DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to switches for a vehicle and in particular, relates to a combination-switch assembly for the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

A combination switch is an electronic switch assembly that controls several vehicle functions. It is most commonly used to control the turn signals, the high and low beam headlights, and wipers. A conventional combination switch includes a fixed contact and a moving contact. Figure 1a illustrates a conventional combination switch having a direct load, insulator based design, wherein the fixed contact 102 is a dimple-shaped alloy and the moving contact 104 is a spring loaded Copper alloy. Figure 1b illustrates another conventional combination switch having a signal, insulator based design, wherein the fixed contact 104 is a Copper alloy track (insulator or PCB) and the moving contact 106 is a leaf contact made of Copper alloy.
Many technical problems have been identified in the conventional combination switches. The presence of dust particles in the contact area leads to erratic behaviour of contact ON-OFF. Further, oil separation from grease at elevated temperatures leads to solidification of the grease, thus hampering the movement of contacts and also increasing the resistance in the conventional combination switch. Further, the oil separated from the grease can further flow in the contact area and cause the burning of contacts. The contacts tend to wear out after certain cycles, resulting in reduced contact pressure leading to chattering during vibrations. This may also cause the burning of contacts. The maintaining or controlling grease quantity during mass production still remains a challenge and efforts are required to timely calibrate and monitor the grease quantity dispensed. Further, the movement of contact may lead to higher operating sound. Drawing 1c and Drawing 1d illustrate various photographs of conventional combination switch which became defective due to a Blackish Green deposition on TB, T, and EL (Earth/Ground and functional terminals) terminals.

Accordingly, despite the existence of the conventional combination switches, there is a need for an improved combination switch.

SUMMARY

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.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a combination-switch assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The combination-switch assembly includes a housing member and at least one movable member coupled to the housing member. The at least one movable member is adapted to move with respect to the housing member, and accommodate at least one magnet. The combination-switch assembly includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly coupled to the housing member, and disposed below the at least one movable member. The PCB assembly is adapted to accommodate at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to generate a value of an operational parameter based on a proximity of the at least one magnet. Further, the combination-switch assembly includes a controlling unit in communication with the at least one sensor. The controlling unit is configured to receive the value of the operational parameter from the at least one sensor. Further, the controlling unit is configured to compare a value of the operational parameter with a pre-defined value of the operational parameter. Furthermore, the controlling unit is configured to operate at least one function associated with the combination-switch assembly, based on the comparison.

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 DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1a illustrates a portion of a conventional combination-switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 1b illustrates a portion of another conventional-switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 1c and 1d illustrate conventional-switch assemblies depicting various defects occurred over a period of time, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of a combination-switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates a portion of the combination-switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c illustrate various components, such as a magnet, a hall sensor, and a PCB assembly, of the combination-switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of a combination-switch assembly in communication with a controlling unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of an arrangement of the magnet with respect to the hall sensor of the combination-switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figures 7a and 7b illustrate exploded views of the combination-switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
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 system, 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.

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 nonexclusive 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 subsystems 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 skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”

The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

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

The present invention relates to an improved combination switch having a contactless mechanism, wherein hall-effect sensors and magnets are used to transfer the signal for ON-OFF of the switch, thereby eliminating the physical contact of fixed and moving contacts required in conventional combination switches. Some of the advantages of the present invention include, but are not limited to the following advantages:
a) increased durability,
b) increased reliability,
c) less operating sound,
d) no probability of heat generation and switch burning, and
e) no greasing required, thereby no oil separation and grease solidification.

Figure 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of a combination-switch assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the combination-switch assembly 200 may be employed in a vehicle (not shown) for performing various functions. The functions may include, but is not limited to, a headlight function, a dimmer function, a turn indicator function, a fog-light (front or/and rear) function, a front wiper function, a rear wiper function, and a wiper washing function. In an embodiment, the functions may individually be referred to as function, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the headlight function may be operated through the combination-switch assembly 200 to control auto lights, parking lights, and headlamps, such as low beam/high beam. The turn indicator may be operated through the combination-switch assembly 200 to activate left indicator lights and right indicator lights of the vehicle.

The fog function may be operated through the combination-switch assembly 200 to activate fog lamps of the vehicle in poor visibility conditions, such as snow and fog. Furthermore, the front wiper function and the rear wiper function may be operated through the combination-switch assembly 200 to operate front wipers and the rear wipers at different speeds/modes. The wiper washing function may be operated through the combination-switch assembly 200 for washing front windshield and rear windshield of the vehicle.

The combination-switch assembly 200 may be provided with a contactless mechanism for operating the functions associated with the combination-switch assembly 200. Constructional details and operational details of the combination-switch assembly 200 is explained in details in description of the Figure 3a, Figure 3b, Figure 4a, Figure 4b, Figure 4c, Figure 5, Figure 6, and Figure 7.

Figure 3 illustrates a portion of the combination-switch assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c illustrate various components, such as a magnet, a hall sensor, and a PCB assembly, of the combination-switch assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4a, 4b, and 4c, in an embodiment, the combination-switch assembly 200 may include a housing member 202 and at least one movable member 204. The at least one movable member 204 may be interchangeably be referred to as the movable members 204, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the movable member 204 may individually be referred to as the movable member 204. For the sake of brevity, the present invention is explained with respect to only one movable member 204. However, it should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that it should not be construed as limiting, and the present disclosure is equally applicable to other movable members of the combination-switch assembly 200 as well, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the movable member 204 may be coupled to the housing member 202. The movable member 204 may be adapted to move with respect to the housing member 202. Further, the movable member 204 may be adapted to accommodate at least one magnet 206. In an embodiment, the at least one magnet 206 may interchangeably be referred to as the magnets 206, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the magnets 206 may individually be referred to as the magnet 206, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the magnet may be embodied as a bipolar magnet having a north pole (N) and a south pole (S). In an embodiment, a number of the magnets 206 required for each function may be dependent on the overall contact overlap. The magnet 206 may be of any shape and size to meet the desired requirement.

Further, the combination-switch assembly 200 may include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly 208 coupled to the housing member 202. The PCB assembly may be disposed below the movable member 204. Further, the PCB assembly 208 may be adapted to accommodate at least one sensor 210. The at least one sensor 210 may be configured to generate a value of an operational parameter. In particular, the at least one sensor 210 may be configured to generate the value of the operational parameter based on a proximity of the magnet 206. In an embodiment, the operational parameter may include, but is not limited to, an output voltage generated by the at least one sensor 210 based on the proximity of the at least one magnet 206. Therefore, the operational parameter may interchangeably be referred to as the output voltage, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The at least one sensor 210 may be embodied as a hall-effect sensor 210. Therefore, the at least one sensor 210 may interchangeably be referred to as the hall-effect sensors 210. Further, the hall-effect sensors 210 may individually be referred to as the hall-effect sensor 210. In an embodiment, a number of the hall-effect sensors 210 may be selected based on corresponding functions to be operated through the combination-switch assembly 200. Further, the hall-effect sensor 210 may be selected based on the electrical signal outputs.

In an embodiment, the hall-effect sensor 210 may be embodied as a uni-polar hall sensor. In such an embodiment, the hall-effect sensor 210 may be configured to generate the value of the operational parameter based on the proximity of one of a north pole and a south pole of the magnet. In an embodiment, the hall-effect sensor 210 may be configured to detect a magnetic flux 212 (as shown in Figure 6) associated with the magnet 206 based on the proximity of the magnet 206 with respect to the hall-effect sensor 210. The hall-effect sensor 210 may detect intensity of the magnetic flux 212 associated with the magnet 206 based on the proximity of the magnet 206. In particular, the hall-effect sensor 210 may detect a value of the magnetic flux 212 associated with the magnet 206 based on the proximity of the magnet 206. Subsequently, the hall-effect sensor 210 may be configured to generate the operational parameter based on the value of the magnetic flux 212 associated with magnet 206.

Further, the combination-switch assembly 200 may include a controlling unit 502 in communication with the hall-effect sensors 210 accommodated on the PCB assembly 208. The controlling unit 502 may be provided to operate the functions associated with the combination-switch assembly 200 based on the output voltage generated by the hall-effects sensors 210. Operational details of the controlling unit 502 are explained in detail in description of the Figure 5.

Further, the PCB assembly 208 may include an electronic circuit having various secondary components for converting magnet signals to electrical output. In an embodiment, the PCB assembly 208 may include at least one diode, at least one Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diode, at least one Zener diode, and at least one voltage-limiting resistor. In an embodiment, the at least one diode may be provided for allowing Direct Current (DC) to flow in only one direction, thereby allowing Reverse Voltage Protection for the electronic circuit. Further, the at least one TVS diode may be provided to protect electronics from voltage spikes induced on connected wires. The at least one TVS diode may be embodied as one of a uni-directional diode or bi-directional diode. In the present disclosure, the at least one TVS diode may be embodied as the bi-directional diode for symmetrical clamping. Furthermore, the Zener diode may be provided to allow current to flow not only from anode to cathode but also in a reverse direction, when a Zener voltage is reached. The at least one Zener diode may be provided to generate low power stabilized supply from a higher voltage and to provide reference voltage for circuits, especially stabilized power supplies. The at least one voltage-limiting resistor may be provided to reduce voltage, thereby protecting the electronic circuit.

Circuit description of Light Module - The circuit contains a number of electronic components to achieve the required functional outputs. For EMI-EMC fortification, TVS diode and low pass filters are added to the electronic circuit. Battery input is directly fed to the connector of the switch, where after EMI-EMC and filtration, a low 5V signal is transformed with the help of Zener diode. A 5.1V Zener diode is applied to the circuit for performing this operation.

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of the combination-switch assembly 200 in communication with the controlling unit 502, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of an arrangement of the magnet 206 with respect to the hall-effect sensor 210 of the combination-switch assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6, in an embodiment, the controlling unit 502 may be integrated within the combination-switch assembly 200. In another embodiment, the controlling unit 502 may be externally disposed with respect to the combination-switch assembly 200. In such an embodiment, the controlling unit 502 may be embodied as a Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the controlling unit 502 may be configured to convert the electrical signals received from the combination-switch assembly 200 into output at the desired load conditions.

The controlling unit 502 may be provided for operating at least one function associated with the combination-switch assembly 200, based on an operation of the combination-switch assembly 202. In an embodiment, the controlling unit 502 may include a processor 504, memory 506, modules 508, and data 510. The modules 508 and the memory 506 are coupled to the processor 504. The processor 504 can be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor 504 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 504 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 506.

The memory 506 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

The modules 508, amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement data types. The modules 508 may also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.

Further, the modules 508 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit can comprise a computer, a processor, such as the processor 504, a state machine, a logic array or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks or, the processing unit can be dedicated to perform the required functions. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the modules 508 may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities.

In an implementation, the modules 508 may include a receiving module 512, a comparing module 514, and an operating module 516. The receiving module 512, the comparing module 514, and the operating module 516 are in communication with each other. The data 510 serves, amongst other things, as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 508.

As explained earlier, the controlling unit 502 may be in communication with the hall-sensors 210 disposed on the PCB assembly 208 of the combination-switch assembly 200. The controlling unit 502 may be configured to receive the value of the operational parameter from the hall-effect sensors 210. In an embodiment, the receiving module 512 may be configured to receive the value of the operational parameter from the hall-effect sensors 210.

Further, the controlling unit 502 may be configured to compare the value of the operational parameter with a pre-defined value of the operational parameter. In an embodiment, the comparing module 514 may be configured to compare the value of the operational parameter with the pre-defined value of the operational parameter. In an embodiment, the operational parameter may be an output voltage Vh generated by the hall-effect sensor210 based on the proximity of the magnet 206. The comparing module 514 may compare the value of the output voltage Vh received from the hall-effect sensors 210 with the pre-defined value of the operational parameter.

Furthermore, the controller unit 502 may be configured to operate the functions associated with the combination-switch assembly 200, based on the comparison. In an embodiment, the operating module 516 may be configured to operate the functions associated with the combination-switch assembly 200, based on the comparison. For instance, if the value of the operational parameter, i.e., the output voltage Vh is greater or equal to the pre-defined value of the output voltage Vh, then the operating unit 516 may identify the function to be operated based on a location of the hall-effect sensor210 on the PCB assembly 208. Upon identification, the operating unit 516 may operate the identified function associated with the combination-switch assembly 200. In another instance, if the value of the operational parameter is lesser than the pre-defined value of the output voltage, then the operating unit 516 may not operate the functions associated with the combination-switch assembly 200.

Figures 7a and 7b illustrate exploded views of the combination-switch assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the combination-switch assembly 200 includes a knob-wiper upper assembly 702 having various components, such as a knob wiper middle member 704, a knob holder 706, a knob PCB assembly 708, and a knob-wiper cover 710. However, it will be understood that the knob-wiper upper assembly 702 may also include other components, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, the knob wiper middle member 704 may be coupled to the knob holder 706. The knob holder 706 may be embodied as the movable member 204 which is explained in Figure 3. The knob holder 706 may be adapted to accommodate the magnet 206 disposed above the knob PCB assembly 708. The knob PCB assembly 708 may be embodied as the PCB assembly 208. The knob PCB assembly 708 may be adapted to accommodate the hall-sensors 210 corresponding to various functions associated with the knob wiper middle member 702. In such an embodiment, when a user rotates the knob wiper middle member 704 to one of a plurality of positions corresponding to one of the various functions, the hall-effect sensors 210 may detect the proximity of the magnet 206 accommodated in the knob holder 706. Based on detection of the proximity of the magnet 206, the controlling unit 502 may operate the corresponding function associated with the knob wiper middle member 702.

In such an embodiment, the combination-switch assembly 200 may also include a wiper actuation assembly 712 having various components, such as a case wiper 714, a wiper magnet holder 716, a PCB CP wiper 718, a PCB wiper connector 720, and a protector wiper 722. However, it will be understood that the wiper actuation assembly 712 may also include other components, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The wiper magnet holder 716 may be embodied as the movable member 204 which is explained in Figure 3. The wiper magnet holder 716 may be adapted to accommodate the magnets 206 above the PCB CP wiper 718. The PCB CP wiper 718 may be embodied as the PCB assembly 208. In such an embodiment, when the user operates the combination-switch assembly 200 for operating wipers of the vehicle, the hall-effect sensors 210 accommodated on the PCB CP wiper 718 may detect proximity of the magnets 206 accommodated in the wiper magnet holder 716. Subsequently, the controlling unit 502 may receive the value of the operating parameter from the hall-effect sensors 210 accommodated on the PCB CP wiper 718 based on the proximity of the magnets 206. Further, the controlling unit 502 may operate corresponding function, i.e., the wiper function associated with the wiper actuation assembly 712.

In yet another embodiment, the combination-switch assembly 200 may include a knob wiper lower assembly 724 having various components, such as a washer magnet holder 726, a spring wiper 728, and a piece wiper 730. However, it will be understood that the knob wiper lower assembly 724 may also include other components, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, the washer magnet holder 726 may be embodied as the movable member 204 which is explained in Figure 3. The washer magnet holder 726 may be adapted to accommodate the magnet 206. In such an embodiment, when the user moves the knob wiper lower assembly 724 for operating one of the various functions associated with the knob wiper lower assembly 724, the hall-effect sensor 210 may detect the proximity of the magnet 206 accommodated in the washer magnet holder 726. Based on detection of the proximity of the magnet 206, the controlling unit 502 may operate the corresponding function associated with the knob wiper lower assembly 724.

Referring to Figure 7b, in another embodiment, the combination-switch assembly 200 may include a turn & light assembly 732 having various components, such as a bracket assembly turn & light 733, a case turn 734, a dimmer magnet holder 736, a light magnet holder 738, a PCB CP main 740, a connector light 742, a protector light 744, a knob light lower 746, a piece dimmer 748, and an arm light 750. However, it will be understood that the turn & light assembly 732 may also include other components, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, each of the dimmer magnet holder 736, and the light magnet holder 738 may be embodied as the movable member 204 which is explained in the Figure 3. Further, each of the dimmer magnet holder 736 and the light magnet holder 738 may be adapted to accommodate the magnets 206 disposed above the PCB CP main 740. The PCB CP main 740 may be embodied as the PCB assembly 208 which is explained in Figure 3. In such an embodiment, when the user operates the turn & light assembly 732 through the knob light lower 746 for actuating the dimmer function, the piece dimmer 748 may move the dimmer magnet holder 736 over the PCB CP main 740. Subsequently, the hall-effect sensor 210 accommodated on the PCB CP main 740 corresponding to the dimmer function may detect the magnet 206 accommodated in the dimmer magnet holder 736. Based on detection, the controlling unit 502 may operate the dimmer function in the vehicle.

In yet another embodiment, the combination-switch assembly 200 may include a knob light upper assembly 752 having various components, such as a knob light middle 754, a fog knob 756, a PCB CP fog 758, a knob wiper cover 760, and a lever light 762. However, it will be understood that the knob light upper assembly 752 may also include other components, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, the fog knob 756 may be embodied as the moving member 204 which is explained in Figure 3. The fog knob 756 may be adapted to accommodate the magnet 206 above the PCB CP fog 758. The PCB CP fog 758 may be embodied as the PCB assembly 208 which is explained in Figure 3. In such an embodiment, when the user operates the fog knob 756 for actuating fog lights of the vehicle, the hall-effect sensor 210 accommodated on the PCB CP fog 758 may detect the proximity of the magnet 206 accommodated in the fog knob 756. Subsequently, the controlling unit 502 may receive the value of the operating parameter from the hall-effect sensors 210 based on the proximity of the magnet 206. Further, the controlling unit 502 may operate corresponding function, i.e., the fog light function associated with the knob light upper assembly 752.

As would be gathered, the present disclosure offers the combination-switch assembly 200 for the vehicle. As explained earlier, the combination-switch assembly 200 includes the hall-effects sensors 210 corresponding to various functions associated with the combination-switch assembly 200. The hall-effect sensors 210 may generate the output voltage based on the proximity of the magnets 206, when the user operates the combination-switch assembly 200 to operate one of the various functions. Subsequently, based on the output voltage, the controlling unit 502 may operate the corresponding function associated with the combination-switch assembly 200. Copper alloy moving contact is replaced by magnets having optimized magnetic field to actuate the hall-effect sensors 210. In particular, owing to such an arrangement of the hall-effect sensors 210 and the magnets 206, the combination-switch assembly 200 eliminates requirement of contacts between the copper alloys, thereby increasing overall service life of the combination-switch assembly 200.

Further, owing to elimination of physical contact, the combination-switch assembly 200 eliminates requirement of contact pressure. This results in the elimination of springs in contact mechanism, thus simplifying the design. The output of the contactless mechanism in the combination-switch assembly 200 is in the form of signals which is transferred to the controlling unit 502. Further, design is basically shifted from a mechanical switch to an electro-mechanical switch. Furthermore, the combination-switch assembly 200 includes PCB assembly 208 which eliminates requirement of insulator. The terminals for the output connectors can be directly soldered to the PCB assembly 208. Further, the hall-effect sensors 210 and chip components can be wave soldered on the PCB assembly 208 with high accuracy to maintain make-break of contacts. Furthermore, greasing required in contact area has been eliminated. This helps to remove all grease flow in contact area related issues. Therefore, the present disclosure offers the combination-switch assembly 200 that are efficient, economical, flexible, and effective for operating various functions in the vehicle.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, 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.
,CLAIMS:1. A combination-switch assembly (200) for a vehicle, the combination switch assembly (200) comprising:
a housing member (202);
at least one movable member (204) coupled to the housing member (202), wherein the at least one movable member (204) adapted to move with respect to the housing member (202), and accommodate at least one magnet (206);
a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly (208) coupled to the housing member (202), and disposed below the at least one movable member (204), the PCB assembly (202) being adapted to accommodate at least one sensor (206) configured to generate a value of an operational parameter based on a proximity of the at least one magnet (206); and
a controlling unit (502) in communication with the at least one sensor (206), wherein the controlling unit (502) is configured to:
receive the value of the operational parameter from the at least one sensor (206);
compare the value of the operational parameter with a pre-defined value of the operational parameter; and
operate at least one function associated with the combination-switch assembly (200), based on the comparison.

2. The combination-switch assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (210) is a hall-effect sensor.

3. The combination-switch assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one sensor (210) is a uni-polar hall sensor configured to generate the value of the operational parameter based on the proximity of one of a north pole and a south pole of the at least one magnet (206).

4. The combination-switch assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (210) is configured to detect a magnetic flux associated with the at least one magnet (206) based on the proximity of the at least one magnet (206) with respect to the at least one sensor (210).

5. The combination-switch assembly (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one sensor (210) is configured to generate the operational parameter based on a value of the magnetic flux associated with the at least one magnet (206).

6. The combination-switch assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operational parameter is an output voltage generated by the at least one sensor (210) based on the proximity of the at least one magnet (206).

7. The combination-switch assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one function may include a headlight function, a dimmer function, a turn indicator function, a fog-light function, a front wiper function, a rear wiper function, and a wiper washing function.

8. The combination-switch assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PCB assembly (208) includes at least one diode, at least one TVS diode, at least one Zener diode, and at least one voltage-limiting resistor.