TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to an exterior switch assembly for vehicle(s).
Particularly, the present disclosure relates to the construction and mechanism of the
exterior switch assembly for use in the vehicle(s). More particularly, the present
disclosure relates to keyless Locking/Unlocking of the door of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
In present times, a new feature such as entry or exit in or from the car without using
key or battery operated remote has been demanded by users in the automobile market.
For facilitating effortless opening and closing of vehicle’s door, a switch is required to
be provided near the door handle keeping in mind the ease of operability. As the said
switch assembly is the link between man and machine or related to man machine
interface, hence smooth operational feel is preferred. Conventionally existing switch
assemblies for this application have certain shortcoming such as harder operational
feel to the user due to area sliding contact resulting in increased frictional force.
Figures 1(a) to 1(f) illustrate the conventional exterior switch assembly. The
conventional backdoor switch shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b) is different from the
backdoor switch shown in Figures 1(c), 1(d), 1(e) and 1(f). Both of these switches are
different embodiments of the existing switches associated with the backdoor switch.
The perspective view of slider (S) and housing(H) assembly of prior art related to
backdoor switch can be seen from figure 1(c). Figure 1(d) illustrates the section B-B
of the Figure 1(c). Figure 1(e) shows the partial sectional view of the existing switch.
Figure 1(b) illustrates the sliding between housing (H) and a slider (S). The entire
surface area of the slider slides over the housing of the existing back door switch
assembly. An area type sliding contact (A) occurs between the housing(H) and the
slider (S). This type of sliding mechanism generates more friction and the force
required for switching is more.
From the Figures 1(d), 1(e) and 1(f) it is seen that a lot of free space (F) inside the
switch assembly is present which results in increase of the volume of entrapped air.
When switch is assembled in the vehicle its terminals are sealed with a waterproof
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connector. As this connector is air tight and the air inside the switch cannot escape. If
the volume of entrapped air is larger, it can exert a reaction force (due to air
resistance) on the slider when it is pressed. This reaction force makes the switch
harder to press and affects the operational feel of the switch. This is seen from Figures
1(e) and 1(f), the air present inside the switch assembly cannot escape and the
increase in free air volume increases the air resistance during sliding. This also leads
to cavitation in the switch thereby increasing the force required for switching.
Hence this air resistance/reaction force due to air has to be reduced so that the
switching force is minimum.
In other words, researchers are constantly trying to develop a user friendly and
technically advance exterior switch for vehicle(s). More specifically, an exterior
switch assembly that is user friendly, economical, can be operated with minimal effort
and has minimum air resistance/reaction force.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates to an exterior switch assembly for vehicle(s). More
specifically the present disclosure relates to the construction and mechanism of the
exterior switch assembly for use in the vehicle(s) comprising A switch assembly for
vehicle comprising a housing comprising an interior accommodating a tact switch and
a spring loaded slider, and an exterior. The said exterior switch assembly comprises a
casing adapted to be secured with housing, a rubber knob interposed between the
housing and the casing wherein the rubber knob is adapted to actuate under an
external force to actuate the slider and the tact switch. The slider is provided with the
plurality of elongated slots extending longitudinally and each engageable with a
corresponding guiding rib formed in the housing. Each of the elongated slots is
provided with a pair of flat surfaces and each of the guiding ribs is provided with
curved surfaces so as to form a line contact with the flat surfaces of the guiding slots.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Figure 1(a) shows a B-B sectional view of prior art related to backdoor switch in off
condition.
Figure 1(b) illustrates the detailed view of the sliding mechanism in prior art related to
backdoor switch.
Figure 1(c) illustrates the perspective view of slider and housing sub assembly of
another prior art related to backdoor switch.
Figure 1(d) illustrates the section B-b view of another embodiment of prior art related
to backdoor switch.
Figure 1(e) depicts the partial view of the section B-B of another embodiment of prior
art related to the back door switch.
Figure 1(f) illustrates the section C-C of the slider and housing sub assembly of
another embodiment of prior art related to the backdoor switch.
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the backdoor switch according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
Figure 3 and 4 illustrates the assembled and top view and of the backdoor switch
according to embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates the position of four circular guiding ribs in the housing according
to the embodiment of the present disclosure
Figure 6 illustrates a guiding slot in the slider which slides over the circular guiding
ribs present in the housing as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view along A-A of the switch assembly shown in
Figure 4.
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Figure 8 represents the section B-B and of the backdoor switch whose section plane is
shown in figure 7.
Figure 9 illustrates the detail view of sliding mechanism according to the embodiment
of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 represents the partial cross-sectional view of the section B-B shown in
figure 7.
Figure 11 represents the cross sectional view of the assembly whose section plane is
represented in Figure 10.
DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT DISCLOSURE
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and
will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not
intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary,
the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within
the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty
and inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention resides multifunction
ignition lock for two wheelers motor vehicles. It is to be noted that a person
skilled in the art can be motivated from the present invention and modify the various
constructions of assembly, which are varying from vehicle to vehicle. However, such
modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to
understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having benefit of the description herein.
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The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list
of components does not include only those components but may include other
components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words,
one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does
not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional
elements in the system or apparatus.
Accordingly, it is an aim of the present disclosure is to provide a switch assembly for
keyless entry which addresses at least one of the problems associated with
conventional switches. The term ‘keyless entry” herein refers to a facility to lock
/unlock vehicle’s door without using a key or without using remote switch of a car or
any other vehicle.
Another aim of the present disclosure is to reduce the sliding friction between the
slider and the housing of the exterior switch assembly.
Yet another aim of the present disclosure is to increase the operational feel of the
switch.
Another aim of the present disclosure is to reduce the internal free air volume or free
space in the interior of the said exterior switch assembly thereby reducing the free air
volume in the interior of the exterior switch assembly leading to less air resistance.
Accordingly the present disclosure provides a switch assembly for vehicle(s)
comprising a housing comprising an interior accommodating a tact switch and a
spring loaded slider; and an exterior; a casing adapted to be secured with housing; a
rubber knob interposed between the housing and the casing; the rubber knob is
adapted to actuate under an external force to actuate the slider and the tact switch;
wherein the slider is provided with the plurality of elongated slots extending
longitudinally and each engage able with a corresponding guiding rib formed in the
housing; wherein each of the elongated slots are provided with a pair of flat surfaces
and each of the guiding ribs is provided with a curved surfaces so as to form a line
contact with the flat surfaces of the guiding slots.
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In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the slider is locked by plurality locks
in the housing.
In one more embodiment of the present disclosure, the rubber knob is provided with
an actuating region for applying an actuating force.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of slider is elliptical.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the slider comprises a first end and
a second end.
In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end of the slider is
connected with the rubber knob.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the second end of the slider is
adapted to move in the interior of the housing.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the rubber knob is adapted to actuate
the slider under an external force.
In one more embodiment of the present disclosure, a pair of terminals is insert molded
in the housing.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of crushing ribs on
adjacent faces of the housing are adapted to prevent any relative motion between the
casing and the housing.
In one another embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing comprises of
plurality of locks; the locks being adapted to constrain the slider in the interior of the
housing.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 2
to 11 according to an embodiment of the present description.
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Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the exterior door switch assembly (1) according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is described with
reference to the exterior switch assembly. Referring to Figure 2, the existing door
switch comprises a casing(2) , a rubber knob(3), a slider(4), tact switch(6) and
housing(8). The housing(8) comprises an interior (8a) and an exterior 8(b). The
interior(8a) of the housing(8) is provisioned to accommodate the tact switch(6) and
the slider(4); the slider(4) being resiliently loaded by means of a spring (5). The tact
switch(6) is an electronic switch being adapted to activate when the rubber knob(3) is
pressed or if there is a definitive change in pressure. The tact switch(6) is assembled
in the housing(8) and thereafter the spring(5) is mounted in the housing(8). After the
assembly of tact switch(6) and the spring(5) in the housing(8), the slider(4) is inserted
into the housing(8) compressing the spring(5). The spring loaded slider(4) has a
generally elliptical shape and comprises two ends; a first end and a second end. The
first end of the slider(4) is connected with a rubber knob (3). The second end of the
slider(4) is received in the interior of the housing such that it moves in the interior of
the housing(8). The rubber knob (3) is interposed between the housing(8) and the
casing(2) and adapted to actuate the slider(4) under an external force. A pair of
terminals is insert moulded in the housing(8) and is soldered with the tact switch(6)
(as shown in figure 8). The casing(2) is adapted to be secured with the housing(8)
thereby forming the closed switch as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
As shown in Figure 5 to 6 the housing(8) comprises a plurality of circular guiding
ribs(12)s disposed oppositely in the interior of the housing(8). The circular guiding
ribs(12)s are positioned symmetrically and being engageable with a plurality of
corresponding guiding slots (14) provided on the slider(4). As shown in figure 6 the
guiding slots (14) of the slider(4) have two flat surfaces i.e. first flat face(13a) and
second flat face(13b). The first flat face(13a) and second flat face(13b) of the slider(4)
are being engageable with the circular guiding ribs(12)s so as to form a line
contact(14) between the slider(4) and the housing(8). The said engagement of the
slider(4) and the circular guiding ribs(12)s facilitates uniform force distribution during
the actuation of the said exterior switch assembly. The circular guiding ribs(12) has a
predetermined length (L) thereby restricting the movement of slider(4) beyond the
length (L) in the interior of the housing(8). It is to be noted that the length (L) of the
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circular guiding ribs(12)s is variable and may depend on external factors such as
make of vehicle, model of the vehicle, requirements of the user/manufacturer etc.
Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view along axis A-A of the present exterior switch
assembly shown in Figure 4. Referring to Figure 7 the housing(8) is provided with
plurality of crushing ribs(10) on adjacent faces of the housing(8). The crushing
ribs(10) are adapted to prevent any relative motion between the casing(2) and the
housing(8) during operation of the switch thereby ensuring precision and firm
locking. The housing(8) comprises of plurality of locks; the locks (L) being adapted to
constrain the slider(4) in the interior of the housing(8). During operation of the said
switch assembly the locks (L) prevent the slider(4) from popping out of the
housing(8).
In the mounted condition the spring energizes the slider(4) so as to push it away from
the tact switch(6) in the normal condition. During actuation an external force is
applied by the user on the rubber knob (3) which moves the slider(4) inside the
exterior switch assembly along axis XX in the downward direction. The movement of
the slider(4) along axis XX causes compression of the spring. The compression of the
spring in turn exerts pressure on the tact switch(6). This results in activation of the
tact switch(6) thereby completing the circuit. This is said to be the actuated condition
of the exterior switch. When external force is released from the rubber knob (3) due to
resilient force the spring expands pushing the slider(4) in the upward direction along
axis XX. This results in deactivation of the tact switch(6) and the circuit is broken.
The upward movement of the slider(4) is restricted by plurality of locks (L) provided
in the housing(8) and the said exterior switch has reached the non-actuated condition.
Figures 8 and 9 represent the section B-B and of the exterior switch assembly shown
in figure 7. Figure 9 illustrates the perspective view of sliding mechanism according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the exterior switch assembly, the
engagement of the guiding slot of the slider(4) with the circular guiding ribs(12)s
present in the housing(8) is such that it makes a line contact(14) type sliding
mechanism thereby resulting in less frictional force during movement of the slider(4)
in the interior of the housing(8).
Figure 10 represents the partial cross-sectional view of the section B-B shown in
figure 7. Figure 11 represents the cross sectional view of the assembly whose section
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plane is represented in Figure 10. Referring to Figure 10 and 11, the free space in the
present disclosure is less as compared with the existing switch assembly as seen in
Figure 1 (d) and Figure 1(f). Since in the present disclosure size of the slider(4) is
reduced, which minimizing the entrapped air volume. As entrapped air volume has
been minimized the air resistance provided by the air during operation is also
decreased. Since the reaction force due to air has been decreased the force required
for operating the switch is also decreased. This reduction in reaction force is achieved
by reducing the swept volume by 40-55%.
Some of the advantages of present invention:
1. Smooth operational feel achieved by inventive sliding mechanism.
2. Quicker return of switching knob.
3. Cost effective
4. Complete water, dust and other contamination proof.
Equivalents:
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are
explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description.
Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as
to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are
intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments
herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the
embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting
the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general
nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge,
readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments
without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and
modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and
range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the
phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not
of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms
of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments
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herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the
embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises”
or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer
or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other
element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more
elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the
disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has
been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for
the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters
form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field
relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this
application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or
quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower
than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall
within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification
specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this
disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that
many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the
principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the
disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art
from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing
descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not
as a limitation.

CLAIMS:1. A switch assembly for vehicle comprising,
a housing(8) comprising
- an interior accommodating a tact switch(6) and a spring loaded slider(4) ;
- and an exterior
a casing(2) adapted to be secured with housing(8) ;
a rubber knob (3) interposed between the housing(8) and the casing(2) ;
the rubber knob (3) is adapted to actuate under an external force to actuate the slider(4) and the tact switch(6) ,
wherein the slider(4) is provided with the plurality of elongated slots extending longitudinally and each engage able with a corresponding guiding ribs(12) formed in the housing(8)
wherein each of the elongated slots are provided with a pair of flat surfaces and each of the guiding ribs(12)s is provided with a curved surfaces so as to form a line contact(14) with the flat surfaces of the guiding slots (14) .
2. The switch assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the slider(4) is locked by plurality locks (L) in the housing(8).

3. The switch assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rubber knob (3) is provided with an actuating region for applying an actuating force.

4. The switch assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shape of slider(4) is elliptical.

5. The switch assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider(4) comprises a first end and a second end.

6. The switch assembly for vehicle as claimed in claims 1 and 5, wherein the first end of the slider(4) is connected with the rubber knob (3).

7. The switch assembly for vehicle as claimed in claims 1 and 5, wherein the second end of the slider(4) is adapted to move in the interior of the housing(8).

8. The switch assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rubber knob (3) is adapted to actuate the slider(4) under an external force.

9. The switch assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of terminals is insert moulded in the housing(8).

10. The switch assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of crushing ribs(10) on adjacent faces of the housing(8) are adapted to prevent any relative motion between the casing(2) and the housing(8).

11. The switch assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (8) comprises of plurality of locks (L); the locks (L) being adapted to constrain the slider (4) in the interior of the housing(8).