Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to electronic assemblies in vehicles, and more particularly, to a switch assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Electronic switches are employed in the vehicles to execute various electric operations in the vehicle. Such electronic switches are generally used to either operate the headlights of the vehicle, parking brakes of the vehicle or a head-up display of the vehicle.

The conventionally known electronic switching assemblies have only limited number of functions. However, considering the increase in the functions associated with increased user interfaces and components in the modern vehicles, the number of functions for such switching assemblies has increased too. To solve the above stated problems, different solutions have been considered, one of them being increase in the number of switches. However, the modern vehicles have a limited size for hand control switches. Further, installing such multiple switches may even lead to confusion, thereby leading to dangerous situations while driving. Furthermore, the conventionally available switching assemblies do not meet circuitry requirements of the vehicles.

Therefore, there lies at least a need for a switching assembly, which is compact and cost effective, and at the same time a single switching assembly is capable of performing increased number of functionalities in the vehicles.

SUMMARY

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.

The present subject matter relates to a switch assembly for a vehicle, including a bracket and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) installed inside the bracket. The PCB includes a plurality of contact switches installed thereon. A first carrier is provided, which includes a first slot. The first carrier is pivotably attached to the bracket and is adapted to contact a first set of contact switches, from among the plurality of contact switches, when pivoted along a first axis. A second carrier is provided, which includes a second slot. The second carrier is pivotably attached to the first carrier slot and is adapted to contact a second set of contact switches, from among the plurality of contact switches, when pivoted along a second axis. A knob is installed inside the second slot and is adapted to selectively pivot the first carrier along the first axis and the second carrier along the second axis based on a user input.

The switch further includes a pusher assembly disposed inside the knob. The pusher assembly includes a plunger, which is slidably disposed inside the knob and adapted to contact a third contact switch, from among the plurality of contact switches by traversing towards the third contact switch based on the user input. A spring is slidably disposed between a hollow space inside the knob and the plunger. The spring and the plunger are adapted to return the knob back to an original position.

The switch assembly disclosed herein may be employed in a vehicle and helps in increasing number of functions being controlled through the single knob. This helps in enhancing human machine interface, by virtue of a single point of contact for contacting the contact switches. Further, a single switch assembly being able to perform multiple functions helps in fitting into compact spaces in modern vehicles. The present switch assembly has a sealed architecture which helps in preventing entry of foreign substances into the switch assembly. Applying contact switches as contact mechanisms further ensures good haptics and auditory feedback to the operator.

The present switch assembly is designed to function at low amperage switching. Dedicated connectors for angular operations help in converting angular motion into a linear motion by virtue of the detent present on the bracket, thereby providing the knob with controlled travel in all directions. The knob traverses on a single point, thereby ensuring a better operating feeling. The present switch assembly further makes it feasible to decrease the number of operations, with bare minimum changes as per requirement. The present switch assembly further helps in providing discrete outputs in each pressing direction. This makes the switch assembly to operate for multiple functions, thereby ensuring a substantially higher number of life cycles when compared to the life cycles of conventional switch assemblies. Furthermore, the present switch assembly is compatible with higher voltage battery systems when compared to conventional switch assemblies.

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 DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a switch assembly for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates a partially exploded view of the switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a detailed view of a sealing structure of the switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates multiple directions a knob of the switch assembly can traverse, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8A illustrates movement of the knob in up direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8B illustrates movement of the knob in down direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9A illustrates movement of the knob in right direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9B illustrates movement of the knob in left direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 10 illustrates movement of the knob when the knob is pushed in a direction perpendicular to a bracket of the switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device 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 FIGURES

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 system, 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. 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 system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

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

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

The present disclosure relates to a switch assembly for vehicles, which includes a single knob adapted to traverse in multiple directions, thereby being able to contact multiple contact switches selectively, as per requirement. This helps in increasing number of functions being controlled through a single switch assembly, thereby achieving a compact sized switch assembly for modern vehicles, and enhancing human machine interface, by virtue of a single contact point for multiple functionalities.

Figures 1to 5 illustrate different aspects of a switch assembly 100, in accordance with the embodiments of present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the switch assembly 100 for a vehicle while Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the switch assembly 100. Further, Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the switch assembly 100 whereas Figure 4 illustrates a partially exploded view of the switch assembly 100, and Figure 5 illustrates a detailed view of the sealed structure 134 of the switch assembly 100. The switch assembly includes a cap 102, a first carrier 104, a second carrier 106, a knob 108, a plunger 110, a spring 112, a connector 114, a bracket 116, thrusters 118, a sealing membrane 120, a set of contact switches 122, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 124 and a sleeve 126.

In one example, the bracket 116 is adapted to carry components of the switch assembly 100 and the PCB 124 is installed inside the bracket 116. A plurality of contact switches 122 are disposed on the PCB 124, each contact switch 122 being the initiation point for performing at least one functionality in the vehicle. In one example, these functions may include, but are not limited to operating headlights of the vehicle, operating parking brakes of the vehicle, operating a head-up display of the vehicle, etc. A first carrier 104 is pivotably attached to the bracket 116 via a first pivot 128. The first carrier 104 includes a first slot 104A to which a second carrier 106 is pivotably attached via a second pivot 130. The second carrier 106 includes a second slot 106A, inside which the knob 108 is installed. A top 108A of the knob 108 is covered by a cap 102, which is adapted to receive a user input from an operator.

In one embodiment, the switch assembly 100 has a sealed structure 134, as depicted in Figure 5. The sealing membrane 120 is disposed on the PCB 124 and connected to the PCB 124 with help of a fastener 132. The sealing membrane 120 prevents entry of any foreign substances into the PCB 124, thereby preventing any damage to the PCB 124 due to leakage of foreign substances into the switch assembly 100. In one example, the sealing membrane 120 may be formed of but is not limited to a sealing material like rubber, silicone, plastic, etc. Further, the sleeve 126 is disposed at a bottom side 100B, opposite to the top side 100A of the switch assembly 100. The sleeve 126 covers the switch assembly 100 from the bottom side 100B, thereby protecting the switch assembly 100 from damage due to entry of any foreign substances into the switch assembly 100. Furthermore, the switch assembly 100 includes a sealing agent 136, such as epoxy potting which provides an enhanced sealing to the PCB 124 by sealing the fastener 132.

The functionality of the switch assembly will now be discussed in detail, in conjunctions with Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8A, Figure 8B, Figure 9A, Figure 9B and Figure 10. Specifically, Figure 6 illustrates the multiple directions L, R, U, D, P the knob 108 of the switch assembly 100 can traverse, while Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the switch assembly 100. Figure 8A illustrates movement of the knob 108 in the upward direction U, whereas Specifically, Figure 8B illustrates movement of the knob 108 in the downward direction D. Also, Figure 9A illustrates movement of the knob 108 in the right direction R, while Figure 9B illustrates movement of the knob 108 in the left direction L. Further, Figure 10 illustrates movement of the knob 108 when the knob 108 is pushed in a direction P perpendicular to the bracket, into the switch assembly

In the illustrated embodiment, the user input is a force on the cap 102, that can act in multiple directions along different axes X, Y, and Z. In one example, these multiple directions may include, but are not limited to an upward direction U, a downward direction D, a left direction L, a right direction R, and a direction P perpendicular to the bracket 116, as depicted in.

Once a force is applied by the operator, the knob 108 selectively pivots the first carrier 104 along a first axis X-X’ and the second carrier 106 along a second axis Y-Y’ based on the user input, i.e., the direction of force applied on the knob 108. When the knob 108 pivots the first carrier 104 along the first axis X-X’ (right direction R and left direction L), the first carrier 104 makes contact with a first set of contact switches from among the plurality of contact switches 122. Similarly, when the knob 108 pivots the second carrier 106 along the second axis Y-Y’(upward direction U and downward direction D), the second carrier 106 makes contact with a second set of contact switches 122-2 from among the plurality of contact switches 122.

In one embodiment, the knob 108 includes a pusher assembly. The pusher assembly includes a plunger 110, a spring 112 and a connector 114. The plunger is slidably disposed inside a hollow space 140 of the knob. The pusher assembly is adapted to push the set of thrusters 118, either directly or buy pivoting the first carrier 104, or the second carrier 106. Pivoting of the first carrier 104 or the second carrier 106 is aided by the connector 114. The connector is adapted to rock inside a detent 138 present in the bracket, thereby converting angular motion into a linear motion. The set of thrusters 118 are disposed on a top side 120A of the sealing membrane 120 and aligned on top of each of the plurality of contact switches 122. The set of thrusters 118 then push the plurality of contact switches 122 based on the user input.

In one embodiment, when the force applied on the knob 108 is in the upward direction U or the downward direction D, the plunger 110 is adapted to tilt in the upward direction U or the downward direction D together with the knob 108, thereby pivoting the first carrier 104 along the first axis X-X’, as depicted in Figure 8A and Figure 8B. This makes the first carrier 104 to push the first set of thrusters 118-1 from among the plurality of thrusters 118. The first set of thrusters 118-1 in turn push the first set of contact switches . Similarly, when the force applied on the knob 108 is in the right direction R or the left direction L, the plunger 110 is adapted to tilt in the right direction R or the left direction L together with the knob 108, thereby pivoting the second carrier 106 along the second axis Y-Y’, as depicted in Figure 9A and Figure 9B. This makes the second carrier 106 to push the second set of thrusters 118-2 from among the plurality of thrusters 118. The second set of thrusters 118-2 in turn push the second set of contact switches 122-2.

Similarly, when the force applied on the knob 108 is in the direction P, the plunger 110 is adapted to be pushed into the switch assembly 100 in the direction P together with the knob 108, thereby pushing the third thruster 118-3 by traversing towards the third contact switch 122-3, as depicted in Figure 10. The third thruster 118-3 in turn pushes the third contact switch 122-3. Once the desired contact switch 122 is contacted, the spring 112 and the plunger 110 return the knob 108 back to an original position of the knob, with help of spring force.

The switch assembly 100 disclosed herein may be employed in a vehicle and helps in increasing number of functions being controlled through the single knob 108. This helps in enhancing human machine interface, by virtue of a single point of contact for contacting the contact switches 122. Further, a single switch assembly 100 being able to perform multiple functions helps in fitting into compact spaces in modern vehicles. The present switch assembly 100 has a sealed architecture which helps in preventing entry of foreign substances into the switch assembly 100. Applying contact switches 122 as contact mechanisms further ensures good haptics and auditory feedback to the operator.

The present switch assembly 100 is designed to function at low amperage switching. Dedicated connectors 114 for angular operations help in converting angular motion into a linear motion by virtue of the detent 138 present on the bracket 116, thereby providing the knob 108 with controlled travel in all directions U, D, L, R, P. The knob 108 traverses on a single point, thereby ensuring a better operating feeling. The present switch assembly 100 further makes it feasible to decrease the number of operations, with bare minimum changes as per requirement. The present switch assembly 100 further helps in providing discrete outputs in each pressing direction. This makes the switch assembly 100 to operate for multiple functions, thereby ensuring a substantially higher number of life cycles when compared to the life cycles of conventional switch assemblies. Furthermore, the present switch assembly 100 is compatible with higher voltage battery systems when compared to conventional switch assemblies.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, 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 drawings 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. , Claims:1. A switch assembly (100) for a vehicle, comprising:
a bracket (116);
a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (124) installed inside the bracket (116) and having a plurality of contact switches (122) installed thereon;
a first carrier (104) having a first slot (104A), and pivotably attached to the bracket (116), the first carrier (104) adapted to contact a first set of contact switches, from among the plurality of contact switches (122), when pivoted along a first axis (X-X’);
a second carrier (106) having a second slot (106A), and pivotably attached to the first slot (104A), the second carrier (106) adapted to contact a second set of contact switches (122-2), from among the plurality of contact switches (122), when pivoted along a second axis (Y-Y’); and
a knob (108) installed inside the second slot (106A) and adapted to selectively pivot the first carrier (104) along the first axis (X-X’) and the second carrier (106) along the second axis (Y-Y’) based on a user input.

2. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a pusher assembly disposed inside the knob (108), the pusher assembly comprising:
a plunger (110) slidably disposed inside the knob (108) and adapted to contact a third contact switch (122-3), from among the plurality of contact switches (122), by traversing towards the third contact switch (122-3) based on the user input; and
a spring (112) slidably disposed between a hollow space (140) inside the knob (108) and the plunger (110), the spring (112) and the plunger (110) adapted to return the knob (108) back to an original position.

3. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a cap (102) disposed on a top (108A) of the knob (108), and adapted to receive the user input.

4. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, comprising a set of thrusters (118) disposed on a top side (120A) of the sealing membrane (120) and aligned on a top of each of the plurality of contact switches (122).

5. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the set of thrusters (118) is adapted to push the contact switches (122) based on the user input.

6. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a sealing membrane (120) disposed on the PCB (124) for sealing the PCB (124).

7. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a sleeve (126) disposed at a bottom side (100B) of the switch assembly (100) and adapted to cover the switch assembly (100) from the bottom side (100B).

8. The switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a sealing agent (136) between the sleeve (126) and the PCB (124), wherein the sealing agent is adapted to provide enhanced sealing to the PCB (124).

9. A vehicle comprising a switch assembly (100), the switch assembly (100) comprising:
a bracket (116);
a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (124) installed inside the bracket (116) and having a plurality of contact switches (122) installed thereon;
a first carrier (104) having a first slot (104A), and pivotably attached to the bracket (116), the first carrier (104) adapted to contact a first set of contact switches , from among the plurality of contact switches (122), when pivoted along a first axis (X-X’);
a second carrier (106) having a second slot (106A), and pivotably attached to the first carrier (104) slot, the second carrier (106) adapted to contact a second set of contact switches (122-2), from among the plurality of contact switches (122), when pivoted along a second axis (Y-Y’); and
a knob (108) installed inside the second slot (106A) and adapted to selectively pivot the first carrier (104) along the first axis (X-X’) and the second carrier (106) along the second axis (Y-Y’) based on a user input.

10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the switch assembly (100) comprises a pusher assembly disposed inside the knob (108), the pusher assembly comprising:
a plunger (110) slidably disposed inside the knob (108) and adapted to contact a third contact switch (122-3), from among the plurality of contact switches (122), by traversing towards the third contact switch (122-3) based on the user input; and
a spring (112) slidably disposed between a hollow space (140) inside the knob (108) and the plunger (110), the spring (112) and the plunger (110) adapted to return the knob (108) back to an original position.