ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR ILLUMINATED HANDLE BAR SWITCH
Field of invention
The present invention relates to handle bar switch module for two wheelers / three wheelers / all terrain vehicles, particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic control unit (ECU) for illuminated handle bar switch module with symbols.
Background of invention
Two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles include various electrical/electronic components that perform a variety of functions for smooth operation, safe driving and for providing indication to other riders while driving. Some of these functions include, Head lamp ON-OFF-Parking ON, Engine start, Engine kill, Dipper or High-Low, Turn Indicator with push cancel, Horn, Pass etc.
These functions are achieved by implementing control buttons mounted over control switches via battery in series. Conventionally, a module housing at least one control switch is mounted on a handle bar of the two wheeled or three wheeled vehicle. More particularly, the control switches for frequently used functions such as horn, dipper, blinker, turn indicator, etc are grouped together in the form of a first switching module (or alternatively referred to as left hand side switching module), which is mounted over left hand side of the handle bar. Similarly, control switches for less frequently used functions such as engine kill, engine start, head lamp ON-OFF, etc. are grouped together in the form of a second switching module (or alternatively referred to as right hand side switching module) mounted over right hand side of the handle bar.
Each of the switch modules can accommodate one or more control switches. The control switches can be contacting type switches or contact-less type switches.
Since, a switching module accommodate plurality of switches, each of which provides a different functionality, in order to enable the user of a vehicle to easily identify the functionality of a particular control switch, each control switch carries a unique symbol

indicating the function which will be performed by the activation of said switch. These symbols have now become standard symbols which are recognized throughout the automotive industry. Figure 1(a) represents a conventional left hand side switching module and figure 1(b) represents a conventional right hand side switching module. As can be observed from figures 1(a) and 1(b), the symbol is disposed either adjacent to or over the respective control switch.
Conventionally, most of the symbols are either printed or paint filled or embossed over a surface of console or a control button of the control switch. However, the symbols present over the control switches are not visible to the rider while driving under insufficient illumination levels (such as during night time). Also, the aforesaid symbols become dull or eroded over a period of time due to cumulative effect of UV light, rain water, salt content in rain water, grease, oil, dust, other contamination, etc.
In few conventional two-wheeled vehicles, the symbols are printed over a plastic sheet that is pasted or glued over top surface of switch console. The sheet gets damaged and peeled off during extensive exterior use of product due to individual or combined effect of environment such as water, UV rays, dust etc.
Recent technical advancements have led to development of illuminated control switches by placing an illumination source below the symbol inside the switch module. The sets of illuminating source within control switches are controlled by the main control unit of the conventional two wheeler vehicle. Main control unit is generally placed below head lamp or below seat area of a two wheeler. This increases cost of wiring harness. This also increases the cost of illumination due to more wiring harness length, complex and bulky electronic control units with more number of parts, high cost of protection against water and dust to electronic control unit, ceases the scope for customization. As the number of parts is more, the chances for failure are also more.
In conventional two wheeler vehicles, the main control unit is larger in packaging size and higher in cost because one control unit handles more than one feature. These features include auto cancellation of blinker, illumination of homologation symbols, gear indication, side stand indication, throttle position sensor, controls of various actuators/solenoids, lean angle sensor, FM radio etc. However, the said main control unit

is not suitable for comparatively cheaper low segment/middle segment 2 wheeler vehicle where number of features is limited to only one or two.
Therefore, there exists a need to develop an illuminated switch module which overcomes the above problems and suitable for middle low segment/middle segment 2 wheeler vehicle or motorcycle.
Objects of the present invention
The main object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated handle bar switch
module for two wheeler vehicle or motorcycle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic control unit for
illumination feature with small packaging size, less numbers of parts and of low cost that
is suitable for low segment and middle segment two wheelers.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an illuminated handle bar
switch module which accommodates electronic control unit in the switch module itself
that simplifies wire routing, reducing the length of wiring harness, comparatively less
voltage drop, reducing number of water tight connectors between control unit and
illumination source output.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated handle bar switch
module in which the electronic control unit is protected against dust, water and other
environmental effect.
One more object of the present invention is to provide a protection against vibration
derived from vehicle engine onto electronic control unit and thus enhance the life of the
electronic control unit.

Summary of invention
The present invention also provides an illuminated handle bar switch module which has at least one control switch for controlling the function of at least one electrical component. The switch module has at least one function symbol insert disposed adjacent to the control switch. The function symbol insert is provided with at least one symbol disposed indicative of the function performed by the respective control switch. Each of An illumination source placed below the function symbol insert to provide illumination to the symbol of the said insert. Said illumination source is coupled with an electronic control unit accommodated in the switch module for controlling the illumination of the illumination source.
Moreover, the present invention provides an electronic control unit that is suitable for one feature, is smaller in size, constituting less number of parts, low in terms of cost, can be packaged easily in the current control switch console itself, simplifies wire routing with comparative lesser length and has got protection against water, dust and other cumulative effect of environment.
Also, the present invention prevents the electronic control unit (ECU) from the effects of vibration deriving out of vehicle. The present invention has got in build circuit protection such as battery less, reverse polarity, surge current protection, etc.
Brief description of figures
Figures 1 (a) and 1 (b) conventional handle bar switch modules with symbols.
Figures 2(a) and 2(b) illustrates an exemplary view of illuminated handle bar switch
module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary view of the illuminated handle bar switch module with
an electronic control unit only for illumination feature in accordance of an embodiment
of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary view of the electronic control unit according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary view of assembly of the electronic control unit in a
receptacle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate assembly of the electronic control unit with receptacle inside the
switch module.

Figure 8 illustrates the mounting of both left hand side and right side control switch over handle bar and their connection according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed description of the present invention
Accordingly, the present invention provides an illuminated handle bar switch module for
motorcycle, said switch module comprising:
at least one control switch for operating functions of one or more accessories of the
motorcycle; said function switch is configured to connect a power supply to the accessory
of the motorcycle;
at least one function symbol insert comprising symbol indicative of the function
performed by the said function switch;
at least one illumination source located directly below the said function symbol insert for
providing illumination to the function symbol insert;
an electronic control unit being configured to connect a power supply to the illumination
source;
a receptacle for accommodating the said electronic control unit; said receptacle is housed
in the switch module and comprising , a closed end and a open end for projecting
therethrough connecting wires for making electrical connections..
In an embodiment of the present invention the said function symbol insert is mounted in the switch module by means selected from pasting, hot sealing, fastening and ultrasonic welding.
In another embodiment of the present invention the said at least one function symbol insert is mounted in the switch module by means of insert moulding.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the said at least one function symbol insert comprises a sheet on which the symbol is screen printed.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention the symbol is disposed on a surface of the said sheet of function symbol insert which remains inside the switch module.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the illumination source is disposed in a lens sub-assembly and the said lens sub-assembly is located directly below the function symbol insert.
In further more embodiment of the present invention the function symbol insert comprises two symbols and a single lens sub-assembly is located below the said function symbol insert so as to illuminate the two symbols.
In another embodiment of the present invention the electronic control unit comprises a printed circuit board mounted with plurality of resistors, one or more capacitor and an integrated circuit for providing the voltage drop and current conditioning.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the electronic control unit is coupled with the power supply and the illumination source through the electrical connections comprising wiring harness extending outside from the open end of the receptacle.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention the open end of the receptacle is closed by potting of epoxy resins and/or sealants.
In further embodiment of the present invention the open end of the receptacle is covered by a cover, and a rubber grommet is disposed between the cover and the open end; said cover and rubber grommet is provided with apertures for extending the wiring harness.
In further more embodiment of the present invention the receptacle has a box type structure with rectangular side walls.
In another embodiment of the present invention the receptacle is provided with raceways extending from the open end to the closed end and said raceways are disposed on two opposite side walls for slidably receiving the said printed circuit board inside the receptacle.
In still another embodiment of the present invention interior of the switch module is constructed so as to accommodate the said receptacle.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the receptacle is provided with a connecting arm with a hole for inserting a fastener and the interior of the switch module is provided with threaded recess for cooperating with the fastener thereby connecting the receptacle with the interior of the switch module.
The present invention also provides a handle bar with an illuminated left hand side
switch module and an illuminated right hand side module; each of the said left hand side
switch module and the right hand side module comprising
at least one control switch for operating functions of one or more accessories of the
motorcycle; said function switch is configured to connect a power supply to the accessory
of the motorcycle;
at least one function symbol insert comprising symbol indicative of the function
performed by the said function switch;
at least one illumination source located directly below the said function symbol insert for
providing illumination to the function symbol insert;
an electronic control unit (ECU) received in a receptacle which is disposed in the said left
hand side switch module or in the right hand side module; said ECU is configured to
connect a power supply to the illumination source;
said electronic control unit of one switch module is coupled with the illumination source
of the other side of the switch module by one or more water tight connector.
The present invention is described with reference to the figures and specific embodiments; this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various alternate embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such alternative embodiments form part of the present invention.
Figures 2(a) and 2(b) illustrates an exemplary view of the illuminated handle bar switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention. The switch module shown in figure 2(a) is left hand side switch module of the motorcycle. The switch module shown in figure 2(b) is right hand side switch module of the motor cycle.

The illuminated handle bar switch module has at least one function symbol insert comprising at least one symbol which indicative of the functions performed by the control switch. As shown in figures 2(a) and 2(b) the illuminated handle bar switch module has function symbol inserts (1) comprising illuminated symbols (2) such as dipper, blinker, horn in left hand side and engine kill, main, start in right hand side etc. As shown in figures 2(a) and 2(b), the function symbol inserts are disposed adjacent to the respective control switches (3). As can be clearly understood, the switch module can be provided with one or more control switches (3). Similarly, the number of function symbol inserts (1) can be one or more. As can be observed from figures 2(a) and 2(b), for each control switch (3) a separate function symbol insert (1) can be provided which is located adjacent to the control switch (1). The number of symbols (2) on the function symbol insert can be one or more than one and the number of symbols can be determined according to the requirement. For example, the function symbol insert respective of the blinker comprises two symbols, the function symbol insert respective of horn comprises one symbol and the function symbol insert respective of headlight comprises three symbols.
The function symbol insert can be a sheet which has one or more symbols printed or embossed over the said sheet. The said insert can be mounted on the switch module by pasting, hot sealing, fastening or ultrasonic welding or by any other suitable method.
In an embodiment of the present invention the function symbol insert comprises a sheet on which the symbol is screen printed. The said function symbol insert is mounted on the switch module by insert molding such that the surface of the sheet on which the symbol is screen printed remains inside the switch module. It can be clearly understood that such function symbol insert can be prepared by taking a transparent sheet on which the symbol is screen printed and then coating the said sheet with black paint while masking the portion of the sheet on which symbol is printed. Therefore, the light impinges on such function symbol insert, it is transmitted only through the portion on which the symbol is screen printed.
As can be clearly understood, the symbols do not get affected by the environmental factors such as water, dust, shower, salt or UV radiations as symbols are screen printed


on a surface the function symbol inserts which remains inside the switch module rather than top surface of the function symbol insert.
The symbols of the function symbol insert can be illuminated by an illumination source which is placed below the function symbol insert. The illumination source can be a bulb or a light emitting diode or any other suitable illumination source. In an embodiment of the present invention a lens sub-assembly is disposed directly below the function symbol insert and the lens sub-assembly is provided with an illumination source for providing illumination to the symbol. An illumination source or a single lens assembly with one illumination source can be used for illuminating one or more symbols as may be provided on the function symbol insert.
The illumination is achieved by providing illumination source inside a lens sub-assembly. The lens sub assembly is placed directly below each function symbol insert that is insert molded with console itself using in mould decoration technology. These symbols glow once the head lamp is switched on. During the day time, the symbols printed on function symbol insert are prominent, sharp and visible.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the illumination is achieved through low amperage and low voltage illumination source. According to an embodiment, the handle bar switch module of the present invention comprises an electronic control unit which is configured to connect a power supply such as a battery to the illumination source. In addition, the electronic control unit is configured to provide various protections to the illumination source against surge currents and transient voltage, reverse polarity and battery drainage.
As described previous paragraphs, the electronic control unit is accommodated in the switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows an illuminated handle bar switch module accommodating an electronic control unit (4) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 3, the placement of the electronic control unit (4) inside the switch module saves the length of wiring harness and also reduces the number of water tight connectors. The placement of

the electronic control unit (ECU) (4) within the switch console simplifies wire routing and also reduces it length thereby saving the overall cost of the system.
The electronic control unit (4) is disposed in the path of current flow from the power supply to the illumination source. In an embodiment of the present invention the current flows from the power supply to the illumination source via electronic control unit (4) when the head lamp is switched on. However, a separate switch can be provided for switching on the power supply to the illumination source. As explained earlier paragraphs, the electronic control unit (4) provides various protections to the illumination source against surge currents and transient voltage, reverse polarity and battery drainage.
In an embodiment of the present invention the electronic control unit (ECU) (4) comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) (5) mounted with plurality of resistors, one or more capacitor and an integrated circuit for providing the voltage drop and current conditioning. Figure 4 shows a circuit depicting an electronic control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 4, the ECU has a PCB (5) including placement of electrical and/or electronic components over both sides of PCB (5). These components include but not limited to one integrated circuit (6) for dropping the input voltage from 12 volts to 3 volts or as desired by the illumination source. One or more capacitor (7) is mounted over PCB (5) at input end as well as output end for filtering the spikes generated while running the vehicle. This protects the circuit from surge current and transient voltage current. On other side of PCB (5), one or more resistor(s) (8) are placed in series (one for each illumination source) for stepping down the current i.e. from amperes to milli-amperes. At least one pad(s) (9) have been defined over PCB (5) as an output to the illumination source. The number of pads & resisters can be increased or decreased depending upon the numbers of illumination source. The output wires to the illumination source can be directly soldered to these pads.
In the present invention, the electronic control unit is a dedicated electronic control unit which controls the illumination feature only. The electronic control unit is smaller in size and accommodated inside the switch module. Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary view of packaging of the electronic control unit in the switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 5, the switch module comprises

a receptacle (10) for receiving the electronic control unit (4). As shown in figure 5, the receptacle (10) has an open end (11) and a closed end (12). The ECU is received from the open end (11) of the receptacle (10). As can be noticed from figure 5, the receptacle (10) is a box type structure with rectangular side walls. Two raceways (13) are provided on two opposing side walls so that the ECU (4) is received in the receptacle (10) slidably. The raceways (13) extend from the open end (11) to the closed end (12). The open end (11) of the receptacle (10) is used for routing the wires making electrical connections of the ECU (4) with illumination source and power supply. As can be observed from figure 5, wiring harness (14) making electrical connections is extending through the open end (11) of the receptacle (10). The open end (11) of the receptacle (10) can be closed by potting of epoxy resins and/ or sealants. The open end (11) of the receptacle (10) can also be closed by a cover and rubber grommet which is disposed between the cover and the open end (11). The cover and the open end (11) can be provided with apertures for extending wiring harness.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the said ECU is slided inside the receptacle and wires are routed outside from the open end (11) of the receptacle. This is followed by potting with epoxy or sealant over ECU inside the receptacle. Potting prevents the entry of water, dust, UV radiations or other contamination inside ECU. Potting also protects the said ECU from the effect of vibrations derived out of engine vehicle.
Figure 6 illustrates assembly of the electronic control unit (4) with receptacle (10) inside the switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figures 3 and 6, interior of the switch module is constructed so as to accommodate the receptacle (10). The receptacle (10) and the interior of the switch module can be provided with means for connecting the receptacle with the interior of the switch module. As can be observed from in figures 5 and 6, the receptacle is provided with a connecting arm (15) with a provision of fastening the same with the interior of the receptacle. The connecting arm can be provided with a hole (16) for inserting a fastener and the interior of the switch module is provided with threaded recess for cooperating with the said fattener. As shown in figure 6, the receptacle is connected in the switch module with the help of fastener (17).

As shown in figure 7, wires (14) emerging out of electronic control unit are routed to the respective illumination source. Both the left hand side switch module and the right hand side switch module is provided with separate electronic control units which are mounted inside the respective switch modules. However, a single ECU can be used for controlling the illumination of both left hand side and the right hand side switch module. Said ECU can be mounted either in the right hand side switch module or in the left hand side switch module. The illumination sources on the other side of control switch receives input current from the same ECU via water tight connector. This saves the length of the wiring harness and number of water tight connectors between both switches.
Figure 8 illustrates a handle bar of a motorcycle with illuminated handle bar switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 8, the left hand side switch module (18) has function symbol inserts for dipper, blinker, horn and the right hand side switch module (19) has function symbol inserts Engine kill, Main, start. An ECU is provided on right hand side switch module (19). A female water tight connector (20) which is connecting with a male water tight connector (21) of left hand side control switch provides connections of illumination sources of the left hand side switch module (18).
Some of the advantages of the present invention are as follows:
a) The present invention provides an illuminated handle bar switch module with an
electronic control unit dedicated to illumination feature and which meets the performance expectations of the end user and is economical to the manufacturer.
b) An electronic control unit for illuminated handle bar switch with less number of parts.
c) Small packaging size within the switch console.
d) Low cost ECU as compared to conventional two-wheeler/three-wheeler ECU.
e) Protection of ECU against effect of vibration.
f) Protection of ECU against environmental effect such as water, dust and other cumulative effect of environment
g) Reduction in length of wiring harness and reduction in number of connectors for both
male and female connectors, h) In build protection against reverse polarity, surge current, transient voltage etc.

We Claim:
1. An illuminated handle bar switch module for motorcycle, said switch module comprising:
at least one control switch for operating functions of one or more accessories of the
motorcycle; said function switch is configured to connect a power supply to the accessory
of the motorcycle;
at least one function symbol insert comprising symbol indicative of the function
performed by the said function switch;
at least one illumination source located directly below the said function symbol insert for
providing illumination to the function symbol insert;
an electronic control unit being configured to connect a power supply to the illumination
source;
a receptacle for accommodating the said electronic control unit; said receptacle is housed
in the switch module and comprising , a closed end and a open end for projecting
therethrough connecting wires for making electrical connections..
2. A switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said function symbol insert is mounted in the switch module by means selected from pasting, hot sealing, fastening and ultrasonic welding.
3. A switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said at least one function symbol insert is mounted in the switch module by means of insert moulding.
4. A switch module as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said at least one function symbol insert comprises a sheet on which the symbol is screen printed.
5. A switch module as claimed in any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the symbol is disposed on a surface of the said sheet of function symbol insert which remains inside the switch module.
6. A switch module as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the illumination source is disposed in a lens sub-assembly and the said lens sub-assembly is located directly below the function symbol insert.
7. A switch module as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the function symbol insert comprises two symbols and a single lens sub-assembly is located below the said function symbol insert so as to illuminate the two symbols.
8. A switch module as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit comprises a printed circuit board mounted with plurality of resistors, one or more capacitor and an integrated circuit for providing the voltage drop and current conditioning.
9. A switch module as claimed in claim 5, wherein the electronic control unit is coupled with the power supply and the illumination source through the electrical connections comprising wiring harness extending outside from the open end of the receptacle.
10. A switch module as claimed in any of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the open end of the receptacle is closed by potting of epoxy resins and/or sealants.
11. A switch module as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the open end of the receptacle is covered by a cover, and a rubber grommet is disposed between the cover and the open end; said cover and rubber grommet is provided with apertures for extending the wiring harness.
12. A switch module as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle has a box type structure with rectangular side walls.
13. A switch module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the receptacle is provided with raceways extending from the open end to the closed end and said raceways are disposed on two opposite side walls for slidably receiving the said printed circuit board inside the receptacle.
14. A switch module as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein interior of the switch module is constructed so as to accommodate the said receptacle.
15. A switch module as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is provided with a connecting arm with a hole for inserting a fastener and the interior of the switch module is provided with threaded recess for cooperating with the fastener thereby connecting the receptacle with the interior of the switch module.
16. A handle bar with an illuminated left hand side switch module and an illuminated right
hand side module; each of the said left hand side switch module and the right hand side
module comprising
at least one control switch for operating functions of one or more accessories of the
motorcycle; said function switch is configured to connect a power supply to the accessory
of the motorcycle;
at least one function symbol insert comprising symbol indicative of the function
performed by the said function switch;
at least one illumination source located directly below the said function symbol insert for
providing illumination to the function symbol insert;
an electronic control unit (ECU) received in a receptacle which is disposed in the said left
hand side switch module or in the right hand side module; said ECU is configured to
connect a power supply to the illumination source;
said electronic control unit of one switch module is coupled with the illumination source
of the other side of the switch module by one or more water tight connector.
17. A contact-less illuminated handle bar switch module, and a handle bar with an
illuminated left hand side switch module and an illuminated right hand side module, for
motorcycle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.