TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of Electro mechanical engineering.
Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a switch assembly. Further,
embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a sliding type switch assembly for use in
automobiles.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Switching circuits find applications across several sectors such as automobile equipments,
home appliances, industrial equipments, machine tools and so on. They are generally known
to make and break the contacts to open and close electrical circuits respectively. Such
opening and closing of circuits either allow flow of current, or interrupt the flow of current. A
number of switching circuit types have been developed in recent past to meet application
specific switching requirements. Of these, a commonly used type of switching mechanism is
a sliding type switching mechanism which employs sliding contacts for making and breaking
the circuits. In automotive sectors, sliding type switching mechanisms are widely used for
operating the head-lamps, operating indicators, regulating resolution of head-lamps, etc. in
two wheeled vehicles, and used for applications such as controlling duty cycle functions of
air-conditioning systems, temperature control systems and related systems in four wheeled
and heavy duty vehicles. These types of switching mechanisms generally make use of one or
more movable members that are actuated by operators for operating the switch assembly, and
one or more fixed elements that remain stationary relative to movable members. Circuit can
be closed by establishing contact between the movable member and the fixed member, which
is brought about by sliding movement of the movable member over the fixed member.
Contact making is an outcome of Ohmic contact between the movable member with the fixed
member, wherein the current flows either from fixed member towards the movable member,
or vice versa, through the point of contact.
A common drawback inherent with all Ohmic contact switches is unstable contact between
the movable and fixed members, which results in undesirable fluctuations in the contact
resistance. This indicates a varying flow or a pulsating flow of electric current when the
circuit gets closed. In addition, the contacts tend to bounce which result in unstable operation
of the switch. The bouncing contacts may produce pulses which may cause erroneous
operation of the switch, eventually leading to its failure. Another problem associated with
sliding contact type switching assemblies is arcing and sparking of contact elements during
3
making and breaking of the circuit. Such problems are commonly experienced when movable
member is moved towards fixed member to make contact, or when movable member is
retracted away from the fixed member to break contact. During making and breaking
contacts, arc or spark is produced at the contact points. This arc or spark tends to melt the
material at contact point, especially when the movable member slides over the surface of the
fixed member. The combined effect of contact friction between movable member and the
fixed member, and arcing (or sparking) at the contact point can erode material either from
surface of fixed member or from surface of movable member, resulting in significant wear of
contact surfaces. The eroded material, on the other hand, can get deposited on either surface,
generating a carbon path in the traversing route. Such deposition of carbon or formation of
carbon path may result in premature and undesired contact between movable and fixed
members. This may render the switch to remain in ON condition to continuously allow flow
of electric current, even when circuit is open. Such continuous flow of electric current even
when the circuit is open may lead to failure of insulation resistance of the switch, and life
cycle (or endurance) of the switch will be adversely hampered.
In another type of sliding contact switching mechanism, a common movable member is
employed to make and break contacts with multiple fixed members to close and open
multiple switching circuitries. Such switching mechanisms face similar problems as
described above at the time of operation. Also, in such circuitries, since multiple contacts
occur simultaneously, there will be a large contact resistance leading to instability and
bouncing, which renders the switching circuit inoperable after a period of time. Replacement
of ruptured components in the circuit proves to be one of the tedious, expensive and time
consuming processes, and involves lot of human intervention.
In light of foregoing discussion, it is necessary to develop an improved switch assembly to
overcome one or more limitations stated above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more drawbacks of conventional switch assemblies as described in the prior art are
overcome and additional advantages are provided through the assembly as claimed in the
present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities
4
of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in
detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a switch
assembly. The assembly comprises a base plate connectable to a support member. The base
plate comprises at least one provision to accommodate at least one switching element.
Further, the assembly comprises at least one rib which is provisioned on the base plate and at
least one movable member which is connectable to the base plate. The at least one movable
member is adapted to move between a first position and a second position to selectively
contact the at least one switching element. The at least one movable member is configured to
slide on the at least one rib during the movement between the first position and the second
position.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly comprises a housing mounted on
the base plate. The housing is configured to accommodate the at least one movable member.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one movable member comprises at
least one projection which selectively contacts the at least one switching element.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first position is a portion in which the at least
one switching element is provisioned in the base plate and the second position is a portion on
the base plate at which the at least one moveable member remains in non-contact condition
with the at least one switching element.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one rib is provisioned in a portion between
the first position and the second position on the base plate.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the sliding movement of the at least one movable
member from the second position to the first position facilitates contact of the at least one
movable member with the at least one switching element.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sliding movement of the at least one movable
member from the first position to the second position retracts the at least one movable
member away from the at least one switching element.
5
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly comprises at least one knob
mounted on a housing which is connectable to the at least one movable member.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one knob is configured to be actuated
by a user to move the at least one movable member between the first position and the second
position.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one rib comprises a tapered portion in
a first end to facilitate sliding movement of the at least one movable member from the first
position to the second position.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above
may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments
may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In
addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent with reference to the drawings and
the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
description. The disclosure 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 figures wherein like reference numerals represent
like elements and in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates exploded perspective view of the switch assembly, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates top view of the switch assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.
6
FIG. 3A illustrates top view of the switch assembly of FIG. 2 with movable member in first
position.
FIG. 3B illustrates top view of the switch assembly of FIG. 2 with movable member in
second position.
FIG. 4A illustrates front view of the switch assembly of FIG. 3A showing the movable
member in first position.
FIG. 4B illustrates front view of the switch assembly of FIG. 3B showing the movable
member in second position.
FIG. 5 illustrates side view of the switch assembly of FIG. 4B with movable member being
retracted away from base plate over the rib.
FIG. 6A illustrates top view of a linear type switch assembly with movable member in first
position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6B illustrates linear type switch assembly of FIG. 6A, with movable member in between
first and second positions.
FIG. 6C illustrates linear type switch assembly of FIG. 6B, with movable member in second
position.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate top views of a rotary type switch assembly with movable member
in first position and second position respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of a handle bar switch panel assembly
comprising the switch assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
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 assemblies and methods illustrated herein may be employed without
departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
7
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present
disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter
which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily
utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same
purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that
such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the
appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure,
both as to its assembly and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages
will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with
the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures
is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a
definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
To overcome one or more limitations stated in the background, the present disclosure
provides a switch assembly which may be employed in automobiles for carrying out various
switching operations. The switch assembly disclosed in the present disclosure is a sliding
type switch assembly comprising a base plate connectable to a support member. The support
member is generally a component or a part of component to which the switch assembly is
mounted or fixed, for example, a handle bar of a two-wheeled vehicle. The base plate
constitutes basic supporting structure of the switch assembly which comprises one or more
provisions for accommodating one or more switching elements. The switching elements
accommodated in these provisions serve as conducting elements to allow of flow of electric
current during operation of switch assembly, particularly when the switch is actuated to
closed condition. The switch assembly further comprises at least one movable member
connectable to the base plate. The movable member, as name implies, can move relative to
the switching element upon actuation by the user. To provide this actuation, the movable
member is provided with a knob mounted externally on the switching assembly. The knob
may be actuated by the operator to put the switch either to ON condition, or to OFF
condition. The movable member is adapted to move between a first position and a second
position depending on the actuation. This movement between first and second positions
8
allows the movable member to selectively contact the switching element to close the circuit,
or to retract the movable member away from the switching element to break the circuit, and
therefore, to interrupt flow of electric current. The switching assembly comprises one or more
ribs, which lifts the movable during retraction of movable member away from the switching
element to break the contact. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more ribs are
configured on the base plate in the traversing path of the movable member. The term rib used
herein above and below refers to a projection like member which protrudes from the base
plate which allows the movable member to slide on it so that the movable member gets lifted
away from the base plate at the time of breaking the contact. If contact is to be made, the
movable member is slid on the rib towards the switching element until movable member
descends on to the surface of switching element.
Further, the switching assembly comprises a housing mounted on the base plate. The housing
encloses movable member and other associated components required to connect the movable
member with the base plate. The housing also accommodates the knob which is provided to
actuate the movable member between first and section positions. In an embodiment of the
present disclosure, the movable member comprises one or more projections which selectively
contact the switching element when movable member is actuated. In an embodiment, the first
position of the movable member corresponds to a position at which the projection of movable
member comes in contact with the switching element to close the circuit. In another
embodiment, the second position of the movable member corresponds to a position in which
the movable member is retracted away from the switching element so that the projection does
not come in contact with the switching element. Further, the rib is configured with a tapered
portion on one of its ends proximal to the switching element to facilitate sliding movement of
the movable member between first and second position on the rib.
Use of terms such as “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof in the
description, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly that
comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include
other components not expressly listed or inherent to such assembly. In other words, one or
more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprising… a” does not, without more
constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.
Reference will now be made to a switch assembly and is explained with the help of figures.
The figures are for the purpose of illustration only and should not be construed as limitations
9
on the assembly of the present disclosure. Wherever possible, referral numerals will be used
to refer to the same or like parts. Also, in the figures, vehicle employed with the switch
assembly of present disclosure is not shown for the purpose of simplicity.
FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates exploded
perspective view of a switch assembly (100). A switch, as is known in the art is an element
which is used either to make a contact or to break a contact. More specifically, a switch is a
control element which allows or inhibits flow of electric current through a predetermined
path in a circuit. A switch allows flow of electric current when it is in closed condition, and is
said to inhibit the flow electric current when it is in open condition. In addition, a switch can
also act as a bridge or a pathway for allowing flow of current between multiple conductive
elements in a circuit. In such cases, a movable element of the switch moves between various
conductive elements to selectively contact them, and thereafter to allow flow of current
through the contacted elements.
The switch assembly (100) according to embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a
base plate (10) which is the elementary supporting member for supporting elements of the
switch assembly (100). The base plate (10) can be assembled to the switch assembly (100)
through assembling means, or can be manufactured integrally with one of the members
constituting the switch assembly (100). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the
base plate (10) is construed to be assembled with one of the members constituting the
switching assembly (100), and should not be considered as limitations to present disclosure.
The base plate (10) is manufactured and formed with various geometries depending on the
construction of switching members that constitute the switch assembly (100). In an
embodiment, the base plate (10) is manufactured as a solid block or a plate with
predetermined cross-section, including but not limited to rectangular, square, trapezoidal and
any other cross-section which meets assembly requirements. The base plate (10) also has
provisions at its ends and corners for allowing it’s mounting or assembling with respect to
switch assembly (100). Further, the base plate (10) is provided with one or more provisions
(12) to accommodate one or more switching elements (20). The provisions (12) include but
not limited to slots, holes, recesses and grooves intended to provide seating for the switching
elements (20), so that the switching elements (20) are firmly positioned and held within them.
The cross-section and dimensions of the provisions (12) are selected depending on those of
switching elements (20).
10
As it can be seen in FIG. 1, the provisions (12) of the switch assembly (100) can be
configured such that the switching elements (20) are allowed to be seated within them. The
switching elements (20) are essentially conductive members which allow electric current to
pass through by offering certain resistance. The geometry and dimensions of the switching
elements (20) depend on the type of switch assembly (100) that is being used. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the switching element (20) is manufactured in the form
of rivets, pins, bolts or any other shapes which serve the purpose of allowing electric current
to flow. The shape of switching elements selected depends on space constraints, construction
and assembly of the elements that make up the switching assembly (100). In an embodiment
of the disclosure, the switching elements (20) are provisioned in the provisions (12) of the
base plate (10) such that the planes of switching elements (20) lie co-planar with the plane of
base plate surface (10). In alternate embodiments, the switching elements (20) may be
positioned in the provisions (12) of the base plate (10) such that the upper surface of each of
the switching element (20) lie along the plane of base plate (10) without projecting out of the
surface of the base plate (10). This co-planar positioning of switching elements (20) inside
the provisions (12) allows smooth sliding movement of the movable member (30) over the
switching elements (20) during circuit making and breaking. In an embodiment of the present
disclosure, the material used to fabricate switching elements (20) is selected from conducting
metals including but not limited to copper, aluminium, Zinc, Iron and other metals and
metallic alloys which have desirable electrical conductivity and other electrical properties. In
another embodiment, the material used to manufacture base plate (10) is selected from at
least one of metals, non-metallic elements, polymers, composite materials and other materials
which offer optimal thermal and electrical properties.
Further, the switching assembly (100) comprises a housing (40) connectable to the base plate
(10). The housing (40) is in the form of a casing or a chamber which encloses elements
constituting the movable member (30). The housing (40) protects the elements of the
movable member (30) from external loads and environmental effects, and allows translatory
or rotational movement of the movable member (30) relative to the base plate (10). As shown
in FIG. 1, one of the open side faces of the housing (40) abuts to the surface of the base plate
(10) where switching elements (20) are accommodated. The other side of the housing (40)
comprises a recess or a window (40A) to accommodate at least one knob (50) which gets
connected temporarily or permanently to the movable member (30) inside the housing (40).
11
This is achieved by inserting a mountable portion (50A) of the knob (50) inside the window
(40A) such that an end (50B) of the mountable portion (50A) gets connected or coupled to
the movable member (30). The coupling or connection between the mountable end (50B) of
the knob (50) with the movable member (30) is necessary for effective actuation of the
movable member (30) when switch is operated between ON and OFF conditions. The
housing (40) also comprises a protruding portion accommodated with at least one fastening
element (42) for fastening the housing (40) to the support member on which the switch
assembly (100) is braced. The fastening element (42) includes, but not limited to a screw
such as but not limiting to threaded screw and a bolt which is in threading engagement inside
the protruding portion of the housing (40).
The knob (50) also comprises a ball-spring mechanism (52) to allow connectivity between
the seating portion of the knob (50) within the housing (40). In an embodiment of the present
disclosure, the knob (50) is fixed to the movable member (30) though ball-spring mechanism
(52) so that the knob (50) is biased by the spring force when it resides in the housing (40). In
another embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob (50) comprises a projecting edge (54)
of predetermined cross-section including but not limiting to triangular, trapezoidal and
parabolic for allowing the operator to grip and actuate the knob (50) between ON and OFF
conditions of the switch. The projecting edge (54) may also be provided with rib surfaces for
firm griping of knob (50) during actuation. The knob (50) can be actuated along a linear path
on a single plane between ON and OFF conditions of the switch, or can be moved along an
arcuate path on an arcuate plane between ON and OFF positions. In either case, the knob (50)
may have one or more intermediate positions to perform other functions apart from switching
ON and OFF the circuit.
Further, the movable member (30) of the switch assembly (100) can be configured as a single
entity or as an assembly of several parts. The exemplary switch assembly (100) depicted in
FIG. 1 shows the movable member (30) as an assembly of several components. It comprises a
carrier (36) which resides inside hollow portion of the housing (40) of switch assembly (100).
The carrier (36) has a recess (36A) which receives mountable end (50B) of the knob (50) to
establish connection between the knob (50) and the carrier (36). The connection facilitates
actuation of carrier (36) along with the knob (50) when the user applies force on the knob
(50) to move it between different positions. The end opposite to the recess (36A) is provided
with movable contacting elements (32) which selectively make contacts with the switching
12
elements (20) to close the circuit, or retracts away from the switching elements (20) to open
the circuit. The contact making and breaking between movable contacting elements (32) and
switching elements (20) to keep the circuit in closed state and open state respectively is
brought about by actuation of the movable member (30). The actuation of movable member
(30) by the knob (50) displaces the moving contacts between a first position (FP) and a
second position (SP), which will be explained in detail in subsequent paragraphs. In an
embodiment of the disclosure, the movable contacting elements (32) are loaded by springs
(34) with respect to carrier (36). The springs (34) are necessary for maintaining the positions
of movable contacting elements (32) as well as to enable the moving contacts to adapt to
variations in contact pressure when the movable member (30) is moved between first and
second positions (FP and SP). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the springs (52
and 34) are axial springs including but not limiting to compression springs.
FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates top view of an
switch assembly (100). Reference is made to FIG. 2 in conjunction with FIGS. 3A and 3B.
The movable member (30) of the switch assembly (100) is actuated by the knob (50) to
render the switch assembly in ON condition or in OFF condition. This is brought about by
displacing the movable member (30) to distinct positions on the base plate (10) by means of
knob (50). Accordingly, two positions are defined on the base plate (10), viz. a first position
(FP) and a second position (SP). The first position (FP) corresponds to a position where the
switching elements (20) are provided in the provisions (12) of the base plate (10). On the
other hand, second position (SP) corresponds to a position on the base plate (10) which is
away from the first position (FP) where no switching elements (20) are present. When
movable member (30) is applied with a linear actuating motion via the knob (50), the
movable contacting elements (32) get displaced between the first position (FP) and the
second position (SP). When the movable contacting elements (32) are brought to first
position (FP), they make electrical contacts with switching elements (20) to allow flow of
current to perform an intended function. The presence of movable contacting element (32) in
first position (FP) is shown clearly in FIG. 3B. Conversely, when the knob (50) is actuated in
opposite direction, the movable contacting elements (32) are retracted away from the first
position (FP) towards the second position (SP). Since no switching elements (20) are present
in the second position (SP), no current flows and the circuit remains open. The presence of
movable contacting element (32) in second position (SP) is shown in FIG. 3B.
13
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the base plate (10) is configured with at least one rib (14) on its
surface in the traversing path of movable member (30) in between the first and second
positions (FP and SP). The rib (14) is essentially a protrusion or a projection which extends
from the surface of the base plate (10) for a predetermined thickness. The rib (14) is intended
to allow sliding movement of the movable contacting elements (32) on it, and to lift the
movable contacting element (32) away from its general plane of traversing. This lifting of
movable contacting element (32) away from the base plate (10) surface prevents abrading (or
rubbing) of movable contacting element (32) with the base plate surface (10). In an
embodiment of the disclosure, the rib (14) is configured on the base plate (10) in such a way
that only a portion of the movable contacting element (32) comes in contact with the rib (14)
surface. Thus, when the movable member (30) is actuated to first position (FP), the movable
contacting element (32) comes in contact with the switching elements (20). Similarly, when
the movable member (30) is actuated to second position (SP), the movable contacting
element (32) is lifted away from the base plate (10) by the rib (14) so that there is no contact
between movable contacting elements (32) and the base plate (10). This lifting of movable
contacting element (32) by the rib (14) prevents arcing and sparking at contacting points
between moving and stationary elements, thereby preventing deposition of carbon in the
traversing path of movable contacting elements (32). It should be noted that in FIGS. 2, 3A
and 3B the movable contacting elements (32) are depicted as translucent members for the
sake of clear visibility and better understanding, and should not be considered as limitations
to the present disclosure.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrate front
views of the movable contacting elements (32) in first position (FP) and second position (SP)
respectively. Reference is made to FIG. 5 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure illustrating side view of movable contacting elements (32), in conjunction with
FIGS. 4A and 4B. The movable contacting elements (32) which move between first and
second positions (FP and SP) are configured with projections (32A) which selectively contact
the switching elements (20) when actuated. With constant sliding contact between the
projection (32A) and base plate (10) and/or switching element (20), the material present at
the tip of projection (32A) tend to wear out. In addition, the intermittent electrical contact
between base plate (10) and projection (32A) results in arcing and sparking between the
contacting elements, which may cause melting of the material at the tip of projection (32A).
The material which melts can get deposited in the path of travel of projection, adversely
14
affecting the smooth movement of the movable member (30) over the base plate (10). To
allow a smooth movement of movable contacting element (32) over the base plate (10), as
well as to improve wear life of the projection (32A), the contact friction between projection
(32A) of the movable contacting element (32) and the base plate (10) surface has to be
minimized. In addition to this, frequent contacting between the projection (32A) and the
surface of the base plate (10) has to be prevented or minimized to best possible extent. The
ribs (14) configured on the base plate (10) of the present disclosure serves this purpose by
minimizing frequency of contact between the projection (32A) of movable contacting
element (32) and the base plate (10) surface whilst in motion. As shown in FIG. 4A, the
projection (32A) of the movable contacting element (32) comes in contact with switching
element (20) of the base plate (10), indicating a first position (FP) of the movable member
(30) to close the circuit. Then, if circuit is to be in open condition (i.e. OFF condition), the
movable member (30) is actuated to second position (SP) during which a tapered portion
(14A) of the rib (14) lifts the movable contacting element (32) away from the surface of base
plate (10). The separation of movable contacting element (32) from base plate (10) breaks the
circuit to render the circuit in open condition, and interrupts the flow of electric current. The
tapered portion (14A) of the rib (14) allows smooth elevation of the movable contacting
element (32) over the rib (14) upon actuation from first position (FP) to second position (SP).
Similarly, when the movable contacting element (32) has to be descended back on to surface
of the base plate (10) to establish contact between the projection (32A) and the switching
element (20), the tapered portion (14A) ensures smooth sliding movement on the downward
slope onto the surface of switching element (20). In an embodiment of the present disclosure,
a central portion (32B) of the movable contacting element (32) comes in contact with the rib
(14) to lift the element (32) away from the base plate (10), as illustrated in FIG. 5. It should
be noted that, the provision of tapered portion (14A) in the rib is an exemplary configuration,
and one can envisage any other configuration of the rib to serve the purpose.
FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrate
top views of sliding type switching assembly (100). As is seen in FIGS. 6A – 6C, the
switching element (20) having two different cross-sections and dimensions are
accommodated in provisions (12) of the base plate (10). In first position (FP), the movable
contacting elements (32) are in contact with the switching elements (20) to allow flow of
current through the closed circuit [shown in FIG. 6A]. When the operator wishes to break the
contact, he actuates the knob (50) linearly towards the end opposite to the first position (FP).
15
During such a movement, the movable contacting element (32) comes to an intermediate
position where it is brought into contact with the tapered portion (14A) of the rib (14) [shown
in FIG. 6B]. A further actuation in same direction displaces the movable contacting member
(32) to the second position (SP) where the movable contacting member (32) completely rests
on the rib (14) surface, so that it does not contact the base plate (10) surface [shown in FIG.
6B].
FIGS. 7A and 7B are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrate a
rotary type switch assembly (100), with movable contacting elements (32) in first position
(FP) and second position (SP) respectively. A rotary switch assembly (100) with two rotary
switches is considered for the purpose of illustration, and should not be construed as
limitation on present disclosure, as a person skilled in the art can use any number of rotary
switches for performing the switching operation. The rotary switch assembly (100) as
depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B are identical with linear sliding type switching assembly
described in previous paragraphs, except for the rotary movement of the movable contacting
member (32) along an arcuate path in an arcuate plane. In first position (FP) of the movable
contacting member (32), contact is made between projection (32A) and the switching element
(20). Thereafter, if contact is to be disrupted, the rotary type movable contacting element (32)
is rotatably actuated about a pivot point. The traversing path of movable contacting element
(32) is configured with arcuate shaped ribs (14) with tapered portion (14A) to elevate or lift
the movable contacting element (32) from the surface of the base plate (10) along arcuate
path until the element (32) reaches second position (SP).
FIGS. 8A and 8B are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrate
perspective views of handlebar switch panel assemblies (150) for use in vehicles, such as
two-wheeler or three wheeler vehicles. The handlebar switch panel assemblies (150) may be
employed on a handle of the vehicle, and may be operated by the user for controlling various
operations, such as but not liming to operating head-lamps, operating indicators, regulating
resolution of head-lamps, ignition off and the like. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the
handlebar switch panel assemblies (150) comprises a casing (151) having a central provision
(152) to mount the switch panel onto the handlebar of the vehicle [not shown]. The casing
(151) is designed to accommodate a plurality of switch assemblies (100) as described in
previous paragraphs for performing intended switching operations. The handlebar switch
panel assemblies (150) comprise a plurality knobs (150a and 150b) extending from outer
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surface of the casing (151) of the switching assembly (100) for moving the movable member
(30) of the corresponding switch assembly (100) between first position (FP) and the second
position (SP). Also, the handlebar switch panel assemblies (150) are provided with one or
more indication symbols for indicating the position of switch assembly with respect to
particular function. In an exemplary embodiment, the indication symbols includes but not
limiting to headlight on and off indication, high beam and low beam indication, ignition on
and off indication, and indicator left and right arrow indication. The handlebar switch panel
assemblies (150) shown in the figures are exemplary configurations, and the same should not
be construed as limitation, as one can design any configuration of handlebar switch panel
assemblies for employing the switch assembly as described in the disclosure.
It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art would design a switch assembly
of any configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further,
various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the
present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such
modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
Advantage(s):
The present disclosure provides a switch assembly in which a rib is provided on the base
plate to elevate the movable member away from the stationary member during its movement
between the first and second position. This reduces wear of material due to sliding friction
between movable and stationary members, which increases wear life and overall durability of
the components of the switch assembly.
The present disclosure provides a switch assembly in which the movable member is lifted
away from the plane of stationary member when flow of electric current is interrupted. This
eliminates undesired contact between movable member and stationary member, thereby
minimizing undesired flow of electric current through the circuit during non-operative
condition of the switch assembly.
The present disclosure provides a switch assembly in which the movable member is lifted
away from the plane of stationary member when flow of electric current is to be interrupted.
This eliminates deposition of carbon due to arcing and sparking between contacting points of
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the movable and stationary members, which in turn eliminates undesired flow of electric
current when switch is in open condition.
The present disclosure provides a switch assembly in which the movable member is lifted
away from the plane of stationary member when flow of electric current is to be interrupted.
This improves insulation resistance of the switch assembly, and therefore, cycle life of the
assembly. An improvement in cycle life eliminates frequent manual intervention,
maintenance and replacement of ruptured parts constituting the switch assembly.
Equivalents:
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.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially
in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open"
terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the
term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those
within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such
intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims
may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce
claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the
introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular
claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such
recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at
least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be
interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of
definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of
an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that
such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the
bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two
18
recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is
intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a
system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that
have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or
A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one
of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having
skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B,
or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and
B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase
presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings,
should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of
the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the
possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and
embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
TABLE OF REFERRAL NUMERALS
Referral Numerals Description
100 Switch Assembly
10 Base plate
12 Provisions to accommodate switching element
14 Ribs
14A Tapered portion of ribs
20 Switching elements
30 Movable member
32 Movable contacting element
32A Projection of movable contacting element
32B Central portion of movable contacting element
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34 Spring of movable member
36 Carrier
36A Recess in carrier
40 Housing
40A Window in housing
50 Knob
50A Mountable portion of knob
50B Mountable end of knob
52 Ball spring arrangement of Knob
54 Projecting edge of knob
FP First position of movable member
SP Second position of movable member
150 Handle bar switch panel assembly
150A Linear sliding switch
150B Rotary sliding switch
151 Casing of handle bar switch panel assembly
152 Central provision of handle bar switch panel
assembly

We claim:
1. A switch assembly (100) comprising:
a base plate (10) connectable to a support member, the base plate (10)
comprises at least one provision (12) to accommodate at least one switching element
(20);
at least one rib (14) provisioned on the base plate (10); and
at least one movable member (30) connectable to the base plate (10), the at
least one movable member (30) is adapted to move between a first position (FP) and a
second position (SP) to selectively contact the at least one switching element (20);
wherein, the at least one movable member (30) is configured to slide on the at least
one rib (14) during the movement between the first position (FP) and the second
position (SP).
2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a housing (40) mounted on the
base plate (10).
3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the housing (40) is configured to
accommodate the at least one movable member (30).
4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one movable member
(30) comprises at least one projection (32A) which selectively contacts the at least
one switching element (20).
5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position (FP) is a portion
in which the at least one switching element (20) is provisioned in the base plate (10).
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6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second position (SP) is a
portion on the base plate (10) at which the at least one moveable member (30)
remains in non-contact condition with the at least one switching element (20).
7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one rib (14) is
provisioned in a portion between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP)
on the base plate (10).
8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding movement of the at
least one movable member (30) from the second position (SP) to the first position
(FP) contacts the at least one movable member (30) with the at least one switching
element (20).
9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding movement of the at
least one movable member (30) from the first position (FP) to the second position
(SP) retracts the at least one movable member (30) away from the at least one
switching element (20).
10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one knob (50) mounted
on a housing (40), the at least one knob (50) is connectable to the at least one movable
member (30).
11. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one knob (50) is
configured to be actuated by a user to move the at least one movable member (30)
between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP).
12. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one rib (14) comprises
a tapered portion (14A) in a first end to facilitate sliding movement of the at least one
movable member (30) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP).
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13. A vehicle comprising a switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1.