TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Specifically, the
present disclosure provides an improved illuminated switch module for vehicles.
More specifically, the present disclosure is directed towards the construction of an
improved illuminated switch module having a mechanism for discrete contact
making/breaking by preventing tilting of the knob during actuation.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the
present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, vehicles are provided with control switches for operating the various
functions of the vehicle such as horns, start, etc. Conventionally, as shown in figure 1,
such control switches have a knob to be actuated by an external actuating force. The
knob is loaded by a spring for actuating a switch mechanism by means of a plunger.
When a user actuates the knob, the plunger moves towards terminals of the switch
mechanism establishing contact between the terminals to complete the electric circuit
resulting in an electric signal to achieve a desired function. When the user releases the
actuating force from the knob, due to resilient action of spring, the plunger moves to
the unactuated position, and the contact between terminals breaks. However, one
major drawback of the existing switch is that the knob of the switch is not balanced.
In other words, when a user, presses the knob from an edge/non-central portion, the
force is not exerted vertically downwards on the knob. As a result, the knob gets tilted
causing improper or no actuation. One more drawback of the existing switches is that
there is that the switch is not illuminated. This results in inconvenience to the
user/driver during night.
In other words, there was a need to develop an illuminated and technically advance
switch module. More specifically, an improved switch module that addresses one or
more shortcomings indicated above.
3
SUMMARY
One or more drawbacks of conventional control switches as described in the prior art
are overcome and additional advantages are provided by the improved illuminated
switch module for vehicles as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features
and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other
embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are
considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an
improved illuminated switch module for vehicles, comprising a knob being movably
configured with a casing along a longitudinal axis. The knob is supported by a
plurality of peripheral support members for preventing tilting of the knob about the
longitudinal axis. The knob comprises an actuating pin for actuating a contact switch
longitudinally. The actuating pin comprising a hollow cylindrical passage. The
contact switch comprises an illumination device being disposed in the casing, the said
contact switch is actuated by the knob in the longitudinal direction.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hollow cylindrical passage allows
light from the illumination device to pass therethrough for illuminating an upper face
of the knob.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of peripheral support
members are springs having a first end and a second end.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end of each of the springs is
supported on primary projections formed a peripherally on a lower face of the knob;
and the second end of each of the springs is supported on slots formed peripherally on
an upper side of the casing.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of peripheral support
members are guide pillars supported longitudinally in peripheral grooves formed on
the lower face of the knob.
4
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuating pin is co-axially received in
a central spring being supported on the upper side of the casing.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the contact switch is connected with an
electrical circuit of the vehicle.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the contact switch comprises a membrane
forming an encapsulation; the membrane being configured to allow light from the
illumination device to pass through.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the contact switch comprises a moving
contact having an arcuate shape and being movably supported in the casing; and a
plurality of contact points.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the moving contact and the contact points
are disposed in the encapsulation formed by the membrane.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a central portion of the moving contact
gets collapsed upon application of force by the actuating pin of the knob, thereby
establishing contact with contact points.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central portion of the moving contact
regains the arcuate shape upon removal of force by the actuating pin of the knob
thereby, breaking contact with contact points.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described
above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent with
reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
5
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction
with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference
numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an existing control switch.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an improved illuminated switch module
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the control switch of switch module of figure 2
comprising an illuminating device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Figures 4 depicts an exploded view of the improved illuminated switch module
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 5(a) and (b) show perspective views of the knob of the improved illuminated
switch module of figure 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 depicts a top view of the casing of the improved illuminated switch module
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 depicts an exploded view of the improved illuminated switch module of
figure 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of the improved illuminated switch module
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9(a) and (b) show perspective views of the knob of the improved illuminated
switch module of figure 6 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
6
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only.
One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that
alternative embodiments of the assemblies and methods illustrated herein may be
employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific
embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be
described 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 scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail the various embodiments of the present disclosure it may
be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with an
improved illuminated switch module for vehicles. It is to be noted that a person
skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and can perform
various modifications. However, such modifications should be construed within the
scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to
understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure 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 an assembly, setup, system, 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 system or device or
setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or device
proceeded by “comprises a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or
7
apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present disclosure. The invention in
respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an improved illuminated switch module
for vehicles. The said switch module comprises a knob being movably configured
with a casing along a longitudinal axis. The knob is supported by a plurality of
peripheral support members for preventing tilting of the knob about the longitudinal
axis. The knob comprises an actuating pin for actuating a contact switch
longitudinally. The actuating pin comprising a hollow cylindrical passage. The
contact switch comprises an illumination device being disposed in the casing, the said
contact switch is actuated by the knob in the longitudinal direction. The hollow
cylindrical passage allows light from the illumination device to pass therethrough for
illuminating an upper face of the knob. The plurality of peripheral support members
may be springs and/or guide pillars. The contact switch is connected with an electrical
circuit of the vehicle. The contact switch comprises a membrane forming an
encapsulation; the membrane being configured to allow light from the illumination
device to pass through. The contact switch comprises a moving contact having an
arcuate shape and being movably supported in the casing; and a plurality of contact
points. The moving contact and the contact points are disposed in the encapsulation
formed by the membrane. A central portion of the moving contact gets collapsed upon
application of force by the actuating pin of the knob, thereby establishing contact with
contact points. The central portion of the moving contact regains the arcuate shape
upon removal of force by the actuating pin of the knob thereby, breaking contact with
contact points.
Reference will now be made to an improved illuminated switch module for vehicles
which is explained with the help of figures. The figures are for the purpose of
illustration only and should not be construed as limitations on the assembly and
mechanism of the present disclosure. Wherever possible, referral numerals will be
used to refer to the same or like parts.
It is understood by a person skilled in art that the improved illuminated switch
module, as disclosed in the present disclosure, can be mounted at different locations
8
on the front panel of a vehicle in horizontal or vertical position or any other position
as per the suitability of the manufacturer/user.
Accordingly referring to figures 2 to 9, there is provided an improved illuminated
switch module. The illuminated switch module (100) comprises a knob (1) is
configured to be actuated manually by a user. The said knob (1) is supported with a
casing (2) along a longitudinal axis XX. The knob (1) comprises an upper face (1a)
and a lower face (1b). In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the
upper face (1a) of the knob (1) has a generally rectangular configuration having a
central region (1c) being made from a translucent/transparent material for allowing
passage of light so as to provide illumination/glowing of the central region (1c) during
actuation of the said switch module (100). The knob (1) is supported on the casing
(2), such that the knob (1) is movable along the longitudinal axis XX. The knob (1) is
supported by a plurality of peripheral support members for preventing tilting of the
knob (1) about the longitudinal axis XX. The knob (1) comprises an actuating pin (1d)
extending longitudinally from the lower face (1b). The actuating pin (1d) has a hollow
cylindrical passage corresponding to the central region (1c), such that the hollow
cylindrical passage of the actuating pin (1d) allows light from illumination device (9)
to pass therethrough for illuminating the central region (1c) on the upper face (1a) of
the knob. The casing (2) has a generally rectangular configuration defining a hollow
interior. Disposed in the hollow interior of the casing (2) is a contact switch (3). The
contact switch (3) is configured with an electric circuit of the vehicle so as to achieve
a desired function by actuation of the improved illuminated switch module (1).
Referring to Figure 3, the contact switch (3) comprises a housing (4) and a cover (5).
The housing (4) comprises an open top side for receiving the cover (5). The cover
comprises an opening (5a). The housing (4) comprises holes (not shown) for receiving
wires of the electrical circuit of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the said contact switch
(3) may comprise a membrane (6) being supported in the housing (4). The said
membrane (6) comprises a proximal end (6a) and a distal end (6b). In the mounted
condition, the proximal end (6a) is located in the housing (4). The proximal end (6a)
of the membrane (6) has a generally rectangular construction comprising a plurality of
side walls and a top wall so as to form an encapsulation (6c). The distal end (6b) has a
frusto-conical shape extending upwards from the top wall of the proximal end (6a) so
9
as to emerge from the opening (5a) of the cover (5). The casing (2) comprises a
channel (2a) (as shown in Figure 7) corresponding to the opening (5a). During
actuation of the knob (1) in the longitudinal direction, along axis XX, the distal end
(6b) is pressed in the longitudinal direction through the opening (5a) by the actuating
pin (1d) of the knob (1). In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the
contact switch (3) comprises a moving contact (7) and contact points (8). In an
embodiment, the moving contact may be configured with the actuating pin
(1d) of the knob. Any such modification would be considered within the scope of the
present disclosure. In a further embodiment, the said contact points (8) are provided
on a PCB located in the encapsulation (6c). The moving contact (7) is
correspondingly located over the contact points (8). The moving contact (7) has an
arcuate shape having a hole (7a) in the centre. Disposed below the hole (7a) is the
illumination device (9), such that the illumination device (9) is in line with the hollow
cylindrical passage of the actuating pin (1d). The said illumination device (9) is
configured to illuminate when the improved illuminated switch module (100) is
actuated by the user. In embodiment, the illumination device (9) is an LED being
located corresponding to the hole (7a). Accordingly, the membrane (6) is made from a
transparent/translucent material such as rubber/polymer so as to allow light from the
illumination device (9) to pass through. During actuation of said switch module (100),
a central portion of the moving contact (7) gets collapsed, thereby establishing contact
with contact points (8) and causing illumination of the LED. Upon removal of the
actuation force from the knob (1), the central portion of the moving contact (7)
regains the arcuate shape, thereby, breaking contact with contact points (8) and
switching off the LED.
Now referring to Figure 4, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of
peripheral support members of the knob (1) are springs (11). The springs (11) have a
first end (11a) and a second end (11b). The springs (11) are configured to resiliently
support the knob (1) on the casing (2), thereby preventing tilting of the knob (1)
during actuation. Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, the knob (1) comprises primary
projections (12) formed on the periphery of lower face (1b) of the knob (1). Each of
the primary projections (12) has a predefined length and is received concentrically in
the first end (11a) of the spring (11). Corresponding to the primary projections (12),
slots (13) are formed on an upper side of the casing (2) for receiving the second end
10
(11b) of the spring (11) (as shown in Figure 4). In a non-limiting embodiment, the
number of springs (11) is three, located oppositely on the periphery of the lower face
(1b) of the knob (1).
Referring to Figures 6 to 9, in an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the
peripheral support members are guide pillars (21) formed on the upper side of the
casing (2). The guide pillars (21) are disposed oppositely on corners of the upper side
of the casing (2) so as to be received longitudinally in peripheral grooves (22) formed
on the lower face (1b) of the knob (1). As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the knob (1) is
mounted resiliently on the casing (2) by means of a central spring (23). The central
spring (23) has a first end (23a) and a second end (23b). In the mounted condition, the
actuating pin (1d) is received co-axially in the first end (23a) of the central spring
(23). The central spring (23) is supported on the casing such that the channel (2a) of
the casing is received co-axially in the second end (23b) of the spring (23). As shown
in Figure 9a and 9b, the peripheral grooves (22) are defined in the peripheral corners
of the lower face (1b) of the knob (1). In an embodiment, the peripheral grooves (22)
have rounded corners corresponding to a cylindrical shape of the guide pillars (21).
The said guide pillars are configured to support the knob (1) longitudinally, thereby
preventing tilting of the knob (1) about the longitudinal axis (XX) during actuation.
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those
having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the
singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various
singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and
especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally
intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at
least,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly
recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For
example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
11
usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that
the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing
only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases
“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a”
and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”);
the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be
interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two
recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two
or more recitations). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually
any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether
in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the
possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For
example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or
“B” or “A and B.”
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and
embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to
be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
1. An improved illuminated switch module (100) for vehicles, comprising:
a knob (1) being movably configured with a casing (2) along a
longitudinal axis XX; the knob (1) being supported by a plurality of
peripheral support members for preventing tilting of the knob (1) about
the longitudinal axis XX; the knob (1) comprises;
an actuating pin (1d) for actuating a contact switch (3)
longitudinally; the actuating pin (1d) comprising a hollow
cylindrical passage;
the contact switch (3) comprises an illumination device (9) being
disposed in the casing (2); the said contact switch (100) being actuated
by the knob (1) in the longitudinal direction.
2. The improved illuminated switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the hollow cylindrical passage allows light from the illumination
device (9) to pass therethrough for illuminating an upper face (1a) of the
knob (1).
3. The improved illuminated switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the plurality of peripheral support members are springs (11)
having a first end (11a) and a second end (11b).
4. The improved illuminated switch module (100) as claimed in claims 1 and
3, wherein the first end (11a) of each of the springs (11) is supported on
primary projections (12) formed a peripherally on a lower face (1b) of the
knob (1); and the second end (11b) of each of the springs (11) is supported
in slots (13) formed peripherally on an upper side of the casing (2).
5. The improved illuminated switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the plurality of peripheral support members are guide pillars (21)
supported longitudinally in peripheral grooves (22) formed on the lower
face (1b) of the knob (1).
14
6. The improved illuminated switch module (100) as claimed in claims 1 and
5, wherein the actuating pin (1d) is co-axially received in a central spring
(23) being supported on the upper side of the casing (2).
7. The improved illuminated switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the contact switch (3) is connected with an electrical circuit of the
vehicle.
8. The improved illuminated switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the contact switch (3) comprises a membrane (6) forming an
encapsulation; the membrane being configured to allow light from the
illumination device (9) to pass through.
9. The improved illuminated switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the contact switch (3) comprises a moving contact (7) having an
arcuate shape and being movably supported in the casing (2); and a
plurality of contact points (8).
10. The improved illuminated switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the moving contact (7) and the contact points (8) are disposed in
the encapsulation formed by the membrane (6).
11. The improved illuminated switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein a central portion of the moving contact (7) gets collapsed upon
application of force by the actuating pin (1d) of the knob (1), thereby
establishing contact with contact points (8).
12. The improved illuminated switch module (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the central portion of the moving contact (7) regains the arcuate
shape upon removal of force by the actuating pin (1d) of the knob (1)
thereby, breaking contact with contact points (8).