FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to the domain of switches. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to rotary indicator switches with double pole double throw circuit. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to rotary indicator switches with improved sealing mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Rotary switches are types of switches which are operated by rotation and which can be operated in many positions/directions. Rotary switches are often chosen when two or more operating positions in a switch are needed, such as a three-speed fan or a radio with multiple frequencies for reception or "channels".
Existing rotary switches comprise a spindle or "rotor" that has a contact arm or "spoke" which projects from its surface like a cam. It has an array of terminals, arranged in a circle around the rotor, each of which serves as a contact for the "spoke" through which number of different electrical circuits can be connected to the rotor and any one channel can be chosen. The switch is layered to allow the use of multiple poles, each layer is equivalent to one pole. Usually, such a switch has a detent mechanism so it "clicks" from one active position to another rather than stalling in intermediate positions. Thus, a rotary switch provides greater pole and throw capabilities than conventional switches.
As shown in Figures 1a-1b, a “single pole single throw” type circuit were present in existing switches. In such a circuit, n single circuit is present wherein when we rotate the knob in clockwise / left direction then circuit is made between battery rivet to left rivet as shown in circuit diagram. Similarly, for anticlockwise / right contact is made between battery to right rivet for the second circuit as shown in circuit diagram.
Further, as shown in Figure 1b, rivets are arranged in the same plane in the base assembly. Also, in the carrier assembly there is a spring loaded moving contact guided
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in the same plane i.e. at the same level. The carrier assembly is vertically guided in body and knob to give rotational motion. As, all rivets are in same plane the scope of insulation resistance failure is high and there are more chances for electric erosion. In addition to these, existing switches do not have a robust design. Further, moving contact are not vertically guided for extremely high vibration conditions.
Thus, there is a need to provide an improved rotary indicator switch to avoid insulation resistance (IR failure) and electric erosion, which overcomes one or more of aforesaid disadvantages. Consequently, there is a need to have some innovation in this field which can provide sealing of rotary indicator switch and switch construction with assembly sub-systems for enhancing reliability and productivity of switch.
Further, in existing switches sealing of switches had been done through O-ring compressed between body and carrier. However, if the carrier was over pressed by knob, it resulted in downward movement of carrier (due to clearance between carrier and base). By such downward movement, the compression ability of the O-ring was lost thereby leading to leakage of water inside the switching chamber.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of conventional switches are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of rotary indicator switch as claimed in the present disclosure.
Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a rotary indicator switch, comprising a knob, a body comprising a central opening and a central axis passing through the said central opening. A carrier assembly comprises a first side and a second side located opposite to the first side. A connecting element is extending longitudinally from the
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first side in a direction away from the second side. The connecting element is receiveable co-axially through the central opening of the body and connectable with the knob. A first moving contact assembly and a second moving contact assembly, each comprises a plurality of moving contacts and are mounted on the second side. The first moving contact assembly and the second moving contact assembly are disposed on two separate planes parallel each other. A base assembly is engageable with the body thereby forming an encapsulation for the carrier assembly. The base assembly comprises a plurality of fixed contacts disposed on inner face of the base assembly facing towards first and second moving contact assemblies.
In an embodiment, a resilient means is disposed centrally between the carrier assembly and the base assembly.
In an embodiment, the moving contacts are hollow circular plates with a plurality of cavities on its periphery.
In an embodiment, a plurality of rivets are accommodated in the cavities so as to secure the first moving contact assembly and the second moving contact assembly with carrier assembly.
In an embodiment, the first moving contact assembly is disposed at an elevated level from the second moving contact assembly on the second side of the carrier assembly.
In an embodiment, the second side of the carrier assembly comprises a plurality of cavities for accommodating a plurality of springs.
In an embodiment, a gasket is configured to be positioned between the body and the base assembly.
In an embodiment, an O-ring is axially compressed in a space defined between the carrier assembly and the body.
In an embodiment, the fixed contacts disposed on inner face of the base assembly are linked with a plurality of terminals.
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In an embodiment, the carrier assembly rests on the base assembly to avoid movement of carrier in vertical direction.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1a illustrates an existing circuit switch diagram for single pole single throw type circuit.
Figure 1b illustrates an existing rotary indicator switch.
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Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the rotary indicator switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates exploded view of the of the rotary indicator switch assembly of Figure 2.
Figure 4a illustrates a circuit switch diagram for double pole double throw type circuit of the rotary indicator switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4b illustrates a sectional view of the rotary indicator switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates the carrier of the rotary indicator switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of carrier assembly of the rotary indicator switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 7 illustrates the isometric view of moving contact assembly of the rotary indicator switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the base assembly of the rotary indicator switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 illustrates first and second moving contact assembly placed on the carrier assembly of the rotary indicator switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
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Figure 10 illustrates first and second moving contacts of the rotary indicator switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 illustrates the positioning of O-ring in the rotary indicator switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12 illustrates the resilient means in the rotary indicator switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 13a-13b illustrates the functionality of the rotary indicator switch assembly when knob moves in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction respectively according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE
While the disclosure 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 disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.
Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in the rotary indicator switch assembly. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be
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motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of assembly, which are varying from vehicle to vehicle. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a rotary indicator switch assembly with a sealing mechanism which prevents water/dust entry into switch unit. The switch has fixed construction and does not have any loose wires/parts, thereby providing easier assembly. The double pole double throw circuit, used provides more reliable and flexible circuit design. Such design reduces chances for IR failure and electric-erosion. In the present disclosure, a difference level is maintained between first moving contact and second moving contact i.e. there is a level difference in concentric moving contacts. Such distance which is maintained eliminates IR failure and electric-erosion issues. This present disclosure can be used for number of variants switches with different current rating by minor changes in child parts. It is designed in a way that the switch can be used in both clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where ever possible same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present
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disclosure with reference to Figures 2 to 12. In the figures the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
A rotary indicator switch assembly (1) which has an improved sealing mechanism that substantially obviates one or more problems due to the limitations and disadvantages of the related art is disclosed.
Referring to Figure 2, an assembled view of the rotary indicator switch assembly (1) is shown. Referring to Figure 3, exploded view of the rotary indicator switch assembly (1) is disclosed showing components of the switch. The rotary indicator switch assembly (1) comprises of a body (2), a carrier assembly (3) which comprises a carrier (8), a first moving contact assembly (4), a second moving contact assembly (5) and a base assembly (6) incorporated with resin (9).
Figure 4a illustrates a circuit switch diagram for double pole double throw type circuit of the rotary indicator switch assembly (1). As shown in Figure 4b, the body (2) of the rotary indicator switch assembly comprises a central opening (7). A central axis X-X’ passes through the said central opening (7).
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the carrier assembly (3) is shown. The carrier assembly (3) comprises a first side (3a) and a second side (3b). The second side (3b) is located opposite to the first side (3a). The second side (3b) of the carrier assembly (3) comprises a plurality of cavities (10) for accommodating a plurality of springs (11). A connecting element (12) extends longitudinally from the first side (3a) in a direction away from the second side (3b). The connecting element (12) is receiveable co-axially along X-X’ through the central opening of the body. The first side of the carrier assembly (3a) further comprises locations for accommodating a plurality of ball springs (14). The ball springs (14) provide smooth rotation of a knob (15) in the switch assembly (1). The connecting element (12) is connectable with a knob (15) as shown in Figure 2.
Referring to Figure 7, the first moving contact assembly (4) and the second moving contact assembly (5) are shown. Each of the first moving contact assembly and the
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second moving contact assembly comprises a plurality of moving contacts. The moving contacts are mounted on the second side (3b) of the carrier assembly (3). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the moving contacts are hollow circular plates with a plurality of cavities on its periphery. The first moving contact assembly (3) and the second moving contact assembly (4) are disposed on two separate planes parallel each other.
Referring to Figure 8, the base assembly (6) is shown. The base assembly (6) comprises of a base and a plurality of rivets (16). The base assembly (6) is engageable with the body (2). The base assembly (6) and the body (2) form an encapsulation for the carrier assembly (3). The base assembly (6) has an inner face (6a) and an outer face (6b). The base assembly (3) comprises a plurality of fixed contacts (17) disposed on inner face (6b) of the base assembly (6) facing towards first (4) and second (5) moving contact assemblies. The fixed contacts (17) are disposed on inner face (6a) of the base assembly (6) and are linked with a plurality of terminals (18) through a plurality of rivets (16).
As shown in Figure 9, a resilient means (19) is disposed centrally between the carrier assembly (3) and the base assembly (6). A plurality of rivets (16) along with a plurality of springs (11) are accommodated in the cavities (10) of the first and second moving contact assemblies so as to secure the first moving contact assembly (4) and the second moving contact assembly (5) with carrier assembly (3).
As shown in Figure 10, the first moving contact assembly (4) is disposed at an elevated level from the second moving contact assembly (5) on the second side (3b) of the carrier assembly (3).
Referring to Figures 11 and 12 an O-ring (20) is shown. The sealing in the present switch assembly is achieved through O-ring, a gasket (21) and resin. The O-ring (20) is axially compressed in a space defined between the carrier assembly (3) and the body (2). The O-ring (20) provides protection against entry of dust and water from the top side. The term “top side” herein refers to the side which moves in the direction towards the knob (15). Further, the gasket (21) is configured to be positioned between the body
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(2) and the base assembly (6). This arrangement further provides protection against entry of dust and water in the switch assembly (1).
Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier assembly (3) rests on the base assembly (6) to restrict vertical movement of the carrier (8). Further, as illustrated in Figure 11, the vertical movement of the carrier is due to the space Z as shown. It is to be noted that when the knob is pressed vertically downwardly by the user, the space increases to X+Z, thereby resulting in no compression of O-ring (20).
In the present switching mechanism, there is no downward axial movement of carrier (8) even after over pressing of knob (15). Due to such reason, the O-ring (20) does not lose its compression ability, consequently sealing of switch remains same.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotary indicator switch (1) can be rotated in two directions i.e. in clockwise direction and anti-clockwise direction. The functionality of the switch due to movement of switch at both side is described below.
For clockwise rotation of knob
As shown in Figure 13a, when the knob is rotated at an angle of 45° in clockwise direction by the user, a connection is made between B1 (Battery rivet 1) - L1 (Left rivet 1) for actuation of the first circuit and between B2 (Battery rivet 2) – L2 (Left rivet 2) for actuation of the second circuit.
For achieving two circuits as stated above, there are two concentric moving contacts i.e. first and second moving contact wherein the first moving contact is larger than the second moving contact according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first and second moving contacts are guided in the carrier assembly at different level. Consequentially. four rivets i.e. (B1, L1 and B2, L2) are guided in the base assembly at different elevations or levels.
When the knob is rotated in clockwise direction by the user, then a contact is made between B1 (Battery rivet 1) to L1 (Left Rivet 1) through moving contact large
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according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. for actuation of the first circuit. Simultaneously, a contact between B2 (Battery rivet 2) to L2 (Left rivet 2) is made through moving contact small for actuation of second circuit.
For anti-clockwise rotation of knob
As shown in Figure 13b, when the knob is rotated at an angle of 45° in anti-clockwise direction by the user, a connection is made between B1 (Battery rivet 1) – R1 (Left rivet 1) for actuation of the first circuit and between B2 (Battery rivet 2) – R2 (Right rivet 2) for actuation of the second circuit.
For achieving two circuits as stated above, there are two concentric moving contacts i.e. first and second moving contact wherein the first moving contact is larger than the second moving contact according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first and second moving contacts are guided in the carrier assembly at different level. Consequentially. four rivets i.e. (B1, R1 and B2, R2) are guided in the base assembly at different elevations or levels.
When the knob is rotated in anti-clockwise direction by the user, then a contact is made between B1 (Battery rivet 1) to R1 (Right Rivet 1) through moving contact large according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. for actuation of the first circuit. Simultaneously, a contact between B2 (Battery rivet 2) to R2 (Right rivet 2) is made through moving contact small for actuation of second circuit.
Advantages:
An advantage of the present invention is sealed assembly of rotary indicator switch having double pole double throw circuit preventing water/dust entry into switch.
Another advantage of the present invention is that more electric-erosion resistive contact system is used and is suitable for extremely high vibration conditions.
Further advantage of the present invention is that All rivets are for both circuits are in different plane so “scope of insulation resistance failure” is very low.
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Yet another advantage of the present invention is easy assembly for rotary indicator switch. A poke yoke for moving contacts assembly in carrier is maintained.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a high ampere switching.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a sealed rotary indicator switch assembly having easy in assembly of sub-systems rather than having wires routing comprising loose wires/parts.
Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure.
Further, various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
EQUIVALENTS:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,
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as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We Claim:
1. A rotary indicator switch, comprising:
a knob;
a body comprising a central opening and a central axis passing through the said central opening;
a carrier assembly comprising
a first side and a second side located opposite to the first side;
a connecting element extending longitudinally from the first side in a direction away from the second side; wherein the connecting element is receiveable co-axially through the central opening of the body and connectable with the knob;
a first moving contact assembly and a second moving contact assembly, each comprises a plurality of moving contacts and are mounted on the second side; wherein the first moving contact assembly and the second moving contact assembly are disposed on two separate planes parallel each other.
a base assembly engageable with the body thereby forming an encapsulation for the carrier assembly; wherein the base assembly comprises a plurality of fixed contacts disposed on inner face of the base assembly facing towards first and second moving contact assemblies.
2. The rotary indicator switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a resilient means is disposed centrally between the carrier assembly and the base assembly.
3. The rotary indicator switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the moving contacts are hollow circular plates with a plurality of cavities on its periphery.
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4. The rotary indicator switch as claimed in claim 3 wherein, a plurality of rivets are accommodated in the cavities so as to secure the first moving contact assembly and the second moving contact assembly with carrier assembly.
5. The rotary indicator switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first moving contact assembly is disposed at an elevated level from the second moving contact assembly on the second side of the carrier assembly.
6. The rotary indicator switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the second side of the carrier assembly comprises a plurality of cavities for accommodating a plurality of springs.
7. The rotary indicator switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a gasket is configured to be positioned between the body and the base assembly.
8. The rotary indicator switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein, an O-ring is axially compressed in a space defined between the carrier assembly and the body.
9. The rotary indicator switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the fixed contacts disposed on inner face of the base assembly are linked with a plurality of terminals.
10. The rotary indicator switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the carrier assembly rests on the base assembly to avoid movement of carrier in vertical direction.