The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles.
Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to the construction of
5 an ignition switch module for vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure
relates the ignition switch module that inhibits the entry of foreign
elements/moisture in the ignition switch module.
TECHNICAL.BACKGROUND
10
[002] Generally, vehicles are provided with plurality of switches to make
power connection with the power source of the vehicle for various purposes.
Particularly an ignition switch is a switch in the control system of an internal
combustion engine motor vehicle that activates the main electrical systems for
15 the vehicle. The ignition system is used to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine.
Such a switch comprises two modules namely a body module based (mechanical
module) and a switch module (electrical module).The body module isresponsible
for converting manual key insertion and rotation into translatory motion of a lock
bar. The switch module is assembled with said body module that uses Key
20 rotational movement to complete electrical circuit for ignition.
[003] As shown i n figure 1, existing switch modules comprises a switch body
(1), a base (3) enclosed with the switch body (1 ), a carrier (10) attached to the
base (3) by means of a plurality of rivets (4), two moving contacts (11) are disposed
25 in between the carrier (10) and the base (3), two springs (l2) and two balls (13) are
disposed in between the carrier (10) and a closed end of the switch body (1). an open
end of the switch body is covered by a switch cover (8). The switch cover (8) has a
hole which is provided to passage a wiring harness (6). The wiring harness (6) is
3
configured to make electrical connection with the power source and starter motor
of the vehicle.
[004] Generally, the electrical circuit of such switch module breaks due to
5 accumulation of dust/water during Key inserti on and even in the running condition.
Environmental factors like rain drops, frosting in winters and daily exposure to
water during washing and cleaning of the vehicle would result in accumulation of
impurities.
10 [005] Researchers has come up with v a r i o u s provisions of drainage in
existing switches by providing drain holes in the switch body. However, the abovementioned problem is still persisted and resulting i n current leakage due to
entrapment of moisture within the module.
15 [006] Therefore, there is an immense need of an ignition switch module that
inhabits the entry of dust, water and the like i n the switch module and overcomes
one or more limitations of the existing switch modules.
SUMMARY OFTHE DISCLOSURE
20
[007] One or more drawbacks of conventional switch modules as described in
the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through a
ignition switch module as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features
and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other
25 embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are
considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[008] In an preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the ignition switch
4
module for vehicles, comprising a housing comprising an open end and a closed end;
a base assembly enclosed within the housing; wherein a mechanical gasket is sealably
interposed between the housing and the extension arm of the rotor of a key module;
wherein the open end of the housing is closed by a cover whereby the cover comprises
5 an opening along an axis of the housing; wherein a first grommet is disposed in the
opening of the cover and a base cover is disposed over the opening of the cover; and
wherein a second grommet is adapted to be secured with the housing, the base
assembly and the cover.
10 [009] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ignition switch is a low
current switch module.
[010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a wiring harness is receivable
at the open end of the housing through opening of the cover, configured to make
15 electrical connection with the power source and starter motor of the vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover is secured to the open
end of the housing by a fastening means or self-locking means.
20 [012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first grommet comprises a
groove formed at outer wall of the first grommet such that the first grommet is sealably
fixed in the opening of the cover.
[013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base cover comprises a
25 protrusion provided at its periphery such that the base cover is sealably attached to the
cover.
[014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, first face of the second
5
grommet is seated on an edge provided at the periphery of the base and second face of
the second grommet is located on the cover. Also, the second grommet is disposed
along with the periphery of the housing. Further, a lining of the second grommet is
configured to sealably attached to an inner surface of the cover.
5
[015] 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
with reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
10
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTHE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
[016] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily
understood from the following detailed description with reference to the
15 accompanying figure(s). The figure(s) together with a detailed description below,
are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate
the embodiment and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with
the present invention wherein:
20 FIG. 1 : illustrates an exploded view of an existing switch module.
FIG. 2: illustrates an exploded view of an ignition switch module, i n accordance
with the present disclosure.
FIG. 3: illustrates a cross-sectional view of an ignition switch module, in assembled
condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
25 FIG. 4: illustrates an enlarged sectional view of an ignition switch module
illustrating second grommet disposed in the module, in accordance with an
6
embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5: illustrates an enlarged sectional view of an ignition switch module
illustrating mechanical gasket disposed in the module, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
5 [017] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated
for simplicity and have not 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 embodiments of the present
invention.
10
DETAILED DESCRJPTION OFTHE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
[018] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures
15 and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not
intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary,
the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within
the spirit and the scope of the invention.
20 [019] 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 a ignition switched module. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be
motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of
assembly, which are varying from vehicle to vehicle. However, such modification
25 should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the
drawing(s) are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding
the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with
7
details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit
of the description herein.
[020] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are
5 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
10 elements in the system or apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present
disclosure. The disclosure in respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
[021] Accordingl y, the present disclosure relates to the construction and
mechanism of an ignition switch module for vehicles. An ignition switch is a low
15 current switch module. It is to be noted here that the chances of circuit breakage due
to moisture entrapment is more. Therefore, to eliminate the chances of circuit
breakage due to water/ dust/ impurities which resulting in current leakage, sealed
ignition switch assembly has been incorporated. Particularly, the embodiments of
the present disclosure disclose an ignition switch module that inhibit the entry of
20 dust, water and the like inside the switch module.
[022] Therefore. the main aim of the present disclosure to provide an ignition
switch module that inhibits the entry of dust and water in the ignition switch
module.
25
[023] Another aim of the present disclosure is to provide an ignition s witch
module that has design flexibility.
[024] Reference will now be made to an ignition switch module for vehicles
8
which is explained with the help of figures. The figures are for the purpose of
illustration only and should not be construed as limitations on the assembly and
mechanism of the present disclosure. Wherever possible, referral numerals will be
used to refer to the same or like parts.
5
[025] Figures 2 shows an ignition switch module (100) in accordance with an
embodiment the disclosure. The ignition switch module (100) comprises a switch
housing (110). The housing (110) has an open end and a closed end. In one
embodiment, the housing comprises a cover (not shown in figures) at closed end,
10 having indications about the different conditions/modes of the vehicle.
[026] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the ignition switch module comprises a
housing (110) having a generally cylindrical shape. The housing encloses a base
assembly (120) and a carrier assembly (130). In an embodiment of the present
15 disclosure, the base assembly (120) is adapted with housing (100) with help of a
fastening means.
[027] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base assembly
comprises a base (122) and plurality of fixed contacts (124). The plurality of
20 fixed contacts may be coupled with a starter relay of the vehicle for controlling the
START/IGNITION condition of the vehicle. In another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the fixed contacts are adapted with base (122) with the fastening means.
[028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 3, the carrier
25 assembly (130) is movably coupled with a rotor of key module in order to relay the
movement of key module for ignition Start/stop. The carrier assembly (130) comprises
a moving contact (132). The carrier assembly is configured to movably engage with
9
the base assembly with help of the moving contact (132). The moving contact (132) is
movably configured with plurality of fixed contacts of the base assembly (120). The
contact between the carrier assembly and the base assembly (120) provides an
electrical signal to the battery to start the vehicle.
5
[029] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a spring (134) is
adapted to be secured with the moving contact. In another embodiment of the
present disclosure, the carried assembly comprises a plurality of balls (136) and
corresponding a plurality of springs (138) disposed in between the carrier ( 1 3 1 )
10 and the closed end of the housing (110). The plurality of balls with corresponding
springs are configured for limiting the movement of the carrier assembly (130) with
respect to detents provided in the key module.
[030] The housing (110) is covered at the open end by a cover (140). In an
15 embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover (140) being secured to the open end
of the housing (110) by a fastening means or self-locking means.
[031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastening means can be a
plurality of screws, a plurality of rivets, sealing means or a group of fasteners and the
20 like.
[032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the self-locking means is snapfitting.
25 [033] Referring to figures 2 and 3, the cover (140) has an opening (142) along
the axis of the housing (110) to receive a wiring harness (150). The wiring harness
(150) is configured to make electrical connection with the power source and starter
10
motor of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first grommet
(160) is disposed in the opening (142) of the cover (140). The first grommet (160)
comprises a hole along the axis of the housing such that the wiring harness (150)
can passage through it. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, shape of the
5 first grommet (160) can be oval or cylindrical or square. In yet another embodiment
of the present disclosure, material of first grommet can be Nitrile Butadiene Rubber
or Nitrile Butadiene Rubber with PVC or Fluoroelastomer or silicon rubber.
[034] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 3, the first
10 grommet (160) comprises a groove formed at the outer wall of the first grommet such
that the first grommet is sealably fixed in opening of the cover (140).
[035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figures 2 and 3, a
base cover (170) is disposed over the opening of the cover (140). Further, as shown in
15 figure 3, the base cover (170) has a protrusion at its periphery such that the base cover
(170) is sealably attached to the cover (140). In another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the material of base cover (170) can be PA6 or polyoxymethylene.
[036] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 3 and 5, a
20 mechanical gasket (180) is sealably interposed between the housing (110) and an
extension arm of rotor of the key module (105). In another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the mechanical gasket is an O-ring. In yet another embodiment of the
present disclosure, material of mechanical gasket can be Nitrile Butadiene Rubber or
Fluoroelastomer or Nitrile Butadiene Rubber with PVC.
25
[037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figures 2 to 4, a
second grommet (190) is adapted to be secured with the housing (110), the base
11
assembly (120) and the cover (140). The second grommet has a first face and a second
face which is opposite the first face. The first face of the second grommet (190) is
seated on an edge provided at the periphery of the base (132) and the second face of
the second grommet (190) is located on the cover (140). The second grommet (190)
5 further disposed along with the periphery of the housing. The second grommet (190)
has lining (192) at its periphery that provides sealable effect. As shown in figure 3 and
4, the lining of the second grommet (190) is configured to sealably attached to an inner
surface of the cover (140). In another embodiment of the present disclosure, material
of second grommet can be Nitrile Butadiene Rubber or Nitrile Butadiene Rubber with
10 PVC or Fluoroelastomer or silicon rubber. In yet another embodiment of the present
disclosure, shape of the second grommet (190) can be oval or cylindrical or square.
[038] Referring to figure 3, the mechanical gasket provides sealing against
impurities/moisture entering from body module path indicated as path A. Further,
15 first grommet and base cover seal the base assembly where wiring harness meets
the base that is indicated as Path B, and second grommet provides sealing from
any impurities entering from cover side indicated as Path C.
[039] Accordingly, the ignition switch module of the present disclosure
20 inhibits the entry of dust, water and the like inside the ignition switch module
and ensure elimination of leak current in the system. It enhances longevity of
circuit thus increases l ife of module.
List of Reference Numerals
Sr. No. Description
100 Ignition switch module
12
5
10
15
20
25
105 Extension arm of rotor of key module
110 Housing
120 Base Assembly
130 Carrier Assembly
122 Base
124 Plurality of fixed contacts
131 Carrier
132 Moving Contact
134 Spring for Moving Contact
136 Steel Ball
138 Spring for Steel Ball
140 Cover
142 Opening of Cover
150 Wiring Harness
160 First grommet
170 Base Cover
180 Mechanical gasket
190 Second grommet
13
Equivalents:
[040] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details
thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the
description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are
5 omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples
used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the
embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to
practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed
as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
10
[001] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the
general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current
knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific
embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such
15 adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the
meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood
that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description
and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described
in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
20 embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of
the embodiments as described herein.
[002] Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as
“comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated
25 element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion
of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
14
[003] The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or
more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of
the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
5 [004] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that
has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context
for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters
form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field
relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this
10 application.
[005] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters,
dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values
higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or
15 quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the
specification specific to the contrary.
[006] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features
of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and
20 that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from
the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the
disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art
from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing
descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not
25 as a limitation.

We Claim:
1. An ignition switch module (100) for vehicles, comprising:
a housing (110), the housing comprising an open end and a closed end;
5 a base assembly (120) enclosed within the housing (110);
wherein a mechanical gasket (180) is sealably interposed between the
housing (110) and an extension arm of rotor of a key module (105);
wherein the open end of the housing (110) is closed by a cover (140)
whereby the cover (140) comprises an opening (142) along an axis of the
10 housing (110);
wherein a first grommet (160) is disposed in the opening of the cover
(140) and a base cover (170) is disposed over the opening of the cover (140);
and
wherein a second grommet (190) is adapted to be secured with the
15 housing (110), the base assembly (120) and the cover (140).
2. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ignition
switch is a low current switch module.
20 3. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanical
gasket (180) is an O-ring.
4. The ignition witch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a carrier
assembly (130) is adapted to be secured with the base assembly (120).
25
5. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wiring
harness (150) is receivable at the open end of the housing (110) through opening
(142) of the cover, configured to make electrical connection with the power
source and starter motor of the vehicle.
16
6. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover (140)
is secured to the open end of the housing (110) by a fastening means or selflocking means.
5
7. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
grommet (160) comprises a groove formed at outer wall of the first grommet
(160) such that the first grommet (160) is sealably fixed in the opening of the
cover (140).
10
8. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base cover
(170) comprises a protrusion provided at periphery of the base cover such that
the base cover (170) is sealably attached to the cover (140).
15 9. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein first face of
the second grommet (190) is seated on an edge provided at the periphery of the
base (122) and second face of the second grommet (190) is located on the cover
(140).
20 10. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
grommet (190) is disposed along with the periphery of the housing (110).
11. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a lining (192)
of the second grommet (190) is configured to sealably attached to an inner
25 surface of the cover (140).
12. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein material of
the first and second grommet is Nitrile Butadiene Rubber or Nitrile Butadiene
Rubber with PVC or Fluoroelastomer or silicon rubber.
17
13. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein material of
mechanical gasket is Nitrile Butadiene Rubber or Fluoroelastomer or Nitrile
Butadiene Rubber with PVC.
5
14. The ignition switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein material of
base cover (170) is PA6 or polyoxymethylene