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 observed that these traditional rotary switches are not dust proof, have less resistance to water ingress. Because of the aforesaid disadvantages, 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 housing (102); a rotatable knob (104) adapted to be received by the housing (102), the rotatable knob (104) being adapted to exhibit angular movement with respect to an axis (106) defined by the housing (102); a PCB structure (108) supporting one or more micro switches (110) being accommodated within the housing (102); and a PCB cover (112) adapted to cover the PCB structure (108), the PCB cover (112) including one or more apertures (114) that coincide with the

locations of the one or more micro switches (110); and a spring loaded actuating element (116) disposed on an underside (118) of the rotatable knob (104), the spring loaded actuating element facing the PCB cover (112) and being adapted to actuate one of the one or more micro switches (110) vide the corresponding aperture (114).
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 2 illustrates a sectional view of rotary switch in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates top view of the rotary switch in a non-actuated state in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a partial transparent top view of the rotary switch in the non-actuated state in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates top view of the rotary switch in a first actuated state in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a partial transparent top view of the rotary switch in the first actuated state in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 illustrates top view of the rotary switch in a third actuated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 8 illustrates a partial transparent top view of the rotary switch in the third actuated state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
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 the rotary switch (100) constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, it can be seen that the rotary switch (100) comprises a housing (102). The rotary switch further comprises a rotatable knob (104) adapted to be received by the housing (102). The rotatable knob (104) is adapted to exhibit angular movement with respect to an axis (106) defined by the housing (102). The rotary switch further comprises a PCB structure (108) supporting one or more micro switches (110) being accommodated within the housing (102). The rotary switch further comprises a PCB cover (112) adapted to cover the PCB structure (108). In an embodiment of the invention the PCB cover (112) includes one or more apertures (114) that coincide with the locations of the one or more micro switches (110). The rotary switch further comprises a spring loaded actuating element (116) disposed on an underside (118) of the rotatable knob (104). The spring loaded actuating element (116) faces the PCB cover (112) and is adapted to actuate one of the one or more micro switches (110) vide the corresponding aperture (114).

In an embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch (100) further comprises a sealing element (122) disposed between the PCB cover (112) and the PCB structure (108). In a preferred aspect of the invention, the sealing element (122) covers the one or more apertures (114) provided in the PCB cover (112). In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the sealing element may be a deformable membrane. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sealing element (122) may be integrally formed with the PCB cover (112).
In another embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch further comprises a detent profile (124) provided within the housing (102). In an embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch further comprises a ball-spring mechanism (126) that co-operates with the detent profile (124) during the angular movement of the rotatable knob (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the ball spring mechanism (126) is disposed on the underside (118) of the rotatable knob (104). The detent profile (124) guides the ball (of the ball spring mechanism) during the angular movement of the rotatable knob (104).
Now referring to Figure 2, which a sectional view of the rotary switch, it can be seen that the underside (118) of the rotatable knob (104) comprises a first open channel (120) facing the PCB cover (112). The first open channel (120) is adapted to receive the spring loaded actuating element (116). Furthermore, the underside (118) of the rotatable knob (104) comprises a second open channel (128) facing the detent profile (124). The second open channel (128) is adapted to receive the ball-spring mechanism (126).
It may be noted that the number of micro-switches (110) that are accommodated by the PCB structure (108) may dependent on the number of functions that are intended to be derived from the rotary switch (100). For instance, if two functions are to be derived from the rotary switch, two micro switches may be provided on the PCB structure (108). It one embodiment of the invention, the number of apertures (114) provided on the PCB cover (112) may be equal to the number of micro switches (110). For instance, the number of apertures (114) provided on the PCB cover (112) and the number of micro switches may be equal to 3. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the PCB structure (108) may carry three two switches (110i, IIO2 and IIO3). The three micro switches may be spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction. The PCB cover (112) is provided with a first aperture (1141) whose location coincides with the

location of the first micro switch (110i) in a top view. The PCB cover (112) further comprises a second aperture (IH2) whose location coincides with the location of the second micro switch (IIO2) in a top view. The PCB cover (112) further comprises a third aperture (IH3) whose location coincides with the location of the third micro switch (1IO3) in a top view.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the number of apertures on the PCB cover may exceed the number of micro switches (110) by one. For instance, the number of apertures (114) provided on the PCB cover (112) may be 3 while the number of micro switches may be equal to 2. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the PCB structure (108) may carry two micro switches (llOi and IIO2). The two micro switches may be spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction. The PCB cover (112) is provided with a first aperture (1141) whose location coincides with the location of the first micro switch (110i) in a top view. The PCB cover (112) further comprises a second aperture (IH2) whose location coincides with the location of the second micro switch (IIO2) in a top view. The PCB cover (112) further comprises a third aperture (1H3) which is located between the first and the second apertures (114i and 1H2).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the detent profile (124) is in the form of a "V" having two inclined surfaces which are joined at about a centre. The centre acts as the resting place for the ball spring mechanism, or the non-actuated state of the rotary switch. The two inclined surfaces provide gliding surface on which the ball moves when the rotatable knob (104) is moved from the non-actuated state to an actuated state. Also, the two inclined surfaces work in conjunction with the spring (forming part of the ball spring mechanism) to generate a restoration force. In particular, when the rotatable knob (104) is actuated, the ball moves on the inclined surface and hence, the spring gets compressed. The spring remains in the compressed state till the actuation force exists. However, when the actuation force ceases to exist, the spring returns to its natural state and thus generates the restoration force. Thus, the need to provide additional springs for purely generating the restoration force can be avoided.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, the PCB structure (108) and the sealing element (122) are placed within the PCB cover (112) and secured thereto. The PCB cover (112) is then secured to the housing (102). The rotary knob (104) includes a central aperture (130) which is located around the axis (106) provided in the housing (102).

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 PCB structure (108).
In an embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch (100) can be used as an Engine State Controlling Switch. In the Engine State Controlling 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 PCB structure (108).
In an embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch (100) can be used as a Menu Switch. Hence, in order to realize three functions, three micro-switches would be accommodated in the PCB structure (108). In order to realize four functions, four micro-switches would be accommodated in the PCB structure (108).
Now referring to Figures 3 and 4 there is illustrated top view and a partial transparent top view of the rotary switch (100) in a default state or a non-actuated state.
Now referring to Figures 5 and 6 there is illustrated top view and a partial transparent top view of the rotary switch (100) in a first actuated state, wherein the rotary knob is moved in one direction with respect to its non-actuated state. It may be noted that the rotary knob automatically returns to the location corresponding to the non-actuated state (as shown in Figures 3 and 4) upon being released.
Now referring to Figures 7 and 8 there is illustrated top view and a partial transparent top view of the rotary switch (100) in a second actuated state, wherein the rotary knob is moved in second direction with respect to its non-actuated state. It may be noted that the rotary knob automatically returns to the location corresponding to the non-actuated state (as shown in Figures 3 and 4) upon being released.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the detent profile (124) may be snap fitted with the housing (102). In another embodiment of the invention, the detent profile and the housing (102) and the detent profile (124) may be integrally formed.
Compared to the traditional rotary type switches, the number of 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.

WE CLAIM:

1. A rotary-switch (100) for in a vehicle, said rotary-switch (100) comprising:
a housing (102);
a rotatable knob (104) adapted to be received by the housing (102), the rotatable knob
(104) being adapted to exhibit angular movement with respect to an axis (106) defined by
the housing (102);
a PCB structure (108) supporting one or more micro switches (110) being accommodated
within the housing (102); and
a PCB cover (112) adapted to cover the PCB structure (108), the PCB cover (112)
including one or more apertures (114) that coincide with the locations of the one or more
micro switches (110); and
a spring loaded actuating element (116) disposed on an underside (118) of the rotatable
knob (104), the spring loaded actuating element facing the PCB cover (112) and being
adapted to actuate one of the one or more micro switches (110) vide the corresponding
aperture (114).
2. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the underside (118) of the rotatable knob (104) comprises a first open channel (120) facing the PCB cover (112), the first open channel (120) being adapted to receive the spring loaded actuating element (116).
3. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a sealing element (122) disposed between the PCB cover (112) and the PCB structure (108).
4. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a detent profile (124) provided within the housing (102).
5. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a ball-spring mechanism (126) that co-operates with the detent profile (124) during the angular movement of the rotatable knob (104).
6. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ball spring mechanism (126) is disposed on the underside (118) of the rotatable knob (104).

7. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein the underside (118) of the rotatable
knob (104) comprises a second open channel (128) facing the detent profile (124), the second open channel (128) being adapted to receive the ball-spring mechanism (126).