TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a switch module for vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed towards the construction and mechanism of a water-resistant low amperage switch module that is modular and moisture resistant.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, vehicles are provided with control switches/buttons for smooth operation, safe driving, and for giving an indication to other riders while driving. Conventionally, these functions are governed by control buttons mounted on the instrument cluster. When a user actuates a control button, a plunger moves towards the terminals/PCB of the switch mechanism to actuate the switch. When the user releases the actuating force from the control button, the plunger moves to the un-actuated position, and the contact between breaks. Generally, the switch assembly is accommodated in a switch housing from the bottom side and epoxy potting may be employed to prevent water from entering the switch. However, one major drawback of the existing switches is that they are not adequately moisture resistant and water seeps into the switch from the top side during the operation of the vehicle. As a result, due to environmental conditions, the life of the switch is reduced significantly.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art to provide a switch module that is water-resistant, is compact yet economical. More specifically, a water-resistant switch module that addresses one or more shortcomings associated with the prior art.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

OBJECTIVE OF THE DISCLOSURE
The main objective of the present disclosure is to provide a water-resistant low amperage switch module.
Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a water-resistant low amperage switch module that is water-resistant from the top and bottom sides.
One more objective of the present disclosure is to provide a water-resistant low amperage switch module that is modular yet economical and can be retrofitted.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure overcomes one or more drawbacks of conventional arrangements as described in the prior art and provides additional advantages through an arrangement as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch module for vehicles is disclosed. The switch module comprises a housing bracket comprising a first end and a second end. A plurality of actuating knobs is configured with the first end of the housing bracket. A plurality of plungers corresponding to each of the plurality of actuating knobs. An assembly comprises a printed circuit board (PCB). A base cover is configured to secure the second end of the housing bracket. An elastic pad is configured to secure the PCB of the assembly. The elastic pad comprises a gasket along its periphery configured to prevent the entry of foreign elements/moisture into the switch module.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second end of the housing bracket is secured with the base cover by a fastening means or a self-locking means.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a secured condition of the switch module, the plurality of knobs is adapted to be coupled with the corresponding plurality of plungers through a trough of the housing bracket.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic pad comprises a plurality of actuating members that correspond to the plurality of plungers in a mounted condition to actuate the PCB.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB is configured with an electronic control unit via wiring harness through a bottom side of the base cover.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gasket prevents the entry of moisture from the upper side of the switch module.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switch module is a low ampere switch module.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, four actuating knobs are provided for performing different functions of the switch module.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuation members have a dome-like configuration formed in the elastic pad and comprise a conductive material to make electrical connection with terminals below to actuate the PCB.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuation members are micro-switches configured with the PCB.
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 by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention wherein:
Figure 1 depicts an isometric view of an existing switch in accordance with the prior art.
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a water-resistant low amperage switch module in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a half-sectional view of the water-resistant low amperage switch module, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 depicts an exploded view of the water-resistant low amperage switch module, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 shows a section of the water-resistant low amperage switch module in the sealed condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a water-resistant low amperage switch module. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the proposed invention. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a water-resistant low amperage switch module. With respect to the mounting of the said switching device in vehicles, as disclosed in the present disclosure, it is to be noted that the switching device can be mounted on the front panel of a vehicle in the horizontal or vertical position or any other position as per the suitability of the manufacturer/user.
Referring to Figures 2-5, the present disclosure provides a water-resistant low amperage switch module (100) for vehicles. The said switch module (100) comprises a housing bracket (1) configured to be secured with a base cover (2) so as to form an encapsulation to accommodate the various elements of the said switch module (100) therein. The housing bracket (1) comprises a first end (lb) and a second end (lc). A plurality of actuating knobs (3) is configured with the first end (lb) of the housing bracket (1). A plurality of plungers (5) is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of actuating knobs (3). A PCB sub-assembly (4) comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) (6). The base cover (2) is configured to secure the second end (lc) of the housing bracket (1). An elastic pad (7) configured to secure the PCB (6) of the PCB sub-assembly (4). In one embodiment, the housing bracket (1) may be secured with the base cover (2) by fastening means such as screws. In another embodiment, the housing bracket (1) may be snap-fitted with the base cover (2).
The plurality of actuating knobs (3) is supported externally on the top side of the housing bracket (1) to be actuated manually by the user. In one non-limiting embodiment, there is provided four actuating knobs (3) for performing different functions. The housing bracket (1) comprises troughs (la) corresponding to each of the plurality of actuating knobs (3). The assembly (4) is disposed of in the hollow encapsulation. The assembly (4) comprises a plurality of plungers (5)

corresponding to each of the plurality of actuating knobs (3). The PCB-sub assembly comprises a PCB (6) secured with an elastic pad (7). In an embodiment, the elastic pad is a rubber pad (7). The elastic pad (7) has a generally rectangular configuration corresponding to the dimensions of the PCB. The elastic pad (7) comprises a plurality of actuating members (8) that correspond to the plurality of plungers (5) in the mounted condition to actuate the PCB (6). The elastic pad (7) further comprises a gasket-like profile (7a) along its periphery such that any moisture from the upper side is prevented from seeping through to the PCB (6). The PCB (6) may be configured with an electronic control unit via wiring harness through a bottom side of the base cover (2). Epoxy potting is done on the bottom side of the base cover (2) to prevent the entry of water into the encapsulation from the bottom side of the switch (100).
In the secured condition, the plurality of knobs (3) is adapted to be coupled with the corresponding plurality of plungers (5) through the troughs (la). Inside the encapsulation, the plurality of plungers (5) is coupled with the corresponding actuating members (8) of the elastic pad (7) such that when the knob (3) is actuated by the user, the actuating force is transmitted to the corresponding actuating member (8) by the downward movement of the plunger (5). Upon removal of the actuating force by the user, due to the resilient action of the elastic pad (7), the actuating member (8) pushes the plunger (5) upwardly to the deactivated condition.
In one embodiment, the actuating members (8) have a dome-like configuration formed in the elastic pad (7) and comprise contact pills made of a conductive material to make electrical connection with terminals below to actuate the PCB (6). In an alternate embodiment, the actuation members (8) may be micro-switches configured with the PCB (6). In one non-limiting embodiment, the actuating members may be illuminated by an illuminating means, such as, but not limited to LEDs.

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the switch module (100) that it is water-resistant and is robust. Yet another advantage is that the switch module (100) has a compact size, can be retrofitted, and is economical.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
List of reference numerals

100 Switch module
1 Housing Bracket
la Plurality of Troughs
lb First end
lc Second end
2 Base Cover
3 Plurality of Actuating Knobs
4 Assembly
5 Plurality of Plungers
6 PCB
7 Elastic Pad
7a Gasket profile
8 Plurality of Actuating Members
EQUIVALENTS:
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description.

Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a

context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

We Claim:
1. A switch module (100) for vehicles comprising:
a housing bracket (1) comprising a first end (lb) and a second end (lc);
a plurality of actuating knobs (3) configured with the first end (lb) of the housing bracket (1);
a plurality of plungers (5) corresponding to each of the plurality of actuating knobs (3);
an assembly (4) comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) (6);
a base cover (2) configured to secure the second end (lc) of the housing bracket (1);
an elastic pad (7) configured to secure the PCB (6) of the assembly (4), wherein the elastic pad (7) comprises a gasket (7a) along its periphery configured to prevent the entry of foreign elements/moisture into the switch module (100).
2. The switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end (lc) of the housing bracket (1) is secured with the base cover (2) by a fastening means or a self-locking means.
3. The switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a secured condition, the plurality of knobs (3) is adapted to be coupled with the corresponding plurality of plungers (5) through a trough (la) of the housing bracket (1).
4. The switch module (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the elastic pad (7) comprises a plurality of actuating members (8) that correspond to the plurality of plungers (5) in a mounted condition to actuate the PCB (6).
5. The switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PCB (6) is
configured with an electronic control unit via wiring harness through a bottom
side of the base cover (2).

6. The switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gasket (7a) prevents entry of moisture from the upper side of the switch module (100).
7. The switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch module is a low ampere switch module.
8. The switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein four actuating knobs (3) are provided for performing different functions of the switch module (100).
9. The switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation members (8) have a dome-like configuration formed in the elastic pad (7) and comprises a conductive material to make electrical connection with terminals below to actuate the PCB (6).
10. The switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation
members (8) are micro-switches configured with the PCB (6).