DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of emergency equipment in vehicles, more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a switch assembly for vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Hazard switch assemblies are used in vehicles to activate indicator lights to indicate that the vehicle is in a parked state or is immobilized. Further, the vehicle may be immobilized due to a flat tire, or an accident. In such scenarios, indicating the fellow motorists about such immobilization of the vehicle becomes important to avoid getting close to such immobilized vehicle. The hazard switch assemblies are generally provided on a dashboard of the vehicle, or as a button on the top of a steering column, therefore being exposed to the atmosphere. In cases of two-wheelers, the hazard switch assemblies are generally provided on a top side of a front panel thereof.

Such exposure of the conventional hazard switch assemblies to the atmosphere may lead to an ingress of liquids and dust into the hazard switch assembly, thereby causing damage to components therein. The conventional hazard switch assemblies are not liquid-proof, and are therefore susceptible to liquid and dust ingress. Such ingress of liquid and dust may affect the working of the hazard switches by causing current leakage and making and breaking of contact of a circuit of the hazard switch assembly.

One of the ways to prevent the ingress of liquid or dust into the hazard switch assembly may be to apply a waterproof material on the hazard switch assembly. However, covering the hazard switch assembly with the waterproof material may not be a full-proof solution to protect the hazard switch assembly from the ingress of liquid or dust, as the same may seep in through sides of the waterproof material. Also, the waterproof material may tend to crack/break. Further, covering the hazard switch assembly may be impossible owing to constructional features of the hazard switch assembly, or a shape or size of the same. Further, the conventional switch assemblies do not provide any drainage mechanism for any ingressed liquid or dust to be drained out of the hazard switch assembly.

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 nor intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a switch assembly for a vehicle including a bracket. A cover is disposed on the bracket and includes a neck portion. The cover is adapted to overlap sides of the bracket, thereby encapsulating the bracket. A carrier is positioned orthogonally with respect to the bracket and inside the neck portion.. The carrier is to move downwards towards the bracket upon transmission of a force on the carrier. The switch assembly further includes a knob internally interlocked with the carrier. The knob is adapted to receive the force and transmit the force onto the carrier. An actuator unit is attached to the carrier and is adapted to receive the force from the carrier to actuate the switch assembly.

The switch assembly disclosed herein is a sealed assembly which helps in avoiding an ingress of water and dust, as the switch assembly is an ingress protecting rated 56 (IP 56) based assembly. The encapsulation of the bracket by the cover helps to seal the switch assembly, thereby preventing the ingress of liquid and dust into the switch assembly. The switch assembly is suitable for both low and high amperes of current. Further, no open snap fitment is present throughout the switch assembly, thereby preventing water and dust ingress into the switch assembly.

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 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 a switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly cut along a section A-A’ as depicted in Figure 2, indicating a deactivated condition of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly indicating an activated condition of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a cam profile of a cam in the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly cut along a section A-A’ as depicted in Figure 2, depicting a path followed by a liquid to be drained out of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. 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

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 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.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants 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. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, 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 including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”

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 a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

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 of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, 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 other 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 in the context of more than one embodiment, or 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.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

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

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle including a cabin compartment having a switch assembly. The switch assembly may be used to alert other motorists about the immobility of the vehicle in which the switch assembly is installed. The alert is issued by activating hazard lights via activation of the switch assembly.

Constructional aspects of the switch assembly 100 will now be explained in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a switch assembly 100, and Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the switch assembly 100. Specifically, Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly 100 cut along a section A-A’ as depicted in Figure 2, indicating a deactivated condition of the switch assembly 100, and Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly 100 indicating an activated condition of the switch assembly 100. The switch assembly 100 provides a full-proof sealing mechanism to avoid an ingress of liquid and dust into the switch assembly 100, thereby preventing damage to internal components thereof. Further, the switch assembly 100 also provides a drainage system for draining out a liquid or dust that may have been ingressed into the switch assembly 100.

The switch assembly 100 includes a bracket 120, a cover 106, a carrier 122, a knob 102, and an actuator unit 138. The bracket 120 may be mounted in the cabin compartment of the vehicle without any snap fitment, to avoid the ingress of liquid and dust into the switch assembly 100 from a bottom side of the switch assembly 100. In one example, the bracket 120 may be fixed inside the cabin compartment or on an exterior of the cabin compartment. The bracket 120 acts as a housing of the switch assembly 100, which carries all the components of the switch assembly 100 therein. The cover 106 is disposed on the bracket 120 in such a way that edges 106A, 106B of the cover 106 extend downwards towards the bracket 120 to overlap sides 120A, 120B of the bracket 120. Such overlapping of the sides 120A, 120B of the bracket 120 by the cover 106 helps in encapsulating the bracket 120 from all sides 120A, 120B. Encapsulation of the bracket 120 helps in protecting the switch assembly 100 from a seepage of any liquid or dust therein, thereby protecting componentsof the switch assembly 100 from damage.

In one embodiment, the edges 106A, 106B of the cover 106 are snapped fit with the sides 120A, 120B of the bracked 120 with help of a first snap lock 124. The cover 106 plays an important role to provide structural utility for the switch assembly 100, as it has the first snap lock 124 to prevent the entry of water and dust via any open snap fitment. In one embodiment, the cover 106 may be snap-fitted with the bracket 120 on all sides 120A, 120B of the bracket 120. The cover 106 being snapped from the exterior of the bracket 120, helps in protecting the switch assembly 100 from any possible environmental hazards. The cover 106 further includes a neck portion 106A adapted to receive the carrier 122 therein.

In one embodiment, the carrier 122 is received by the neck portion 106A of the cover 120, and is positioned orthogonally with respect to the bracket 120. The knob 102 is internally interlocked with the carrier 122 with help of a second snap lock 126. The knob 102 is the topmost part of the switch assembly 100, and is adapted to receive a force F thereon. The knob 102 is adapted to partially cover the neck portion 106A of the cover 106. In order for any liquid or dust to ingress into the switch assembly 100 via the neck portion 106A, the same may travel through a contact region 148 between the neck portion 106A and the knob 102. Such ingress and travel of the liquid or the dust through the contact region 148 may be hindered by the knob 102, thereby providing an additional liquid-proofing to the switch assembly 100.

In one embodiment, the transmission of the force F on the carrier 122 is done by the knob 102. The force F may be applied onto the knob 102 externally from a top side of the knob 102. The force F may be adapted to push the knob 102 in a downward direction towards the bracket 120, thereby transmitting the force F onto the carrier 122. Once the knob 102 is pressed, the knob 102 may return to an original position thereof. In order to return the knob 102 to the original position, a first resilient member 104 is connected internally to the knob 102, such that the first resilient member 104 is positioned between the carrier 122 and the cover 120.

The first resilient member 104 is adapted to provide a restoring force to bring the knob 102 back to the original position of the knob 102 after receiving the force F. In one example, the first resilient member 104 may include, but is not limited to, a helical spring. The carrier 122 is further adapted to move downwards towards the bracket 120, on the transmission of the force F thereon. The carrier 122 then transmits the force F to the actuator unit 138 attached to the carrier 122. The actuator unit 138 is adapted to receive the force from the carrier 122 to actuate the switch assembly 100.

In one embodiment, the actuator unit 138 comprises a pin 114 attached to the carrier 122, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In one example, the pin 114 may include, but is not limited to a metallic part that is attached to the carrier 122. The pin 114 may be positioned orthogonally with respect to a cam 108 and may be adapted to move within a cam profile 132 provided in the cam 108, on transmission of the force F to the pin 114. The cam 108 may be slidably disposed in a cam slot 140 formed in the bracket 120, and may be adapted to be displaced within the cam slot 140.

In one embodiment, the cam profile 132 may be formed on a surface 128 of the cam 108, as depicted in Figure 5. Specifically, Figure 5 illustrates a cam profile of a cam in the switch assembly. The cam profile may include a first cam path X-Y and a second cam path Y-Z, wherein each of the first cam path X-Y and the second cam path Y-Z may be a one-way path. The first cam path X-Y and the second cam path Y-Z may include a plurality of surfaces 130. Each of the plurality of surfaces 130 may have a predetermined degree of inclination with respect to the surface 128 of the cam 108.

Now referring to Figures 3 and 5, when the switch assembly 100 is in a deactivated condition, the knob 102 is positioned at an original position of the knob 102, and the pin 114 is at a starting position X of the cam profile 132. Traversing of the pin 114 from point X to Y on the first cam path X-Y results in activation of the switch assembly 100. When the force F is applied onto the knob 102, to press the knob 102 at a first instance, the knob 102 transmits the force F onto the carrier 122. The carrier 122 then transmits the force F onto the pin 114 at the first instance to push the pin 114 for tracing on the first cam path X-Y, thereby completing a circuit of the switch assembly 100 to activate the switch assembly 100. After traversing on the first cam path X-Y, the pin 114 may stop in the cam profile 132 at position Y. In one example, a length of the first cam path X-Y may be, but is not limited to 3.5 mm.

Now referring to Figures 4 and 5, traversing of the pin 114 from position Y to Z on the second cam path Y-Z results in deactivation of the switch assembly 100. When the force F is applied onto the knob 102, to press the knob 102 for a second instance, the knob 102 transmits the force F onto the carrier 122. The carrier 122 then transmits the force F onto the pin 114 at the second instance to push the pin 114 for tracing on the second cam path Y-Z, thereby breaking the circuit of the switch assembly 100 to deactivate the switch assembly 100. After traversing on the second cam path Y-Z, the pin 114 may stop in the cam profile 132 at position Z. In one example, a length of the second cam path X-Y may be, but is not limited to 1.5 mm.

Once the switch assembly 100 is actuated, the pin 114 is required to be brought back to an original position thereof in the carrier 122. In one embodiment, a second resilient member 112 is connected to the pin 114 and adapted to provide a restoring force to pull the pin 114 back to the original position of the pin after being pushed by the carrier 122 at one of the first instance and the second instance. To stop the pin 114 in the cam profile 132, the knob 102 may be required to be latched in a pressed position. In one embodiment, a latch (not shown) may be provided on the knob 102 and a contact may be provided at the base 116 to latch the knob 102 thereon.

Referring again to Figure 1, a moving contact 110 may be provided, and may be adapted to be used for the formation of the circuit in the switch assembly 100. In one example, the moving contact 110 may include, but is not limited to, a nominal plating contact. The moving contact 110 is adapted to be attached to the carrier 122, and is slidably disposed with a spring moving contact 112A which provides contact force to a contact area (not shown). The moving contact 110 is adapted to provide contact force to the contact area.

In addition, a plurality of rivets 118 is attached to the base 116, wherein the plurality of rivets form a fixed contact with the base 116 During the application of the force F onto the knob 102, to press the knob 102 at the first instance, the knob 102 transmits the force F onto the carrier 122. The carrier 122 then transmits the force F onto the pin 114 at the first instance to push the pin 114 for tracing on the first cam path X-Y. The moving contact 110 moves in a downward direction due to the force F, to be in contact with the fixed contact 118, thereby completing a circuit of the switch assembly 100 to activate the switch assembly 100. Further, on application of the force F onto the knob 102, to press the knob 102 for the second instance, the knob 102 transmits the force F onto the carrier 122. The carrier 122 then transmits the force F onto the pin 114 at the second instance to push the pin 114 for tracing on the second cam path Y-Z, thereby moving the moving contact 110 in an upward direction to break the contact with the fixed contact 118. As a result, the circuit of the switch assembly 100 breaks to deactivate the switch assembly 100.

In one embodiment, the base 116 is adapted to protect the switch assembly 100 from the seepage of the liquid from the side 120B of the bracket 120. The base 116 slides into the base slot 142 of the bracket 120, instead of a snap fitting, thereby providing overall exterior protection throughout the exterior surface of the switch assembly 100. However, to make the switch assembly 100 fully liquid-proof, a drainage system inside the switch assembly 100 may be required to be provided. Such a drainage system may be useful in cases where liquid or dust may ingress into the switch assembly 100 even after taking all preventive measures.

In one embodiment, a drain hole 144 may be formed in the side 120B of the bracket 120, which is adapted to be covered by the base 116, as depicted in Figure 6. Specifically, Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly 100 cut along a section A-A’ as depicted in Figure 2, depicting a path followed by a liquid 146 to be drained out of the switch assembly 100. The drain hole 144 may be formed in the base slot 142, such that the drain hole 144 is adapted to be uncovered on sliding the base 116 in the base slot 142 for draining out the liquid 146 from the switch assembly 100. While draining out the liquid 146 from the switch assembly 100, the liquid 146 may follow a path as depicted in Figure 6. The possibility of the liquid 146 entering into the switch assembly 100 can only be through a gap 148 defined between the bracket 120, the cover 106, and the knob 102. In such a scenario, the liquid 146 will flow downwards through the spaces in the bracket 120. Once the base 116 is slid inside the base slot 142 to uncover the drain hole 144, the water 146 will drain out of the switch assembly 100 through the drain hole 144.

The switch assembly 100 disclosed herein is a sealed assembly that helps in avoiding ingress of water and dust, as the switch assembly 100 is an ingress protecting rated 56 (IP 56) based assembly. The encapsulation of the bracket 120 by the cover 106 helps to seal the switch assembly 100, thereby preventing the ingress of liquid and dust into the switch assembly 100. The switch assembly 100 is suitable for both low and high amperes of current. Further, no open snap fitment is present throughout the switch assembly 100, thereby preventing water and dust ingress into the switch assembly 100. Further, the fitment of the base 116 is sliding type, instead of an open snap, thereby providing overall exterior protection throughout the exterior surface of the switch assembly 100. The switch assembly 100 further provides the drainage system for the liquid that may have been ingressed into the switch assembly 100, thereby making the switch assembly fully liquid-proof.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, 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 switch assembly (100) for a vehicle comprising:
a bracket (120);
a cover (106) disposed on the bracket (120) and comprises a neck portion (106A), the cover (120) adapted to overlap sides (120A, 120B) of the bracket (120), thereby encapsulating the bracket (120);
a carrier (122) positioned orthogonally with respect to the bracket (120) and inside the neck portion (106A), wherein the carrier is adapted to move downwards towards the bracket (120) upon transmission of a force (F) on the carrier (122);
a knob (102) slidably installed on a portion of the neck portion (106A) and internally interlocked with the carrier (122), the knob (102) adapted to receive the force (F) and transmit the force (F) onto the carrier (122); and
an actuator unit (138) attached to the carrier (122) and adapted to receive the force (F) from the carrier (122) to actuate the switch assembly (100).

2. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first resilient member (104) connected internally to the knob (102) and adapted to provide a restoring force (F) to bring the knob (102) back to an original position after receiving the force (F).

3. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the cover (120) is adapted to be interlocked with an exterior surface of the bracket (120) by a first snap lock (124), and
the knob (102) is adapted to be internally interlocked with the carrier (122) by a second snap lock (126).

4. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a cam (108) slidably disposed in a cam slot (140) formed in the bracket (120), wherein:
the cam (108) comprises a cam profile (132) formed on a surface (128) of the cam (108),
the cam profile (132) comprises a first cam path (X-Y) and a second cam path (Y-Z),
each of the first cam path (X-Y) and the second cam path (Y-Z) is a one-way path, and
the first cam path (X-Y) and the second cam path (Y-Z) include a plurality of surfaces (130), each of the surface (130) from the plurality of surfaces (130) having a predetermined degree of inclination with respect to the surface (128) of the cam (108).

5. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the actuator unit (140) comprises a pin (114) attached to the carrier (122) and positioned orthogonally with respect to the cam (108), wherein:
the carrier (122) transmits the force (F) onto the pin (114) at a first instance to push the pin (114) for tracing on the first cam path (X-Y) to activate the switch assembly (100), and
the carrier (122) transmits the force (F) onto the pin (114) at a second instance to trace on the second cam path (Y-Z) to deactivate the switch assembly (100).

6. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, comprising a second resilient member (112) connected to the pin (114) and adapted to provide a restoring force (F) to pull the pin (114) back to an original position of the pin (114) after being pushed by the carrier (122) at one of the first instance and the second instance.

7. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a base (116) slidably disposed inside a base slot (142) formed in the bracket (120), the base (116) adapted to protect the switch assembly (100) from seepage of a liquid therein.

8. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, comprising
a moving contact (110) adapted to be attached to the carrier (122), and slidably disposed with a spring moving contact (112A), wherein the moving contact (110) is adapted to provide contact force to the contact area; and
a plurality of rivets (118) attached to the base (116), wherein the plurality of rivets form a fixed contact with the base (116).

9. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, comprising:
a drain hole (144) in the bracket (120) adapted to be covered by the base (110),
wherein the drain hole (144) is adapted to be uncovered on sliding the base (116) in the base slot (142) for draining out a liquid or dust from the switch assembly (100).

10. A vehicle comprising:
a cabin compartment comprising a switch assembly (100), the switch assembly (100) comprising:
a bracket (120);
a cover (106) disposed on the bracket (120) and comprises a neck portion (106A), the cover (120) adapted to overlap sides (120A, 120B) of the bracket (120), thereby encapsulating the bracket (120);
a carrier (122) positioned orthogonally with respect to the bracket (120) and inside the neck portion (106A), wherein the carrier is adapted to move downwards towards the bracket (120) upon transmission of a force (F) on the carrier (122);
a knob (102) slidably installed on a portion of the neck portion (106A) and internally interlocked with the carrier (122), the knob (102) adapted to receive the force (F) and transmit the force (F) onto the carrier (122);
an actuator unit (138) attached to the carrier (122) and adapted to receive the force (F) from the carrier (122) to actuate the switch assembly (100).

11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the switch assembly (100) comprises a base (116) slidably disposed inside a base slot (142) formed in the bracket (120), the base (116) adapted to protect the switch assembly (100) from seepage of a liquid therein.