DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

“HANDLE BAR SWITCH ASSEMBLY HAVING A RESISTIVE LADDER NETWORK”

Napino Auto & Electronics Ltd., an Indian Company of Sec-3 Plot No. 7, Sector 3, IMT Manesar, Distt-Gurgaon – 122050, Haryana

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a handle bar switch assembly to be fixed on a handle bar of a vehicle, particularly a two-wheeler vehicle.

Background of the Invention:
Over the Era, a lot of switches have been developed for vehicular application for example, i.e. high current, low current. In particular, a large number of switches are disposed on a handle bar switch assembly. However, the conventional switches disposed in the handle bar switch assembly include large number of internal mechanical parts & the wires, which need to be reduced. Thus, the invention attempts to reduce the number of internal mechanical parts & the wires of the switches that are incorporated in a handle bar switch assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a handlebar switch assembly adapted to be fixed on a handlebar of a motorcycle, comprising: at least one case comprising a first number of apertures; a printed circuit board encased by said at least one case, the printed circuit board having a switching network formed thereof, the switching network comprising: an input terminal and an output terminal, the input terminal being adapted to receive an input DC voltage; a first number of resistors connected in series and positioned between the input terminal and the output terminal; and a first number of switches connected between the input terminal and the output terminal such that the switches are parallel to each other and each switch having a resistor associated therewith; and a first number of knobs traversing through the first number of apertures of the at least one case and being adapted to actuate a corresponding switch from the first number of switches .

In an embodiment of the invention, the printed circuit board comprises a first side and a second side opposing the first side, the first side facing an underside of the knobs, the first side having the first number of switches disposed thereupon.

In another embodiment of the invention, each of the first number of switches comprise: a pair of conductive areas formed on the first side of the printed circuit board; and a metallic dome member disposed on the first side of the printed circuit board, the metallic dome member being adapted to be pressed and in response thereto completing an electrical circuit between the pair of conductive areas.

In still another embodiment of the invention, a controller disposed on the second side of the printed circuit board, the controller being coupled to the output terminal and being adapted to sense actuation of a particular switch from the first number of switches.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the input terminal, the output terminal and the first number of resistors are disposed on the second side of the printed circuit board.

In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the first number of resistors have equal resistance value.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first number of resistors have un-equal resistance values.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the printed circuit board being adapted to produce an output DC voltage, the output DC voltage corresponding to actuation of a switch from the first number of switches; the output DC voltage has a set of values, each value from the set of values being unique and representing the switch that has been actuated.

In an embodiment of the invention, the controller being adapted to: receive the input DC voltage ; receive the output DC voltage from the output terminal; and compare the input DC voltage with the output DC voltage and based thereupon performing a switching action in relation to an electrical component corresponding to the switch that has been actuated.

In an embodiment of the invention, the controller being adapted to compare the input DC voltage with the output DC voltage , determine a ratio between the input DC voltage and the output DC voltage and perform, based on the ratio, a switching action in relation to the electrical component corresponding to the switch that has been actuated.

An advantage of the invention is that construction of the handlebar switch assembly comprises a substantially less number of internal mechanical parts (as compared to conventional handlebar switch assembly). Thus, a construction of the handlebar switch assembly is substantially simple. As the handlebar switch assembly has very less number of internal mechanical parts, the process of manufacturing the handlebar switch assembly is simple. Thus, a time taken to manufacture the handlebar switch assembly is substantially less. All of the aforesaid aspects lead to a substantial reduction in a cost of the handlebar switch assembly.

Additionally, the switch can be operated on substantially low current values. The switching network functions as mechanism that produces a set of output DC values, wherein each DC output value corresponds to a particular switch that has been actuated. The Controller thereafter determines a ratio between the input DC value and the output DC value is determined. This procedure eliminates any error in detection of which particular switch has been actuated.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the 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 Figures:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram showing the manner in which a right hand console (RHM Console) and a left hand console (LHM Console) are connected to a DC power source and a controller. The left hand console is shown to comprise 12 switches which are connected via the resistive ladder network while the right hand console is shown to comprise of one switching element.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the left hand console constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
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 there in being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1 and 2, the present invention is directed to a handlebar switch assembly (100) adapted to be fixed on a handlebar of a motorcycle, comprising at least one case (102) comprising a first number of apertures (1041-104k); a printed circuit board (106) encased by said at least one case (102), the printed circuit board (106) having a switching network formed thereof, the switching network comprising: an input terminal (108) and an output terminal (110), the input terminal being (108) adapted to receive an input DC voltage (112); a first number of resistors (1141-114n) connected in series and positioned between the input terminal (108) and the output terminal (110); and a first number of switches (1161-116n) connected between the input terminal (108) and the output terminal (110) such that the switches (1161-116n) are parallel to each other and each switch (1161-116n) having a resistor (1141-114n) associated therewith; and a first number of knobs (1181-118k) traversing through the first number of apertures (1041-104k) of the at least one case (102) and being adapted to actuate a corresponding switch from the first number of switches (1161-116n). In an embodiment, the input DC voltage is +12 V DC, +5 V DC.

In an embodiment, the printed circuit board (106) comprises a first side (120) and a second side (122) opposing the first side (120), the first side (120) facing an underside of the knobs (1181-118k), the first side (120) having the first number of switches (1161-116n) disposed thereupon.

In an embodiment, the handlebar switch assembly comprises a holder (107) for holding and securing the printed circuit board (106) within the case (102).

In an embodiment, each of the first number of switches (1161-116n) comprise: a pair of conductive areas (not shown) formed on the first side (120) of the printed circuit board (106); and a metallic dome member (128) disposed on the first side (120) of the printed circuit board (106), the metallic dome member (128) being adapted to be pressed and in response thereto completing an electrical circuit between the pair of conductive areas.

In an embodiment, a controller (130) disposed on the second side of the printed circuit board (106), the controller (130) being coupled to the output terminal (110) and being adapted to sense actuation of a particular switch from the first number of switches (1161-116n).

In an embodiment, the input terminal (108), the output terminal (110) and the first number of resistors (1141-114n) are disposed on the second side (122) of the printed circuit board (106).

In an embodiment, the first number of resistors (1141-114n) has equal resistance value.

In an embodiment, the first number of resistors (1141-114n) has un-equal resistance values.

In an embodiment, the printed circuit board (106) being adapted to produce an output DC voltage (132), the output DC voltage (132) corresponding to actuation of a switch from the first number of switches (1161-116n); the output DC voltage (132) has a set of values, each value from the set of values being unique and representing the switch that has been actuated.

In an embodiment, when a particular mechanical dome is actuated / de-actuated, appropriate values of resistances from the switching network get connected / disconnected in series, due to which a unique output voltage is generated.

In an embodiment, the controller (130) being adapted to: receive the input DC voltage (112); receive the output DC voltage (132) from the output terminal (110); and compare the input DC voltage (112) with the output DC voltage (132) and based thereupon performing a switching action in relation to an electrical component corresponding to the switch that has been actuated.

In an embodiment, the controller (130) being adapted to compare the input DC voltage (112) with the output DC voltage (132), determine a ratio between the input DC voltage (112) and the output DC voltage (132) and perform, based on the ratio, a switching action in relation to the electrical component corresponding to the switch that has been actuated.

In an embodiment of the invention, the knobs (1181-118k) have a pusher/plunger at the underside of the knobs (1181-118k). The knobs (1181-118k), upon actuation, enable the pusher/ plunger to move to actuate a corresponding switch. In an embodiment of the invention, the pusher/ plunger to move to press the metallic dome member (128), thereby completing the electrical circuit between the pair of conductive areas.

In an embodiment of the invention, the pusher/plunger may either physically separated or physically connected to the knob (1181-118k).

In an embodiment, the pusher/plunger may be formed of any material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the pusher/plunger may be formed in any shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the left hand (LH) switch console comprises switches such as a high –low-pass beam module, selector D-pad module (up, down, left, right, ok), winker with hazard module, horn module.

In an embodiment, the right hand (RH) switch console comprises switches such as engine kill with start module.

An advantage of the invention is that construction of the handlebar switch assembly (100) comprises a substantially less number of internal mechanical parts (as compared to conventional handlebar switch assembly). Thus, a construction of the handlebar switch assembly (100) is substantially simple. As the handlebar switch assembly (100) has very less number of internal mechanical parts, the process of manufacturing the handlebar switch assembly (100) is simple. Thus, a time taken to manufacture the handlebar switch assembly (100) is substantially less. All of the aforesaid aspects lead to a substantial reduction in a cost of the handlebar switch assembly (100).

Additionally, the switches (1161-116n) can be operated on substantially low current values. The switching network functions as mechanism that produces a set of output DC values, wherein each DC output value corresponds to a particular switch that has been actuated. The controller (130) thereafter determines a ratio between the input DC value and the output DC value is determined. This procedure eliminates any error in detection of which particular switch (1161-116n) has been actuated.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A handlebar switch assembly (100) adapted to be fixed on a handlebar of a motorcycle, comprising:
• at least one case (102) comprising a first number of apertures (1041-104k);
• a printed circuit board (106) encased by said at least one case (102), the printed circuit board (106) having a switching network formed thereof, the switching network comprising:
o an input terminal (108) and an output terminal (110), the input terminal being (108) adapted to receive an input DC voltage (112);
o a first number of resistors (1141-114n) connected in series and positioned between the input terminal (108) and the output terminal (110); and
o a first number of switches (1161-116n) connected between the input terminal (108) and the output terminal (110) such that the switches (1161-116n) are parallel to each other and each switch (1161-116n) having a resistor (1141-114n) associated therewith; and
• a first number of knobs (1181-118k) traversing through the first number of apertures (1041-104k) of the at least one case (102) and being adapted to actuate a corresponding switch from the first number of switches (1161-116n).

2. The handlebar switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board (106) comprises a first side (120) and a second side (122) opposing the first side (120), the first side (120) facing an underside of the knobs (1181-118k), the first side (120) having the first number of switches (1161-116n) disposed thereupon.

3. The handlebar switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the first number of switches (1161-116n) comprise:
• a pair of conductive areas (not shown) formed on the first side (120) of the printed circuit board (106); and
• a metallic dome member (128) disposed on the first side (120) of the printed circuit board (106), the metallic dome member (128) being adapted to be pressed and in response thereto completing an electrical circuit between the pair of conductive areas.

4. The handlebar switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a controller (130) disposed on the second side of the printed circuit board (106), the controller (130) being coupled to the output terminal (110) and being adapted to sense actuation of a particular switch from the first number of switches (1161-116n).

5. The handlebar switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the input terminal (108), the output terminal (110) and the first number of resistors (1141-114n) are disposed on the second side (122) of the printed circuit board (106).

6. The handlebar switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first number of resistors (1141-114n) have equal resistance value.

7. The handlebar switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first number of resistors (1141-114n) have un-equal resistance values.

8. The handlebar switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board (106) being adapted to produce an output DC voltage (132), the output DC voltage (132) corresponding to actuation of a switch from the first number of switches (1161-116n); the output DC voltage (132) has a set of values, each value from the set of values being unique and representing the switch that has been actuated.

9. The handlebar switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the controller (130) being adapted to:
• receive the input DC voltage (112);
• receive the output DC voltage (132) from the output terminal (110); and
• compare the input DC voltage (112) with the output DC voltage (132) and based thereupon performing a switching action in relation to an electrical component corresponding to the switch that has been actuated.

10. The handlebar switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the controller (130) being adapted to compare the input DC voltage (112) with the output DC voltage (132), determine a ratio between the input DC voltage (112) and the output DC voltage (132) and perform, based on the ratio, a switching action in relation to the electrical component corresponding to the switch that has been actuated.