DESC:FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a switching unit having a sealing member for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Generally, vehicles are equipped with switches for controlling various operations of the vehicle. Some of the switches have provisions of illumination to indicate an operational state of the switches. Such switches may include a knob, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a moving contact, and a light source. The PCB and the light source are connected with the one or more switches. The knob may be adapted to move the moving contact for actuating the one or more switches.

However, a problem associated with the existing switches is that the PCB and the light source are not sealed properly and as a result, the PCB and the light source are exposed to an outer environment. Thus, the foreign particles such as water and dust come in contact with the PCB and the light source. Further, the water and dust may also enter in the proximity of the moving contact. The entry of the water and dust inside the existing switches affects the performance and the functionality 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 disclosure. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the disclosure and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to a switching unit for a vehicle. The switching unit may include a housing, a bracket, a carrier, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a microswitch, a knob, and a sealing member. The bracket may be mounted on the housing. The bracket may be adapted to form a hollow compartment with the housing. The carrier may be slidably positioned in the hollow compartment. The PCB may be disposed on the bracket and has a light source mounted thereon to indicate an operating state of the switching unit.

The microswitch may be positioned in the hollow compartment of the bracket and electrically connected with the PCB to receive an input indicative of an actuation of the microswitch. The knob may be mounted on the carrier and adapted to receive a user input to slide the carrier to actuate the microswitch. The sealing member may be disposed around the PCB supported on the bracket. The sealing member is adapted to restrict an ingress of foreign particles in proximity of the light source and the PCB.

The sealing member of the switching unit is disposed around the PCB supported on the bracket. The sealing member prevents the entry of the foreign particles such as water and dust into the vicinity of the PCB and the light source. Thus, the sealing member may protect the light source and the PCB. The implementation of the sealing member reduces the occurrence of failures due to the ingress of the foreign particles, and therefore, ensures the proper working and better performance of the switching unit.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are 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 disclosure 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 a side-sectional views and an exploded view of a conventional switching apparatus;

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a switching unit for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates a side-sectional view of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates an inverted side-sectional view of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, 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 disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure 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 disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

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 disclosure. 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 nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process or method 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 subsystems 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 components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”

The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and do not limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

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

Referring to Figure 1, a conventional switching apparatus 100 includes a knob 102, a carrier 104, a spring 106, a bracket 108, a cam 110, a pin 112, a moving contact 114, a support member 116, and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 118. A Light Emitting Diode (LED) is mounted on the PCB 118 to generate an illumination for the knob 102. The carrier 104 is installed in the bracket 108 to support the knob 102 and the support member 116. The support member 116 may include a base to accommodate the PCB 118. The moving contact 114 is connected to the PCB 118 and a terminal insert 120 is positioned on the base of the support member 116. A contact portion is formed in between the terminal insert 120 and the moving contact. The knob 102 is adapted to be pressed to push the carrier 104 downwards for making contact with the moving contact 114. The moving contact 114 further actuates one or more switches by making contact with the terminal insert 120.

However, the PCB 118 accommodating the LED (not shown) is exposed to the outer environment so foreign particles such as dust and water can easily enter. The water and dust may come in contact with the PCB 118 and LED. This affects the functionality of the PCB 118 and LED. Further, the contact portion of the moving contact 114 and the terminal insert 120 are not sealed properly. The dust and water may also enter the contact portion. Thus, the entry of the foreign particles affects the working and the efficiency of the conventional switching apparatus 100.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a switching unit to prevent entry of foreign particles such as water and dust. The switching unit may include a sealing member and assembly of the carrier and the bracket. This may protect a Printed circuit Board (PCB) and a light source of the switching unit from water and dust.

Details of the switching unit 200 of the present disclosure are explained with reference to Figures 2 to 6.

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the switching unit 200 for a vehicle while Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the switching unit 200. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the switching unit 200 is adapted to be equipped within the vehicle. In an embodiment, the switching unit 200 may be referred as to a sealed illuminated latch type push switching unit 200, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The switching unit 200 may prevent the entry of foreign particles inside the switching unit 200.

The foreign particles may include, but is not limited to, water, moisture, and dust. The switching unit 200 may be suitable to be operated for low ampere as well as high ampere in an exemplary range of 0.1 mA to 2 mA. The switching unit 200 may include a knob 202, a housing 204, a carrier 206, a bracket 208, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 210, a light source 212 mounted on the PCB 210, and a microswitch 214. Further, the switching unit 200 may include a sealing member 226 adapted to prevent the ingress of the foreign particles.

The housing 204 may be adapted to support one or more components of the switching unit 200. The bracket 208 may be mounted on the housing 204. The bracket 208 is adapted to be engaged with the housing 204 to form a hollow compartment with the housing 204. The hollow compartment is adapted to accommodate the components of the switching unit 200. In an embodiment, the bracket 208 may be positioned inside the housing 204. The bracket 208 is adapted to support the PCB 210 and the light source 212.

The PCB 210 may be mounted on the bracket 208 in between a plurality of protruded members 232 of the bracket 208. The bracket 208 may partially accommodate the carrier 206. The bracket 208 may include a seat adapted to receive one of the PCB 210 and the sealing member 226. In an embodiment, the bracket 208 may be formed of a metallic material. In another embodiment, the bracket 208 may be formed of a polymeric material.

The carrier 206 may be positioned in the housing 204. In an embodiment, the carrier 206 may be slidably positioned in the hollow compartment. The carrier 206 is adapted to toggle between a first state and a second state. In an embodiment, the first state represents the OFF state of the switching unit 200, and the second state represents the ON state of the switching unit 200. The carrier 206 may include a curved portion 207 adapted to move a lever 236 towards the microswitch 214 to actuate the microswitch 214 upon pushing of the knob 202.

Figure 4 illustrates a side-sectional view of the switching unit while Figure 5 illustrates an inverted side-sectional view of the switching unit. Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the switching unit 200 may include a cam 216, a pin 218, a first resilient member 220, a stopper plate 222, and a second resilient member 224. The carrier 206 is supported on the first resilient member 220 in the housing 204. The first resilient member 220 is adapted to provide a resilient force to the carrier 206. In an embodiment, the first resilient member 220 may be embodied as a spring.

The carrier 206 may define a hollow portion inside the carrier 206 to support the pin 218, the second resilient member 224, and the stopper plate 222. The cam 216 may be pivotably mounted over the housing 204. The cam 216 may be provided with a detent profile. In an embodiment, the second resilient member 224 may be embodied as a spring. The pin 218 is coupled with the carrier 206. The pin 218 is adapted to be moved over the detent profile created on the cam 216 based on the toggling of the carrier 206 from the first state to the second state and the second state to the first state. Further, the pin 218 is adapted to pivotably rotate the cam 216 while the pin 218 is travelling over the detent profile of the cam 216 upon downward sliding of the carrier 206 for locking the knob 202 in an operating position.

The pin 218 may form contact with cam 216 during the downward movement of the carrier 206 upon the pressing of the knob 202. The contact formed between the cam 216 and the pin 218 may cause the translational movement of the pin 218 and rotational movement of the cam 216. The second resilient member 224 may be positioned in between the pin 218 and the stopper plate 222. The stopper plate 222 is adapted to support the second resilient member 224 and thereby support the pin 218 upon its movement over the detent profile of the cam 216. The detent profile may be formed in such a way that it locks the pin 218 in one position there by locking the knob 202 which is attached to the carrier 206. This is the operating position. The pin 218 upon further pressing of the knob 202 may be at other position over the detent profile of the cam 216 which is a non-operating position. The purpose of the cam 216, the pin 218, the resilient member 224 and the stopper plate 222 is to keep the knob 202 at operating and non-operating position. The operating position represents the second state and the non-operating position represents the first sate.

The microswitch 214 is suitably sealed in the housing 204. Moreover, the contact area of the microswitch 214 and the stopper plate 222 is properly sealed. This protects the contact area from water. The carrier 206 may include a plurality of mounting members 230 adapted to support the bracket 208. The plurality of protruded members 232 may engage with the plurality of mounting members 230 of carrier 206. The engagement of the plurality of protruded members 232 and the plurality of mounting members 230 may secure the PCB 210 and the light source 212. Thus, the PCB 210 and the light source 212 are not exposed to the outer environment. In an embodiment, the carrier 206 is formed of a polymeric material. In another embodiment, the carrier 206 is formed of a metallic material.

The PCB 210 may be disposed on the bracket 208. The PCB 210 may include the light source 212 mounted thereon to indicate an operating state of the switching unit 200. The PCB 210 may be connected to a power source to receive the power. Further, the PCB 210 supplies the power to the light source 212 to illuminate to indicate the operating state such as ON state and non-operating state as OFF state of the switching unit 200. In an embodiment, the light source 212 may be embodied as a Light Emitting Diode (LED) 212. The LED 212 may be connected to the power source to receive power via PCB 210. The LED 212 may be adapted to generate illumination upon receiving the power from the PCB 210 to indicate the operating state of the switching unit 200 of the vehicle.

The switching unit 200 may include a lens 228 positioned above the PCB 210 and adapted to focus light from the light source on a symbol formed on the knob 202. The lens 228 may be positioned above the PCB 210 to enclose the light source 212 and the PCB. The lens 228 may have a shape identical to the shape of the PCB 210. A first epoxy coating is provided around the lens 228 to seal a contact portion of the lens 228 and the PCB 210. This secures the light source 212 and the PCB 210 from the foreign particles. The lens 228 permits to pass through the illumination generated by the light source 212. In an embodiment, the lens 228 is formed of a polymeric material.

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the switching unit 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the microswitch 214 may be positioned in the hollow compartment of the bracket 208. The microswitch 214 may be electrically connected with the PCB 210 to receive an input indicative of an actuation of the microswitch 214. The microswitch 214 may be connected to a controller to provide an input indicative of the actuation of the microswitch 214. Accordingly, the controller may perform the operation of the vehicle.

The microswitch 214 may include a plunger 238 and the lever 236, as shown in Figure 6. The plunger 238 is adapted to be pressed by the lever 236 to actuate the microswitch 214. The lever 236 may be pivotally mounted on the microswitch 214 and adapted to form a contact with the curved portion 207 of the carrier 206. The carrier 206 moves downwardly upon pushing the knob 202. The downward movement of the carrier 206 pushes the curved portion 207 over the lever 236 to pivotally move the lever 236 towards the plunger 238 to press the plunger 238. The pressing of the plunger 238 may actuate the microswitch 214.

Referring to Figures 4, 5, and 6, the knob 202 may be mounted on the carrier 206 and adapted to receive a user input to slide the carrier 206 to actuate the microswitch 214. The knob 202 may be mounted on the carrier 206 in the housing 204. The knob 202 may include a top face, and a bottom face adapted to form the contact with the carrier 206. The knob 202 is adapted to be pressed to operate the switching unit 200 in one of the ON state and the OFF state. The knob 202 may be pressed to push the curved portion 207 of the carrier 206 downwardly to move the lever 236 towards the microswitch 214 to actuate the microswitch 214.

In the OFF state, the knob 202 is not pressed. In the ON state, the knob 202 is adapted to be pressed to actuate the microswitch 214. Upon pressing the knob 202, the knob 202 is adapted to push the carrier 206 downwards. The movement of the carrier 206 may cause a rotational movement of the cam 216. The movement of cam 216 may cause the transitional movement of the pin 218 and the second resilient member 224. The knob 202 may include an illumination symbol itched on the top face of the knob 202. In an embodiment, the knob 202 may be formed of a polymeric material.

The illumination symbol is adapted to illuminate upon receiving an illumination generated by the light source 212. The illuminate symbol may illuminate according to the colour of illumination generated by the light source 212. The illuminate symbol may illuminate when the knob 202 is in the ON state. During the OFF state of the knob 202, the illuminate symbol may not illuminate.

Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the sealing member 226 may be disposed around the PCB 210 supported on the bracket 208. The sealing member 226 is adapted to restrict an ingress of foreign particles in proximity of the light source and the PCB 210. The sealing member 226 seals the PCB 210 and the light source 212 to prevent the entry of foreign particles such as water and dust in the proximity of the PCB 210 and the light source 212. This ensures the proper working of the PCB 210 and the light source 212. The implementation of the sealing member 226 extends the functional life of the switching unit 200.

The sealing member 226 may be placed between the PCB 210 and the lens 228. The lens 228 may be supported on the sealing member 226. In an embodiment, the sealing member 226 is formed of a rubber material. In another embodiment, the sealing member 226 is formed of a polymeric material. In another embodiment, the sealing member 226 is made of transparent material. Further, a cover member 234 may be positioned on at least one face of the bracket 208. The cover member 234 is adapted to cover the microswitch 214 positioned in the hollow compartment of the bracket 208.

Herein, the carrier 206, the bracket 208, and the cover member 234 define a sealed casing adapted to accommodate the microswitch 214, such that the ingress of the foreign particles in the proximity of the microswitch 214 is restricted. Further, a second epoxy coating may be provided over the cover member 234 to form a sealing for the microswitch 214. This sealing may prevent the entry of water and dust inside the switching unit 200. In an embodiment, the cover member 234 may be formed of polymeric material.

The switching unit 200 of the present disclosure, provides the sealing to the PCB 210 and the light source 212. The sealing member 226 of the switching unit 200 may prevent the entry of the foreign particles in the vicinity of the PCB 210 and the light source 212. The PCB 210 and the light source 212 are not exposed to the outer environment and thus, PCB 210 and the light source 212 are protected from the entry of the foreign particles. Further, the carrier 206 and the bracket 208 are assembled, such that the PCB 210 and the light source 212 may be secured inside the assembly.

Moreover, the carrier 206, the bracket 208, and the cover member 234 define the sealed casing to accommodate the microswitch 214. This sealed casing restricts the ingress of the foreign particles in the proximity of the microswitch 214. Thus, the sealing of the PCB 210, the light source 212, and the microswitch 214 makes the switching unit 200 suitable for the interior and external usage in the vehicle. The switching unit 200 may be equipped with two-wheelers as well as four-wheelers.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A switching unit (200) for a vehicle, comprising:
a housing (204);
a bracket (208) mounted on the housing (204) and adapted to form a hollow compartment with the housing (204);
a carrier (206) slidably positioned in the hollow compartment;
a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (210) disposed on the bracket (208) and having a light source (212) mounted thereon to indicate an operating state of the switching unit (200);
a microswitch (214) positioned in the hollow compartment of the bracket (208) and electrically connected with the PCB (210) to receive an input indicative of an actuation of the microswitch (214);
a knob (202) mounted on the carrier (206) and adapted to receive a user input to slide the carrier (206) to actuate the microswitch (214); and
a sealing member (226) disposed around the PCB (210) supported on the bracket (208), wherein the sealing member (226) is adapted to restrict an ingress of foreign particles in proximity of the light source (212) and the PCB (210).

2. The switching unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a lens (228) positioned above the sealing member (226) and the PCB (210) and adapted to focus light from the light source (212) on a symbol formed on the knob (202).

3. The switching unit (200) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a first epoxy coating around the lens (228) to seal a contact portion of the lens (228) and the PCB (210).

4. The switching unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microswitch (214) comprises:
a plunger (238) adapted to pressed to actuate the microswitch (214); and
a lever (236) pivotally mounted on the microswitch (214) and adapted to form a contact with the carrier (206) to press the plunger (238) for actuating the microswitch (214) upon pushing the knob (202).

5. The switching unit (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the carrier (206) adapted to toggle between a first state and a second state, and the carrier (206) comprises a curved portion (207) adapted to move the lever (236) towards the microswitch (214) to actuate the microswitch (214) upon pushing of the knob (202).

6. The switching unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a cover member (234) positioned on at least one face of the bracket (208) and adapted to cover the microswitch (214) positioned in the hollow compartment of the bracket (208).

7. The switching unit (200) as claimed in claims 1 or 6, wherein the carrier (206), the bracket (208), and the cover member (234) define a sealed casing adapted to accommodate the microswitch (214), such that the ingress of the foreign particles in the proximity of the microswitch (214) is restricted.

8. The switching unit (200) as claimed in claim 6, comprising a second epoxy coating over the cover member (234) to form a sealing for the microswitch (214).

9. The switching unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a cam (216) pivotably mounted in the housing (204) and adapted to be moved based on the toggling of the carrier (206) between the first state and the second state; and
a pin (218) coupled with the carrier (206) and adapted to rotate the cam (216) upon downward sliding of the carrier (206) for locking the knob (202) in an operating position and a non-operating position.

10. The switching unit (200) as claimed in claim 9, comprising:
a stopper plate (222); and
a second resilient member (224) be positioned in between the pin (218) and the stopper plate (222),
wherein the stopper plate (222) is adapted to support the second resilient member (224) to support the pin (218) upon movement of the pin (218) over a detent profile of the cam (216).

11. The switching unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (208) comprises a seat adapted to receive one of the PCB (210) and the sealing member (226).