Technical Field
The present subject matter relates to an air conditioning (AC) control switch assembly
for vehicles and, particularly to an AC control switch assembly for rear AC control in
vehicles.
Background
In order to enhance the comfort of users sitting at the rear seat of vehicles, most of the
vehicles nowadays include air-conditioning vents provided appropriately within the vehicle
for circulating conditioned air towards the rear seat. Typically, such AC vents are provided in
a region behind the handbrake and in-between the two front seats. Operations of such an AC
vent are typically controlled using a control switch provided in the vicinity of the AC vent.
For instance, using the control switch a user may switch On or switch Off the AC vent.
Further, the user may also control a fan speed of the AC vent using the control button.
Summary
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified version
that is further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to
identify key features or essential features of the present subject matter, nor is it intended as an
aid in determining the scope of the present subject matter.
According to an embodiment of the present subject matter an AC control switch
assembly for vehicles, comprises a fascia comprising one or more translucent symbols on a
surface thereof. The assembly further comprises a knob-dial comprising a translucent pointer
on a surface thereof, the knob-dial being rotatably mounted in a through hole provided on the
fascia (102). The assembly further comprises a housing. The housing comprises a first means
for connecting the fascia to the housing; a second means for connecting the AC control
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switch assembly to a mounting means of an AC unit of a vehicle; and a base component
comprises a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB comprises a resistor and a light emitting
diode (LED) operable in conjunction with the resistor to emit light for illuminating the one or
more translucent symbols and the translucent pointer.
The advantages and details of the present subject matter will be apparent from the
following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are explanatory only and
is not restrictive of the present subject matter.
Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present subject matter, a more
particular description of 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 present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered
limiting of its scope. The present subject matter will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an AC control switch assembly, according to
an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of AC control switch assembly, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 3 illustrates a locking system of the AC control switch assembly, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Figure 4 illustrates a two-dimensional view of the AC control switch assembly, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
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Figure 5 illustrates one or more operation modes of the AC control switch assembly,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
Figure 6 illustrates example working of the illumination function of the AC control
switch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
It may be noted that to the extent possible like reference numerals have been used to
represent like elements in the drawings. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been
necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the
drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of
aspects of the present subject matter. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been
represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those
specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present subject
matter so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art having the benefits of the description herein.
Detailed Description
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present subject
matter, 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 present subject matter is thereby intended, such alterations and
further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles
of the present subject matter as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally
occur to one skilled in the art to which the present subject matter relates.
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It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the present subject
matter and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. Throughout the patent specification, a
convention employed is that in the appended drawings, like numerals denote like
components.
Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”
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 subject
matter. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”
and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the
same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method 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 proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other devices or other sub-systems.
Older models of vehicles typically included air-conditioning (AC) vents only in a
front region of the vehicle. Due to this, circulation of conditioned air was primarily focused
in the front region and was limited in a rear region of the vehicle. As a result, passengers
sitting in the rear region would often feel discomfort. With increasing focus on passenger
comfort, vehicles nowadays include AC vents in a middle region or the rear region of the
vehicle for facilitating circulation of the conditioned air in the rear region. Without limitation
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and for ease of reference, such AC vents are hereinafter referred to as rear AC vents. As a
result, the comfort of passengers sitting in the rear seats is enhanced.
The rear AC vents are typically provided closer to the floor in a region behind the
handbrake and in-between the front seats. For controlling operations of the rear AC vents, a
control switch is provided in the vicinity of the rear AC vents. Typically, the control switch is
provided in a region under the rear AC vents. Using the control switch, a user can control
various operations of the rear AC vents. For example, a user may switch ON/OFF the rear
AC vents. Further, the user may control a fan speed of the rear AC vents using the control
switch.
The control switch typically includes a plurality of symbols indicative of different
operation modes of the rear AC vent. For instance, the control switch may include a symbol
for the ON mode, a symbol for the OFF mode, and one or more symbols for various fan
speed modes of the rear AC vent. The control switch further includes a pointer for pointing
towards the symbols to indicate the operation mode of the rear AC vent.
The symbols and pointer as described above are generally non-illuminating in
appearance. As a result, it becomes difficult for the user to identify, differentiate, and select
different operation modes of the rear AC vent during low light conditions, for example,
during nighttime.
The present subject matter relates to an AC control switch assembly for vehicles. In
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, the AC control switch
assembly includes one or more translucent symbols, translucent pointer, and a light emitting
diode to emit light for illuminating the translucent symbols and the translucent pointer.
Owing to the illumination of the translucent symbols and pointer, the user can easily identify,
distinguish, and select different modes of the AC vent. Furthermore, one or more components
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of the AC control switch assembly are adapted such that the AC control switch assembly can
be retrofitted onto existing mating structures provided in vehicles and no separate structural
modification is required in the vehicle.
Various embodiments of the present subject matter will be described below in detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an AC control switch assembly 100,
hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “assembly 100”, according to an embodiment of the
present subject matter. As shown in the figure, the assembly 100 includes a fascia 102 and
knob-dial 104. The fascia 102 includes one or more translucent symbols 106 on a surface of
the fascia. Further, as shown, the knob-dial 104 includes a pointer 108 on a surface of the
knob-dial 104. In an example, the knob-dial 104 is rotatably mounted in a through hole (not
shown in the figure) provided on the fascia 102.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the assembly 100, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown in the figure, the exploded view shows
different parts/components of the assembly 100. In an example, the assembly 100 includes at
least the fascia 102, the knob–dial 104, a light guide 200, a body blower 202, a rotor
component 204, and a base component 206. As may be understood, the assembly 100 may
include other components that are not shown herein for the sake of brevity.
The fascia 102 is an aesthetic portion of the assembly 100 that covers the functional
parts of the assembly 100. In an embodiment, one or more white translucent symbols, such as
the one or more translucent symbols 106, are inserted in the fascia 102 for light illumination.
The knob-dial 104 is another aesthetic part of the assembly 100 that rotates with help of the
rotor component 204 and a chrome-plated ring. In an example, a red colour translucent
pointer, such as the pointer 108, is provided in the knob-dial 104 to have red coloured
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illumination. The knob-dial 104, basically, provides Human Machine Interface (HMI) in the
assembly 100.
The light guide 200 is adapted to guide light emitted from an LED of the assembly
100 towards the translucent symbols and the translucent pointer. In an example, the body
blower 202 includes a cavity for receiving the light guide 200. The body blower 202 further
includes a detent mechanism (not shown in the figure for providing one or more detents at
predefined positions. The detent mechanism is operably connected to the knob-dial 104 to
provide a click feeling when the knob-dial 104 is rotated to each of the predefined positions.
In an example, the detent mechanism may include three detents each after 40o starting from a
fixed position.
In an example, the body blower 202 guides the rotor component 204 such that the
rotor component 204 rotates inside the body blower 202. The rotor component 204 is
operably connected to the knob-dial 104. In an example, the rotor component 104 includes a
movable contact adapted to establish an electrical contact to complete a circuit associated
with the assembly 100 when the knob-dial is rotated to each of the predefined positions. In an
example, the movable contact is a spring loaded movable contact. Further, in an example, the
rotor component 204 includes an assembly of balls including a spring ball for the smooth
feeling of the detent.
The entire electrical function requirements of the switch are carried out with the help
of the base component 206. In an example, the base component 206 includes a printed circuit
board (PCB) (not shown in the figure). The PCB includes a resistor and a light emitting diode
(LED). The LED is operable in conjunction with the resistor to emit light for illuminating the
one or more translucent symbols and the translucent pointer. The base component 206 further
includes a copper track (not shown in the figure) for supporting the movement of the movable
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contact thereon to establish the electrical contact for completing the circuit. Further, the base
component 206 includes a cavity to receive a mating connector of an AC unit of the vehicle
for electrically connecting the assembly 100.
Figure 3 illustrates a locking system 300 of the assembly 100, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown in the figure, the locking system 300 is
shown with respect to a housing 302. In an example, the locking system 300 includes a first
means 304 for connecting the fascia 102 to the housing 302. In an example, the first means
304 is a snap-fit arrangement provided on the housing 302 for connecting the fascia 102 to
the housing 302. In another example, the first means 304 may be any other suitable
connecting means for detachably attaching the fascia 102 to the housing 302. The locking
system 300 further includes a second means (not shown in the figure) for connecting the
assembly 100 to a mounting means (not shown in the figure) of an AC unit of a vehicle. In an
example, the second means may be a snap-fit arrangement provided on the housing 302 for
connecting the assembly 100 to the mounting means. In another example, the second means
may be any other suitable connecting means for connecting the assembly 100 to the mounting
means. Further, the locking system 300 includes a third means 306 for detachably attaching
the base component 206 to the body blower 202. In an example, the third means 306 may be
a snap-fit arrangement provided on the housing 302. In another example, the third means 306
may be any other suitable means provided on the housing 302 for detachably attaching the
base component 206 to the body blower 202.
Figure 4 illustrates a two-dimensional view 400 of the assembly, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present subject matter. The view 400 illustrates non-limiting sample
dimensions of the assembly 100. As shown, in a non-limiting example, a diameter of the
assembly 100 may be around 42.4 mm and a height of the assembly 100 may be around 63.29
mm.
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Figure 5 illustrates one or more operation modes of the assembly 100, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The figure shows various operation modes
500-1, 500-2, 500-3, and 500-4 of the assembly 100. In each of the aforementioned operation
modes, the position of a pointer 502 of the assembly 100 is shown with respect to symbols
504 of the assembly 100. As mentioned above, the pointer 502 and symbol 504 are
translucent. Further, in an example, the pointer 502 may be red and the symbols 504 may be
white. For the sake of brevity, labelling of the pointer 503 and the symbol 504 have been
shown only in operation mode 500-1.
As shown in the figure, the operation mode 500-1 corresponds to a mode where an
AC vent of a vehicle is kept off. The operation mode 500-2 corresponds to a mode where the
AC vent is switched On and a fan speed AC vent is at speed 1. The operation mode 500-3
corresponds to a mode where the fan speed is at speed 2. Further, the operation mode 500-4
corresponds to a mode where the fan speed is at speed 3. During working, the pointer 502 can
be switched from ‘off’ position to Speed 1 position, Speed 2 position, and Speed 3 position
by the rotation of 40° through the knob dial.
Figure 6 illustrates example working of the illumination function of the assembly
100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown in the figure,
the assembly 100 includes an LED 600. The assembly further includes a resistor that is not
shown in the figure. During operation, light emitted from LED 600 takes a path 602 for
illuminating a region 604. The region 604 corresponds to the one or more translucent
symbols of the assembly 100. Further, during operation, the light emitted from LED 600
takes a path 606 for illuminating a region 608. The region 608 corresponds to the pointer of
the assembly 100. In an example, the pointer may be translucent and may be of red colour.
Further, in said example, the translucent symbols may be white in colour.
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The advantages of the present subject matter include, but are not limited to that it
provides a high current carrying switch design in a small package with a provision for
illumination. Further, two different coloured illuminations are provided by the single colour
LED through the predetermined paths. Furthermore, the assembly is a waterproof and
dustproof structure. Since it is a top mounting switch, no fastener or any other method is
required to mount the switch in the vehicle, snap locks are provided in the switch itself to
suitably lock it in the vehicle.
Embodiments of the present subject matter have been described in detail for the
purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes
and modifications may be practised within the scope of the present subject matter. Thus,
although the present subject matter is described with reference to specific embodiments and
figures thereof, the embodiments and figures are merely illustrative, and not limiting of the
present subject matter.

We Claim:
1. An air conditioning (AC) control switch assembly (100) for vehicles, comprising:
a fascia (102) comprising one or more translucent symbols on a surface thereof;
a knob-dial (104) comprising a translucent pointer on a surface thereof, the
knob-dial (104) being rotatably mounted in a through hole provided on the fascia
(102); and
a housing (302), comprising:
a first means (304) for connecting the fascia (102) to the housing (302);
a second means for connecting the AC control switch assembly (100) to a
mounting means of an AC unit of a vehicle; and
a base component (206) comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), the PCB
comprising:
a resistor; and
a light emitting diode (LED) (600) operable in conjunction with the
resistor to emit light for illuminating the one or more translucent symbols
and the translucent pointer.
2. The AC control switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a light guide
(200) for guiding the emitted light to the one or more translucent symbols and the
translucent pointer.
3. The AC control switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the housing
(302) further comprises:
a body blower (202) comprising a detent mechanism for providing one or more
detents at predefined positions, the detent mechanism being operably connected to the
knob-dial (104) to provide a click feeling when the knob-dial (104) is rotated to each
of the predefined positions; and
a rotor component (204) operably connected to the knob-dial (104), the rotor
component (204) comprising a movable contact adapted to establish an electrical
contact to complete a circuit associated with the AC control switch assembly (100)
when the knob-dial (104) is rotated to each of the predefined positions.
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4. The AC control switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base
component (206) further comprises a copper track for supporting movement of the
movable contact thereon to establish the electrical contact for completing the circuit.
5. The AC control switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing
(302) further comprises a third means (306) for detachably attaching the base
component (206) to the body blower (202).
6. The AC control switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the body
blower (202) further comprises a cavity for receiving the light guide (200).
7. The AC control switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the movable
contact is a spring loaded movable contact.
8. The AC control switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base
component (206) further comprises a cavity to receive a mating connector of the AC
unit for electrically connecting the AC control switch assembly (100) to the AC unit.