AUTOMOTIVE SWITCHING SYSTEM (LOW AMPERE)
Field of invention:
The present invention relates to a switch for a vehicle, particularly, to a switch which
can be mounted on handle bar or on front panel of a vehicle such as motorcycle, more
particularly, the present invention relates to switch having a low amperage switching
mechanism for operating variety of electrical systems/ accessories of a vehicle.
Background of the invention:
Two wheeler vehicles such as motorcycles come with a variety of electrical systems
such as head light, passing beam, dipper, blinker, horn, self start etc. In all the aforementioned
electrical systems, electrical power derived from the battery is supplied to
the appropriate appliances via a switching. Currently, each of the electrical appliances
is connected in series to the battery via a separate switch. Usually, one or more
switches are placed on handle bar or on front panel of the motorcycle for easy access
for operation thereof. These switches include a switching system for effecting the
switching operations of electrical systems of the motorcycle.
Further, the switching module and/or switch system mounted on the handlebar of the
motor cycle need to be sealed properly to avoid any provision to control entry of dust
particles. In the absence of proper sealing of switching module, substantial amount of
dust can get collected near or at the contacting point. Due to the above, carbon
deposits are formed at the contact points, which results in the reduction in the life and
reliability of the switch and that makes the switch not suitable of low amperage
applications.
Nowadays, low amperage switching assemblies are popular because these switches
can be used in micro-controller based electronic systems for operating one or more of
the afore-mentioned accessories. There are two categories of switching units namely
contact-type switching unit and contact-less switching unit.
The contact-type switching unit includes micro-switches or sealed typed switches for
low amperage application in motorcycles. However, these contact-type switches come
in predefined shapes and size which makes them unsuitable from customization point
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of view. Moreover, the sizes of these types of switches are large which makes them
costly. The contact-less switching systems are also suitable for low amperage
applications and can be customized easily as compared to micro-switches. However,
these switches are costly.
The above-mentioned existing low amperage switching systems have the following
drawbacks:
(a) reduced life cycle;
(b) high assembly and process time & cost;
(c) Complex product assembly;
(d) More number of components;
(e) existing low amperage switching systems are costly.
Therefore, there exists a need to provide a switching system for two-wheeler or
motorcycle which is cost effective and can be sealed properly.
Summary of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a switch for a vehicle. The switch of the present
invention comprising a rigid support-structure, a mounting structure disposed on the
the rigid support structure and at least one actuating-knob being movably mounted on
the mounting structure. The actuating knob is movable from an 'OFF' position to at
least one 'ON' position. The switch of the present invention includes a low amperage
switching unit which comprises a flexible-circuit having one or more fixed-contact
and at least one conducting diaphragm spring disposed on the flexible circuit above
the each of the fixed contact. The flexible-circuit is mounted on the rigid support
structure and the conducting diaphragm spring is disposed on the flexible circuit so
that the diaphragm spring, when pressed, makes contact with the fixed-contact
thereby closing the circuit. The mounting structure comprises one or more housing
having a bore, and being disposed on the rigid support-structure so that the diaphragm
spring of the flexible circuit mounted on the support-structure is accessible through
the bore of the housing. The switch of the present invention comprises one or more
actuation assembly. The actuation assembly comprises a rubber plunger received in
the bore of the housing and a cap mounted the housing and movable so as to apply
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pressure on the rubber plunger actuating it towards the diaphragm spring thereby
pressing the diaphragm spring make contact with the fixed-contact.
Brief description of drawings:
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood
from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying
figures ofthe drawings. 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 l illustrates a switch for a vehicle such as motorcycle according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the switch shown in Figure I.
Figure 3 illustrates a rigid support-structure and a switching unit of the switch
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an assembled view showing switching unit disposed on the rigid
support structure in the switch of the present invention in accordance with an
embodiment.
Figure 5 illustrates a low-amperage the switching unit of the switch of the present
invention in accordance of an embodiment.
Figure 6 (a)-( d) illustrate different construction of the diaphragm spring according to
the present invention.
Figures 7(a)-(f) illustrate a diaphragm type spring with a triangular type construction
and its assembly with the flexible circuit according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
Figures 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate the actuation assembly of the switch according to an
embodiment ofthe present invention.
Figures 9(a)-(c) illustrate various construction of knob mechanism that can be
provided in the switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Description of the present invention:
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
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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 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 the scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
Before describing in detail the various embodiments of the present invention it
may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with
the present invention resides in the construction of switch for vehicle. It is to be
noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present invention
and modify the various constructions of the switch. However, such modification
should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent
to understanding the embodiments of the present invention 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", "including" or any other variations thereof,
are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly,
mechanism, setup, that comprises a list of components does not include only
those components but may include other components not expressly listed or
inherent to such assembly, mechanism or setup. In other words, one or more
elements in the switch or assembly proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without
more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in
the assembly or mechanism. The following paragraphs explain present invention
and the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a switch having low
amperage switching mechanism for operating various electrical systems/accessories
of a vehicle. Other objects of the present invention will be clear from the description
provided herein.
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Accordingly, the present invention provides a switch for a vehicle, comprising:
at least one actuating-knob;
a rigid support-structure;
a low amperage switching unit comprising:
a flexible-circuit disposed on the support structure, and comprises one or more
fixed -contact;
at least one conducting diaphragm spring disposed on the flexible circuit
above the each of the fixed contact; the conducting diaphragm spring, when
pressed, is adapted make contact with the fixed-contact thereby closing the
circuit;
a mounting structure disposed on the rigid support structure, comprising:
one or more housing having a bore, and being secured to the rigid supportstructure
so that the diaphragm spring of the flexible circuit mounted on the
support-structure is accessible through the bore of the housing;
one or more actuation assembly, each comprising:
a rubber plunger being received in the bore of the housing;
a cap mounted on the housing and movable, under actuation force, towards the
diaphragm spring to actuate the rubber plunger thereby pressing the diaphragm
spring make contact with the fixed-contact.
In an embodiment of the present invention the one or more Knobs are mounted on the
mounting structure and the mounting structure is provided with one or more mounts
for mounting the said one or more knobs.
In another embodiment of the present invention the knobs are movably mounted on
the mounting structure so that one or more knob is moveable from an 'OFF' position
to at least one 'ON' position under an actuation force and movement of the knob
applies an actuation force on the cap of the actuation assembly which is transmitted to
the diaphragm spring through the rubber plunger.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the rigid support-structure is
provided with one or more mounting arms for mounting the support-structure to case
of the switch or panel of the vehicle using fasteners or snaps.
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In yet another embodiment of the present invention the mounting structure is provided
with one or more mounting arms for mounting the mounting structure to case of the
switch or panel of the vehicle using fasteners or snaps so that mounting structure
disposed on the rigid support structure and the diaphragm spring of the flexible circuit
is accessible through the bore of the housing.
In a further embodiment of the present invention the mounting structure and the
actuation assembly is arranged so that bore of the housing and the rubber plunger are
in alignment with the diaphragm spring so as to apply actuation force at center of the
diaphragm spring or at locations which proximal to the center of the diaphragm
spring.
In a further more embodiment of the present invention the rubber plunger is made of
silicon based rubber.
In another embodiment of the present invention the rubber plunger is secured to the
cap.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the diaphragm spring having a
shape selected from circular, quadrangular, elliptical or polygonal
In yet another embodiment of the present invention the diaphragm spring is a
triangular shaped diaphragm spring.
In a further embodiment of the present invention the diaphragm spring comprises
three legs spaced 120° angularly apart.
In a further more embodiment of the present invention the flexible circuit comprises:
an inner tracks and an outer tracks made up of electrically conducting
material, and having opposite polarities; and
the fixed contacts are located on the inner tracks and the diaphragm spring is
disposed so that the legs of the diaphragm spring are mounted on the outer track.
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In another embodiment of the present invention the diaphragm spring is disposed on
the flexible circuit using a spacer to avoid the contact between the legs of the
diaphragm spring and the inner track of the flexible circuit to avoid a short-circuit
condition.
In one more embodiment of the present invention the support-structure is insert
molded with metal terminals on which input/ output terminals of low amperage
switching unit is soldered.
Figure 1 illustrates a switch (I) for a vehicle such as motorcycle according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the
switch ( 1) shown in Figure 1.
Referring to Figures I and 2, the switch (I) of the present invention comprises a rigid
support-structure (2) and a mounting structure (3) disposed on the rigid support
structure (2). One or more actuating-knobs (4) can be mounted on the mounting
structure. The knobs (4) are movable from an 'OFF' position to at least one 'ON'
position. The mounting structure (3) is provided with one or mounts adapted for
movably mounting the one or more knobs. Each of the Knob is moveable from an
'OFF' position to the at least one 'ON' position. A low amperage switching unit (5) is
disposed on the support-structure (2). The switching unit (5) comprises a flexiblecircuit
(6) having one or more fixed-contact (not shown in figures 1 and 2) and at
least one conducting diaphragm spring (not shown in figures 1 and 2) disposed on the
flexible circuit (6) above the each of the fixed contact. The flexible-circuit (6) is
mounted on the rigid support structure (2) and the conducting diaphragm spring is
disposed on the flexible circuit (6) so that the when the diaphragm spring is pressed it
makes contact with the fixed-contact and thereby closes the circuit. The mounting
structure (3) comprises one or more housing (7). Each of the housing is provided with
a cavity or a bore (8) which is a through cavity or bore. The mounting-structure (3) is
disposed on the support-structure (2) so that the diaphragm spring of the flexible
circuit (6) can be accessible through the bore (8) of the housing (7). The mounting
structure (3) is provided with one or more mounting arms (9) for securing the
mounting structure (3) to the case (not shown in figures) of the handle bar switch or to
the panel e,g, front panel (not shown in figures) of the vehicle. Alternatively, the
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mounting structure (3) can be secured to the support structure (2) according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Figure 2, the switch (l) of the present invention comprises one or more
actuation assembly (l 0). The actuation assembly comprises a rubber plunger ( 11) and
a cap (I2). The rubber plunger (II) of the actuation assembly (10) is received in the
bore (8) of the housing (7) and the cap (I2) is mounted on the housing (7) and
movable so as to apply pressure on the rubber plunger (8) so as to actuate the rubber
plunger (8) towards the diaphragm spring thereby pressing the diaphragm spring to
make contact with the fixed-contact.
Figure 3 illustrates a rigid support-structure (2) and a switching unit (5) of the switch
according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates an
assembled view showing switching unit (5) disposed on the rigid support structure (2)
in the switch of the present invention in accordance with an embodiment.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the support-structure (2) is a rigid support-structure so as
to provide the rigid support to the flexible circuit (6) of the switching unit (5). The
'support-structure' may be defined as a structure which is adapted to provide support
to one or more components such as flexible circuit of the switching unit. In other
words, the purpose of the support structure is to hold the switching unit and to provide
support to the low amperage switching unit. The support-structure (2) can be insert
moulded with metal terminals (I3) on which input/ output terminals of low amperage
switching unit (5) is soldered. The support structure (2) comprises one or more
mounting-arms (14) for mounting the support-structure (2) to casing of switch in case
of handle-bar switch (not shown in figures) or to panel e.g. front panel (not shown in
figures) of the vehicle in case of panel-switch by means of fasteners or snap locks. In
an embodiment of the present invention, the support structure (2) can be optionally
provided with pivots and snaps for mounting the one or more actuating knobs.
As shown in Figure 3, the switch of the present invention can be provided with an
electronic control unit (ECU) (15) which can be optionally mounted on the rigid
support structure (2) and operatively coupled with the output terminals of the
switching unit (5).
Figure 5 illustrates a low-amperage the switching unit (5) ofthe switch of the present
invention in accordance of an embodiment. Referring to figures 3, 4 and 5, the
switching unit comprises a flexible circuit (6) comprising one or more fixed contact
(15) and one or more diaphragm spring (16) disposed above the said fixed contacts
(15) so as form a low ampere electronic switching unit (5). The 'flexible-circuit' may
be defined as a circuit comprising electrical connectors and fixed contacts which are
printed or disposed on a flexible substrate and the one or more diaphragm spring is
disposed above the each fixed contact. The 'flexible substrate' can be a flexible film
which is basically a circuit carrier on which the circuit can be printed or disposed.
The diaphragm spring can be covered from top with the help of a top cover film (not
shown in figure). The top-cover film is a flexible film which provides a sealing to the
low amperage switch and prevent entry of external contamination such as dust, dirt
and water. An insulator (not shown in figure) is interposed between the diaphragm
spring and the circuit. In an embodiment of the present invention, a top circuit (not
shown in figure) can optionally be provided above the diaphragm spring and beneath
the top cover film. Referring to figure 5, the flexible-circuit is provided with at least
one reference hole (RH) and a Connector footprint (CFr ).
The diaphragm spring (16), when pressed, gives the user a positive tactile feedback.
The diaphragm spring is made up of metal which is a good conductor of electrical
current and life cycle of the diaphragm spring can go up to 5 million-cycles. The
diaphragm spring can be plated either in nickel, silver, gold or any other suitable
metal with highly conductive surface treatment.
The diaphragm spring ( 16) can be of any suitable shape such as elliptical,
quadrangular, circular, or triangular in construction (as shown in figures 6 (a) to 6(d),
respectively) or polygonal (not shown in figure).
Figures 7(a) illustrate a diaphragm type spring (16) with a triangular type construction
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
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Referring to figure ?(b), the flexible circuit (6) comprises inner tracks (6;) and outer
tracks (60), and the fixed contacts are located on the inner tracks (6;). In other words,
the fixed contacts are electrically connected with the inner track (6;). The fixed
contacts can be integrally formed with the inner tracks or it can be separate
component electrically connected with the inner tracks (6;). The inner tracks (6;) and
outer tracks (60 ) are made up of electrically conducting material.
Referring to figures ?(a) and ?(d), the triangular-type diaphragm spring ( 16)
comprises three legs ( 16L) located at about 120° angularly spaced-apart positions from
each other. The legs (l6L) are made up of conductive material which can be mounted
on outer track of the flexible circuit so as to electrically connect the diaphragm spring
(16) with the outer track (60 ) as shown in figure ?(b). The legs (l6L) of the flexible
circuit (6) remains in contact with the outer track (6o) thereby remain electrically
connected with the outer track (60). However, for switch to work normally all three
legs (16L) of triangular-type diaphragm spring (16) should always stay only on the
outer track (6o) of flexible circuit as shown in figures ?(e) and should not come in
contact with the inner track (6;). If the diaphragm spring comes in contact with the
inner track then the diaphragm spring will short both the outer and the inner track
even when there is not external force/pressure applied on the diaphragm spring. For
this purpose, a spacer (17) is provided over the flexible circuit as shown in figure ?(c).
The spacer (17) comprises a cut-out (17 c) of same shape as of the triangular type
diaphragm spring (16) and sized so as to accommodate the triangular type diaphragm
spring ( 16). The spacer ( 17) is made up of non-conducting material such as plastic etc.
Figure ?(e) shows assembled view of the triangular type diaphragm spring (16) with
the spacer (17) and with the flexible circuit (6) . The spacer is pasted over the flexible
circuit so that the conducting diaphragm spring is always placed or located on the
outer track. As shown in figure 7(e), the spacer (17) is provided with a slot (17c) and
the spacer (17) is located on the flexible circuit ( 6) so that the slot ( 17 c) of the spacer
( 17) is located in a non-overlapping position with the inner track ( 6;) so that the spacer
(17) completely covers the inner track (6;). Thus, the spacer (17) guides the
diaphragm spring (16) over outer track (6o) of the flexible circuit (6). The top cover
film (not shown in figures) is pasted over the flexible substrate for sealing the low
amperage switch.
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Figures 7(t) shows a sectional view of the triangular type diaphragm (16) spring over
the flexible circuit with the spacer ( 17).
The diaphragm spring is required to be pressed for switching operations. As can be
understood that the diaphragm spring is required to be pressed vertically towards the
fixed contact and the force should be applied at center or at location proximal to
center of the diaphragm spring to actuate the diaphragm spring properly for the
switching operations. The term 'proximal' herein refers to a location which is near to
the center as compared to peripheral edge of the diaphragm spring.
It is also observed that if the force applied on the diaphragm spring is offset from the
center of the diaphragm spring and/or not in vertical direction then the life cycle of
the diaphragm spring reduces. Therefore, it is required that a vertical actuation force
should be applied at the center of the diaphragm spring. For this purpose, the lowamperage
switching system of the present invention comprises an actuation assembly.
Figures 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate the actuation assembly (10) ofthe switch according to
an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 2, 8(a) and 8(b), the
actuation assembly (10) comprises a rubber plunger (11) and a cap (12). As explained
in previous paragraph, the mounting structure (3) is disposed on the support-structure
(2) so that the diaphragm spring (16) of the flexible circuit (6) can be accessible
through the bore (8) of the housing (7). The housing includes a proximal end (7 p) and
a distal end (7d). The 'proximal end' herein refers to an end of the housing which is
located nearer to the diaphragm spring and the other end of the housing which is not
nearer as compared to the proximal end referred herein as 'distal end'. The rubber
plunger (11) of the actuation assembly (10) is received through the distal end (7d) in
the bore (8) of the housing (7) of the mounting structure (3) and can access the
diaphragm spring ( 16) through the proximal end (7 p). The cap (12) is movably
mounted on the distal end (7 d) of the housing (7) so that rubber plunger (11) is
supported by the diaphragm spring (16). The cap (12) includes a flange portion (18)
extending radially inward from peripheral wall (19) of the cap and the distal end (7 d)
of the housing (7) is provided with a collar portion (20). The flange portion (18) of the
cap (12) abuts the collar portion (20) of the housing (7) when the actuation assembly
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(I 0) is freely supported on the diaphragm spring (16) as shown in figure 8(a). The
term 'freely supported' herein refers to a condition when the rubber plunger does not
apply actuation force on the diaphragm spring. Referring to figures 8(a) and 8(b), the
cap (l2) is movable from the freely-supported condition towards the diaphragm
spring (16) when an actuation force is applied on the cap (12). Since the switching
unit is mounted on the rigid support structure (2), the movement of the cap (12)
compresses the rubber plunger ( 11) which transmits the actuation force to the
diaphragm spring (16) thereby pressing the diaphragm spring (16) to make contact
with the fixed-contact (not shown in Figure 8). The rubber plunger (11) is made up of
resilient material such as silicon based rubber. In an embodiment, the rubber plunger
(12) can be secured to the cap (12) and end of the rubber plunger (11) which contacts
the diaphragm spring (16) is formed to make an area contact with surface of the
diaphragm spring ( 16).
Referring to Figures 8 (a) and 8(b), it is preferred that the bore (8) of the housing and
the rubber plunger (11) are in alignment with the diaphragm spring (16) so as to apply
actuation force at the center or at location which proximal to the center of the
diaphragm spring (16).
Referring to Figures 2 and 8(a), the actuation force on the cap (12) can be applied by
actuating the knob (4). This actuation force is transmitted to the diaphragm spring
(16) through the cap (12) and the rubber plunger (11 ).
Figures 9(a)-(c) illustrate various construction of knob mechanism that can be
provided in the switch (I). Figure 9(a), 9(b) and 9( c) illustrate knob ( 4) with Rocker
type, Hinge type and Sea-Saw type mechanism, respectively. Referring to figures
9(a)-(c), exterior portion (21) ofthe knob (4) is accessible to the rider ofthe vehicle to
apply actuation force to actuate the knob (4) from the OFF position to at least one ON
position. Interior portion (22) of the knob ( 4) is formed so that actuation of the knob
(4) from the OFF position to at least one ON position actuates the cap (12) towards
the switching unit or the diaphragm spring ( 16) thereby transmitting the actuating
force to the diaphragm spring ( 16) pressing the same to make contact with the fixed
contact (not shown in figure 9).
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As can be clearly understood, in the switch of the present invention the actuation
force on the diaphragm spring (16) is applied at the center or at location which is
proximal to the center of the diaphragm spring which results is proper and effective
switching operation and also increases life cycle of the diaphragm spring.

We Claim:
l. A switch (l) for a vehicle, comprising:
at least one actuating-knob (4);
a rigid support-structure (2);
a low amperage switching unit (5) comprising:
a flexible-circuit (6) disposed on the support structure (2), and comprises one
or more fixed-contact (15);
at least one conducting diaphragm spring (16) disposed on the flexible circuit
(6) above the each of the fixed contact (15); the conducting diaphragm spring
(16), when pressed, is adapted make contact with the fixed-contact (15)
thereby closing the circuit;
a mounting structure (3) disposed on the rigid support structure(2), comprising:
one or more housing (7) having a bore (8), and being secured to the rigid
support-structure (2) so that the diaphragm spring (16) of the flexible circuit
(6) mounted on the support-structure (2) is accessible through the bore (8) of
the housing (7);
one or more actuation assembly (I 0), each comprising:
a rubber plunger (11) being received in the bore (8) of the housing (7);
a cap (12) mounted on the housing (7) and movable, under actuation force,
towards the diaphragm spring (16) to actuate the rubber plunger (II) thereby
pressing the diaphragm spring ( 16) make contact with the fixed-contact ( 15).
2. The switch as claimed in claim I, wherein the one or more Knobs ( 4) are mounted on
the mounting structure (3) and the mounting structure (3) is provided with one or
more mounts for mounting the said one or more knobs (5).
3. The switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the knobs (4) are movably mounted on the
mounting structure (3) so that one or more knob (4) is moveable from an 'OFF'
position to at least one 'ON' position under an actuation force and movement of the
knob ( 4) applies an actuation force on the cap (12) of the actuation assembly (1 0)
which is transmitted to the diaphragm spring (16) through the rubber plunger (11).
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4. The switch as claimed in claim I, wherein the rigid support-structure (2) is provided
with one or more mounting arms (14) for mounting the support-structure (2) to case of
the switch or panel of the vehicle using fasteners or snaps.
5. The switch as claimed in claim I, wherein the mounting structure (3) is provided with
one or more mounting arms (9) for mounting the mounting structure (3) to case of the
switch or panel of the vehicle using fasteners or snaps so that mounting structure (3)
disposed on the rigid support structure (2) and the diaphragm spring (3) of the flexible
circuit (6) is accessible through the bore (8) of the housing (7).
6. The switch module as claimed in claim I, wherein the mounting structure (3) and the
actuation assembly (IO) is arranged so that bore (8) of the housing (7) and the rubber
plunger (II) are in alignment with the diaphragm spring ( I6) so as to apply actuation
force at center of the diaphragm spring (16) or at locations which proximal to the
center of the diaphragm spring (16).
7. The switch module as claimed in claim I, wherein the rubber plunger (I I) is made of
silicon based rubber.
8. The switch module as claimed in claim I, wherein the rubber plunger (II) is secured
to the cap (12).
9. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diaphragm spring (16) having a shape
selected from circular, quadrangular, elliptical or polygonal
I 0. The switch as claimed in claim I, wherein the diaphragm spring (16) is a triangular
shaped diaphragm spring.
II. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diaphragm spring (16) comprises three
legs ( 16L) spaced 120° angularly apart.
12. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible circuit comprises:
an inner tracks (6i) and an outer tracks (60 ) made up of electrically conducting
material, and having opposite polarities; and
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the fixed contacts (15) are located on the inner tracks ( 6i) and the diaphragm
spring (16) is disposed so that the legs of the diaphragm spring (16) are mounted on
the outer track (6o).
13. The switch as claimed in claims 1 0-12, wherein the diaphragm spring (16) is disposed
on the flexible circuit (6) using a spacer (17) to avoid the contact between the legs
(16L) of the diaphragm spring (16) and the inner track (6i) of the flexible circuit (6) to
avoid a short-circuit condition.
14. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support-structure (2) is insert molded
with metal terminals (13) on which input/ output terminals oflow amperage switching
unit (5) is soldered.