Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A handlebar switch console (100; 200) for mounting on a steering handlebar of a motorcycle, comprising:
a first and a second case half bodies (102, 202, 104, 204) joined together so as to surround the steering handlebar;
a first switch (106, 206) having a body portion (108, 208) accommodated within the first case half body (102, 202) and a knob portion (110, 210) that protrudes from the first case half body (102, 202); and
a second switch (112, 212) having body portion (114, 214) accommodated within the first case half body (102, 202) and a knob portion (116, 216) that protrudes from the first case half body (102, 202);
wherein the body portion (114, 214) of the second switch (112, 212) comprising a bottom surface having a first arc profile (118, 218) with respect to a centre of the handlebar switch console, and a lateral surface having a chamfered profile (120, 220) with respect to the body portion (108, 208) of the first switch (102, 202), the lateral surface facing the first switch (102, 202).

2. The handlebar switch console as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom surface having the first arc profile (118, 218) has a first radius of curvature (R1) with respect to a centre of the handlebar switch console.

3. The handlebar switch console as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first switch (106, 206) has a first bracket portion having a second arc profile (122, 222) with respect to the centre of the handlebar switch console and a second bracket portion having a third arc profile (124, 224) with respect to the centre of the handlebar switch console, the first and the second bracket portions being adapted to join the first switch (106, 206) to the first case half body (102, 202).

4. The handlebar switch console as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second arc profile of the first bracket portion (122, 222) has a second radius of curvature (R2) with respect to the centre of the handlebar switch console and the third arc profile of the second bracket portion (124, 224) has a third radius of curvature (R3) with respect to the centre of the handlebar switch console.

5. The handlebar switch console as claimed in claims 2 and 4, wherein the first radius of curvature (R1) is greater than the second radius of curvature (R2).

6. The handlebar switch console as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
• a third switch (126) having a body portion (128) accommodated between the first and the second case half bodies (102, 104) and a knob portion (130) that protrudes from between the first and the second case half bodies (102, 104);
• a fourth switch (232) having a body portion (234) accommodated within the second case half body (204) and a knob portion (236) that protrudes from between the first and the second case half bodies (202, 204);
• an integrated switch (238) including a fifth and a sixth switches (240, 242), the integrated switch (238) having a body portion (244) accommodated within the second case half body (204), a fifth and a sixth knob portions (246, 248) that protrudes from the second case half body (204); and/or
• an electronic throttling sensor (150) accommodated within the second case half body (104).

7. The handlebar switch console as claimed in claim 6, wherein the electronic throttle sensor is accommodated within a sensor bracket (152), the sensor bracket (152) including a fifth arc profile (154) with respect to a centre of the handlebar switch console.

Description:

The present invention relates to a handlebar switch console that carries plurality of switches for mounting on a steering handlebar of a motorcycle. In particular, the present invention relates to a handlebar switch console that carries plurality of switches at least one of which has a cylindrical shape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

A known handlebar switch console is to be mounted on a steering handlebar of a motorcycle. In some instances, there may be provided a left handlebar switch console which is adapted to be mounted on left side of the steering handlebar and a right handlebar switch console which is adapted to be mounted on right side of the steering handlebar.

The known handlebar switch console can carry one or more of switches that can be actuated thereby allowing control of corresponding electrical functions of the vehicle. The switches that are generally provided in the handlebar switch console include a headlight control switch which brings the headlight to one of a high-beam / pass-beam state, a winker switch which can be used to turn ON the left or the right winker, a horn switch that actuates the horn, a joy-stick which can be used for navigating through various features, a mode selection switch which can be used for selecting a particular feature, a hazard switch which outputs a hazard signal thereby bringing all the winkers to simultaneous blinking state, an engine kill and start switch which kills the engine in a first state, brings the engine to life in a second state and starts the engine in a third state, and one or more additional switches which can be additional functioning. In some cases, there may be additionally provided an electronic throttling sensor within the handlebar switch console (preferably within the right handlebar switch console).

In all cases, the number of switches and location of each switch; have to meet with customer satisfaction in terms of ergonomics, ease of operation and various other parameters. Once the above factors have been finalized, it is not possible to reduce the sizing of the switches or to minimize a space for installing the switches within the handlebar switch console. Because of the above, the sizing of the handlebar switch console cannot be optimized and in particular, reduced.

Thus, there exists a need to address the aforesaid disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a handlebar switch console (100) for mounting on a steering handlebar of a motorcycle. The handlebar switch console comprises a first and a second case half bodies (102, 104) joined together so as to surround the steering handlebar. The handlebar switch console further comprises a first switch (106) having a body portion (108) accommodated within the first case half body (102) and a knob portion (110) that protrudes from the first case half body (102). The handlebar switch further comprises a second switch (112) having body portion (114) accommodated within the first case half body (102) and a knob portion (116) that protrudes from the first case half body (102). In a preferred aspect of the invention, the body portion (114) of the second switch (112) comprises a bottom surface having a first arc profile (118) with respect to a centre of the handlebar switch console. The generally body portion (114) of the second switch (112) further comprises a lateral surface having a chamfered profile (120) with respect to the body portion (108, 208) of the first switch (106), such that the lateral surface faces the first switch (106).

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:
Figures 1(A) and 1(B) represents a front view and a corresponding side view of a first handlebar switch console constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figures 2(A) and 2(B) represents a front view and a corresponding side view of a second handlebar switch console constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 3 represents a side view of the first case half body that forms part of the first handlebar switch console in a semi-transparent manner showing the construction of the first switch and the second switch in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 4 represents a bottom view of the first case half body that forms part of the first handlebar switch console showing the construction of the first switch and the second switch in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 5 represents a side view of the first case half body that forms part of the first handlebar switch console in a semi-transparent manner showing the construction of the first switch and the second switch in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 6 shows the sequence of assembling the first and the second switches in the first case half body that forms part of the first handlebar switch console in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 7 represents the perspective view of the first handlebar switch console in a semi-transparent manner showing the construction of the third switch and the electronic throttle sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 represents the perspective sectional view of the second case half body forming part of the first handlebar switch console showing the construction of the third switch and the electronic throttle sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 represents the perspective view of the sensor bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10 represents a side view of the first case half body that forms part of the second handlebar switch console in a semi-transparent manner showing the construction of the first switch and the second switch in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 11 represents a bottom view of the first case half body that forms part of the second handlebar switch console showing the construction of the first switch and the second switch in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 12 represents a perspective view of the second handlebar switch console showing the construction of the fourth switch and the integrated switch throttle sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 13 represents a sectional view of the second handlebar switch console showing the construction of the fourth switch and the integrated switch throttle sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of 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 device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

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

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

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 a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device 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.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

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

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

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

Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, there are illustrated two alternative constructions of the handlebar switch console in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The handlebar switch console as shown in Figure 1 is being referred to as “first handlebar switch console (100)”, while the handlebar switch console as shown in Figure 2 is being referred to as “second handlebar switch console (200)”. The first handlebar switch console (100) may be mounted on a right side of a steering handlebar of a motorcycle while the second first handlebar switch console (200) may be mounted on a right side of a steering handlebar of a motorcycle.

Referring particularly to Figure 1(A) and Figure 1(B) there is illustrated a front view and a corresponding side view of the first handlebar switch console (100) constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The first handlebar switch console (100) comprises a first case half body (102) and a second case half body (104) that are joined together so as to surround a steering handlebar (not shown in Figure 1). The first case half body (102) includes a first switch (106) and a second switch (112). The first handlebar switch console (100) can further include a third switch (126). The first handlebar switch console (100) furthermore includes an electronic throttle sensor (150), best visible in Figure 7 and Figure 8.

Referring particularly to Figure 2(A) and Figure 2(B) there is illustrated a front view and a corresponding side view of the first handlebar switch console (200) constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The second handlebar switch console (200) also comprises a first case half body (202) and a second case half body (204) that are joined together so as to surround a steering handlebar (not shown in Figure 2). The first case half body (202) includes a first switch (206) and a second switch (212). The second handlebar switch console (200) can further include a fourth switch (232). The second handlebar switch console (200) furthermore includes an integrated switch (238) that comprises a fifth switch (240) and a sixth switch (242).

Referring to Figure 3, which represents a semi-transparent side view of the first case half body (102) that forms part of the first handlebar switch console (100); it can be seen that the first switch (106) has a body portion (108) accommodated within the first case half body (102) and a knob portion (110) that protrudes from the first case half body (102). It can be furthermore seen that the second switch (112) has a body portion (114) accommodated within the first case half body (102) and a knob portion (116) that protrudes from the first case half body (102).

In an embodiment of the invention, the body potion (108) of the first switch is of generally cylindrical shape. In an embodiment of the invention, the body portion (114) of the second switch (112) has a generally cube or cuboid shape.

Referring now to Figure 3 and Figure 4 together, in a preferred aspect of the invention, the generally cube shaped or a generally cuboid shaped body portion (114) of the second switch (112) comprises a bottom surface having a first arc profile (118) with respect to a centre of the first handlebar switch console (100), and a lateral surface having a chamfered profile (120) with respect to the body portion (108) of the first switch (106). In an embodiment of the invention, the lateral surface of the second switch (112) having the chamfered profile (120) faces the body portion (108) of the first switch (106).

As particularly shown in Figure 3, in an embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface of the second switch (112) having the first arc profile (118) has a first radius of curvature (R1) with respect to a centre of the first handlebar switch console (100).

As best seen in Figure 4, the first switch (106) has a first bracket portion having a second arc profile (122) which is with respect to the centre of the first handlebar switch console. Further, the first switch (106) has a second bracket portion having a third arc profile (124) which is also with respect to the centre of the first handlebar switch console. The first and the second bracket portions are adapted to join the first switch (106) to the first case half body (102).

As best seen in Figure 5, the second arc profile of the first bracket portion (122) has a second radius of curvature (R2) with respect to the centre of the fist handlebar switch console and the third arc profile of the second bracket portion (124) has a third radius of curvature (R3) with respect to the centre of the first handlebar switch console. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the first radius of curvature (R1) is greater than the second radius of curvature (R2). The third radius of curvature (R3) can be based on the location of joining of the first switch (106) with the first case half body (102) and does not need to be dependent upon the first radius of curvature (R1).

Since, the chamfered profile (120) on lateral surface of the second switch (112) is with respect to the body portion (108) of the first switch (106), in an embodiment of the invention, the chamfered profile (120) may be in the form of a fourth arc profile. The fourth arc profile in this case corresponds to the body portion (108) of the first switch (106) and has a fourth radius of curvature (R4). In an embodiment of the invention, the fourth radius of curvature (R4) is more than the radius of curvature of the generally cylindrical body portion (108) of the first switch (106).

Now referring to Figure 6, there is illustrated a sequence of assembling the switches in the first case half body (102). As shown on the extreme left side, firstly the first case half body (102) is taken. Thereafter, as shown in the centre, the second switch (112) is assembled in the first case half body (102). Thereafter, as shown in the extreme right, the first switch (106) is assembled in the first case half body (102).

Now referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8, it can be seen that the third switch (126) is disposed between the first case half body (102) and the second case half body (104). In particular, as best seen from Figure 8, the third switch (126) has body portion (128) accommodated between the first and the second case half bodies (102, 104) and a knob portion (130) that protrudes from between the first and the second case half bodies (102, 104). In an embodiment of the invention, the body portion (128) is a generally cube or cuboid shape.

Also, it can be seen that the electronic throttling sensor (150) is accommodated within the second case half body (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic throttle sensor (150) is accommodated within a sensor bracket (152). The sensor bracket (152) is adapted for joining the electronic throttle sensor (150) to the second case half body (104). As best seen from Figure 9, the sensor bracket (152) includes a fifth arc profile (154) with respect to a centre of the handlebar switch console.

The general requirement (from the customer perspective) is to have the first handlebar switch console (100) constructed in such a way that it adheres to the dimensions “X1” being in the range of 48 to 54 mm, “Y1” being in the range of 80 to 85 mm, and “Z1” being in the range of 62 to 66 mm. It has been observed that unless the bottom surface has the first arc profile (118) with respect to a centre of the handlebar switch console, and the lateral surface has the chamfered profile (120) with respect to a body portion (108, 208) of the first switch (106), the first switch (106) and the second switch (112) interfere with each other in terms of their placement. Thus, accommodating both the first switch (106) and the second switch (112) within the first handlebar switch console (100) becomes difficult or in other hand, it becomes difficult to minimize the space for installing the first and the second switches (106 and 112) within the first handlebar switch console (100). Apart from the above, it becomes difficult to accommodate further switches, such as the third switch (126) within the first handlebar switch console (100). Also, it becomes difficult to accommodate the electronic throttle sensor (150) within the first handlebar switch console (100).

Also the aspect of the first bracket portion of the first switch having the second arc profile (122) and the second bracket portion of the first switch having the third arc profile (124) (both of which are with respect to the centre of the first handlebar switch console) assists in minimizing the space for installation of the first and the second switches (106 and 112) within the first handlebar switch console (100).

Even, the aspect of first radius of curvature (R1) being greater than the second radius of curvature (R2) assists in minimizing the space for installation of the first and the second switches (106 and 112) within the first handlebar switch console (100).

Even the aspect of the fourth radius of curvature (R4) being more than the radius of curvature of the generally cylindrical body portion (108) of the first switch (106) assists in minimizing the space for installation of the first and the second switches (106 and 112) within the first handlebar switch console (100).

Furthermore, the aspect of the sensor bracket (152) having the fifth arc profile (154) with respect to a centre of the handlebar switch console assists in minimizing the space for installation of the electronic throttle sensor (150) and the third switch (126) within the first handlebar switch console (100).

Referring to Figure 10, which represents a semi-transparent side view of the first case half body (202) that forms part of the second handlebar switch console (200); it can be seen that the first switch (206) has a body portion (208) accommodated within the first case half body (202) and a knob portion (210) that protrudes from the first case half body (202). The body portion (208) in an embodiment has a generally cylindrical shape. It can be furthermore seen that the second switch (212) has a body portion (214) accommodated within the first case half body (202) and a knob portion (216) that protrudes from the first case half body (202). In an embodiment, the body portion (214) has a generally cube shape or a generally cuboid shape.

Referring now to Figure 10 and Figure 11 together, in a preferred aspect of the invention, the body portion (214) of the second switch (214) comprises a bottom surface having a first arc profile (218) with respect to a centre of the second handlebar switch console (200), and a lateral surface having a chamfered profile (220) with respect to a body portion (208) of the first switch (206). In an embodiment of the invention, the lateral surface having the chamfered profile (220) faces the first switch (206).

As particularly shown in Figure 10, in an embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface having the first arc profile (218) has a first radius of curvature (R1) with respect to a centre of the second handlebar switch console (200).

As best seen in Figure 11, the first switch (206) has a first bracket portion having a second arc profile (222) which is with respect to the centre of the second handlebar switch console. Further, the first switch (206) has a second bracket portion having a third arc profile (224) which is also with respect to the centre of the second handlebar switch console. The first and the second bracket portions are adapted to join the first switch (206) to the first case half body (202).

As best seen in Figure 10, the second arc profile of the first bracket portion (222) has a second radius of curvature (R2) with respect to the centre of the second handlebar switch console and the third arc profile of the second bracket portion (224) has a third radius of curvature (R3) with respect to the centre of the second handlebar switch console. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the first radius of curvature (R1) is greater than the second radius of curvature (R2). The third radius of curvature (R3) can be based on the location of joining of the first switch (206) with the first case half body (202) and does not need to be dependent upon the first radius of curvature (R1).

Since, the chamfered profile (220) on lateral surface of the second switch (212) is with respect to the body portion (208) of the first switch (206), in an embodiment of the invention, the chamfered profile (220) may be in the form of a fourth arc profile. The fourth arc profile in this case corresponds to the body portion (208) of the first switch (206) and has a fourth radius of curvature (R4). In an embodiment of the invention, the fourth radius of curvature (R4) is more than the radius of curvature of the generally cylindrical body portion (208) of the first switch (206).

The sequence of assembling the switches in the first case half body (202) can be substantially similar to that shown in Figure 6.

Now referring to Figure 12 and Figure 13, it can be seen that the fourth switch (232) and the integrated switch (238) are disposed in the second case half body (204). In particular, the fourth switch (232) has a body portion (234) accommodated between in the second case half body (204) and a knob portion (236) that protrudes from between the first and the second case half bodies (202, 204). Also, it can be seen that the integrated switch (238) includes a fifth and a sixth switches (240, 242). The integrated switch (238) has a body portion (244) accommodated within the second case half body (204), a fifth knob portion (246) and a sixth knob portion (248). Both the fifth and the sixth knob portions (246, 248) protrude from the second case half body (204).

The general requirement (from the customer perspective) is to have the second handlebar switch console (200) constructed in such a way that it adheres to the dimensions “X1” being in the range of 48 to 54 mm, “Y1” being in the range of 80 to 85 mm, and “Z1” being in the range of 62 to 66 mm. It has been observed that unless the bottom surface has the first arc profile (218) with respect to a centre of the handlebar switch console, and the lateral surface has the chamfered arc profile (220) with respect to a body portion (208) of the first switch (206), the first switch (206) and the second switch (212) interfere with each other in terms of their placement. Thus, accommodating both the first switch (206) and the second switch (212) within the second handlebar switch console (200) becomes difficult or in other hand, it becomes difficult to minimize the space for installing the first and the second switches (206 and 212) within the second handlebar switch console (200). Apart from the above, it becomes difficult to accommodate further switches, such as the fourth switch (232) within the second handlebar switch console (200). Also, it becomes difficult to accommodate the integrated switch (238) within the second handlebar switch console (200).

Also the aspect of the first bracket portion of the first switch having the second arc profile (222) and the second bracket portion of the first switch having the third arc profile (224) (both of which are with respect to the centre of the second handlebar switch console) assists in minimizing the space for installation of the first and the second switches (206 and 212) within the second handlebar switch console (200). Even, the aspect of first radius of curvature (R1) being greater than the second radius of curvature (R2) assists in minimizing the space for installation of the first and the second switches (206 and 212) within the second handlebar switch console (200).

Even the aspect of the fourth radius of curvature (R4) being more than the radius of curvature of the generally cylindrical body portion (208) of the first switch (206) assists in minimizing the space for installation of the first and the second switches (206 and 212) within the second handlebar switch console (200).

The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. Moreover, all elements shown in the diagrams need not be implemented. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.