TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Specifically, the
present disclosure provides a low amperage five directional control switch for
vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed towards the construction
and mechanism of a control switch whereby multiple functions are achieved by means
of a singular switching device.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the
present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, vehicles are provided with control switches/buttons for performing various
functions for smooth operation, safe driving and for giving indication to other riders
while driving. Conventionally, these functions are governed by control buttons
mounted on control switches via the vehicle battery, in series. It is a general practice
to use different types of switches for various control functions, such as Push Type
switches, Hinge Type switches, Slide Type switches, Rocker Type switches etc.
However, there are many demerits of such independent switch systems as they
provide troublesome operation. The existing system reduces the ease of operability
making it complex for the user to use while driving the vehicle. Another demerit of
the existing mechanism is that these independent switches occupy more space when
mounted on the mounting panel of the vehicle.
In other words, there was a need to develop a user friendly and technically advance
switching device for regulating the various functions in vehicles. More specifically, a
singular low amperage switching device for performing various functions of vehicle
operation whereby the switching device is user friendly, economical, has less number
of parts and can be fitted with minimal occupancy of space on the mounting panel of
vehicles.
3
SUMMARY
One or more drawbacks of conventional control switches as described in the prior art
are overcome and additional advantages are provided by the five directional control
switch for vehicles as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and
advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other
embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are
considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a five
directional control switch for vehicles. The said control switch comprises a knob
being movable in four lateral directions and one longitudinal direction. The knob is
mounted movably on a bracket. A carrier comprises a plurality of pivots for
facilitating movement of the knob in the lateral directions, and at least one projection
for actuating a contact switch corresponding to the at least one projection during
lateral movement of the knob. An elongated actuator is received through an opening
in the carrier and is coupled with the knob. The elongated actuator is adapted to move
through the carrier in the longitudinal direction to actuate at least one contact switch.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the contact switch comprises a fixed
contact and a moving contact; the contact switch being mounted on a PCB sub
assembly.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCB sub assembly comprises a
PCB and a rubber contact pad having a provision corresponding to each contact
switch; the provision being configured to actuate the moving contact in the
longitudinal direction.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening comprises a plurality
of guiding channels for movably supporting the actuator in the longitudinal direction.
In one more embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of pivots are formed
diagonally with respect to one another, on the periphery of the carrier; each of the said
plurality of pivots being movably disposed in a slot in the bracket.
4
In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, the elongated actuator
comprises a hemispherical end for actuating the at least one contact switch during
longitudinal movement of the knob.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the rubber contact pad comprises a
hollow column being connected with each of the plurality of provisions; the hollow
column being adapted to accommodate excess air between the PCB and the rubber
contact pad during activation of the said five directional control switch.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described
above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent with
reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction
with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference
numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figures 1a and 1b show an isometric view of the five directional control switch.
Figure 2 depicts a partially exploded view of the five directional control switch
depicting the various components of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 depicts an exploded view depicting the various components comprised in the
five directional control switch of Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
5
Figures 4a and 4b illustrate an isometric view of the view of the bracket and the
carrier according to one other embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate isometric views of the bracket sub assembly
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 6a and 6b illustrate isometric views of the PCB sub assembly according to
another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 depicts a sectional view of the rubber contact pad over the PCB sub
assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 8a and 8b shows show an isometric view of the rubber contact pad according
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 depicts the various positions of the control knob in the actuated condition of
the five directional control switch according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only.
One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that
alternative embodiments of the assemblies and methods illustrated herein may be
employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific
embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be
described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to
cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
6
Before describing in detail the various embodiments of the present disclosure it may
be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with a five
directional control switch for vehicles. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art
can be motivated from the present disclosure and can perform various modifications.
However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to
understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system, device
that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may
include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system or device or
setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or device
proceeded by “comprises a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or
apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present disclosure. The invention in
respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly, it is an aim of the present disclosure to provide an improved switching
device for vehicles whereby a singular switching device provides multiple operations,
simplifying the usage for the driver.
One more aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved switching device
for operating multiple functions wherein the over pressing of the switching area can
be avoided.
Yet another aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved switching device
that is compact in size and is water proof.
7
One more aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved switching device
which can be used for low amperage switching applications.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a five directional control switch for
vehicles. The said control switch comprises a knob being movable in four lateral
directions and one longitudinal direction. The knob is mounted movably on a bracket.
A carrier comprises a plurality of pivots for facilitating movement of the knob in the
lateral directions, and at least one projection for actuating a contact switch
corresponding to the at least one projection during lateral movement of the knob. An
elongated actuator is received through an opening in the carrier and is coupled with
the knob. The elongated actuator is adapted to move through the carrier in the
longitudinal direction to actuate at least one contact switch. The contact switch
comprises a fixed contact and a moving contact; the contact switch being mounted on
a PCB sub assembly. The PCB sub assembly comprises a PCB and a rubber contact
pad having a provision corresponding to each contact switch; the provision being
configured to actuate the moving contact in the longitudinal direction. The opening
comprises a plurality of guiding channels for movably supporting the actuator in the
longitudinal direction. The plurality of pivots are formed diagonally with respect to
one another, on the periphery of the carrier; each of the said plurality of pivots being
movably disposed in a slot in the bracket. The elongated actuator comprises a
hemispherical end for actuating the at least one contact switch during longitudinal
movement of the knob. The rubber contact pad comprises a hollow column being
connected with each of the plurality of provisions; the hollow column being adapted
to accommodate excess air between the PCB and the rubber contact pad during
activation of the said five directional control switch.
Reference will now be made to a five directional control switch for vehicles which is
explained with the help of figures. The figures are for the purpose of illustration only
and should not be construed as limitations on the assembly and mechanism of the
present disclosure. Wherever possible, referral numerals will be used to refer to the
same or like parts.
8
It is understood by a person skilled in art that the five directional control switch, as
disclosed in the present disclosure, can be mounted at different locations on the front
panel of a vehicle in horizontal or vertical position or any other position as per the
suitability of the manufacturer/user.
As per the present disclosure, the five directional control switch comprises a knob that
is capable of moving in four lateral directions and one longitudinal direction.
Accordingly, an extreme left position of the knob in a lateral direction in the
horizontal plane about a central neutral position is termed as 1st position. An extreme
right position of the knob in a lateral direction in the horizontal plane about a central
neutral position is termed as 2nd position. A forward/up position of the knob in a
lateral direction in the horizontal plane about a central neutral position is termed as 3rd
position. A backward/down position of the knob in a lateral direction in the horizontal
plane about a central neutral position is termed as 4th position. A pushed/pressed
position of the knob in a longitudinal direction along a vertical plane from the neutral
position is termed as 5th position of the knob. The term longitudinal direction herein
refers to a direction along the axis YY’ in a vertical plane. The term lateral direction
herein refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in a horizontal
plane.
Accordingly, figures 1 to 9 illustrate a five directional control switch (100) for low
amperage applications in vehicles in a non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.
As shown in figures 2 to 4 the said control switch (100) comprises a knob sub
assembly and a PCB sub assembly. As shown in figure 3 the said control switch
comprises a knob (1) being mounted on a bracket (3). In an embodiment, the knob sub
assembly comprises a rubber bellow (2) being mounted on the bracket for preventing
entry of external contaminants such as dust and water into the control switch (100).
The bracket (3) has a generally rectangular shape having a plurality of provisions for
mounting the various components of the said control switch (100). The bracket (3)
comprises a trough (3b) disposed coaxially with a bore (2a) of the bellow (2) in the
mounted condition. The bellow (2) is mounted externally on an upper side of the
bracket (3). In an embodiment, the trough (3b) has an octagonal configuration for
movably supporting the knob (1). Disposed on a lower side of the bracket (3) is a
carrier (4). The carrier (4) has a generally semi-circular configuration having a
9
spherical face (4d) and a flat face (4e). An opening (4c) is formed on the carrier (4);
such that the opening extends through the carrier (4) from the centre of the flat face
(4e) to the spherical face (4d). In the mounted condition, the carrier (4) is mounted
such that the opening (4c) is aligned co-axially with the trough (3b) of the bracket (3).
The carrier (4) comprises a plurality of pivots (4a) being formed radially on the
periphery of the carrier (4). In an embodiment, as shown in figure 4a, the carrier (4)
comprises four pivots (4a) disposed diagonally opposite to one another on the
periphery of the flat face (4e). The bracket (3) comprises a plurality of slots (3a)
corresponding to the plurality of pivots (4a). In the mounted condition, each pivot (4a)
is supported movably in the corresponding slot (3a) in the longitudinal direction. The
carrier (4) further comprises at least one projection (4b) formed downwardly on the
flat face (4e) to actuate a contact switch as shown in figure 4b. In a non-limiting
embodiment, the carrier (4) comprises four projections (4b) formed opposite to one
another on the flat face (4e) of the carrier (4).
As shown in figures 3 to 5, the five directional control switch (100) comprises an
elongated actuator (5) having a proximal end portion (5a) and a distal end portion
(5b). In the mounted condition, the elongated actuator (5) is disposed on the lower
side of the bracket (3). The distal end portion (5b) of the elongated actuator (5) is
received through the opening (4c) in the carrier (4) and pass through the trough (3b)
to be coupled with the knob (1), thereby supporting the knob (1) in the longitudinal
direction. The opening (4c) comprises a plurality of guiding channels to movably
support the actuator (5) in the longitudinal direction and restrict lateral movement
between the carrier (4) and the elongated actuator (5). Formed at the proximal end
portion (5a) of the elongated actuator (5) is a hemispherical end (5c) for actuating at
least one contact switch during longitudinal movement of the knob (1), i.e. in the 5th
position of the knob (1). In an alternate embodiment, the actuator (5) can be integrated
with the carrier (4) for applications where longitudinal movement of the elongated
actuator is not required. Any such modification shall be within the scope of the
present application.
As shown in figures 6, 7 and 8, the said control switch (100) comprises a plurality of
contact switches being mounted on the PCB sub-assembly. The contact switches have
a general configuration comprising a fixed contact and a moving contact being formed
10
on a PCB (6) and a rubber contact pad (7) respectively. The rubber contact pad (7) is
mounted on the PCB (6). The said rubber contact pad (7) is made of a flexible silicon
type non-conductive material. The rubber contact pad (7) comprises a plurality of
provisions (7a) formed upwardly from the rubber contact pad (7) towards the carrier
(4). Disposed in each of the provisions (7a) is the moving contact which is made from
a conductive material, such that the moving contact always faces the PCB (6). The
PCB (6) comprises tracks made from conductive material, to form the fixed contacts.
In one embodiment, the number of provisions (7a) on the rubber contact pad (7) is
corresponding to the number of projections (4b). In the mounted condition, the said
provisions (7a) are disposed below the corresponding projections (4b). The provisions
(7a) are dome shaped so as to resiliently engage/disengage the moving contact with
the tracks on the PCB (6) during actuation by the carrier (4) or elongated actuator (5).
The PCB (6) is coupled with a connecting means such as electric coupler (8) or
Jumper Cables or Flex Cables or the like, to form electrical connection with a control
unit of the vehicle. A layer of epoxy potting is applied at the interface of the PCB (6)
and the coupler (8) so as to prevent entry of water or dust particles. During actuation
of the said control switch, when the provision (7a) is pressed in the longitudinal
direction by the corresponding projection (4b), the provision (7a) collapses over the
PCB (6) the tracks printed over the PCB (6), i.e. the fixed contacts are short with each
other by the moving contact in the provision (7a), thereby completing the electrical
circuit so as to actuate a desired signal.
Referring to figure 6, the rubber contact pad (7) further comprises a hollow column
(7b) formed upwardly from the rubber contact pad (7). The hollow column (7b) has a
hollow interior connected with each of the plurality of provisions (7a). During
activation of the said control switch, when any of the plurality of provisions (7a)
collapses on the PCB, the excess air between the PCB (6) and the rubber contact pad
(7) is accommodated in the said hollow column (7b).
In an embodiment, as shown in figure 9, in the neutral position of the five directional
control switch, the flat face of the carrier is in a horizontal position and is supported
over four provisions (7a) disposed oppositely on the rubber contact pad (7). The
elongated actuator (5) is supported on one provision (7a) disposed centrally between
the four opposite provisions. When a user applies an activation force on the knob (1)
11
in the lateral direction, the knob (1) is actuated laterally. This causes downward
movement of one side of the carrier (4). In this condition, pivots (4a) on the other side
of the carrier (4) are restricted from upward movement by the corresponding slots
(3a). Thus, one side of the carrier moves downwards about the pivots on the other side
of the carrier (4). This results in movement of the corresponding projection (4b) in the
downward direction so as to longitudinally actuate the corresponding provision (7a) to
establish electrical contact between the moving and fixed contacts to obtain a desired
signal. When the knob is actuated in the left direction about the central neutral
position along the horizontal plane, the carrier (4) moves pivotally in the bracket (3).
This in turn results the projection (4b) on the side of the carrier (4) moving
downwards, to press the corresponding provision (7a) to actuate a signal. Thus the
said control switch is said to be in the 1st position. Upon relieving the actuating force
from the knob, due to resilient action on the projection (4b) by the provision (7a), the
side of the carrier (4) actuated downwards is pushed upwards to the horizontal neutral
condition. This in turn moves the knob (1) to its neutral position. Similarly, upon
actuating the knob (1) in the right direction about the central neutral position along the
horizontal plane the carrier (4) presses the provision (7a) of the PCB sub assembly
and a corresponding signal is activated. This is said to be the 2nd position of the
control switch. Accordingly, a forward/up position of the knob (1) in the horizontal
plane about a central neutral position is termed as 3rd position. A backward/down
position of the knob in the horizontal plane about a central neutral position is termed
as 4th position. A 5th position of the knob is defined by the extreme position of the
knob (1) in the downward direction along the vertical axis YY’. When a user applies
an actuation force on the knob (1) in the longitudinally downward direction, the
elongated actuator (5) moves longitudinally through the opening (4c) so as to actuate
the central provision by means of the hemispherical end (5c), thus activating the
desired signal. When the user removes the activation force from the knob (1), due to
resilient action of the provision (7a), the knob (1) returns to the unactuated condition
and the said control switch (100) is said to be in the neutral position.
List of reference numerals:
100 Five Directional Control Switch
1 Knob
2 Bellow
12
2a Bore
3 Bracket
3a Slot
3b Trough
4 Carrier
4a Pivot on Carrier
4b Projection on Carrier
4c Opening in Carrier
4d Spherical Face of Carrier
4e Flat Face of the Carrier
5 Elongated Actuator
5a Proximal End Portion of Actuator
5b Distal End Portion of Actuator
5c Hemispherical End of Actuator
6 PCB
7 Rubber Contact Pad
7a Provisions of Rubber Contact Pad
7b Hollow Column of Rubber Contact Pad
8 Coupler
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those
having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the
singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various
singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and
especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally
intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at
least,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly
recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For
example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that
the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing
13
only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases
“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a”
and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”);
the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be
interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two
recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two
or more recitations). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually
any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether
in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the
possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For
example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or
“B” or “A and B.”
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and
embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to
be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
1. A five directional control switch (100) for vehicles, comprising:
a knob (1) being movable in four lateral directions and one
longitudinal direction; the knob (1) being mounted movably on a
bracket (3);
a carrier (4) comprising;
a plurality of pivots (4a) for facilitating movement of
the knob (1) in the lateral directions; and
at least one projection (4b) for actuating a contact
switch corresponding to the at least one projection (4b) during
lateral movement of the knob (1);
an elongated actuator (5) being received through an opening (4c) in the
carrier (4) and being coupled with the knob (1); the elongated actuator
(5) being adapted to move through the carrier (4) in the longitudinal
direction to actuate at least one contact switch.
2. The five directional control switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the contact switch comprises a fixed contact and a moving contact; the
contact switch being mounted on a PCB sub assembly.
3. The five directional control switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the PCB sub assembly comprises a PCB (6) and a rubber contact pad (7)
having a provision (7a) corresponding to each contact switch; the
provision (7a) being configured to actuate the moving contact in the
longitudinal direction.
4. The five directional control switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the opening (4c) comprises a plurality of guiding channels for movably
supporting the actuator (5) in the longitudinal direction.
5. The five directional control switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the plurality of pivots (4a) are formed diagonally with respect to one
15
another, on the periphery of the carrier (4); each of the said plurality of
pivots (4a) being movably disposed in a slot (3a) in the bracket (3).
6. The five directional control switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the elongated actuator (5) comprises a hemispherical end (5c) for actuating
the at least one contact switch during longitudinal movement of the knob
(1).
7. The five directional control switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the rubber contact pad (7) comprises a hollow column (7b) being
connected with each of the plurality of provisions (7a); the hollow column
(7b) being adapted to accommodate excess air between the PCB (6) and
the rubber contact pad (7) during activation of the said five directional
control switch (100).
8. The five directional control switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a
rubber bellow (2) is mounted externally on an upper side of the bracket
(3).
9. The five directional control switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the PCB sub assembly comprises a layer of epoxy potting at an interface of
the PCB (6) and coupler (8).