TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a turn signal switch for automotive vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a three directional low ampere turn signal switch provided with an auditory feedback.
BACKGROUND
A turn signal switch, generally known as an indicator switch or a winker switch is used for activating light signals, also known as indicators or winkers, provided in the automotive vehicles such as a motorcycle or a scooter or any other two or three wheeled vehicle (hereinafter generally referred to as vehicles) The turn signal switches are used for indicating an intended turn of the vehicle. These switches are generally mounted on a steering handle of the vehicle and configured to switch on/off a left or a right turn signal of the vehicle. Operation of such switches requires a rider or an operator to pull/push a knob of the switch in one direction or other to activate the left or the right side turn signal.
While operating these switches, it is desirable that a user gets feedback about completion of maneuver of the switch for a particular activation, i.e. switching on or off of a left side or a right side turn signal. For providing such feedback, switches capable to provide haptic feedback are known in the art. However, during riding of a vehicle the vibrations and/or other general movements in the vehicle may result in the operator missing on registering such haptic feedback. In such instances, the operator may be motivated to operate the switch repeatedly and/or with greater force. Such operation of the switch may result in degradation of overall experience of the switch to the user. Also, such unnecessary repeated operation of the switch may lead to reduction in overall life and durability of the switch. Therefore, it is desirable that the switch provides any other kind of feedback

for the operator to register or ascertain the completion of any maneuver of the switch while operating the switch.
Summary
A switch assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The switch assembly has a lever configured for a pivoting actuation by a user for indicating an intended turn of the vehicle. A bracket is configured to pivotally support the lever. A carrier is coupled to an end of the lever. The carrier is at least partially received in the bracket and is configured to pivot along with pivotal movement of the lever. The carrier has two legs extending laterally opposite to each other in a plane perpendicular to the pivotal axis of the lever. The two legs are received in the bracket. Further, a pair of spring and ball is supported at each laterally distal end of the two legs. A detent profile is defined on an inner surface of the bracket, the inner surface being positioned opposite to the legs of the carrier such that the ball rests on the inner surface. The detent profile has a recessed profile and a raised profile, wherein the actuation of lever moves the ball on the detent profile and the ball makes an auditory feedback for the user while moving between raised profile and recessed profile to indicate actuation of a turn-signal.
In an aspect, the switch assembly has a support element attached to an end of the lever, the support element is configured for being slidably received in the carrier for coupling the lever with the carrier.
In an aspect, the switch assembly has a pair of spring and ball at a back portion of the support element. The ball is biased by the spring against the back portion of the bracket and an opening is provided on the back portion of the bracket such that the opening has dimensions to partially receive the ball at the back portion of the support element. The ball being configured for movement on the back portion of the bracket on movement of support

element in the bracket, and wherein the ball makes an auditory feedback while moving in or out of the opening indicating cancellation of turn signal.
In an aspect, the switch assembly has a pair of spring and ball at a bottom
5 portion of the support element and a second detent profile provided on a
middle portion of the bracket. The second detent profile is substantially V-shaped. The ball presses against the second detent profile to bias the lever in a neutral position.
10 In an aspect, the switch assembly has a knob attached to an other end of
the lever, the knob is configured for engagement by a thumb of a user for actuation of the lever.
In an aspect, the lever is Z-shaped.
15
In an aspect, the switch assembly has a PCB provided with turn signal switches and a rubber pad positioned over the PCB. The rubber pad has resilient provisions to overlay the turn signal switches. Press protrusions are provided on a bottom portion of the carrier to press the resilient
20 provisions when the carrier is pivoted for actuation of the turn signal
switches.
In an aspect, the switch assembly has a cover configured for enclosing the PCB and the rubber pad between the bracket and the cover. 25
In an aspect, the switch assembly has pressing parts placed between the resilient provisions and the press protrusions for transferring actuating motion of the press protrusions to the resilient means.
30 In an aspect, the cover and the bracket are configured for attachment with
each other using snap locks.
4

In an aspect, the switch assembly has a pin for pivotally coupling the carrier and the bracket.
5 In an aspect, the switch assembly is configured for application in a two-
wheeler.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of the switch assembly in accordance with an
10 embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the switch assembly in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the switch assembly in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
15 FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the switch assembly along the
line 4-4 as shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of FIG. 4 with the knob along with
the carrier tilted for actuation of turn signal in accordance with an
20 embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the switch assembly along the
line 6-6 as shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
FIG. 7 illustrates the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 with the knob in pushed
25 condition for actuation/cancellation of a turn signal in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
30 Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a winker switch assembly, hereinafter
referred to as switch assembly (10) is shown. The switch assembly (10) as
5

shown may be used for any vehicle such as a two-wheeled or a three-
wheeled vehicle. Further, a three-directional switch assembly (10) is
provided. The switch assembly (10) may include a knob (12), a lever (14),
a support element (16), a carrier (18), a bracket (20), pressing parts (22), a
5 rubber pad (24), printed circuit board (PCB) (26) and a cover (28). Further,
the switch assembly (10) may include springs (30) and balls (32). The knob (12) may be engaged by the operator for actuation of the turn signal. The knob (12) may be configured to be engaged using a thumb or fingers of an operator and may be made of any suitable material such as plastic. The
10 switch assembly (10) is designed and may be configured on the vehicle
(not shown) such that for activation of a left turn signal, an operator may move the knob (12) in a left direction, and for activation of a right turn signal, the operator may push the knob (12) in the right direction. For cancellation of any activated turn signal, the operator may push the knob (12)
15 orthogonally inwards of the switch assembly (10).
The knob (12) may be fixed on the lever (14) that transfers the force on the knob (12) by the operator to other parts of switch assembly (10) for
20 actuation of the turn signal. The lever (14) may be designed as per the
design requirements. The lever (14) shown in the embodiment as shown is of substantially a ‘Z’ shape with one end affixed with the knob (12) and the other end affixed with the support element (16). The lever (14) may be made of any suitable material such as metal or plastic.
25
The support element (16) is attached to an end of the lever (14) opposite to the knob (12). The support element (16) is configured to support the lever (14) on the bracket (20) and has provision for supporting two pairs of spring (30) and ball (32). A first pair (34) is supported at a back portion of the
30 support element (16) and a second pair (36) is supported at the bottom of
the support element (16). The pairs of the spring (30) and ball (32),
6

(hereinafter referred to as pair or pairs) are arranged such that one end of
each spring (30) abuts on the support element (16) and the other end abuts
the ball (32), such that any force acting on the ball (32) is transferred
through the spring (30) to the support element (16), and vice versa. It may
5 be understood that such arrangement of the pairs of spring (30) and ball
(32) is similar across all the other pairs of spring (30) and ball (32) described herein after. The spring (30) and the ball (32) may be made of any suitable material such as metal or plastic.
10 Other than the provisions for supporting the pairs, the design of the support
element (16) may be configured for fitting with rest of the parts in the switch assembly (10) as required. For example, the support element (16) is provided with a vertical rib (38) towards the bottom portion, to be received by the carrier (18) for supporting the support element (16) in the carrier (18)
15 and guiding the push motion of the lever (14) during the actuation of the
lever (14). It may be understood that the knob (12) and the support element (16) may be affixed on the lever (14) by any known suitable mechanism such as insert molding or by press fitting.
20 Further, the switch assembly (10) has the carrier (18) configured to support
the support element (16) and to further support two more pairs. As shown in FIG. 2, a third pair (40) and a fourth pair (42) are supported each on two legs (44) extending laterally on the carrier (18) on laterally opposite sides. The legs (44) have provisions for supporting an end of the spring (30). The
25 other end of the spring (30) supports a ball (32) as shown in FIG. 2. Further,
as may be understood, the overall design of the carrier (18) may be configured for fitment and functioning with the other components of the switch assembly (10) as required. For example, the carrier (18) is provided with two semi-circular cavities (46) to abut a pin (not shown) that ensures
30 pivotal movement of the carrier (18) about the pin. Another such example
of an ancillary design element are the two press protrusions (48) provided
7

on the bottom portion of the carrier (18) for pressing the pressing parts (22) for actuation of the turn signal as explained later in the description. The support element (16) and the carrier (18) are configured such that the carrier (18) may guide and allow a relative vertical linear (push) motion of the support element (16), however, the carrier (18) follows the pivoting motion of the support element (16).
The bracket (20) supports the carrier (18) and the support element (16) and has provisions for allowing movement of the carrier (18) and/or support element (16) for operation of the switch assembly (10) as required. The bracket (20) receives the carrier (18) along with the support element (16) in the assembled condition of the switch assembly (10). The carrier (18) is mounted on the bracket (20) by means of the pin to allow a pivotal motion of the carrier (18) along with the support element (16) relative to the bracket (20). As can be seen in FIG. 2, the bracket (20) is provided with two pin holes (50) for supporting the pin that pivotally mounts the carrier (18) on the bracket (20) in assembled condition.
Further, the bracket (20) also houses the rubber pad (24), the pressing parts (22) and the PCB (26) at desired location for working in conjunction with other components of the switch assembly (10) for operation of the switch assembly (10).
The rubber pad (24) is received on the bottom portion of the bracket (20) and the rubber pad (24) receives the PCB (26). The rubber pad (24) is provided with required resilient provisions (52) over which the pressing parts (22) are arranged. The arrangement of the rubber pad (24) and the pressing parts (22) is such that on operation of the switch assembly (10), the pressing parts (22) press the corresponding resilient provisions (52) on the rubber pad (24) to switch on/off the corresponding turn signal circuits in the PCB (26).

The cover (28) is fixed on the bottom portion over the PCB (26) and the rubber pad (24) such that the cover (28) and rubber pad (24) enclose the PCB (26). Any suitable provision for fixing of the cover (28) may be provided, for example, as shown, notches may be provided on the cover (28) to be received in corresponding openings in the bracket (20). The notches and the corresponding opening may act together as snap locks. In an alternate embodiment, screws may be used to mount the cover (28) on the bracket (20).
Further the bracket (20) is provided with provisions for working with the four pairs of the switch assembly (10) as explained hereafter. Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 it can be seen that each spring (30) is received in a cylindrical cavity (54) in the respective support element (16) or the carrier (18). As shown, in an assembled state (FIG. 1 and FIG.s 3-7 illustrate the switch assembly (10) in an assembled state) a substantial longitudinal length of the spring (30) resides in the cylindrical cavity (54). The balls (32) are designed such that the balls (32) are also at least partially received in the cylindrical cavity (54). This way the springs (30) and balls (32) are supported inside the cavity and their movement is also guided by the walls of the cavity. The movement of the ball (32) against the spring (30) leads to compression or release of the spring (30). The length of the spring (30) is designed such that the spring (30) is configured to resiliency press the balls (32) against the surface of the bracket (20) in an assembled state of the switch assembly (10). Further, it may be understood that the end of the spring (30) opposite to the end supporting the ball (32) may be either just abutting the support element (16)/carrier (18) or may be attached to the support element (16)/carrier (18). Similarly, the balls (32) may either be just abutting an end of the spring (30) or may be attached to the spring (30). Moreover, in an embodiment, the cylindrical cavity (54), the ball (32) and the spring (30) may be arranged so as to retain the ball (32) and spring (30)

on the support element (16)/carrier (18) during assembling or disassembling of the switch assembly (10) for ease of assembly or repair.
First, working of the pairs supported by the carrier (18) is explained. Referring to FIG. 4, the bracket (20) is provided with a detent profile (56) on its inner surface, on both, right and left side of the bracket (20). Each detent profile (56) has a recessed profile (58) at an upper portion and a raised profile (60) at the bottom portion of the detent profile (56). The detent profile (56) is designed such that in assembled and neutral condition of the knob (12), as shown in FIG. 4, the balls (32) rest on the recessed profile (58) and in close proximity with the raised profile (60). As explained earlier and as shown in FIG. 4, the balls (32) are pressed substantially orthogonally by the spring (30) against the detent profile (56) during the neutral condition.
For actuating the turn signal, an operator may push the knob (12) in either left or right direction, i.e. in a lateral direction. FIG. 5 illustrates the knob (12) pushed in one direction, and as a result of pushing the knob (12) in one lateral direction the lever (14) along with the support element (16) and the carrier (18) is pivoted about the pin (not shown). As the carrier (18) pivots, the press protrusion on the carrier (18) presses upon the pressing parts (22) to switch on the corresponding turn signal.
Further, due to the maneuver of the knob (12) in one lateral direction as shown in FIG. 5, the ball (32) resting on the recessed profile (58) climbs up the raised profile (60) when the lever (14) is in tilted condition. When the lever (14) is released, the lever (14) tends to be relocated in the neutral position due to the second pair (36) arranged at the bottom portion of the support element (16). Functioning of the second pair (36) is explained later. When the lever (14) is released by the operator, during returning of the lever (14) in neutral position, the ball (32) that has climbed up the raised

profile (60) moves back towards the recessed profile (58) and subsequently the ball (32) strikes the recessed profile (58) with force due to the spring (30). This striking of the ball (32) on the recessed profile (58) produces a click sound that provides an auditory feedback to the operator regarding the actuation of the turn signal.
Similarly, when the knob (12) is pushed in other lateral direction, the other pair on the opposite leg (44) of the carrier (18) makes the click sound while returning to the neutral position. Thus, the operator is provided with an auditory feedback on moving of the knob (12) in both the left and the right direction.
The design of the carrier (18) in conjunction of the detent profile (56), along with transition point of the detent profile (56) from the recessed profile (58) to the raised profile (60) may be arranged and configured to provide an auditory feedback at required angle of movement of the lever (14). Further, the transition point of the detent profile (56) from recessed profile (58) to the raised profile (60) is to be made sudden such that the ball (32) does not just slides or rolls over from raised profile (60) to recessed profile (58) but in stead hits the recessed profile (58) with due force to produce a click sound. It may be understood that the transition point is shown as a curve in the figures however the transition point may also such that it makes a right angle.
Now working of the other pairs supported by the support element (16) is explained. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrates the second pair (36) supported by the support element (16) at the bottom portion of the support element (16). As can be seen, one end of the spring (30) of the second pair (36) abuts the support element (16), whereas the other end of the spring (30) pushes the ball (32) against a second detent profile (62) provided at the middle portion of the bracket (20). As can be seen, the second detent profile (62)

has a substantially V shape. In neutral condition, the ball (32) rests in the valley portion of the V shaped second detent profile (62), as shown in FIG. 4. Whereas, when the knob (12) is moved/pushed in any lateral direction, due to pivoting motion of the support element (16), the ball (32) climbs up either of the sides of the V shaped second detent profile (62) as shown in FIG. 5. This arrangement ensures that the lever (14) is resiliency held in a neutral position, i.e. due to the pair and the second detent profile (62) the lever (14) readily returns to the neutral position to rest the ball (32) again in the valley portion of the second detent profile (62).
Further, referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, working of the first pair (34) supported at the back portion of the support element (16) is explained. The bracket (20) is provided with an opening (64) on its back portion. The opening (64) has dimensions less than the diameter of the ball (32) of the first pair (34). As shown in FIG. 6, the opening (64) is located such that when the switch assembly (10) is in neutral condition, the ball (32) rests on the opening (64). When an operator pushes the knob (12) orthogonally, the support element (16) is pushed against the spring (30) at the bottom portion of the support element (16), and the ball (32) resting on the opening (64) is pushed against the spring (30), and the ball (32) climbs up out of the opening (64) to rest on an inner surface (66) of the bracket (20) as shown in FIG. 7. As soon as the operator releases the knob (12), the support element (16) returns to the neutral condition and simultaneously the ball (32) falls back in the opening (64). During falling of the ball (32) back on the opening (64) the ball (32) and the bracket (20) produce a click sound. This click sound provides and auditory feedback to the operator in relation to pushing of the knob (12).
Accordingly, as described above, the switch assembly (10) of the present disclosure provides for an auditory feedback to the operator during

actuation of left turn signal, right turn signal and during cancellation of a turn signal.
The knob (12), the support element (16), the carrier (18), the bracket (20) and the cover (28) may be made of any suitable material such as plastic or metal. Further such parts may be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing methods such as molding, machining, casting, etc. as suitable according to size and material of the components to be manufactured.
Further, it may be understood that the components of the switch assembly (10) may be provided with other features and provisions for facilitating overall fitment and assembly of the components as required. It may be understood that only features that are considered relevant for working of the invention of the present disclosure are described.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
Switch assembly (10)
Knob (12)
Lever (14)
Support element (16)
Carrier (18)
Bracket (20)
Pressing parts (22)
Rubber pad (24)
Printed circuit board (PCB) (26)
Cover (28)
Spring (30)
Ball (32)
First pair (34)
Second pair (36)
Vertical rib (38)
Third pair (40)
Fourth pair (42)
Legs (44)
Semi-circular cavities (46)
Press protrusions (48)
Pin holes (50)
Resilient provisions (52)
Cylindrical cavity (54)
Detent profile (56)
Recessed profile (58)
Raised profile (60)
Second detent profile (62)
Opening (64)
Inner surface (66)

We claim:
1. A winker switch assembly (10) for a vehicle, comprising:
a lever (14) configured for a pivoting actuation by a user for indicating an intended turn of the vehicle;
a bracket (20) configured to pivotally support the lever (14);
characterized in that,
a carrier (18) coupled to an end of the lever (14) and at least partially received in the bracket (20), the carrier (18) configured to pivot along with pivotal movement of the lever (14), the carrier (18) having two legs (44) extending laterally opposite to each other being received in the bracket (20);
a pair of spring (30) and ball (32) supported at each laterally distal end of the two legs (44); and
a detent profile (56) defined on an inner surface (66) of the bracket (20), the inner surface (66) positioned opposite to the legs (44) of the carrier (18) such that the ball (32) rests on the inner surface (66), the detent profile (56) having a recessed profile (58) and a raised profile (60);
wherein the actuation of lever (14) moves the ball (32) on the detent profile (56) and the ball (32) makes an auditory feedback for the user while moving between the raised profile (60) and the recessed profile (58) to indicate actuation of a turn-signal.
2. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a support element (16) attached to an end of the lever (14), the support element (16) configured to being slidably received in the carrier (18) for coupling the lever (14) with the carrier (18).
3. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 2, comprising:

a pair of spring (30) and ball (32) at a back portion of the support element (16), the ball (32) biased by the spring (30) against the back portion of the bracket (20); and
an opening (64) provided on the back portion of the bracket (20), the opening (64) having dimension to partially receive the ball (32);
wherein the ball (32) is configured for movement on the back portion of the bracket (20) on movement of support element (16) in the bracket (20), and wherein the ball (32) makes an auditory feedback while moving in or out of the opening (64) indicating cancellation of turn signal.
4. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 2, comprising
a pair of spring (30) and ball (32) at a bottom portion of the support element (16); and
a second detent profile (62) provided on a middle portion of the bracket (20), the second detent profile (62) being V-shaped, the ball (32) pressing against the second detent profile (62) to bias the lever (14) in a neutral position.
5. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 2, comprising:
a knob (12) attached to an other end of the lever (14), the knob (12) configured for engagement with a thumb of a user for actuation of the lever (14).
6. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever (14) is Z-shaped.
7. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a PCB (26) provided with turn signal switches;

a rubber pad (24) positioned over the PCB (26), the rubber pad (24) having resilient provisions (52) to overlay the turn signal switches;
press protrusions (48) provided on a bottom portion of the carrier (18) to press the resilient provisions (52) when the carrier (18) is pivoted for actuation of the turn signal switches.
The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
a cover (28) configured for enclosing the PCB (26) and the rubber pad (24) between the bracket (20) and the cover (28).
The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 7, comprising:
pressing parts (22) placed between the resilient provisions (52) and the press protrusions (48) for transferring actuating motion of the press protrusions (48) to the resilient means.
The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cover (28) and the bracket (20) are configured for attachment with each other using snap locks.
The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a pin for pivotal coupling of the carrier (18) and the bracket (20).
The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, configured for application in a two-wheeler.