DESC:Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to the field of electric device and more particular switch for use in vehicle.

Background of the Invention:
Existing switches are not capable to function in low current (amperage) efficiently. These switches are not sealed and they are not dust and water proof. The foreign particles may seep in through gaps present in the switch and may accumulate between the contacts due to which these switches may fail. Some switches which are capable of working at high current serve a dual purpose of working at low current as well as high current application. However, they may fail while working at low current. The modules of the existing switches are covered but not sealed. The existing switches are having internal construction where moving contact is directly mounted on the knob.

The conventional technologies have following demerits:-
• Foreign particles are likely to enter into the switch module due to non sealing.
• Drainage of water or dust particles is not much effective.
• Not able to function in low ampere current.
• Circuit can not achieve the customer requirement.

As shown in figure 1, the module of existing switch is covered, but it is not sealed. Because of this, the foreign particles will enter and settle on the contact surfaces. In longer period of operation, they will form layers on contact surfaces which will create problems of continuity missing and will eventually fail.

Objectives of the Present Invention:
The main object of the present invention is to overcome any one of the above problems of the conventional technology.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a switch for use in a vehicle.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a switch which can be used for low ampere current application.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a switch module with proper sealing so as to protect entry of foreign particles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a switch with long life and better efficacy.

Summary:
The present invention provides a switch for use in a vehicle. The switch comprises knob, a rotatable carrier sub assembly, cover sub assembly, bracket, moving electrical contacts etc. The carrier sub assembly configured to rotate around a pivot. The said pivot extending from either surfaces of the carrier sub assembly to have a first and a second profile. The first profile is cylindrical in shape and the second profile being rectangular in shape such that the rectangular shaped sides are inwardly curved. The carrier sub assembly comprises one or more moving electrical contacts, resilience means. The cover assembly comprises a cover, a base, locking means and plurality of fixed electrical contacts. The base is insert molded into the cover. The carrier sub assembly is disposed between cover and bracket such that the first profile of the carrier sub assembly is being accommodated by circular holes provided in the cover sub assembly and bracket. The carrier sub assembly comprises a cylindrical cavity so as to accommodate a spring loaded with a ball. The ball loaded on the spring rolls against a smooth w-profile provided on bottom surface of the bracket. The cover sub assembly is completely sealed with the bracket.

The knob is provided with one or more downwardly extended portions provided with two receiving means at its side walls. The receiving means are configured to receive second profile of carrier sub assembly from either side. The movement of knob for the operation of the switch moves the carrier sub assembly such that said moving electrical contacts of carrier sub assembly connect and disconnect with said fixed electrical contacts of cover sub assembly.

Brief Description of Drawings
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures.
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 wherein:

Figure 1 shows a switch of conventional technology.
Figure 2 shows exploded view of the switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows switch in assembled mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows a view of carrier sub assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows base and cover separately as well as in assembled mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 shows bracket (a) and knob (b) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 shows cross sectional views of the switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 shows the assembly of knob and carrier sub-assembly through fitment profile according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 shows placement of the moving contact with respect to fixed contacts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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.

Detail Description of Present Invention
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the 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 as defined by the appended claims.

Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention resides in the switch. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present invention and modify the various constructions of assembly, such as electro-mechanical means, fitting means, locking means etc. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Accordingly, the drawings 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 details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus. The following paragraphs explain the present invention wherein a switch can be used in a vehicle (as shown in figure 2). The invention in respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.

Accordingly a switch for a vehicle comprises a rotatable carrier sub assembly configured to rotate around a pivot, said pivot extending from either surfaces of the carrier sub assembly to have a first and a second profile, said first profile being cylindrical in shape, said second profile being rectangular in shape, such that the rectangular shaped sides are inwardly curved, said carrier sub assembly comprising: one or more moving electrical contacts being supported by resilience means located at first surface of the carrier sub assembly; and a cylindrical cavity provided at the second surface to accommodate a ball supported by a spring; a bracket comprising extended walls along the circumference of its bottom surface, said bottom surface having a circular hole to accommodate the first profile of second surface of the carrier sub assembly, said bottom surface having a smooth w-profile to allow the ball provided in the cylindrical cavity of the carrier sub assembly to move upon operation of the switch, and said walls provided with at least two locking profiles at predefined locations; a cover sub assembly, said cover sub assembly and the bracket are sealed and locked with each other and encapsulate the carrier sub assembly, the cover sub assembly comprising a cover provided with a circular hole to accommodate the first profile of the first surface of carrier sub assembly; a base provided within the cover, said base provided with plurality of recesses to accommodate fixed electrical contacts; at least two locking means provided at predefined locations on the circumference of the cover, said locking means configured to accommodate locking profiles of the bracket upon assembly of the switch; a knob having one or more downwardly extended portions provided at its side, each extended portion is provided with a receiving means, said receiving means configured to receive second profile of carrier sub assembly from either sides, and movement of knob for the operation of the switch moves the carrier sub assembly, such that said moving electrical contacts of carrier sub assembly connect and disconnect with said fixed electrical contacts.

In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more sealing rings are being disposed on first profile of the carrier sub assembly to provide sealing between said carrier sub assembly and cover sub assembly and, between carrier sub assembly and bracket.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the knob is provided with an ergonomic profile at its top surface so as to allow the user to operate the switch with ease and avoid any unintended slipping or sliding of the thumb/finger while application.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the receiving means provided in the knob have profile in conformity with the second profile of carrier sub assembly.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second profile of the carrier sub assembly is designed so as to avoid any chance of play in the switch upon its prolonged use.

In further embodiment of the present invention, the fixed electrical contacts are preferably rivet type.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the moving electrical contacts have at least one contact surface.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the said cover sub assembly and bracket are locked by engagement of locking means and locking profile and sealed by means of welding and sealing rings so as to prevent entry of any foreign particles, water or dust inside the switch.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a switch for the use in vehicle. Referring to figures 2-9, which show different views of the switch of the present invention, it can be observed that the same comprises:
Switch of conventional technology – 1;
Switch of the present invention – 2;
Knob – 3;
Side walls of knob – 4;
Upper/top surface of knob – 5;
Extruded portion or legs of knob – 6;
Receiving means in knob – 7;
Bracket – 8;
Smooth ‘w’ shaped profile on bottom surface of bracket – 9;
Hole in bracket – 10;
Ball – 11;
Spring – 12;
Carrier sub assembly – 13;
Second profile – 14;
Sealing ring – 15;
Cylindrical cavity – 16;
Recess in carrier sub assembly – 17;
Grooves for fitment of moving electrical contact on carrier sub assembly – 18;
Moving electrical contact – 19;
Resilience means – 20;
First profile – 21;
Fixed electrical contacts (rivet types) – 22;
Cover sub assembly – 23;
Cover – 24;
Hole in cover -25;
Base – 26;
Recesses in base 27;
Locking profile – 28;
Locking means – 29.

Referring to figures 2 and 3, the switch comprises knob, bracket, carrier sub assembly, cover assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to figure 4, the carrier sub assembly configured to rotate around a pivot. The said pivot is extended from either sides of carrier sub assembly to have a first profile and second profile according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first profile is being provided adjacent to the either surfaces of the carrier sub assembly. The first profile is circular in shape so as to provide rotational movement to the switch. The second profile is provided at the extreme end surface of the first profile. The said second profile is rectangular in shape such that the sides of rectangular shape are curved inwardly. Such shape of second profile helps in better fitment of knob on the assembled cover-bracket assembly. Also, said rectangular shape having inwardly curved sides reduces play or sliding of knob when used for a longer time. The carrier sub assembly comprises one or more recesses on first surface for mounting moving electrical contacts and a cylindrical cavity on second surface to accommodate the spring and a ball. The moving electrical contacts are mounted with the help of a resilience means. The resilience means is disposed between the moving contact and recess provided on the first surface of the carrier sub assembly. The resilience means help in providing a constant pressure between the moving electrical contacts and the fixed electrical contacts which helps in forming a uniform contact between the electrical contacts. On the second surface, i.e. opposite to recess carrying surface, the cylindrical cavity of predetermined length has been provided. The said cavity accommodates the spring along with the ball. The ball will remain in contact with the bracket due to restoring force of spring. The ball rolls/moves against curves of smooth w-profile which is being provided on inner surface of the bracket as shown in the figure 7(a).

As shown in figure 5, the cover assembly comprises a cover, a base and plurality of fixed electrical contacts according to an embodiment of the present invention. The base is insert molded into the cover. In one embodiment, the base is made of a thermosetting polymer and the cover of a thermoplastic polymer. The base is provided with plurality of holes for the fitment of the fixed electrical contacts. The fixed electrical contacts are preferably rivet type. The fixed rivets work as fixed electrical contact for the switch. The cover is provided with a circular hole at a predefined location so as to accommodate the first profile of the carrier sub assembly. The cover is also provided with at least two locking means, so as to engage with locking profile provided on the bracket.

Referring to figure 6(a), the bracket comprises a circular hole and a smooth w-shaped profile at the inner surface according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bracket comprises a bottom surface having extended wall along the periphery of the said bottom surface. In such a way a casing is being formed. The shape of periphery of this casing is similar to the shape of the periphery of the cover. The hole is provided at predefined location on the bottom surface so as to accommodate the first profile of the carrier sub assembly. The smooth w-shaped profile is provided on the bottom surface of the bracket so as to accommodate the movement of the ball being supported by the spring during the operation of the switch as shown in figure 7(a). The bracket is also provided with at least two protruded locking profile. The locking profiles engage with the locking means provided in the cover assembly.

The carrier sub assembly is disposed between the cover assembly and bracket with the help of the sealing rings placed on the first profile of the carrier sub assembly. The bracket and cover sub assembly are properly sealed. The sealing of bracket and cover sub assembly is preferably done by means of welding so as to avoid entrance of foreign particle or water or dust.

As shown in figure 6(b), the knob is provided with an ergonomic profile at its top surface. The said ergonomic profile allows the user to operate the switch with ease and avoid any unintended slipping or sliding of the thumb/finger while application according to an embodiment of the present invention. The knob is further provided with one or more downwardly extended portions such as legs at side walls at predefined locations. Each extended portion or leg is provided with a receiving means so as to accommodate the second profile of the carrier sub assembly. Therefore, the shape of receiving means is similar to the shape of the second profile of the carrier sub assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembled cover-bracket assembly having carrier sub assembly sandwiched between them engages with the knob as the receiving means provided in the knob accommodates the second profile of the carrier sub assembly. The cover-bracket assembly having carrier sub assembly is fitted in the knob by the application of force on knob in downward direction. The fitment is enabled due to flexibility of the side walls of the knob. The second profile of the carrier sub assembly and receiving means in knob are of similar profile to eliminate any play between knob and the carrier sub assembly during the operation of switch.

The user can apply pressure on the ergonomic profile of the knob to move the switch in desired direction. Upon applying the pressure, the knob rotates about the pivotal axis of the extended portion or legs and axis of the second profile of the carrier sub assembly. Simultaneously, the carrier sub assembly mounted between cover sub assembly and bracket also rotates with the help of movement of ball on smooth w-shape profile and hence, the moving electrical contacts mounted on the carrier sub assembly also move. Due to this movement, moving electrical contacts shift over fixed electrical contacts, and as a result momentary continuity is formed between fixed electrical contacts. At the same time, the spring and ball fitted into cavity of the carrier sub assembly moves on the smooth w-shaped profile of the bracket. When one moving electrical contact is at two fixed electrical contacts at a time then the circuit is closed. If the moving electrical contact is only at one or at no any fixed electrical contact then circuit is open. In this way circuit is made closed and open.
With the help of completely sealed assembly, low current application has also been achieved by the switch of the present invention according to an embodiment of the present invention. The proper sealing provided in the switch will not allow any foreign particle to enter into the contact areas of the carrier sub assembly and cover and therefore there will be no problem in contact making and breaking even at low current. Further, in one embodiment, this sealing may be provided by means of ultrasonic welding. In a preferred embodiment the switch will work in the range of 10mA (low current) and 8 amp (high current).

The design and sealing enhances the efficacy of the switch of the present invention, as there is no chance for entry of foreign particles. It ensures that switch will work for long life without any problems of connection missing in low current.

In the switch of the present invention, the uniform contact pressure is maintained throughout the stroke, as there are no chances of contact disturbance due to foreign particles. This solves the flickering problem of conventional technology.

Advantages of the Present Invention:
The advantage of the present invention is to provide a switch for use in a vehicle for different applications such as engine stop, hazard, dipper, lights on-off etc.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a switch with no open area, so as to restrict entry of foreign particles such as dust or water.

Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a switch which is able to function in low as well as high ampere range.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a switch to overcome the problems of flickering of connection existing in conventional technology.
,CLAIMS:1. A switch (2) for a vehicle, comprising:
a rotatable carrier sub assembly (13) configured to rotate around a pivot, said pivot extending from either surfaces of the carrier sub assembly to have a first and a second profile, said first profile (21) being cylindrical in shape, said second profile (14) being rectangular in shape, such that the rectangular shaped sides are inwardly curved, said carrier sub assembly (13) comprising:
one or more moving electrical contacts (19) being supported by resilience means (20) located at first surface of the carrier sub assembly (13); and
a cylindrical cavity (16) provided at the second surface to accommodate a ball (11) supported by a spring (12);
a bracket (8) comprising extended walls along the circumference of its bottom surface, said bottom surface having a circular hole (10) to accommodate the first profile (21) of second surface of the carrier sub assembly (13), said bottom surface having a smooth w-profile (9) to allow the ball (11) provided in the cylindrical cavity (16) of the carrier sub assembly (13) to move upon operation of the switch (2), and said walls provided with at least two locking profiles (28) at predefined locations;
a cover sub assembly (23), said cover sub assembly (23) and the bracket (8) are sealed and locked with each other and encapsulate the carrier sub assembly (13), the cover sub assembly comprising:
a cover (24) provided with a circular hole (25) to accommodate the first profile (21) of the first surface of carrier sub assembly (13);
a base (26) provided within the cover (24), said base (26) provided with plurality of recesses (27) to accommodate fixed electrical contacts (22);
at least two locking means (29) provided at predefined locations on the circumference of the cover (24), said locking means (29) configured to accommodate locking profiles (28) of the bracket (8) upon assembly of the switch (2);
a knob (3) having one or more downwardly extended portions provided at its side walls (4), each extended portion is provided with a receiving means (7), said receiving means (7) configured to receive second profile (14) of carrier sub assembly (13) from either sides, and movement of knob (3) for the operation of the switch moves the carrier sub assembly (13), such that said moving electrical contacts (19) of carrier sub assembly (13) connect and disconnect with said fixed electrical contacts (22).

2. The switch (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more sealing rings (15) are being disposed on first profile (21) of the carrier sub assembly (13) to provide sealing between said carrier sub assembly (13) and cover sub assembly (23) and, between carrier sub assembly (13) and bracket (8).

3. The switch (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (3) is provided with an ergonomic profile at its top surface (5) so as to allow the user to operate the switch with ease and avoid any unintended slipping or sliding of the thumb/finger while application.

4. The switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving means (7) provided in the knob have profile in conformity with the second profile of carrier sub assembly.

5. The switch (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second profile (14) of the carrier sub assembly (13) is designed so as to avoid any chance of play in the switch upon its prolonged use.

6. The switch (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed electrical contacts (22) are preferably rivet type.

7. The switch (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving electrical contacts (19) have at least one contact surface.

8. The switch (2) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the said cover sub assembly (23) and bracket (8) are locked by engagement of locking means (29) and locking profile (28) and sealed by means of welding and sealing rings (15) so as to prevent entry of any foreign particles, water or dust inside the switch.