FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to an integrated switch assembly for a vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a switch assembly having integration of two functions in one module with different directional axis operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Existing switches having an integrated module have a single moving contact assembled on a single face of the carrier. All the rivets are formed in a line on the base part of the switch as shown in Figure 1a. In the conventional switches, as illustrated by figure 1(b) and figure 1 (c) there are two functions in one module with single directional axis operation. Further, more than one moving contact is not guided in single carrier. Figure 1 (b) illustrates the modular switch assembly in free condition and figure 1 (c) illustrates the condition of modular switch assembly in first direction and performing one function, whereas figure 1(d) illustrates the condition of modular switch assembly in same direction i.e. first direction however performing second function. In both the cases of the conventional switch the two functions in one module with single direction axis operation.
In the existing switches, both the circuits are closing with a single moving contact travelling on all their rivets with different axis. To achieve both circuits with single moving contact the gap between the rivets is kept very less (approximately 1.8mm). Further as shown in Figure 1b, due to continuous travel of single moving contact on all three rivets, wear out is at a high amount and insulation resistance fails early as well than its specified cycles i.e. 10 to 20K endurance cycles approximately.
Also, the existing switches are provided with a compression spring for slide movement of the spring back action. Due to pivoted slide movement, there are chances of the compression spring getting bent after some cycles resulting in spring set and jam in movement of the spring. Some of the major drawback of the conventional switches are that the insulation resistance fails due to more wear out of contacts. There is chance of movement jam due to compression spring used for pivoted slide motion. Also different springs used for carrier and haptic feeling (2 springs) and two different parts i.e. bracket and base are present.
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Therefore, to overcome the above problems as mentioned above, an integrated switch for a vehicle is disclosed which addresses one or more problems associated with the existing switches.
SUMMARY
An integrated switch assembly for a vehicle comprising a carrier assembly configured with a carrier having a first end connected with a pair of spring loaded moving contacts and a second end ; a cover assembly with a cover, an extended protrusion and a spring-loaded steel ball wherein, the cover assembly is adapted to secure the carrier assembly inside it forming a cover and carrier assembly; a bracket assembly having a pair of fixed contacts and a pair of battery fixed contacts embedded inside the bracket assembly, wherein the cover and carrier assembly is secured inside the bracket assembly a knob assembly with a knob , a first projection and a second projection adapted to receive a pair of dowel pins thereby connecting the second end of the carrier with the first projection and the extended protrusion of the cover with the second projection (hereby forming a complete integrated switch assembly. The integrated switch assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the carrier assembly has an axis (Y-Y) passing through the centre and defining the carrier assembly into a left region and a right region. The integrated switch assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first moving contact is positioned in left region, perpendicular to the axis Y-Y and movable in the direction perpendicular to the axis Y-Y. The integrated switch assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second moving contact is positioned in right region, parallel to the axis Y-Y and movable in the direction parallel to the axis Y-Y. The integrated switch assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixed contact is having prolonged structure which makes a contact with an extended protrusion of the moving contact thereby completing the circuit. The integrated switch assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bracket assembly is positioned with guiding structure to mount the switch assembly on the vehicle.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. 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:
Figures 1a-1d illustrates the existing integrated switch assemblies.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the integrated switch assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the complete assembly of the integrated switch assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figures 4a-4b illustrates the carrier sub-assembly of the integrated switch assembly according to the present disclosure
Figures 5a-5b illustrates the bracket sub-assembly of the integrated switch assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 6 illustrates the knob sub-assembly of the integrated switch assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 7 illustrates the cover sub-assembly of the integrated switch assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 8a-8f illustrates the knob position in first condition of the integrated switch assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 9a-9f illustrates the knob position in second condition of the integrated switch assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 10a-10c illustrates the knob position in third condition of the integrated switch assembly according to the present disclosure.
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Figures 11a-11c illustrates the operation of the integrated switch assembly according to an embodiment to the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT DISCLOSURE
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended description.
Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention resides in integrated switch assembly for vehicles. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present invention and modify the various constructions of assembly, which are varying from vehicle to vehicle. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Accordingly, the main aim of the present invention is to provide integrated switch assembly in which can provide two different outputs in a single module with two
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different directions of knob operation and which can overcome at least one of the problems of the existing switch assembly.
Accordingly the present disclosure discloses an integrated switch assembly (1) for a vehicle comprising: a carrier assembly (2) configured with a carrier (2a) having a first end (2ab) connected with a pair of spring loaded moving contacts (M1,M2) and a second end (2ac); a cover assembly (5) with a cover (5a), an extended protrusion(5b) and a spring-loaded steel ball (8) wherein, the cover assembly (5) is adapted to secure the carrier assembly (2) inside it forming a cover and carrier assembly; a bracket assembly (4) having a pair of fixed contacts (R2, R4) and a pair of battery fixed contacts (R1,R3) embedded inside the bracket assembly (4), wherein the cover and carrier assembly is secured inside the bracket assembly (4) a knob assembly (3) with a knob (3a), a first projection(3b) and a second projection(3c) adapted to receive a pair of dowel pins (6) thereby connecting the second end of the carrier (2ac) with the first projection(3b) and the extended protrusion (5b) of the cover assembly (5) with the second projection (3c) thereby forming a complete integrated switch assembly (1).
In another embodiment of the present disclosure the carrier assembly (2) has an axis (Y-Y) passing through the centre and defining the carrier assembly into a left region (L) and a right region(R).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the first moving contact (M1) is positioned in left region (L), perpendicular to the axis Y-Y and movable in the direction perpendicular to the axis Y-Y.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the second moving contact (M2) is positioned in right region, parallel to the axis Y-Y and movable in the direction parallel to the axis Y-Y.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the fixed contact (R1,R2, R3,R4) is having prolonged structure (B1,B2,B3,B4) which makes a contact with an extended protrusion (12) of the moving contact thereby completing the circuit.
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In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the bracket assembly (4) is positioned with guiding structure (13) to mount the switch assembly on the vehicle.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the first connection is made when the knob (3a) is pulled parallel to a housing (10) and a connection is made between the first battery fix contact (R1) and the first fixed contact (R2) through the small moving contact (M1).
In one more embodiment of the present disclosure the second connection is made when the knob (3a) is pushed towards the downward direction and a connection is made between second battery fix contact (R3) and second fixed contact (R4) is made through the large moving contact.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the cover sub-assembly (5) comprises a compression spring (7) having a first end (7a) faces towards the cover (5a) and a second end (7b) adapted to receive a steel ball (8).
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the first end of a torsion spring (9) is connected with the cover assembly and second end is secured in the housing thereby pushing the cover (5a) back to break the circuit.
The present disclosure relates to a two function in a single module integrated switch. It relates to integration of two functions in one module with different directions. The switch is used specifically for three-wheeler vehicles. The switch is generally mounted on the handle bar of the vehicles. Any two functions of the vehicle can be integrated or clubbed together in the switch assembly. Presently, the two functions include actuation of trip computer by pushing the switch in axial direction and actuation of traction control system using push plus slide mechanism. The switch is an ON/OFF type switch wherein the in the first function (i.e. Trip Computer actuation) if the knob is pressed by the user it remains in ON condition otherwise returns to its original position. On actuation of the second function (i.e. Traction control actuation), the knob has a pivotable movement in respect of the center of the handle. The present switch assembly is an integrated switch which operates at application of up to 50,000
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endurance cycles without a failure at insulation resistance. The mechanism in the switch assembly enables making and breaking of contacts wherein the first circuit does not get disturbed while operating the second circuit and the second circuit does not get disturbed while operating the first circuit. A torsion spring is added for slide movement spring back action.
Figures 2-11 illustrate an integrated switch assembly for a vehicle comprising. Figure Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the integrated switch assembly according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the complete assembly of the integrated switch assembly according to the present disclosure. The switch assembly comprises of a carrier assembly, a knob assembly, a bracket assembly; a cover assembly. All the assemblies are interconnected with each other to form the completed integrated switch assembly. The carrier assembly is configured with a carrier which is having a first end connected with a pair of spring loaded moving contacts and a second end. The first end of the carrier assembly is always in contact with the moving contact and the moving contact moves in the particular direction by virtue of the movement of the carrier. In other words, the movement of the carrier results in the movement of the moving contact. The second end of the carrier is having an extended rectangular protrusion having a cavity which connects with the knob assembly. The spring loaded moving contact is having an extended circular protrusion over its surface which makes a contact with a fixed contact thereby completing the circuit. The cover assembly comprises of a cover, an extended protrusion and a spring-loaded steel ball wherein, the cover assembly is adapted to secure the carrier assembly inside it forming a cover and carrier assembly. The extended protrusion is having a rectangular structure having a cavity at the centre which is connected with the knob assembly using a dowel pins. The steel ball with spring employs to provide a click sound to the user.
The bracket assembly is having a pair of fixed contacts and a pair of battery fixed contacts embedded inside the bracket assembly, wherein the cover and carrier assembly is secured inside the bracket assembly.
The knob assembly with a knob , a first projection and a second projection adapted to receive a pair of dowel pins thereby connecting the second end of the carrier with the
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first projection and the extended protrusion of the cover with the second projection thereby forming a complete integrated switch assembly.
In an embodiment of the carrier assembly has an axis (Y-Y) passing through the centre and defining the carrier assembly into a left region and a right region. The first moving contact is positioned in left region, perpendicular to the axis Y-Y and movable in the direction perpendicular to the axis Y-Y. The second moving contact is positioned in right region, parallel to the axis Y-Y and movable in the direction parallel to the axis Y-Y. The fixed contact as illustrated in figure 5a and 5b is having prolonged structure which makes a contact with an extended protrusion of the moving contact thereby completing the circuit and the bracket assembly is positioned with guiding structure to mount the switch assembly on the vehicle.
Figure 2 illustrates an integrated switch assembly (1) for vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3, the integrated switch assembly (1) for a vehicle comprises of a carrier sub-assembly (2), a knob sub-assembly (3), a bracket sub-assembly (4), a cover sub-assembly (5), a torsion spring (9) and a housing (10). The integrated switch assembly (1) can also be referred as a module assembly hereinafter.
As shown in Figures 4a-4b, the carrier sub-assembly (2) comprises of a carrier (2a), a pair of moving contacts i.e. a small moving contact (M1) and a large moving contact (M2) and a contact spring (2b).
Referring to Figures 5a-5b, the bracket sub-assembly (4) comprises of a pair of fixed contacts namely a first fixed contact (R2) and a second fixed contact (R4) and a pair of battery fix contacts namely a first battery fix contact (R1) and a second battery fix contact (R3).
As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the knob sub-assembly (3) primarily comprises of a knob (3a). The knob (3a) has a pair of projections adapted to receive a pair of dowel pins (6) for assembly of the switch. The cover sub-assembly (5) comprises of a cover (5a) and a compression spring (7). The compression spring (7) has a first end (7a) and
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a second end (7b). The first end (7a) of the compression spring (7) faces towards the cover (5a) whereas the second end (7b) is adapted to receive a steel ball (8).
Referring to Figures 8a-8f, the first positioning of knob (3a) is described when the knob (3a) is pulled by the user at a specified angle preferably 25 degrees towards the housing. In this case, a connection is made between the first battery fix contact (R1) and the first fixed contact (R2) through the small moving contact (M1). After completion of the circuit, the compression spring (7) pushes back the carrier (2a) to break the circuit. As a result, the knob sub-assembly (3) comes back to its original position as shown in Figures 8c and 8e.
As shown in Figures 9a-9f, the second positioning of knob (3a) is described wherein when the knob (3a) is pushed by the user at a specified angle preferably 15 degrees towards the downward direction. The term downward direction herein refers to the direction along axis X-X’. In this case, a connection between second battery fix contact (R3) and second fixed contact (R4) is made through the large moving contact (M2). After completion of the circuit, the torsion spring (9) pushes the cover (5a) back to break the circuit. As a result, the module assembly comes back to its original position.
Referring to Figure 10a, the third positioning of the knob (3a) is shown wherein when the knob (3a) is pushed by the user at a specified angle of 15 degrees towards the downward direction subsequent to which the knob is pulled by the user at a specified angle of 25 degrees towards the housing (10). The connection between the second battery fix contact (R3) to second fixed contact (R4) is done through large moving contact (M2). After completion of the circuit, the torsion spring (9) pushes the cover (5a) back to break the circuit. As a result, the module switch assembly comes back to its original position. Figures 10b and 10c show the movement of the knob and the module in push with pulling condition respectively.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the trip computer control mechanism can be carried out as one of the functions of the integrated switch assembly (1). As shown in Figure 13a, trip computer is carried out with front contact assembly by horizontal mounting of the moving contact. The trip computer system will be turned “OFF” in this condition. The traction control system can be used as a
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second function of the switch assembly wherein traction control system is carried out with rear contact assembly by vertical mounting of moving contact as shown in Figure 12b. As shown in Figure 12c, traction control system will continue to remain in “ON” condition with slide and push by the user.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The primary advantage of the present switch assembly is achieving two different outputs for vehicle in single module with different directions of knob operation with improved operability. Another advantage of the switch assembly is that it has less number of components which results in easy assembly, packaging and stacking of components. Another advantage of the present switch assembly is that it provides easy assembly of the carrier sub-assembly in the switch assembly. Another advantage of the present switch assembly is that it has better feel in operation and extended life due to use of torsion spring.
The inventors have been working to develop the invention, so that advantage can be achieved in an economical, practical, and facile manner. While preferred aspects and example configurations have been shown and described, it is to be understood that various further modifications and additional configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations herein disclosed are illustrative of the preferred nature of the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention.
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EQUIVALENTS:
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters
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form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
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LIST OF REFERNCE NUMERALS
Description
Reference Number
Integrated switch assembly
(1)
Carrier sub-assembly
(2)
Carrier
(2a)
Contact Spring
(2b)
Knob sub-assembly
(3)
Knob
(3a)
Bracket sub-assembly
(4)
Cover sub-assembly
(5)
Cover
(5a)
Dowel Pins
(6)
Compression Spring
(7)
First end of compression spring
(7a)
Second end of compression spring
(7b)
Steel ball
(8)
Torsion Spring
(9)
Housing
(10)
Bracket
(11)
Plurality of Prolonged Structure
(B1, B2, B3, B4)
Small moving contact
(M1)
Large moving contact
(M2)
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First battery fix contact
(R1)
Second battery fix contact
(R3)
First fixed contact
(R2)
Second fixed contact
(R4)
Extended protrusion of the Moving contact
(12)

We Claim: -
1. An integrated switch assembly (1) for a vehicle comprising:
- a carrier assembly (2) configured with a carrier (2a) having a first end (2ab) connected with a pair of spring loaded moving contacts (M1,M2) and a second end (2ac);
- a cover assembly (5) with a cover (5a), an extended protrusion(5b) and a spring-loaded steel ball (8) wherein, the cover assembly (5) is adapted to secure the carrier assembly (2) inside it forming a cover and carrier assembly;
- a bracket assembly (4) having a pair of fixed contacts (R2, R4) and a pair of battery fixed contacts (R1,R3) embedded inside the bracket assembly (4), wherein the cover and carrier assembly is secured inside the bracket assembly (4)
- a knob assembly (3) with a knob (3a), a first projection(3b) and a second projection(3c) adapted to receive a pair of dowel pins (6) thereby connecting the second end of the carrier (2ac) with the first projection(3b) and the extended protrusion (5b) of the cover assembly (5) with the second projection (3c) thereby forming a complete integrated switch assembly (1).
2. The integrated switch assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the carrier assembly (2) has an axis (Y-Y) passing through the centre and defining the carrier assembly into a left region (L) and a right region(R).
3. The integrated switch assembly (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first moving contact (M1) is positioned in left region (L), perpendicular to the axis Y-Y and movable in the direction perpendicular to the axis Y-Y.
4. The integrated switch assembly (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second moving contact (M2) is positioned in right region, parallel to the axis Y-Y and movable in the direction parallel to the axis Y-Y.
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5. The integrated switch assembly (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixed contact (R1,R2,R3,R4) is having prolonged structure (B1,B2,B3,B4) which makes a contact with an extended protrusion (12) of the moving contact thereby completing the circuit.
6. The integrated switch assembly (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bracket assembly (4) is positioned with guiding structure (13) to mount the switch assembly on the vehicle.
7. The integrated switch assembly (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein first connection is made when the knob (3a) is pulled parallel to a housing (10) and a connection is made between the first battery fix contact (R1) and the first fixed contact (R2) through the small moving contact (M1).
8. The integrated switch assembly (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second connection is made when the knob (3a) is pushed towards the downward direction and a connection is made between second battery fix contact (R3) and second fixed contact (R4) is made through the large moving contact.
9. The integrated switch assembly (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover sub-assembly (5) comprises a compression spring (7) having a first end (7a) faces towards the cover (5a) and a second end (7b) adapted to receive a steel ball (8).
10. The integrated switch assembly (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein first end of a torsion spring (9) is connected with the cover assembly and second end is secured in the housing thereby pushing the cover (5a) back to break the circuit.