Field of the Invention:
The present invention generally relates to the field of automobile switches. Particularly, the
present invention relates to a selector switch for vehicles comprising a knob movable in four
lateral directions to realize at least four functions.
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.
However, there are many demerits of such independent switch systems as they provide
troublesome operation. The need to provide a selector switch for vehicles has been felt for a
long time and that selector switches of different constructions are available in the market.
Many a times, the selector switches are constructed to include a moveable knob and
switching points that are disposed at predetermined locations. It becomes difficult to operate
a switch of the aforesaid construction if the moveable knob can exhibit un-restricted motion.
Especially when a selector switch is mounted on a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle for
operation by a driver, un-restricted motion of the moveable knob makes it difficult for the
driver to realize a particular function.
While the selector switch allows realization of four functions, the construction should be such
that in case of a need, a fifth function can be realized from the same. Also, it should be
feasible to provide illumination of the selector switch for ease of operator. Additionally, the
selector switch has to have least number of parts and has to be simple in terms of its
construction so that the manufacturing cost of the selector switch is minimized.
Thus, there exists a need to provide an selector switch that meets with one or more of the
above demands 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
3
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 selector switch for vehicles comprising a knob
whose movement in a first plane is restricted to four directions.
In an embodiment of the invention the selector switch may additionally exhibit movement in
a second plane which is substantially perpendicular to the first plane.
In yet another embodiment, the selector switch may further comprise mechanism for
illuminating the same.
In yet another embodiment, the selector switch may further comprises a bottom cover (17)
accommodating at least four switches (19), each of the four switches (19) being arranged at
predetermined locations; a diaphragm housing (14, 15) being attached to the bottom cover
(17); a hinge element (13) pivotally attached to the diaphragm housing (14, 15); and a knob
(12) being pivotally attached to the hinge element (13) such that the knob (12) exhibits
movement with respect to the bottom cover (17) and selectively actuates one of the at least
four switches (19).
In an embodiment of the invention, the at least four switches (19) are provided on a printed
circuit board (16) and the printed circuit board (16) is accommodated within the bottom cover
(17).
In an embodiment of the invention the diaphragm housing (14, 15) comprises a housing (15)
made of a hard plastic material and a diaphragm (14) made of a soft material, the housing
(15) including at least four apertures that are filled by the soft material to form diaphragm
structures (21), the diaphragm structures (21) being in abutting placement with the at least
four switches (19), wherein diaphragm housing (14, 15) comprises a first set of pivot
elements (22) provided on a top side thereof.
In yet another embodiment, the knob (12) comprises a second set of pivot elements (27)
provided on a bottom side thereof, wherein the hinge element (13) defines a third set of pivot
elements (29) adapted to engage with the first set of pivot elements (22) provided in the
diaphragm housing (14; 15) such that the hinge element (13) together with the knob (12)
4
exhibits movement in a first plane in a first and second directions, the first and the second
directions being shifted by 180 degrees.
In an embodiment of the invention, the hinge element (13) defines a fourth set of pivot
elements (30) adapted to engage with the second set of pivot elements (27) as provided in the
knob (12), such that the knob (12) exhibits a movement in a first plane in a third and fourth
directions that are shifted by 90 degrees with respect to the first and second directions.
In an embodiment of the invention, the diaphragm housing (14, 15) comprises a set of
guiding projections (24) provided on a top side thereof, wherein the knob (12) comprises a set
of guiding rails (32) provided on a bottom side thereof, wherein the set of guiding rails (32)
are adapted to co-operate with the guiding projections (24).
In an embodiment of the invention, a bottom surface of the knob (12) includes a set of switch
actuating legs (26) adapted to apply force on to the switches (19).
In an embodiment of the invention, the bottom cover (17) accommodates at least one
illumination providing device (20).
In an embodiment of the invention, the housing (15) includes five apertures, four of the five
apertures corresponding to four switches and the fifth aperture corresponding to the
illumination providing device (20), wherein the bottom cover (17) accommodates five
switches (19), with four of the five switches being arranged at about four edges of an
imaginary square and the fifth switch being arranged so as to be at about a centre of the
imaginary square. The housing (15) includes five apertures, all the five apertures
corresponding to the five switches, each of the five aperture being filled by the soft material
to form five diaphragm structures (21), the five diaphragm structures (21) being in abutting
placement with the five switches (19).
The selector switch further comprises an actuator (18) adapted to exhibit movement with
respect to the bottom cover and actuate the fifth switch (19), wherein the knob (12) is
provided with an aperture (33) corresponding to the location of the fifth switch (19).
In an embodiment of the invention the actuator (18) is adapted to traverse through the
aperture (33) as provided in the knob (12), wherein the hinge element (13) is provided with
5
an aperture (36) corresponding to the location of the fifth switch (19) and the actuator (18) is
adapted to traverse through the aperture (36) as provided in the hinge element (13).
In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator (18) is provided with a switch actuating leg
(35) on a bottom surface thereof. The actuator is also provided with a set of holding legs (34)
on a side surface thereof.
In an embodiment of the invention, the hinge element (13) is provided with a set of slots (31)
that co-operate with the set of holding legs (34) provided on the actuator (18) to retain the
actuator (18).
In an embodiment of the invention, the knob (12) is provided with symbols (28) for
indicating the functioning.
In an embodiment of the invention, the knob (12) is provided with a light guiding element
(25) on a bottom surface thereof. In an embodiment, the housing (15) is provided with an
aperture (23) corresponding to the at least one illumination providing device (20).
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 a selector switch whose movement in a first plane is
restricted to four directions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
6
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom cover of the selector switch of Figure 1 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a PCB assembled with the bottom cover of the
selector switch of Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a diaphragm housing of the selector switch of
Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the diaphragm housing of Figure 4 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a top perspective view of a further diaphragm housing of the selector
switch of Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a top perspective view of a knob of the selector switch of Figure 1 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the knob of Figure 7 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 illustrates a top perspective view of a hinge of the selector switch of Figure 1 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the hinge of Figure 9 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 illustrates an exploded view of a selector switch whose movement in a first plane
is restricted to four directions and additionally exhibiting movement in a second plane which
is substantially perpendicular to the first plane in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of a PCB of the selector switch of Figure 11 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 illustrates a top perspective view of a diaphragm housing of the selector switch of
Figure 11 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 14 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the diaphragm housing of Figure 13 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 illustrates a top perspective view of a knob of the selector switch of Figure 11 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the knob of Figure 15 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
7
Figure 17 illustrates a top perspective view of an actuator exhibiting movement in the second
plane of the selector switch of Figure 11 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 18 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the actuator exhibiting movement in the
second plane of Figure 17 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 19 illustrates a top perspective view of an assembly comprising the actuator of
Figures 17 and 18 and the hinge of Figures 9 and 10 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
Figure 20 illustrates a bottom perspective view of assembly of Figure 19 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 21 illustrates a top perspective view of an assembly comprising the actuator of
Figures 17 and 18, the hinge of Figures 9 and 10 and the diaphragm housing of Figures 13
and 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference
will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be
used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of
the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated
device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein
being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be
restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar
language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same
embodiment.
8
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a
non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device that comprises a list of steps does not include only
those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or
method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or
components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other
components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or
additional structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention
belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
Referring to Figure 1 which is an exploded view of a selector switch (10) for vehicles
providing four functions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The switch (10)
comprises an ornamental ring (11), a knob (12) whose movement in a first plane is restricted
to four directions. The knob (12) is attachable to a hinge element (13). The hinge element
(13) is pivoted on a diaphragm housing (14; 15). There is provided a bottom cover (17) that
accommodates a PCB (16). The diaphragm housing (14; 15) is attached to the bottom cover
so as to provide a sealing of the PCB.
Now referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a perspective view of a bottom cover of the
selector switch of Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
bottom cover may include apertures (not shown) for connection wires to be taken out.
Now referring to Figure 3, there is illustrated a perspective view of an assembly comprising
the bottom cover and the PCB (16). In an embodiment of the invention, the PCB (16) is
provided with four micro-switches (19) at predetermined locations. Preferably, the micro
switches are arranged at four edges of an imaginary square. The PCB (16) may further
comprise an illumination providing device such as a light emitting diode (20), which may be
surface mounted type.
9
Now referring to Figures 4 and 5, there is illustrated a top perspective view and a
corresponding bottom perspective view of a diaphragm housing constructed in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention. The diaphragm housing comprises two elements
namely a diaphragm (14) and housing (15). The housing is made of a first type of material
and the diaphragm is made of a second type of material. The housing is made of a hard
plastic, while the diaphragm is made of soft rubber material. The diaphragm housing is
preferably formed as a single component using for example, using a 2K injection moulding
method.
The top side of the diaphragm housing defines a first set of pivot elements (22). The housing
(15) further includes four apertures corresponding to the four micro-switches. The soft rubber
material fills the aperture of the housing (15) and forms diaphragm like structures (21). The
diaphragm structure (21) abuts the micro switches and provides a tact-feeling during
actuation of the selector switch. The soft rubber material may be provided on an inner as well
as an outer surface of the housing (15). The soft rubber material in addition to acting as a
diaphragm structure, also provides a sealing effect when the housing is joined to the assembly
of Figure 3, thereby acts to provide ingress protection. In case a LED is mounted on the PCB
(16), the housing may further comprise an aperture (23) corresponding to the location of the
LED on the PCB (16) for allowing the light to traverse there-through. In case the soft rubber
material fills the aperture (23) provided for traversal of light, the soft rubber is preferably
made of a material having light transmitting property.
As shown in Figure 6, in an alternate embodiment, the top side of the diaphragm housing
defines a set of guiding projections (24) (detailed functioning of the same will be described
later).
Now referring to Figures 7 and 8, there is illustrated a top perspective view and a
corresponding bottom perspective view of the knob (12) in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention. A top surface of the knob (12) is disposed so as to actuated by the user and
includes symbols (28). A bottom surface of the knob (12) includes a set of switch actuating
legs (26) adapted to apply force on to the micro-switches (19). The bottom surface of the
knob (12) further includes a second set of pivot elements (27), and optionally a light guiding
member (25).
10
Now referring to Figures 9 and 10, there is illustrated a top perspective view and a
corresponding bottom perspective view of the hinge element (13) in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The hinge element acts as a carrier of the knob (12) and
couples the knob (12) to the diaphragm housing (14; 15). The hinge element (13) defines a
third set of pivot elements (29) adapted to engage with the first set of pivot elements (22) as
provided in the diaphragm housing (14; 15). After engagement of the third set of pivot
elements (29) with the first set of pivot elements (22), the hinge element together with the
knob (12) exhibits a movement in a first plane in a first and a second directions which are
shifted by 180 degrees. The hinge element (13) defines a fourth set of pivot elements (30)
adapted to engage with the second set of pivot elements (27) as provided in the knob (12).
After engagement of the fourth set of pivot elements (30) with the second set of pivot
elements (27), exhibits a movement in the first plane in a third and a fourth directions that
are shifted by 90 degrees with regard to the first and the second directions. Because of the
above, the knob exhibits movement in four directions in a first plane. The hinge element (13)
may additionally define an aperture (36) that may to allow light passage of light as emitted by
the LED (20) or may allow the actuator (as described in the later embodiments) to traverse
there through.
Now referring to Figure 11, there is illustrated an exploded view of a selector switch (100)
for vehicles that additionally exhibits movement in a second plane which is substantially
perpendicular to the first plane. The switch (100) comprises an ornamental ring (11), a knob
(12) whose movement in a first plane is restricted to four directions. The knob (12) is
attachable to a hinge element (13). The hinge element (13) is pivoted on diaphragm housing
(14; 15). There is provided a bottom cover (17) that accommodates a PCB (16). The
diaphragm housing (14; 15) is attached to the bottom cover so as to provide a sealing of the
PCB. In addition, the switch (100) comprises an actuator (18) adapted to exhibit exhibiting
movement in the second plane. The switch (100) can provide more than four functions and
more particularly, can provide five functions because of presence of the actuator adapted to
exhibit exhibiting movement in the second plane.
Since the construction of the switch (100) as shown in Figure 11 is substantially similar to the
construction of the switch (10) as shown in Figure 1, only the components that are different
are being described. Even when describing the components that are different, emphasis is
11
being drawn to the change(s) in the component, as compared to the corresponding component
for use in the switch (10).
Now referring to Figure 12, there is illustrated a perspective view of the PCB that can be
carried by the switch (100). In an embodiment of the invention, the PCB is provided with five
micro-switches (19) at predetermined locations. Preferably, the micro switches are arranged
at four edges of an imaginary square and the fifth micro switch is arranged at a centre of the
imaginary square.
Now referring to Figures 13 and 14, there is illustrated a top perspective view and a
corresponding bottom perspective view of a diaphragm housing constructed in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention. The diaphragm housing as shown in Figures 13 and
14 have five diaphragm structures (21), four being at the corners of an imaging square, which
the fifth is at the centre of the imaginary square.
Now referring to Figures 15 and 16 there is illustrated a bottom perspective view and a
corresponding top perspective view of the knob (12) in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention. The knob (12) has a central aperture (33) for accommodating the actuator (18).
In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the knob (12) is further shown to include a second
set of guiding rails (32). The guiding rails (32) are adapted to co-operate with the guiding
projections (24) to assist during assembly of the selector switch. It may be noted that the
guiding rails (32) may be provided on the bottom surface of the knob which is adapted to use
with the switch (10).
Referring to Figures 17 and 18, there is illustrated a top perspective view and a corresponding
bottom perspective view of the actuator (18). A bottom surface of the actuator (18) includes a
switch actuating leg (35). The actuator (18) further comprises holding legs (34) on a side
surface.
As shown in Figures 19 and 20, which a top perspective view and a corresponding bottom
perspective view of an assembly comprising the actuator of Figures 17 and 18 and the hinge
of Figures 9 and 10, the actuator (18) is adapted to traverse through the central aperture (36)
provided in the hinge element (13). The hinge element (13) further comprises slots (31) that
co-operate with the holding legs (34) as provided on the side surface of the actuator to retain
the actuator within the selector switch.
12
For the purposes of ease of understanding, reference may be drawn to Figure 21, which
illustrates a top perspective view of an assembly comprising the actuator of Figures 17 and
18, the hinge of Figures 9 and 10 and the diaphragm housing of Figures 13 and 14 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
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 selector switch for realizing at least four functions, the selector switch comprising:
a bottom cover (17) accommodating at least four switches (19), each of the four
switches (19) being arranged at predetermined locations;
a diaphragm housing (14, 15) being attached to the bottom cover (17);
a hinge element (13) pivotally attached to the diaphragm housing (14, 15); and
a knob (12) being pivotally attached to the hinge element (13) such that the knob (12)
exhibits movement with respect to the bottom cover (17) and selectively actuates one
of the at least four switches (19).
2. The selector switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least four switches (19) are
provided on a printed circuit board (16) and the printed circuit board (16) is
accommodated within the bottom cover (17).
3. The selector switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein diaphragm housing (14, 15)
comprises a housing (15) made of a hard plastic material and a diaphragm (14) made
of a soft material, the housing (15) including at least four apertures that are filled by
the soft material to form diaphragm structures (21), the diaphragm structures (21)
being in abutting placement with the at least four switches (19).
4. The selector switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein diaphragm housing (14, 15)
comprises a first set of pivot elements (22) provided on a top side thereof.
5. The selector switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (12) comprises a second
set of pivot elements (27) provided on a bottom side thereof.
6. The selector switch as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge
element (13) defines a third set of pivot elements (29) adapted to engage with the first
set of pivot elements (22) provided in the diaphragm housing (14; 15) such that the
hinge element (13) together with the knob (12) exhibits movement in a first plane in a
first and second directions, the first and the second directions being shifted by 180
degrees.

7. The selector switch as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge
element (13) defines a fourth set of pivot elements (30) adapted to engage with the
second set of pivot elements (27) as provided in the knob (12), such that the knob (12)
exhibits a movement in a first plane in a third and fourth directions that are shifted by
90 degrees with respect to the first and second directions.
8. The selector switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diaphragm housing (14, 15)
comprises a set of guiding projections (24) provided on a top side thereof.
9. The selector switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (12) comprises a set of
guiding rails (32) provided on a bottom side thereof.
10. The selector switch as claimed in claims 9 and 10, wherein the set of guiding rails
(32) are adapted to co-operate with the guiding projections (24).
11. The selector switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the knob (12)
include a set of switch actuating legs (26) adapted to apply force on to the switches
(19).
12. The selector switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom cover (17)
accommodates at least one illumination providing device (20).
13. The selector switch as claimed any of the previous claims, wherein the housing (15)
includes five apertures, four of the five apertures corresponding to four switches and
the fifth aperture corresponding to the illumination providing device (20).
14. The selector switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom cover (17)
accommodates five switches (19), with four of the five switches being arranged at
about four edges of an imaginary square and the fifth switch being arranged so as to
be at about a centre of the imaginary square.
15. The selector switch as claimed any of the previous claims, wherein the housing (15)
includes five apertures, all the five apertures corresponding to the five switches, each
of the five aperture being filled by the soft material to form five diaphragm structures

(21), the five diaphragm structures (21) being in abutting placement with the five
switches (19).
16. The selector switch as claimed in any of the previous claims, further comprising an
actuator (18) adapted to exhibit movement with respect to the bottom cover and
actuate the fifth switch (19).
17. The selector switch as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the knob (12) is
provided with an aperture (33) corresponding to the location of the fifth switch (19).
18. The selector switch as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator
(18) is adapted to traverse through the aperture (33) as provided in the knob (12).
19. The selector switch as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the hinge
element (13) is provided with an aperture (36) corresponding to the location of the
fifth switch (19) and the actuator (18) is adapted to traverse through the aperture (36)
as provided in the hinge element (13).
20. The selector switch as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator
(18) is provided with a switch actuating leg (35) on a bottom surface thereof.
21. The selector switch as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator
(18) is provided with a set of holding legs (34) on a side surface thereof.
22. The selector switch as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge
element (13) is provided with a set of slots (31) that co-operate with the set of holding
legs (34) provided on the actuator (18) to retain the actuator (18).
23. The selector switch as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the knob (12)
is provided symbols (28) indicating the functioning.
24. The selector switch as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the knob (12)
is provided with a light guiding element (25) on a bottom surface thereof.

25. The selector switch as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing
(15) is provided with an aperture (23) corresponding to the at least one illumination
providing device (20).