Description:
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

AUTO-RETURN THREE POSITION SWITCH

Napino Auto & Electronics Ltd., an Indian Company of Sec-3 Plot No. 7, Sector 3, IMT Manesar, Distt-Gurgaon – 122050, Haryana

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a three knob position switch for use in a two wheeled vehicle that defines a first position, a second position and a third position. In particular, the invention relates to an auto-return type three knob position switch for use in a two wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Conventionally, there exist many electrical switches characterized by two knob positions, namely a first knob position and a second knob position. In one option, at the first knob position, the switch allows flow of current from a power source to connected component(s) while at the second knob position, the switch restricts the flow of current from the power source to the connected component(s). In another option, at the first knob position, the switch allows flow of current from a power source to a first connected component(s) while at the second knob position, the switch allows flow of current from the same or different power source to the respectively connected component(s).

In addition to the switches characterized by two knob positions, there also exist switches that are characterized by three knob positions, namely a first knob position, a second knob position and third knob position. Such a three knob position switch can be used in a variety of circuits that comprise one to three power sources and one to three loads, provided both the number of the load and power source is simultaneously not equal to one.

One of the three knob position switch is characterized by a first knob parked state, a second knob parked state and a third knob temporary actuated state and is being referred to herein after as auto-return type three knob position switches. In the auto-return type three knob position switches, the knob is parked at the first and the second position i.e. the knob does not exhibit motion in the absence of actuating force, while the knob cannot be parked at the third position and exhibits retuning motion even in the absence of actuating force.

The auto-return type three knob position switches are used extensively in automobiles. The auto-return type three knob position switches are disposed on handle bar consoles to control head lamp state (low-beam state or the high-beam state or the pass-beam state of the head lamp), control engine state (engine kill state, engine run state and engine start state), etc.

Japanese Patent No. 4558606 (corresponding to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-052989) and Indian Patent Application No. 925/DEL/2011 disclose internal constructions of auto- return type three knob position switches.

Each of the aforesaid construction adopted for auto- return type three knob position switches has its own disadvantages, which are well known to a person skilled in the art, including but not limited to excessive number of components, over all packaging size, current handling capacity, cost of the component, manufacturing time, life of the product etc. Thus, there is a need to provide an improved switch that addresses one or more aforesaid problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
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.

In accordance with an embodiment, the present invention provides an auto-return type three knob position switch comprising a housing (102) accommodating a first switching element (104) and a second switching element (106); and a knob (108) pivotally connected to the housing (102) and being adapted to actuate the first switching element (104) and/or the second switching element (106) in response to receiving actuating forces, the knob (108) defining a first, a second and a third position arranged sequentially along a line of direction. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the second switching element (106) comprising: a first fixed contact terminal (110) and a second fixed contact terminal (112), a moving contact terminal (114) mounted on a carrier member (116), the moving contact terminal (114) being adapted to selectively establish an electrical connection between the first and the second fixed contact terminals (110, 112); and a first resilient member (118) disposed between one of the first or the second fixed contact terminals (110 or 112) and either one of the moving contact terminal (114) or the carrier member (116) to enable the switch (100) to function as a push switch between the second and the third positions.

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 FIGURES:
In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. 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 where:
Figure 1 illustrates exploded view of the switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the switch in the first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of the switch in the second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the switch in the third position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the switch particularly showing the detent profile which formed in the housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates the second switching element (106) in the OFF state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 7 illustrates the second switching element (106) in the ON state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been 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 OF FIGURES
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, 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 invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention 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 invention 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 invention. 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 non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device 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 sub-systems 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 skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

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

In the following paragraphs, the switch has been described in terms of its construction and in some places the end use of the switch has been described. In many places, the end use of the switch has been described in relation to automotive vehicles. In particular, the end use of the switch has been described in relation to engine and wherein the switch allows a user to bring the engine to the engine kill state or the engine run state or the engine start state. However, it may be noted that the invention lies in the construction of the switch per se and is not limited by the end use obtained by a circuit incorporating the switch. Thus, the end uses described is merely for the purposes of illustration.

Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated an exploded view of the auto-return type three knob position switch (100). In an embodiment of the invention, the auto-return type three knob position switch (100) comprises a housing (102) accommodating a first switching element (104) and a second switching element (106); The switch (100) further a knob (108) pivotally connected to the housing (102) and being adapted to actuate the first switching element (104) and/or the second switching element (106) in response to receiving actuating forces, the knob (108) defining a first, a second and a third position arranged sequentially along a line of direction. As can be seen particularly, the second switching element (106) comprises a first fixed contact terminal (110) and a second fixed contact terminal (112), a moving contact terminal (114) mounted on a carrier member (116), the moving contact terminal (114) being adapted to selectively establish an electrical connection between the first and the second fixed contact terminals (110, 112); and a first resilient member (118) disposed between one of the first or the second fixed contact terminals (110 or 112) and either one of the moving contact terminal (114) or the carrier member (116) to enable the switch (100) to function as a push switch between the second and the third positions. In an embodiment of the invention, the knob (108) is pivotally connected to the housing (102) via a pin (136).

The three knob positions of the switch and the internal actuation of the switching elements are shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. In particular, Figure 2 shows the knob (108) in the first position, at which location, an underside portion of the knob (108) actuates the first switching element (104). The knob is parked at the first position meaning that once the knob is in the first position, force has to be applied to move the knob to the second knob position. Likewise, Figure 3 shows the knob (108) in the second position, at which location, an underside portion of the knob (108) does not actuate either the first switching element (104) or the second switching element (106). The knob is parked at the second position meaning that once the knob is in the second position, force has to be applied to move the knob to either the first knob position or the third knob position. Thus, the switch functions as a toggle switch between the first and the second knob positions. Figure 4 shows the knob (108) in the third knob position. At the third knob position, the knob (108) actuates the second switching element (106). While the knob (108) is adapted to exhibit motion from the second position to the third position in response to receiving an actuating force, the resilient member (118) provides an auto returning force to the knob (108) thereby returning the knob (108) to the second position in the absence of actuating force and thus enabling the switch to function as a push switch between the second and the third knob positions.

Now referring particularly to Figure 5, the housing (102) is provided with a detent profile (120) comprising a first parking detent portion (1201), a second parking detent portion (1202) and a third non-parking portion (1203). As can be seen from Figures 2 to 4 an underside portion of the knob (108) accommodates a spring ball mechanism (122). The spring-ball mechanism (122) co-operates with the first parking detent portion (1201) to maintain the knob (108) in a parked state at the first position in the absence of the actuating force. The spring-ball mechanism (122) co-operates with the second parking detent portion (1202) to maintain the knob (108) in a parked state at the second position in the absence of the actuating force. The spring-ball mechanism (122) co-operates with the third non-parking portion (1203) during movement of the knob (108) between the second and the third knob positions and vice-versa. The spring-ball mechanism (122) provides additional auto returning force (auto returning force in addition to the auto returning force being generated by the first resilient member (118)) to the knob (108) thereby returning the knob (108) to the second position in the absence of actuating force and thus enabling the switch to function as a push switch between the second and the third knob positions.

It can be furthermore observed from Figures 2 to 5 that the second switching element (106) is disposed within the housing (102) at a location corresponding to the third position of the knob (108) and the first switching element (104) is disposed within the housing (102) at a location corresponding to the first position of the knob (108). Although not shown, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first switching element (104) can be disposed within the housing (102) at a location corresponding to the second position of the knob (108). It can also be seen from Figures 1 to 5 that the first switching element (104) is a micro-switch. In an embodiment of the invention, the first switching element (104) is at least partially covered by a flexible cover element (124).

Figures 6 and 7, shows the second switching element (106) in the OFF state and in the ON state respectively. In an embodiment of the invention, the first fixed contact terminal (110) encircles the second fixed contact terminal (112) and the second switching element (106) comprises at least one electrical insulator (126, 128) disposed between the first fixed contact terminal (110) and the second fixed contact terminal (112) thereby physically separating the first fixed contact terminal (110) from the second fixed contact terminal (112). Also, the first resilient member (118) comprises a first end (130) and a second end (132), the first end (132) of the first resilient member (118) being in constant touch with the first fixed contact terminal (110) and the second end (132) of the first resilient member (118) being in constant contact with the moving contact terminal (116). Additionally, the second switching element (106) may comprise a second resilient member (134) which may be disposed between the moving contact terminal (114) and the carrier member (116). The second resilient member (134) applies a positive contact making pressure on the moving contact terminal (114).

As particularly seen from Figure 6, the first resilient member (118) physically separates the second fixed contact terminal (112) from the moving contact terminal (114) during a non-actuated state (OFF state). On the other hand, as particularly seen from Figure 7, in an actuated state (ON state), the moving contact terminal (114) comes in abutting relation with the second fixed contact terminal (112) against the force exerted by the first resilient member (118).

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the auto-return type three knob position switch (100) shown in Figure 1 may be used as engine kill switch for two-wheeled vehicle.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The drawings and the forgoing 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. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. An auto-return type three knob position switch (100), said switch comprising:
a housing (102) accommodating a first switching element (104) and a second switching element (106);
a knob (108) pivotally connected to the housing (102) and being adapted to actuate the first switching element (104) and/or the second switching element (106) in response to receiving actuating forces, the knob (108) defining a first, a second and a third position arranged sequentially along a line of direction;
characterized in that the second switching element (106) comprising:
a first fixed contact terminal (110) and a second fixed contact terminal (112),
a moving contact terminal (114) mounted on a carrier member (116), the moving contact terminal (114) being adapted to selectively establish an electrical connection between the first and the second fixed contact terminals (110, 112); and
a first resilient member (118) disposed between one of the first or the second fixed contact terminals (110 or 112) and either one of the moving contact terminal (114) or the carrier member (116) to enable the switch (100) to function as a push switch between the second and the third positions.

2. The auto-return type three knob position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch functions as a toggle switch between the first and the second knob positions.

3. The auto-return type three knob position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (108) is adapted to exhibit motion from the second position to the third position in response to receiving an actuating force and the resilient member (118) provides an auto returning force to the knob (108) thereby returning the knob (108) to the second position in the absence of actuating force and thus enabling the switch to function as a push switch between the second and the third knob positions.

4. The auto-return type three knob position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the housing is provided with a detent profile (120) comprising a first parking detent portion (1201), a second parking detent portion (1202) and a third non-parking portion (1203); and
an underside portion of the knob (108) accommodates a spring ball mechanism (122);
the spring-ball mechanism (122) co-operates with the first parking detent portion (1201) to the maintain the knob (108) in a parked state at the first position in the absence of the actuating force;
the spring-ball mechanism (122) co-operates with the second parking detent portion (1202) to the maintain the knob (108) in a parked state at the second position in the absence of the actuating force;
the spring-ball mechanism (122) co-operates with the third non-parking portion (1203) during movement of the knob (108) between the second and the third knob positions and vice-versa.

5. The auto-return type three knob position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second switching element (106) is disposed within the housing (102) at a location corresponding to the third position of the knob (108) and the first switching element (104) is disposed within the housing (102) at a location corresponding to the first and/or the second position of the knob (108).

6. The auto-return type three knob position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first switching element (104) is a micro-switch.

7. The auto-return type three knob position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first switching element (104) is at least partially covered by a flexible cover element (124).

8. The auto-return type three knob position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first fixed contact terminal (110) encircles the second fixed contact terminal (112) and the second switching element (106) comprises at least one electrical insulator (126, 128) disposed between the first fixed contact terminal (110) and the second fixed contact terminal (112) thereby physically separating the first fixed contact terminal (110) from the second fixed contact terminal (112).

9. The auto-return type three knob position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first resilient member (118) comprises a first end (130) and a second end (132), the first end (132) of the first resilient member (118) being in constant touch with the first fixed contact terminal (110) and the second end (132) of the first resilient member (118) being in constant contact with the moving contact terminal (116) thereby physically separating the second fixed contact terminal (112) from the moving contact terminal (114) during a non-actuated state, while in an actuated state the moving contact terminal (114) comes in abutting relation with the second fixed contact terminal (112) against the force exerted by the first resilient member (118).

10. The auto-return type three knob position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second resilient member (134) is disposed between the moving contact terminal (114) and the carrier member (116).