FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to an electro-mechanical device and, more particularly, relates to an electro-mechanical switching device that can be used in vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
A variety of electrical switches are available which are adapted to operate easily and effortlessly by altering of the switching state. Generally, the problem encountered with existing push return type switches is that there are inconveniences experienced while advancing or returning of the contact holder during the operation of the switch. The retaining of the advanced or returned positions by the contact holder is undesirably moved or returned, or returning of the holder member is obstructed due to some reason, due to which the smooth functioning of the switch device is hindered to a large extent.
Another shortcoming related to the structure of the existing push return type switches that are used in vehicle is that these switches are not properly sealed due to which, during the vehicle mount condition, the water generally enters into the switch (PCB) through capillary action which eventually causes short circuit or failure of the switch.
Accordingly, there lies a need for obviating aforesaid drawbacks plaguing the state of the art. Therefore, there lies at least a need for a switching device that can offer unobstructed operation of switches.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present invention relates to an electro-mechanical switching device offering unobstructed operation, without getting affected due to accidental entrance of water within the switch which may cause malfunctioning of the switch such as short circuiting, etc.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electro-mechanical switching device comprising a holder to which a knob is movably mounted via a hermetic locking, wherein at least an inclined portion downwardly projecting is provided on one sidewall of the holder to divert and channelize a flow of liquid inside the switching device. The switching device further comprises a housing coupled to the holder, and provided with at least a path for expelling of the flow of liquid through an outlet. The switching device further comprises a tact switch electrically coupled with a printed circuit board (PCB), is adapted to be triggered through a movement of the knob, wherein the PCB positioned within the housing being hermetically sealed from external environment.
To further clarify the 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 FIGURES:
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:
Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electro-mechanical switching device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 2a illustrates an exploded view of electro-mechanical switching device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 2b illustrates top-view of electro-mechanical switching device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 3 illustrates liquid through view within electro-mechanical switching device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 4 illustrates another internal view of liquid through structure through holder of electro-mechanical switching device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 5 illustrates another internal view of liquid through structure through holder of electro-mechanical switching device showing the liquid channelization, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 6 illustrates an example of dimensional-view of electro-mechanical switching device showing the liquid channelization, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help 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 understand 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 present disclosure 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 disclosure. 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 skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
The present disclosure relates to an electro-mechanical switching device. In particular, the electro-mechanical switching device involves mechanism for push return type switch that can be used in vehicle. The present disclosure overcomes the problem of malfunctioning of existing electro-mechanical switching devices due to short circuiting of an inbuilt circuit, housed within the switching device.
Through the present disclosure, the electro-mechanical switching device, the liquids such as water, lubricant, fuel, etc., are restricted to reach near the internal electronic circuit area of the switch. As an instance the water that generally enters inside the through capillary action may be obstructed by the present invention.
Figure 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of an electro-mechanical switching device (100), in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an electro-mechanical switching device (100) which comprises a holder (104) to which a knob (102) is movably

mounted via a hermetic locking. The knob (102) operates at least on push-return mechanism.The switching device (100) further comprises a housing (106) coupled to the holder (104), and provided with at least a path for expelling of the flow of liquid. The switching device (100) further comprises a tact switch (108) which is electrically coupled with a printed circuit board (PCB) (110). The tact switch (108) is adapted to be triggered through a movement of the knob (102). Further, the pre-pressed condition of tact switch (108) is provided by approximately 0.2 mm space to avoid free play.
The PCB (110) is positioned within the housing which is being hermetically sealed from external environment. The switching device (100) further comprises a back cover (112) provided with a terminal (114). The terminal (114) of the switching device (100) is used to connect the switching device (100) through any system such as machine or automobile, etc. The PCB (110) may further comprise inbuilt ancillary electronic components such as LED, resistors, diodes, etc.
Figure 2a depicts an exploded view of electro-mechanical switching device (100), in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The exploded view represent the sequential arrangement of various components/parts of the switching device (100).
Figure 2b depicts top-view of electro-mechanical switching device (100), in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. In another embodiment, the top view further depicts the hermetic locking provided to couple the holder with the knob (102) is a male-female connection arrangement, where the arrangement at least comprising a rib (206) and a guiding slot (208). The hermetic locking meant to couple the holder with the knob (102) is provided at least at four different locations for appropriate clamping. In an example, the clearance between guiding slot (208) and rib (206) is 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm. Further, the hermetic locking allows the knob (102) to mechanically move longitudinally over the holder (104), where said mechanical movement of the knob (102) is adapted trigger the tact switch (108) provided on the PCB.
Figure 3 depicts liquid through view within electro-mechanical switching device (100), in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
In an implementation of the present disclosure, the electro-mechanical switching device (100) is depicted. In one of the use case scenario, when the switching device (100) is coupled

in the vehicle and the liquid, such as water, accidentally/unintentionally enters inside the switching device (100). The inflow of the water within the switching device (100) due to capillary action is depicted by a plurality of arrows in the Figure 3. Generally, during vehicle mounting condition, the water enters into the switch through capillary action which may (eventually causes short circuit or failure of the switch. However, due to the hermetic sealing of provided in the electro-mechanical switching device (100), the water may not enter through capillary action inside of the electro-mechanical switching device (100). For easy draining of water, a cut of 12.40 mm is provided and on rest of the pad, a plurality of draft (302) is provided to drain the remaining water.
The path provide in the housing (106) is routed at least below a plurality of draft (302) regions provided near upper end of the housing (106). The routing of the path is for transferring the liquid collected over the draft regions to the outlet for ejection from the switching device, to safeguard the seamless operation of the PCB (110).
Figure 4 depicts another internal view of liquid through structure through holder of electro-mechanical switching device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a downwardly projecting inclined portion (402) is provided on one sidewall of the holder to divert and channelize a flow of liquid inside the switching device (100). In another implementation, a step is provided in the holder to prevent entry water through capillary action, by diverting the path of water and obstructing the water to direct on PCB (110) area.
The inclined portion (402) provided on the sidewall of the holder (104) allows the accidentally entered liquid at least due to capillary action, to float down to the portion of the housing (106) and eject. Further, the inclined portion (402) provided on the on the sidewall of the holder (104), is provided with a groove to facilitate unobstructed flow of accidentally entered liquid. In an implementation, the holder (104) is provide with at least a notch profile (404) to divert accidentally entered liquid at least due to capillary action.
Figure 5 depicts another internal view of liquid through structure through holder (104) of electro-mechanical switching device (100) showing the liquid channelization, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. In an implementation, at least the PCB (110) is provide with a notch profile (502) to divert and channelize the accidentally entered liquid due to capillary action. Further to eject the water out from the electro-

mechanical switching device (100) an outlet is provided (504) in the housing (106). The entered water on passing through the inclined portion of the holder (104) is routed through the path provided in the housing (106) that is ultimately ejected through the outlet (504).
Figure 6 depicts an example of dimensional-view of electro-mechanical switching device showing the liquid channelization, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. In an implementation, a pushing point (602) at the knob (102) is at pre-pressed condition with the tact switch (108) such that the pressing of the knob (102) triggers the tact switch (108) which allows the operation driven by the electro-mechanical switching device (100) through electronic circuit of the PCB (110).
In view of the aforesaid, there are provided various advantageous features relating to the present disclosure is that the electro-mechanical switching device (100) is developed in such a way that the operation of internal embedded circuits and PCB (110) is not at all affected by the inflow of water inside the electro-mechanical switching device (100). The location of inclined portion (504), the notch profiles (404, 502) and the path below the drafts (302) within in the electro-mechanical switching device (100) helps in diverting and channelizing the entered water. Additionally, the PCB (110) housed inside the housing (108) is provided with the sealing which protect the circuit getting short circuited due to inflow of water.
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

We claim

1.An electro-mechanical switching device (100) comprising:
a holder (104) to which a knob (102) is movably mounted via a hermetic locking, wherein at least an inclined portion downwardly projecting is provided on one sidewall of the holder (104) to divert and channelize a flow of liquid inside the switching device;
a housing coupled to the holder (104), and provided with at least a path for expelling of the flow of liquid through an outlet;
a tact switch (108) electrically coupled with a printed circuit board (PCB) (110), is adapted to be triggered through a movement of the knob (102), wherein the PCB (110) positioned within the housing being hermetically sealed from external environment.
2. The electro-mechanical switching device as claimed in claim 1, the inclined portion provided on the sidewall of the holder (104) allows the accidentally entered liquid, at least due to capillary action, to float down to the portion of the housing and eject through the outlet.
3. The electro-mechanical switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inclined portion provided on the on the sidewall of the holder (104), is provided with a groove to facilitate unobstructed flow of accidentally entered liquid.
4. The electro-mechanical switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the path is routed at least below a plurality of draft regions provided near upper end of the housing, wherein the routing of the path is for transferring the liquid collected over the draft regions to the outlet for ejection from the switching device, to safeguard the seamless operation of the PCB (110).
5. The electro-mechanical switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein pushing point at the knob (102) is at pre-pressed condition with the tact switch (108) such that the pressing of the knob (102) triggers the tact switch (108) which allows the operation driven by the electro-mechanical switching device.

6. The electro-mechanical switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hermetic locking provided to couple the holder (104) with the knob (102) is a male-female connection arrangement, where said arrangement at least comprising a rib and a guiding slot.
7. The electro-mechanical switching device as claimed in claim 1, where the hermetic locking allows the knob (102) to mechanically move longitudinally over the holder (104), where said mechanical movement of the knob (102) is adapted trigger the tact switch (108) provided on the PCB (110).
8. The electro-mechanical switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least the holder (104) is provided with a notch profile (404) and the PCB (110) is provided with a notch profile (502) to divert accidentally entered liquid at least due to capillary action.
9. The electro-mechanical switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (102) operates at least on push-return mechanism.
10. The electro-mechanical switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hermetic locking provided to couple the holder (104) with the knob (102) is provided at least at four locations for appropriate clamping.