Technical Field of Invention
The invention relates to illuminated handlebar switches for two-wheelers and/or three-wheelers.
Background of Invention
Handlebar switches are present on nearly all two-wheelers and three-wheelers to facilitate the operation of the vehicle by a driver. It is advantageous that the handlebar switches have the ability to be illuminated so that the driver can easily locate and operate the switches during the dark. Generally, the handlebar switches are illuminated through backlighting. For this purpose, a light source can be disposed beneath a translucent rocker whereby at least a portion of the light generated by the light source is viewable to the driver through the translucent rocker. This enables the driver to effectively locate and operate the handlebar switch during the dark. However, the backlighting can radically increase the complexity, size, and cost of the handlebar switches, especially when such switches are required to be waterproof or when specific space or size or durability configurations must be satisfied.
To this end, some research has been already been done in past. By way of example, patent publication no. US 6974222 B2 from amongst existing literature in the art describes that a light distribution plenum may include a shell having an interior surface substantially defining a cavity. This US patent publication deals with the direct supply of light from the source to the first switch through a first optical avenue and to the second switch through a second optical avenue. The light distribution plenum is supported by the control panel adjacent to each of the first control device and the second control device, wherein the light distribution plenum is entirely

fixed in place relative to the control panel and is always separate from each of the first control device and the second control device. In another example, patent publication JP2011168192A describes a device having a lighting means in form of a light emitting diode which illuminates a predetermined part of the switch case. In another example, patent publication CN201784745U describes that handle switches may be provided with a switch shell and a light transmitting plate may be provided with a switch sign fixed on this switch shell.
The conventional handlebar switches generally make use of bulbs which consume high energy. Further, the packaging size is high and the area of illumination is very less. In the convention handlebar switches, illumination is limited to symbol illumination or some point illumination. These are focused on functionality and less on enhancing the character of the product. They were more functional than decorative. As decorative illumination is more challenging in terms of achieving uniformity over a large area, complex surfaces, water-proofing/sealing over large areas, Furthermore, the illumination is nonuniform. Exposure to moisture and dust contamination over illumination source thereby fade the illumination over a period of time. Therefore, there is a need for improved handlebar switches despite the conventional handlebar switches.
Summary of Invention
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified version that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the present invention, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a handlebar switch-assembly for a vehicle. The assembly comprises at least one electrical-switch. A housing is provided for supporting said at least one electrical-switch, wherein said housing is defined by a) a portion at the outer-side of the housing formed as a light-guide, and b) an illumination source assembly supported within the housing for directing light towards the at least one light guide and thereby enable illumination of the entire light guide. The light-guide and the illumination source assembly are vertically-oriented with respect to each other.
The present invention is directed towards providing uniform illumination at a desired visual-surface of a handlebar switch in a two-wheeler or a three-wheeler to enhance the visual appearance or character with the help of a light guide (target) and illumination source assembly. The present invention is specifically directed towards illuminating the desired visual surface uniformly through a unique light guide design that may be integrated with the outer housing of the handlebar switch. The present invention also provides the illumination source assembly that is placed below the light guide at an optimized position. The illumination source assembly comprises of: a housing; a transparent cover; a LED (i.e., Light Emitting Diode) sub-assembly (source) for low energy consumption; and a set of electronic components mounted over a PCB (i.e., Printed Circuit Board) for voltage and current conditioning. The present invention also provides shape and design pattern provided over the light guides (target) to achieve uniform distribution of light over the desired visual surface. The present invention also provides the positioning of the illumination source assembly with respect to the light guides. The illumination source assembly is designed to meet the IP67 (waterproof) requirements and be packaged within the limited space available in the conventional handlebar switches.

The advantages of the present invention include, but are not limited to the unique pattern over the light guides that facilitate uniform illumination at the desired surface, light guides being integrated into the outer housing, enhanced visual appearance over a large surface area, sealing and waterproofing as per IP67, compact packaging within the limited space available in the conventional handlebar switches, less number of parts, provision for voltage and current conditioning, and constant illumination over a lifetime.
The further advantages and other details of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are explanatory only and is not restrictive of the present invention.
Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the present 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 present invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure la-lb illustrate a handlebar-switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2a-2c illustrate the construction of an illumination source assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3a-3b illustrate the different views of light guides according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3c illustrates the assembly of light guides with respect to a switch housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4a-4b illustrate the optimum positioning of illumination sources with respect to their respective light guides in the handlebar switch according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figures 5a-5b illustrate another handlebar switch according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates another handlebar switch according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 7a-7c illustrates an alternative embodiment of light guides having a unique pattern.
Figures 8a-8b illustrate an alternative embodiment of light guides having a unique pattern.
Figures 9a-9b illustrate an alternative embodiment of light guides having a unique pattern.
Figures lOa-lOc illustrate an alternative embodiment of light guides having a unique
pattern.

Figures lla-llc illustrate an alternative embodiment of light-guides having a unique pattern.
Figures 12a-12b illustrate an alternative embodiment of light-guides having a unique pattern.
Figures 13a-13b illustrate an alternative embodiment of light guides having a unique pattern.
Figures 14a-14b illustrate an alternative embodiment of light guides having a unique pattern.
It may be noted that to the extent possible like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily 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 the benefits of the description herein.
Detailed Description
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present 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 present invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the present invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. Throughout the patent specification, a convention employed is that in the appended drawings, like numerals denote like components.
Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment", "another embodiment" 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, the 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 process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure la-lb illustrate a handlebar switch assembly 100, hereinafter referred to as the handlebar switch 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The handlebar switch 100 comprises a housing 101, 102 defined as an upper case 101 and, a lower case 102. Further, the housing 101, 102 comprises a first illumination source assembly 103, a second illumination source assembly 104, a first light guide 105, a second light guide 106, and one or more other electrical switch members 107. More specifically, at-least a portion at the outer-side of the housing 101, 102 is formed as a light-guide 105, 106 such that the light guides 105, 106 are proximate to at least one electrical-switch member 107, e.g. a dimmer/pass switch. The handlebar switch 100 provides uniform illumination at a desired visual surface in a two-wheeler or a three-wheeler to enhance the visual appearance and/or character with the help of light guides 105, 106 (target) and illumination source assembly 103, 104. The illumination source assembly 103, 104 receives power directly from a vehicle-battery, when the engine is in a running condition. The restriction of illumination is provided through an electronic resistance to prevent the unnecessary drain of the vehicle battery and hence improve the battery life. However, it does not influence the intensity of illumination. When the engine is an off state, the electronic resistance offers sufficient resistance to overcome battery drainage by the illumination sources assembly 103, 104. However, once the engine is in the running state, the resistance is overcome by the battery voltage. Accordingly, the operation of electronic resistance affect the intensity of illumination. On receiving the power, the LED of the illumination source assembly 103, 104 emits light through its lens to direct light in a predefined direction. The light coming from the LED in the assembly 103, 104 is directed toward the light guides 105, 106 and which is further

distributed or scattered by the light guides 105, 106 to provide uniform illumination at the predefined light guide surface. In case of voltage variation, more particularly, in case of high voltage condition, the LED and any other sensitive components may get damaged. Accordingly, the provision for voltage and current conditioning is done as a sub-system, i.e. under/over voltage protection circuit to escape such unwanted-circumstances. The voltage-conditioning can be achieved through additional electronic components, such as Low-Drop Out (LDO) regulator or Zener Diode or any other suitable means. The current conditioning can be achieved through an appropriate resistance.
Further, the present invention uses different illumination source assembly 103, 104 for the different light guides 105, 106 (target), thereby achieving a substantial intensity of light above a threshold value. The present invention also renders a waterproof and sealed solution and ensures that any foreign particles cannot accumulate on the light source surface, thereby avoiding fading of the light intensity. Further, the illuminated handlebar switch 100 as per the present invention is very compact and has an advantage of packaging in a small area as compared to the conventional handlebar switches.
Figures 2a-2c illustrate the construction of an illumination source assembly 103, 104 which can also be called as light source interchangeably. Specifically, Figure 2a illustrates that the illumination source assembly 103, 104 comprising at-least the following: a LED sub-assembly 201, a housing 202, and a transparent cover 203. The LED sub-assembly 201 is placed at the bottom side of the housing 202 and thereafter epoxy or any other sealant is poured into a sealing area 204 from the bottom of the housing 202. Once the epoxy or any other sealant is poured, this sub-assembly can be kept aside for curing. In continuation, Figure 2b also illustrates the cured epoxy or any other sealant 205. Once curing is done, the transparent cover 203 is

attached by way of pasting/plastic welding/ Insert molding/ or any other suitable means from the top side of the illumination source assembly 103, 104 as shown in Figure 2c to provide it in a waterproof, dustproof, moisture resistance, foreign particle resistance, and IP67 state. The illumination source assembly 103, 104 is designed to meet IP67 (waterproofing) requirements and also packaged within the limited space available in the conventional handlebar switches.
Figure 3a and 3b illustrate the different views of a first light guide 105 and a second light guide 106 respectively. An optical pattern exhibiting a shape and design is provided over the first and second light guides 105, 106 (target) helps to achieve the uniform distribution of light over a desired visual surface. As visible in Figures 3a and 3b, the pattern over the light guides 105, 106 reflects light from one angle to another to achieve a scattered or diffused light and thereby cause a uniform-illumination. Figure 3c illustrates that the light guides 105, 106 may be insert molded in the upper case 101 of the handlebar switch 100 and may have a surface treatment as well.
Further, the illumination source assembly 103, 104 is strategically positioned with respect to the light guides 105, 106. The light guides 105, 106 are designed in such a way that it can help light to travel inside for maximum time through scattering and thereby spread across the target surface, i.e. the light guides 105, 106. To this end, Figure 4a-4b illustrate the optimum positioning of a first illumination source assembly 103 and a second illumination source assembly 104 with respect to light guides 105, 106 in the handlebar switch 100. More specifically, the first illumination source assembly 103 and a second illumination source assembly 104 are vertically oriented with respect to the light guides 105, 106. The optimum distance of the first illumination source assembly 103 (source) and the light guide 106 (target) is

defined between 5-20 mm, and more preferably 11-15 mm. The optimum distance of the second illumination source assembly 104 (source) and the light guide 105 (target) is defined between 5~20mm, and more preferably 13~18mm.
Figures 5a-5b illustrate another handlebar switch 500 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown, it consists of two main components, i.e., at least one lens 504, 505 (marked as the light guide 1 and the light guide 2 in the figures) and illumination sheet 501, wherein luminous ink 502 printed on the defined surface of the illumination sheet 501 glows/radiates when a power supply (i.e. voltage) is applied to it. The sheet 501 may have a waterproof white sandwich construction, wherein the at least one lens 504, 505 is insert molded in the upper case 503 of the handlebar switch 500 and does not have any pattern as defined in the previous embodiments. The illumination sheet 501 is then pasted into the upper case 503 where the printed ink 502 is facing the lens 504, 505 to refract or transmit light outside the handlebar switch 500.
Figure 6 illustrates another handlebar switch 600 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the main components, i.e., the light guides 601, 602 are insert molded in the upper case of the handlebar switch 600.
Figures 7a-7c illustrates an alternative embodiment of light guides having a unique pattern. These light guides can also be made with a plastic material having special material properties, such as glow in night or afterglow so that the plastic material glows in a low light condition as well as a dark light condition. However, when in a good light condition, the material glow is not evident similar to Radium or any light emitting material.

Figures 8a-8b illustrate another alternative-embodiment of light-guides having a unique pattern. While Figure 8a illustrates top, side and bottom views of the light-guide, Fig. 8b illustrates an exploded-view of switch assembly 100 depicting the light-guide of Fig. 8a. As illustrated in Fig. 8b, the light-guide may be implemented at the upper right side of a control switch (e.g. a dimmer/pass switch) to depict the position of the control switch from upper-right side upon illumination. Moreover, unlike the light guide of preceding figures, the light guide of Fig. 8 does not sit flush with outer surface of the switch assembly 100 and protrudes upwards to expose the lateral surface of the light guide.
Figures 9a-9b illustrate another alternative-embodiment of light-guide having a unique pattern. More specifically, Fig. 9 illustrates the light-guide in the form of a set of illuminated cylindrical structures, thereby corresponding to a set of small cylindrical light guides. While Figure 9a illustrate top, side and bottom views of the light-guide, Fig. 9b illustrates a exploded view of switch assembly 100 depicting the light guide of Fig. 9a. As illustrated in Fig. 9b, the light-guide may be implemented at the upper-left side of the control switch (e.g. a dimmer/pass switch) to depict the position of the control switch from upper-left side upon illumination.
Figures lOa-lOc illustrate another alternative embodiment of light guides having a unique pattern. More specifically, Fig. 10 illustrates the light-guide in the form of a set of stripes (e.g. zebra-stripes), thereby corresponding to a set of small light guides. While Figure 10a illustrate top, side and bottom views of the stripes based light-guide, Figure 10b illustrate top, side and bottom views of a single light-guide. Fig. 10c illustrates an exploded-view of switch assembly 100 depicting the light guide of Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b. As illustrated in Fig. 10c, the light-guide may be implemented diagonally opposite with respect to the control-switch (e.g. a dimmer/pass

switch) to facilitate location of the control switch from upper-right and bottom-left side upon illumination.
Figures lla-llc illustrates another alternative embodiment of light guides having a unique pattern. While Fig. 11 illustrates the light-guide shaped similar to Fig. 3, the light guides of Fig. 11 do not sit flush with surface of the switch assembly 100 unlike Fig. 3. The light-guide of Fig. 11 rather protrudes upwards and thereby exposes the lateral surface to the user. Figure 11a illustrates top, side and bottom views of the light-guide at upper right. Figure lib illustrates top, side and bottom-views of the light-guide at bottom left. Fig. lie illustrates an exploded-view of switch assembly 100 depicting the light guide of Fig. 11a and Fig. lib. As illustrated in Fig. lie, the light-guide may be implemented diagonally opposite with respect to the control-switch (e.g. a dimmer/pass switch) to depict the position of the control switch from upper-right and bottom-left side upon illumination.
Figures 12a-12b illustrates another alternative embodiment of light guides having a unique pattern. While Figure 12a illustrate top, side and bottom views of the light-guide, Fig. 12b illustrates a exploded view of switch assembly 100 depicting the light guide of Fig. 12a. As illustrated in Fig. 12b, the light-guide may be shaped as a polygon that surrounds the control switch (e.g. engine ON/OFF switch) from all sides to locate the position of the control switch upon illumination.
Figures 13a-13b illustrates another alternative embodiment of light guides having a unique pattern. While light-guide of Fig. 13 is identically shaped with respect to Fig. 12 and surrounds the control-switch (e.g. engine ON/OFF switch), the right-side of the light-guide in

Fig. 13 comprises notches as integral to the light-guide and accordingly form a part of the light guide.
Figures 14a-14b illustrates another alternative-embodiment of light guides having a unique pattern. While Figure 14a illustrate top, side and bottom views of the light-guide, Fig. 14b illustrates a exploded-view of switch assembly 100 depicting the light guide of Fig. 14a. As illustrated in Fig. 14b, the light-guide may be shaped as a polygon that surrounds the control switch (e.g. engine ON/OFF switch) from all sides to locate the position of the control switch upon illumination. As compared to Fig. 12 and 13, the light guide in Fig. 14 closely follows the shape of the switch to thereby locate the switch upon illumination.
Embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the present invention. Thus, although the present invention is described with reference to specific embodiments and figures thereof, the embodiments and figures are merely illustrative, and not limiting of the present invention.

We claim:
1. A handlebar switch-assembly (100) for a vehicle, said assembly comprising:
at least one electrical-switch (107);
a housing (101, 102) for supporting said at least one electrical-switch, wherein said housing is defined by:
at least a portion at the outer-side of the housing (101, 102) formed as a light-guide (105, 106) , said portion being proximate to the electrical-switch, and
at-least one illumination source assembly (103, 104) supported within the housing (101, 102) for directing light towards the at least one light guide (105, 106) and thereby enable illumination of the entire light guide (105, 106), wherein the light-guide (105, 106) and the illumination source assembly (103, 104) are vertically oriented with respect to each other.
2. The handlebar switch-assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing (101, 102)
comprises:
an upper-casing (101) supporting said light guide (105, 106) formed at the outer side; and
a lower-casing (102) supporting the illumination source assembly (103, 104).
3. The handlebar switch-assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light-guide (105,
106) comprises an optical-pattern formed therein for scattering the light as received from the
illumination source assembly and thereby uniformly illuminate the entire light-guide.

4. The handlebar switch-assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light-guide (105, 106) is formed as a lens to refract light outside the switch assembly (100).
5. The handlebar switch-assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said illumination source assembly (103, 104) comprises:
an LED housing (202);
a LED sub-assembly (201) placed at the bottom of the LED housing (202) and sealed therein; and
a transparent cover (203) attached to the top of the illumination source assembly (103, 104).
6. The handlebar switch-assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said illumination source
assembly (103, 104) comprises:
an illumination-sheet (501);
a luminous-ink (502) provided at-least at a surface of the illumination-sheet (501), said surface facing the light-guide (105, 106) and said ink (502) configured to radiate light under influence of power supply.
7. The handlebar switch-assembly (100) as claimed in claims 2 and 6, wherein said illumination sheet (501) is implemented into the upper-casing (101) of the housing (101, 102).
8. The handlebar switch-assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the light-guides (105, 106) receives light from a corresponding illumination source assembly (103, 104).

9. The handlebar switch-assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-guide (105,
106) and the illumination source assembly (103, 104) are vertically separated by a distance in
range of about 5 to 20 mm.
10. The handlebar switch-assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
an under-voltage or over-voltage protection circuit for the illumination source assembly (103, 104).