AN IMPROVED SWITCHING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to an improved switching device for vehicles. More
specifically, the said invention relates to the mechanism of cruise control in vehicles
by means of a singular switching device and its construction thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provide background information related to the
present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, vehicles are provided with cruise control systems for regulating the speed
of a vehicle automatically in a specified range to ease driving on highways by
reducing driver fatigue and improving driver comfort. Conventionally, cruise control
systems in vehicles have 2 or 3 switches for the ON/OFF and SET/RESET functions.
It is a general practice as shown in figures 1, 2 and 3 to use two or three toggle/rocker
type switches or separate push type switches for the activation/deactivation and
regulation of the cruise control system in the vehicle. However, there are many
demerits of such independent switch systems as they provide troublesome operation
in cruise control. The existing system reduces the ease of operability of the cruise
control system and makes it complex for the driver to use while driving the vehicle.
Another demerit of the existing mechanism is that these independent switches occupy
more space when mounted on the mounting panel of the vehicle.
In other words, researchers have developed a user friendly and technically advance
switching device for regulating the cruise control system in vehicles. More
specifically, a switching device that is user friendly, economical and can be fitted with
minimal occupancy of space on the mounting panel of vehicles.
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SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates the mechanism of cruise control in vehicles by means
of a singular switching device. More specifically, the said disclosure relates to an
improved switching device for vehicles comprising a housing having a hollow
internal region and being adapted to receive a cover and at least three microswitches
being disposed in the housing. A knob is movable about a first pivot and a second
pivot in the horizontal and vertical directions respectively and an actuating lever being
integrated with the knob. The switching device further comprising a detent having a
plurality of slant surfaces such that the said detent is adapted to guide the movement
of knob.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Further aspects and advantages of the present disclosure 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, but not limiting the scope of the
invention. In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 shows an existing switching mechanism for cruise control employing
toggle/rocker type switches.
Figure 2 shows another switching mechanism for cruise control in vehicles
employing three separate push type switches for regulating the cruise control system.
Figure 3 is yet another existing switch/mechanism depicting usage of different knobs
for controlling the various functions of a cruise control system.
Figure 4 depicts the sectional views in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure, wherein a singular knob is used.
Figure 5(a) shows an isometric view of the knob in accordance with another
embodiment of the said switching device wherein the knob is integrated with lever
and pivot.
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Figure 5(b) shows a sectional view of the pivot plunger with respect to the knob of
the said switching device as shown in figure 4(a).
Figure 6 shows sectional views of the said switching device when the knob is in the
3rd position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7a shows a perspective view of the detent of the said switching device in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7b shows a sectional view of the detent of the said switching device in
accordance one more embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8a illustrates an exploded view of the said switching device for cruise control
in vehicles depicting the assembly sequence of the said device according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8b illustrates an isometric view of the said switching device for cruise control
in vehicles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 shows an improved switching device for vehicles according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 shows an improved switching device for vehicles according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 depicts an improved switching device for vehicles according to yet another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12 illustrates an improved switching device for vehicles according to other
embodiments 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 disclosure.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, 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 alternative falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail the various embodiments of the present disclosure it may
be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present
disclosure resides in the mechanism of cruise control in vehicles by means of a
singular switching device. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be
motivated from the present disclosure and can perform various modifications.
However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the invention.
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 benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system, 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 system or
device or setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or
device proceeded by “comprises a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or
apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present disclosure. The invention in
respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly it is an aim of the present disclosure to provide an improved switching
device for vehicles whereby a singular switching device provides multiple operations,
simplifying the usage for the driver.
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Another aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved switching device for
operating the cruise control system by means of a single knob guided for actuating
different functions of the cruise control system.
Yet another aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved switching device
for cruise control systems that is compact in size and is water proof.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an improved switching device for
vehicles comprising;
a housing having a hollow internal region and being adapted to receive a
cover;
at least three microswitches being disposed in the housing;
a knob being movable about a first pivot and a second pivot in the horizontal
and vertical directions respectively;
an actuating lever being integrated with the knob; and
a detent comprising a plurality of slant surfaces; the said detent being adapted
to guide the movement of knob.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing has pockets and to
accommodate the three micro switches and respectively.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, potting is done in pockets by sealant
or epoxy to prevent entry of dust and water.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, pivot arm of the knob is received
in a pivot hole so as to form the first pivot.
In one more embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob has a proximal end, a
distal end, an actuation arm and a concave profile.
In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal end has a hollow
groove to accommodate spring loaded plunger.
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In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the spring loaded plunger
comprises a resilient means and a plunger; the said plunger being movable in the slant
surfaces of the detent.
In one further embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing comprises a hollow
cylindrical groove extending tangentially inwards.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cylindrical groove is adapted to
accommodate resiliently loaded pivot plunger.
In one more embodiment of the present disclosure, pivot plunger comprises a convex
pivot plunger being mounted resiliently in the groove by means of loaded spring; the
said spring resting on a spring support plate.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the pivot plunger is received in the
concave profile of the knob so as to form the second pivot for the movement of knob
in the vertical direction.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob comprises a projection;
the said projection being adapted to be received in a hole on the cover.
With respect to the mounting of the said switching device for cruise control in
vehicles as disclosed in the present disclosure, it is to be noted that the switching
device can be mounted onto the front panel of a vehicle in the horizontal or vertical
position or any other position as per the suitability of the manufacturer/user.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 4
to 11 according to an embodiment of the present description.
As per the present disclosure, the present switching device comprises a knob that is
capable of moving in three directions. An extreme left position of the knob along the
horizontal axis about a central neutral position is termed as 1st position. An extreme
right position of the knob along the horizontal axis about a central neutral position is
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termed as 2nd position. A 3rd position of the knob is defined by the extreme position of
the knob in the downward direction along the vertical axis.
As shown in figure 4a and 4b, the said switching device comprises a housing (10)
having a hollow internal region and being adapted to receive a cover (10j) so as to
form an encapsulation. The housing (10) has first, second and third pockets (10c),
(10d) and (10e) to accommodate the three micro switches (1), (2) and (3) respectively.
The said microswitches being secured in the first, second and third pockets (10c),
(10d) and (10e); and potting is done in first, second and third pockets (10c), (10d) and
(10e) by sealant or epoxy to prevent contamination by dust and water. The said
housing (10) further comprises a knob (4) being movable about a first pivot (P1) in
the horizontal direction and about a second pivot (P2) in the vertical direction. The
knob (4) has a proximal end (4a), a distal end (4c) and a pivot arm (4b) an actuation
arm (4e) and a concave profile (4g). The proximal end (4a) of the knob (4) is
configured so as to project outside the housing (10) in the mounting condition thereby
enabling the user/rider to actuate the knob (4) manually. The said distal end (4c) has a
hollow groove (4d) to accommodate spring loaded plunger (5). The spring loaded
plunger (5) comprises a resilient means (5a) and a plunger (5b); the said plunger (5b)
being movable in the slant surfaces of the detent (7). The spring loaded plunger (5) is
adapted to be received by a detent (7). The detent (7) has at least three opposite slant
surfaces (as shown in figure 7) so as to form a hollow triangular cone shape. The
opposite slant surfaces having a V-shaped profile to guide the movement of the
plunger (5b) upon movement of knob (4). The spring loaded plunger (5) of the distal
end (4c) of the knob (4) is received between the V-shaped opposite slant faces of the
detent (7) so as to form the first pivot (P1). The said detent (7) is removably mounted
in a mounting detent pocket (10a) on the housing (10). However, it is to be noted that
the mounting position and location of the detent (7) is interchangeable and may be
varied depending upon the requirement of the manufacturer/user. A hollow cylindrical
groove (10b) extending tangentially inwards from housing (10) is adapted to
accommodate resiliently loaded pivot plunger (6). The term tangentially herein refers
to a direction perpendicular to the direction of the knob axis in the same horizontal
plane. The said pivot plunger (6) comprises a convex pivot plunger (6a) mounted
resiliently in the groove (10b) by means of loaded spring (6b) resting on a spring
support plate (6c). A concave profile (4g) (refer fig 5(a)) is provided on the knob (4).
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The pivot plunger (6a) is received in the concave profile (4g) of the knob (4) so as to
form the second pivot (P2) for the movement of knob (4) in the vertical direction.
Protruding tangentially outwards from the distal end (4c) of the knob (4) is an
actuating lever (11); the actuating lever (11) being integrated with the knob (4) and
adapted to move about pivot (P1).
As shown in figure 5(a) the said knob (4) has a pivot (4b). Protruding perpendicularly
in the upward and downward direction from the said pivot (4b) are first and second
projections/arms (4e) and (4f) respectively. At right angles to the first and second
projections/arms (4e) and (4f) on the side of the pivot (4b) is a concave section (4g)
for receiving convex pivot plunger (6a). At the distal end (4c) of the knob (4) is a
hollow groove (4d) to accommodate the spring loaded plunger (5). Integrated with the
knob (4) at the distal end (4c) is lever (11).
Figure 5(b) depicts the said convex pivot plunger (6a) seated partially in the
corresponding concave section (4g). The convex pivot plunger (6a) is accommodated
in the hollow cylindrical groove (10b) and is loaded by means of a resilient means/
spring (6b) that rests against a spring support plate (6c) in the cylindrical groove
(10b).
Figure 6(a) shows the side view of the said switching device wherein the knob (4) is
in neutral position. The knob can be moved vertically upwards/downwards about the
pivot (4b). Adjacent to the arm 4(e) is the micro switch (3). A hole (10k), as shown in
figure (6b), is provided on the cover (10j). The eccentric/oval shaped hole (10k) is
adapted to receive the projection (4f) and limit its movement at when knob (4) is in 3rd
position.
Figures 8a and 8b shows an exploded view of the said switching device depicting the
assembly sequence of the various sub parts. Housing (10) has a plurality of slots for
accommodating the various sub-assemblies and micro switches. A rubber bellow
(RB) is provided over the housing (10) thereby preventing the entry of water and
contaminants such as dust into the switch. A flange portion (FP) is also provided over
the housing (10). The said flange portion (FP) is configured such that it covers the gap
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between housing (10) and the proximal end (4a) of the knob (4) in the mounted
condition. The shape and configuration of the proximal end (4a) of the knob (4) is
such that it enables to easily actuate the knob (4) in three directions about the neutral
position.
Referring to figures 4 to 8, when the driver pushes the knob (4) in the left direction
about a central neutral position, the spring loaded plunger (5) moves in the right
direction in the detent (7) about the pivot (4b). As the plunger (5b) moves in the
detent (7) the resilient means (5a) gets compressed giving the driver an auditory
feedback. The lever (11) correspondingly actuates the micro-switch (2) tangentially.
The knob is said to have reached 1st position.
When force is removed by the driver, the resilient means (5a) applies a restoring force
on plunger (5b) and the V shaped profile of detent (7) guides the plunger back to its
neutral position. Thus, lever (11) gets disengaged from the micro-switch (2).
When the driver applies a force on the knob (4) in the right direction, plunger (5b)
moves in the left direction in the detent (7) about pivot (4b) and lever (11) actuates
micro-switch (1) tangentially. Thus the knob (4) is said to have reached 2nd position.
Upon removal of force by the driver, the V profile in the detent (7) guides the plunger
(5b) to its neutral position. Thus lever (11) gets disengaged from micro-switch (1).
Referring to figures 4, 6(a) and 6(b), when the driver applies a force on the knob in
the downward direction, the resiliently loaded pivot plunger (6) acts as fixed pivot
point for pivot arm (4b) enabling the movement of knob (4) along the vertical axis
about second pivot (P2). The plunger (5b) moves upwards in the V profile of the
detent (7). When the knob (4) reaches an extreme position, the arm (4f) of the knob
hits the side of hole (10k) to restrict further movement of knob 4. In this position, the
arm (4e) actuates micro-switch (3) and the knob (4) is said to have reached 3rd
position.
Upon removal of force by the driver, the V shaped profile in the detent (7) guides the
resiliently loaded plunger (5b) to its neutral position. This applies a restoring force on
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the knob (4) to bring it back to central position and the arm (4e) gets disengaged from
micro-switch (3).
In another embodiment of the current invention, as shown in figure 9, the said
switching device does not comprise a pivot plunger. The movement of knob (40) is
guided by the movement of arm (40f) in slot (100k).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, figure 10 shows a similar
improved switching device wherein the arm (400e) for actuating the micro-switch in
the 3rd position, is located directly below the lever (111) and is integrated with the
lever (111). The micro-switch (300) is located adjacent to the arm (400e).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 11, a similar
switching device comprises a secondary knob (505) for actuating the micro-switch in
the 3rd position. The secondary knob (505) is operated by an arm in the main knob
(504).
In one another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 12, a similar
switching comprises a knob carrier (605). The micro-switches (601) and (602) are
placed opposite to each other in housing (600) and knob (604) moves in the detent
(606) by means of plunger (607) between the two micro-switches (601) and (602).
Slots (600a) and (600b) guide protrusions (604a) and (604b) to enable the vertical
movement of knob (604) to actuate the third micro-switch (603).
ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION
The primary advantage of the present of the present disclosure is that it provides a
switching device that employs a singular knob to achieve all the functions of cruise
control system in vehicles. Thus, making it user friendly and easy to use.
Another advantage of the said invention is the minimal use of space on the mounting
panel on the vehicle.
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Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is an enhanced life cycle of the switch
due to potting making it water and dust proof and eliminating current leakage.
List of reference numerals:
1 First Microswitch
2 Second Microswitch
3 Third Microswitch
4 Knob
4a Proximal end of knob
4b Pivot arm of knob
4c Distal end of knob
4d Hollow groove
4e First projection/arm
4f Second projection/arm
4g Concave section
5 Spring loaded plunger
5a Resilient means
5b Plunger
6 Pivot plunger
6a Convex pivot plunger
6b Spring
6c Support plate
7 Detent
10 Housing
10a Detent pocket
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10b Cylindrical groove
10c First pocket
10d Second pocket
10e Third pocket
10j Cover
10k Hole
FP Flange portion
RB Rubber bellow
P1 First pivot
P2 Second pivot
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 “having” should be interpreted as “having at
least,” 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
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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 recitations, or two
or more recitations). 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.

We claim:
1. An improved switching device for vehicles comprising;
a housing (10) having a hollow internal region and being adapted to
receive a cover (10j);
at least three microswitches (1), (2) and (3) being disposed in the
housing (10);
a knob (4) being movable about a first pivot (P1) and a second pivot
(P2) in the horizontal and vertical directions respectively;
an actuating lever (11) being integrated with the knob (4); and
a detent (7) comprising a plurality of slant surfaces; the said detent (7)
being adapted to guide the movement of knob (4).
2. The improved switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing
(10) has first, second and third pockets (10c), (10d) and (10e) to accommodate
the three micro switches (1), (2) and (3) respectively.
3. The improved switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein potting is done
in first, second and third pockets (10c), (10d) and (10e) by sealant or epoxy to
prevent entry of dust and water.
4. The improved switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (4)
has a proximal end (4a), a distal end (4c), an actuation arm (4e) and a concave
profile (4g).
5. The improved switching device as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the
distal end (4c) has a hollow groove (4d) to accommodate spring loaded
plunger (5).
6. The improved switching device as claimed in claims 1 and 4, wherein the
spring loaded plunger (5) comprises a resilient means (5a) and a plunger (5b);
the said plunger (5b) being movable in the slant surfaces of the detent (7).
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7. The improved switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detent (7)
has at least three opposite slant surfaces.
8. The improved switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring
loaded plunger (5) of the distal end (4c) of the knob (4) is received between
the V-shaped opposite slant faces of the detent (7) so as to form the first pivot
(P1).
9. The improved switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing
(10) comprises a hollow cylindrical groove (10b) extending tangentially
inwards.
10. The improved switching device as claimed in claims 1 and 6, wherein the
cylindrical groove (10b) is adapted to accommodate resiliently loaded pivot
plunger (6).
11. The improved switching device as claimed in claims 1, 6 and 7, pivot plunger
(6) comprises a convex pivot plunger (6a) being mounted resiliently in the
groove (10b) by means of loaded spring (6b); the said spring (6b) resting on a
spring support plate (6c).
12. The improved switching device as claimed in claims 1, 6, 7 and 8, wherein the
pivot plunger (6a) is received in the concave profile (4g) of the knob (4) so as
to form the second pivot (P2) for the movement of knob (4) in the vertical
direction.
13. The improved switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (4)
comprises a projection (4f); the said projection (4f) being adapted to be
received in a hole (10k) on the cover (10j).
14. The improved switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rubber
bellow (RB) is provided over the housing (10); the said rubber bellow (RB)
being adapted to prevent the entry of water and contaminants such as dust into
the switch.
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15. The improved switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flange
portion (FP) is configured such that it covers the gap between housing (10)
and the proximal end (4a) of the knob (4) in the mounted condition.