The present invention generally relates to the field of switches. Particularly, the present
invention relates to a push switch for use in automobile applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In general, vehicles are equipped with a variety of control switches for horn, winker, dimmer,
start etc. Generally, the control switches possess different mechanical configuration such as a
push type or a hinge type or a slide type or a rocker type configuration etc.
The present invention relates to a push type switch. A conventional push switch comprises a
knob, a plunger, a micro switch or a contact mechanism and a housing encompassing the
plunger and the micro switch or contact mechanism. When a user actuates the knob, the knob
gets depressed/displaced to transfer the actuation or actuating force to the plunger to press an
operating member of the micro switch or a moving contact towards the fixed contact, in case
of contact mechanism, to establish an electrical connection.
The problem with the existing switching is that plunger is located almost in the centre of the
knob but while riding/driving the vehicle, the user may not press the knob member exactly in
the centre and sometimes the user may press on the edges or anywhere other than the centre
of the knob, then the knob may depress/displace but will not be in a position to transfer the
actuation or actuating force to the plunger and hence the operating member of the micro
switch will not get pressed or the moving contact will not come in contact with the fixed
contact and as a result the electrical connection is not established.
In simpler words, the switch would not get actuated even after actuation from the user. This
greatly hampers the safety of the user while riding/driving the vehicle.
For instance, if hazard switch needs to be actuated by pressing the knob but due to inability of
the user to press the knob exactly in centre the switch is not actuated. This inability affects
the safety of the user while riding/driving the vehicle.
In some situation, the switch may actuate and the electrical connection is established but the
connection is not proper and don’t last for the required time.
Therefore, there is still a need to provide a switch which has high precision in operation and
not possess disadvantages of the conventional switch as discussed above.
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Also, with the technology shift towards more contamination proof switch, the micro switch
based push switch is preferred choice over contact mechanism based push switch due to the
fact they are more water-proof, dust-proof or contamination proof. Therefore, there is still a
need to provide a switch which is contaminant proof.
Also, there is still a need to provide a switch which is simple in terms of its construction,
which is easy to manufacture, which can be manufactured at a reasonable price, and which
occupies less space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are
further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither
intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, and nor is it intended
for determining the scope of the invention.
The present invention relates to a push switch (100). The push switch (100) comprises a
housing (102), the housing (102) comprises a base member (102a) and side walls (102b). The
push switch (100) further comprises a knob member (104), the knob member (104) comprises
a top surface (104a) and side walls (104b) to envelop the housing (102), the top surface
(104a) comprising two sides- a first side and a second side, the first side is adapted to interact
with user for actuation and the second side is provided with a male projecting member (106)
projecting in a direction of the actuation of the switch. Further the push switch (100)
comprises a micro switch (108) being disposed within the housing (102). Furthermore, the
push switch (100) comprises a horizontal protection wall (110) running parallel to the base
member (102a) of the housing (102) to enclose the micro switch (108) between the base
member (102a) and the horizontal protection wall (110), the horizontal protection wall (110)
is provided with an aperture (112); such that upon actuation, the male projecting member
(106) of the knob member (104) traverses through the aperture (112) of the horizontal
protection wall (110) to press an operating member (108a) of the micro switch (108).
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
4
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference
will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the
accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally
similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed
description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further
illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with
the present invention where:
Figure 1 illustrates a sectional view of a push switch (100) in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 corresponds to the push switch (100) being in OFF position in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 corresponds to the push switch (100) being in ON position in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a micro switch and a PCB of the push switch (100)
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates the close up view of a horizontal protection wall of the push switch (100)
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a sealing member provided in an aperture of the horizontal protection
wall of the push switch (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a back view of the base member of the housing of the push switch (100)
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to
represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements
in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn
to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be
exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the
present invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements 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
5
obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art having benefit of the description herein.
Detailed Description of the Invention:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference
will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be
used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of
the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated
device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein
being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be
restrictive thereof.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,”
“an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also,
as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar
language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same
embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a
non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device that comprises a list of steps does not include only
those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or
method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or
components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other
6
components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or
additional structures or additional components.
As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected
to”, “operably connected to”, “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct
connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other
contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional
element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled
with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are
used synonymously.
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 device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with
respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language
in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to
the practice of the invention.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not
to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed
individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found
herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for
reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the
specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written
description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
Referring to Figure 1, which is a sectional view of the push switch (100), the push switch
(100) comprises a housing (102), the housing (102) comprises a base member (102a) and side
walls (102b). The push switch (100) further comprises a knob member (104), the knob
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member (104) comprises a top surface (104a) and side walls (104b) to envelop the housing
(102), the top surface (104a) comprising two sides- a first side and a second side, the first
side is adapted to interact with user for actuation and the second side is provided with a male
projecting member (106) projecting in a direction of the actuation of the switch. Further the
push switch (100) comprises a micro switch (108) being disposed within the housing (102).
Furthermore, the push switch (100) comprises a horizontal protection wall (110) running
parallel to the base member (102a) of the housing (102) to enclose the micro switch (108)
between the base member (102a) and the horizontal protection wall (110), the horizontal
protection wall (110) is provided with an aperture (112); such that upon actuation, the male
projecting member (106) of the knob member (104) traverses through the aperture (112) of
the horizontal protection wall (110) to press an operating member (108a) of the micro switch
(108).
In an embodiment of the invention, a resilient member (114) is disposed between the
horizontal protection wall (110) and the knob member (104) and is adapted to provide
resilience/ restoring force to the knob member (104). More specifically, the first end of the
resilient member (114) is coupled to the aperture (112) of the horizontal protection wall (110)
and a second end of the resilient member (114) is coupled to the male projecting member
(106) of the knob member (104).
Referring to Figure 2, which corresponds to the push switch (100) being in OFF position, it
can be seen that the knob member (104) is not actuated.
Referring to Figure 3 which corresponds to the push switch (100) being in ON position, it
can be seen that when the knob member (104) is actuated, the male projecting member (106)
of the knob member (104) traverses through the aperture (112) of the horizontal protection
wall (110) to press the operating member (108a) of the micro switch (108). When the knob
member (104) is actuating the operating member (108a) of the micro switch (108), the
resilient member (114) attains a compressed state and when the actuation force (as applied on
the knob member (104)) ceases to exist, the resilient member (114) expands to attain its
normal position and thus applies a restoration force on the knob member (104) thereby bring
the knob member to the state shown in Figure 2.
Now referring to Figure 4, which illustrates a perspective view of the micro switch (108) and
the PCB (116), the micro switch (108) is provided on a printed circuit board PCB (116) and
8
being disposed on the base member (102a) of the housing (102). The PCB (116) aids in
locating the switch and also provides connection to the micro switch (108).
In an embodiment of the invention, the micro switch (108) comprises a sealed / non-sealed
housing with a provision for the operating member (108a) to project out of the housing of the
micro switch (108). In an embodiment of the invention, a grommet is provided on the
operating member (108a) of the micro switch (108).
Now referring to Figure 5,which illustrates the close up view of the horizontal protection
wall, the horizontal protection wall (110) may be plastic welded to the side walls (102b) of
the housing (102).
Now referring to Figure 6, which illustrates a sealing member (118) provided in the aperture
(112) of the horizontal protection wall (110), the aperture (112) of the horizontal protection
wall (110) may be provided with a sealing member (118) by rubber over molding.
Now referring to Figure 7, which illustrates a back view of the base member (102a) of the
housing (102), the base member (102a) of the housing (102) is provided with a pair of
orifices for accommodating wire harnesses (120). In an embodiment of the invention, the pair
of orifices is provided with a sealing ring (122) around its periphery to prevent entry of any
foreign contaminant.
Referring back to Figure 1, in an embodiment of the invention, the shape of the base member
(102a) of the housing (102) may be square, rectangular or circular or any shape. The side
walls (102b) of the housing (102) is in accordance with the shape of the base member (102a)
of the housing (102). In a non-limiting example, if the shape of the base member (102a) of
the housing (102) is square or rectangle, then there would be 4 side walls (102b) emanating
from each side of square-shaped or rectangle-shaped base member (102a).
In an embodiment of the invention, the shape of the top surface (104a) of the knob member
(104) may be square, rectangular or circular or any shape. The side walls (104b) of the knob
member (104) are in accordance with the shape of the top surface (104a) of the knob member
(104). In a non-limiting example, if the shape of the top surface (104a) of the knob member
(104) is square or rectangle, then there would be 4 side walls (104b) emanating from each
side of square-shaped or rectangle-shaped top surface (104a).
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In an embodiment of the invention, the side walls (102b) of the housing (102) is provided
with projections (124) onto which the side walls (104b) of the knob member (104) glides
over snugly such that the projections (124) acts as a barrier in preventing the gliding away of
the knob member (104) from the housing (102).
Advantages of the present invention:
 The construction of knob member is such that it has high precision in operation even
when the user has pressed/actuated at the edge or non-central position of the switch.
 The construction of knob member is such that it completely envelops the housing.
 The construction of horizontal protection wall is such that it protects the micro switch
from foreign contaminants.
 The construction of micro switch is such that it is water-proof or dust-proof or
contamination proof.
 The construction of sealing member is such that it seals the aperture of the horizontal
protection wall.
 The construction of sealing ring is such that it seals the orifices of the base member of the
housing.
While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on
account of the same 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 figures and the forgoing 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.
For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the
manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be
implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed.
Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the
other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences
in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at
least as broad as given by the following claims.

WE CLAIM:

1. A push switch (100) comprising:
a housing (102), the housing (102) comprises a base member (102a) and side
walls (102b);
a knob member (104), the knob member (104) comprises a top surface (104a)
and side walls (104b) to envelop the housing (102), the top surface (104a) comprising
two sides- a first side and a second side, the first side is adapted to interact with user
for actuation and the second side is provided with a male projecting member (106)
projecting in a direction of the actuation of the switch;
a micro switch (108) disposed within the housing (102);
a horizontal protection wall (110) running parallel to the base member (102a)
of the housing (102) to enclose the micro switch (108) between the base member
(102a) and the horizontal protection wall (110), the horizontal protection wall (110) is
provided with an aperture (112);
such that upon actuation, the male projecting member (106) of the knob
member (104) traverses through the aperture (112) of the horizontal protection wall
(110) to press an operating member (108a) of the micro switch (108).
2. The push switch as claimed in claim 1, a resilient member (114) is disposed between
the horizontal protection wall (110) and the knob member (104) and is adapted to
provide restoring force to the knob member (104).
3. The push switch as claimed in claim 1, the micro switch (108) is provided on a
printed circuit board PCB (116) and being disposed on the base member (102a) of the
housing (102).
4. The push switch as claimed in claim 1, the micro switch (108) comprises a sealed /
non-sealed housing with a provision for the operating member (108a) to project out of
the housing of the micro switch (108).
5. The push switch as claimed in claim 1, the horizontal protection wall (110) may be
plastic welded to the side walls (102b) of the housing (102).
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6. The push switch as claimed in claim 1, the aperture (112) of the horizontal protection
wall (110) may be provided with a sealing member (118) by rubber over molding.
7. The push switch as claimed in claim 1, the base member (102a) of the housing (102)
is provided with a pair of orifices for accommodating wire harnesses (120).
8. The push switch as claimed in claim 7, the pair of orifices is provided with a sealing
ring (122) around its periphery to prevent entry of any foreign contaminant.
9. The push switch as claimed in claim 1, the side walls (102b) of the housing (102) is
provided with projections (124) onto which the side walls (104b) of the knob member
(104) glides over snugly such that the projections (124) acts as a barrier in preventing
the gliding away of the knob member (104) from the housing (102).