FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to switch assemblies and in particular, relates to switch assemblies for a vehicle with improved sealing to prevent ingress of contaminants, such as dirt and fluid. BACKGROUND
In the last few decades, significant level of growth and development has been witnessed in the realm of automobiles. In this era of cut-throat competition, interiors of any vehicle play a major role in the sale and popularity of the vehicle. Generally, most of the parameters associated with vehicle dynamics and various interior/exterior components, such as headlamps, are controlled through switch assemblies installed on a dashboard of the vehicle. In addition to aesthetic enhancement, safety is a crucial factor that has to be considered while operating various parameters of the vehicle. Accordingly, such switch assembly must be provided with appropriate sealing provisions to prevent any ingress of dust or water, thereby ensuring safety and fluent operation of various parameters through the switch assembly. For instance, if the switch assembly lacks sufficient sealing provisions to effectively prevent the ingress of contaminants, the operation of switch assembly may severely get affected over a period of time due to damage, such as corrosion occurred due to ingress of the contaminants. This further leads to a significant reduction in the life span of the switch assembly.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved control panel for performing various operations in the vehicle. SUMMARY
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch assembly with improved sealing for preventing ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a cover member and a housing member. The housing member is adapted to be disposed within the cover member. Further, the switch assembly includes a switching unit adapted to be coupled to the housing member and the cover member. The switching unit includes a supporting member having a top surface and a bottom surface distal to the top surface. The bottom surface includes a peripheral portion adapted to be interposed between the housing member and the cover member. Further, the switching unit includes a plurality of switches adapted to be coupled to the supporting member. Each of the plurality of switches includes a supporting portion distributed along a top periphery of each of the plurality of switches and adapted to be coupled to the supporting member. The peripheral portion positioned between the housing member and the cover member and the supporting portion coupled to the supporting member are adapted to prevent ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch assembly with improved sealing for preventing ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a cover member and a housing member adapted to be disposed within the cover member. Further, the switch assembly includes a switching unit adapted to be coupled to the housing member and the cover member. The switching unit includes a plurality of switches adapted to be coupled to the housing member, wherein each of the plurality of switches includes a locking portion. Further, the switching unit includes a supporting member having a plurality of openings adapted to receive the plurality of switches. Each of the plurality of openings includes an engaging portion adapted to be engaged with the locking portion of each of the plurality of switches. The switch assembly includes a resilient

pad adapted to be disposed between housing member and the cover member. The resilient pad includes a peripheral portion adapted to be coupled to the cover member.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch assembly with improved sealing for preventing ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a cover member and a touch panel. The touch panel includes a top portion and a bottom portion distal to the top portion. The touch panel is adapted to be coupled to the cover member. The bottom portion includes a first peripheral portion. Further, the switch assembly includes a sealing member adapted to be disposed between the touch panel and the cover member. The sealing member includes a second peripheral portion adapted to abut with the first peripheral portion of the touch panel such that ingress of contaminants is prevented within the switch assembly.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Figures la and lb illustrate different perspective views of a switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure lc illustrates a bottom view of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a switching unit of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figures 4a and 4b illustrate different perspective views of a cover member of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5a illustrates a sectional view of the switch panel assembly taken along an axis A-A' of Figure lc, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5b illustrates a sectional view of the switch panel assembly taken along an axis B-B' of Figure lc, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figures 6a and 6b illustrate different perspective views of a switch attached to a supporting member of the switching unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7a illustrates a partial sectional view of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7b illustrates a portion 'A' of the switch panel assembly as shown in Figure 6a, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8 illustrates a masking process implemented for painting and laser etching symbols on the knob of the knob assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9a illustrates a perspective view of the switch panel assembly, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9b illustrates a perspective view of an ornamental member of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figures 10a and 10b illustrate different sectional views of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 illustrates an exploded view of a switch panel assembly, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 12 illustrates a bottom view of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 13 illustrates a sectional view of the switch panel assembly taken along axis A-A' of Figure 12, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 14a illustrates a sectional view of the switch panel assembly taken along axis B-B' of Figure 12, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 14b illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the switch panel assembly as shown in Figure 14a, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 15 illustrates a sectional view of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of a switch panel assembly, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 17 illustrates an exploded view of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 18 illustrates a sectional view of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figures 19a, 19b, and 19c illustrate different views of the switch panel assembly depicting operation of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated 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 explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.
Reference is made herein to some "embodiments." It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figures la and lb illustrate different perspective views of a switch panel assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure lc illustrates a bottom view of the switch panel assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The switch panel assembly 100 may interchangeably be referred to as the switch assembly 100, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The switch assembly 100 may be employed in vehicles including, but not limited to, two-wheeler vehicles, three-wheeler vehicles, four-wheeler vehicles, commercial vehicles, and off-road vehicles to operate various systems. In the present embodiment, the switch assembly 100 may be employed in the commercial vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and other similar vehicles.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 2, in an embodiment, the switch assembly 100 may include, but is not limited to, a switching unit 102, a plurality of lenses 104, a housing member 106, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly 108, and a cover member 110. Referring to Figure lb, Figure lc, and Figure 2, the housing member 106 may be adapted to be disposed within the cover member 110.
In an embodiment, the cover member 110 may include an inner surface 110-1 and an outer surface 110-2. The inner surface 110-1 may include a plurality of grooves 112 adapted to receive a plurality of fasteners 113. The plurality of fasteners 113 may interchangeably be referred to as the fasteners 113, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The fasteners 113 may include, but is not limited to, screws, bolts, and any other similar fasteners known in the art. The cover member 110 may be adapted to be coupled to the switching unit 102 of the switch assembly 100. The switching unit 102 may be coupled to the cover member 110 through the plurality of fasteners 113, which is explained in detail in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the switching unit 102 may be removably coupled to the cover member 110 through the screws 113.

Figure 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the switching unit 102 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the switching unit 102 may include a supporting member 302 and a plurality of switches 304. In an embodiment, the supporting member 302 may be formed of a resilient material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporting member 302 may be formed of Santoprene rubber. In another embodiment, the supporting member 302 may be formed of any other resilient material known in the art, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The supporting member 302 may be adapted to accommodate the plurality of switches 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporting member 302 may include a top surface 302-1 and a bottom surface 304-2 distal to the top surface 302-1. The bottom surface 304-2 may include a peripheral portion 306 adapted to be interposed between the housing member 106 and the cover member 110. The peripheral portion 306 may include a plurality of holes 308 adapted to receive the plurality of fasteners 113 through the plurality of grooves 112 of the cover member 110 for coupling the switching unit 102 with the cover member 110.
Further, as explained earlier, the switching unit 102 may include the plurality of switches 304. In an embodiment, the plurality of switches 304 may interchangeably be referred to as the switches 304. The switches 304 may individually be referred to as the switch 304, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The plurality of switches 304 may be adapted to be operated by a user to perform various operations in the vehicle. The switches 304 may be adapted to be coupled to the supporting member 302. In an embodiment, each of the switches 304 may be coupled to the supporting member 302 through an insert-moulding process.
In particular, the switching unit 102 may be formed by performing the insert-moulding process of the plurality of switches 304 with the supporting member 302. The plurality of the switches 304 may be insert-moulded with the supporting member 302. Owing to such constructional aspect, the switching unit 102 may significantly restrict ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly 100, which is explained in detail in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure.
Figures 4a and 4b illustrate different perspective views of the cover member 110 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5a illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly 100 taken along an axis A-A' of Figure lc, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5b illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly 100 taken along an axis B-B' of Figure lc, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 2, Figure 4a, Figure 4b, Figure 5a, and Figure 5b, the housing member 106 may include a plurality of slots 502 for movably accommodating the switches 304 of the switching unit 102. In an embodiment, the plurality of slots 502 may interchangeably and individually be referred to as the slots 502 and the slot 502, respectively, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the switching unit 102 may be coupled to the housing member 106 in such a manner that each of the plurality of the switches 304 may be accommodated within corresponding slots 502 provided in the housing member 106. Each of the slots 502 may be adapted to allow vertical movement of the corresponding switch 304 in the switch assembly 100.
In an embodiment, the switching unit 102 may be coupled with the cover member 110 in such a manner that the plurality of grooves 112 of the cover member 110 may be aligned with the plurality of holes 308 provided in the supporting member 302 of the switching unit 102. Referring to Figure 5b, the switching unit 102 may be removably attached to the cover member 110 along with the housing member 106 in such a manner that the peripheral portion

306 of the supporting member 302 may be interposed between the cover member 110 and the housing member 106. Owing to such an arrangement of the switching unit 102, the housing member 106, and the cover member 110, the supporting member 302 may provide sealing from top and bottom of the switch assembly 100. In particular, the peripheral portion 306 may be adapted to prevent ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly 100.
Referring to Figure 4a and 4b, the PCB assembly 108 may be accommodated within the cover member 110 in such a manner that connector pins 402 may be in communication with the PCB assembly 108. Further, the switch assembly 100 may include a plurality of tactile switches 404 disposed on the PCB assembly 108, and positioned below the switches 304 of the switching unit 102. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of switches 304 may operate at least one of the tactile switches 404 disposed on the PCB assembly 108.
Figures 6a and 6b illustrate different perspective views of the switch 304 attached to the switching unit 102 of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7a illustrates a partial sectional view of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7b illustrates a portion 'A' of the switch assembly 100 as shown in Figure 7a, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the present disclosure is explained with respect to one of the plurality of the switches 304. However, it should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that it should not be construed as limiting, and the present disclosure is equally applicable for other switches of the switch assembly 100, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 6a, Figure 6b, and Figure 7b, in an embodiment, the switch 304 may include a first portion 602-1 and second portion 602-2 distal to the first portion 602-1. The first portion 602-1 may be provided with a symbol 604 indicating a function of the switch 304. Further, the second portion 602-2 may include a plurality of guiding ribs 606 and a pushing rib 608. The plurality of guiding ribs 606 may be adapted to guide in the corresponding slot formed in the housing member 106. The plurality of guiding ribs 606 may be adapted to enable the vertical movement of the switch 304 with respect to the corresponding opening of the housing member 106. In particular, the plurality of guiding ribs 606 may be provided to allow movement of the switch 304 in a vertical direction and restricting movement in other directions, such as horizontal direction. In an embodiment, the switch 304 may be formed of a thermoplastic material.
Further, the pushing rib 608 of the switch 304 may be adapted to push the tactile switch 404 provided on the PCB assembly 108 corresponding to the switch 304. For instance, when the switch 304 is pushed in the vertical direction, the pushing rib 608 operates the tactile switch 404 to an ON-position. Subsequently, when the switch 304 is pushed again in the vertical direction, the pushing rib 608 operates the tactile switch 404 to an OFF-position.
Further, the switch 304 may include a supporting portion 610 distributed along a top periphery 612 of the switch 304. In an embodiment, the supporting portion 610 may be adapted to be coupled to the supporting member 302 of the switching unit 102. The supporting portion 610 may be provided with a plurality of slots 614. Each of the plurality of slots 614 may be adapted to be entrapped with rubber material when the supporting portion 610 is coupled to the supporting member 302 of the switching unit 102 through the insert-moulding process. The supporting portion 610 coupled to the supporting member 302 may be adapted to prevent ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly 100.
Owing to such construction of the switch 304, efficient cross-linking may be achieved between rubber material of the supporting member 302 and plastic material of the switch 304, thereby attaining firm gripping of the switch 304 in the supporting member 302. As shown in Figure 6b, the rubber material of the supporting member

302 may be entrapped in one of the plurality of slots 614, thereby providing a robust structure of the switching unit 102. Further, the housing member 106 may include side walls 106-1 (as shown in Figure 5a) for supporting side wall 302-3, interchangeably referred to as rubber walls 302-3, of the supporting member 302 of the switching unit 102. In an embodiment, the side walls 106-1 may be designed in such a manner that the supporting member 302 may be snugly secured on the side walls 106-1. Further, the plurality of lenses 104 may be provided for indicating an active state or an in-active state of different switches 304 of the switching unit 102.
Figure 8 illustrates a masking process implemented for painting and laser etching symbols on the switch 304 of the switching unit 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 8, a paint masking plate 802 may be used for covering the switching unit 102 while performing painting operating on the switches 304. The paint masking plate 802 includes a plurality of grooves for accommodating the plurality of switches 304 of the switching unit 102. The paint masking plate 802 may be deployed on the switching unit 102 in such a manner that only the plurality of switches 304 of the switching unit 102 is exposed for painting during the painting operation. Further, the paint masking plate 802 may cover the supporting member 302 of the switching unit 102 during the painting operation, thereby eliminating exposure of the paint on the supporting member 302. Furthermore, a laser etching process may be performed on the plurality of switches 304 for engraving different symbols on the switches 304.
Figure 9a illustrates a perspective view of the switch assembly 100, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9b illustrates a perspective view of an ornamental member of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 10a and 10b illustrate different sectional views of the switch assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 9a, Figure 9b, Figure 10a, and Figure 10b, in an embodiment, the switch assembly 100 may include an ornamental member 902 attached to the cover member 110. The ornamental member 902 may be provided for enhancing the aesthetics of the switch assembly 100.
In one embodiment, the ornamental member 902 may be snap-fitted with the cover member 110 of the switch assembly 100. In another embodiment, the ornamental member 902 may be attached to the cover member 110 through fasteners, such as screws. The ornamental member 902 may include a plurality of grooves for accommodating the plurality of switches 304 of the switching unit 102. Further, the ornamental member 902 may be adapted to cover the supporting member 302 of the switching unit 102, thereby protecting the supporting member 302 from any probable damage.
Figure 11 illustrates an exploded view of a switch panel assembly 1100, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the switch panel assembly 1100 may interchangeably be referred to as the switch assembly 1100, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, details of the present disclosure that are explained in detail in the description of Figure la, Figure lb, Figure lc. Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4a, Figure 4b, Figure 5a, Figure 5b, Figure 6, Figure 7a, Figure 7b, Figure 8, Figure 9a, Figure 9b, Figure 10a, Figure 10b.
Similar to the switch assembly 100 explained with respect to Figures la-lc, Figures 2, Figure 3, Figures 4a-4b, Figure 5, Figures 6a-6b, Figures 7a-7b, Figure 8, Figures 9a-9b, and Figures lOa-lOb, the switch assembly 1100 of the illustrated embodiment includes the cover member 110 and the housing member 106. The housing member 106 may be adapted to be disposed within the cover member 110.

Figure 12 illustrates a bottom view of the switch panel assembly 1100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 illustrates a sectional view of the switch panel assembly 1100 taken along axis A-A' of Figure 12, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. However, referring to Figure 11, Figure 12, and Figure 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the switch assembly 1100 may include a switching unit 1102 adapted to be coupled to the housing member 106 and the cover member 110. The cover member 110 may include the inner surface 110-1 and the outer surface 110-2. The inner surface 110-1 may include the plurality of grooves 112 adapted to receive the plurality of fasteners 113.
Figure 14a illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly 1100 taken along axis B-B' of Figure 12, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14b illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the switch assembly 1100 as shown in Figure 14a, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14a, and Figure 14b, the switching unit 1102 may include a plurality of switches 1104 and a supporting member 1106. In an embodiment, the plurality of switches 1104 may interchangeably and individually be referred to as the switches 1104 and the switch 1104, respectively, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Each of the plurality of switches 1104 may be adapted to be coupled to the housing member 106. Each of the plurality of switches 1104 may include a locking portion 1402. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking portion 1402 may include a vertically extending wall 1402-1 formed around a periphery 1104-1 of the switch 1104. The vertically extending wall 1402-1 may be formed in such a manner that an opening may be defined between the vertically extending wall 1402-1 and the periphery 1104-1 of the switch 1104.
Further, the plurality of switches 1104 may be adapted to be movably engaged with the supporting member 1106 of the switching unit 1102. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporting member 1106 may include a plurality of openings 1404 adapted to receive the plurality of switches 1104. Each of the plurality of openings 1404 may be defined by an engaging portion 1404-1 adapted to be engaged with the locking portion 1402 of each of the plurality of switches 1104. In particular, the engaging portion 1404-1 may be adapted to be received in the opening formed between the vertically extending wall 1402-1 and the periphery 1104-1 of the switch 1104. Owing to such arrangement of the switch with respect to the supporting member 1106, the probability associated with the ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly 100 is substantially eliminated.
Further, the switch assembly 100 of the illustrated embodiment may include a resilient pad 1108 adapted to be disposed between the housing member 106 and the cover member 110. The resilient pad 1108 may include a top surface 1108-1 and abottom surface 1108-2 distal to the top surface 1108-1. Further, the resilient pad 1108 includes a peripheral portion 1108-3 adapted to be coupled to the cover member 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral portion 1108-3 may be provided on the top surface 1108-1 of the resilient pad 1108. The peripheral portion 1108-3 of the resilient pad 1108 may include a plurality of holes 1108-4 adapted to receive the plurality of fasteners 113 through the plurality of grooves 112 of the cover member 110 for coupling the resilient pad 1108 with the cover member 110.
Figure 15 illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly 1100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 11, Figure 14a, Figure 14b, and Figure 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the resilient pad 1108 may include a plurality of tactile switches 1108-5 (as shown in Figure 14a) adapted to be operated by the switches 1104 of the switching unit 1102. In an embodiment, the plurality of tactile switches 1108-5 may interchangeably and individually be referred to as the tactile switches 1108-5 and the tactile switch 1108-5,

without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The resilient pad 1108 may be positioned below the switching unit 1102 and the housing member 106 such that each of the plurality of tactile switches 1108-5 is located below corresponding switches 1104 of the switching unit 1102.
Similar to the switch 1104 of the switching unit 1102 as explained in the embodiment of Figure 7b, each of the plurality of switches 1104 may include a pushing rib 1405 (as shown in Figure 14a) adapted to engage with the tactile switch 1108-5 of the resilient pad 1108, when the switch is operated between ON-position and OFF-position. Further, the switch assembly 1100 includes a PCB assembly 1110 adapted to be disposed between the resilient pad 1108 and the cover member 110. The switch assembly 1100 may include a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 1112 adapted to be coupled to the plurality of switches 1104. In an embodiment, the plurality of LEDs 1112 may be coupled to the plurality of switches 1104 by snap-locking, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of a switch panel assembly 1600, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 illustrates an exploded view of the switch panel assembly 1600, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the switch panel assembly 1600 may interchangeably be referred to as the switch assembly 1600, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, details of the present disclosure that are explained in detail in the description of Figure la, Figure lb, Figure lc. Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4a, Figure 4b, Figure 5a, Figure 5b, Figure 6, Figure 7a, Figure 7b, Figure 8, Figure 9a, Figure 9b, Figure 10a, Figure 10b, Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14a, Figure 14b, and Figure 15.
In the illustrated embodiment, the switch assembly 1600 includes a cover member 1602, a touch panel 1604, a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly 1606, a reflector 1608, and a second PCB assembly 1610. The cover member 1602 may be adapted to be removably coupled to the touch panel 1604 through a plurality of fasteners 1612. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 1602 may include an inner portion 1602-1 and an outer portion 1602-2 distal to the inner portion 1602-1. The inner portion 1602-1 may include a first set of grooves 1602-3 adapted to receive the plurality of fasteners 1612. The cover member 1602 and the touch panel 1604 may be coupled together in such a manner that the first PCB assembly 1606, the reflector 1608, and the second PCB assembly 1610 may be positioned between the touch panel 1604 and the cover member 1602.
Figure 18 illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly 1600, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 16, Figure 17, and Figure 18, the touch panel 1604 having a top portion 1604-1 and a bottom portion 1604-2 distal to the top portion 1604-1. As explained earlier, the touch panel 1604 may be adapted to be coupled to the cover member 1602. The top portion 1604-1 of the touch panel 1604 may be provided with a plurality of control elements 1604-3 adapted to be operated by the user to control various functions associated with the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the plurality of control elements 1604-3 may interchangeably and individually be referred to as the control elements 1604-3 and the control element 1604-3, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the control elements 1604-3 may be embodied as the touch-sensitive switches. Further, the top portion 1604-1 of the touch panel 1604 may include symbols corresponding to the control elements 1604-3 indicating operational status and functionality of the control elements 1604-3. In an

embodiment, the symbols may be formed through a painting process and a laser etching process, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 18, the bottom portion 1604-2 may include a second set of grooves 1802 adapted to receive the plurality of fasteners 1612 through the first set of grooves 1602-3 in order to couple the touch panel 1604 to the cover member 1602. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first set of grooves 1602-3 may extend along side walls 1604-4 of the touch panel 1604. The bottom portion 1604-2 may include an opening 1804 defined by the side walls 1604-4 of the touch panel 1604. The opening 1804 may be adapted to receive the first PCB assembly 1606 and the reflector 1608 of the switch assembly 1600. Further, the bottom portion 1604-2 may include a first peripheral portion 1806.
In the illustrated embodiment, the switch assembly 1600 may include a sealing member 1614 adapted to be disposed between the touch panel 1604 and the cover member 1602. The sealing member 1614 includes a second peripheral portion 1808. The second peripheral portion 1808 may be adapted to abut with the first peripheral portion 1806 of the touch panel 1604 such that ingress of contaminants is prevented within the switch assembly 1600. The second peripheral portion 1808 may include a wall 1808-1 extending in a vertical direction with respect to the side walls 1604-4 of the touch panel 1604. The wall 1808-1 may be adapted to abut with the first peripheral portion 1806 of the touch panel 1604.
Further, the first PCB assembly 1606 may include a plurality of touch sensors corresponding to the control elements 1604-3 of the touch panel 1604. In an embodiment, each of the touch sensors may be embodied as a capacitive touch sensor, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the plurality of touch sensors may interchangeably be referred to as the touch sensors. Further, the touch sensors may individually be referred to as the touch sensor. The touch sensor may be adapted to detect a touch input received from the user via the touch panel 1604. For instance, when the control element 1604-3 may be operated by the user, a corresponding touch sensor disposed on the first PCB assembly 1606 may detect the touch input received from the user via the control element 1604-3. In an embodiment, the first PCB assembly 1606 may be in communication with the second PCB assembly 1610.
Figures 19a, 19b, and 19c illustrate different views of the switch assembly 1600 depicting operation of the switch assembly 1600, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 19a, when a parking-mode is in OFF-state, the touch panel 1604 may not display the symbols corresponding to the control elements 1604-3 of the switch assembly 1600. Referring to Figure 19b, when the parking mode is in ON-state and the control elements 1604-3 are in OFF-state, the touch panel 1604 may be adapted to illuminate a touch region associated with each of the control elements 1604-3. In the illustrated embodiment, the touch panel 1604 may display an illumination ring 1902 indicating the touch region associated with each of the control elements 1604-3.
Further, referring to Figure 19b, the touch panel 1604 may be adapted to illuminate symbols 1904 associated with each of the control elements 1604-3 provided on the touch panel 1604. Referring to Figure 19c, when the parking mode is in ON-state and the control elements 1604-3 are in ON-state, the touch panel 1604 may be adapted to display a visual indication 1906 indicating the ON-state of each of the control elements 1604-3 of the touch panel 1604.
While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the

foregoing 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.

Claim:
1. A switch assembly with improved sealing for preventing ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly,
the switch assembly comprising:
a cover member;
a housing member adapted to be disposed within the cover member; and
a switching unit adapted to be coupled to the housing member and the cover member, the switching unit comprising:
a supporting member having a top surface and a bottom surface distal to the top surface,
wherein the bottom surface includes a peripheral portion adapted to be interposed between the
housing member and the cover member; and
a plurality of switches adapted to be coupled to the supporting member, wherein each of the
plurality of switches includes a supporting portion distributed along a top periphery of each of the
plurality of switches and adapted to be coupled to the supporting member,
wherein the peripheral portion positioned between the housing member and the cover member and the supporting portion coupled to the supporting member are adapted to prevent ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly.
2. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover member include an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface includes a plurality of grooves adapted to receive a plurality of fasteners.
3. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the peripheral portion includes a plurality of holes adapted to receive the plurality of fasteners through the plurality of grooves of the cover member for coupling the switching unit with the cover member.
4. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting member is formed of Santoprene rubber.
5. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of switches is coupled to the supporting member through an insert-moulding process.
6. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the supporting portion includes a plurality of slots, wherein each of the plurality of slots is adapted to be entrapped with rubber material when the supporting portion is coupled to the supporting member through the insert-moulding process.
7. A switch assembly with improved sealing for preventing ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly, the switch assembly comprising:
a cover member;
a housing member adapted to be disposed within the cover member;
a switching unit adapted to be coupled to the housing member and the cover member, the switching unit comprising:

a plurality of switches adapted to be coupled to the housing member, wherein each of the plurality of switches includes a locking portion; and
a supporting member having a plurality of openings adapted to receive the plurality of switches, wherein each of the plurality of openings includes an engaging portion adapted to be engaged with the locking portion of each of the plurality of switches; and
a resilient pad adapted to be disposed between housing member and the cover member, wherein the resilient pad includes a peripheral portion adapted to be coupled to the cover member.
8. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover member includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface includes a plurality of grooves adapted to receive a plurality of fasteners.
9. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the peripheral portion of the resilient pad includes a plurality of holes adapted to receive the plurality of fasteners through the plurality of grooves of the cover member for coupling the resilient pad with the cover member.
10. A switch assembly with improved sealing for preventing ingress of contaminants within the switch assembly, the switch assembly comprising:
a cover member;
a touch panel having a top portion and a bottom portion distal to the top portion and adapted to be coupled to the cover member, wherein the bottom portion includes a first peripheral portion; and
a sealing member adapted to be disposed between the touch panel and the cover member, wherein the sealing member includes a second peripheral portion adapted to abut with the first peripheral portion of the touch panel such that ingress of contaminants is prevented within the switch assembly.