Handlebar Switch
Field of Invention
. . I he present invention relates to a handle bar switch for performing one or more
functions in motorcycles.
Background of the Invention
In vehicles, sucli as two wheeled vehicles (such as motorcycles), the handle bar is
provided with two switches i.e. Left hand side switch (herein after referred as LII
Switch) and Right hand side switch (herein after referred as RH Switch). The LHswitch
is configured to perform fi~nctions in a motorcycle wliich are frequently i~sed
such as functions related to communication (i.e. providing signals or indications) with
other vehicles, pedestrians, etc. The Rf-i-switch is configured to perform less number
of functions/operations as colnpared to the number of functions/operations performed
by the LI-I-switch.
t~acli of the RH-switch and the L11-switch is provided with plurality of switch
modules for performing plurality of fiinctions in the motorcycle. Normally, the 1,IIswitch
includes switch modules configured to perfor111 functions selected from 1 lorn.
Dimmer (i.e. High beam and Low beam), Pass, and Blinker; and the Rf I- switch
includes switcli lnodules configured to perform functions selected from Engine kill
(i.c. Engine OfT), Engine start and Main lamp (as shown in Figures I (a) and (b)).
The following paragraphs describe some of the reasons for dividing the above
mentioned filnctions into left and right hand.
As can be observed that there are plurality of fi~nctions (i.e. in total 7 functions),
hence incorporating all functions inside one switch (say either IiH-switch or LHswitch)
will make the switch bulky due to the requirements of the more packaging
space and difficult ergonomics. Therefore, functions/operations wliich are less
frequently used. has been kept on the RkI-switch side while the functions/operations
with frequent use has been kept on the LI I-switch.
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Another reason for tlie division is for safety. A safety feature is provided in majority
of the motorcycles, wherein while starting the motorcycle if the vehicle is in geared
position (i.e. motorcycle' gear is not in neutral position), engine will not start, unless
and until the clutch lever is pressed. This safety feature is for avoiding quick thrust
which rider might experience while starting tlie vehicle in geared position. Therefore,
si~nultaneous actions to start the motorcycle which is in geared position include
pressing the lever clutch and pressing the start knob. In order to accomplish the said
simultaneous actions (i.e. pressing the lever clutcli and pressing the start knob) to start
the motorcycle whicl~ is in geared position, both the functions (i.e. lever clutcli and
start knob) are being located in LH and RH handlebar separately so that the same can
be co~nfortablyo perated with two different hands as sliown in Figure 2.
In addition, throttle for accelerating and decelerating the vehicle is present at right
hand side of the handle bar. Therefore, sometimes it becomes difficult for the rider to
operate the both of these functions (i.e. throttle and functions/operations on RHswitcli)
siniultancously, thereby, affecting the rider safety.
Summary of the Invention
The preserit invention provides a handle-bar switch for performing one or more
functions in a motorcycle. 'I'he switch cotnprises a switch housing having an interior
and exterior. A plurality of switch modules is accolnlnodated in the housing, said
plurality of switch modules comprises a first integrated switch-module and a seco~id
integrated switch-module. The first integrated switch-module configured to perform
functions selected from 'Engine Start', 'Engine-Run' and 'Engine-Kill' functions and
the second integrated switch-module configured to perform functions selected from
'High Beam', 'Low Beam' and 'Pass' fi~nctions.
Brief description of drawings
1:igul-cs l(a)-(b) ill~~stratdei stribution of switch operations/fi~nctions in existing
handle bar switches.
existing handle bar switches.
Figure 3(a)-(b) illustrate distribution of switch operations/functions in LH handle bar
switch according an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a left hand Iiandle bar switch (LH-switch) according to an
embodiment of the present invention
Figures 5(a), (b), (c) illustrate front view, top view and left side view, respectively, of
the L1-I-switch of shown in Figure 4.
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view ofthe L1-i-switch of shown in Figure 4.
Figure 7-12 illustrate switch modules for the L1-I-switch according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
1)escription of the present invention
Accordingly, the present invention provides a handle-bar switch for performing one or
more functions in a motorcycle, said switch comprising:
a switch housing having an interior and exterior;
a plurality of switch modules being accommodated in the housing; said
plurality of switch tnodules comprising:
a first integrated switch-module configured to perform functions selected from
'Engine Start', 'Engine-Run' and 'Fhgine-Kill' fitnctions;
a second integrated switch-module configured to perform fitnctions selected
from 'Iiigh Beam', 'Low Beam' and 'Pass' functions.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of switch modules comprise
additional switch tnodules selected from Horn module, Blinker module Main lamp
module.
I n another embodiment of the present invention, the switch housing comprises an
upper portion and a lower portion.
111 still another embodiment of the present invention, the upper portion and the lower
portion of housing comprising plurality of slots for accommodating knobs of switch
modules.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first integrated switch
module, second integrated switch module and the main lamp module are disposed on
the upper portion of the housing.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the horn module and tlie blinker
module are disposed on the lower portion of the housing.
In a further more embodiment of tlie present invention, the first integrated switchmodule
being disposed in the upper portion and located on rear side of the housing.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the second integrated switch-module
being disposed in tlie upper portion and located on top-front side of the housing.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the main lamp module being
disposed in tlie upper portion and located at front side of the housing adjacent to the
second integrated switch.
In yct another embodiment of the present invention, the born module and the blinker
module are disposed in the lower portion and located on front side of the housing.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, knob of the first integrated switch is
movcable under an actuation force in forward position, a middle position and
downward position corresponding to 'Engine kill', 'Ingine run' and 'Engine start'
position respectively.
In a further more embodiment of the present invention, the knob of the first integrated
switch is biased between the middle position and the downward position towards the
middle positio~iu nder a force of a spring so that in the absence of actuation force, the
knob of the first i~~tegratesdw itch cannot remain in downward position and tend to
move towards the middle position.
In another embodiment of the present invention, knob of the second integrated switch
is moveable under an actuation force from a middle position to a forward position and
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a downward position, where the middle position, forward position and a downward
position correspond to Low beam, High beam and Pass fitnction.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the knob of the second integrated
switcli is biased between the middle position and the downward position towards the
middle position under a force of a spring so that in the absence of actuation force, the
knob of tlie second integrated switch cannot remain in downward position and tend to
move towards the middle position.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the handle bar switch is left liand
(L,H) side handle bar switch.
Accordingly. it is an object of tlie present invention is to provide a handle bar switch
which overcomes at least one of the above stated problems of the existing switches.
7 . 1 lie present invention provides a handle bar switch in which the functionsioperations
are shifted or integrated to one hand side preferably from right hand side switch
casing or housing (i.e. RH-switch) to left hand side switch casing or housing (i.e. LI4-
switch). In other words, in the handlebar switch of the present invention the switcli
functions of IIII-switch are integrated to the functions of Lkf switch so that the right
hand of the rider has to perform only two functions i.e. 'operating Front brake lever'
and 'operating throttle' as sl~ownin 12igure3 (b).
According to all embodiment of the present invention. integration of switch filnctions
of Rl-I switch with functions of LH switcli may be done as follows:
(i) Integrating 'Dimmer' function (i.e. Dimmer module for lligh beam and
L,ow beam function) with the 'Pass' function (i.e. Pass module); and
(ii) Integrating 'Engine kill' function (i.e. 1;ngine kill module for turning off
the engine) with the 'Engine start' filnction (i.e. Engine start module thr
starting the engine).
Combining one or more functions as explained in the above example will result into
five modules i.e. ( I ) Dimmer with Pass module, (2) Engine kill with Start module. ( 3 )
Blinker module, (4) Horn module, and ( 5 ) Main lamp module on the LH switch. In
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case of vehicles with manual gears. tlic left hand side ofthe handle bar vehicle may
include clutch for clutch operation along with the afore-said five switch '
operationslfunctions of tlie I,H-switch as shown in Figure 3(a). Whereas, right hand
side of the liandle bar vehicle may include only two functions i.e. Front brake lever
and Throttle as shown in Figure 3(b).
As can be observed from the previous paragraph that by shifting all the switcli
operations on the Ideft hand side of the handle bar of the vehicle results into
improvement of the switching system as well as provides rider a comlbrt in using
switches and throttle simultaneously.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a compact handle bar switch whicli
include plurality of switch modules for performing plurality of functions which may
be selected from the group comprising ' Horn', 'Blinker', 'Dimmer'. 'Pass'. 'Main
lamp', 'Engine kill' and 'Engine start'. In an embodiment of the present invention. the
plurality of ~iiodulcsa rc placed in tlic sw~tclsl o that the switch tnodulcs may be easily
operated using tli~lmba nd fore finger with ease.
'rlie handle bar of tlie switch of'the present invention is preferably a L,H-switch.
Figure 4 illustrates a handle bar switch (preferably left hand handle bar switch i.e.
L,H-switch) ( 1 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to
I:igure 4, tlie LII switcli (1) comprises housing or casing (2) and plurality of switcli
modules accommodated in tlie said housing. 'l'lie plurality of switcli modules
comprises a first integrated switcli module (3) and a second integrated switch module
(4). 'rhe first integrated switch module (3) configured to perform functions selected
from 'Engine Start'. 'Engine-Run' and 'Engine-Kill' functions. The second integrated
switch-module (4) configured to perform functions selccted from 'tligli Beam', 'Idow
13eam7 and 'Pass' functions. In addition to the first and second integrated switch
modules (3, 4). the plurality of switch modules include additional switch modules
selected from I lorn module ( 5 ) , Blilikcr module (6), Main lamp module (7).
As shown in Figure 4, the LH-shitch of the present invention comprises five switch
modules i.e. Engine kill with start module (i.e. first integrated switch module) (3),
Dimmer with Pass module (i.e. second integrated switch module) (4), Blinker module
(6), Horn module (5), and Main lamp module (7). Each of the switch modules is
provided with a knob (K). The housing or casing (2) is provided with plurality of slots
for projecting tlicre through the respective knobs of the switcli modules. As can be
observed from Figure 4, the said modules are located in such a manner so that knobs
of respective switch modules are within the reach of human hand structure.
Figures 5(a), (b), (c) illustrate front view, left side view and top view, respectively,
and Figure 6 ili~~straatne exploded view of tlie [,I-I-switch of shown in Figure 4.
Referring to Figures 4, 5 and 6, the switch housing or casing (2) of the LH switch (1)
includes an upper portion (8) and a Iowa- portion (9). 'fhe upper portion (8) and tlic
lower portion (9) of the housing (2) arc securable with ezcli other so as to form tlie
housing (2) having an interior for accommodating the switcli modules (3-7). The
Lipper portion (8) and thc lower portion (9) of housing (2) comprising plurality of slots
for accommodati~ig knobs of switcli modules. The upper portion (8) of the
housindcasing (2) comprises a plurality of slots (S) for accommodating tlie knobs (K)
of tlie 'Main lamp module' (7). tlie 'Engine kill with Start' module (i.e. first
integrated switcli module) (3) and 'Dimmer with I'ass' module (i.e. second integrated
switcli module) (4). '1'lie lowcr portion (9) of tho housinglcasing (2) comprises a
plurality of slots for accommodating the knobs tlic 'Blinker' module (6) and tlie
' I forn' modulc (5). As sliown in figures 4-6, :lie Blinker module (6) and tlie IIorn
module (5) are located in front side of the lower portion (9) of the housing (2) and tlie
'Engine kill with Start' module (3) is located on rear side of the upper portion (8) of
the lio~~sing/casin(g2) , and the 'Dimmer with I'ass' module (4) is located in the in a
top-front side and tlie 'Main lamp' module (7) on the top side of the upper portio~i( 8)
of tlie housing (2).
Figure 7-1 1 illustrate switcli modules for the LH-switch according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
Figure 7 sliows a I Iorn switcli module (5) which is a push-type knob switch module.
The construction, functioning and location of the Horn switch mod:~lr ( 5 ) are same as
in existing IIorn switch modules. Similarly, Figure 8 shows a Blinker switch module
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(6) which is 'I'oggle-type knob switcli module. Construction, f~tnctioninga nd location
of the Blinker switch module are same as in existing Blinker switch modules. As
sliown in Figures 5(c), 7 and 8, the Horn module (5) is located in bottom-front side of
the housing (2) and the blinker module (6) is located at front side of housing (2) above
the Horn module (5).
Referring to Figures 5(c) and 9, the Main lamp module (7) which is a sliding-type
knob switch module and located on the top side ofthe upper portion (8) of the switch
housing (2) of the LH switcli (1) in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention. Thc Main lamp module (7) is located adjacent to the Dimmer with Pass
niodule (i.e. second integrated switcli) (4). Preferably, the Main lamp module (7) is
located at the left side of the 'Dimmer with Pass' module (4) which is located in the
top-front side of the upper portion (8) of the switcli housing (2) of the LH switch (1)
so that the Main lamp module (7) can be easily operated by the user using the thumb
of the left hand. Figures 9(aj, (b) and (c) illustrates the Main lamp rnodule at 'Main
lamp 01-F', 'Parking ON' and 'Main lamp ON' positions, respectively. Once, the
Main lamp module conies in 'Main lamp ON' position, the 'Dimmer-with Pass'
module (4) becomes active.
Figure 10 illustrates a second integrated switcli (or 'Dimmer with Pass' module) (4)
according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 5(c) and
10, the 'Dimmer with Pass' module (4) is placed adjacent to the Main lamp module
(7) and located at the front-top side of the upper portion (8) of the switch
housindcasirig (2) of the Ll I switcli (1). 'I'lie 'Dirnmer with Pass' module (4) is a
type of switch in which the knob (K) is pivotally movable from a middle position to a
forward position and downward position when an actuating force is applied on tlic
knob. 'I'lie knob of the second integrated switch ~nodulc (4) is biased between tlie
middle position and the downward position towards the middle position under a force
of a spring (not sliown in figures) so that in the absence of actuation force, tlie knob of
the second integrated switch cannot remain in downward position and tend to move
towards the middle position. In other words, when tllc actuating force applied by the
user for shifting the knob of the second integrated switch module from middle
position to the downward position is removed), the knob returns to the lniddle
position. 'The knob can remain in tlie middle or forward position even in absence of
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the actuating force (i.e. when tlie actuating force applied by tlie user is removed). Tlie
middle position corresponds to tlie 'Low beam' function, the downward position
corresponds to the 'Pass' function and the forward position corresponds to the 'iligh
beam' function. Figures 10 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate, Middle position (i.e. Low beam),
Downward position (i.e. Pass) and Forward position (i.e. High beam). respectively, of
'Dimmer witli Pass module'.
Figure 10 (d) is an exemplary illustration of circuit arrangements for Main lamp
module and Dimmer with Pass n~odule.In an embodiment ofthe present invention, an
input in the Dimmer with Pass module provided through Main lamp module. Once
Main lamp module actuated to ON position, contact will be made and an inpi~t is
transferred to the Dimmer witli pass module as shown in Figure 10(d).
Figure 1 1 shows tlie first integrated switch module (i.e. 'Engine Kill with Start'
module) (3) which is type of switch in which the knob is movable in forward, middle
and downward position using an actuating force. Tlie knob of the first integrated
switch is biased between the middle position and the downward position towards tlie
middle position. I'he said biasing rnay be achieved by supporting the knob (K) on a
detent surface (10). For this purpose. a spring loaded pin ( 1 1 ) is secured to tlie knob
(K) of the first integrated switch module (3) and the knob (K) is supported on thc
detent surface by the said spring loaded pin. 'Tli~ls,t he knob (K) of the first integrated
switch (3) is biased between the middle position and the downward position towards
tlie middle position under a force ot'a spring so that in the absence of actuation t'orce.
the knob (K) of the first integrated switch (3) cannot remain in downward position
and tend to move towards the middle position. In other words, the knob is biased
between the downward position and the middle position so that when knob is pressed
from the middle position to the downward position, the knob returns back to the
middle position as soon as the actuating force is removed. However, there knob may
not biased between the forward position and no biasing is provided between the
forward position and the middle position. 'I'lierefore, the knob remains in fi7rwal-d
position when pressed from tlie middle position to forward position.
'l'lle torward position corresponds to the 'Engine Kill' fi~nction, the downward
position corrcsponds to the '1-nginc Start' li~nction and the middle pcisition
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corresponds to the 'Engine run' function. Fig~~re1s1 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate,
Downward position (i.e. Engine start), Middle position (i.e. Engine run) and Forward
position (i.e. Engine kill), respectively, of 'Engine kill with Start' module.
Figures 12(a)-(c) illustrates construction of the first integrated switch lnodule (i.e.
'Engine start with Kill' module) (3) according an embodiment of the present
invention. 1:igure 12(a) shows a moving contact plate (12) of the 'Engine start with
Kill' module. As shown in Fig~lre 12(a) the said moving contact plate (12) includes
plurality of contact domes (13) rigidly secured to the said moving contact plate.
I'igure 12 (b) shows a stationary rigid base (14) comprising plurality of domes
forming stationary contacts (1 5 ) of the said module. Fig~~r1e2 (c) is an exemplary
illustration showing movetnent of the moving contact plate (12) in 'Engine Stop' (i.e.
L2,ngine kill or Engine Off), 'Engine Ii~ln' and 'Izngine Start' Positions.
Advantages of the present invention:
(a) The switch of the present invention is compact as all the modules are inside the
same switch housing/casing which enhances the compactness.
(b) In the switch of the present invention one switch housing (i.e. RI1-switch) is
totally eliminated which provides benefit in terms ofthe cost and overall assenlbly
time.
(c) 'l'he overall assetnbly time ofthe switch is less.
(d) 'I'he switch of the present invention completely eliminates the requirement of RII
switch, and hence, no dist~trbances while operating the throttle which increases
rider's safely.
(e) In the present switch two separate filnctions arc integrated and therefore, less
number of wires required in wiring harness.
(0 Less number of components required in the present switch which enhances the
overall quaiity.
'I'he 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
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skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore
contemplated that such alternative embodilnents form part of the present invention.
We claim:
1. A handle-bar switch for performing one or more functions in a motorcycle,
said switch comprising:
a switch housing having an interior and exterior;
a plurality of switch modules being accommodated in the housing; said
plurality of switch modules comprising:
a first integrated switch-module configured to perform functions selected from
'Ihgine Start', 'lhgine-Run' and 'Engine-Kill' functions;
a second integrated switch-module configured to perform fi~nctions selected
from 'Iiigh Bealn'. '1,ow Beam' and '['ass' functions.
2. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of switch
tnodules comprise additional switch nlodulcs selected from 1Iorn module, Blit~kcr
module Main lamp module.
3. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch housing
comprising an upper portion and a lower portion.
4. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upper portion and the
lower portion of housing comprising plurality of slots for accon?modating knobs of
switch modules.
5. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claims 1 to 3. wherein the first intcgratcil
switch module, second integrated switch tnodule and the maill lamp lnodulc arc
disposed on the upper portion of the housing.
6. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein the horn module and
the blinker modulc are disposed on tlic Itr\ver portion ofthe housing.
7. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claims 5, wherein the first integrated
switch-module being disposed in the iIpper portion and located on rear side of the
housing.
8. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second integrated
switch-module being disposed in the upper portion and located on top-front side of
the housing.
9. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claim 5, wherein the main lamp module
being disposed in the upper portion and located at front side of the ho~lsinga djacent to
the second integrated switch.
10. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein the horn module ar,d the
blinker module are disposed in the lower portion and located on fi-ont side of the
housing.
1 1 . A handle-bar switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein, knob of the first
integrated switch is moveable under an actuation force in forward position, a middle
position and downward position corresponding to 'Engine kill', 'Engine run' and
'Engine start' position respectively.
12. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the knob of the first
integrated switch is biased between the middle position and the ciownward position
towards the middle position under a force of a spring so that in the absence of
actuation forcc, the knob of the first integrated switch cannot remain in dow~iward
position and tend lo move towards the tniddle position.
13. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein, knob of the second
integrated switch is moveable ~ ~ n daenr actuation force from a middle position to a
forward position and a downward position, where the middle position, forward
position and a downward position correspond to Low beam, IIigh beam and Pass
fi~nction.
14. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claim 13, wherein the knob of the second
integrated switch is biased between the tniddle position and the downward position
towards the middle position under a forcc of a spring so that in the absence of
actuation force, the knob of the second integrated switch cannot remain in downward
position and tend to move towards the middle position.
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15. A handle-bar switch as claimed in claims 1-14. wherein the handle bar switch is
left hand (LH) side handle bar switch.