Description: SWITCHING ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of switching assemblies employed in vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic switches are employed in the vehicle to execute various electric operations in the vehicle, such as to turn ON/OFF the headlight, wipers, engage electronic parking brakes among other examples. The electronic switches are generally installed on a dashboard inside the vehicle and used to either operate the headlights of the vehicle, parking brakes of the vehicle or a head-up display of the vehicle.

The electronic switching assemblies are known to be made up of a push-pull knob, which employs pusher assemblies to make contact with tact switches on a PCB board. However, conventionally, the structure of conventional pusher assemblies used are limited to make contact with only a single of tact switch at once. Therefore, if multiple tact switches are to be contacted, manufacturing of multiple such pusher assemblies would be required, which would lead to more space consumption in the electronic switches, thereby making them bulky. Further, more the number of such pushers in the switching assembly, more would be the manufacturing costs and material costs.

Therefore, there lies at least a need for a switching assembly, which is compact and cost effective, and at the same time it is capable of making contact with a greater number of tact switches.

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 disclosure relates to a switching assembly for a vehicle brake system. The switching assembly includes a housing and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) installed in the switch body disposed in the housing and having a plurality of tact switches. At least one knob is installed at an open end of the housing and moves relative to the housing in response to a user input. A first pusher and a second pusher are slidably disposed in the housing and coupled to the at least one knob. Each of the first pusher and the second pusher are adapted to slide to selectively interact with at least two tact switches, from amongst the plurality of tact switches. Both the first pusher and the second pusher include a base having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A pair of pillars extend from the first surface and are coupled to the at least one knob. At least two contact points are provided on the second surface of the base and are adapted to selectively contact the at least two tact switches to close an electronic circuit on the PCB. The base synchronizes the sliding of the pair of the pillars to make simultaneous contact of the at least two contact points with the at least two tact switches.

The present disclosure’s switching assembly is a function offering the driver increased comfort and convenience. In addition, car manufacturers have more freedom of choice as to where they site the operating parts within the car. For example, if the switching assembly is used in place of handbrakes with mechanical lever, the switching assembly will be more reliable than a mechanical system, free up space for storage in the centre console and remove complications from the driving process. Further, the switching assembly of the present disclosure includes a PCB having multiple tact switches and mechanical arrangements to push/pull the button. The present switching assembly is economical as compared to the other electronics-based design with same functionality, as the pushers present in the switching assembly are designed in such a way that a single pusher can contact the multiple tact switches at once.

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 switching assembly for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the switching assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a pusher disposed in the switching assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates different views of the pusher disposed in the switching assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 5 illustrates sectional view of the switching assembly in different modes of functioning, according to 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.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated 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.

The present disclosure relates to a switching assembly, which may be employed in a vehicle for operating various components. The switching assembly is made up of a push-pull knob, which employs pushers to make contact with multiple tact switches on a PCB board. Once the pushers make contact with the tact switches a current and voltage-based signal is triggered to an ECU of the vehicle. The ECU then transmits an instruction to an actuation for actuation of the required components in the vehicle.

The present disclosure focuses specifically on a switching assembly 100 for a vehicle, the constructional details of which have been depicted in Figures 1 and Figures 2. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the switching assembly 100 for a vehicle, while Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the switching assembly 100. In one example, the switching assembly 100 may be used as an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) switch so as to operate the electronic parking brakes in a vehicle with help of the switch. In such a case, when the switch is pressed, the ECU transmits an instruction to an actuation unit (DC motor) to bring brake pads to an engaged or released state, so as to start or stop the vehicle. Similarly, in another example, the switching assembly may be employed as a power window switch for operating power windows in a vehicle, or as an electric sunroof switch for operating a sunroof in the vehicle. In yet another example, the switching assembly may be employed to operate any assembly or component in the vehicle, as required.

The switching assembly 100 includes a housing 102, an ornament 104, a knob 106, an auto hold knob 124, a first pusher 108-1, a second pusher 108-2, a pusher detent 122, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 120, plurality of tact switches 112, a switch body 114, and a back cover 118.

In one embodiment, the knob 106 is a push pull knob, and is installed at an open end of the housing 102. The knob 106 moves relative to the housing 102 in response to a user input. Specifically, the knob 106 is installed on the switch body 114 disposed in the housing 102 the . The whole switching assembly 100 is covered by a back cover 118 attached with the switch body 114 using fasteners 116. The back cover helps in preventing ingress of foreign particles and liquids into the switching assembly 100, thereby preventing the internal components from being destroyed.

In one embodiment, the knob 106 is pivotably coupled to the switch body 114 and adapted to pivot in the clockwise and the anti-clockwise direction. When the knob 106 is pushed or pulled by a user, the knob 106 pivots clockwise and anticlockwise about a pivot connection 126, relative to the switch body 114. The PCB 120 is installed on the switch body 114 disposed in the housing 102, below the knob 106, and includes a plurality of tact switches 112 including a first set of tact switches 112-1, and a second set of tact switches 112-2. The first pusher 108-1 is coupled to a bottom of the knob 106 on a first side, and the second pusher 108-2 is coupled to the bottom of knob 106 on a second side. The first pusher 108-1 and the second pusher 108-2 are slidably disposed on the switch body 114, such that, when pushed by the knob 106, they can slide into the switch body 114, relative to the movement of the knob 106. The first pusher 108-1 and the second pusher 108-2 are positioned above the PCB 120 in such a way that they can interact with a first set of tact switches 112-1 and a second set of tact switches 112-2 respectively, when pushed by the knob 106.

The switching assembly 100 includes a control unit (not shown), which is coupled to the PCB 120. In one example, the control unit may be an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle. Once the control unit receives at least on signal upon closing of the electronic signal by the first set of tact switches 112-1, the control unit actuates a first actuator (not shown) inside the vehicle. For example, in case of an electronic parking brake, the first actuator may be a DC motor which activates the brake pads (not shown) to be engaged with the rear wheels (not shown) of the vehicle (not shown), to stop the vehicle. Further, once the control unit receives a signal after closing of first set of tact switches 112-2, the control unit actuates a second actuator (not shown). In one example, the second actuator may be a DC motor, or any other kind of actuator, which is adapted to release the brake pads so as to either move the vehicle from a stationary condition.

In one embodiment, the pusher detent 122 is coupled to the knob 106 from the bottom of the knob 106 and is present in centre, between the first pusher 108-1 and the second pusher108-2. The pusher detent 122 includes a spring 110 at its bottom, brings the knob 106 back to its original position after pushing or pulling of the knob 106 with help of restoring force of the spring 110. To achieve this, the pusher detent 122 disconnects the first pusher 108-1 from the first set of tact switches 112 after the clockwise pivoting of the knob 106 about the pivot connection 126, thereby bringing the knob 106 to its original position after engagement of parking brakes. Further, the pusher detent 122 disconnects the second pusher 108-2 from the second set of tact switches 112 after the anti-clockwise pivoting of the knob 106 about the pivot connection 126, thereby bringing the knob 106 to its original position after releasing of parking brakes.

The first pusher 108-1 and the second pusher 108-2 have similar constructional aspects, as depicted in Figure 3 and Figure 4. For the ease of understanding the constructional aspects, the first pusher 108-1 and the second pusher 108-2 will be denoted as “pusher 108” with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Specifically, Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a pusher 108 disposed in the switching assembly 100, and Figure 4 illustrates different views of the pusher 108 disposed in the switching assembly 100. Part (a) of Figure 4 depicts a top view of the pusher 108, part (b) depicts a front view of the pusher 108, part (c) depicts a side view of the pusher 108, while part (d) depicts a perspective view of the pusher 108.

The pusher is manufactured by injection moulding and includes a base 109 having a first surface 109-1 and a second surface 109-2. In one embodiment, the first surface 109-1 of the base 109 includes ribs 115, which help in meeting dimensional accuracy and avoiding warpage of the base 109 after the injection moulding process. The base 109 synchronizes the sliding of a pair of pillars 111 extending from the first surface 109-1 of the base 109. Top ends 111-1 of the pillars 111 are coupled to the bottom 106-2 of the knob 106. The first surface 109-1 of the base 109 further includes a circular groove 117 surrounding each pillar 111 adapted to receive a channel guide (not shown) of the switch body 114.

While the pillars 111 move synchronously with the base 109, a plurality of contact points 113 provided on the second surface 109-2 of the base 109 are adapted to selectively contact the tact switches 112 present on the PCB 120, thereby closing an electronic circuit on the PCB 120. In one embodiment, there may be at least two contact points 113 on the second surface 109-2 of the base, adapted to contact at least two tact switches 112 out of the plurality of contact points 113 present on the PCB 120. In one embodiment, a first pillar of the pair of pillars 111 is co-axial with a first contact point of the at least two contact points 113. In one embodiment, a second pillar of the pair of pillars 111 is co-axial with a second contact point of the at least two contact points 113.

In one embodiment, the pusher 108 may include two pillars 111 and three contact points 113 as shown in Figures 3 and 4, so that each pusher 108 is able to contact three tact switches 112 at a time, when pushed, thereby generating a signal on contact made per tact switch 113. For example, in case of Figures 3 and 4, there are three contact points 113 on the base 109 of the pusher 108, which make contact with three tact switches 112 at a time, thereby generating three signals. In another embodiment, the pusher 108 may include two pillars 111 and any number of contact points 113 required to contact the desired number of tact switches 112 present on the PCB 120, as per signal requirements. In another embodiment, the pusher 108 may include more than two pillars 111, as per requirement and application.

In one example, the number of pillars 111 may vary depending on the support required to the base 109, and as per application and requirement. In another example, there may be no pillars 111 at all, and the contact points 113 may simply be present on the base, which in itself constitutes pusher 108. In yet another example the pillars 111 may be used as contact points 113, and the base 109 may not be required in the pusher 108.

Functioning of the switching assembly 100 will now be explained in detail, with help of Figure 5. Specifically, Figure 5 illustrates sectional view of the switching assembly 100 in different modes of functioning. Part (a) of Figure 5 depicts an inactive mode of the switching assembly 100, part (b) depicts an engagement mode of the switching assembly 100, and part (c) depicts a release mode of the switching assembly 100. For the purpose of better understanding, the switching assembly 100 disclosed herein has been considered to be employed in operation of an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system in a vehicle. However, this does not limit the scope of employment of the switching assembly 100 to the operation of just Electronic Parking Brakes and may be employed in operating other components and systems in the vehicle.

Referring to part (a) of Figure 5, the vehicle may be in a parked state, where there may not be any need of application of brakes. The vehicle may be in a mobile state, where the vehicle is running on a desired speed on a desired terrain, and application of parking brakes to stop the vehicle is not required. In such a case, the knob 106 shall remain in an inactive or its original position.

Referring to part (b) of Figure 5, the user may require parking the vehicle, or feel the need of using the EPB system to suddenly stop the vehicle, based upon the driving requirements. In such a case, the driver may pull the knob 106, whereby the knob 106 pushes the first pusher 108-1 in response to the clockwise pivoting to make contact with a first set of three tact switches 112-1, thereby closing a first circuit. Once the first circuit is closed, a signal is received by the control unit to actuate the first actuator so as to engage the brake pads with the rear wheels of the vehicle, as already explained above.

Referring to part (c) of Figure 5, the user may require starting the vehicle from a parked state. In such a case, the driver may push the knob 106, and the knob 106 pushes the second pusher 108-2 in response to the anti-clockwise pivoting to make contact with a second set of three tact switches 112-2, thereby closing a second circuit. Once the second circuit is closed, a signal is received by the control unit to actuate the second actuator so as to engage the brake pads with the rear wheels of the vehicle, as already explained above.

In one embodiment, there may not be two separate actuators, i.e., the first actuator and the second actuator, and only one actuator may perform both engaging and releasing functions of the brake pads.

The present disclosure’s switching assembly is a function offering the driver increased comfort and convenience. In addition, car manufacturers have more freedom of choice as to where they site the operating parts within the car. For example, if the switching assembly is used in place of handbrakes with mechanical lever, the switching assembly will be more reliable than a mechanical system, free up space for storage in the centre console and remove complications from the driving process. Further, the present switching assembly of the present disclosure includes a PCB having multiple tact switches and mechanical arrangements to push/pull the button. The present switching assembly is economical as compared to the other electronics-based design with same functionality, as the pushers present in the switching assembly are designed in such a way that a single pusher can contact the multiple tact switches at once.

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: We claim:
1. A switching assembly (100) for a vehicle comprising:
a housing (102):
a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (120) installed in the housing (102), and having a plurality of tact switches (112);
at least one knob (106) installed at an open end of the housing (102) and adapted to move relative to the housing (102) in response to a user input; and
a first pusher (108-1) slidably disposed in the housing (102) and coupled to the at least one knob (106), wherein the first pusher (108-1) being adapted to slide to selectively interact with at least two tact switches, from amongst the plurality of tact switches (112), the first pusher (108-1) comprising:
a base (109) having a first surface (109-1) and a second surface (109-2) opposite to the first surface (109-1);
a pair of pillars (111) extending from the first surface (109-1) and coupled to the at least one knob (106), and
at least two contact points (113) on the second surface (109-2) adapted to selectively contact the at least two tact switches to close an electronic circuit on the PCB (120),
wherein the base (109) synchronizes the sliding of the pair of the pillars (111) to make simultaneous contact of the at least two contact points (113) with the at least two tact switches.

2. The switching assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PCB is installed on a switch body (114) disposed in the housing (102), and a control unit is coupled to the PCB (120) and adapted to:
actuate a first actuator inside the vehicle upon closing of the electronic circuit by one of the at least two tact switches;
actuate a second actuator inside the vehicle upon closing of the electronic circuit by another tact switch of the at least two tact switches.

3. The switching assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
a first pillar of the pair of pillars (111) is co-axial with a first contact point of the at least two contact points (113); and
a second pillar of the pair of pillars (111) is co-axial with a second contact point of the at least two contact points (113).

4. The switching assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pusher (108-1) includes a third pillar extending from the first surface (109-1) and coupled to the knob (106), wherein the third pillar slides inside the housing (102) to selectively interact with the at least two tact switches.

5. The switching assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a second pusher (108-2) slidably disposed in the switch body (114), the second pusher (108-2) comprising:
a base (109) having a first surface (109-1) and a second surface (109-2) opposite to the first surface (109-1);
a pair of pillars (111) extending from a first surface (109-1) of the base (109) and is attached to the at least one knob (106), and
at least two contact points (113) on the second surface (109-2) and adapted to selectively contact the plurality of tact switches (112) to close the electronic circuit,
wherein the base (109) synchronizes the sliding of the pair of the pillars (111) to make simultaneous contact of the at least two contact points (113) with the at least two tact switches.

6. The switching assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first surface (109-1) of the base of the first pusher (108-1) and the second pusher (108-2) has ribs (115).

7. The switching assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first surface (109-1) includes a circular groove (117) surrounding each pillar (111) adapted to receive a channel guide of the switch body (114).

8. The switching assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein
the knob (106) is pivotably coupled to the switch body (114), and adapted to pivot in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction, and
the knob (106) pushes the first pusher (108-1) in response to the clockwise pivoting to make contact with a first set of three tact switches (112-1) and the knob (106) pushes the first pusher (108-1) in response to the anti-clockwise pivoting to make contact with a second set of three tact switches (112-2).

9. The switching assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, comprising a pusher detent (122) coupled to the knob (106) and adapted to:
disconnect the first pusher (108-1) from the first set of tact switches (112-1) after the clockwise pivoting of the knob (106); and
disconnect the second pusher (108-2) from the second set of tact switches (112-2) after the anti-clockwise pivoting of the knob (106).

10. The switching assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switching assembly (100) is an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) switch.