DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

ROTARY SWITCH FOR VEHICLES

Napino Auto & Electronics Ltd., an Indian Company of Sec-3 Plot No. 7, Sector 3, IMT Manesar, Distt-Gurgaon – 122050, Haryana

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATIONPARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

Field of the Invention:

The present invention generally relates to the field of automobile switches. Particularly, the present invention relates to a rotary switch for vehicles.

Background of the Invention:

Generally, vehicles are provided with control switches for performing various functions for smooth operation, safe driving and for giving indication to other riders while driving. Conventionally, these functions are governed by switches carried by the vehicle. It is a general practice to use different types of switches for various control functions, such as Push Type switches, Hinge Type switches, Slide Type switches, Rocker Type switches etc.

A traditional rotary type switch has been marketed by Varroc Engineering Limited. Yet another traditional rotary-type switch is disclosed in Indian Patent Application No. 201811004833, contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference. These traditional rotary switches can work only on high current. Furthermore, it has been observedthat these traditional rotary switches are not dust proof, have less resistance to water ingress. Because of the aforesaiddisadvantages, the general customer feedback is that the rotary type switch is not robust.

Thus, there exists a need to provide a rotary type switch that addresses one or more disadvantage as faced in the prior art and thus meets with a long felt need of the industry.

Summary of the Invention:

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a rotary switch that comprises a body member (12) which accommodates a plurality of micro-switches (14). The rotary switch (100) furthermore comprises a plurality of plungers (10) that co-operate with the plurality of micro-switches (14). The rotary switch furthermore comprises a knob (1) that receives an actuating rotary force. The rotary switch further comprises a rotary carrier member (5) that co-operates with the knob (1). The rotary carrier member (5) is adapted to actuate at least one of the plurality of the plungers (10) thereby actuating at least one of the plurality of micro-switches (14) in response to the knob (1) receiving the actuating rotary force.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. 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, in accordance with the present invention wherein

Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a rotary switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2illustrates asectional view of body member and detent housing of the rotary switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3illustrates the rotary carrier memberof the rotary switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b) illustrate top views of the rotary switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 5 (a) and 5 (b) illustrate sectional views of the rotary switch in its default and actuated state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 6 (a) and 6 (b) illustrate a perspective views of a torsion spring of the rotary switch in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention:

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1 which is an exploded view of a rotary switch (100) for vehicles in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The switch (100) comprises a body member (12) which accommodates a plurality of micro-switches (14). The rotary switch (100) furthermore comprises a plurality of plungers (10) that co-operate with the plurality of micro-switches (14). The rotary switch furthermore comprises a knob (1) that receives an actuating rotary force. The rotary switch further comprises a rotary carrier member (5) that co-operates with the knob (1). The rotary carrier member (5) is adapted to actuate at least one of the plurality of the plungers (10) thereby actuating at least one of the plurality of micro-switches (14) in response to the knob (1) receiving the actuating rotary force.

In an embodiment of the invention, the body member (12) defines a top wall (12a) and an open bottom end (12b) and a cover (17) that co-operates with the bottom end to define a first space. The first space accommodates a printed circuit board (PCB) (13). The PCB (13) is provided with the plurality of micro-switches (14). The top wall (12a) includes a first set of apertures (12c) placed at locations corresponding to the locations of the plurality of micro switches (14) and a second aperture placed at about a centre. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the first set of apertures (12c) may be covered by a deformable membrane.

Referring to Figure 2, the body member (12) is operably connected to a detent housing (9) such that the detent housing is disposed between the body member (12) and the knob (1). Further, the detent housing (9) defines a detent profile therein.

In an embodiment of the invention, the rotary carrier member (5) is disposed between the knob (1) and the body member (12), and the rotary carrier member (5) is fixedly attached to the knob (1). The knob (1) defines an axis member (2) and the rotary carrier member (5) includes a central aperture for allowing the axis member (2) to traverse there-through. Further, the rotary carrier member (5) defines a plurality of radially extending arms which accommodates a spring member (7) and a ball member (6) that assist in smooth rotary movement of the rotary carrier member. The ball member (6) co-operates with the detent profile formed on an inner side of the detent housing (9).

In an embodiment of the invention, the detent housing (9) includes a bottom wall (9a) and a top end (9b); the bottom wall (9a) includes a third set of apertures (9c) placed at locations corresponding to the locations of the plurality of micro switches (14) and a fourth aperture placed at about a centre.

In an embodiment of the invention, the plungers (10) are located so as to traverse via the third set of apertures (9c) provided on the bottom wall (9a) of the detent housing (9).

Now referring to Figure 3,which depicts the rotary carrier member (5), illustrates that the underside of the rotary carrier member (5) is provided with a ramp structure (5a) that contacts a plunger during an actuated state, thereby forcing the plunger to exhibit movement along the direction of the axis member (2) towards the corresponding micro-switch, thereby actuating the corresponding micro-switch.

It may be noted that the number of micro-switches that are accommodated by the body (12) may dependent on the number of functions that are intended to be derived from the rotary switch (100). It may be furthermore noted that the number of plungers is at least equal to the number of micro-switches.

In an embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch (100) can be used as a Dimmer Cum Pass Switch. In a dimmer cum pass switch, there exist three states- a default state corresponding to the low beam state, the first actuated state corresponding to the high beam state, and the second actuated state corresponding to the pass beam state. To realize this functionality, two micro-switches would be accommodated in the body (12).

In an embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch (100) can be used as an Engine State Controlling Switch. In a dimmer cum pass switch, there exist three states- a default state corresponding to the Engine ON state, the first actuated state corresponding to the Engine OFF state, and the second actuated state corresponding to the Engine Ignition state. To realize this functionality also, two micro-switches would be accommodated in the body (12).

In an embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch (100) can be used as a Menu Switch. Hence, in order to realize three functions, threemicro-switches would be accommodated in the body (12). In order to realize four functions, four micro-switches would be accommodated in the body (12).

Now referring to Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b) which illustrate top views of the rotary switch (100), in an embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch (100) defines a default state as particularly shown in Figure 4 (a) and an actuated state as particularly shown in Figure 4 (b).

Now referring to Figures 5 (a) and 5 (b) which illustrate sectional views of the rotary switch in its default and actuated state. It may be noted that when the knob (1) is in the default state,therotary carrier member (5) is not in co-operation with any plunger (10) as shown in Figures 5 (a).

When the knob (1) of the rotary switch is actuated to the actuated state (as shown in Figure 4 (b)), the rotary carrier member (5) gets actuated. Since, underside of the rotary carrier member (5) is provided with a ramp structure (5a), the ramp structure (5) comes in contact with the plunger (10) to force the plunger (10) to traverse through the aperture(9c) provided on the bottom wall (9a) of the detent housing (9), in order to actuate the micro-switch (14a) via a corresponding aperture (12c) provided on the top wall (12a) of the body member (12). (as shown in Figures 5 (b)).

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the body member (12) and the detent housing (9) may be snap-fitted with each other. For example, a snap fit mechanism may be provided on the external surface of the body member (12) and the detent housing (9)

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the body member (12) and cover (17) may be plastic welded with each other. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a sealing member may be disposed between the body member (12) and cover (17). In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sealing member may be integrally formed with the body member (12).

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, there may be additionally provide a cap (4) that co-operates with the detent housing (9). The cap (4) may be snap-fitted with the detent housing (9). For example, a snap fit mechanism may be provided on the external surface of the detent housing (9) and the cap (4).

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, there may an O-ring (8) disposed around the central aperture of the rotary carrier member (5) to provide better sealing to the switch/ switch components such as micro-switch or PCB against any ingress of water/contaminant.

Referring to Figure 6 (a) and 6 (b), which are the perspective views of torsion spring of the rotary switch (100) illustrate that the torsion spring (3) co-operates with the knob (1) for applying a restoration force on the knob (1).

Compared to the traditional rotary type switches, the discrete components present in the rotary type switch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are less. Because of the fact that the rotary switch (100) constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention contains lesser number of components, it is envisaged that the same would require less time for manufacturing and would be easy to manufacture. Also, the aforesaid factors would contribute to making the rotary switch (100) more cost effective as compared to the traditional rotary switches. The rotary switch (100) is less prone to ingress of water and other foreign contaminants. Thus, the rotary switch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention can work on low currents (while the traditional rotary switches can only work on high currents). Compared to the traditional rotary type switches, the rotary switch (100) constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention provides improved performance and longer life.

The drawings the foregoing descriptions give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of process described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Clearly, the invention may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the disclosure.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A rotary switch (100) for vehicles, said rotary switch (100) comprising:
a body member (12) accommodating a plurality of micro-switches;
a plurality of plungers (10) co-operating with the plurality of micro-switches (14);
a knob (1) adapted to receive an actuating rotary force;
a rotary carrier member (5) co-operating with the knob (1);the rotary carrier member (5) is adapted to actuate at least one of the plurality of the plungers (10) thereby actuating at least one of the plurality of micro-switches (14) in response to the knob (1) receiving the actuating rotary force.

2. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body member (12) defines a top wall (12a) and an open bottom end(12b) and a cover (17) that co-operates with the bottom end to define a first space, the top wall (12a) including a first set of apertures (12c) placed at locations corresponding to the locations of the plurality of micro switches (14) and a second aperture placed at about a centre.

3. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first space accommodates a printed circuit board (PCB) (13), the PCB (13) is provided with the plurality of micro-switches (14).

4. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, the body member (12) is operably connected to a detent housing (9) such that the detent housing is disposed between the body member (12) and the knob (1), the detent housing (9) defining a detent profile therein.

5. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotary carrier member (5) is disposed between the knob (1) and the body (12), and the rotary carrier member (5)is fixedly attached to the knob (1).

6. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (1) defines an axis member (2) and the carrier (5) includes a central aperture for allowing the axis member (2) to traverse there-through.

7. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotary carrier member (5) defines a plurality of radially extending arms; the radially extending arms accommodating a spring member (7) and a ball member (6).

8. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 7, wherein the ball member (6) co-operates with the detent profile formed on an inner side of the detent housing (9).

9. The rotary switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein a torsion spring (3) co-operates with the knob (1) for applying a restoration force on the knob (1).

10. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detent housing (9)includes a bottom wall (9a) and an top end; the bottom wall (9a) includes a third set of apertures(9c)placed at locations corresponding to the locations of the plurality of micro switches (14) and a fourth aperture placed at about a centre.

11. The rotary switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plungers (10) are located so as to traverse via the third set of apertures(9c) provided on the bottom wall (9a) of the detent housing (9).

12. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein an underside of the rotary carrier member (5) is provided with a ramp structure (5a) that contacts a plunger during an actuated state, thereby forcing the plunger to exhibit movement along the direction of the axis member (2) towards the corresponding micro-switch, thereby actuating the corresponding micro-switch.