FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electromechanical switch assembly of a vehicle,
particularly, the present invention relates to a contactless electromechanical switch
assembly for switching of ON/OFF functions like stop lamp, cruise control, etc..
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The electromechanical switch assemblies are widely being used in automobiles for a
long time for switching on and off any one or all the various functions like stop lamp,
cruise control, electronic stability function, engine start stop function, etc. Existing
vehicle switches are depicted in Figures 1 and 2.
Figures 2 depicts an existing electromechanical switch (100) wherein a magnet (101)
is mounted on a resiliently loaded actuation shaft (102). A first end (102a) of the
actuation shaft (102) has a cylindrical hollow section to receive a spring (103). A
second end (102b) of the shaft is operatively coupled with the brake pedal of the
vehicle. The actuation shaft (102) moves in a direction along the length of the
actuation shaft (102) upon actuation by the brake pedal. Upon actuation by the brake
pedal, the actuation shaft (102) moves under the force of the spring (103) and the
magnet (101) comes closer to hall sensors on the PCB assembly (104) which detect a
change in magnetic field and initiate an electric signal.
For restricting the movement of the shaft with switch case, stopper or stopping face is
formed. Main problem with the existing switch is the operating noise which generates
due to sudden abutment of the shaft with the stopper or stopping face. The operating
noise was higher at the time of switch being operated when driver is pressing the
pedal in order to actuate above said function or functions. This higher operating noise
distracts the driver attention while driving.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An electromechanical switch comprising a housing comprising an interior and an
exterior, a casing comprising a hollow region adapted to receive the housing, a
3
magnet sub-assembly accommodating a magnet disposed in the housing under a force
of a spring, being slidably supported on one or more guiding tracks formed in the
interior of the housing, an actuating shaft comprising a proximal end being disposed
in the interior of the housing so as to remain in contact with the magnet sub-assembly,
a distal end operatively coupled with brake pedal so that movement of the brake pedal
causes actuation of the actuating shaft thereby allowing movement of the spring
loaded magnet sub-assembly in longitudinal direction a means for preventing surface
contact between the stopping face and the annular rim to avoid or reduce the noise
generated a PCB assembly accommodated in the housing; the PCB assembly
comprises one or more Hall sensors adapted to detect change in magnetic flux due to
movement of the magnet sub-assembly and to provide signal indicative of activation
of brake light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood
from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures
of the drawings. The figures together with a detailed description below, are
incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the
embodiments and explain various principles and advantages but not limiting the
scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings,
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate existing contact type and contactless switch assembly.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a housing of an electromechanical switch assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 5a-5b illustrates elongated hump shaped protrusions formed on the stopping
face of the rear end wall of the casing of the electromechanical switch assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 6a-6b illustrates spherical shape protrusions formed on the stopping face of
the rear end wall of the casing of the electromechanical assembly switch of the
present invention.
Figures 7a-7b illustrates the non-actuated and actuated condition electromechanical
switch assembly of the present invention according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
4
Figure 8a-8b illustrates a dampener of electromechanical switch assembly of the
present invention according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9a-9c illustrates an electromechanical switch assembly according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10a-10b illustrates an electromechanical switch assembly according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
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 with in
the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail the various embodiments of the present invention it may
be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present
invention resides in the construction of electromechanical switch. 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 electromechanical switch. 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.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, mechanism,
setup, that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but
may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such assembly,
mechanism or setup. In other words, one or more elements in turn indicator control
switch or assembly proceeded by “comprises” does not, without more constraints,
5
preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or
mechanism. The following paragraphs explain present invention and the same may be
deduced accordingly.
Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one of the
problem associated with the prior existing switches.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an electromechanical switch comprising:
a housing comprising an interior and an exterior,
a casing comprising a hollow region adapted to receive the housing;
a resiliently loaded magnet sub-assembly accommodating a magnet disposed in the
housing under a force of a spring, being slidably supported on one or more guiding
tracks formed in the interior of the housing
an actuating shaft comprising:
a proximal end being disposed in the interior of the housing, the proximal end
remains in contact with the magnetic sub assembly and the proximal end has at least
one annular rim;
a distal end operatively coupled with brake pedal so that movement of the
brake pedal causes actuation of the actuating shaft thereby allowing movement of the
spring loaded magnet sub-assembly in longitudinal direction;
a PCB assembly accommodated in the housing; the PCB assembly comprises one or
more Hall sensors adapted to detect change in magnetic flux due to movement of the
magnet sub-assembly and to provide signal indicative of activation of brake light,
cruise control;
wherein the casing comprises a stopping face provided in the interior of the casing for
stopping the shaft in actuated condition from further movement and the
electromechanical switch assembly comprises a means for preventing surface contact
between the stopping face and the annular rim to avoid or reduce the noise generated.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the means for preventing surface contact
between the stopping face and an annular rim comprises a plurality of protrusions
formed on the stopping face for making line contacts with an annular rim.
6
In another embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions forming a line contact
have an elongated hump shape.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the means for preventing surface
contact between the stopping face and the annular rim comprises a plurality of
protrusions formed on the stopping face for making point contacts with the annular
rim.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions forming a point
contact have a spherical shape.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions are provided on the
stopping face 120° angularly spaced apart locations.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the means for preventing surface
contact between the stopping face and the annular rim comprises a dampener mounted
on the proximal end of the actuating shaft so as to cover an abutting face of the rim.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the dampener has a first annular
flange and a second annular flange, extending radially inwardly.
In a further more embodiment of the present invention, the first annular flange of the
dampener is seated on first surface of the annular rim of the actuating shaft.
In a further more embodiment of the present invention, the second annular flange of
the dampener is seated on an annular seat formed on the actuating shaft contiguous to
the second surface of the rim.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, an electromechanical switch
comprising:
a housing comprising an interior and an exterior,
a casing comprising a hollow region adapted to receive the housing;
a resiliently loaded magnet sub-assembly accommodating a magnet disposed in the
housing under a force of a spring, being slidably supported on one or more guiding
tracks formed in the interior of the housing
7
an actuating shaft comprising:
a proximal end being disposed in the interior of the housing the proximal end
has at least one annular rim wherein the annular rim remains in contact with the
magnetic sub assembly;
a distal end operatively coupled with brake pedal so that movement of the
brake pedal causes actuation of the actuating shaft thereby allowing movement of the
spring loaded magnet sub-assembly in longitudinal direction;
a PCB assembly accommodated in the housing; the PCB assembly comprises one or
more Hall sensors adapted to detect change in magnetic flux due to movement of the
magnet sub-assembly and to provide signal indicative of activation of brake light,
cruise control;
wherein the casing comprises, a stopping face provided in the interior of the casing
for stopping the shaft in actuated condition from further movement; the stopping face
provided with three or more protrusions to contact the annular rim when the shaft
comes in actuated condition thereby avoiding or reducing the noise generated due to
surface contact between the stopping face and annular rim.
In one more embodiment of the present invention, the proximal end of the actuating
shaft has a curved surface which remains in contact with the magnet sub-assembly
In one more embodiment of the present invention, the actuating shaft has plurality of
ribs distributed on its circumference in longitudinal direction.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions formed on the
stopping face provides a line contact between the stopping face and the annular rim to
avoid or reduce the noise generated due to surface contact.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions formed on the
stopping face provides a point contact between the stopping face and the second
annular rim to avoid or reduce the noise generated due to surface contact.
In one more embodiment of the present invention, the stopping face is provided with
protrusions which are angularly 120° spaced apart.
8
In one more embodiment of the present invention, wherein the protrusions forming a
line contact, have an elongated hump shape.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions forming a point
contact, have a spherical shape.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an electromechanical switch
comprising:
a housing comprising an interior and an exterior,
a casing comprising a hollow region adapted to receive the housing;
a resiliently loaded magnet sub-assembly accommodating a magnet disposed in the
housing under a force of a spring, being slidably supported on one or more guiding
tracks formed in the interior of the housing
an actuating shaft comprising:
a proximal end being disposed in the interior of the housing so as to remain in
contact with the magnet sub-assembly, the proximal end has an annular rim and an
annular seat formed on the shaft and contiguous to annular rim,
a distal end operatively coupled with brake pedal so that movement of the
brake pedal causes actuation of the actuating shaft thereby allowing movement of the
spring loaded magnet sub-assembly in longitudinal direction;
a PCB assembly accommodated in the housing; the PCB assembly comprises one or
more Hall sensors adapted to detect change in magnetic flux due to movement of the
magnet sub-assembly and to provide signal indicative of activation of brake light;
wherein the casing comprises, a stopping face provided in the interior of the housing
for abutting the shaft in actuated condition;
a dampener mounted on the actuating shaft to contact the stopping face , when the
shaft comes in actuated condition, thereby avoiding or reducing the noise generated
due to surface contact between the actuating shaft and stopping face.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the dampener has a first annular
flange and a second annular flange, extending radially inwardly.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first annular flange of the
dampener is seated on first surface of the annular rim of the actuating shaft.
9
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second annular flange of the
dampener is seated on the annular seat formed on the actuating shaft contiguous to the
second surface of the annular rim.
The following description describes the present invention with reference to Figures 1
to 10b according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an electromechanical switch assembly (1) according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the
electromechanical switch assembly (1) of the present invention comprises a casing (2)
and a housing (3) forming an encapsulation for accommodating various components
of the switch assembly such as a shaft (4), a magnet sub assembly (5), a spring (6) and
a PCB sub assembly (7).
As shown in figure 4, the casing (2) has a box shaped geometry, formed by side walls
(8), an open end (9) and a rear end wall (10). One or more locking grooves (11) are
provided on the side walls (8) for securing the casing (2) to the housing for forming
an encapsulation. The housing (3) and casing (2) can be made of any suitable material
preferably a thermoplastic material. The rear end wall (10) is incorporated with a
hollow cylindrical trough (12) extending perpendicularly and outwardly from the rear
end wall of the casing (2). The hollow cylindrical trough (12) is adapted to receive the
actuating shaft (4) in the longitudinal direction. The term ‘longitudinal direction’
herein refers to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the rear end wall (10). The
actuating shaft (4) is a rigid structure having a proximal end (13) and a distal end (14)
and is adapted to move longitudinally upon actuation of brake pedal (not shown in
Figures).
A skilled artisan can envisage the construction of brake pedal and other components
which transfers the actuation force from the brake pedal to the distal end of the
actuating shaft.
The distal end (14) is adapted to pass through the hollow cylindrical trough (12) of the
casing (2). The distal end (14) of the actuating shaft (4) emerges from an open end
(12a) of the hollow cylindrical trough (12) for contacting the brake pedal. The
10
proximal end (13) of the actuating shaft (4) is disposed in the interior of the housing
and remains in contact with the magnet sub assembly (5).
The term ‘proximal end (13)’ herein refers to an end of the shaft which is nearer to the
magnet sub-assembly (5). The term ‘distal end (14)’ herein refers to an end of the
shaft which is located far from the magnet sub-assembly (5) as compared to the
proximal end (13).
The magnet sub assembly (5) accommodates a magnet. The magnet sub assembly is
resiliently disposed in the housing (3) and adapted to move in a longitudinal direction
upon actuation by actuation shaft. For this purpose, the housing (3) is provided with
plurality of guiding tracks for slidably supporting the magnet sub assembly. The
housing (3) is provided with a locating pin (not shown in figure) extending towards
the open end from the rear end wall of the housing (3) for locating the spring (6) and a
cylindrical hole may be formed on the magnet sub assembly (5) to accommodate the
spring (6) for resiliently mounting the magnet sub assembly (5).
The PCB sub assembly is accommodated in the housing so as to be located over the
magnet sub assembly. For this purpose, the housing is provided with slots extending
longitudinally between the open end and closed end wall are formed on the side
walls .The slots are sized to accommodate the PCB sub assembly (7). A plurality of
apertures is provided on the closed end wall for projecting there through the terminals
of the PCB sub assembly (7) for electrical connections. The PCB sub assembly (7)
comprises one or more Hall sensors or Hall element and is configured to detect
magnetic flux or change in magnetic flux due to the movement of the magnet sub
assembly (5) and to provide signal indicative of activation of brake light, cruise
control etc.
Exterior of the housing (3) is provided with one or more snaps adapted to cooperate
with the locking grooves provided on the casing for securing the housing (3) with the
casing to form an encapsulation.
11
In an embodiment of the present invention, the casing comprises a stopping face
provided in the interior of the casing for stopping the shaft in actuated condition from
further movement.
Referring to Figures 4, 5a and 5b, the stopping face (15) is formed on the rear end
wall (10) of the casing (2). The second annular rim (16) formed on the proximal end
(13) of the actuating shaft (4) abuts with the stopping face (15) of the rear end wall
(10) of the casing (2) thereby restricting further movement of the actuation shaft (4).
In an embodiment, the electromechanical switch assembly comprises a means for
preventing surface contact between the stopping face and the annular rim to avoid or
reduce the noise generated. In an embodiment, the means for preventing surface
contact between the stopping face and the annular rim are plurality of protrusions or
ribs formed on the stopping face.
As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, a plurality of protrusions (17a) formed on the
stopping face (15) of the rear end wall of the casing (2) to avoid/prevent surface
contact between the stopping face (15) and the annular rim (16). The protrusions are
formed at 120° angularly spaced apart locations. In an embodiment, each of the
protrusions (17a) can be of elongated hump shape so as to form line contact with an
abutting face (16a) of the annular rim. During actuation, the abutting face (16a) of the
annular rim (16) of the actuating shaft (4) abuts with the elongated humps (17a)
thereby reducing the area of contact between the annular rim (16) formed on the
proximal end (13) of the actuating shaft (4) and the rear end wall (10) of the casing
(2) forming line contact and thus reducing the noise.
In an embodiment, each of the protrusions can be of spherical shape so as to form
point contact with an abutting face of the annular rim. Referring to Figure 4, 6a and
6b, the spherical shape protrusions (17b) are provided at 120° angularly spaced apart
locations on the stopping face (15) in the rear end wall (10) of the casing (2). During
actuation, the annular rim (16) of the actuating shaft abuts with the spherical shape
protrusions (17b) thereby reducing the area of contact between the annular rim (16)
formed on the proximal end (13) of the actuating shaft (4) and the rear end wall (10)
of the casing (2)forming line contact and thus reducing the noise.
12
As can be clearly understood from Figures 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b, the contact with the
abutting face and the protrusions formed on the stopping face will be either line or
point contact. Thus the noise generated due to this abutting is lower as compared to
the surface contact between the annular rim and the stopping face of the casing.
Referring to Figure 7a, the electromechanical switch assembly (1) is in non-actuated
condition. In the non-actuated condition, the brake pedal (not shown in figures)
remains in released state i.e. no force is applied on the brake pedal. The brake pedal is
operatively coupled with the distal end (14) of the actuating shaft (4) so as to apply a
force on the distal end (14) of the shaft (4) when the brake pedal is in released
position, In this position, the annular rim (16) of the proximal end (13) of the
actuation shaft (4) is not in contact with the protrusions formed (17a,17b) on the
stopping face (15) of the rear end wall (10) of the casing (2). The proximal end (13) of
the actuation shaft (2)is in point contact with the magnet sub assembly (5) due to its
hemispherical geometry. In other words, the proximal end (13) has a curved surface
for making a point contact with the magnet sub assembly (5). The spring (6) which is
resiliently in contact with the magnet sub assembly (5) is in compressed state in the
non-actuated or no switching of the switch.
Figure 7b illustrates the actuated condition of the electromechanical switch assembly
(1), when the brake pedal is pressed or an external force is applied on the brake pedal,
the force applied on the distal end (14) of the shaft (4) by the brake pedal gets
released. When the force of the brake pedal on the distal end (14) is removed, the
spring (6) expands and pushes the magnet sub assembly (5) thereby, resulting in a
sliding movement of the magnet sub assembly (5) on the guiding tracks. Movement of
the magnet sub assembly (5) pushes the actuation shaft (4) in longitudinal direction.
In this position the annular rim (16) abuts with the protrusions formed on the stopping
face of the rear end wall (10) of the casing (2) to restrict further movement of the
actuation shaft (4). Further, as shown in Figure 7b, when the shaft (4) moves to the
actuated position, the point or line contact between the protrusions on the stopping
face and the annular rim generate no or negligible amount of noise.
As explained in previous paragraphs, the abutting face of the actuating shaft flat
collides on the protrusions formed in casing, forming peripheral line contact or point
13
contact and thus reducing the contact area. This reduced contact area leads in
reduction in impact operating noise on the basis that less the contact area between the
mating faces less will be the collision noise. As the contact area has been decreased,
the colliding force will be more as compared to force applied in the switch assembly
in existing switches. Further, dimensions of protrusions are to be sized so that it can
withstand the increased colliding force.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the means for preventing surface
contact between the stopping face and the annular rim is a dampener mounted on the
proximal end of the actuating shaft so as to cover an abutting face of the rim.
Referring to figures 8a, 8b and 9c, the dampener (18) has a first annular flange (18a)
and second annular flange (18b) extending radially inwardly. The first annular flange
(18a) of the dampener (18) is seated on first surface (19a) of the annular rim (16) of
the actuating shaft. The second annular flange (18b) of the dampener is seated on the
annular seat (20) formed on the actuating shaft (4). As shown in Figure 8(c), the
second surface (19b) of the annular rim (16) is a surface which faces towards the
stopping face of the casing when the shaft is disposed in the casing. The first surface
of the annular rim is a surface located opposite to the second surface. The annular seat
supporting the second annular flange is formed on the shaft contiguous to the second
surface of the annular rim.
Figures 9a and 9b illustrates the electromechanical switch assembly in non-actuated
and actuated conditions according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to Figures 9a and 9b, the a rubber dampener (18) (or a grommet) is mounted
on the actuating shaft (4) to damp noise caused due to impact between stopping face
and rubber grommet mating surface. The dampener may be formed of any suitable
elastomeric material such as rubber. The elastomeric material should have resilient
properties and sufficient hardness to withstand the impact load of the actuating shaft
during reciprocation. An intentional interference between the dampener and the
casing is provided.
Referring to Figures 10a and 10b, in alternative embodiment, the electromechanical
switch assembly of the present invention comprises a sealing arrangement/unit (S) for
14
providing sealing between the casing (2) and interior of the housing (3) according to
an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The sealing unit (S) may be formed
of any suitable elastomeric material such as rubber. The sealing unit (S) has a flat
portion (S1) and a diaphragm portion (S2) formed on the flat portion (S1). The sealing
unit (S) can be positioned between casing (2) and the housing (3). As shown in figure
10(a), the flat portion of sealing unit (S) is positioned between peripheral edges of
side walls of the housing (3) and stopping face (10) of the rear end wall of the casing
(2). The diaphragm portion is secured or mounted on the proximal end of the shaft
(13). As shown in Figures 10a and 10b, the proximal end (13) of the shaft (4)
comprises an annular rim (16) and an annular seat (21) formed on the shaft (4) and
contiguous to annular rim (16). As shown in Figure 10, the annular seat (21) extends
partially from the annular rim towards distal end (14) of the shaft (4). A flange portion
(S3) of the diaphragm portion (S2) of the sealing unit (S) may be seated on the
annular seat (21). In an embodiment, thickness of the flange portion (S3) is higher
than the thickness of the diaphragm portion (S2) of the sealing unit (S). It can be
clearly understood from Figure 10, when the shaft (4) is actuated, the flange portion
(S3) of the sealing unit (S) comes in contact with the stopping face (15) and thus the
noise which could have generated due to contact with the stopping face is avoided or
reduced significantly. The flange portion (S3) may be provided with plurality of
projections to avoid area contact with the stopping face.
As shown in Figure 10b a washer or a circular ring may be provided below the
annular rim to avoid contact between the annular rim and the stopping face.
15
We claim:
1. An electromechanical switch comprising:
a housing comprising an interior and an exterior,
a casing comprising a hollow region adapted to receive the housing;
a resiliently loaded magnet sub-assembly accommodating a magnet disposed
in the housing under a force of a spring, being slidably supported on one or more
guiding tracks formed in the interior of the housing
an actuating shaft comprising:
a proximal end being disposed in the interior of the housing, the proximal end
remains in contact with the magnetic sub assembly and the proximal end has at least
one annular rim;
a distal end operatively coupled with brake pedal so that movement of the
brake pedal causes actuation of the actuating shaft thereby allowing movement of the
spring loaded magnet sub-assembly in longitudinal direction;
a PCB assembly accommodated in the housing; the PCB assembly comprises
one or more Hall sensors adapted to detect change in magnetic flux due to movement
of the magnet sub-assembly and to provide signal indicative of activation of brake
light, cruise control;
wherein the casing comprises a stopping face provided in the interior of the
casing for stopping the shaft in actuated condition from further movement and the
electromechanical switch assembly comprises a means for preventing surface contact
between the stopping face and the annular rim to avoid or reduce the noise generated.
2. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for
preventing surface contact between the stopping face and an annular rim comprises a
plurality of protrusions formed on the stopping face for making line contacts with an
annular rim.
3. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the protrusions
forming a line contact, have an elongated hump shape.
4. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for
preventing surface contact between the stopping face and the annular rim comprises a
16
plurality of protrusions formed on the stopping face for making point contacts with
the annular rim.
5. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 4, wherein the protrusions
forming a point contact, have a spherical shape.
6. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 2 or 4, wherein the
protrusions are provided on the stopping face 120° angularly spaced apart locations.
7. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for
preventing surface contact between the stopping face and the annular rim comprises a
dampener mounted on the proximal end of the actuating shaft so as to cover an
abutting face of the rim.
8. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dampener
has a first annular flange and a second annular flange, extending radially inwardly.
9. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first annular
flange of the dampener is seated on first surface of the annular rim of the actuating
shaft.
10. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second
annular flange of the dampener is seated on an annular seat formed on the actuating
shaft contiguous to the second surface of the rim.
11. An electromechanical switch comprising:
a housing comprising an interior and an exterior,
a casing comprising a hollow region adapted to receive the housing;
a resiliently loaded magnet sub-assembly accommodating a magnet disposed
in the housing under a force of a spring, being slidably supported on one or more
guiding tracks formed in the interior of the housing
an actuating shaft comprising:
17
a proximal end being disposed in the interior of the housing the proximal end
has at least one annular rim wherein the annular rim remains in contact with the
magnetic sub assembly;
a distal end operatively coupled with brake pedal so that movement of the
brake pedal causes actuation of the actuating shaft thereby allowing movement of the
spring loaded magnet sub-assembly in longitudinal direction;
a PCB assembly accommodated in the housing; the PCB assembly comprises
one or more Hall sensors adapted to detect change in magnetic flux due to movement
of the magnet sub-assembly and to provide signal indicative of activation of brake
light, cruise control;
wherein the casing comprises, a stopping face provided in the interior of the
casing for stopping the shaft in actuated condition from further movement; the
stopping face provided with three or more protrusions to contact the annular rim when
the shaft comes in actuated condition thereby avoiding or reducing the noise
generated due to surface contact between the stopping face and annular rim.
12. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 11 wherein the proximal
end of the actuating shaft has a curved surface which remains in contact with the
magnet sub-assembly.
13. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 11, wherein the actuating
shaft has plurality of ribs distributed on its circumference in longitudinal direction.
14. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 11, wherein the protrusions
formed on the stopping face provides a line contact between the stopping face and the
annular rim to avoid or reduce the noise generated due to surface contact.
15. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 11, wherein the protrusions
formed on the stopping face provides a point contact between the stopping face and
the second annular rim to avoid or reduce the noise generated due to surface contact.
16. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 11, wherein the stopping
face is provided with protrusions which are angularly 120° spaced apart.
18
17. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 14, wherein the protrusions
forming a line contact, have an elongated hump shape.
18. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 15, wherein the protrusions
forming a point contact, have a spherical shape.
19. An electromechanical switch comprising:
a housing comprising an interior and an exterior,
a casing comprising a hollow region adapted to receive the housing;
a resiliently loaded magnet sub-assembly accommodating a magnet disposed
in the housing under a force of a spring, being slidably supported on one or more
guiding tracks formed in the interior of the housing
an actuating shaft comprising:
a proximal end being disposed in the interior of the housing so as to remain in
contact with the magnet sub-assembly, the proximal end has an annular rim and an
annular seat formed on the shaft and contiguous to annular rim,
a distal end operatively coupled with brake pedal so that movement of the
brake pedal causes actuation of the actuating shaft thereby allowing movement of the
spring loaded magnet sub-assembly in longitudinal direction;
a PCB assembly accommodated in the housing; the PCB assembly comprises
one or more Hall sensors adapted to detect change in magnetic flux due to movement
of the magnet sub-assembly and to provide signal indicative of activation of brake
light;
wherein the casing comprises, a stopping face provided in the interior of the
housing for abutting the shaft in actuated condition;
a dampener mounted on the actuating shaft to contact the stopping face , when
the shaft comes in actuated condition, thereby avoiding or reducing the noise
generated due to surface contact between the actuating shaft and stopping face.
20. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 12, wherein the dampener
has a first annular flange and a second annular flange, extending radially inwardly.
19
21. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 20, wherein the first annular
flange of the dampener is seated on first surface of the annular rim of the actuating
shaft.
22. The electromechanical switch as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second
annular flange of the dampener is seated on the annular seat formed on the actuating
shaft contiguous to the second surface of the annular rim.