Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. More particularly,
the present disclosure relates to a two-wheeler / three-wheeler vehicles switch panel
assembly which is independent to handle pipe and mounted directly on the vehicle
handle panel.
Background
A panel switch (100) is a switch used in panels of automobile as illustrated in figures 1
and 2. The existing panel switch is having a handle bar (101), a handle panel (102) and
a switch panel (103) mounted on the handle bar. In prior art, as illustrated in figures 3-
5 the switch panel is mounted on the handle bar. A clamp (104) is positioned on the
handle bar wherein fasteners (105) are used to connect the switch assembly with the
handle bar. Since the switch assembly is connected with the handle bar, there is metal
to plastic contact which makes the contact between the handle bar and switch assembly
weak. Also, if there is any change in the position/orientation of the handle bar, the
position of switch panel is also effected. The panel switches as disclosed in the prior art
are not completely protected from water and dust at coupler end. The individual modules
are also exposed to external environment and may get damaged while handling. The
existing panel switches are assembled in a way it does not have full proof sealing against
water and dust entry. Therefore, water / dust can enter from this entry and damage
switch/possibility of short-circuit/desired function missing & decreases life of switch.
In conventional switch design, individual modules are present without wire-harness and
thus if any module is fails whole switch assembly is required to be changed. The
number of parts were also more in the existing panel assembly and these design was not
meeting low and high ampere current rating requirements.
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Thus, there is a need to provide an improved switch with reduction in loose parts/wires,
which overcomes one or more of aforesaid disadvantages. There exists a need of a panel
switch assembly which is more cost effective and easy to assemble switch. Also, there
exists a need of a system where panel switch is sealed against water and dust and which
increase life of switch assembly. Further the technology may demand for customized
panel switch as per the customer requirement.
Consequently, there is a need to have some innovation in this field which can provide
sealing of panel switch construction with assembly sub-systems for enhancing
reliability & productivity of switch
Summary
A panel assembly for a vehicle comprising a handle bar a handle panel mounted over
the handle bar; having an open end and a close end; a left-hand and a right-hand switch
panel mounted on the handle panel wherein the close end of the handle panel is provided
with a curvature to secure the handle bar in it; and the open end of the handle panel
having cavities to accommodate a left-hand switch panel and a right-hand switch panel
inside the cavities thereby forming a complete panel assembly. The panel assembly for
a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the switch panels are having openings to secure
modules in the left-hand and right-hand side switch panel. The panel assembly for a
vehicle wherein one end of a wire harness is connected with each module and the other
end of the wire harness is connected separately each vehicle module. The panel
assembly for a vehicle wherein left hand side switch panel and right hand switch panel
is having an opening to accommodate each module wherein the modules are snap fitted
in the switch panel. The panel assembly for a vehicle as wherein a cylindrical protrusion
is present in the switch panel and an opening concentric with the cylindrical protrusion
so to secure the fastener into the cylindrical protrusion.
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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 detailed
description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the
accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference
numerals represent like elements and in which
Figures 1 and 2 illustrates the existing panel assembly of modular.
Figures 3-5illustrates the mounting arrangement of the switch panel on handle bar.
Figure 6 illustrates the panel assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Figure 7 illustrates exploded view of panel assembly in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 and 9 illustrates exploded view of the handle panel and the switch panel in
accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 10 and 11 shows the front view of the handle panel with and without the switch
panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 12 and 13 shows the rear view of the handle panel with and without the switch
panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 14 illustrates the arrangement of the switch panel with the handle panel showing
snap lock and snap area.
5
Figure 15 illustrates the final mounting condition when switch panel is connected with
the handle panel.
Figure 16illustrates the sectional view of the switch panel showing snap lock between
the switch panel and handle panel.
Figure 17illustrates the left-hand switch panel assembled with all the modules.
Figure 18 illustrates the exploded view of the left-hand switch panel in accordance with
the embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 19 and 20 shows the back view of the left-hand switch panel showing the
soldering points.
Description of Present Disclosure
While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will
be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the
present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present
disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the
scope of the present disclosure.
It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present
disclosure and can perform various modifications. However, such modifications should
be construed within the scope of the present disclosure.
6
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 an assembly, setup, system,
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 system or
device or setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or
device proceeded by “comprises a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or
apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present disclosure. The invention in
respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly the present disclosure relates a panel assembly for a vehicle comprising: a
handle bar; a handle panel mounted over the handle bar; having an open end and a close
end; a left-hand and a right-hand switch panel mounted on the handle panel wherein the
close end of the handle panel is provided with a curvature to secure the handle bar in it;
and the open end of the handle panel having cavities to accommodate a left-hand switch
panel and a right-hand switch panel inside the cavities thereby forming a complete panel
assembly.
In another embodiment of the present disclosurethe panel assembly for a vehicle
wherein the switch panels are having openings to secure modules in the left-hand and
right-hand side switch panel.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosurethe panel assembly for a vehicle
wherein one end of a wire harness is connected with each module and the other end of
the wire harness is connected separately each vehicle module.
7
In a further embodiment of the present disclosurethe panel assembly for a vehicle as
claimed in claim 1 wherein left hand side switch panel and right hand switch panel is
having an opening to accommodate each module wherein the modules are snap fitted in
the switch panel.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure the panel assembly for a vehicle
wherein a cylindrical protrusion is present in the switch panel and an opening concentric
with the cylindrical protrusion so to secure the fastener into the cylindrical protrusion.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosurethe panel assembly for a vehicle
wherein a snap lock is present on the switch panel and a snap area is provided on the
handle panel to accommodate the snap lock makes a tight contact with the handle panel.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosurethe panel assembly for a vehicle
wherein the handle panel is secured with the switch panel using fasteners and the switch
panel is snap locked with the handle panel.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosurethe panel assembly for a vehicle
wherein wire harness is soldered with each module.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosurethe panel assembly for a vehicle
wherein sealant is used to seal the connection between the wire harness and the module.
Figure 6-20 illustrated a panel assembly (1) of the present case. Figure 6and 7illustrates
the exploded view of panel assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. A panel
assembly (1) for a vehicle comprising a handle bar (2), a handle panel (3) mounted over
the handle bar (2) and a left-hand (4) and a right-hand (6) switch panel mounted on the
handle panel (3). The handle bar (2) is having a cylindrical structure with a circular
structure (2a) positioned over the handle bar. A rubber covering (2b) is provided over
the handle bar towards the left side of the circular structure so to provide a gripping and
cushioning effect to the user while driving the vehicle. This type of arrangement is made
towards the left-hand side of the switch panel. A similar type of arrangement is made
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towards the right-hand side of the switch panel. When the handle bar (1) is positioned
with the handle panel (3), the circular structure (2a) makes a contact with the handle
panel (3). The handle panel (3) is having an open end (3b) and a close end(3a) wherein
the close end (3a) of the handle panel (3) is provided with a curvature (5) to secure the
handle bar (2) in it and the open end (3b) of the handle panel (3) having cavities to
accommodate a left-hand switch panel (4) and a right-hand switch (6) panel inside the
cavities.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the switch panel is mounted over the handle
panel and is independent of the handle bar. Figures 8 and 9 illustrates the exploded view
of the handle panel with the switch panel wherein the left hand and right hand switch
panel mounted over the handle panel using fasteners (7) and snap locks. The bottom
side of the handle panel is having an opening to secure the fastener and the similar
opening is also provided over the switch assembly. During the mounting of the switch
panel over the handle panel, both the openings are positioned concentric with each other
and the fastener is placed over the openings.
Figure 10-13 illustrates the handle panel of the present disclosure with and without the
switch panel. Figure 10-11 illustrates the front view of the handle panel. Figures 12 and
13 illustrates the rear view of the handle panel with and without the switch wherein the
handle panel is having an opening (3c) in which the headlight of the vehicle is mounted.
The left and right hand switch panel are symmetrically placed over the handle panel
using fasteners and snap locks.
Figure 14-16 illustrates the locking of the switch panel over the handle panel. A snap
lock (9) is present on the switch panel encircled in the figure 14. To accommodate the
snap lock present on the switch panel, a snap area (8) is provided on the handle panel
wherein the snap lock moves into and makes a tight contact with the handle panel. A
cylindrical protrusion (8) is present in the switch panel to secure the fastener (7) into the
cylindrical protrusion (8). The opening (8a) is also present in the handle panel which is
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concentric with the cylindrical protrusion (8) so that the fasteners (7) connect both the
switch panel and handle panel together and form a tight joint.
Figure 15 illustrates mounting assembly when the switch panel is mounted over the
handle panel. The encircled portion in figure 15 shows snap locking of the switch panel
with the handle panel. Figure also shows the location of fasteners in the assembly which
held both the assemblies together. Figure 16 shows the sectional view of the assembly
when the switch panel (4) is mounted over the handle panel (3). The encircled portion
in figure 16 clearly illustrates the switch module snap fitted with the switch panel
thereby fitting both the assemblies together.
Figures 17-20 illustrates the left-hand switch panel (4) in accordance with the
embodiment of the present disclosure which is mounted on the handle panel of the
vehicle. The similar right hand switch panel (6) is also mounted on the right-hand side
of the handle panel. The left-hand switch panel assembly comprises of a dimmer switch
module (11), winker switch module (12) and horn module (13) which are snap fitted
into panel from top side fixed tightly with wire clamp and screw. The right-hand switch
panel assembly comprises of an idle stop switch module (11c), light switch module
(12c) and start switch modules (13c) are snap fitted into panel from top side fixed tightly
with then wire clamp and screw. In accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure figures 18 shows a switch panel (4) with unique pig tail design wherein the
individual wire harness (14) is used to connect each module (11,11c,12,12c,13,13c)
with the vehicle module. The wire harness comprises of two end i.e. first end (14a)
connected with each module present in the switch assembly and second end (14b)
connected with the similar module present in the vehicle (11b,12b,13b) thereby forming
an individual connection of each module with the vehicle.
Figures 19 and 20 shows the connection of the individual wire harness with the vehicle
module. Figures also illustrates the epoxy sealing (15) at soldering end points (11a, 12a,
13a) to prevent water entry at coupler ends which makes the assembly completely water
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proof. The soldering area (11a,12a,13a) seal through sealing material to prevent water
dust entry and other contamination. In the embodiment of the present disclosure
individual wire harness (14) and connectors are provided for individual module. The
Individual modules can easily be replaced if individual switch get failed. In the present
disclosure, the wire harness is snap fitted from top side of switch panel. It provides a
design suitable for low ampere.
The advantage of the present disclosure is that the connector parts are eliminated and
reliability of switch is more. The switch is cost effective with limited packaging size,
compact size and has less number of parts. The sealed panel switch assembly protects
assembly from water / dust entry completely at coupler ends.
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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.
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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 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.

We claim
1. A panel assembly (1) for a vehicle comprising:
a handle bar (2);
a handle panel (3) mounted over the handle bar (1); having an open end (3a) and
a close end (3b);
a left-hand (4) and a right-hand (6) switch panel mounted on the handle panel
(3) wherein
the close end of the handle panel (3b) is provided with a curvature (5) to secure
the handle bar (1) in it;
and the open end (3a) of the handle panel (3) having cavities to accommodate a
left-hand switch panel (4) and a right-hand switch panel (6) inside the cavities
thereby forming a complete panel assembly (1).
2. The panel assembly (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the switch
panels (4,6) are having openings to secure modules (11,12,13,11c,12c,13c) in
the left-hand (4) and right-hand (6) side switch panel.
3. The panel assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein one end (14a)
of a wire harness (14) is connected with each module(11,12,13,11c,12c,13c) and
the other end (14b) of the wire harness (14) is connected separately each vehicle
module (11b,12b,13b).
4. The panel assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein left hand side
switch panel (4) and right hand switch panel (6) is having an opening to
accommodate each module(11,12,13,11c,12c,13c) wherein the modules are
snap fitted in the switch panel (4,6).
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5. The panel assembly (1) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein a cylindrical
protrusion (8) is present in the switch panel (4) and an opening (8a) concentric
with the cylindrical protrusion (8) so to secure the fastener (7) into the
cylindrical protrusion (8).
6. The panel assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein a snap lock (9)
is present on the switch panel (4,6) and a snap area (10) is provided on the handle
panel (3) to accommodate the snap lock (9) makes a tight contact with the handle
panel (3).
7. The panel assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle panel
(3) is secured with the switch panel (4,6) using fasteners (7) and the switch panel
(4,6) is snap locked with the handle panel (3).
8. The panel assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein wire harness
(14) is soldered with each module(11,12,13,11c,12c,13c).
9. The panel assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein sealant (15) is
used to seal the connection between the wire harness (14) and the
module(11,12,13,11c,12c,13c).