Description:FILED OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of automobiles. In particular, the present invention relates a switching unit for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Generally, vehicles such as, but not limited to, four wheelers and two-wheelers are equipped with one or more switches. These switches may be provided for controlling various operations of the vehicle such as initiating ignition of an engine, stopping an operation of the engine, controlling a lighting system and several other purposes. Such switches may include a knob adapted to be actuated by a user for controlling various operations of the vehicle.

However, multifarious problems are associated with the existing switches provided to control the operations of the vehicle. The existing switch does not provide an effective illumination provision to represent various operations of the vehicle. In the conventional switch, the electrical components such as microswitches are not sealed properly at their assembly positions. This causes an unnecessary movement of the electrical components, and results in poor assembly of the switch. This affects the performance and the functionality of the conventional switch. Moreover, the existing switch may unnecessarily shift from an engine kill position to an engine run position during the operation of the vehicle.

Accordingly, there is an immense need to develop a switch that can overcome one or more technical problems of the existing switches.

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 and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present invention discloses a switching unit for a vehicle. The switching unit may include a bracket, a knob, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), an actuating membrane, a plurality of micro switches, at least one light source and an elastic membrane. The knob is mounted on the bracket and adapted to be pivotally moved with respect to the bracket. The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is positioned within the bracket. The actuating membrane is adapted to be actuated based on a pivotal movement of the knob to operate the switching unit in one operating position from among a plurality of operating positions. The plurality of micro switches is mounted on the PCB. Each of the plurality of micro switches is adapted to be actuated based on the pivotal movement of the knob to operate the switching unit in one operating position from among the plurality of operating positions. The at least one light source is mounted on the PCB. The at least one light source is electrically connected with the actuating membrane and the plurality of micro switches for generating an illumination. The elastic membrane is positioned on the PCB, and the elastic membrane may include a protruded portion, a plurality of cavities, and at least one pocket. The protruded portion is adapted to form a contact with the actuating membrane based on the pivotal movement of the knob. The plurality of cavities is disposed adjacent to the protruded portion, and adapted to accommodate the plurality of micro switches. The at least one pocket is adapted to enclose the at least one light source.

In an embodiment, the PCB may include a pad disposed axially below the protruded portion of the elastic membrane, adapted to form a surface contact with the protruded portion upon the actuation of the actuating membrane.

In an embodiment, the plurality of micro switches may include a first micro switch positioned in the PCB align with the bracket and a second micro switch positioned parallel to the first micro switch in the PCB align with the bracket.

In an embodiment, the bracket may include a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion and a third mounting portion. The first mounting portion is adapted to support the pad of the PCB, and the pad is adapted to form a surface contact with the protruded portion upon the actuation of the actuating membrane. The second mounting portion is adapted to accommodate the first micro switch. The third mounting portion adapted is accommodate the second micro switch.

In an embodiment, the knob may include an upper portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion may include a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion. The first protrusion is adapted to push the actuating membrane for operating the switching unit in one operating position from among a plurality of operating positions. The second protrusion is adapted to push the first micro switch for operating the switching unit in one operating position from among a plurality of operating positions. The third protrusion is adapted to push the second micro switch for operating the switching unit in one operating position from among a plurality of operating positions.

In an embodiment, the upper portion may include at least one first illumination symbol adapted to illuminate, and at least one second illumination symbol adapted to illuminate.

In an embodiment, the switching unit may include a plunger and a spring concentrically disposed around the plunger. The plunger is disposed at a bottom portion of the knob. The spring is adapted to allow resilient movement of the plunger to guide the pivotal movement of the knob.

In an embodiment, the bracket may include at least one pivot boss adapted to support the knob, and the knob is adapted to be pivotally moved with respect to the at least one pivot boss.

In an embodiment, the bracket may include a rim provided along the periphery on the bracket. The rim is adapted to prevent a leakage of the illumination generated by the at least one light source.

In an embodiment, the switching unit may include a cover attached with the bracket by snap fitting. The cover is adapted to secure the positioning of the PCB during an assembly of the switching unit.

In an embodiment, the cover may include at least one opening adapted to fill Epoxy.

In an embodiment, the at least one light source is adapted to generate the illumination based on the actuation of one of the actuating member and the plurality of micro switches.

In an embodiment, the at least one light source is connected to a power source for generating the illumination based on a power supplied by the power source.

Further, the present invention discloses a switching unit provided for generating an illumination according to an operating position of a vehicle. The switching unit may include a knob assembly, and a bracket. The knob assembly may include a knob adapted to be moved pivotally, a plunger disposed at a bottom portion of the knob and a spring. The spring is concentrically disposed around the plunger, and adapted to allow resilient movement of the plunger to guide the pivotal movement of the knob. The bracket is adapted to receive the knob assembly. The bracket may include a detent profile adapted to position the knob assembly for avoiding the jumping out the knob from a kill position of an engine to a start position of the engine during the operation.

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 switching unit for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the switching unit for the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a sectional side view of the switching unit for the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the switching unit for the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the switching unit for the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a knob of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the bracket of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of an elastic membrane of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 illustrates an inverted view of the elastic membrane of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 illustrates a side view of the elastic membrane of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a cover of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 14 illustrates a side view of a bracket of the switching unit, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the invention are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, the specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present invention to modify a switching unit for a vehicle as disclosed herein. However, such modifications should be construed to be within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present invention, so as not to obscure the invention with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

Accordingly, the switching unit for a vehicle described with reference to the figures and specific embodiments; this description is not meant to be constructed in a limiting sense. Various alternative embodiments from part of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a switching unit 100 is provided for a vehicle. The switching unit 100 may include a bracket 102, a knob assembly 103, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 104, an actuating membrane 106, a plurality of micro switches 108, 110, at least one light source 112, 114 and an elastic membrane 116. The knob assembly 103 may include a knob 118, a plunger 120 disposed at a bottom portion 126 of the knob 118 and a spring 122. The spring 122 is concentrically disposed around the plunger 120. The spring 122 is adapted to allow resilient movement of the plunger 120 to guide the pivotal movement of the knob 118. The knob 118 is mounted on the bracket 102 and adapted to be pivotally moved with respect to the bracket 102. The PCB 104 is positioned within the bracket 102, and the elastic membrane 116 is positioned on the PCB 104. The switching unit 100 may be operated in a plurality of operating positions. The plurality of operating positions of the switching unit 100 may represent various functional stages of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the plurality of operating positions may include a first operating position, a second operating position, and a third operating position.

In the first operating position, the knob 118 may actuate the plurality of micro switches 108, 110 for stopping the operation of an engine of the vehicle. The first operating position is also referred to as a kill position of the engine and, this position represents an OFF stage of the engine. In the second operating position, the knob 118 may be pressed towards the actuating membrane 106 without forming any contact with the actuating membrane 106. With the release of the plurality of micro switches 108, 110, the voltage supply is turned ON in the second operating position without initiating the ignition of the engine. In the third operating position, the knob 118 may be pressed further to actuate the actuating membrane 106 for initiating the ignition of the engine. The third operating position is also referred to as a start position of the engine. The first operating position and the second operating position may be fixed positions. The third operating position may be a momentary position, such that the contact between the actuating membrane and the knob is formed for shorter period of time.

The actuating membrane 106 is adapted to be actuated based on a pivotal movement of the knob 118 to operate the switching unit 100 in one operating position from among the plurality of operating positions. In an embodiment, the actuating membrane 106 may be actuated based on a pivotal movement of the knob 118 to operate the switching unit 100 in the second operating position and the third operating position. The actuating membrane 106 may be embodied as one of a plunger or a bar. In another embodiment, the actuating membrane 106 is formed of a metallic material or a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The plurality of micro switches 108, 110 is mounted on the PCB 104. Each of the plurality of micro switches 108, 110 is adapted to be actuated based on the pivotal movement of the knob 118 to operate the switching unit 100 in one of the operating positions. In an embodiment, the plurality of micro switches 108, 110 may include a first micro switch 108 and a second micro switch 110. The first micro switch 108 is positioned on the PCB 104. The second micro switch 110 is positioned parallel to the first micro switch 108 on the PCB 104. The first micro switch 108 and the second micro switch 110 may be actuated based on the pivotal movement of the knob 118 to operate the switching unit 100 in the first operating position. The first micro switch 108 may be a close-type switch, and the second micro switch 110 may be an open-type switch. Upon the actuation, the first micro switch 108 converts into an open-type switch and the second micro switch 110 converts into a close-type switch. The first micro switch 108 and the second micro switch 110 are connected with a controller to provide an input indicative of the actuation of the first micro switch 108 and the second micro switch 110.

The at least one light source 112, 114 mounted on the PCB 104. The at least one light source 112, 114 is electrically connected with the actuating membrane 106 and the plurality of micro switches 108, 110. The at least one light source 112, 114 may generate an illumination based on the actuation of one of the actuating membrane 106 and the plurality of micro switches 108, 110. In one of the embodiments, the at least one light source (112, 114) may be connected to a power source for generating the illumination based on a power supplied by the power source. In an embodiment, the at least one light source 112, 114 may be embodied as at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED), without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The at least one light source 112, 114 may include a first light source 112 and a second light source 114. The first light source 112 may illuminate upon the actuation of the actuating membrane 106. The second light source 114 may illuminate upon the actuation of the first micro switch 108 and the second micro switch 110 in the first operating position.

Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the knob 118 may include an upper portion 124 and the bottom portion 126. The bottom portion 126 may include a first protrusion 128, a second protrusion 130, and a third protrusion 132. The first protrusion 128 is adapted to push the actuating membrane 106 for operating the switching unit 100 in one of the operating positions. In an embodiment, the first protrusion 128 may push the actuating membrane 106 for operating the switching unit 100 in the third operating position. The first protrusion 128 may have circular shape.

The second protrusion 130 is adapted to push the first micro switch 108 for operating the switching unit 100 in one of the operating positions. The third protrusion 132 is adapted to push the second micro switch 110 for operating the switching unit 100 in one of the operating positions. In another embodiment, the second protrusion 130 may push the first micro switch 108, and the third protrusion 132 is adapted to push the second micro switch 110, for operating the switching unit 100 in the first operating position. The second protrusion 130 and the third protrusion 132 may have square or rectangular shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, the upper portion 124 may include at least one first illumination symbol 134, 136 and at least one second illumination symbol 138. The at least one first illumination symbol 134, 136 is adapted to illuminate upon the actuation of the actuating membrane 106. The at least one first illumination symbol 134, 136 may include a primary illumination symbol 134 and a secondary illumination symbol 136. The primary illumination symbol 134 may illuminate in the second operating position. The secondary illumination symbol 136 may illuminate in the third operating position. The at least one second illumination symbol 138 is adapted to illuminate upon the actuation of one of the plurality of micro switches 108, 110 in the first operating position. In one of the embodiments, the primary illumination symbol 134, the secondary illumination and the second illumination symbol 138 may be adapted to illuminate continuously upon generation of illumination by the at least one light source 112, 114. In an embodiment, the at least one first illumination symbol 134, 136 and at least one second illumination symbol 138 are itched on the upper portion 124 by laser itching process.

Referring to Figures 1, 7 and 8, the bracket 102 is adapted to support one or more components of the switching unit 100. The bracket 102 may include at least one pivot boss 140 adapted to support the knob 118, as shown in Figure 7. Herein, the knob 118 is adapted to be pivotally moved with respect to the at least one pivot boss 140 of the bracket 102. Referring to Figure 8, the bracket 102 may include a first mounting portion 142, a second mounting portion 144 and a third mounting portion 146. The first mounting portion 142 is adapted to support a pad 148 of the PCB 104 upon the actuation of the actuating membrane 106. When the actuating membrane 106 moves downward and forms a contact with a protruded portion 156 of the elastic membrane 116, so the protruded portion 156 further forms a surface contact with the pad 148. In an embodiment, the first mounting portion 142 may be embodied as one of an opening and a slot. The second mounting portion 144 is adapted to accommodate the first micro switch 108, and the third mounting portion 146 adapted to accommodate the second micro switch 110. The second mounting portion 144 and the third mounting portion 146 may be formed adjacent to each other on the bracket 102, as shown in Figure 7 and 8. In another embodiment, the second mounting portion 144 and the third mounting portion 146 have cuboidal shapes. In yet another embodiment, the shape of the second mounting portion 144 may be identical to the shape of the first micro switch 108. The shape of the third mounting portion 146 may be identical to the shape of the second micro switch 110. Further, the bracket 102 may include a plurality of screw mountings 150 adapted to receive a plurality of screws 151. The plurality of screws 151 is adapted for positioning of the PCB 104 within the bracket 102, as shown in Figure 1. The bracket 102 may include a plurality of snap fit openings 152. In an embodiment, the plurality of snap fit openings 152 includes three snap fit openings, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The bracket 102 may include a rim153 provided along the periphery on the bracket 102. The rim 153 is adapted to prevent a leakage of the illumination generated by the at least one light source 112, 114.

Referring to Figure 9, the PCB 104 is adapted to accommodate the first micro switch 108 and the second micro switch 110. The PCB 104 may be electrically connected with the power source for supplying the power to the first micro switch 108 and the second micro switch 110. The PCB 104 may include the pad 148 adapted to form the surface contact with the elastic membrane 116 upon the actuation of the actuating membrane 106. The actuating membrane 106 may press the pad 148, and subsequently, the pad 148 generates an auditory feedback. The pad 148 is further connected with the controller to provide the input indicative about the forming of the surface contact. Then, the controller may perform the desired operations of the vehicle. The controller is adapted to perform the various operations of the vehicle based on the inputs of the plurality of micro switches 108, 110 and the pad 148. The PCB 104 may include a plurality of holes 154 adapted to receive the plurality of screws 151 for mounting the PCB 104 on the bracket 102. The plurality of screws 151 is adapted to be further tighten in the plurality of screw mountings 150.

Referring to Figure 10 to 12, the elastic membrane 116 is positioned on the PCB 104. The elastic membrane 116 may include the protruded portion 156, a plurality of cavities 158, 160, and at least one pocket 162, 164. The protruded portion 156 is adapted to form the contact with the actuating membrane 106 based on the pivotal movement of the knob 118. As shown in Figure 10, the protruded portion 156 may include a plurality of electrical pins 178 adapted for forming an electrical contact with the actuating membrane 106.
The protruded portion 156 may include a conductive layer 180 adapted for forming the electrical contact with the actuating membrane 106. The protruded portion 156 may be pressed by the actuating membrane 106 to form the contact.

The plurality of cavities 158, 160 is adapted to accommodate the plurality of micro switches 108, 110. The plurality of cavities 158, 160 is disposed adjacent to the protruded portion 156. The elastic membrane 116 may include a connecting membrane 161 adapted for joining the protruded portion 156 to the plurality of cavities 158, 160. The connecting membrane 161 may be disposed between the protruded portion 156 and the plurality of cavities 158, 160. In an embodiment, the plurality of cavities 158, 160 may include a first cavity 158 and a second cavity 160. The first cavity 158 may accommodate the first micro switch 108 and the second cavity 160 may accommodate the second micro switch 110. Each of the first cavity 158 and the second cavity 160 may include a top portion 182, a bottom portion 184, and an intermediate portion 186 positioned between the top portion 182 and the bottom portion 184. The intermediate portion 186 is narrower to provide a sealing to one of the plurality of micro switches 108, 110 to secure their positioning on the PCB 104.

The at least one pocket 162, 164 is adapted to enclose the at least one light source 112, 114. In an embodiment, the at least one pocket 162, 164 includes a first pocket 162 and a second pocket 164. The first pocket 162 may enclose the first light source 112 and the second pocket 164 may enclose the second light source 114. Further, the pad 148 is disposed axially below the protruded portion 156 of the elastic membrane 116. The pad 148 is adapted to form the surface contact with the protruded portion 156 upon the actuation of the actuating membrane 106. The elastic membrane 116 may provide the sealing to the plurality of micro switches 108, 110 and the at least one light source 112, 114. In an embodiment, the elastic membrane 116 is formed of rubber. In another embodiment, the elastic membrane 116 is formed of any polymeric material. In an embodiment, the elastic membrane 116 has a frustoconical shape with a cylindrical portion. The conductive layer 180 may be disposed on the cylindrical portion for forming an electrical contact with the actuating membrane 106.

Referring to Figure 13, the switching unit 100 may include a cover 166 adapted to secure the positioning of the PCB 104 during an assembly of the switching unit 100. The cover 166 may be snap fitted with the bracket 102 to ensure the positioning of the PCB 104 within the bracket 102. The cover 166 may include a plurality of snap fit protrusions 168 adapted to be engaged with the plurality of snap fit openings 152 of the bracket 102. In an embodiment, the plurality of snap fit protrusions 168 includes three snap fit protrusions 168. The cover 166 may include at least one opening 170, 172 adapted to be filled with an Epoxy material 174. In an embodiment, the cover 166 may include a first opening 170, and a second opening 172 adapted to be filled with the Epoxy material 174. The Epoxy material 174 is filled to protect the PCB 104 from any foreign particles, such as dust and water. In an embodiment, the cover 166 is formed of a polymeric material.

Referring to Figure 14, illustrating another embodiment of the switching unit 100. The switching unit 100 includes all the components as explained above with the reference of Figures 1-13 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the bracket 102 of the switching unit 100 as illustrated in the present embodiment, may include a detent profile 176 adapted to position the knob assembly 103 for avoiding the jumping out the knob 118 from a kill position of the engine to a start position of the engine during the operation. The detent profile 176 may include at least one V-groove provided a predetermined offset from the pivot boss 140 of the bracket 102. The at least one V-groove is adapted to receive the plunger 120 for restricting the direct movement of the knob 118 from the kill position of the engine to the start position of the engine during the operation. The at least one V-groove may be provided on a left-hand side or a right-hand side of the pivot boss 140. In an embodiment, the predetermined offset is 0.2MM.

In the first operating condition, the knob 118 may be pushed the first micro switch 108 and the second micro switch 110 to actuate the first micro switch 108 and the second micro switch 110. In this position, the engine is in OFF stage. The second light source 114 may illuminate upon the actuating of the the first micro switch 108 and the second micro switch 110 in the first operating position. Further, the user may press the knob 118 forward towards the actuating membrane 106 to release the plurality of micro switches 108, 110 for operating the switching unit 100 in the second operating condition. When the knob 118 is further pressed downward towards the actuating membrane 106 to actuate the actuating membrane 106 by forming the contact with the actuating membrane 106, the actuating membrane 106 moves downward towards the pad 148. Then, the surface contact is formed between the pad 148 and the actuating membrane 106 to operate the switching unit 100 in third operating condition. The pad 148 may provide the input indicative to the controller for initiating the ignition of the engine to the start the engine of the vehicle. The first light source 112 may illuminate upon the actuating of the actuating membrane 106 in the third operating position to generate the illumination.

The switching unit 100 of the present invention provides the illumination for the plurality of operating positions representing various functional stages of the engine of the vehicle. The switching unit 100 of the present invention has compact size. The switching unit 100 provides an auditory feedback in the third operating position. Further, the elastic membrane of the switching unit 100 provides the sealing to the plurality of micro switches 108, 110 and the at least one light source 112, 114 for securing their positions. Moreover, the bracket 102 of the switching unit 100 may prevent the jumping out the knob 118 from a kill position of the engine to a start position of the engine.

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. , Claims:1. A switching unit (100) for a vehicle, the switching unit (100) comprising:
a bracket (102);
a knob (118) mounted on the bracket (102) and adapted to be pivotally moved with respect to the bracket (102);
a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (104) positioned within the bracket (102);
an actuating membrane (106) adapted to be actuated based on a pivotal movement of the knob (118) to operate the switching unit (100) in one operating position from among a plurality of operating positions;
a plurality of micro switches (108, 110) mounted on the PCB (104), wherein each of the plurality of micro switches (108, 110) is adapted to be actuated based on the pivotal movement of the knob (118) to operate the switching unit (100) in one operating position from among the plurality of operating positions;
at least one light source (112, 114) mounted on the PCB (104), wherein the at least one light source (112, 114) is electrically connected with the actuating membrane (106) and the plurality of micro switches (108, 110) for generating an illumination; and
an elastic membrane (116) positioned on the PCB (104), the elastic membrane (116) comprising:
a protruded portion (156) adapted to form a contact with the actuating membrane (106) based on the pivotal movement of the knob (118);
a plurality of cavities (158, 160) disposed adjacent to the protruded portion (156), and adapted to accommodate the plurality of micro switches (108, 110); and
at least one pocket (162, 164) adapted to enclose the at least one light source (112, 114).

2. The switching unit (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the PCB (104) comprising a pad (148) disposed axially below the protruded portion (156) of the elastic membrane (116), adapted to form a surface contact with the protruded portion (156) upon the actuation of the actuating membrane (106).

3. The switching unit (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the plurality of micro switches (108, 110) comprising:
a first micro switch (108) positioned in the PCB (104) align with the bracket (102); and
a second micro switch (110) positioned parallel to the first micro switch (108) in the PCB (104) align with the bracket (102).

4. The switching unit (100) as claimed in claims 2 and 3, wherein the bracket (102) comprising:
a first mounting portion (142) adapted to support the pad (148) of the PCB (104), wherein the pad (148) is adapted to form a surface contact with the protruded portion (156) upon the actuation of the actuating membrane (106);
a second mounting portion (144) adapted to accommodate the first micro switch (108); and
a third mounting portion (146) adapted to accommodate the second micro switch (110).

5. The switching unit (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the knob (118) comprising an upper portion (124) and a bottom portion (126), the bottom portion (126) comprising:
a first protrusion (128) adapted to push the actuating membrane (106) for operating the switching unit (100) in one operating position from among a plurality of operating positions;
a second protrusion (130) adapted to push the first micro switch (108) for operating the switching unit (100) in one operating position from among a plurality of operating positions; and
a third protrusion (132) adapted to push the second micro switch (110) for operating the switching unit (100) in one operating position from among a plurality of operating positions.

6. The switching unit (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the upper portion (124) comprising:
at least one first illumination symbol (134, 136) adapted to illuminate;
at least one second illumination symbol (138) adapted to illuminate.

7. The switching unit (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 5, comprising:
a plunger (120) disposed at the bottom portion (126) of the knob (118); and
a spring (122) concentrically disposed around the plunger (120) and adapted to allow resilient movement of the plunger (120) to guide the pivotal movement of the knob (118) with respect to the bracket (102).

8. The switching unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (102) comprising at least one pivot boss (140) adapted to support the knob (118), wherein the knob (118) is adapted to be pivotally moved with respect to the at least one pivot boss (140) of the bracket (102).

9. The switching unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (102) comprising a rim (153) provided along the periphery on the bracket (102), wherein the rim (153) is adapted to prevent a leakage of the illumination generated by the at least one light source (112, 114).

10. The switching unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a cover (166) attached with the bracket (102) by snap fitting, wherein the cover (166) is adapted to secure the positioning of the PCB (104) during an assembly of the switching unit (100).

11. The switching unit (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cover (166) comprising at least one opening (170, 172) adapted to fill Epoxy (174).

12. The switching unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one light source (112, 114) is adapted to generate the illumination based on the actuation of one of the actuating member (106) and the plurality of micro switches (108, 110).

13. The switching unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one light source (112, 114) is connected to a power source for generating the illumination based on a power supplied by the power source.

14. A switching unit (100) for generating an illumination according to an operating position of a vehicle, the switching unit (100) comprising:
a knob assembly (103) comprising:
a knob (118) adapted to be adapted to be moved pivotally;
a plunger (120) disposed at a bottom portion (126) of the knob (118); and
a spring (122) concentrically disposed around the plunger (120) and adapted to allow resilient movement of the plunger (120) to guide the pivotal movement of the knob (118);
a bracket (102) adapted to receive the knob assembly (103), wherein the bracket (102) comprising a detent profile (176) adapted to position the knob assembly (103) for avoiding the jumping out the knob (118) from a kill position of an engine to a start position of the engine during the operation.