TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a low amperage dimmer switch for vehicles. More
specifically, the said invention relates to the construction and mechanism of operation
of a dimmer switch for vehicles having a ‘pass’ function by means of a singular
switching device.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the
present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, vehicles are provided with switches for controlling the various electrical
functions of the vehicle switch as turn switch, indicators, head lamp switches etc. One
such switch is a dimmer switch dimmer switch for regulating the beam of light from
the headlamp of the vehicle. Conventionally, the function of high beam/low beam is
achieved by means of a singular switching device such as a knob. However, for
achieving the pass function, the rider has to separately activate the ‘pass’ switch
provided on the handlebar of the vehicle. Such a mechanism is highly inconvenient
for the rider and may cause distraction while riding the vehicle. To eliminate such
shortcomings, singular switching devices for performing the functions of ‘high beam’,
‘low beam’ and ‘pass’ have been developed. Such devices employ a plurality of
micro-switches for the respective functions and the knob directly presses the microswitches.
However, there are many demerits of such a singular switching device. One
major drawback is that it has more number of components making the assembly
complex and expensive. Another major drawback of such a mechanism is that the
operating force of the switch cannot be increased/decreased as per suitability of the
manufacturer/user. Yet another drawback is that such devices are not water proof as
they employ single rubber grommets for micro-switches.
In other words, researchers are constantly working to develop a user friendly and
technically advance dimmer switch for 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 the vehicle.
3
SUMMARY
One or more drawbacks of conventional dimmer switches as described in the prior art
are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the low amperage
dimmer switch as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and
advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other
embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are
considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a low
amperage dimmer switch for vehicles. A dimmer switch for vehicles comprising a
housing that forms an encapsulation having an internal space. A knob assembly
comprises a knob having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the knob being
pivotally supported in the housing. An actuator arm protruding laterally from the
knob; and a plunger being coupled with the knob by spring; wherein the plunger is
movable in the longitudinal direction; and a micro-switch which is operable by the
knob by means of an actuating lever.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the proximal end protrudes externally
from the encapsulation; and the distal end comprises a slot for receiving a plunger.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob is movably supported on a
detent profile in the housing by means of the plunger.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the detent profile has a first detent,
a second detent and a slope portion.
In one more embodiment of the disclosure, the plunger is loaded in the longitudinal
direction by spring.
In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuating lever is mounted
on the micro-switch /cover/housing at a predefined actuating angle.
In one more embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuating angle is in the range
6° to 80° with respect to the horizontal axis X-X.
4
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described
above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and
embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the
disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described
above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent with
reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction
with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference
numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 shows an external two-dimensional view of the dimmer switch of the
present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a tabular view of the three position circuit of the switch of the
present disclosure.
Figure 3 depicts an exploded view of the dimmer switch according to an embodiment
of present disclosure.
Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the knob according to another embodiment of
the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the micro-switch according to one other
embodiment of the present disclosure.
5
Figure 6 depicts an isometric view of the present dimmer switch according to a still
further embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 depicts isometric views of the dimmer switch according to one more
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 8(a), (b) and (c) illustrate multiple sectional views of the said dimmer switch
wherein the knob is in the central position according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Figure 9 shows sectional views of the said dimmer switch whereby the knob is in 3
different positions performing the respective functions of the dimmer switch to yet
another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 10(a) and (b) depict an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure
wherein the actuating lever is integrated with the cover.
Figures 11(a) and (b) depict another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein
the actuator arm of the knob has two actuating points.
Figures 12(a) and (b) depict yet another embodiment of the present disclosure
wherein the actuating lever is mounted on the casing.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only.
One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that
alternative embodiments of the assemblies and methods illustrated herein may be
employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
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
6
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 a dimmer switch for vehicles. 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 a dimmer switch for
vehicles whereby a singular switching device provides multiple operations,
simplifying the usage for the driver.
One more aim of the present disclosure is to provide a low amperage dimmer switch
for regulating ‘high beam’, ‘low beam’ and ‘pass’ functions by means of a single
knob guided thereby limiting the number of components.
7
Yet another aim of the present disclosure is to provide a dimmer switch wherein the
Haptics can be customized as per the requirement of the manufacturer/user.
A still further aim of the present disclosure is to provide a dimmer switch that is
compact in size and is water proof.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a dimmer switch for vehicles comprising
a housing that forms an encapsulation having an internal space. A knob assembly
comprises a knob having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the knob being
pivotally supported in the housing. An actuator arm protruding laterally from the
knob; and a plunger being coupled with the knob by spring; wherein the plunger is
movable in the longitudinal direction; and a micro-switch which is operable by the
knob by means of an actuating lever.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to low amperage dimmer switch for
vehicles. More specifically, the said invention relates to the construction and
mechanism of operation of a dimmer switch having a ‘pass’ function thereby
achieving multiple functions by means of a singular switching device.
Reference will now be made to a dimmer switch which is explained with the help of
figures. The figures are for the purpose of illustration only and should not be
construed as limitations on the assembly and mechanism of the present disclosure.
Wherever possible, referral numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.
As per the present disclosure, the dimmer switch comprises a knob and micro-switch
for providing a three position circuit by means of a knob that is capable of moving
between three positions namely a first position, a second position and a third position
opposite to the second position. In other words, the knob traverses in opposite
directions as it moves from the first position to second position and from the first
position to the third position. In an embodiment, the first, second and third positions
of the knob correspond to ‘low beam’ position, ‘high beam’ position and ‘pass’
functions of the dimmer switch, respectively.
8
Referring to figures 3 and 4, the dimmer switch comprises a housing (1) that forms an
encapsulation (100) (as shown in fig. 1) together with the cover (2) such that the
encapsulation is having an internal space. Formed in the internal space of the housing
(1) is detent profile (1a) for guiding the movement of a knob (3) during actuation of
the said dimmer switch. The said detent profile (1a) has a first detent (1b), a second
detent (1c) and a slope portion (1d) corresponding to the first, second and third
positions of the knob. A knob assembly is disposed in the internal space of the said
encapsulation (100) formed by the housing and cover. The knob assembly comprises
knob (3) having a proximal end (3c) and a distal end (3d). The knob (3) is pivotally
mounted in the housing (1) at pivot (4); the pivot (4) being a cylindrical structure
protruding perpendicularly to the plane of the housing (1). A pivot hole (3a) is
provided on the knob (3) to receive the pivot (4) for operatively mounting the knob
(3) in the housing (1). The knob (3) is movably supported on the detent profile of the
housing (1) so as to be movable between the first, second and third positions during
actuation of the dimmer switch. A slot (3b) is provided at the base of the knob (3) to
receive the plunger (6); the plunger (6) being loaded by means of spring (5) in the
longitudinal direction. The term ‘longitudinal direction’ herein refers to a direction
along axis Y-Y of the dimmer switch. The plunger (6) is resiliently mounted in the
slot (3b) of the knob (3) such that it moves on a detent profile (1a) to guide the knob
(3) during its pivotal movement about the pivot (4). Accommodated in the housing is
a micro-switch (7) adapted to be actuated by knob (3). In the assembled condition of
the dimmer switch the proximal end (3c) protrudes externally from the encapsulation
(100) for the operation of the knob (3) by the user (shown in figure 1).
As shown in figure 4, the distal end (3d) of the knob (3) has a slot (3b) extending in
the longitudinal direction from the distal end (3d) towards the pivot hole (3a) of the
knob (3). The slot (3b) has a hollow internal portion for receiving the spring (5) for
loading the plunger (6). Protruding in the lateral direction from the knob (3) is an
actuator arm (3e). The term ‘lateral direction’ herein refers to a direction along axis
X-X of the dimmer switch. The actuator arm (3e) has an actuating face (F) adapted to
actuate the micro-switch (7) in the second and third positions of the knob for ‘high
beam’ and ‘pass’ functions. The actuating face (F) comprises a first end (F1) and a
second end (F2) for actuating the micro-switch during ‘high beam’ and ‘pass’
functions respectively.
9
As shown in figure 5, the micro-switch (7) having an actuation button (B) (B)
comprises an actuating lever (7a) mounted pivotally at mounting pivot (7b) of the
micro-switch. However, the actuating lever (7a) can be mounted on the housing/cover
or any other suitable location according to other embodiments of the present
disclosure. The actuating lever (7a) is adapted to actuate the button (B) of the microswitch
(7) upon being pressed by actuating face (F) of the actuator arm (3e) of the
knob (3). As shown in figure 6, the actuating angle of the actuating lever (7a) of the
micro-switch (7) is in the range 6° to 80° with respect to the axis X-X. In the
assembled condition of the dimmer switch, the actuating face (F) of the actuator arm
(3e) is formed at a predetermined angle so as to actuate the micro-switch (7) by means
of an actuating lever (7a) only in the second and third positions of the knob (3).
Figure 7 depicts the electrical connections done to the micro-switch (7) by means of
soldering to ensure proper contact. Further, potting is done in by sealant or epoxy to
prevent contamination by dust and water, thereby ensuring higher work lifecycle and
reliability of the said dimmer switch.
Figures 8(a), (b) and (c) depict the sectional view of the knob (3) in the mounted
condition. As shown in figures 8(a), (b) and (c), the detent profile (1a) is provided in
the interior of the housing (1) for supporting the plunger (6). The detent profile (1a)
has a first detent (1b), a second detent (1c) and a slope portion (1d) corresponding to
the first, second and third positions of the knob (3). In the first and second positions,
the spring loaded plunger (6) rests in first detent (1b) and second detent (1c) of the
detent profile (1a).
Referring to figure 9, when the user pushes the proximal end (3c) of the knob (3) from
the first position to the second position (when the user wants to switch from the low
beam function of the dimmer switch to the high beam function), the plunger (6)
travels on the detent profile (1a) from the first detent (1b) to the second detent (1c).
Upon release of the actuating force, due to the resilient effect of the spring (5), the
plunger (6) remains in the second detent (1c). Thus, the knob remains in the second
position. Under the second position of the knob (3), the first end (F1) of the actuating
face (F) of the actuator arm (3e) presses the actuating lever (7a) of the micro-switch
10
(7) at a location away from the mounting pivot (7b). This in turn presses the actuating
button (B) of the micro-switch so as to activate the micro-switch resulting in the ‘high
beam’ function of the dimmer switch. Similarly, when the user pushes the proximal
end portion (3c) of the knob (3) from the second position to the first position, the
plunger (6) travels on the detent profile (1a) from the second detent (1c) to the first
detent (1b). Upon release of the actuating force, the plunger (6) remains on the first
detent. Thus, the knob remains in the first position. Under this position of the knob
(3), the actuator arm (3e) releases the actuating lever (7a) of the micro-switch (7) so
as to de-activate the ‘high beam’ function of the dimmer switch resulting in the ‘low
beam’ function of the dimmer switch.
When the user actuates the proximal end (3c) of the knob from the first position to the
third position, the plunger (6) travels on the detent profile (1a) from the first detent
(1b) to the slope portion (1d) of the detent profile (1a). Under the third position of the
knob (3), the second end (F2) of the actuating face (F) of the actuator arm (3e) presses
the actuating lever (7a) of the micro-switch (7) at a location near the mounting pivot
(7b). This in turn presses the actuating button (B) of the micro-switch so as to activate
the micro-switch resulting in the ‘pass’ function of the dimmer switch. The slope
portion (1d) of the detent profile (1a) is adapted so that the spring gets energized
during the movement of the plunger from the first detent (1b) to the slope portion (1c)
towards the third position. Upon release of the actuating force from the proximal end
of the knob (3), the spring (5) tends to expand or de-energize which causes movement
of the plunger (6) from the third position towards the first detent (1b). Thus, the ‘pass’
function of the said switch is completed and the dimmer switches reaches back to its
‘low beam’ position.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figures 10(a) and
(b) the actuating lever (20a) pivotally formed on the cover (20). The micro-switch
(70) is thereby mounted independently on the housing and is adapted to be operated
by the actuating lever (20a).
According to one other embodiment, as illustrated in figures 11(a) and (b), the
actuator (30e) of the knob (30) comprises a plurality of actuating points (A) and (B).
Upon actuation of the knob (30) by the user, any of the actuating points (A) or (B)
11
activates the micro-switch (7) by pressing the actuating lever so as to activate the pass
or high beam function respectively.
In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figures 12(a) and
(b), the actuator arm (300e) comprises a curved portion at the actuating face. The
actuating lever (700a) is pivoted on the cover (2) of the said dimmer switch.
List of reference numerals:
1 Housing
1a Detent Profile
1b First Detent
1c Second Detent
1d Third Detent
2 Cover
3 Knob
3a Pivot Hole
3b Slot
3c Proximal End of the Knob
3d Distal End of the Knob
3e Actuator Arm
4 Pivot
5 Spring
6 Plunger
7 Micro-switch
7a
8
Actuating lever of the Micro-switch
7b Mounting Pivot
100 Encapsulation of Housing and Cover
B Actuation Button of Micro-switch
F Actuating Face of the Actuator Arm
F1 First End of the Actuating Face
F2 Second End of the Actuating Face
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
12
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
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. A dimmer switch for vehicles comprising:
a housing (1) that forms an encapsulation (100) having an internal
space;
a knob assembly comprising;
a knob (3) having a proximal end (3c) and a distal end (3d);
wherein the knob (3) being pivotally supported in the housing
(1);
an actuator arm (3e) protruding laterally from the knob (3); and
a plunger (6) being coupled with the knob (3d) by spring (5);
wherein the plunger (6) is movable in the longitudinal
direction; and
a micro-switch (7) being operable by the knob (3) by means of an
actuating lever (7a).
2. The dimmer switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the proximal end (3c) protrudes externally from the
encapsulation; and
the distal end portion (3d) comprises a slot (3b) for receiving a
plunger (6).
3. The dimmer switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (3) is
movably supported on a detent profile (1a) in the housing (1) by means of the
plunger (6).
14
4. The dimmer switch for vehicles as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the
detent profile (1a) has a first detent (1b), a second detent (1c) and a slope
portion (1d).
5. The dimmer switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger (6)
is loaded in the longitudinal direction by spring (5).
6. The dimmer switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating
lever (7a) is mounted on the micro-switch/cover/housing at a predefined
actuating angle.
7. The dimmer switch for vehicles as claimed in claims 1 and 6, wherein the
actuating angle is in the range 6° to 80° with respect to the horizontal axis XX.