FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates in general to switches. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to turn indicator switches in vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to turn indicator switches which have low current switching in vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
In recent years, the focus of vehicle component manufacturers has become more inclined towards the efficiency and environment friendliness of vehicles. The manufacturers are also focused on producing components for vehicles which have a compact design and which are easy to assemble. Referring specifically to switching components in a vehicle, there is a requirement by the manufacturers and the user for switches to trigger low amperage devices and also reduce the load on battery of vehicle.
Conventionally, indicator switches used in vehicles have micro-switches which have a sliding contact mechanism and a continuously press type blinker mechanism. However, existing switches do not have a symbolic illumination which indicates the direction of turning. Also, existing switches are operated by the use of a carrier which may result in reduced life of the switch. Also, the existing switches included a continuous pressing mechanism which resulted relatively high amount of wear and tear between knob and carrier of switch. Further, the provision of providing an illumination symbol in the switch is non-existent in the conventional switches.
One such configuration is disclosed in Chinese Patent document no. CN203268246U which discloses a motorcycle handle installation shell. However, the Chinese document does not disclose a switch comprising a blinker mechanism which includes a hinge type plunger for activating the micro-switch disposed on each side of the switch for activating the indicator of the vehicle.

Therefore, there is a need to develop an indicator switch which overcomes on or more problems associated with the existing switches.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
A switch assembly is disclosed. The switch assembly comprises a housing accommodating a plurality of micro-switches/tact-switches disposed in a plurality of respective slots formed in the housing. An indentation surface defining plurality of positions. A knob sub-assembly comprising a knob and an elongated lever pivoted about a centre for rotation, a spring knob and a steel ball knob being supported on a detent profile on the indentation surface provided in the housing; wherein the knob actuates the blinker switch. A carrier sub-assembly, a PCB assembly disposed with an illumination sub-assembly, the illumination sub-assembly comprising an illumination source, an illumination medium and an illumination surface wherein the illumination medium transfers the light from the illumination source to the illumination surface. A cover mounted adjacent to the housing comprising a cavity through which the knob sub-assembly projects out.
In an embodiment, the knob when moved pivotally by the user along an axis of rotation actuates the blinker switch.
In an embodiment, the illumination source is an LED mounted over the PCB assembly.
In an embodiment the illumination medium is a unique shaped lens or a light guide or a reflector.
In an embodiment, the illumination symbol is a translucent/transparent symbol which is either insert-moulded or directly printed over the illumination medium.
In an embodiment, the sliding type switch comprises a dome shaped micro/tact switch.

In an embodiment, the knob has a lever which has a proximal end and a distal end wherein the proximal end of the lever is used by the user to operate the switch whereas the distal end of the lever is operably connectable to the components of the housing.
A switch assembly according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. The switch assembly comprises a housing accommodating a plurality of micro-switches/tact-switches disposed in a plurality of respective slots formed in the housing. A knob sub-assembly comprising a knob and an elongated lever pivoted about a centre for rotation, a spring knob and a steel ball knob provided in the cover; wherein the knob actuates the blinker switch when moved pivotally by the user along an axis of rotation. A plurality of strip blinkers (3a, 3b located in a plurality of slots formed in the housing to operate the micro/tact-switches via knob which maintain centre pressing of micro-switch. A PCB assembly disposed with an illumination sub-assembly. The illumination sub-assembly comprises an illumination source, an illumination medium and an illumination surface wherein the illumination medium transfers the light from the illumination source to the illumination surface. A cover is mounted adjacent to the housing comprising a cavity through which the knob sub-assembly projects out.
In an embodiment, the knob allows momentary pressing of the micro-switch while actuating the switch.
In an embodiment, when the knob is pushed along the central axis by the user, the contact between the distal end of the knob and the micro-switches breaks thereby cancelling the indication signal.
In an embodiment, when the knob is pushed axially along the same direction twice, the contact between the distal end of the knob and micro-switch breaks thereby cancelling the indication signal.

In an embodiment, a plurality of strip blinkers located in a plurality of slots formed in the housing to operate the micro/tact-switches via knob which maintain centre pressing of micro-switch.
In an embodiment, an epoxy sealing is done on a terminal of wires which are connected to the PCB assembly.
In an embodiment, a terminal of wires are soldered with the PCB sub-assembly and micro switch/tact switch set and routed within the housing towards an outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a low amperage illuminated sliding type switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a front view showing the illumination symbol of low amperage illuminated sliding type switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 3 illustrates an isometric view of low amperage illuminated sliding type switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of low amperage illuminated sliding type switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates knob sub-assembly of low amperage illuminated sliding type switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 illustrates another isometric view of low amperage illuminated sliding type switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates another exploded view of low amperage illuminated sliding type switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 illustrates an illumination sub-assembly of low amperage illuminated sliding type switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of the illumination sub-assembly of low amperage illuminated sliding type switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE
While the disclosure 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 disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure.
Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in the blinker modular switch. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions, which are varying from vehicle to vehicle. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure 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", 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.
The present disclosure relates to the construction and mechanism of an illuminated sliding type low amperage blinker/winker switch assembly for two and three-wheeler vehicles. It comprises a blinker switch mechanism and an illuminated blinker assembly. The blinker switch mechanism includes a hinge type mechanism that swings between left and right direction within the assembly for activating the left and right indicator of the vehicle using micro-switches positioned in the opposite directions.
The present switch assembly comprises pair of micro-switch accommodated in the housing in left and right directions. The left micro-switch in the switch assembly triggers the right side indicator light of the vehicle and the right micro-switch in the switch assembly triggers the left side indicator light of the vehicle. The switch assembly also includes cancellation mechanism for cancelling or deactivating the indicator.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In the figures the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. The assembly may be employed in various types of vehicles including two-wheelers, three-wheelers and the like. However, such applications cannot be considered as limitation as one can provide the assembly in any vehicle or between two modules without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.
Referring to Figures 1, an switch assembly (10) is disclosed. The switch assembly may be a sliding type switch assembly. The sliding type switch assembly can also be alternatively mentioned as blinker modular switch in the below description without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The blinker modular switch (10) comprises a dome shaped micro-switch based blinker which have momentary mechanism, high reliability and life cycle. The micro-switch can also be substituted by

a tact-switch or a miniature switch without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The switch primarily comprises of a housing (1) which accommodates a pair of micro-switch (2a, 2b) and a PCB and an illumination sub-assembly. A cover (6) is used to protect the housing (1) and forms the aesthetic part of the switch (10) which is visible to the user.
It is to be noted here that the illumination sub-assembly can be incorporated and disposed in the housing of blinker switch assemblies which operate on a momentary mechanism or a continuous mechanism.
Referring to Figures 2 and 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blinker switch assembly works on a continuous mechanism where the cover (6) comprises a cavity through which a knob sub-assembly projects out. The knob sub-assembly (50) comprises a knob (5), a spring knob (9) and a steel ball knob (7). The knob (5) is pivoted about a centre for rotation. The knob (5) comprises a proximal end (5 a) and a distal end (5b) wherein the proximal end of the knob is used by the user to operate the switch (10) whereas the distal end of the knob is operably connectable to the components of the housing (1). The housing comprises a carrier sub-assembly (15) and detents on surface which stimulate the movement of the steel ball knobs and spring knobs thereby actuating the micro-switches through the knob assembly.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of micro/tact switches are placed at an optimized location within the housing of the switch assembly that ensures contact ON-OFF with respect to defined operating angle of the knob. The blinker switch also comprises of a swivel carrier/cam (15) that is pivoted on a common pivot as of the blinker knob. The blinker knob also comprises of an integrated lug responsible for rotary movement of carrier when knob is pressed at either position. The carrier along with detent profile is responsible for continuous pressing of either micro/tact switch as per operating angle of knob. The detent profile is either integrated with the housing or integrated with cover or as a separate part according to the suitability and requirement. Further, the shape of the detent profile can be a V-shape (12a) or a W-shape detent profile (12b) as per the profile of the switch. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a V-shaped detent

profile (12a) is present when the switch has a momentary mechanism and the switch has W-shaped (12b) when the switch has a momentary mechanism.
Figures 2, 8 and 9 illustrates an illumination sub-assembly showing illumination symbol (8) formed on the surface of the cover (6). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blinker switch assembly has a symbol illumination. This illumination sub-assembly comprises of an illumination source (4a), an illumination surface (4b) and an illumination medium (4c) which transfers light from illumination source to the illumination surface. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the illumination source is SMD LED mounted over the PCB sub-assembly comprising of electronic components for current and voltage conditioning. The LED will start glowing when the vehicle ignition is turned ON.
According to an embodiment, the illumination medium is a unique shape lens/light guide/reflector which transfers light from illumination source to the illumination symbol. According to an embodiment, the illumination symbol (8) is a transparent/translucent symbol which is either insert moulded or directly printed or etched over visible surface of lens/light guide to the end user. The illumination sub-assembly assembly comprising of light source, medium and illuminating surface is mounted with the PCB assembly. The illumination symbol starts glowing on the start of the engine i.e. ignition ON by the user. The PCB assembly along with the illumination sub-assembly is placed at an optimized location within the blinker/winker switch housing without distorting the location of other components of the switch assembly. The PCB assembly has a wire routed inside the housing for power or battery connection as shown in Detail A. The said location of PCB assembly along with the illumination sub-assembly ensures optimized illumination over surface, optimized size of package and ease of wire routing with respect to switch outlet. The sealing at the wire outlet of PCB assembly and set of micro switches/tact switches ensures prevention of water/dust/contamination entry over PCB assembly. An epoxy sealing is done on a terminal of wires which are connected to the PCB assembly. The terminal of wires (13) are soldered with the PCB sub-Assembly (4) and micro switch/tact switch set (2a,2b) and routed within the housing (10) towards an outlet. The outlet is formed in the housing though which the plurality of wires project outwards of the switch.

Referring to Figure 4, an exploded view of low amperage illuminated blinker modular switch is shown. As shown the exploded view, the pair of micro-switch (2a, 2b) are located on their respected slot. The slots are formed in the housing surface (1). This is followed by placement of PCB sub-assembly with light source (4) in the housing slot. The knob sub assembly (50) is pivoted on housing as shown in figure 1. After placing the knob sub-assembly and the cover (6), the switch assembly is closed.
According to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, a blinker switch assembly with momentary mechanism is disclosed. The blinker switch assembly with momentary mechanism comprises detent profile with a returnable slope. According to another alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the blinker switch assembly comprises of strips which facilitate movement of the knob in the switch assembly. The blinker switch assembly in this embodiment does not use a carrier/cam assembly for the movement of the knob.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of low amperage illuminated blinker modular switch (10). The embodiment comprises a strip to operate pair of micro-switch via knob which may maintain centre pressing of micro-switch and also assists in smooth operation of the switch i.e. it provides user feeling that he/she activated the micro-switch.
As shown in Figure 6, if the user presses the knob in a right direction, the distal end of the knob presses the left side of the micro-switch by the help of strip. This provides a signal to indicate right side indicator and a similar mechanism is applied by the user to actuate the left side indicator. While pressing the knob (5) at center, the distal end (5b) of the knob presses the pair of micro-switch to cancel blinker indication signal. Alternatively, when the same side or opposite side of the knob is pressed, it will also cancel the blinker indication signal.
Referring to Figure 7, the exploded view of another embodiment showing momentary mechanism of the of low amperage illuminated blinker modular switch is shown. In the shown exploded view, a pair of micro-switch (2a, 2b) are located on their respected slots in the housing (1). Subsequent to the same, a pair of strip blinkers (3a, 3b) are located on their disposed slots. This is followed by placement of PCB sub¬assembly with light source (4) in the housing slot. The knob sub-assembly (50) is then

pivoted to the housing. After placing the knob sub-assembly (50), blinker switch is secured by the cover. While pressing the knob by the user, the strip will provide improved smooth operability and feeling to the user/rider.
The working of the switch may remain the same according to this embodiment as explained in Figures 6 and 7 wherein if the user presses the knob (5) in a right direction, the distal end (5b) of the knob (5) presses the left side of the micro-switch by the help of a strip. This provides a signal to indicate right side indicator and a similar mechanism is applied by the user to actuate the left side indicator. While pressing the knob (5) at center, the distal end (5b) of the knob (5) presses the respective micro-switch to cancel the blinker indication signal.
In another embodiment of switch assembly having momentary type mechanism, a V-shaped detent profile may be accustomed and strip blinkers may not be required for actuation of the switch assembly. In such an embodiment, the V-shaped profile facilitates the movement of the knob-assembly without any carrier for actuation of the switch.
In an embodiment, the present switch assembly provides a low-cost design with less number of child parts. Further, the present design utilizes a butt contact based micro-switch design whereas in conventional switches sliding type contact was used.
In an embodiment the present switch assembly provides a momentary pressing mechanism wherein the micro-switch is directly operated by the knob.
In an embodiment, the present switch assembly is compact in size due to incorporation of metal strip instead of carrier as used in existing switches. This also improves the smooth functioning of switch and allows incorporation of illumination sub-assembly without distorting the overall assembly of the switch. Therefore, it the present switch provides less complex mechanism for smooth operation.
In an embodiment, the present switch assembly provides symbolic illumination which may act as an ergonomic and aesthetic advantage to the user.

Further, various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
EQUIVALENTS;
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended description (e.g., bodies of the appended description) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to disclosures containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two

or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the description.
List of Reference Numerals
Housing (1) Micro-switches (2a, 2b) Strip blinkers (3 a, 3 b) PCB sub-assembly (4) Illumination Source (4a) Illumination Medium (4b) Illumination Surface (4c) Knob sub-assembly (50) Knob (5)

Lever (5 c)
Proximal end of lever (5 a)
Distal end of lever (5b)
Cover (6)
Steel ball knob (7)
Illumination symbol (8)
Spring knob (9)
Blinker switch assembly (10)
Illumination sub-assembly (11)
Indentations/Detents (12)
V-shaped detent profile (12a)
W-shaped detent profile (12b)
Plurality of wires (13)
Epoxy(14)
Carrier sub-assembly (15)

We Claim:
1. A switch assembly (10) comprising:
a housing (1) accommodating:
a plurality of micro-switches/tact-switches (2a,2b) disposed in a plurality of respective slots formed in the housing (1);
an indentation surface defining plurality of positions;
a knob sub-assembly (50) comprising a knob (5) and an elongated lever (5 c) pivoted about a centre for rotation, a spring knob (9) and a steel ball knob (7) being supported on a detent profile (12) on the indentation surface provided in the housing (1); wherein the knob (5) actuates the switch assembly (10);
a carrier sub-assembly (15);
a PCB assembly (4) disposed with an illumination sub-assembly (11), the illumination sub-assembly (11) comprising;
an illumination source (4a);
an illumination medium (4b); and
an illumination surface (4c) wherein the illumination medium (4b) transfers the light from the illumination source (4a) to the illumination surface (4c).
a cover (6) mounted adjacent to the housing (1) comprising a cavity through which the knob sub-assembly (50) projects out.
2. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (5) when moved
pivotally by the user along an axis of rotation actuates the switch (10).

3. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the illumination source (4a) is an LED / SMD LED mounted over the PCB assembly.
4. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the illumination medium (4b) is a unique shaped lens or a light guide or a reflector.
5. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the illumination symbol (4c) is a translucent/transparent symbol which is either insert-moulded or directly printed over the illumination medium (4b).
6. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blinker switch (10) comprises a dome shaped contact micro-switch/tact switch.
7. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (5) has a lever (5c) which has proximal end (5a) and a distal end (5b) wherein the proximal end (5a) of the lever (5c) is used by the user to operate the switch (10) whereas the distal end (5b) of the lever (5c) is operably connectable to the components of the housing (1).
8. A switch assembly (10) comprising:
a housing;
a cover mounted adjacent to the housing comprising a cavity through which the knob sub-assembly projects out;
the housing accommodating:
a plurality of micro-switches/tact-switches disposed in a plurality of respective slots formed in the housing;
a knob sub-assembly comprising a knob and an elongated lever pivoted about a centre for rotation, a spring knob (9) and a steel ball knob (7)

provided either in the cover or in the housing; wherein the knob actuates the switch when moved pivotally by the user along an axis of rotation;
a PCB assembly disposed with an illumination sub-assembly, the illumination sub-assembly comprising;
an illumination source;
an illumination medium; and
an illumination surface wherein the illumination medium transfers the light from the illumination source to the illumination surface..
9. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a plurality of strip
blinkers (3a, 3b located in a plurality of slots formed in the housing to operate the
micro/tact-switches via knob (5) which maintain centre pressing of the respective
micro-switch/tact switch.
10. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the knob (5) allows momentary pressing of the micro-switch/Tact switch while actuating the switch (10).
11. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein when the knob (5) is pushed along the central axis by the user, the contact between the distal end (5b) of the knob (5) and the micro-switches (2a, 2b) breaks thereby cancelling the signal.
12. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein when the knob (5) is pushed axially along the same direction twice, the contact between the distal end (5b) of the lever (5 c) and micro-switch/Tact Switch breaks thereby cancelling the signal.

13. The switch assembly (10) as claimed in claims 1 and 8, wherein an epoxy (14) sealing is done on a terminal of wires (13) which are connected to the PCB sub-assembly (4).
14. The switch assembly as claimed in claims 13, wherein terminal of wires (13) are soldered with the PCB sub-assembly (4) and micro switch/tact switch set (2a,2b) and routed within the housing (10) towards an outlet.