The present invention relates to control switches for automotive vehicles including two
wheelers and three-wheelers. In particular, the invention relates to a winker switch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, vehicles are provided with various control switches for safe driving of the rider as
well as to the other riders. One such important control switch is winker switch (or a turn
indicator switch). Some of the documents that disclose winker switches include:
• Japanese Publication No. 6214450;
• Japanese Publication No. JPH0638340Y2;
• Indian Patent Application No. 201811003709;
• U.S. Patent No. 4,739,131;
• Indian Patent Application No. 201711005402;
• U.S. Patent No. 7,663,477;
• Indian Patent Application No. 201711030695;
• U.S. Patent No. 7,332,684;
• Indian Patent Application No. 201711046162;
• Japanese Publication No. JP2004-95371;
• Indian Patent Application No. 201711006321;
• Indian Patent Application No. 201611009622;
• Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-36194;
• U.S. Patent No. 4,710,599;
• Indian Patent Application No. 2954/CHENP/2015;
• U.S. Patent No. 6,278,070;
• Indian Patent Application No. 720/DEL/2015;
• French Patent No. FR2714352B;
• Indian Patent Application No. 361/MUM/2005;
• Japanese Publication No. JP4236091B2;
• Indian Patent Application No. 2234/DEL/2014;
• U.S. Patent No. 9,018,551;
• Indian Patent Application No. 3674/DEL/2013;
• Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2004-196297;
• Indian Patent Application No. 552/DEL/2012;
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• Indian Patent Application No. 2378/DEL/2010;
• Japanese Patent Publication No. JP2016074259;
• Indian Patent Application No. 2475/MUM/2009;
• U.S. Patent No. 4,620,177;
• Indian Patent Application No. 199/CHE/2007; and
• Indian Patent Application No. 693/CHE/2007.
While many documents disclose winker switches, there are one or more problems associated
with each of the winker switch which is well known to a person from the industry. Apart
from the above, none of the winker switches include high current mechanism as well as low
current switching mechanism. Thus, there exists a need to provide a winker switch that
addresses one or more of disadvantages.
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 winker switch (100), said winker switch
comprising a housing (102); a cover (104) for covering the housing (102), the cover (104)
accommodating a set of fixed contact terminals (106); a lever assembly (108) defining a first
end and a second end, the first end of the lever assembly being located inside the housing
(102) and the second end being located outside the housing (102), the lever assembly (108)
exhibiting a pivotal movement in response to receiving an actuating force; a set of micro/tact
switches (110) located within the housing (102); and a carrier (112) located within the
housing (102), the carrier (112) being operably coupled to the lever assembly (108) and
exhibiting to-and-fro movement in response to the lever assembly (108) exhibiting a pivotal
movement.
In an aspect of the invention, the carrier (112) accommodates a moving contact member
(114) that selectively comes in contact with the set of fixed contact terminals (106) to define
a first electrical path and a second electrical path. The carrier (112) accommodates a set of
male members (116) that selectively comes in contact the set of micro/tact switches (110) to
define a third electrical path and a fourth electrical path.
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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 winker switch constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of winker switch constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention in a non-actuated state;
Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of winker switch constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention in a non-actuated state and a close-up view showing the
positional relationships of the moving contact terminal, the fixed contact terminal, the set of
male members and the set of micro switches;
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of winker switch constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention in a first actuated state and a close-up view showing the
positional relationships of the moving contact terminal, the fixed contact terminal, the set of
male members and the set of micro switches;
Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of winker switch constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention in a second actuated state and a close-up view showing the
positional relationships of the moving contact terminal, the fixed contact terminal, the set of
male members and the set of micro switches;
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Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of winker switch constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention showing the actuation of the micro switch by the male member
and the view of the second spring and the second steel ball;
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the housing having the auto-return assembly
attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c) illustrate a perspective view of the housing, a part assembled
view of the housing and a sectional view of the housing, respectively, constructed in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and
Figures 9(a), 9(b), and 9(c) illustrate a perspective view of the housing, a part assembled
view of the housing and a sectional view of the housing, respectively, constructed in
accordance with yet another 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.
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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.
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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.
Now referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated an exploded view and a sectional view
of a winker switch (100) constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The
winker switch (100) comprises a housing (102) and a cover (104) for covering the housing
(102). The cover (104) accommodates a set of fixed contact terminals (106). The winker
switch (100) furthermore comprises a lever assembly (108) defining a first end and a second
end, the first end of the lever assembly being located inside the housing (102) and the second
end being located outside the housing (102), the lever assembly (108) exhibiting a pivotal
movement in response to receiving an actuating force.
The winker switch (100) further comprises a set of micro switches (110) located within the
housing (102). The winker switch (100) further comprises a carrier (112) located within the
housing (102), the carrier (112) being operably coupled to the lever assembly (108) and
exhibiting to-and-fro movement in response to the lever assembly (108) exhibiting a pivotal
movement. In an embodiment of the invention the carrier (112) accommodates a moving
contact member (114) that selective comes in contact with the set of fixed contact terminals
(106) to define a first electrical path and a second electrical path. The carrier (112)
furthermore accommodates a set of male members (116) that selectively comes in contact
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with the set of micro/tact switches (110) to define a third electrical path and a fourth
electrical path.
In an embodiment of the invention, the winker switch (100) furthermore comprises a follower
mechanism (120) accommodated by the first end of the lever assembly (108) and an autoreturn assembly (118) co-operating with the follower mechanism (120). In an embodiment of
the invention, the follower mechanism (120) comprises a first spring (132) loaded with a first
steel ball or a first plunger (134).
In an embodiment of the invention, the carrier (112) furthermore accommodates a third
spring (142) which applies force on the moving contact member (114). The third spring (142)
is disposed between the carrier (112) and the moving contact member (114).
Referring now to Figures 3, 4 and 5, the various operating states of the winker switch are
shown. In an embodiment of the invention, the set of fixed contact terminals (106) include an
input contact terminal (106a), a first output contact terminal (106b) located on a first side of
the input contact terminal (106a), and a second output contact terminal (106c) arranged
laterally on a second side of the input contact terminal (106a). It can be seen that the moving
contact member (114) comprises first and a second movable contact terminals (114a, 114b)
that project from a surface of the moving contact member (114). In an embodiment of the
invention, the set of male members (116) include a first male member (116a) and a second
male member (116b) and wherein the set of micro/tact switches (110) include a first
micro/tact switch (110a) and a second micro/tact switch (110b)
In particular, Figure 3 shows a sectional view of winker switch constructed in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention in a non-actuated state and a close-up view of an
internal portion thereof. In the non-actuated state, the first and the second movable contact
terminals (114a and 114b) are held so as to be in non-contacting relation with the input
contact terminal (106a), the first output contact terminal (106b), and the second output
contact terminal (106c). Also, in the non-actuated state, the first and the second male
members (116a and 116b) are held so as to be in non-contacting relation with the first and the
second micro/tact switches (110a and 110b).
Referring now to Figure 4 there is shown a sectional view of winker switch constructed in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention in a first actuated state and a close-up view
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of an internal portion thereof. In the first actuated state, the first and the second movable
contact terminals (114a and 114b) are brought in contacting relation with the input contact
terminal (106a) and the first output contact terminal (106b). Also, in the first actuated state,
the first male member (116a) is brought in contacting relation with the first micro/tact switch
(110a).
By way of a non-limiting example, a high current carrying left (or alternatively right) winker
circuit can be made to include the input contact terminal (106a) and the first output contact
terminal (106b). In such a case, when the first and the second movable contact terminals
(114a and 114b) are brought in contacting relation with the input contact terminal (106a) and
the first output contact terminal (106b), the high current carrying left (or alternatively right)
winker circuit is completed.
By way of another example, a low current carrying left (or alternatively right) winker circuit
can be made to include the first micro/tact switch (110a). In such a case, when the first male
member (116a) is brought in contacting relation with the first micro/tact switch (110a), the
low current carrying left (or alternatively right) winker circuit is completed. It can be noticed
that by the single actuation of the knob, the high current carrying left (or alternatively right)
winker circuit as well as the low current carrying left (or alternatively right) winker circuit
can be completed.
Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown a sectional view of winker switch constructed in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention in a second actuated state and a close-up
view of an internal portion thereof. In the second actuated state, the first and the second
movable contact terminals (114a and 114b) are brought in contacting relation with the input
contact terminal (106a) and the second output contact terminal (106c). Also, in the second
actuated state, the second male member (116b) is brought in contacting relation with the
second micro/tact switch (110b).
By way of a non-limiting example, a high current carrying right (or alternatively left) winker
circuit can be made to include the input contact terminal (106a) and the second output contact
terminal (106c). In such a case, when the first and the second movable contact terminals
(114a and 114b) are brought in contacting relation with the input contact terminal (106a) and
the second output contact terminal (106c), the high current carrying right (or alternatively
left) winker circuit is completed.
10
By way of another example, a low current carrying right (or alternatively left) winker circuit
can be made to include the second micro/tact switch (110b). In such a case, when the second
male member (116b) is brought in contacting relation with the second micro/tact switch
(110b), the low current carrying right (or alternatively left) winker circuit is completed. Thus,
it can be noticed that by the single actuation of the knob, the high current carrying right (or
alternatively left) winker circuit as well as the low current carrying right (or alternatively left)
winker circuit can be completed.
Now referring to Figure 6, which is a cross-sectional view of the switch, it can be seen that
the carrier (112) further accommodates a second spring (136) and a second steel ball or a
second plunger (138). The second spring (136) and the second ball (138) co-operate with the
rear wall of the housing (102) to define parked positions of the winker switch.
In a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 7, the auto-return assembly (118)
forms an integral part of the housing (102) and comprises a cam plate (124). Also, it can be
seen that the housing (102) comprises a multi-ridge profile (140) on the rear wall. It may be
noted that the second spring (136) and the second ball (138) co-operate with the multi-ridge
profile (140) to define parked positions of the winker switch.
A second alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 8, wherein the auto
return assembly (118) and the housing (102) are operably coupled together. In particular,
referring to Figure 8(a) which depicts perspective view of the housing (102) together with
the auto-return assembly (118), Figure 8(b) which depicts perspective view of the housing
(102) and the auto-return assembly (118) in part assembled state, and Figure 8(c) which
depicts sectional view of the housing (102) together with the auto-return assembly (118), it
can be seen that the auto-return assembly (118) comprises a sealing wall (122) and a cam
plate (124) projecting substantially perpendicularly there-from, and wherein a rear wall (126)
of the housing (102) is provided with an aperture (128) for receiving the cam plate (124) and
the sealing wall (122) is adapted to seal the aperture (128). The sealing wall (122) and the
housing (102) are provided with snap-fit mechanism (130) for mounting the auto return
assembly (118) on to the housing (102).
A second alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 9. In this embodiment
also, the auto return assembly (118) and the housing (102) are operably coupled together. In
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particular, referring to Figure 9(a) which depicts perspective view of the housing (102)
together with the auto-return assembly (118), Figure 9(b) which depicts perspective view of
the housing (102) and the auto-return assembly (118) in part assembled state, and Figure 9(c)
which depicts sectional view of the housing (102) together with the auto-return assembly
(118), the auto-return assembly (118) comprises a cam plate (124) having male locking parts
on side surfaces, and wherein an internal surface of the housing (102) includes tracks for
receiving the cam plate (124) and wherein lateral surfaces of the housing (102) includes
female locking parts for receiving the male locking parts.
ADVANTAGES OF PRESENT INVENTION:
• The construction of the winker switch is such that it eases the process of assembling
the cam plate with the housing;
• The construction of the lever assembly is such that there is reduced number of
components and hence possesses lesser mechanical play;
• The construction of the cover with an integrated fixed contact terminals results in
elimination of the base which was being used otherwise;
• The construction of the cover with the integrated fixed contact terminals results in
elimination of gaps, thus making the winker switch less prone to ingress of foreign
contaminants;
• The construction of the fixed contact terminals and moving contact terminals is such
that it results in an increment in the insulation resistance. This increased insulation
resistance aids in better switching.
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 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.
For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the
manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be
implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed.
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Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the
other acts. 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 winker switch (100), said winker switch comprising:
a housing (102);
a cover (104) for covering the housing (102), the cover (104) accommodating a set of
fixed contact terminals (106);
a lever assembly (108) defining a first end and a second end, the first end of the lever
assembly being located inside the housing (102) and the second end being located
outside the housing (102), the lever assembly (108) exhibiting a pivotal movement in
response to receiving an actuating force;
a set of micro/tact switches (110) located within the housing (102); and
a carrier (112) located within the housing (102), the carrier (112) being operably
coupled to the lever assembly (108) and exhibiting to-and-fro movement in response
to the lever assembly (108) exhibiting a pivotal movement, the carrier (112)
accommodating a moving contact member (114) that selectively comes in contact the
set of fixed contact terminals (106) to define a first electrical path and a second
electrical path, the carrier (112) accommodating a set of male members (116) that
selectively comes in contact the set of micro/tact switches (110) to define a third
electrical path and a fourth electrical path.
2. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the housing (102) accommodates an auto-return assembly (118); and
the first end of the lever assembly (108) accommodates a follower mechanism (120)
that co-operates with the auto-return assembly (118).
3. The winker switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the auto-return assembly (118)
comprises a sealing wall (122) and a cam plate (124) projecting substantially
perpendicularly there-from, and wherein a rear wall (126) of the housing (102) is
provided with an aperture (128) for receiving the cam plate (124) and the sealing wall
(122) is adapted to seal the aperture (128).
4. The winker switch as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sealing wall (122) and the
housing (102) are provided with snap-fit mechanism (130) for mounting the auto
return assembly (118) on to the housing (102).
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5. The winker switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the auto-return assembly (118)
forms an integral part of the housing and comprises a cam plate (124).
6. The winker switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the auto-return assembly (118)
comprises a cam plate (124) having male locking parts on side surfaces, and wherein
an internal surface of the housing (102) includes tracks for receiving the cam plate
(124) and wherein lateral surfaces of the housing (102) includes female locking parts
for receiving the male locking parts.
7. The winker switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of fixed contact terminals
(106) include an input contact terminal (106a), a first output contact terminal (106b)
located on a first side of the input contact terminal (106a), and a second output contact
terminal (106c) arranged laterally on a second side of the input contact terminal
(106a).
8. The winker switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving contact member (114)
comprises first and a second movable contact terminals (114a, 114b) that project from
a surface of the moving contact member (114), such that:
in a first state of the switch, the first and the second movable contact terminals (114a
and 114b) are held so as to be in non-contacting relation with the input contact
terminal (106a), the first output contact terminal (106b), and the second output contact
terminal (106c);
in a second state of the switch, the first and the second movable contact terminals
(114a and 114b) are brought in contacting relation with the input contact terminal
(106a) and the first output contact terminal (106b); and
in a third state of the switch, the first and the second movable contact terminals (114a
and 114b) are brought in contacting relation with the input contact terminal (106a)
and the second output contact terminal (106c).
9. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of male members (116)
include a first male member (116a) and a second male member (116b) and wherein
the set of micro/tact switches (110) include a first micro/tact switch (110a) and a
second micro/tact switch (110b).
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10. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locations of the first male
member (116a), the second male member (116b), the first micro/tact switch (110a)
and the second micro/tact switch (110b) are such that:
in the first state of the switch, the first and the second male members (116a and 116b)
are held so as to be in non-contacting relation with the first and the second micro/tact
switches (110a and 110b);
in the second state of the switch, the first male member (116a) is brought in
contacting relation with the first micro/tact switch (110a); and
in the third state of the switch, the second male member (116b) is brought in
contacting relation with the second micro/tact switch (110b).