DESC:DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to power windows, and more particularly, to a switching assembly and a power window switch thereof for use in the power windows.
BACKGROUND
Power windows or electric windows are automobile windows that can be raised and lowered by pressing a button or switch. In recent years, power windows have become so common and popular that automakers eliminated hand crank windows from various model of automobiles or vehicles manufactured. Conventionally, a power window switch module is employed as an opening/closing switch for controlling movement of the power window. The power window switch module includes a pivotally supported actuation element. The actuation element is associated in a pushing direction for the downward motion of the power window and in a pulling direction for the upward motion of the power window, respectively, with the pivoting motion.
In some power window switch modules, slide switches are provided for selection of two or more switch positions. An user (i.e., an occupant of the vehicle) is enabled to manipulate the actuation element to slide in a direction e.g. UP, DOWN, through pushing with a finger at the operating surface of the actuation element. Slide switch operation can also occur in conjunction with pushbutton operation to provide momentary pushbutton switch actuation in each of the slide switch positions. However, such switches are relatively complex and require a separate spring mechanism for biasing of the temporary push button.
Some other known power window switch modules include a cam having first angle as straight. This leads to a higher operating force on the knob of the power window switch module and the force gradually increases. This leads to adverse effect such as pain in the finger of the user during operation. Thus, there exists a need for a solution that requires less manual effort to operate the power widow and provides better comfort to the user.
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 present disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. In accordance with the purposes of the disclosure, the present disclosure as embodied and broadly described herein, describes a switching assembly and a power window switch thereof for use in power windows.
In accordance with an embodiment, the switching assembly comprises a moving contact strip assembly comprising a moving contact and a strip. The switching assembly comprises a pusher movably disposed on the strip, wherein the pusher is adapted to move the moving contact. The switching assembly comprises a slider having a cam and adapted to move the pusher. The cam includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface form a first angle and a second angle with a horizontal axis. A movement of the slider enables a movement of the pusher on the cam between a first position and a second position to enable a vertical movement of a window. The pusher is in contact with the first surface of the cam at the first position. The pusher is in contact with the second surface of the cam at the second position.
In accordance with the embodiment, the power window switch comprises an knob movable from a first position to a second position. The power window switch comprises a switching assembly. The switching assembly comprises a moving contact strip assembly comprising a moving contact and a strip. The switching assembly comprises a pusher movably disposed on the strip, wherein the pusher is adapted to move the moving contact. The switching assembly comprises a slider having a cam and adapted to move the pusher. The cam includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface form a first angle and a second angle with a horizontal axis. The slider is connected with the knob by a connecting link such that the movement of the knob results in a movement of the slider. The movement of the slider enables a movement of the pusher on the cam between a first position and a second position to enable a vertical movement of a window. The pusher is in contact with the first surface of the cam at the first position. The pusher is in contact with the second surface of the cam at the second position.
The advantages of the present disclosure include, but not limited to, providing the cam which includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface form a first angle and a second angle with a horizontal axis. This enables a smooth movement of the pusher on the cam, thereby resulting in reduced force while operating the window through the knob.
These aspects and advantages will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure 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 and 1b illustrates a vertical sectional view as section A-A of a power window switch panel comprising power window switches and switching assemblies, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the switching assembly positioned at left-hand side in a vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3a illustrates another perspective view of the switching assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3b illustrates perspective view of housing of switching assembly as shown in the Figure 2, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3c illustrates perspective view of a slider of switching assembly as shown in the Figure 2, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4a and 4b illustrates different perspective view of the slider of switching assembly as shown in the Figure 2, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates exploded view of the switching assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of bottom side of a slider of the switching assembly as shown in the Figure 2, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7a illustrates a vertical sectional view A-A of the switching assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein moving contact strip assembly makes contact at ground terminal in no-switching condition.
Figure 7b illustrates a portion ‘P1’ of the vertical sectional view A-A of the switching assembly as shown in the Figure 4a, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
Figures 8 and 9 illustrates a vertical sectional view A-A of the switching assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein moving contact strip assembly makes contact at positive terminal in switching condition.
Figure 10 illustrates a vertical sectional view B-B of the switching assembly, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein moving contact strip assembly makes contact at ground terminal in no-switching condition.
Figure 11 illustrates an experimental force vs stroke graph corresponding to operating the power window switch as show in Figures 1a and 1b, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 illustrates an experimental force vs stroke graph corresponding to operating the power window switch as known in the prior art.
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 disclosure. 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 disclosure 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
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, 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 disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. 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 disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1a and 1b illustrates a vertical sectional view as section A-A of a power window switch panel 100 comprising power window switches 102 and switching assemblies 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Typically, the power window switch panel 100 comprises four power window switches 102 and four switching assemblies 104 to control windows of power windows of a vehicle. Each of the power window switches 102 comprises a knob 106 movable from a first position to a second position. The knob 106 is pivotally mounted on the switching assembly 104 with the help of a stem or sticking rib 108 extending from the knob 106. The knob 106 includes a compressed spring loaded ball 110.
The power window switch panel 100 comprises a connector 112 to connect with a motor (not shown in the figure) that moves the four windows in vertical direction. The power window switch panel 100 comprises an interfacing circuit 114 to connect the switching assemblies 104 with the motor.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the switching assembly 104 positioned at left-hand side in a vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The switching assembly 104 comprises a housing 200. The housing 200 is divided into an upper potion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the housing 200 is in contact with a plurality of terminals 202, including a fixed ignition terminal. As such, the switching assembly 104 is connected to associated power supply and electrical appliances through the plurality of terminals 202. A slider 204 having two cam profiles is disposed on upper portion of the housing 200. The slider 204 is slidably mounted on the housing 200. The slider 204 is being connected with the knob 106 with the help of the sticking rib 108 of the knob 106 as shown in figure 1a. Referring to Figure 6, a rear view of the slider 204 of the switching assembly 104 is illustrated. The slider 204 is having two cam profiles 600, 602. Each of the cams includes a first surface (S1) and a second surface (S2). The first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2) form a first angle (a1) and a second angle (a1) with a horizontal axis (XX’) (as explained in Figure 7b).
The housing 200 further includes a plurality of vertical ribs 206-1, 206-2 to restrict movement of the slider 204 in horizontal direction (represented by dashed lines). The upper portion of the housing 200 further comprises pushers and moving contact strip assemblies as explained in later paragraphs. The sticking rib 108 of the knob 106 is securely placed in the vertical ribs 206-1, 206-2 to move the slider 204. The movement of the slider 204 enables the pusher to move through the cam. Length ‘L’ of the slider 204 has been increased in order to achieve the complete overlapping of the slider 204 with guiding walls 208 of the housing 200.
Figure 3a illustrates another perspective view of the switching assembly 104, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3b illustrates perspective view of housing 200 of switching assembly 104 as shown in the Figure 2, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3c illustrates perspective view of the slider 204 of switching assembly 200 as shown in the Figure 2, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4a and 4b illustrates different perspective view of the slider 204 of switching assembly 104 as shown in the Figure 2, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3a, 3b, and 3c, the housing comprises plurality of grooves 300 having round edges. This enables the slider 204 to be easily and smoothly mounted on the housing 200. Referring to Figure 3c, 4a, and 4b, the slider 204 includes parting line (represented by dashed line) formed during the tool manufacturing to avoid any sharp edges on surface of the slider 204. This method of manufacturing facilitates the smooth sliding of the slider 204 in the grooves 300 of the housing 200.
Referring to Figure 5, exploded view of the switching assembly 104 is illustrated, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The switching assembly 104 includes the slider 204 which is slidably mounted on the housing 200. The housing 200 encompasses a cover 500, moving contact strip assembly 502 for window down switching mechanism, moving contact strip assembly 504 for window up switching mechanism, a pusher 506 in contact with the moving contact strip assembly 502, and a pusher 508 in contact with the moving contact strip assembly 504. The cover 500 is snap fitted in locking slots provided in the housing 200.
The two moving contact strip assemblies 502, 504, are mounted in such a way that their secured ends are diagonally located in the housing 200. In other words, if the first moving contact strip is secured at a left end of a first end of the housing 200 then second moving contact strip is to be secured at a right end of the first end of the housing 200 or vice-versa. In such a manner both the moving contact strip assemblies are mounted parallelly and spaced apart.
The following paragraphs of Figures 7a to 9 explain the operation of the switching assembly 104 for window down switching mechanism.
Figure 7a illustrates a vertical sectional view A-A of the switching assembly 104, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the moving contact strip assembly 504 makes contact at ground terminal in no-switching condition. The moving contact strip assembly comprises a moving contact 700 connected to one end of a strip 702. The pusher 506 is movably disposed on the strip 702 and is adapted to move the moving contact 702. The slider 204 is adapted to move the pusher 506 on the cam. Referring to Figure 7b, a portion P1 of the switching assembly 104 is illustrated. The cam includes the first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2). The first surface and the second surface form the first angle (a1) and the second angle (a2), respectively, with a horizontal axis XX’. The pusher 506 is in contact with the first surface (S1) of the cam at first position (A). The first position (A) is indicative of a default condition or no-switching condition.
Referring to Figure 7a, in the no-switching condition, the moving contact 700 is in contact with a first ground terminal 704. The contact with the ground terminal 704 is indicative of non-operational state of the moving contact 700. The angle and length of the pusher 506 is kept in such a way that the pusher 506 is able to exert sufficient contact force on the moving contact 700 through the strip 702. There is a restoring force generated in the said moving contact strip assembly due to its own self-resilient properties which exerts positive contact pressure at the ground terminal 704 in order to remain in contact with the ground terminal 704.
Further, the strip 702 is secured firmly from its other end in a window down terminal 706. The window down terminal 706 is insert molded in the housing 200 via rivet mounting 708.
Further, a fixed contact 710 is riveted on a positive terminal 712, which is insert moulded in the cover of the housing. The location of the positive terminal 712 is exactly opposite to the ground terminal 704 so that the moving contact 700 can make or break the circuit upon downward movement of the moving contact strip assembly.
Figures 8 & 9 illustrates a vertical sectional view A-A of the switching assembly 104, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein moving contact strip assembly makes contact at positive terminal in switching condition. As a user operates the knob 106 in a predetermined direction, preferably angularly downward direction, to operate the window in downward direction, the sticking rib 108 slides the slider 104 horizontally in a predetermined first direction, for example, horizontally left. Consequently, the cam of the slider 204, for example cam 600, converts the force applied in horizontal direction into the vertical direction by applying the pressure on the pusher 506 in order to actuate the pusher 506. The pusher 506 applies force or pressure on the moving contact strip assembly. Due to this pressure or applied force, the moving contact 700 makes contact with the fixed contact 710 of the positive terminal 712. The contact with the fixed contact 710 is indicative of window down switched condition. The positive terminal 712 provides a signal to the interfacing circuit 114 to control a movement of the motor in a first direction, for example, vertically downwards. The interfacing circuit 114 operates the motor such that the window moves in vertically downwards direction.
Referring to Figure 8, a position ST1 of the slider 104 represents the horizontal stroke of the slider 104 to achieve the required contact pressure for the switching. The pusher 506 is in contact with the second surface (S2) of the cam at the second position (B). At this position, sufficient contact pressure between the moving contact 700 and the fixed contact 710 is achieved. The contact with the fixed contact 710 is indicative of operational state of the moving contact 700 in the switching condition.
Referring to Figure 9, a position ST of the slider 104 represents the full or complete horizontal stroke of the slider 104. As such, the slider 104 further pushes the pusher 506 on the cam to the maximum angular rotation of the knob 106. The pusher 506 is in contact with the second surface (S2) of the cam at a third position (C). The full horizontal stroke ST of the slider 204 incudes the horizontal stroke ST1 and a dummy stroke of the slider 204. The dummy stoke enables the sufficient contact pressure between the moving contact 700 and the fixed contact 710 is achieved at lesser angles. At the third position (C), resultant force achieved drops drastically and feels like a tactile in nature by the user.
Now, when the window is completely down and switching is over, the user will remove exerted actuation force on the knob and slider will regain its original or position by virtue of restoring force developed in the moving contact strip assembly.
Figure 10 illustrates a vertical sectional view B-B of the switching assembly 104, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein moving contact strip assembly makes contact at ground terminal in no-switching condition. The moving contact strip assembly 504 comprises a moving contact 1000 connected to one end of a strip 1002. The pusher 504 is movably disposed on the strip 1002 and is adapted to move the moving contact 1000. The moving contact 1000 is in contact with a ground terminal 1004 in the no-switching condition.
Further, the strip 1002 is secured firmly at otherend in a window up terminal 1006 insert moulded in the housing 200 via rivet mounting. A fixed contact 1008 is riveted on a positive terminal, which is mounded in the cover of the housing. The location of the positive terminal is exactly opposite to the ground terminal 1004 so that the said moving contact 1000 can make or break the circuit upon downward movement of the said moving contact strip assembly, in a manner as explained in Figures 7a, 7b to 9.
Further, as the user operates the knob 106 in a predetermined direction, preferably angularly upward direction, to operate the window in upward direction, the sticking rib 108 slides the slider 104 horizontally in a predetermined second direction, for example, horizontally right, opposite to the predetermined first direction. Consequently, the cam of the slider 204, for example the cam 602, converts the force applied in horizontal direction into the vertical direction by applying the pressure on the pusher 508 in order to actuate the pusher 508. The pusher 508 applies force or pressure on the moving contact strip assembly. Due to this pressure or applied force, the moving contact 1000 makes contact with the fixed contact 1008 of the positive terminal. Such contact is indicative of a window up switched condition. The positive terminal provides a signal to the interfacing circuit 114 to control a movement of the motor in a second direction, for example, vertically upwards. The interfacing circuit 114 operates the motor such that the window moves in vertically upwards direction.
As would be understood, in the window down switching condition, the slider 204 does not push the pusher 508 and as such the moving contact 1000 remains in contact with the ground terminal 1008. Conversely, in the window up switching condition, the slider 204 does not push the pusher 506 and as such the moving contact 700 remains in contact with the ground terminal 710.
Figure 11 illustrates an experimental force vs stroke graph corresponding to operating the power window switch as show in Figures 1a and 1b, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 illustrates an experimental force vs stroke graph corresponding to operating a conventional power window switch. X-axis of the graphs 600, 700 represents angular movement of the knob to move the window upwards. Y-axis of the graphs 600, 700 represents calibrated load or force achieved due to the angular movement of the knob.
Referring to Figure 11, at point 1102 indicates no-switching condition, i.e., angular movement of the knob is zero and resultant force is zero. At point 1104, the switching condition is established wherein the angular movement of the knob achieves sufficient contact pressure such that the moving contact strip assembly makes the contact with the positive terminal. At point 1106, the angular movement of the knob is at maximum. As can be gathered, the angle at point 1106 is very less compared to the angle at point 1104. Hence, the result force F achieved drops drastically and feels like a tactile in nature. The dummy stoke D is between the point 1104 and the point 1106.
Referring to Figure 12, at point 1202 indicates no-switching condition, i.e., angular movement of the knob is zero and resultant force is zero. At point 1204, the switching condition is established wherein the angular movement of the knob achieves sufficient contact pressure such that the moving contact strip assembly makes the contact with the positive terminal. At point 1206, the angular movement of the knob is at maximum. As can be gathered, the angle at point 1206 is higher compared to the angle at point 1204. Hence, the result force F achieved has increased gradually, thereby causing pain in figure during operation of the knob, as compared to the reduction in force achieved in Figure 11.
Thus, the present invention provides for the cam which includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface form a first angle and a second angle with a horizontal axis. This enables a smooth movement of the pusher on the cam, thereby resulting in reduced force while operating the window through the knob.
While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, 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. Clearly, the present disclosure may be otherwise variously embodied, and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A switching assembly (104) comprising:
a moving contact strip assembly comprising a moving contact and a strip;
a pusher movably disposed on the strip, wherein the pusher is adapted to move the moving contact; and
a slider having a cam and adapted to move the pusher, wherein the cam includes a first surface (S1) and a second surface (S2), the first surface and the second surface forming a first angle (a1) and a second angle (a2) with a horizontal axis (XX’); and
wherein a movement of the slider enables a movement of the pusher on the cam between a first position (A) and a second position (B) to enable a vertical movement of a window; and
wherein the pusher is in contact with the first surface (S1) of the cam at the first position (A), and
the pusher is in contact with the second surface (S2) of the cam at the second position (B).

2. The switching assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position is corresponds to a non-operational state and the second position corresponds to an operational state and wherein the movement of the pusher enables movement of the moving contact from the non-operational state to the operational state.

3. The switching assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein in the non-operational state the moving contact is in contact with a first ground terminal and wherein in the operational state the moving contact is in contact with a first fixed contact disposed on a first positive terminal, the operational state enables the vertical movement of the window.

4. The switching assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider is having a further profile surface and adapted to move a further pusher, such that the movement of the pusher on the cam profile enables the vertical movement of the window in a first direction and the movement of the further pusher on the further cam profile surface enables the vertical movement of the window in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

5. A power window switch comprising:
an knob movable from a first position to a second position; and
a switching assembly comprises:
a moving contact strip assembly comprising a moving contact and a strip;
a pusher movably disposed on the strip, wherein the pusher is adapted to move the moving contact; and
a slider having a cam and adapted to move the pusher, wherein the cam includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface forming a first angle and a second angle with a horizontal axis; and
the slider is connected with the knob by connecting link such that the movement of the knob results in a movement of the slider; and
wherein the movement of the slider enables a movement of the pusher on the cam between a first position and a second position to enable a vertical movement of a window; and
wherein the pusher is in contact with the first surface of the cam at the first position, and
the pusher is in contact with the second surface of the cam at the second position.

6. The power window switch as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first position is corresponds to a non-operational state and the second position corresponds to an operational state and wherein the movement of the pusher enables movement of the moving contact from the non-operational state to the operational state.

7. The power window switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein in the non-operational state the moving contact is in contact with a first ground terminal and wherein in the operational state the moving contact is in contact with a first fixed contact disposed on a first positive terminal, the operational state enables the vertical movement of the window.

8. The power window switch as claimed in claim 7 comprising an interfacing circuit operably connected with the first positive terminal and a motor.

9. The power window switch as claimed in claim 8, wherein the motor is operative to enable the vertical movement of the window in the operational state.
10. The power window switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider is having a further profile surface and adapted to move a further pusher, such that the movement of the pusher on the cam profile enables the vertical movement of the window in a first direction and the movement of the further pusher on the further cam profile surface enables the vertical movement of the window in a second direction opposite to the first direction.