WE CLAIM:

1.A rotary switch (100) for use in a vehicle, said rotary switch (100) comprising:
a rotatable knob (102) for receiving actuating force;
a first housing (104) accommodating a set of fixed contact members (106), and a moving contact member (108), the moving contact member (108) being operably coupled to the rotatable knob (102) and being adapted to provide electrical path between the set of fixed contact members in response to the rotatable knob receiving the actuating force; and
a second housing (110) operably connected to the first housing (104) and disposed between the first housing (104) and the rotatable knob (102), the second housing (110) defining a detent profile (112) therein and accommodating a cam member (114), the cam member (114) being operably coupled to the rotatable knob (102) and being adapted to co-operate with the detect profile (112).

2. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, comprising a resilient member (116) placed between the second housing (110) and the rotatable knob (102) for providing a returning force to the rotatable knob.

3. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
• the first housing (104) includes:
a. a first case (118) defining a top wall (120) and an open bottom end; and
b. a first cap element (122) co-operating with the bottom end of the first case (118);
• the second housing (110)includes:
a. a second case (124) defining a bottom wall (126) and an top end; and
b. a second cap element (128) co-operating with the top end of the second case (124);
• the second cap (124) includes a first aperture (130);
• the bottom wall (126) includes a second aperture (132);
• the top wall (120) includes a third aperture (134); and
• the first aperture (130), the second aperture (132) and the third aperture (134) being aligned in a top view.

4. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch defines a default state, a first actuated state and a second actuated state, wherein the knob of the switch is parked at the default state and the first actuated state and auto-returns from the second actuated state to the default state.

5. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotatable-knob (102) includes a pillar element (136) that extends from an underside thereof, the pillar element (136) traversing through the first, the second, and the third apertures (130, 132, 134).

6. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cap element (122) includes limiting means (138) for limiting rotation of the knob (102).

7. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of fixed contact members (106) are formed upon a printed circuit board (140) and include:
a set of input contact terminals (106a, 106b, and 106c) arranged on a first side with respect to a rotation axis of the switch;
a first common terminal (106d) arranged on the first side;
a set of output contact terminals (106a’, 106b’, and 106c’) arranged on a second side with respect to the rotation axis of the switch, the second side being diagonally opposite to the first side; and
a second common terminal (106d’) arranged on the second side.

8. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cam member (114) is a hub and spoke arrangement (156) comprising a ball-spring mechanism (142) at the spokes, the ball-spring (142) being adapted for snug-fit engagement with the detent profile (112) of the first housing (104).

9. The rotary-switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving contact member (108) comprises:
a metal plate (144); and
a plastic holder element (146) operably coupled to the metal plate (144).

10. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 9, wherein the metal plate (144) is having ring-shaped central part (148), a first and a second arms (150, 152) extending in diagonally opposite directions from the ring-shaped central part (148).

11. The rotary switch as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first arm (150) includes a first moving contact terminal (108a) and a first balancing part (108b) and the second arm (152) includes a second contact terminal (108c) and a second balancing part (108d).

12. The rotary switch as claimed in claims 7 and 10, wherein the first moving contact terminal (108a) is in contact with at least one of the set of input contact terminals (106a, 106b, and 106c), the second moving contact terminal (108c) is in contact with at least one of the set of output contact terminals (106a’, 106b’, and 106c’), the first balancing part (108b) is in continuous contact with the first common terminal (106d), and the second balancing part (108d) is in continuous contact with the second common terminal (106d’).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to control switches for automotive vehicles including two wheelers and three-wheelers.

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. In some instances, vehicles are also provided with rotary type switch.

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.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a rotary-switch (100) for use in a vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, the rotary-switch (100) comprises a rotatable knob (102) for receiving actuating force. The rotary-switch (100) further comprises a first housing (104) accommodating a set of fixed contact members (106), and a moving contact member (108). In an embodiment of the invention, the moving contact member (108) is operably coupled to the rotatable knob (102) and is adapted to provide electrical path between the set of fixed contact members in response to the rotatable knob receiving the actuating force. The rotary-switch (100) furthermore comprises a second housing (110) operably connected to the first housing (104) and disposed between the first housing (104) and the rotatable knob (102). In an embodiment of the invention, the second housing (110) defines a detent profile (112) therein. The second housing (110) furthermore accommodates a cam member (114). In an embodiment of the invention, the cam member (114) is operably coupled to the rotatable knob (102) and is adapted to co-operate with the detect profile (112).

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 where:
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the rotary switch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the rotary switch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention taken along the line 2-2’ shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the first housing constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the first housing constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates sectional view of the fist housing constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the second housing constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates sectional view of the second housing constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of the rotary switch constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 9 illustrates a close-up view of the printed circuit board constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the moving contact member constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figures 11(A) and 11(B) illustrate exploded view of the cam member constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figures 12(A) to 12 (C) illustrate top views of the rotary switch in various states in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figures 12(D) to 12 (F) illustrate sectional views of the rotary switch taken along the line 2-2’ shown in Figure 1 in various states in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and
Figures 12(G) to 12 (I) illustrate sectional views of the rotary switch taken along the line 3-3’ shown in Figure 1 in various states in accordance with the teachings 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.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

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.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

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.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Now referring to Figure 1, which shows an exploded view of the rotary switch (100) for use in a vehicle, it can be seen that the rotary switch (100) comprises a rotatable knob (102) for receiving actuating force.

The rotary switch (100) further comprises a first housing (104) accommodating a set of fixed contact members (106), and a moving contact member (108). In an embodiment of the invention, the moving contact member (108) is operably coupled to the rotatable knob (102) and is adapted to provide electrical path between the set of fixed contact members (106) in response to the rotatable knob receiving the actuating force.

The rotary switch (100) further comprises a second housing (110) operably connected to the first housing (104) and disposed between the first housing (104) and the rotatable knob (102), In an embodiment of the invention, the second housing (110) accommodates a cam member (114). In particular, the cam member (114) is operably coupled to the rotatable knob (102). As best seen from Figure 2, which is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2’ shown in Figure 1, in an embodiment of the invention, the second housing (110) defining a detent profile (112) therein and cam member (114) co-operates with the detent profile (112).

Referring back to Figure 1, the rotary switch (100) further comprises a resilient member (116) placed between the second housing (110) and the rotatable knob (102) for providing a returning force to the rotatable knob.

Now referring to Figures 3, 4, and 5, wherein Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the first housing, Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the first housing, and Figure 5 illustrates sectional view of the fist housing, it can be seen that the first housing (104) includes a first case (118) defining a top wall (120) and an open bottom end; and a first cap element (122) co-operating with the bottom end of the first case (118). In an embodiment of the invention the top wall (120) includes a third aperture (134). In an embodiment of the invention, a spring (154) is disposed between the first case and the moving contact member (108). The spring (154) acts to apply force on the moving contact member (108) in a direction towards the set of fixed contact members (106).

Now referring to Figures 6, and 7, wherein Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the second housing, and Figure 7 illustrates sectional view of the second housing, it can be seen that the second housing (110) includes a second case (124) defining a bottom wall (126) and an top end; and a second cap element (128) co-operating with the top end of the second case (124). In an embodiment of the invention, the second cap element (128) includes a first aperture (130) and the bottom wall (126) includes a second aperture (132). In an embodiment of the invention, the first cap element (122) includes limiting means (138) for limiting rotation of the knob (102).

Now referring to Figure 8, which is a sectional view of the rotary switch, it can be observed that the rotatable-knob (102) includes a pillar element (136) that extends from an underside thereof, the pillar element (136) traversing through the first, the second, and the third apertures (130, 132, 134). Thus, it can be said that the first aperture (130), the second aperture (132) and the third aperture (134) are aligned in a top view.

In an embodiment of the invention, the set of fixed contact members (106) are formed upon a printed circuit board (140). As shown particularly in Figure 9, which is a close-up view of the printed circuit board (140) with the set of fixed contact members (106), in a preferred aspect of the invention, the set of fixed contact members (106) include a set of input contact terminals (106a, 106b, and 106c) arranged on a first side with respect to a rotation axis of the switch. The set of fixed contact members (106) further include a first common terminal (106d) arranged on the first side. The set of fixed contact member (106) further include a set of output contact terminals (106a’, 106b’, and 106c’) arranged on a second side with respect to the rotation axis of the switch, the second side being diagonally opposite to the first side. The set of fixed contact terminals (106) furthermore include a second common terminal (106d’) arranged on the second side.

Now referring to Figure 10, which is a perspective view of the moving contact member (108), in an embodiment of the invention, the moving contact member (108) comprises: a metal plate (144); and a plastic holder element (146) operably coupled to the metal plate (144). In a preferred aspect of the invention, the metal plate (144) is having ring-shaped central part (148). The metal plate (144) further comprises a first arm (150) and a second arm (152). The first and the second arms (150, 152) extend in diagonally opposite directions from the ring-shaped central part (148). In an embodiment of the invention, the first arm (150) includes a first moving contact terminal (108a) and a first balancing part (108b) and the second arm (152) includes a second contact terminal (108c) and a second balancing part (108d).

It may be noted that the first moving contact terminal (108a) is in contact with at least one of the set of input contact terminals (106a, 106b, and 106c), the second moving contact terminal (108c) is in contact with at least one of the set of output contact terminals (106a’, 106b’, and 106c’), the first balancing part (108b) is in continuous contact with the first common terminal (106d), and the second balancing part (108d) is in continuous contact with the second common terminal (106d’).

Now referring to Figures 11 (A) and 11(B) which are exploded view of the cam member (114), in an embodiment of the invention the cam member (114) comprises a hub and spoke arrangement (156). In an embodiment of the invention, one or more spokes of the hub and spoke arrangement is adapted to receive ball-spring mechanism (142). The ball-spring mechanism (142) is adapted for snug-fit engagement with the detent profile (112). The hub part defines a first hollow projecting part (158) and a second hollow projecting part (160). The first hollow projecting part (158) and the second hollow projecting part (160) project in opposite directions. As can be best seen from Figure 8, the first hollow projecting part (158) penetrates into the first aperture (130) as provided in the second cap (128). Also, the second hollow projecting part (160) penetrates into the second aperture (132) as provided in the bottom wall (126) of the second case (124) as well as the third aperture (134) as provided in the top wall (120) of the first case (118). The cam member (114) may further comprise a sealing element (162) disposed between the second hollow projecting part (160) and the third aperture (134), thereby enhancing the sealing effect.

Now referring to Figures 12 (A) to (C), which illustrate top views of the rotary switch, in an embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch (100) defines a default state as particularly shown in Figure 12 (A), a first actuated state as particularly shown in Figure 12 (B) and a second actuated state as particularly shown in Figure 12 (C).

Now referring to Figures 12 (D) to 12 (F) there is illustrated sectional views of the rotary switch taken along the line 2-2’ shown in Figure 1 in its various states. It may be noted that when the knob (102) is in the default state as shown in Figure 12(A), the cam member (114) is parked at a first position on the detent profile (112) as shown in Figure 12 (D), thus leading to parking of the knob also. On the other hand, when the knob (102) is in the first actuated state as shown in Figure 12 (B), the cam member (114) is parked at a second position on the detent profile (112) as shown in Figure 12 (E), thus leading to parking of the knob also. By applying actuation force on the knob, the cam member (114) can revert from the first actuated state to the default state. Finally, the knob (102) can be brought into the second actuated state as shown in Figure 12 (C), either directly from the default state or from the first actuated state. When the knob is brought into the second actuated state, the cam member (114) is brought to a third position on the detent profile (112) as shown in Figure 12(F). The third position on the detent profile (112) is such that it does not support for parking of the cam member therein. Thus, when the actuating force ceases to exist, due to the force applied by the resilient member (116), the cam member (114) reverts to the first position on the detent profile (112) and the knob (102) reverts to the default state.

Now referring to Figures 12 (G) to 12 (I) there is illustrated sectional views of the rotary switch taken along the line 2-2’ shown in Figure 1 in its various states. It may be noted that when the knob (102) is in the default state as shown in Figure 12(A), as shown in Figure 12 (G), the first moving contact terminal (108a) is in contact with a first input contact terminal (106a); the first balancing part (108b) is in contact with the first common terminal (106d); the second balancing part (108d) is in contact with the second common terminal (106d’); and the second moving contact terminal (108c) is in contact with a first output contact terminal (106a’). On the other hand, when the knob (102) is in the first actuated state as shown in Figure 12(B), as shown in Figure 12 (H), the first moving contact terminal (108a) is in contact with a second input contact terminal (106b); the first balancing part (108b) is in contact with the first common terminal (106d); the second balancing part (108d) is in contact with the second common terminal (106d’); and the second moving contact terminal (108c) is in contact with a second output contact terminal (106b’). Finally, when the knob (102) is in the first actuated state as shown in Figure 12(C), as shown in Figure 12 (I), the first moving contact terminal (108a) is in contact with a third input contact terminal (106c); the first balancing part (108b) is in contact with the first common terminal (106d); the second balancing part (108d) is in contact with the second common terminal (106d’); and the second moving contact terminal (108c) is in contact with a third output contact terminal (106c’).

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the first housing (104) and the second housing (110) may be snap-fitted with each other. For example, a snap fit mechanism may be provided on the external surface of the first case (118) and the second case (124).

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the first case (118) and first cap (122) may be plastic welded with each other. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a sealing member may be disposed between the first case (118) and the first cap (122). In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sealing member may be integrally formed with the first case (118).

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the second case (124) and the second cap (128) may be snap-fitted with each other. For example, a snap fit mechanism may be provided on the external surface of the second case (124) and the second cap (128).

It may be noted that the rotary switch (100) can be used as a Dimmer Cum Pass Switch, wherein the default state corresponds to the low beam state, the first actuated state corresponds to the high beam state, and the second actuated state corresponds to the pass beam state.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch (100) can be used as a Engine State Controlling Switch, wherein the default state corresponds to Engine ON state, the first actuated state corresponds to the Engine OFF state, and the second actuated state corresponds to the Engine Ignition state.

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.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The figures and the foregoing description 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 processes 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. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.