LOW AMPERAGE SWITCHING UNIT FOR AUTOMOBILE
Field of invention:
The present invention relates to a switch module, particularly, the present invention relates to a switch module which can be mounted on handle bar of a vehicle or motorcycle, more particularly, the present invention relates to a switching unit for low amperage applications and which can be mounted inside the switch module for operating variety of electrical systems/ accessories.
Background of the Invention:
Vehicles, particularly, two wheeler vehicles such as motorcycles come with a variety of electrical systems such as head light, passing beam, dipper, blinker, horn, self start etc. In all the afore-mentioned electrical systems, electrical power derived from the battery is supplied to the appropriate appliances via a switching. Currently, each of the electrical appliances is connected in series to the battery via a separate switch. Usually, one or more switches are placed on the handle bar of the motorcycle for easy access to operation. Preferably, the switches are grouped to form a right hand switching module and a left hand switching module. The handle bar switch module comprises a switching unit for effecting the switching operations of electrical systems of the motorcycle.
Further, the switching module and/or switch system mounted on the handlebar of the motor cycle need to be sealed properly to avoid any provision to control entry of dust particles. In the absence of proper sealing of switching module, substantial amount of dust can get collected near or at the contacting point. Due to the above, carbon deposits are formed at the contact points, which results in the reduction in the life and reliability of the switch making the switch not suitable of low amperage applications.
Nowadays, low amperage switching units are popular because these switches can be used in micro-controller based electronic systems for operating one or more of the afore-mentioned accessories. There are two categories of switching units namely contact-type switching unit and contact-less switching unit.

The contact-type switching unit includes micro-switches or sealed typed switches for low amperage application in motorcycles. However, these contact-type switches come in predefined shapes and size which makes them unsuitable from customization point of view. Moreover, the sizes of these types of switches are larges which makes them costly. The contact-less switching systems are also suitable for low amperage applications and can be customized easily as compared to micro-switches. However, these switches are costly.
The above-mentioned existing low amperage switching systems have the following drawbacks:
(a) reduced life cycle;
(b) high assembly and process time & cost;
(c) Complex product assembly;
(d) More number of components;
(e) existing low amperage switching systems are costly.
Therefore, there exists a need to provide a switching system for two-wheeler or motorcycle which is cost effective and can be sealed properly.
Objects of the present invention:
The main object of the present invention is to provide a low amperage switching unit.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a handle bar switch module
comprising a low amperage switching unit for operating one or more electrical system
or accessories of two-wheeler vehicle or motorcycle.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a switching unit having
increased total life cycle.
Yet another object of present invention is to provide a switching unit which involve
reduced number of components.
A further object of present invention is to provide a switching unit which has reduce
smaller packaging size.
A further more object of the present invention is to provide a switching unit which
simplifies assembling of handlebar switch module.
Another object of present invention is to provide the smooth operation of the various
functions in handlebar switch.

One more object of the present invention is to provide a switching unit with an integrated connector.
Summary of invention:
Accordingly, the present invention provides a handle bar switch module for a vehicle,
comprising:
a low amperage switching unit comprising:
a flexible-circuit formed by disposing a circuit on a flexible substrate, the said circuit comprises one or more fixed-contact;
at least one conducting diaphragm spring disposed on the flexible circuit above the fixed contacts; the conducting diaphragm springs, when pressed, is adapted make contact with the fixed-contact thereby closing the circuit;
a rigid support-structure for mounting the flexible circuit;
at least one actuating-knob mounted on the said support structure, said actuating knob
is movable from an 'OFF' position to at least one 'ON' position;
wherein knob is mounted on the support structure so that the movement of the said
knob from 'OFF' position to the at least one 'ON' position results in pressing of the
said at least one diaphragm spring towards the fixed contact thereby making a contact
there between.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support structure is accommodated in a casing thereby forming a switch module, said casing comprising one or more slots from locating the said at least actuating knob.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm spring is covered from top with a top cover film for sealing the entry of external contamination between the diaphragm spring and the fixed contact.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fixed contact and flexible circuit is provided with an aperture for allowing air-flow, resulted due to pressing of diaphragm spring, to pass there through.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the support structure is provided with at least one reservoir for receiving the air passed through the said apertures of the fixed contact and flexible substrate.
In a further more embodiment of the present invention, an insulator is interposed between the diaphragm spring and the fixed contact so as to avoid contact there between when the diaphragm spring is not pressed.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a top circuit is disposed above the diaphragm spring and below the top cover film.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm spring having a shape selected from circular, quadrangular, elliptical or polygonal
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm spring is a triangular shaped diaphragm spring.
In a further more embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm spring comprises three legs spaced 120° angularly apart.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the flexible circuit comprises an inner tracks and an outer tracks made up of conducting material, and having opposite polarities.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the fixed contacts are located on the inner tracks.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm spring is disposed so that the legs of the diaphragm spring is mounted on the outer track.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm spring is disposed on the flexible circuit using a spacer to avoid the contact between the legs of the diaphragm spring and the inner track of the flexible circuit to avoid a short-circuit upon pressing the diaphragm spring.

In a further more embodiment of the present invention, the spacer is provided with a slot for receiving air, trapped between the diaphragm spring and the fixed contact, when the diaphragm spring is pressed.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the spacer comprises a cutout for locating the diaphragm spring.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the spacer comprises plurality of cutouts for locating plurality of the diaphragm springs.
In a further another embodiment of the present invention, the actuating knob comprises a front portion and a rear portion rigidly connected with the front portion so that the movement of the front portion results into movement of the rear portion which applies pressure on the diaphragm spring so as to move the diaphragm spring to make contact with the fixed contact.
In a further more embodiment of the present invention, actuating knob is constructed so that the travel of the front portion from the 'ON' position to 'OFF' position is greater than travel of the rear portion for pressing the said diaphragm.
In one more embodiment of the present invention, the rear portion of the actuating knob is in the form of protrude which is provided with a resilient means and the said resilient means comes in contact with the diaphragm spring for applying pressure thereupon.
Brief description of figures:
Figure 1 illustrates a low ampere switch module for two wheeler vehicle or motor
cycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 2(a) and 2(b) shows prospective views of the rigid support structure according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates the support-structure with the low-amperage switching unit
according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate a switching unit and its schematic circuit diagram
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 5 and 6 are exemplary illustration of the construction of the low-ampere
electronic switch of the switching unit of the present invention in accordance of an
embodiment.
Figure 7 illustrate different construction of the diaphragm spring according to the
present invention.
Figures 8 to 10 illustrates a diaphragm type spring with a triangular type construction
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 shows switch module with one or more actuating-knobs according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 12-14 illustrate constructions of the actuating knobs for different functions
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed description of the present invention:
Figure 1 illustrates a handle bar low ampere switch module (1) for two wheeler vehicle or motor cycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows the assembly of left hand handlebar switch module with various functions such as Dimmer-with-Pass, Horn, Pass, Blinker etc. Figure 1 shows two different construction of the switch module. First construction (A) is based on vertical parting line of casing of the low ampere switch module. Second construction (B) of figure 1 is based on horizontal parting line of casing of the low ampere switch module (1).
In the first construction (A), the vertical parting line divides the casing in two parts i.e. rear case (2) and front case (3). The first construction shown in figure 1 illustrates position of the rear case (2), front case (3), blinker-knob (4), dimmer-with-pass knob (5), horn knob (6) with respect to the handlebar of the vehicle or motorcycle.
In the second construction (B), the horizontal parting line divides the casing in two parts i.e. upper case (2') and lower case (3'). The second construction shown in figure 1 illustrates a low amperage switching unit (7) disposed over a support structure (8), position of various knobs, upper case, lower case with respect to handlebar of the vehicle or motor cycle.

Figures 2(a) and 2(b) shows perspective views of rigid support-structure (8) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 2(b), the support structure (8) may be insert molded with metal terminals (9) on which input/ output terminals of low amperage switching unit (7) can be soldered. The support structure (8) can be provided with pivot holes, pivots, snap locks, stoppers, torsion spring holders and mounting arms or legs for mounting one or more actuating knobs. In an embodiment of the present invention, the support structure (8) comprises Dimmer knob stopper (10), Dimmer pivot hole (11), Dimmer torsion spring holder (12), Horn pivot (13), Horn torsion spring holder (14), Horn stopper slot (15), snap for bracket blinker (16) for mounting knobs.
The basic purpose of the support structure (8) is to hold the switching unit (7) or to provide support to the low amperage switching unit (7). The support structure (8) may be provided with mounting legs (17) (as shown in figures 2 and 3) for mounting the said support structure (8) using one or more fasteners with respect to the casing of the handlebar switch module.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the said support structure can be provided with water-tight connector (18) covering the terminals (9) (as shown in figures 2 and 3). For this purpose, water-tight connector (18) can be integrally formed around the terminals (9). The water-tight connector (18) can be used to make electrical connections between the low amperage switching unit (7) and Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the motorcycle. Also, the function of the water-tight connector
(18) of the support structure (8) is to take input signal from the ECU and to pass the
same to the ECU.
Figure 3 illustrates the support-structure with the low-amperage switching unit (7) disposed on the support structure (8) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the low ampere switching unit (7) is in the form of a flexible unit which can be pasted on the support structure (8).
Referring to figure 4 (a), the low ampere switching unit (7) comprises flexible circuit
(19) and one or more conducting diaphragm spring. In the flexible circuit (19), a

circuit disposed or printed on a flexible substrate or film. The flexible circuit comprises one or more fixed contacts and one or more conducting diaphragm springs disposed on the flexible circuit and located above the fixed contacts so as form a low ampere electronic switch (20). The diaphragm springs are made up of conducting material. The diaphragm springs are electrically coupled with one of the terminals of a power source and the fixed contacts are electrically connected with the other terminal of the power source so that the fixed contacts and the diaphragm spring have opposite polarity. The diaphragm spring is adapted to deform on the application of external pressure to make contact with the fixed contacts thereby closing the circuit. In other words, the diaphragm spring is movable from 'contact open position' by the application of external pressure to 'contact close position' for closing the electrical circuit. When the pressure is released, the diaphragm spring comes to its original position thereby opening the circuit. In the absence of the external pressure, the diaphragm spring does not come in contact with the fixed contact and thus the circuit remains open.
As shown in figure 4 (a), the flexible-circuit is provided with one or more reference holes (Rh) and a Connector footprint (CFp).
Figure 4(b) shows a schematic diagram of the ampere switching unit. In the schematic diagram, SW-1 to SW-6 indicates low ampere electronic switches. When the diaphragm spring is pressed, the low ampere electronic switch provides an electronic signal to the ECU. As shown in the schematic diagram, the switches SW-1 to SW6 are electrically connected to connector pad or connector footprint. The connector footprint (CFp) is electrically connected with the terminals provided with the support-structure shown in figure 3. Referring to figure 3, the terminals (9) are electrically connected with the ECU (not shown in figure 3) of the motorcycle with the help of water tight connector so as to supply the electrical signal generated by actuation of the switches SW-1 to SW6 to the ECU.
Figure 5 is an exemplary illustration of the construction of the low-ampere electronic switch (20) of the switching unit of the present invention in accordance of an embodiment. As shown in figure 5, the switch (20) comprises a diaphragm spring (21), an insulator (22) and at least one flexible circuit comprising electrical connectors

and fixed contacts. As described in previous paragraphs, the flexible circuit has a circuit (23) which is printed or disposed on a flexible substrate (24). The flexible substrate (24) can be a flexible film which is basically a circuit carrier on which required circuit is printed.
Referring to figure 5, the diaphragm spring (21) can be covered from top with the help of a top cover film (25). The top-cover film (25) which is a flexible film provides a sealing to the low amperage electronic switch and prevent entry of external contamination such as dust, dirt and water. As shown in figure 5, the insulator (22) is interposed between the diaphragm spring (21) and the circuit (23). Since the circuit (23) is placed beneath or at bottom of the diaphragm spring (21), the same has been referred to as bottom circuit and the flexible substrate (24) has been referred as bottom circuit carrier in Figure 5. In an embodiment of the present invention, a top circuit (26) can optionally be provided above the diaphragm spring (21) and beneath the top cover film (25) (as shown in figure 5).
As shown in figure 5, the diaphragm spring is sandwiched between two different flexible films (i.e. the top cover film) (25) and the flexible substrate (i.e. bottom circuit carrier) (24).
Referring to figures 3 and 5, the top cover film (25) can be disposed on the insulator with the help of adhesive (Ad). Similarly, the flexible substrate (24) or bottom flexible film can be disposed on the support structure with the help of adhesives (Aj).
The diaphragm spring, when pressed, gives the user a positive tactile feedback. The diaphragm spring is made up of metal which is good conductor of electrical current and life cycle of the diaphragm spring can go up to 5 million-cycles. The diaphragm spring can be plated either in nickel, silver, gold or any other suitable metal with highly conductive surface treatment.
Referring to figure 6, the diaphragm spring (21) has cup shape construction so that the diaphragm spring (21), when located on to the bottom circuit (23), forms a dome shaped region (Dm) above the fixed contact. As shown in figure 5, the diaphragm spring (21) is sandwiched between the top cover film and the flexible substrate (i.e.

bottom circuit carrier) (24) which results in trapping of air in a dome shaped region which hinders the smooth operation of the diaphragm spring (21). Therefore, for smoother operation this trapped air is to be handled. In an embodiment of the present invention, the insulator (22), the fixed contact and the flexible substrate (i.e. bottom circuit carrier) (24), each is provided with an aperture or hole (H) so as to allow the trapped air to pass there through (as shown in figure 6). As shown in figure 6, the apertures/holes (H) provided in the fixed contact, insulator and substrate are in alignment, so as to form a channel for airflow generated (i.e. resulted) due to pressing of the diaphragm spring (21).
Referring to figure 6, the support structure (8) is provided with an air reservoir (27) which is in air-flow communication with the said apertures. In an embodiment of the present invention, the air reservoir (27) can be formed on surface of the support structure (8) which can be directly below the apertures (H) formed in the flexible substrate (24). The purpose of air reservoir (27) on the surface of support structure (8) is to accumulate the trapped air present inside dome area for smooth functioning of diaphragm spring (21).
As can be observed from figure 6, the air reservoir (27) formed on the surface of the support structure (8) is covered by flexible substrate (i.e. bottom circuit carrier) (24) and can be accessed only through the aperture formed in the flexible substrate. When the diaphragm spring (21) is pressed, air inside the dome shaped region (Dm) passes through the holes or apertures (H) of bottom circuit carrier (24), insulator and gets accumulated in the air reservoir (27). The movement of air from dome shaped region (Dm) to air reservoir (27) increases the air pressure within the air reservoir (27) and when the diaphragm spring (21) is released the air present in the air reservoir (27) moves from higher pressure to lower pressure i.e. from high pressure air reservoir (27) to low pressure dome shaped region (Dm). As the air reservoir (27) is completely covered by the flexible substrate (i.e. bottom circuit carrier) (24) and the hole or aperture (H) of the flexible substrate (24) forms an only passage for air-flow in or out of the said air reservoir (27).
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm spring can be of circular, triangular, quadrangular or elliptical in construction (as shown in figure 7).

However, the diaphragm spring can be of any other suitable construction such as polygonal.
Figures 8-10 illustrates a diaphragm type spring with a triangular type construction according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to figure 8(b), the flexible circuit (19) comprises inner tracks (28) and outer tracks (29), and the fixed contacts (30) are located on the inner tracks (28). In other words, the fixed contacts (30) are electrically connected with the inner track (28). The fixed contacts (30) can be integrally formed with the inner tracks (28) or it can be separate component electrically connected with the inner tracks (28). The inner tracks (28) and outer tracks (29) are made up of conducting material.
Referring to figures 8(a) and 8(d), the triangular-type diaphragm spring (21) comprises three legs (31) located at about 120° angularly spaced-apart positions from each other. The legs (31) are made up of conductive material which can be mounted on outer track (29) of the flexible circuit (19) so as to electrically connect the diaphragm spring (21) with the outer track (29) as shown in figure 8(b). The legs (31) of the flexible circuit (19) remains in contact with the outer track (29) thereby remain electrically connected with the outer track (29). However, for switch to work normally all three legs (31) of triangular-type diaphragm spring should always stay only on the outer track (29) of flexible circuit as shown in figures 8(d) and should not come in contact with the inner track (28). If the diaphragm spring comes in contact with the inner track then the diaphragm spring will short both the outer and the inner track even when there is not external force/pressure applied on the diaphragm spring. For this purpose, a spacer (32) is provided over the flexible circuit as shown in figure 8(c). The spacer (32) comprises a cut-out of same shape as of the triangular type diaphragm spring and sized so as to accommodate the triangular type diaphragm spring. The spacer (32) is made up of non-conducting material such as plastic etc. As shown in figure 8(e), the spacer (32) is provided with a slot (33) and the spacer (32) is located on the flexible circuit so that the slot (33) of the spacer is located in a non-overlapping position with the inner track so that the spacer completely covers the inner track. Thus, the spacer (33) guides the diaphragm spring (21) over outer track of the flexible

circuit. The slot (33) is provided with the spacer (32) can act as a passage for air flow generated due to pressing of the diaphragm spring.
Figures 9(a) illustrates assembled view of the triangular type diaphragm spring. As shown in figure 9(a), the spacer (32) is pasted over the flexible circuit (19) so that the conducting diaphragm spring (21) is always placed or located on the outer track. The top cover film (not shown in figure 9(a)) is pasted over the flexible substrate for sealing the low amperage switch.
Figures 9(b) shows a sectional view of the triangular type diaphragm spring (21) over the flexible circuit (19) with the spacer (32).
Figure 10(a), (b) and (c) illustrate layout of triangular diaphragm spring arrangement with one, two and three triangular diaphragm springs, respectively, with a single spacer. Referring to figure 10(a), the spacer can be provided with an elongated slot which can act as air-reservoir for accumulating air trapped in the dome of the diaphragm spring. Referring to figure 10(b), one spacer is provided with two cutouts so as to accommodate two diaphragm springs. In this construction, the spacer in provided with one slot connecting both the cutouts, so that when one spring is pressed, air trapped in its dome can be accumulated in the slot and between the peripheral spaces available around the other spring. Similarly, figure 10(c) shows a construction with single spacer with three cutouts for accommodating three triangular diaphragm springs. As shown in figure 10(c), the spacer is provided with a V-shaped slot connecting three cutouts with each other so as to act as a passage for air-flow.
Referring to figure 11, the switch module comprises at least plurality of actuating-knob (i.e. dimmer with pass knob (5), horn knob (6), blinker knob (4) etc.) which can be mounted on the said support structure (8) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The said actuating knob is movable by applying a manual force from an 'OFF' position to at least one 'ON' position. 'ON' positions can be more than one depending on the type of function. The knob is mounted on the support structure so that the movement of the said knob from 'OFF' position to the at least one 'ON' position apply pressure on the diaphragm spring towards the said fixed contact thereby making a contact there between. For this purpose, the actuating-knob

comprises a front portion (33) and a rear portion (34) (as shown in figure 12). As shown in figure 12, the rear portion (34) is rigidly connected with the front portion (33) so that the movement of the front portion (33) results into movement of the rear portion which applies pressure on the diaphragm spring (21).
As can be clearly understood, that actuation of the spring from the 'contact-open' position to the 'contact-closed' position is very small which requires a small travel of the rear portion of the actuating knob. However, the front portion which is manually pressed by the user or rider requires a relatively larger travel so as to give the user a feel of actuation of the actuating-knob. For this purpose, the actuating knob is constructed so that the travel of the front portion from the 'ON' position to 'OFF' position is greater than travel of the rear portion for pressing the said diaphragm. Also, there is always a possibility that the knob is pressed even after the contact between the diaphragm spring and the fixed contact has been completely made (such condition has been referred herein after as overpressure condition). Such even can damage the diaphragm spring.
To overcome this problem, a resilient means is mounted on the rear portion of the actuating knob. The resilient means can be a rubber pad or spring which comes in contact with the diaphragm spring and provides cushioning. Also, during the overpressure condition, the resilient means gets compressed and the saves the diaphragm spring from damage.
Figures 12, 13 and 14 illustrate constructions of the actuating knobs for different functions according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate different positions of 'Dimmer with Pass knob. Figure 14 shows 'Horn or Start' Knob and Blinker Knob. As shown in figures 12-14, the actuating knob comprises a front portion (33) which is in the form of a button and accessible to the user/rider. The casing of the switch module can be provided with slots so as to project there through the said button. The button is pivotally mounted on the support structure under force of a spring with the help of pivot and torsion spring so that the same can be pivotally movable. The actuating knob comprises a rear portion (34) which is in the form of protrude rigidly connected with the said front portion of the button. As shown in figures 12-14, a rubber pad (35) is connected to the rear portion (i.e.

protrude) which is located above the diaphragm spring of the low amperage switch. Travel of the button which can be effected by applying a manual force results in travel of the rear portion or protrude. The knob is mounted on the rigid support so as to accommodate a free travel of the rear portion (i.e. protrude) between the bottom surface and the diaphragm spring before the rubber pad mounted on the rear portion (i.e. protrude) comes in contact with the diaphragm spring and apply pressure thereupon. Thus, effecting the resultant travel of the rear portion of the actuating knob relatively smaller than the travel of the front portion of the actuating knob. Thereby, user/rider gets the feel of actuation of the knob in spite the smaller travel of the diaphragm spring. Also, in the event of 'overpressure' condition, compression of the rubber pad prevents the diaphragm spring from damage.
The present invention is described with reference to the figures and specific embodiments; this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such alternative embodiments form part of the present invention.

We Claim:
1. A handle bar switch module for a vehicle, comprising:
a low amperage switching unit comprising:
a flexible-circuit formed by disposing a circuit on a flexible substrate, the said circuit comprises one or more fixed-contact;
at least one conducting diaphragm spring disposed on the flexible circuit above the fixed contacts; the conducting diaphragm springs, when pressed, is adapted make contact with the fixed-contact thereby closing the circuit;
a rigid support-structure for mounting the flexible circuit;
at least one actuating-knob mounted on the said support structure, said actuating knob
is movable from an 'OFF' position to at least one 'ON' position;
wherein knob is mounted on the support structure so that the movement of the said
knob from 'OFF' position to the at least one 'ON' position results in pressing of the
said at least one diaphragm spring towards the fixed contact thereby making a contact
there between.
2. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure is accommodated in a casing thereby forming a switch module, said casing comprising one or more slots from locating the said at least actuating knob.
3. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diaphragm spring is covered from top with a top cover film for sealing the entry of external contamination between the diaphragm spring and the fixed contact.
4. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed contact and flexible circuit is provided with an aperture for allowing air-flow, resulted due to pressing of diaphragm spring, to pass there through.
5. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure is provided with at least one reservoir for receiving the air passed through the said apertures of the fixed contact and flexible substrate.

6. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein an insulator is
interposed between the diaphragm spring and the fixed contact so as to avoid contact
there between when the diaphragm spring is not pressed.
7. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein a top circuit is disposed above the diaphragm spring and below the top cover film.
8. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diaphragm spring having a shape selected from circular, quadrangular, elliptical or polygonal
9. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diaphragm spring is a triangular shaped diaphragm spring.
10 A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 9, wherein the diaphragm spring comprises three legs spaced 120° angularly apart.
11. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible circuit comprises an inner tracks and an outer tracks made up of conducting material, and having opposite polarities.
12. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fixed contacts are located on the inner tracks.
13. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claims 11, wherein the diaphragm spring is disposed so that the legs of the diaphragm spring is mounted on the outer track.
14. A handle bar switch module as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the diaphragm spring is disposed on the flexible circuit using a spacer to avoid the contact between the legs of the diaphragm spring and the inner track of the flexible circuit to avoid a short-circuit upon pressing the diaphragm spring.

15. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 14, wherein the spacer is
provided with a slot for receiving air, trapped between the diaphragm spring and the
fixed contact, when the diaphragm spring is pressed.
16. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 15, wherein the spacer comprises a cutout for locating the diaphragm spring.
17. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 15, wherein the spacer comprises plurality of cutouts for locating plurality of the diaphragm springs.
18. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating knob comprises a front portion and a rear portion rigidly connected with the front portion so that the movement of the front portion results into movement of the rear portion which applies pressure on the diaphragm spring so as to move the diaphragm spring to make contact with the fixed contact.
19. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein actuating knob is constructed so that the travel of the front portion from the 'ON' position to 'OFF' position is greater than travel of the rear portion for pressing the said diaphragm.
20. A handle bar switch module as claimed in claim 19, wherein the rear portion of the actuating knob is in the form of protrude which is provided with a resilient means and the said resilient means comes in contact with the diaphragm spring for applying pressure thereupon.