TECHINCAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a display apparatus for fare denotation, more particularly relates to an electronic display apparatus provided with horizontal sliding flag unit.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

The fare meters showing the distance travelled in km and its fare are incorporated in all the vehicles like auto rickshaws and taxis for passenger awareness on their travel information.

Variety of fare meters with integrated flag units are available for such vehicles which are designed to take care of driver operational comfort and passenger travel information.

Most commonly used flag module type in the fare meters, which is existing are rotating flag in which the top position denotes "For Hire" position and bottom position denotes "Hired" position and another existing type of fare meter involving a flag which is switch mode, where Hired, "For Hire" details are provided as switches for driver to select the mode as per the application.

In the rotating flag type, the drawback is that once the position sensing contact is lost due to friction this will lead to error and false information will be displayed to the customers. Also in the switch mode, possibility of the driver to press the wrong button, again leads to false information display to the customer who is travelling. Also, the outer casing of the fare meters is manufactured by the Aluminium which is more cost.

As a review of the prior art reveals, a need continues to exist for a cost effective, aesthetically improved, contact-less flag module fare meter which provides long life to the flag module.

STATEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides for an apparatus (1) to display parameters, comprising a printed circuit board [PCB] (2) connected to plurality of reed switch (3), a supporting plate (4) having a slot (4a) connected to the PCB (2) and a covering plate (5) having a slot (5a) at rear side of the apparatus (1), a flag imit (6) comprising plurality of plates (7) and placed in between the supporting plate (4) and the covering plate (5), wherein said plates (7) comprises magnet (8) at its center and aligned with the reed switch (3), and a housing (9) to accommodate a dial (16), the PCB (2), the supporting plate (4), the covering plate (5) and the flag unit (6), wherein said flag unit (6) comprising the magnet (8) upon sliding onto the slots (4a) to a predetermined position is sensed by the reed switch (3) for displaying the parameters, also provides for a method of operating an apparatus (1) to display parameters, said method comprising acts of sliding flag unit (6) horizontally to a predetermined position, locking the flag unit (6) at the predetermined position, wherein said sliding of the flag unit (6) comprising magnet (8) is sensed by reed switch (3) for displaying the parameters, and also provides for a method of assembling an apparatus (1) to display parameters, said method comprising acts of connecting printed circuit board [PCB] (2) with plurality of reed switch (3), connecting supporting plate (4) having a slot (4a) to the PCB (2) and a covering plate (5) to the supporting plate (4) at rear side of the apparatus (1), placing flag unit (6) in between the supporting plate (4) and the covering plate (5), such that plates (7) comprising magnet (8) at its center is aligned with the reed switch (3), and placing dial (16), the PCB (2), support plate (4), covering plate and the flag unit (5) inside housing (9), wherein said flag unit (6) comprising the magnet (8) upon sliding onto the slots (4a) to a predetermined position is sensed by the reed switch (3) for displaying the parameters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following
detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the
accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals
represent like elements and in which:

FIG. 1: shows exploded view of display apparatus,

FIG. 2: shows exploded view of flag unit of the display apparatus,

FIG. 3 a: shows flag unit for hire mode position.

FIG. 3b: shows flag unit for hold mode position,

FIG. 3c: shows flag unit for hired mode position,

FIG. 4: shows front view of the display apparatus,

FIG. 5: shows front view of PCB with reed switch, and

FIG. 6: shows sectional side view of display apparatus.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

This disclosure is drawn, inter-alia, to an apparatus (1) to display parameters, a method of operating and a method of assembling.

The principal embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus (1) to display parameters, comprising a printed circuit board [PCB] (2) connected to plurality of reed switch (3), a supporting plate (4) having a slot (4a) connected to the PCB (2) and a covering plate (5) having a slot (5a) at rear side of the apparatus (1), a flag unit (6) comprising plurality of plates (7) and placed in between the supporting plate (4) and the covering plate (5), wherein said plates (7) comprises magnet (8) at its center and aligned with the reed switch (3), and a housing (9) to accommodate a dial (16), the PCB (2), the supporting plate (4), the covering plate (5) and the flag unit (6), wherein said flag unit (6) comprising the magnet (8) upon sliding onto the slots (4a) to a predetermined position is sensed by the reed switch (3) for displaying the parameters as illustrated in FIG. 1.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plates (7) have plurality of holes (7a) to accommodate spring (10) and ball (11) for locking the flag unit (6) at predetermined positions.

In still another embodiment of the present disclosure the supporting plate (4) has plurality of spherical groove (4b) on its surface for locking the flag unit (6) at predetermined positions.

In still another embodiment of the present disclosure the ball (11) plunges into the spherical groove (4b) by the spring forces for locking.

In still another embodiment of the present disclosure the housing (9) is cuboidal in shape having openings at front and rear ends, such that the dial (16) displays parameter at one end and the flag unit (6) is slid at other end.

In still another embodiment of the present disclosure the PCB (2) has an infrared radiation (IR) port (17) to program the PCB (2) for displaying parameters as shown in FIG. 5.

In still another embodiment of the present disclosure the flag unit (6) is slid horizontally to a predetermined position of Hired mode. For Hire mode and Hold mode.

In still another embodiment of the present disclosure the apparatus (1) comprises grommet (12) and sealing foam (13) to prevent entry of foreign particles into the apparatus.

One more main embodiment of the present disclosure relates a method of operating an apparatus (1) to display parameters, said method comprising acts of sliding flag unit (6) horizontally to a predetermined position, locking the flag unit (6) at the predetermined position, wherein said sliding of the flag unit (6) comprising magnet (8) is sensed by reed switch (3) for displaying the parameters.

In still another embodiment of the present disclosure sliding of the flag unit (6) is manually operated.

In still another embodiment of the present disclosure the predetermined positions are Hired mode. For Hire mode and Hold mode and said display parameters are distance travelled in km and its fare.

One more main embodiment of the present disclosure a method of assembling an apparatus (1) to display parameters, said method comprising acts of connecting printed circuit board [PCB] (2) with plurality of reed switch (3), connecting supporting plate (4) having a slot (4a) to the PCB (2) and a covering plate (5) to the supporting plate (4) at rear side of the apparatus (1), placing flag unit (6) in between the supporting plate (4) and the covering plate (5), such that plates (7) comprising magnet (8) at its center is aligned with the reed switch (3), and placing dial (16), the PCB (2), support plate (4), covering plate and the flag unit (5) inside housing (9), wherein said flag unit (6) comprising the magnet (8) upon sliding onto the slots (4a) to a predetermined position is sensed by the reed switch (3) for displaying the parameters.

In still another embodiment of the present disclosure said reed switches (3) are soldered to the PCB (2).

FIG. 2 illustrates exploded view of flag unit (6) of the display apparatus (1). The Flag limit comprises springs and balls which are placed inside boss (15) provided in the flag unit (6). The magnet is press fitted with the plate (7). Two plates (7) slides (top plate with magnet and bottom plate without magnet) are fastened with the flag unit (6) to arrest the springs (10) and balls (11), ensuring the proper spring action by pressing the balls (11). After which the flag unit (6) is placed on the supporting plate (4) of the display apparatus (1) [fare meter]. The covering plate (5) is fastened using screws (14) with the supporting plate (4) to hold the flag unit (6) with the display apparatus (auto fare meter).
FIGS. 3a to 3c illustrates flag unit front views during "FOR HIRE MODE", "HOLD MODE", and "HIRED MODE" positions respectively. The flag unit (6) needs to be slid horizontally and to locate the same firmly in three defined positions during its travel in forward and reverse direction. Three pre-defined flag positions denote (movement from Left to Right), 0 mm for Hire mode, 37 mm for Freeze / Hold mode, 74 mm for hired mode. Each position of the flag unit (6) is sensed and output given to the system.
Flag mode: (Movement from left to right)

1. For Hire mode (FIG. 3aV

When the flag unit (6) is in first position (0 mm: Initial position), the vehicle is set to be in FOR HIRE mode. In this position the flag unit (6) is located firmly against vehicle vibration. This position will be sensed by using the reed switch (3) and magnet (8) fixed to the flag unit (6). The position signal is given to the apparatus (1) to display the same.

2. Freeze mode (Figure 3b'):

When flag unit (6) is in second position (37 mm firom the initial position), the vehicle is set to be in HOLD mode. In this position the flag unit (6) is located firmly against vehicle vibration. This position will be sensed by using the reed switch (3) and magnet (8) fixed to the flag unit (6). The position signal will be given to the display apparatus (1).

3. Engaged / Hired mode (Figure 3c):

When flag unit (6) is in third position (74 mm from the initial position), the vehicle is set to be in HIRED mode. In this position the flag unit (6) is located firmly against vehicle vibration. This position will be sensed by using the reed switch (3) and magnet (8) fixed to the flag unit (6). The position signal will be given to the display apparatus.
FIG. 4 illustrates front view of the display apparatus to display reading of the fare and distance traveled.

The specification of display apparatus comprises Digital auto fare meter with integral flag unit made of ABS plastics. Displays "HIRED" and "FOR HIRE" mode. Temporary "HOLD" or "FREEZE" mode incorporated. The product confirms to IP 65 and Fare meter programming through IR port.

The advantages of freeze/hold mode in this disclosure, firstly, the mode are a temporary hold mode and the fare will be displayed in the meter till the flag is brought to the "FOR HIRE" mode. From the HOLD mode, if the flag is moved to the FOR HIRE mode then the vehicle is set to be in FOR HIRE mode. From the HOLD mode, if the flag is moved to the HIRED mode then the vehicle is set to be in HIRED mode and the driver can continue with the existing fare shown in the meter.
Bill of material:

Table

The assembly PCB is mounted in the housing (9) vth 3 mm diameter self tapping screws. A sealing foam (13) and grommet (12) are placed in the housing and now the supporting plate (4) is fastened to the housing (9) with 3 mm diameter self tapping screws. The wiring harnesses are taken out through the grommet (12).

On complete assembly, the flag unit (6) is slid horizontally and located firmly in three pre defined positions using ball (11) and spring (10) mechanism. Spherical Grooves (4b) are provided in the supporting plate (4) for locating the flag unit (6) in the required positions. The balls (11) loaded against the spring tension gets located in the groove (4b) and on moving in horizontally the balls (11) gets compressed against the spring tension and again gets located in the next set of grooves (4b) provided in the supporting plate (4). Once the flag unit (6) gets located in the groove (4b), the position is sensed by reed switch (3) and the magnet (8) and signals are given to the apparatus (1).

Flag unit (6) is arrested by using the balls (11) and the spherical grooves (4b) which is taken in supporting plate (4). The driver of the vehicle has to slide the flag unit (6) manually, when the passenger has entering the vehicle. When the magnet (8) is moved towards the Reed switch (3), the small plates which are in the reed switch (3) are getting contact and then it will give the sense to the Flag unit (6).

FIG. 5 illustrates front view of PCB with reed switch. The reed switch (3) is soldered on the Reed PCB which is soldered on the main PCB. The magnet is fixed in the Plate slide which is fastened with the Housing slide. The grommet (12) and sealing foam (13) protects the water entry in to the apparatus (1). The Magnet gives the location of the flag unit (6) to the main control unit by using the reed switch (3). The plate (7) component holds the magnet intact and also arrests the springs (10) and the balls (11) which are located in the flag unit (6). The balls (11) provide smooth sliding motion to the Flag unit (6). The springs (10) gives the up and down motion to the balls (11). The upward motion which is used for locating the balls (10) in the spherical grooves and the downward motion is used for releasing the balls (11) from the grooves (4b) for sliding the Flag unit (6) from one location to another.

In this instant fare meter apparatus, most of the components are made of plastic which costs less compared with the existing aluminum casing meters. The display apparatus are implemented in vehicle such as Auto-Rickshaws and Taxis. FIG. 6 illustrates sectional side view of the display apparatus (1). The apparatus (1) comprising sliding mechanism and also tariff program using infrared (IR) configuration method are used.

Advantages:

The costs of components are less compare with the existing one since plastic materials are used instead of metals.

The tariff configuration method is IR method since the instant IR method uses IR Leds are used to configure the Tariff instead of connectors. The sliding mechanism comprising smooth sliding is also implemented.

The Fare meter having sliding mechanism is used to locate the flag modules/unit (6) in the various modes instead of using the Rotary Mechanism as that of existing fare meters which also involves metal contacting for sensing the location of the flag module, whereas the apparatus of this disclosure, there is no need such type of contacts to sense the Flag module locations, because, the magnet and the Reed switch concept is implemented.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

1. Display apparatus,
2. Printed circuit board [PCB],
3. Reed switch,
4. Supporting plate,
4a. Supporting plate slot,
4b. Spherical groove,
5. Covering plate,
5 a. Covering plate slot.
6. Flag unit,
7. Plates,
8. Magnet,
9. Housing,
10. Spring,
11. Ball,
12. Grommet,
13. Sealing foam,
14. Screws,
15. Boss,
16. Dial, and
17. Infrared Radiation port.

We claim:

1. An apparatus (1) to display parameters, comprising:

a. a printed circuit board [PCB] (2) connected to plurality of reed switch (3),

b. a supporting plate (4) having a slot (4a) connected to the PCB (2) and a covering plate (5) having a slot (5a) at rear side of the apparatus (1),

c. a flag unit (6) comprising plurality of plates (7) and placed in between the supporting plate (4) and the covering plate (5), wherein said plates (7) comprises magnet (8) at its center and aligned with the reed switch (3), and

d. a housing (9) to accommodate a dial (16), the PCB (2), the supporting plate (4), the covering plate (5) and the flag unit (6),

wherein said flag unit (6) comprising the magnet (8) upon sliding onto the slots (4a) to a predetermined position is sensed by the reed switch (3) for displaying the parameters.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plates (7) have plurality of holes (7a) to accommodate spring (10) and ball (11) for locking the flag unit (6) at predetermined positions.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the supporting plate (4) has plurality of spherical groove (4b) on its surface for locking the flag unit (6) at predetermined positions.

4. The apparatus as claimed in preceding claims, wherein the ball (11) plunges into the spherical groove (4b) by the spring forces for locking.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (1) is cuboidal in shape having openings at front and rear ends, such that the dial (16) displays parameter at one end and the flag unit (6) is slid at other end.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PCB (2) has an infrared radiation (IR) port (17) to program the PCB (2) for displaying parameters.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flag unit (6) is slid horizontally to a predetermined position of Hired mode, For Hire mode and Hold mode.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises grommet (12) and sealing foam (13) to prevent entry of foreign particles into the apparatus.

9. A method of operating an apparatus to display parameters, said method comprising acts of:

a. sliding flag unit (6) horizontally to a predetermined position,

b. locking the flag unit (6) at the predetermined position,
wherein said sliding of the flag unit (6) comprising magnet (8) is sensed by reed switch
(3) for displaying the parameters.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said sliding of the flag unit (6) is manually operated.

11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein infrared radiation (IR) port (17) programs the PCB (2) to display the parameters.

12. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the predetermined positions are Hired mode. For Hire mode and Hold mode and said display parameters are distance travelled in km and its fare.

13. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plates (7) have plurality of holes (7a) to accommodate spring (10) and ball (11) for locking at predetermined positions.

14. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein supporting plate (4) has plurality of spherical groove (4b) on its surface for locking the flag unit (6) at predetermined positions.

15. The method as claimed in claims 13 and 14, wherein the ball (10) plunges into the spherical groove (4b) by the spring forces for locking.

16. A method of assembling an apparatus to display parameters, said method comprising acts of:

a. connecting printed circuit board [PCB] (2) with plurality of reed switch (3),

b. connecting supporting plate (4) having a slot (4a) to the PCB (2) and a covering plate (5) to the supporting plate (4) at rear side of the apparatus (1),

c. placing flag unit (6) in between the supporting plate (4) and the covering plate (5), such that plates (7) comprising magnet (8) at its center is aligned with the reed switch (3), and

d. placing dial (16), the PCB (2), support plate (4), covering plate and the flag unit (5) inside housing (9), wherein said flag unit (6) comprising the magnet (8) upon sliding onto the slots (4a) to a predetermined position is sensed by the reed switch (3) for displaying the parameters.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein said reed switches (3) are soldered to the PCB (2), and the covering plate (5) is connected to the sliding plate (4) using screws (14).