the switch assembly for a vehicle that may navigate among one or more operations.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 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.
[0003] Most vehicles are equipped with a switch assembly that enables a user to perform multiple operations while driving the vehicle. The switch assembly in an automobile is typically located on a handlebar, a panel, a steering handle, or any other suitable place of the vehicle that can be easily operated by the user. The switch assembly can be used to perform switch-functioning operations from both the left-hand and right-hand sides of the handlebar. Further, the switch assembly may include one or more switches depending on a specific operation to be performed. For example, the desired operation can include actuation of turn signal lamps, actuation of headlights, starting the vehicle, locking the vehicle, navigation, switching to an open seat, and more.
[0004] Currently, the conventional switch assembly include a knob to operate the conventional switch assembly. Further, the conventional switch assembly supports controlling of various operations, including facilitating multiple ways of navigation operations, for example, but not limited to, controlling and guiding navigation and route, actuating turn indicators with lane change function or operating infotainment systems. This may enhance the riding experience however, the current design of the conventional switch assembly has various drawbacks. The main drawback associated with the conventional switch assembly pertains to failure due to ingress of foreign particles. Further, the knob of the conventional switch assembly design is generally prone to triggering false actuation of the conventional switch assembly. Furthermore, the conventional switch assembly have limited application use and may lack the capability to be operated for low-ampere applications. Owing to the aforesaid design, the conventional switch assembly of the vehicle provides discomfort to the users while riding the vehicle. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved switch assembly that may navigate among one or more operations and overcome the at least above-mentioned shortcomings of the existing switch assemblies.
[0005] 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
[0006] 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 nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
[0007] In an embodiment, a switch assembly for a vehicle is provided. The switch assembly includes a housing, a micro-switch sub-assembly, and a knob. The housing has a plurality of inner walls. The micro-switch sub-assembly is disposed in the housing. The micro-switch sub-assembly includes a control shaft adapted to pivot in a plurality of directions to perform a plurality of electronic actuations. The knob is adapted to mount over the control shaft to pivot the control shaft in the plurality of directions. The knob includes at least one flange protruding from an external surface of the knob. The at least one flange is adapted to selectively engage with the plurality of inner walls to prevent rotatory movement of the knob.
[0008] Accordingly, the switch assembly of the present disclosure including at least one flange protruding from an external surface of the knob to selectively engage with the plurality of inner walls of the housing may prevent rotatory movement of the knob. This may avoid false triggering by the knob of the switch assembly, thereby avoiding the performing of false electronic actuation.
[0009] Further, the switch assembly of the present disclosure utilising the micro-switch assembly may advantageously be utilised for low ampere applications, such as a turn indicator with a lane change feature.
[0010] 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
[0011] 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:
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a front sectional view of the switch assembly of Figure 1 along a plane A-A', according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Figure 4 illustrates the top sectional view of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] Figure 5A illustrates a front-sectional perspective views of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] Figure 5B illustrates another front-sectional perspective views of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a sequence for assembling the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] Figure 7A illustrates a top view of the knob pressed in a forward direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] Figure 7B illustrates the top view of the knob pressed in a backward direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] Figure 7C illustrates the top view of the knob pressed in a left direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] Figure 7D illustrates the top view of the knob pressed in a right direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] Figure 7E illustrates the top view of the knob pressed in a centre direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] Figure 8A illustrates a front-sectional view as shown in Figure 2 depicting the switch assembly operated in the left direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] Figure 8B illustrates the front-sectional views as shown in Figure 2 depicting the switch assembly operated in the centre direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] Figure 8C illustrates a front-sectional view as shown in Figure 2 depicting the switch assembly operated in the right direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Figure 9A illustrates a pictorial representation of an electric circuit that connects the control shaft to the PCB and the external circuit, specifically the ECU, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0028] Figure 9B illustrates a circuit diagram representing the PCB configured within the micro-switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] 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 present invention. 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 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 FIGURES
[0030] 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. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of the 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.
[0031] The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”
[0032] The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.
[0033] More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”
[0034] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . .” or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”
[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skills in the art.
[0036] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[0037] Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0038] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.
[0039] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0040] Referring to Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, a switch assembly 100 is shown. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a front sectional view of the switch assembly 100 of Figure 1 along a plane A-A', according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 1, 2 and 3 are described in conjunction hereinafter for ease of explanation.
[0041] The switch assembly 100 of the present disclosure may be employed to press in a plurality of directions to perform the plurality of electronic actuations. The plurality of directions may include forward, backwards, left, right and centre direction. The switch assembly 110 may be adapted to be mounted on an installation surface, for example, a handlebar, a panel, a steering handle, or another suitable place to operate easily by an end user, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the switch assembly 100 may have a rectangular shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Although, it should not be construed as limiting and the switch assembly 100 may also have different shapes, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0043] The switch assembly 100 for a vehicle includes a housing 102, a micro-switch sub-assembly 202, a knob 104, a top cover 108, a sealing cover 116, a bracket 208, a bottom cover 216, and bellow 218, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the housing 102 may have a plurality of inner walls defining an enclosed space. The micro-switch sub-assembly 202 may be disposed in the housing 102. In an embodiment, the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 may include a control shaft 204 adapted to pivot in the plurality of directions to perform a plurality of electronic actuations. In an embodiment, the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 220 and a micro-switch 222. Further, the control shaft 204 may be attached to the micro-switch 222 and adapted to pivot in the plurality of directions to perform the plurality of electronic actuations. In an embodiment, the micro-switch 222 may be a potentiometer.
[0044] In an embodiment, the knob 104 may be incorporated within the housing 102 and may be adapted to mount over the control shaft 204 to pivot the control shaft 204 in the plurality of directions. Further, the knob 104 may include at least one flange 206 protruding from an external surface of the knob 104. The at least one flange 206 may be adapted to selectively engage with the plurality of inner walls of the housing 102 to prevent rotatory movement of the knob 104.
[0045] In an embodiment, the knob 104 may include at least two flanges 206, such that the two flanges 206 may include a pair of flanges protruding from the external surface of the knob 104 and positioned diagonally opposite to each other.
[0046] In an embodiment, the housing 102 may include at least one snap lock 106 formed on a plurality of outer walls of the housing 102, wherein the at least one snap lock 106 is adapted to snap fit the housing 102 into an aperture provided on a vehicle panel of the vehicle. Therefore, the at least one snap lock 106 provided on the housing 102 makes the switch assembly 100 versatile and modular, facilitating ease of replaceability. In the illustrated embodiment, an outer shape of the housing 102 may be a rectangular shape.
[0047] In an embodiment, the top cover 108 disposed over a top opening of the housing 102 to secure the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 and the knob 104 within the housing 102. In an embodiment, the top cover 108 may include an aperture 110 adapted to allow the knob 104 to protrude through the aperture 110. In an embodiment, the top cover 108 may further include a first locking member 112 to complement a first lock receiving member 114 on the housing 102 to attach the top cover 108 to the housing 102.
[0048] In an embodiment, the knob 104 may be surrounded by the sealing cover 116 to secure an underside of the top cover 108. In a non-limiting embodiment, the sealing cover 116 may be made of a rubber material. In another non-limiting embodiment, the sealing cover 116 may be made of a silicone material. In an embodiment, the sealing cover 116 may be opaque and avoid see-through.
[0049] In an embodiment, the bracket 208 may be interposed between the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 and the housing 102. In an embodiment, the bracket 208 may be adapted to attach the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 to the housing 102. Further, the bracket 208 may be provided with a second locking member 210 to complement a second lock receiving member 212 on the housing 102 to attach the bracket 208 to the housing 102. In an embodiment, a gasket 214 may be disposed between the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 and the bracket 208.
[0050] In an embodiment, the bottom cover 216 may be disposed over a bottom opening of the bracket 208 to secure the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 and the knob 104 within the housing 102. In an embodiment, the bottom cover 216 may be provided with a third locking member to complement a third lock receiving member on the bracket 208 to attach the bottom cover 216 to the bracket 208.
[0051] In an embodiment, the bellow 218 may be disposed between the bracket 208 and the knob 104. In an embodiment, the bellow 218 may be adapted to seal the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 from the top.
[0052] Figure 4 illustrates the top sectional view of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A illustrates a front-sectional perspective view of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5B illustrates another front-sectional perspective view of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 4, 5A and 5B are described in conjunction hereinafter for ease of explanation.
[0053] As shown, the housing 102 may include at least one arrestor member 402 complementing the at least one flange 206 of the knob 104. The at least one arrestor member 402 may be adapted to protrude from the plurality of inner walls of the housing 102 and engage with the at least one flange 206 of the knob 104 to prevent the rotatory movement of the knob 104.
[0054] In an embodiment, the at least one arrestor member 402 may include a pair of stoppers 404 protruding from the plurality of inner walls of the housing forming a channel to receive therein the at least one flange 206 of the knob. This arrangement may arrest the rotatory movement of the knob 104 and may avoid false triggering by the knob 104 of the switch assembly 100.
[0055] Figure 6 illustrates a sequence for assembling the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0056] In an embodiment, the sequence may begin by assembling the micro-switch sub-assembly 202, which may include integrating the micro-switch 222 with the PCB 220. In an embodiment, the integration of the micro-switch 222 and the PCB 220 may be carried out using a soldering process, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0057] In an embodiment, the sequence of assembling the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 may further include forming a first sub-assembly 602. The first sub-assembly 602 may include an attachment of the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 to the bracket 208 such that the gasket 214 may be sandwiched between the bracket 208 and the micro-switch 222. In an embodiment, an inner periphery of the gasket 214 may be surrounded by an outer periphery of the micro-switch 222 of the micro-switch sub-assembly 202. Further, the gasket 214 may ensure that micro-switch sub-assembly 202 is firmly placed with the bracket 208 during the operation of the switch assembly 100. Further, the bottom cover 216 may be disposed over the bottom opening of the bracket 208. The bottom cover 216 may be attached with the bracket 208 such that the third locking member of the bottom cover 216 may be secured with the third lock receiving member on the bracket 208. In an embodiment, the third locking member the third lock receiving member may form a snap-fit arrangement. In an embodiment, the third locking member may alternatively be provided on the bracket 208 and the third lock receiving may alternatively be provided on the bottom cover 216, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0058] In an embodiment, the sequence of assembling the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 may further include forming a second sub-assembly 604. The second sub-assembly 604 may be formed by attaching the bellow 218 between the first sub-assembly 602 and the knob 104. In an embodiment, a bottom portion of the bellow 218 may fit on the top of the first sub-assembly 602. In an embodiment, the bottom portion of the bellow 218 may fit on the bracket 208 of the first sub-assembly 602. In an embodiment, the bellow 218 may utilise a compressions fitment to fit over the first sub-assembly 602, ensuring the sealing of the first sub-assembly 602 from the top. Thereby, sealing the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 from the top. In an embodiment, a top portion of the bellow 218 may fit with a bottom portion of the knob 104 through press fitting. In an embodiment, the bellow 218 may be made of a rubber material. In an alternative embodiment, the bellow 218 may be made of a silicon material.
[0059] In an embodiment, the sequence of assembling the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 may further include forming a third sub-assembly 606. The third sub-assembly 606 may be formed by attaching the second sub-assembly 604 with the housing 102. The housing 102 may be attached with the second sub-assembly 604 such that the second locking member 210 of the bottom cover 216 may be inserted into the second lock receiving member 212 of the housing 102. In an embodiment, the second locking member 210 and the second lock receiving member 212 may form a snap-fit arrangement. In an embodiment, the second locking member 210 may alternatively be provided on the housing 102 and the second lock receiving member 212 may alternatively be provided on bottom cover 216, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0060] In an embodiment, the sequence of assembling the micro-switch sub-assembly 202 may further include forming a fourth sub-assembly 608. The fourth sub-assembly 608 may include attaching the top cover 108 over the third sub-assembly 606, such that the top cover 108 covers the top opening of the housing 102. In an embodiment, prior to attaching the top cover 108, the sealing cover 116 is placed between the top cover 108 and the third sub-assembly 606. The sealing cover 116 acts as a sealant against the ingress of any foreign particles, or water droplets inside the switch assembly 100. The assembly of the fourth sub-assembly 608 completes the sequence of assembling the switch assembly 100.
[0061] Figures 7A to 7E illustrate plurality press directions of the knob 104. Figure 7A illustrates the top view of the knob 104 pressed in a forward direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B illustrates the top view of the knob 104 pressed in a backward direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7C illustrates the top view of the knob 104 pressed in a left direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7D illustrates the top view of the knob 104 pressed in a right direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7E illustrates the top view of the knob 104 pressed in a centre direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 7A-7E are described in conjunction hereinafter for ease of explanation.
[0062] In an embodiment, the knob 104 may be pressed by a user/rider in any of the five directions for operating the switch assembly 100, for example, knob 104 may be pressed in the forward direction, the backward direction, the left direction, the right direction, and the centre direction. as show in Figures 7A-7E. Further, the at least one flange 206 of the knob 104 may ensure that the rotary movement of the knob 104 is prevented while being pressed. This ensures that the knob is pressed in only the intended direction, thereby triggering the correct intended electronic actuation associated with the direction in which the knob 104 is pressed. Further, the movement of the knob 104 in each of the five directions, as shown in the Figures 7A-7E, may cause a respective movement of the control shaft 204 of the micro-switch 222 the respective each of the five directions as the knob 104 is assembled on the shaft 204 of the micro-switch 222. Therefore, pressing the knob 104 may pivot the control shaft 204 in the plurality of directions to perform the plurality of electronic actuations. In a non-limiting embodiment, pressing the knob 104 in the centre direction cancellation of the electronic actuations. In an embodiment, all the movements of the knob 104 may be momentary ones and may be meant to provide at least one signal to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the ECU may be in communication with the PCB 220 of the switch assembly 100. Further, each movement of the control shaft 204 of the micro-switch 222 may generate at least one signal which is provided to ECU. Furthermore, due to the momentary movements of the knob 104, after relieving the knob from its intended position the knob 104 may be positioned back to its centre position.
[0063] Figures 8A to 8C depict different operative conditions of the switch assembly. Figure 8A illustrates a front-sectional view as shown in Figure 2 depicting the switch assembly operated in the left direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8B illustrates the front-sectional views as shown in Figure 2 depicting the switch assembly operated in the centre direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8C illustrates a front-sectional view as shown in Figure 2 depicting the switch assembly operated in the right direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 8A-8C are described in conjunction hereinafter for ease of explanation.
[0064] In an embodiment, the micro-switch assembly 202 may include a circuit having a plurality of resistors having different resistance values. Accordingly, when the knob 104 is pressed, then by means of the control shaft 204, a respective resistance value of the circuit associated with a corresponding pivot direction of the control shaft 204 gets actuated. This may provide a unique signal by the micro-switch assembly 202 of the switch assembly to the ECU of the vehicle for the actuation of electronic actuation.
[0065] Referring to Figure 8A, the knob 118 may be pressed in the left direction. Accordingly, the control shaft 204 may also be pivoted in the left direction such that a respective resistance value associated with the left pivoting of the control shaft 204 may get connected to send a corresponding signal to the ECU for actuation of an electronic operation associated with the left pivoting of the control shaft 204.
[0066] Referring to Figure 8B, the knob 118 may be pressed in the centre direction. Accordingly, the control shaft 204 may also be pivoted in the centre direction such that all the resistors of the plurality of resistors may get connected thereby sending a corresponding signal to the ECU. In an embodiment, the signal corresponding to the pivoting of the control shaft 204 in the centre direction may cancel all of the electronic actuations.
[0067] Referring to Figure 8C, the knob 118 may be pressed in the right direction. Accordingly, the control shaft 204 may also be pivoted in the right direction such that a respective resistance value associated with the right pivoting of the control shaft 204 may get connected to send a corresponding signal to the ECU for the actuation of an electronic operation associated with the right pivoting of the control shaft 204.
[0068] Figure 9A illustrates a pictorial representation of an electric circuit that connects the control shaft 204 to the PCB 220 and the external circuit specifically, the ECU, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9B illustrates a circuit diagram representing the PCB 220 configured within the micro-switch assembly 202, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 9A and 9B are described in conjunction hereinafter for ease of explanation.
[0069] In an embodiment, the PCB 220 may include a circuit 920 having a first terminal 921 coupled to an external circuit, and a resistive network comprising a plurality of resistors 922A-922E, each having a different resistive value. In an embodiment, the external circuit may be an ECU circuit associated with the ECU. In an embodiment, the first terminal 921 of the PCB 220 may be connected to the ECU. The plurality of resistors 922A-922E may be assembled on the PCB 220, such that each of the plurality of resistors may have a first contact point connected to the first terminal and a second contact point connected to a ground potential. The micro-switch 222 may include a second terminal adapted to selectively make contact with the first contact point of any one of the plurality of resistors 922A-922E based on the control shaft 204 being pivoted in the plurality of directions. Therefore, any one of the resistive values from the plurality of the resistors 922A-922E may be selected for inclusion in the circuit 920, that may produce a specific signal value from a plurality of pre-set signal values, depending on the selection of resistor 922A-922E for the external circuit.
[0070] In an embodiment, the resistive network is formed by a parallel arrangement of the plurality of resistors 922A-922E.
[0071] In an embodiment, an output signal from the switch assembly 100 may be taken across the resistive network arranged in a parallel configuration, as shown in Figure 9B.
[0072] In an embodiment, a value of resistance 912 (R) depicted in the circuit in Figure 9A indicates resistance offered by the second terminal.
[0073] In an embodiment, the PCB 220 may be adapted to selectively include any one of the resistors 922A-922E from the plurality of resistors 922A-922E to the first terminal on pivoting of the control shaft in the plurality of directions to perform the plurality of electronic actuations. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of resistors 922A-922E may have the first contact point connected to the first terminal and the second contact point connected to the ground potential.
[0074] Referring to Figure 9B, the PCB 220 may include a plurality of contact points arranged circumferentially around a periphery of the PCB 220 and spaced apart from each other.
[0075] In an embodiment, a first contact point of a first resistor 922A may be adapted to connect to the first terminal, and a second contact point of the first resistor 922A may be adapted to connect to the ground potential. In an embodiment, a first contact point of a second resistor 922B may be adapted to connect to the first terminal, and a second contact point of the second resistor 922B may be adapted to connect to the ground potential. In an embodiment, a first contact point of a third resistor 922C may be adapted to connect to the first terminal, and a second contact point of the third resistor 922C may be adapted to connect to the ground potential. In an embodiment, a first contact point of a fourth resistor 922D may be adapted to connect to the first terminal, and a second contact point of the fourth resistor 922D may be adapted to connect to the ground potential. In an embodiment, a first contact point of a fifth resistor 922E may be adapted to connect to the first terminal, and a second contact point of the fifth resistor 922E may be adapted to connect to the ground potential.
[0076] The present disclosure may further include several advantages over the existing techniques. For example, the knob 104 of the present disclosure has at least one flange protruding from an external surface of the knob. The at least one flange 206 may be adapted to selectively engage with the plurality of inner walls to prevent rotatory movement of the knob 104. Therefore, this may avoid false triggering by the knob 104 of the switch assembly 100, thereby avoiding the performing of false electronic actuation.
[0077] Further, the at least one arrestor member 402 provided on the inner walls of the housing 102 may engage with the at least one flange 206 of the knob 104 to prevent the rotatory movement of the knob 104. This arrangement may advantageously arrest the rotatory movement of the knob 104 and may avoid false triggering by the knob 104 of the switch assembly 100.
[0078] Further, the housing 102 of the present disclosure having at least one snap lock 106 adapted to snap fit the housing 102 into the aperture provided on the vehicle panel of the vehicle makes the switch assembly 100 versatile and modular in nature, facilitating ease of replaceability.
[0079] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switch assembly 100 utilising the micro-switch assembly 202 having a micro-switch 222 and PCB 220 may advantageously be utilised for low ampere applications, such as a turn indicator with a lane change feature.
[0080] 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 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 switch assembly (100) for a vehicle, comprising:
a housing (102) having a plurality of inner walls;
a micro-switch sub-assembly (202) disposed in the housing (102), the micro-switch sub-assembly (202) comprises a control shaft (204) adapted to pivot in a plurality of directions to perform a plurality of electronic actuations; and
a knob (104) adapted to mount over the control shaft (204) to pivot the control shaft (204) in the plurality of directions, wherein the knob (104) comprises at least one flange (206) protruding from an external surface of the knob (104), wherein the at least one flange (206) is adapted to selectively engage with the plurality of inner walls to prevent rotatory movement of the knob (104).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two flanges (206) include a pair of flanges (206) protruding from the external surface of the knob (104) and positioned diagonally opposite to each other.

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) comprises at least one arrestor member (402) complementing the at least one flange (206) of the knob (104), wherein the at least one arrestor member (402) is adapted to protrude from the plurality of inner walls of the housing (102) and engage with the at least one flange (206) of the knob (104) to prevent the rotatory movement of the knob (104).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one arrestor member (402) comprises a pair of stoppers (404) protruding from the plurality of inner walls of the housing (102) forming a channel to receive therein the at least one flange (206) of the knob (104).

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) comprises at least one snap lock (106) formed on a plurality of outer walls of the housing (102), wherein the at least one snap lock (106) is adapted to snap fit the housing (102) into an aperture provided on a vehicle panel.

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a top cover (108) disposed over a top opening of the housing (102) to secure the micro-switch sub-assembly (202) and the knob (104) within the housing (102), wherein the top cover (108) comprises an aperture (110) adapted to allow the knob (104) to protrude through the aperture (110), and a first locking member (112) to complement a first lock receiving member (114) on the housing (102) to attach the top cover (108) to the housing (102).

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (104) is surrounded by a sealing cover (116) that secures underside the top cover (108).

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a bracket (208) interposed between the micro-switch sub-assembly (202) and the housing (102), and adapted to attach the micro-switch sub-assembly (202) to the housing (102), wherein the bracket (208) is provided with a second locking member (210) to complement a second lock receiving member (212) on the housing (102) to attach the bracket (208) to the housing (102).

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, comprising a gasket (214) disposed between the micro-switch sub-assembly (202) and the bracket (208).

10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, comprising a bottom cover (216) disposed over a bottom opening of the bracket (208) to secure the micro-switch sub-assembly (202) and the knob (104) within the housing (102), wherein the bottom cover (216) is provided with a third locking member to complement a third lock receiving member on the bracket (208) to attach the bottom cover (216) to the bracket (208).

11. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 10, comprising a layer of sealant applied between the bottom cover (216) and the micro-switch sub-assembly (202) to seal the micro-switch sub assembly (202) from the bottom.

12. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, comprising bellow (218) disposed between the bracket (208) and the knob (104), wherein the bellow (218) is adapted to seal the micro-switch sub assembly (202) from the top.

13. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the micro-switch sub-assembly (202) comprises:
a printed circuit board (PCB) (220) configured with:
a first terminal (921) coupled to an external circuit (910); and
a plurality of resistors (922A-922E) assembled on the PCB (220), each of the plurality of resistors (922A-922E) having a first contact point connected to the first terminal and a second contact point connected to a ground potential; and
a micro-switch (222) configured with:
a second terminal adapted to selectively make contact with the first contact point of any one of the plurality of resistors (922A-922E) based on the control shaft (204) being pivoted in the plurality of directions.

14. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first terminal (921) of the PCB (220) is connected to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle.