DESC:Field of invention

The present invention relates to a switch module for a handle bar switch of an automobile, particularly, the present invention relates to a switch module for a handle bar switch of an automobile such as two wheeled vehicle, more particularly, the present invention relates to an auto-return mechanism of knob of the switch module.

Background of the invention

In automobiles such as two wheeled vehicle e.g. motorcycle, switch units including plurality of switch modules, mounted on handle bar of the vehicle. The switch units (herein after referred as ‘handlebar switch unit’) are mounted on left hand side (LH) or right hand side (RH) of the handle bar.

The switch modules of the handlebar switch units are configured to perform one or more functions associated with the accessories of the vehicles. Depending on the intended function to be performed, the switch modules are formed with different construction such as push-type switch module, rocker-type switch module, toggle-type switch module etc.

One such function is a ‘PASS’ function and for this purpose a PASS switch module is provided on the handlebar switch unit. The PASS switch module can be actuated from OFF position to ON position when an actuation force (Operating Force) is applied to knob of the switch module. Upon release of actuation force, the knob of the switch module returns to its original position i.e. OFF position. For this purpose, the PASS switch module is required to have an auto-return mechanism. The term ‘auto-return’ herein refers to ability of the switch module to bring the knob automatically to its original position once the actuation pressure applied on the knob is removed.

Figure 1 illustrates an existing PASS switch module (1). The PASS switch module (1) mainly includes a knob (2), a base (3), a bracket (4), moving contacts (5) and plurality of fixed contacts (6). In addition, the existing PASS switch module includes a plunger-spring (7) and plunger (8), for effecting or implementing the quick make and break of the contacts in the switch module.

The bracket is a stationary part and can be mounted in the switch unit. Referring to Figure 1, the base (3) is secured to the bracket (4) in the switch module (1). The plurality of fixed contacts (6) formed by rivets is disposed on the base (3) facing the moving contacts (5) which are secured to the knob (2). The moving contacts (5) are secured to the knob (2) having contact springs (9) disposed between the moving contact (5) and the knob (2), to ensure the positive contact between the moving contact (5) and fixed contact (6) when the knob is actuated. The knob (2) is pivotally secured with the bracket (4) using the plunger (8) and the plunger-spring (7). The knob (2) is secured with the bracket (4) under a force of the plunger-spring (7) so that when an actuating force is applied on the knob, the knob will pivotally move, against the force of the plunger spring, from an OFF position to an ON position thereby activating PASS function. As soon as the said actuating force is removed, the plunger-spring will bring the knob to its original/initial position (i.e. OFF position).

In the above mentioned existing switch module, the knob sliding area is more and the operating feel of the knob is not smooth as the knob is to be operated against the force of the plunger spring (7) and due to the rubbing or sliding of plunger (8) with respect to the bracket (4). Therefore, the mechanical life of the switch module (1) is less. In addition, due to the use of plunger (8) and spring (7), the existing switch module requires extra space for plunger (8) and plunger-spring (7). The movement of the knob (2) and the moving contacts (5) under the actuation force is slow towards the fixed contact (6) which leads to generation of arc between the moving contacts (5) and fixed contacts (6). This causes reduction in electrical life of the switch module. Further, the existing switch module requires two moving contacts (5). In the existing knob, contact assembly area is less, hence two small moving contacts (5) each having two protrusions (5a) are used (as shown in Figure 1). The said protrusion may be formed by providing an indentation or dimple in a metallic sheet metal portion on one surface which forms a protrusion on the opposing surface. The said protrusion is used for the purpose of ‘moving contact’ The term moving contact herein refers to a contact which is mounted on a moving part/elements (such as knob).

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a switch module for a handle bar switch of an automobile. The switch module comprises a knob having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion has a first face and a second face located opposite to the first face. The knob is movable from OFF position to ON position. A moving contact plate disposed on the first face. A base comprises plurality of fixed contacts facing in a direction towards the moving contact plate disposed on the first face of the distal portion of the knob. The switch module comprises a bracket having first pivot pin for pivotally engaging the distal portion of the knob and a second pivot pin, being located spaced apart from the first pivot pin, for installing a torsion spring whose ends are retained at the bracket and at the knob so that the pivotal movement of the knob about the first pivot pin from the OFF position to the ON position is effected against the force of the torsion spring and upon release of actuation force, the torsion spring pushes the knob from ON position to OFF position. The switch module comprises an interlocking means for releasably engaging the knob with the bracket in OFF position of the knob and configured to disengage the knob from the bracket upon application of a predetermined actuation force on the proximal portion of the knob, thereby moving the knob from the OFF position to the ON position.
Brief description of drawings

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages but not limiting the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 illustrates an existing switch module.
Figures 2(a) to 2(c) illustrate a switch module and its components according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 3 shows an exploded view of a switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4(a)-4(c) illustrate a switch module depicting installation of the torsion spring according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4(d) illustrates a cross sectional view of the knob along plane A-A shown in Figure 4(b).
Figures 5(a)-5(d) illustrate a switch module depicting interlocking means according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5(e) illustrates a switch module depicting interlocking means according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrate a assembly sequence of the switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the present invention
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a switch module which overcomes at least one of the problems associated with the existing switch module. Another object of the present invention is to provide an auto-return mechanism for a switch module which overcomes at least one of the problems associated with the existing switch module.

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 claims.

Before describing in detail the various embodiments of the present invention it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention resides in the construction of switch module. 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 switch module. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, mechanism, setup, that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such assembly, mechanism or setup. In other words, one or more elements in switch module or assembly proceeded by “comprises a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or mechanism. The following paragraphs explain present invention and the same may be deduced accordingly.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a switch module for a handle bar switch of an automobile, comprising:
(a) a knob comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion; the distal portion comprising a first face and a second face located opposite to the first face; the knob is movable from OFF position to ON position;
(b) a moving contact plate disposed on the first face;
(c) a base comprises plurality of fixed contacts facing in a direction towards the moving contact plate disposed on the first face of the distal portion of the knob;
(d) a bracket comprises:
(i) a first pivot pin for pivotally engaging the distal portion of the knob;
(ii) a second pivot pin, being located spaced apart from the first pivot pin, for installing a torsion spring whose ends are retained at the bracket and at the knob so that the pivotal movement of the knob about the first pivot pin from the OFF position to the ON position is effected against the force of the torsion spring and upon release of actuation force, the torsion spring pushes the knob from ON position to OFF position;
(e) an interlocking means for releasably engaging the knob with the bracket in OFF position of the knob and configured to disengage the knob from the bracket upon application of a predetermined actuation force on the proximal portion of the knob, thereby moving the knob from the OFF position to the ON position.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the moving contact plate comprises plurality of contact points in the form of protrusions and the moving contact plate is disposed on the first face of the knob with a contact spring disposed there between to ensure positive contact between the moving contact plate and the fixed contacts.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the torsion spring comprises
a coiled portion installed in the second pivot pin;
a first leg portion retained by a stopper wall provided on the bracket; and
a second leg portion comprising a bend being supported in a slot provided on the distal portion of the knob.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the base is rigidly secured with the bracket.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the interlocking means comprising:
a projection formed on the bracket;
a cavity formed on the second face of the distal portion of the knob for releasably engaging the projection in OFF position of the knob; and
the projection and the cavity is sized so as to allow, upon application of a predetermined actuation force on the proximal portion of the knob, the projection to disengage from the cavity thereby moving the knob from the OFF position to the ON position.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the projection is located on a flexible region formed on the bracket.

In further more embodiment of the present invention the interlocking means comprises:
a spring loaded ball mounted on the distal portion of the knob; and
a indentation formed on the bracket for releasably engaging the spring loaded ball.

In another embodiment of the present invention the slots is formed a front side surface of the distal portion of the knob which is contiguous to the first face and the second face.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the slot supporting the second leg portion, comprises a bottom wall, an open end and a closed end.

In one more embodiment of the present invention the bottom wall is provided with an inclination increasing from open end to closed end.

The present invention describes a switch module that can be used for implementing or providing PASS function in two wheeled vehicle. This description should not be construed in limiting sense and the switch module of the present invention may be used for implementing or providing functions other than PASS function as well.

The following description describes the present invention with reference to Figures 2-6.

The Pass switch module (101) which comprises a base (103), a bracket (102), plurality of fixed contacts (107) disposed on the base (103), a knob (104) pivotally secured to the bracket (103), a moving contact plate (105) mounted on the knob (104) using a contact spring (106), a torsion spring (110) whose one end (110c) is retained to the knob (104) while the other end (110b) is retained on the bracket (102).

Referring to Figures 2 (a)-(c) and 3, the bracket (102) is a critical part as it holds the base (103) and knob (104). The bracket (102) is a stationary part and can be rigidly secured at a suitable part of the handle bar switch (not shown in Figures). The base (103) can be rigidly secured with the bracket (102). The base (103) is secured by means locks with three points lock mechanism.

The knob (104) is secured to the bracket (102) and is pivotally movable with respect to bracket (102) from an OFF position to an ON position. The Knob (104) is having a proximal portion (104a) and a distal portion (104b). The term ‘proximal portion’ herein refers to the portion of the knob which is closer to user or accessible to user and the term ‘distal portion’ herein refers to the portion of the knob which is not accessible to user when the knob is mounted on switch. The proximal portion (104a) of the knob projects exterior to the switch module (101) or the switch so that the proximal portion (104a) of the knob (104) is accessible to the user/operator for applying actuation force for operating the switch module. The distal portion (104b) of the knob (104) remains inside the switch module or the switch, and can be provided with arrangement for pivotally mounting the knob (104) with the bracket (102) which will be described in later part of the description.

The distal portion (104b) of the knob (104) comprises a first face (104c) and a second face (104d) located opposite to the first face (104c). The first face (104c) and the second face (104d) are located perpendicular or orthogonal to pivotal axis the knob (104). The term ‘pivotal axis’ herein refers to an axis about which the knob pivotally moves with respect to the bracket. The moving contact plate (105) is disposed on the first face (104c) of the distal portion (104b) of the knob (104). A contact-spring (106) is disposed between the moving contact plate (105) and the first face (104c) of the knob (104) to ensure positive contact between the moving contact plate (105) and the fixed contacts (107) which are disposed on the base (103). The moving contact plate (105) comprises plurality of contact points in the form of protrusions for making the contact with the fixed contacts (107).

The fixed contacts (107) are formed by rivets disposed on at four positions on the base by any suitable process for example the rivets may be disposed on the base (103) by impact riveting process.

As can be clearly understood, the fixed contacts (107) are disposed on the base (103) so that when base (103) is secured with the bracket, the fixed contacts (107) face in a direction towards the moving contact plate (105) so that pivotal movement of the knob (104) from OFF to ON position causes making of contact between the moving contact plate and the fixed contacts. In other words, the rivets (fixed contacts) (107) are shorted through moving contact plate (105). The contact spring (106) which is disposed between the moving contact plate (105) and the first face (104c) of the knob (104) creates positive contact pressure between the moving contact plate (105) and the fixed contacts (107). The rivets (107) are disposed on the base in two groups. The rivets (107) in each group are shorted through moving contact plate (105) in two different positions, in OFF position and in ON position i.e. when knob (104) is actuated to provide Pass function.

As described in previous paragraphs the knob (104) is pivotally secured with the bracket (102). For this purpose, a first pivot pin (108) may be provided on the bracket (102) and the hole (109) is provided on the distal portion (104b) of knob (104) for receiving the first pivot pin (108) therein, thereby securing or engaging the knob (104) with the bracket (102) and allowing pivotal movement of the knob (104) with respect to the bracket (102) between OFF position and ON position. Alternatively, the first pivot pin may be provided on the distal portion of knob and the hole or cavity may be formed on the bracket for receiving the said pivot pin.

As explained in previous paragraphs, the knob (104) has two basic positions “OFF”, which is a normal/original position and “ON” position, which is momentary. For the purpose of PASS function, the Knob (104) moves from OFF position to ON position when actuation force is applied by the user and upon release of the actuation force, the knob (104) is required to return to original “OFF” position. For this purpose, a torsion spring (110) is disposed in the switch module. The bracket (102) is provided with a second pivot pin (111) for installing the torsion spring (110). As shown in Figure 2(a), the second pivot pin (111) is located spaced apart from the first pivot pin (108). In other words, the first pivot pin (108) and second pivot pin (111) are located at different locations on the bracket. The torsion spring (110) is installed in the bracket (102) so that pivotal movement of the knob (104) from OFF position to ON position, twists the torsion spring (110) about axis of the second pivot pin (111) which causes storing mechanical energy in the torsion spring (110). In other words, the pivot movement of the knob (104) from OFF position to ON position is effected against the force of the torsion spring (110).

Referring to Figures 2(a)-(c) and 4(a)-(d), the torsion spring (110) comprises a coiled portion (110a) having two opposite ends which extend in two leg portions, a first leg portion (110b) and a second leg portion (110c). The coiled portion (110a) is installed in the second pivot pin (111). The first leg portion (110b) is locked in the bracket (103) and the second leg portion (110c) is retained in a slot (112) provided on the distal portion (104b) of the knob (111). As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(c), the first leg portion (110b) of the torsion spring (110) is straight (i.e. devoid of any bend) and the second leg portion (110c) is provided with a bend (110d). The second leg portion (110c) of the torsion spring (110) is positioned in the slot (112) provided in the knob (104) when the knob (104) is mounted on the first pivot pin (108) and the first leg portion (110b) is locked in the bracket (102). As can be clearly understood, once the torsion spring (110) in installed in the second pivot pin (111), the torsion spring (110) can be twisted about the axis of second pivot pin (111) thereby storing mechanical energy. As shown in Figure 4(c), the torsion spring (110) is installed on the second pivot pin (111) in a twisted position or pre-loaded position about the second pivot pin (111). The said pre-twisting can be achieved by forcing the first leg portion (110b) and the second leg portion (110c) in opposite direction while installing the torsion spring (110) in the second pivot pin (111). In the twisted position of the torsion spring (110), the second leg portion (110c) is positioned in the slot (112) and the first leg portion locked or retained in the bracket (102) by means of a stopper wall (113). The stopper wall (113) is located in the bracket (102) so as to stop the movement of the first leg portion (110b) resulting from un-twisting of the torsion spring (110). The term ‘twisting’ herein refers to tightening of coiled portion of the torsion spring about the second pivot pin when an external force is applied on leg portions of the torsion spring. The term ‘un-twisting’ herein refers to loosening of the torsion spring about the second pivot pin when an external force is released from leg portions of the torsion spring.
It can be clearly understood, the torsion spring (110) is lodged or installed in the second pivot pin (111) in a pre-loaded or twisted condition which keeps the knob (104) always in normal position or OFF under the force of the torsion spring (110). The knob (104) can be operated through this torsion spring (110). When an actuation force is applied on the knob (104), the knob (104) moves from OFF position to ON position and this movement further twist the torsion spring (110) about the second pivot (111). When actuation force is released from the knob (104), the torsion spring (110) tend to un-twist about the second pivot pin (111) and the second leg portion (110c) pushes the distal portion (104b) of the knob (104) which moves the knob (104) from ON position to OFF position.

As explained in previous paragraphs, the second leg portion (110c) is retained in the slot (112) formed in the distal portion (104b) of the knob (104). Referring to Figures 4(a)-4(d), the slot (112) is formed in the distal portion (104b) of the knob (104) at a front-side surface (104e) which is contiguous to the first face (104c) and the second face (104d). The slot (112) extends in a direction which is perpendicular to the pivotal axis and transverse to the direction of pivotal movement of the knob. The slot (112) comprises side walls (112a), a bottom wall (112b), an open end (112c) and a closed end (112d). In an embodiment the slot (112) extends further to open end (112c) on a left-side surface (104f) in distal portion (104b) of the knob (104) which is contiguous to the first face (104c) and the front side surface (104e).

Referring to Figures 4(a)-(d), the bend (110d) of the second leg portion (110c) of the torsion spring (110) is supported on the bottom wall (112b) between the open end (112c) and the closed end (112d) of the slot (112). As explained in previous paragraphs, due to the pre-loading or pre-twisting of the torsion spring (110), the second leg portion (110c) of the torsion spring (110) apply a force on the knob (104) and keep the knob (104) in OFF position. When actuation force is applied by the user to move the knob (104) from OFF to ON position, the knob (104) pushes the bend (110d) of second leg portion (110) which further twists the torsion spring (110) around the second pivot pin (111). During the movement of the knob (104) from OFF to ON position, the bend (110d) of second leg portion (110) traverses in the slot (112) from closed end (112d) towards open end (112c). When actuation force is removed from the knob (104), the torsion spring (110) un-twist and the second leg portion (110c) pushes the knob (104) toward OFF position. As can be clear understood, during twisting and untwisting of the torsion spring (110) the second leg portion (110c) moves in pivotal direction and in lateral direction. The movement of the second leg portion (110c) in the lateral direction is accommodated by the slot (112). The term ‘pivotal direction’ herein refers to the direction in which the knob pivotally moves about the pivotal axis. The term ‘Lateral direction’ herein refers to the direction which is substantially radial to the pivotal direction.

Figure 4(d) illustrates a cross sectional view of the knob (104) along plane A-A shown in Figure 4(b). As can be observed from Figure 4(d), the bottom wall (112b) is provided with an inclination increasing as we move from open end (112c) to closed end (112d). The inclination in the bottom wall (112b) of the slot (112) provides smooth traversing of the bend (110d) of the second leg portion (110c) of the torsion spring (110) as the second leg portion (110c) traverses between the closed end (112d) and the open end (112c) of the slot (112).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the knob (104) in the switch module of the present invention is fast. In other words, the movement of the knob is continuous or gradual. For this purpose, in the present invention, the switch module comprises an interlocking means for releaseably engaging the knob with the bracket in OFF position of the knob. The interlocking means is configured to disengage the knob from the bracket when a predetermined actuation force is applied on the knob thereby moving the knob from the OFF position to the ON position.

Referring to Figures 5(a)-5(d), the interlocking means can be implemented by providing a projection (114) on the bracket (102) and a cavity (115) on the knob (104) for engaging the projection (114) formed on the bracket (102). As shown in Figure 5(c), a projection (114) is formed on the bracket (102) and a cavity (115) is formed on the second face (104d) of the distal portion (104b) of the knob (104). The projection (114) is located in the bracket (102) so that when the knob (104) moves to the OFF position, the projection (114) is engaged in the cavity (115) formed in the knob (114). The projection (114) and the cavity (115) is sized so that upon application of a predetermined actuation force on the proximal portion (115) of the knob (104), the projection (114) and cavity (115) disengage thereby causing sudden or fast movement of the knob (104) from the OFF position to the ON position. In an embodiment, the projection (114) and cavity (115) is sized so that upon application of actuation in the range of 04 to 10 N, the projection (114) and cavity (115) disengage. The projection (114) and cavity (115) provides a catch ball effect.

The bracket (102) is made upon plastic material and the projection (114) may be integrally formed on the bracket (102). For providing flexibility in engagement and disengagement between the projection (114) and the cavity (115), a flexible region (116) is formed in the bracket (102) and the projection (114) is formed on flexible region (116). The flexible region (116) may be formed by providing through slits (117) on bracket (104) surface. The flexible region (117) enables smooth engagement and disengagement between the projection (114) and the cavity (115).

Referring to Figure 5(e), the catch ball effect may be achieved using a spring loaded steel ball (118) and an indentation (119) for receiving the steel ball (118). However, this arrangement would involve additional components such as steel ball and spring. Whereas, using plastic element in the form of a projection formed in the bracket itself eliminates the need of additional spring and steel ball. It also saves assembly time as compared to spring ball arrangement.

As can be understood from the above paragraphs, due to the interlocking means, there is a catch in the movement of knob and therefore, the movement of knob will not be continuous. Once the energy stored in the knob rises beyond the certain level the catch or interlock will be released and movement of knob will be allowed. Thus, because of potential energy stored in the knob, movement of the knob from OFF to ON position will be done at faster rate as compared to existing switch modules.

In the present invention, the switch module uses torsion spring for automatic return mechanism, which is totally sliding free mechanism and it is extra smooth in operation. Because of catch ball mechanism, the movement of the operating module will be not be linear, initial catch and then sudden release of the knob will act fast to make contact to take place which avoids arcing between the moving contact plate and the fixed contact.

Figure 6 shows a sequence of assembly to assemble the components of the switch module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Steps of Assembly:-
Step 1: Bracket (102) will be assembled with knob (104).
Step 2: Torsion Spring (110) assembled in the bracket (102).
Step 3: the contact spring (106) and moving contact plate (105) assembled with the knob (104).
Step 4: Base (103) assembled with rivets (fixed contact) (107) forming base-subassembly.
Step 5: Base sub-assembly assembled with bracket (102).

Some of the advantages of the switch modules of the present invention are as follows:
1. Operating feel is “extra smooth” because of free travel of knob (no sliding movement exists).
2. “Catch ball” feel during operation, without using extra parts.
3. Mechanical Operating life cycle more because of actuation of system through Torsion spring. Also, actuation of knob is smooth in operation
4. Number of parts is less.
5. Electrical life cycle will increase because of fast actuation of knob and as well as contact.
6. Fast actuation of knob is achieved through the “catch ball” concept.
7. Fast actuation leads to make contact faster, i.e. time to make contact will be in micro-seconds.
8. Mechanical Life cycle will be more because torsion spring life cycle is more.
9. Product reliability as well as customer satisfaction will improve substantially.
10. Fast actuation with the arrangement of “catch ball” mechanism without using extra parts.
11. Because of fast actuation contact making will be fast, hence arcing will be minimum.
12. Increase of life cycle of switch.
,CLAIMS:
1. A switch module for a handle bar switch of an automobile, comprising:
(a) a knob comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion; the distal portion comprising a first face and a second face located opposite to the first face; the knob is movable from OFF position to ON position;
(b) a moving contact plate disposed on the first face;
(c) a base comprises plurality of fixed contacts facing in a direction towards the moving contact plate disposed on the first face of the distal portion of the knob;
(d) a bracket comprises:
(i) a first pivot pin for pivotally engaging the distal portion of the knob;
(ii) a second pivot pin, being located spaced apart from the first pivot pin, for installing a torsion spring whose ends are retained at the bracket and at the knob so that the pivotal movement of the knob about the first pivot pin from the OFF position to the ON position is effected against the force of the torsion spring and upon release of actuation force, the torsion spring pushes the knob from ON position to OFF position;
(e) an interlocking means for releasably engaging the knob with the bracket in OFF position of the knob and configured to disengage the knob from the bracket upon application of a predetermined actuation force on the proximal portion of the knob, thereby moving the knob from the OFF position to the ON position.

2. A switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving contact plate comprises plurality of contact points in the form of protrusions and the moving contact plate is disposed on the first face of the knob with a contact spring disposed there between to ensure positive contact between the moving contact plate and the fixed contacts.

3. A switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torsion spring comprises
a coiled portion installed in the second pivot pin;
a first leg portion retained by a stopper wall provided on the bracket; and
a second leg portion comprising a bend being supported in a slot provided on the distal portion of the knob.

4. A switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base is rigidly secured with the bracket.

5. A switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interlocking means comprising:
a projection formed on the bracket;
a cavity formed on the second face of the distal portion of the knob for releasably engaging the projection in OFF position of the knob; and
the projection and the cavity is sized so as to allow, upon application of a predetermined actuation force on the proximal portion of the knob, the projection to disengage from the cavity thereby moving the knob from the OFF position to the ON position.

6. A switch module as claimed in claim 5, wherein the projection is located on a flexible region formed on the bracket.

7. A switch module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interlocking means comprises:
a spring loaded ball mounted on the distal portion of the knob; and
a indentation formed on the bracket for releasably engaging the spring loaded ball.

8. A switch module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the slots is formed a front side surface of the distal portion of the knob which is contiguous to the first face and the second face.

9. A switch module as claimed in claim 3 and 8, wherein the slot supporting the second leg portion, comprises a bottom wall, an open end and a closed end.

10. A switch module as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bottom wall is provided with an inclination increasing from open end to closed end.

11. A handle bar switch comprising a switch module as claimed in any one of claims 1-10.