FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a switch for a two-wheeler/three-wheeler/all-terrain vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Modern automotive vehicles include a variety of switches for controlling functions of the
vehicle. As shown in Figure 1, a conventional switch (1) comprises a housing (2) and a cover
plate (3) attachable to the housing (2) to define an internal space. The switch comprises a
knob (4) that exhibits pivotal movement with respect to a pivot defining member (not
visible). The switch comprises a first set of fixed contact terminals (5) and a second set of
fixed contact terminals (6). The knob carries a first moving contact member (7) that
cooperates with the first set of fixed contact terminals (5). The knob further comprises a
second moving contact member (8) that cooperates with the second fixed contact terminals
(6). The conventional switch as shown in Figure 1 allows for realizing three functions
namely, a headlamp ON/OFF function, a low-beam function, and a high-beam function.
It has been observed that in the aforesaid construction, a total of five fixed contact terminals
and two moving contact terminals are being used to realize the necessary functions, which
leads to increase in the cost of the switch, hinders in reducing the size of the switch and
increases the time associated with making the switch. Thus, there exists a need to provide a
switch which addresses at least some of the aforesaid problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that is
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.
In accordance with an embodiment, the present invention provides a switch comprising a
housing, a base plate engageable with the housing to define an internal space, a set of fixed
contact terminals disposed within the internal space and a pivot defining member. The switch
further comprises a knob adapted to exhibit pivotal movement in a first direction, pivotal
movement in a second direction, and linear movement in a third direction. The switch further
comprises a moving contact co-operating with the knob to bring the switch to one electrical
state from four possible electrical states.
3
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:
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a conventional switch in accordance with the prior
art;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a switch in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a close-up view of the knob at a first position (with respect to the pivot
defining member) when the knob is in a non-actuated state;
Figure 4 illustrates a close-up view of the knob exhibiting pivotal movement in a first
direction (with respect to the pivot defining member) in response to receiving a first actuating
force;
Figure 5 illustrates a close-up view of the knob exhibiting pivotal movement in a second
direction (with respect to the pivot defining member) in response to receiving a second
actuating force;
Figure 6 illustrates a close-up view of the knob exhibiting linear movement in a third
direction (with respect to the pivot defining member) in response to receiving a third
actuating force;
Figure 7 illustrates a close-up view of the fixed contact terminals and the moving contact
terminals in a first electrical state when the knob is in a non-actuated state;
4
Figure 8 illustrates a close-up view of the fixed contact terminals and the moving contact
terminals in a second electrical state in response to the knob exhibiting pivotal movement in
the first direction;
Figure 9 illustrates a close-up view of the fixed contact terminals and the moving contact
terminals in a third electrical state in response to the knob exhibiting pivotal movement in the
second direction;
Figure 10 illustrates a close-up view of the fixed contact terminals and the moving contact
terminals in a fourth electrical state in response to the knob exhibiting linear movement in the
third direction;
Figure 11 illustrates a close-up view of the housing and the fixed contact terminals in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 illustrates a close-up view of the knob in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention; and
Figure 13 illustrates a close-up view of the moving contact terminal in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
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 flow
charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve
understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction
of the device, one or more components of the device 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 FIGURES
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.
5
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.
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.
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.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated an exploded view of the switch (10) in accordance
with the teachings of the present invention. The switch (10) comprises a housing (11) and a
base plate (12) engageable with the housing (11) to define an internal space. The switch
further comprises a set of fixed contact terminals (13) disposed within the internal space. In
an embodiment, the set of fixed contact terminals (13) may be disposed on the housing (11).
In an alternative embodiment, the set of fixed contact terminals may be disposed on the base
plate (12).
6
The switch further comprises a pivot defining member (14). In an embodiment, the pivot
defining member (14) may be formed integrally with the housing (11). In an alternate
embodiment, the pivot defining member (14) may be formed integrally with the base plate
(12). In yet another alternate embodiment, the pivot defining member (14) may be formed
separately and may be joined with the housing (11) and/or the base plate (12).
The switch further comprises a knob (15). Referring to Figure 3, the knob (15) co-operates
with the pivot defining member (14) and is generally at a first position (16) with respect to
the pivot defining member (14) when the knob (15) is in a non-actuated state. Referring to
Figure 4, the knob (15) is however adapted to co-operate with the pivot defining member
(14) and exhibit pivotal movement in a first direction (17) in response to the knob receiving a
first actuation force. Referring to Figure 5, the knob (15) is further adapted to co-operate
with the pivot defining member (14) and exhibit pivotal movement in a second direction (18)
in response to the knob receiving a second actuating force. Referring to Figure 6, the knob
(15) is further adapted to co-operate with the pivot defining member (14) and exhibit linear
movement in a third direction (19) in response to the knob receiving a third actuating force.
The switch further comprises a moving contact (20) member co-operating with the knob (15).
Referring to Figure 7, positioning of the moving contact (20) with respect to the fixed
contact terminals may be such that the switch may be in a first electrical state (21), when the
knob (15) is at the first position (16) i.e. when the knob (15) is in a non-actuated state.
Referring to Figure 8, the positioning of the moving contact (20) with respect to the fixed
contact terminals (13) may be such that the switch may be in a second electrical state (22), in
response to the knob (15) exhibiting pivotal movement in the first direction (17). Referring to
Figure 9, the positioning of the moving contact (20) with respect to the fixed contact
terminals (13) may be such that the switch may be in a third electrical state (23), in response
to the knob (15) exhibiting pivotal movement in the second direction (18). Referring to
Figure 10, the positioning of the moving contact (20) with respect to the fixed contact
terminals (13) may be such that the switch may be in a fourth electrical state (24), in response
to the knob (15) exhibiting linear movement in the third direction (19). In an embodiment of
the invention, the fourth electrical state (24) is preferably opposite to the first electrical state
(21).
7
Now referring to Figure 11, which is a close-up view of the housing (11). The housing (11)
is shown to include the set of fixed contact terminals (13) disposed on a lateral wall. The
housing is also shown to include the pivot defining member (14). The set of fixed contact
terminals (13) include an input terminal (25), a first output terminal (26), a second output
terminal (27), and a third output terminal (28).
The input terminal (25) defines an input terminal contact zone (29) and an input terminal wire
connection zone (30). The input terminal wire connection zone (30) is located outside the
housing (11). Likewise, the first output terminal (26) defines a first output terminal contact
zone (31) and a first output terminal wire connection zone (32), with the first output terminal
wire connection zone (32) being located outside the housing (11). Likewise, the second
output terminal (27) defines a second output terminal contact zone (33) and a second output
terminal wire connection zone (34), with the second output terminal wire connection zone
(34) being located outside the housing (11). Likewise, the third output terminal (28) defines a
third output terminal contact zone (35) and a third output terminal wire connection zone (36),
with the third output terminal wire connection zone (36) being located outside the housing
(11).
In an embodiment of the invention, the input terminal contact zone (29) is located closer to
the pivot defining member (14) as compared to the first output terminal contact zone (31),
second output terminal contact zone (33) and third output terminal contact zone (35).
In an embodiment of the invention, the first output terminal contact zone (31) and the third
output terminal contact zone (35) are located at an equal distance (R1) from the input
terminal contact zone (29). If we consider the input terminal contact zone (29) as being
located at a center of an imaginary circle, the first output terminal contact zone (31) and the
third output terminal contact zone (35) are located on the circumference of the imaginary
circle.
In an embodiment of the invention, the second output terminal contact zone (33) is located
between the first output terminal contact zone (31) and the third output terminal contact zone
(35).
In an embodiment of the invention, a distance (R2) between the second output terminal
contact zone (33) and the input terminal contact zone (29) is greater than the distance (R1)
8
between the first output terminal contact zone (31) and the input terminal contact zone (29)
(or alternatively the distance (R1) between the third output terminal contact zone (35) and the
input terminal contact zone (29)).
Now referring to Figure 12, which is a close-up view of the knob (15), it can be observed
that the knob (15) defines a first end (37) adapted to be located within the internal space, a
second end (38) adapted to receive an actuating force, and an intermediate position (39)
located between the first and the second ends. The knob comprises an aperture (40) located at
the intermediate position (39). The aperture (40) is adapted to co-operate with the pivot
defining member (14) to allow the first end (37) of the knob (15) to exhibit pivotal movement
in the first direction, pivotal movement in the second direction and linear movement in the
third direction. In an embodiment, the aperture (40) is provided as an elongated slot, having a
length greater than a width. This allows for the knob to exhibit the lateral movement in the
third direction. The third direction is along the length direction of the knob (15).
The intermediate portion (39) of the knob (15) further comprises a recess (41) for receiving
the moving contact (20). The recess (41) comprises a pair of holding slots (42) for securely
holding the moving contact (20). The recess (41) further comprises a spring accommodating
portion (42) for accommodating a spring (not visible) that applies an outward pressure on the
moving contact (20). The first end (37) of the knob further comprises a slot (44, best seen in
Figure 1) for receiving a ball-spring mechanism (45, 46, best seen in Figure 1).
Now referring to Figure 13, which is a close-up view of the moving contact (20), it can be
observed that the moving contact (20) defines a first contact zone (47) and a second contact
zone (48). A bottom side of the moving contact defines a pair of holding arms (49) adapted to
co-operate with the holding slots (42) as provided in the knob (15) for securely mounting the
moving contact on to the knob (15).
Now referring back to Figure 1, the switch further comprises a guiding member (50). The
guiding member (50) is adapted to guide the first end (37) of the knob (15) and more
particularly, the ball–spring mechanism (45, 46) while exhibiting the pivotal movement. The
guiding member (50) may additionally define detent profile (51). Although not illustrated, the
detent profile (51) may define a first parking portion and a second parking portion to allow
the ball-spring mechanism (45, 46) to be parked, the first parking portion on the detent profile
(51) may correspond to the second electrical state while the second parking portion may
9
correspond to the third electrical state of the switch. It may be however be noted that even in
the absence of the first parking portion and the second parking positions, the switch would
function in that it will generate a first spike signal at the first output terminal when the knob
exhibits pivotal movement in the first direction. The switch functions as a push button switch
between the non-actuated state and when the knob exhibits lateral movement in the third
direction, thus generating a second spike signal at the second output terminal. The switch will
generate a third spike signal at the third output terminal when the knob exhibits pivotal
movement in the second direction. Thus, based on the first spike signal, the second spike
signal and the third spike signal, appropriate external functions can be governed.
It may be furthermore noted that when the knob receives the third actuating force (which is
along the length direction of the knob), the spring (46) compresses and allows the knob to
exhibit the lateral movement in the third direction. When the third actuating force ceases, the
spring (46) automatically restores the knob to its original position.
In accordance with an embodiment, the switch having the construction as defined above can
be used in an automotive vehicle to enable a user to bring the headlamp to toggle between
ON and OFF states. It will further allow the user to bring the headlamp to a low-beam state or
a high-beam state.
In an embodiment, the switch having the construction as defined above can be used as a
winker switch in a vehicle. In such case, the second output terminal need not be provided.
Even if the second output terminal is provided, the same need not be connected to an external
wire or can be grounded.
It can be noticed that in the present construction of the switch, only four fixed contact
terminals (25, 26, 27 and 28) are being used. It can be furthermore noted that only one
moving contact (20) and only one spring member for applying outward pressure on the
moving contact (20) are being used. Thus, compared to the prior art switch as demonstrated
in Figure 1, a switch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention
has lesser number of parts. This allows for reducing the cost of the switch. It can be
furthermore observed that since the switch comprises a lesser number of parts, the time
associated with making the switch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention is lesser than that of the prior art switch. It can be furthermore, observed that it is
now possible to reduce the size of the switch (because of the lesser number of parts).
10
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.
The drawings and the foregoing 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.
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.

WE CLAIM:
1. A switch for a two-wheeled vehicle, said switch comprising:
a housing;
a base plate engageable with the housing to define an internal space;
a set of fixed contact terminals disposed within the internal space;
a pivot defining member;
a knob adapted to exhibit pivotal movement in a first direction, pivotal movement in a
second direction, and linear movement in a third direction; and
a moving contact co-operating with the knob to bring the switch to:
a first electrical state, when the knob is at a first position corresponding to a nonactuated
state;
a second electrical state, in response to the knob exhibiting pivotal movement in the
first direction;
a third electrical state, in response to the knob exhibiting pivotal movement in the
second direction; and
a fourth electrical state, in response to the knob exhibiting linear movement in the
third direction.
2. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob co-operates with the pivot
defining member such that:
the knob is at a first position with respect to the pivot defining member when the knob
is in a non-actuated state;
the knob exhibits pivotal movement in the first direction, in response to the knob
receiving a first actuation force;
the knob exhibits pivotal movement in the second direction, in response to the knob
receiving a second actuating force; and
the knob exhibits linear movement in the third direction, in response to the knob
receiving a third actuating force.
3. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of fixed contact terminals include an
input terminal, a first output terminal, a second output terminal, and a third output
terminal.
4. The switch as claimed in claim 3, wherein:
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the input terminal defines an input terminal contact zone and an input terminal wire
connection zone;
the first output terminal defines a first output terminal contact zone and a first output
terminal wire connection zone;
the second output terminal defines a second output terminal contact zone and a second
output terminal wire connection zone; and
the third output terminal defines a third output terminal contact zone and a third
output terminal wire connection zone.
5. The switch as claimed in claim 4, wherein the input terminal contact zone is located
closer to the pivot defining member as compared to the first output terminal contact
zone, the second output terminal contact zone, and the third output terminal contact
zone.
6. The switch as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first output terminal contact zone and
the third output terminal contact zone are located at an equal distance from the input
terminal contact zone and a distance between the second output terminal contact zone
and the input terminal contact zone is greater than the distance between the first
output terminal contact zone and the input terminal contact zone.
7. The switch as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second output terminal contact zone is
located between the first output terminal contact zone and the third output terminal
contact zone.
8. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob comprises:
a first end adapted to be located within the internal space, the first end comprising a
slot for receiving a ball-spring mechanism;
a second end adapted to receive an actuating force; and
an intermediate position located between the first end and the second end, the
intermediate portion comprising:
a recess for receiving the moving contact; and
an aperture adapted to co-operate with the pivot defining member to allow the first
end of the knob to exhibit pivotal movement in the first direction, pivotal movement
in the second direction and linear movement in the third direction.
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9. The switch as claimed in claim 8, wherein the aperture (40) is in form of an elongated
slot, having a length greater than a width, thereby allowing the knob to exhibit the
lateral movement in the third direction.
10. The switch as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a guiding member adapted to
guide the first end of the knob while exhibiting the pivotal movement, the guiding
member optionally including a detent profile defining a first parking portion and a
second parking portion, the first parking portion corresponding to the second
electrical state of the switch and the second parking portion corresponding to the third
electrical state of the switch.