Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to the field of finger or thumb actuated switch which are beneficially incorporated in a vehicle.

Background of the Invention:
In vehicles, it is a common practice to include multiple electrical circuits providing different types of functions, for example, ignition function, engine kill function, horn function, blinker (turn indicator) function, head light on function, low beam function, high beam function, pass-function, etc. Particularly, it is a common practice to include in devices such as horn, head light, blinker lights, etc. (which are referred to as controlled devices) in electrical connection with an electrical source via one or more switches.

If we consider a motorcycle, a handlebar of the motorcycle is provided with switch consoles incorporating plurality of switches. It is typical for a motorcycle to have a right-hand side switch console which is mounted on a right hand side of the handle bar and a left-hand side switch console which is mounted on a left-hand side of the handle bar. Each of the aforesaid right-hand side switch console and left-hand side switch console accommodates various types of switches, as per the bike manufacturer’s choice. In terms of the electrical location, these switches are generally located in an electrical path between a battery as is generally present in the bike and the controlled device.

While in most instances, the electrical circuit is comprised of a single source, in some instances, there can be a first source and a second source which is connected to the controlled device via a switch and the function of the switch could be to selectively couple the first or the second source to the controlled device. More specifically, referring to a motorcycle, while in most cases, the controlled device is driven by DC current as provided by the battery (hence, the electrical circuit is generally referred to as DC circuit), in some instances, it is also desired to connect the controlled device to an alternator as contained in the vehicle (which produces an AC current, and hence, the electrical circuit is generally referred to as AC circuit). Thus, in the above instance, the function of the switch is to selectively couple the DC source (i.e. the battery) to the controlled device or the AC source (i.e. the alternator or generator of the vehicle) to the controlled device.

Thus, there is a need to provide a switch which can function to selectively couple the DC source (i.e. the battery) to a controlled device or the AC source to the controlled device.

Summary of the Invention:
Accordingly, the present invention provides a switch comprising a case accommodating a first terminal member, a second terminal member, a third terminal member and a movable member. The switch further comprises a cover, a knob pivotally attached to the cover and a plunger traversing through the cover and interconnecting the knob to the movable member. The movable member is pivotally attached to the third terminal member at about a first end thereof and a second end is provided with a first moving contact facing the first terminal member and a second moving contact facing the second terminal member. The switch further comprises a torsion spring located between the upper surface of the cover plate and a bottom surface of the knob.

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 figures. It is appreciated that these figures 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 figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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 drawing. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a general block diagram of a circuit in a vehicle that requires a single controlled device to be selectively coupled to one of a first source or a second source;
Figure 2 illustrates a sample switch counsel incorporating the dual contact switch of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the dual contact switch of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 4 illustrates a detailed view of a stressed structure incorporated in the dual contact switch of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 5 illustrates a detailed view of a third terminal member incorporated in the dual contact switch of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 6 illustrates a detailed view of a first terminal member incorporated in the dual contact switch of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 7 illustrates a detailed view of a second terminal member incorporated in the dual contact switch of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 8 illustrates a top view of a casing incorporated in the dual contact switch of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 9 illustrates a detailed view of a cover plate incorporated in the dual contact switch of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a knob incorporated in the dual contact switch of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 11 illustrates a detailed view of a plunger incorporated in the dual contact switch of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 12 illustrates a detailed view of a torsion spring incorporated in the dual contact switch of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 13 illustrates a step-by-step procedure for assembling the dual contact switch in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 14(a) illustrates a first working state of the dual contact switch corresponding to a non-actuated state of the knob in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 14(b) illustrates a second working state of the dual contact switch corresponding to an actuated state of the knob in accordance with one embodiment;
Figure 15 illustrates a detailed view of the terminal contacting area which is in the form of a V shape and which enables for variable wire diameter soldering;
Figure 16 illustrates a sectional view of the dual contact switch specifically illustrating the co-operation between the sealing surface provided on the plunger and the slot provided in the top cover; and
Figure 17 illustrates a top view of the dual contact switch without the knob which illustrates the holding of the torsional spring by the legs provided on the top cover.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRITION
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures 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 system, 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 exemplary and 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 process or method 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 skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, 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 figures.

Now referring to figure 1, there is illustrated a block diagram of a circuit 100 in a vehicle (not illustrated). The circuit includes a head-lamp 102 including a first filament 104 operable to provide a low beam function connected in series with a second filament 106 operable to provide a high beam function. The first filament 104 is connected to a first source 108 (such as a regulator rectifier or RR) via a two-way switch 110. There is further provided a dual contact switch 112 in the circuit which is connected to a second source 114 (such as a DC battery). Particularly, the first filament 104 is connected to a first output end 116 of the two-way switch 110 and a second output end 118 of the two-way switch 110 is connected to a first input end 120 of the dual contact switch 112. A second input end 122 of the dual contact switch is connected to the second source 114. An output end 124 of the dual contact switch 112 is connected between the first and the second filaments. In the natural state, the output end 124 of the dual contact switch 112 is connected to the first input end 120. However, to realize a passing function, the dual contact switch 112 can be operated such that the output end 124 is connected to the second input end 122.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two-way switch 110 can be incorporated in a switch counsel, for example which can be mounted on a handle bar of a vehicle. Likewise, the dual-contact switch 112 can be incorporated in a switch counsel, for example which can be mounted on a handle bar of a vehicle. A sample switch counsel 200 incorporating the dual contact switch 112 is shown in figure 2. In the illustrated example, the switch counsel 200 is also illustrated to incorporate four other switches 202, 204, 206 and 208. Although not necessary, the two-way switch 110 can be one of the four switches.

Now referring to figure 3, which is an exploded view of a dual contact switch in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it can be observed that the dual contact switch 112 comprises:
a casing 302;
a first terminal member 304, a second terminal member 306 and a third terminal member 308 disposed so as to be partially within the casing 302;
a movable member 310 being pivotally attached to the third terminal member 308 at about a first end 312 thereof and a second end 314 being provided with a first moving contact 316 facing the first terminal member 304 and a second moving contact 318 facing the second terminal member 306;
a cover plate 320 defining a slot 322, the cover plate locatable at a top end 324 of the casing 302;
a knob 326 pivotally attached to an upper surface 328 of the cover plate 320;
a plunger 330 traversing through the slot 322 provided in the cover plate 320 for operably interconnecting the knob 326 to the movable member 310; and
a torsion spring 332 located between the upper surface 328 of the cover plate 320 and a bottom surface 334 of the knob 326.

Now referring to figure 4 that illustrate a detailed view of the movable member 310, it can be observed that the movable member 310 comprises a frame 402 defining the first end 312 and the second end 314 and including an opening 404 disposed between the first and the second ends. The movable member 310 further comprises a stressed structure 406 located in the opening 404 between the first end 312 and the second end 314. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the stressed structure 406 is in the form of a “U” shape having a first end 408 and a second end 410, wherein the first end 408 of the U shaped stressed structure 406 is attached to about the second end 314 of the movable member 310.

Now referring to figure 5 that illustrate a detailed view of the third terminal member 308, it can be observed that the third terminal member 308 defines a base plate 502, a first upwardly projecting leg 504, a second upwardly projecting leg 506, a first downwardly projecting leg 508 and a second downwardly projecting leg 510. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the first downwardly projecting leg 508 defines terminal contacting area 512 and the second downwardly projecting surface defines a locking means 514.

In a furthermore preferred aspect of the invention, the first upwardly projecting leg 504 defines a grove 516 that is adapted to pivotally receive the first end 312 of the movable member 310. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the second upwardly projecting leg 506 defines a grove 518 that is adapted to engage with the second end 410 of the “U” shaped stressed structure 406 located on the movable member 310.

Now referring to figure 6 that illustrate a detailed view of the first terminal member 304, it can be observed that the first terminal member 304 defines a first end 602 and a second end 604, wherein the first end 602 is disposed within the casing and is provided with a contact member 606 and the second end 604 is disposed outside the casing and defines terminal contacting area 608 for variable wire diameter soldering.

Likewise, referring to figure 7 that illustrate a detailed view of the second terminal member 306, it can be observed that the first terminal member 306 defines a first end 702 and a second end 704, wherein the first end 702 is disposed within the casing and is provided with a contact member 706 and the second end 704 is disposed outside the casing and defines terminal contacting area 708 for variable wire diameter soldering.

Now referring to figure 8, which is a top view of the casing 302, a bottom portion 802 of the casing 302 is provided with a first slot 804 for accommodating the first terminal member 304, a second slot 806 for accommodating the second terminal member 306 and a set of slots 808 for accommodating the third terminal member 308. Additionally, to enable the cover plate to be easily assembled on top of the casing, plurality of snap-fit mechanisms 810 can be provided at about a top end of the casing.

Now referring to figure 9, which is a perspective view of the cover plate 320, it can be observed that an upper surface 328 of the cover plate 320 further includes legs 902 which connect the knob 326 to the cover plate and allow the knob to exhibit pivotal movement. The upper surface a holding means 904 for allowing the torsion spring to be stably held. Further, the cover plate can include plurality of snap-fit mechanisms 906 to snap fit with the casing.

Now referring to figure 10, which is a bottom perspective view of the knob 326, it can be observed that the knob further includes an upper surface 1002 that can be actuated by a human finger or thumb. The bottom surface 334 of the knob 326 further includes legs 1004 which connect the knob 326 to the cover plate and allow the knob to exhibit pivotal movement. The bottom surface further defines holding means 1006 for allowing the torsion spring to be stably held. Further, the knob defines a recess 1008 which abuts with the plunger 330.

Now referring to figure 11, which is a perspective view of the plunger 330, the same can be seen to include an upper portion 1102 which abuts a bottom surface 334 of the knob 326 and a lower portion 1104 which abuts the moveable member 310. Particularly, the lower portion includes lateral surface which abut the frame of the moveable member. The plunger may be additional provided with a sealing surface 1106 which may be disposed between the upper portion 1102 and the lower portion 1104.

Now referring to figure 12, the torsion spring 332 is illustrated and the same comprises a first leg 1202 which can be held by the holding means 1006 provided in the knob 326 and a second leg 1204 which can be securely held by the holding means 904 provided in the cover plate 320.

Now referring to figure 13, a step-by-step procedure for assembling the dual contact switch is explained. The assembling process can be completed in very less number of steps. In step 1, the second terminal member 306 is inserted in the second slot 806 provided in the casing. In steps 2 and 3, the third terminal member 308 is inserted in the slots 808 provided in the casing and the moveable member 310 can be located with respect to third terminal member. Alternatively, the moveable member 310 can be located with respect to third terminal member 308 outside the casing to obtain a semi-assembled element and the semi-assembled element can then be inserted in the slots 808. In step 4, the first terminal member 304 is inserted in the first slot 804 provided in the casing.

In steps 5 and 6, the plunger can be located with respect to the moveable member and the cover plate can then be assembled on the casing. It is however feasible to invert steps 5 and 6 such that the cover plate is further assembled on the casing and then the plunger can be inserted through the slot provided in the cover plate. In yet another alternative, the plunger can be located within the slot provided in the cover plate to obtain a semi-assembled element and the semi-assembled element can then be press fitted on the casing.

In steps 7 and 8, the torsion spring can be located on the upper surface of the cover plate and the knob can be located on the cover plate.

It may be noted that the above provided assembling process is merely by way of example, and the same is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention in any manner.

Now referring to figure 14, the two working states of the dual contact switch is illustrated. In particular, referring to figure 14(a), the first terminal member is adapted to be in electrical contact with the first moving contact in the absence of an actuating force being applied to the knob and referring to figure 14(b), it can be observed that the second terminal member is adapted to be in electrical contact with the second moving contact in presence of an actuating force being applied to the knob.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, the first terminal member is adapted to be connected to a first source and the second terminal member is adapted to be connected to a second source and the third terminal member is adapted to be connected to a controlled device. In particular, the first terminal member is adapted to be connected to an AC source and the second terminal member is adapted to be connected to a DC source and the third terminal member is adapted to be connected to a controlled device.

It can be seen from the figures 5, 6 and 7 that the third, the first and the second terminal member defines a terminal contacting area. Now referring to figure 15, the terminal contacting area is in the form of a V shape to enable for variable wire diameter soldering. By way of example, figure 15 illustrates a first wire 1502, or a second wire 1504 or a third wire 1506b as capable of being soldered to the terminal contacting area. It can be observed that among the three wires, the first wire 1502 has a small diameter, the second wire 1504 has a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the first wire 1502; and the third wire 1506 has a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the second wire 1504.

Now referring to figure 16, which is a sectional view of the dual contact switch, it can be observed that the sealing surface 1106 as provided on the plunger co-operates with the slot 322 such that in a non-actuated state of the knob, the sealing surface 1106 restricts ingress of contaminants inside the casing via the slot.

Now referring to figure 17, the legs 902 which are provided on the upper surface 328 of the cover plate 320 in addition to enabling connection of the knob 326 to the cover, also server to further stably hold the torsion spring 332.

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 figures 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. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. 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.

CLIAMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A dual contact switch, comprising:
a casing;
a first terminal member, a second terminal member and a third terminal member disposed so as to be partially within the casing;
a movable member being pivotally attached to the third terminal member at about a first end thereof and a second end being provided with a first moving contact facing the first terminal member and a second moving contact facing the second terminal member;
a cover plate defining a slot locatable at a top end of the casing;
a knob pivotally attached to an upper surface of the cover plate;
a plunger traversing through the slot provided in the cover plate for operably interconnecting the knob to the movable member; and
a torsion spring located between the upper surface of the cover plate and a bottom surface of the knob.

2. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable member comprises a frame defining the first end and the second end and including an opening disposed between the first and the second ends.

3. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the movable member further comprises a stressed structure located in the opening between the first and the second ends.

4. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 3, wherein the stressed structure is in the form of a “U” shape having a first and second ends, wherein the first end of the U shaped stressed structure is attached to about the second end of the movable member.

5. The dual contact switch as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the third terminal member defines a base plate, a first upwardly projecting surface, a second upwardly projecting surface, a first downwardly projecting surface and a second downwardly projecting surface.

6. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first downwardly projecting surface defines terminal contacting area and the second downwardly projecting surface defines a locking area.

7. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first upwardly projecting surface defines a grove that is adapted to pivotally receive the first end of the movable member.

8. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second upwardly projecting surface defines a grove that is adapted to engage with the second end of the “U” shaped stressed structure located on the movable member.

9. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first terminal member and the second terminal member defines a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed within the casing and is provided with a contact member and the second end is disposed outside the casing and defines terminal contacting area.

10. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first terminal member is adapted to be connected to a first source and the second terminal member is adapted to be connected to a second source and the third terminal member is adapted to be connected to a controlled device.

11. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second terminal member is adapted to be in electrical contact with the second moving contact in presence of an actuating force being applied to the knob and wherein the first terminal member is adapted to be in electrical contact with the first moving contact in the absence of an actuating force being applied to the knob.

12. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first terminal member is adapted to be connected to an AC source and the second terminal member is adapted to be connected to a DC source and the third terminal member is adapted to be connected to a controlled device.

13. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and the second terminal member defines a terminal contacting area in the form of a V shape to enable for variable wire diameter soldering.

14. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger is provided with a sealing surface that co-operates with the slot provided in the cover plate, such that in a non-actuated state of the knob the sealing surface restricts ingress of contaminants inside the casing via the slot.

15. The dual contact switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the cover plate is provided with plurality of legs for pivotally connecting the knob to the cover and for stably holding the torsion spring.