TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a low amperage three directional control switch for
vehicles. More specifically, the said invention relates to the construction and
mechanism of a control switch whereby multiple functions are achieved by means of
a singular switching device.
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/buttons for smooth operation,
safe driving and for giving indication to other riders while driving. Conventionally,
these functions are governed by control buttons mounted over control switch via
battery in series. It is a general practice to use different types of switches for various
control functions, such as Push Type switches, Hinge Type switches, Slide Type
switches, Rocker Type switches etc. However, there are many demerits of such
independent switch systems as they provide troublesome operation. The existing
system reduces the ease of operability making it complex for the user to use while
driving the vehicle. Another demerit of the existing mechanism is that these
independent switches occupy more space when mounted on the mounting panel of the
vehicle.
In other words, researchers are constantly working to develop a user friendly and
technically advance switching device for regulating the various functions in two
wheeled/ three wheeled vehicles. More specifically, a switching device that is user
friendly, economical and can be fitted with minimal occupancy of space on the
mounting panel of vehicles.
SUMMARY
One or more drawbacks of conventional control switches as described in the prior art
are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the low amperage three
directional control switch for vehicles as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional
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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 a three
directional control switch for vehicles, comprising a knob sub-assembly. The knob
sub-assembly comprises a knob being movable in three directions; and a carrier
comprising a plurality of flanged portions; wherein the carrier is movably configured
with the knob in the lateral direction. The three-directional control switch further
comprises an actuator for supporting the knob; wherein the knob is adapted to move
in the longitudinal direction through the carrier. A PCB sub-assembly comprises a
rubber contact pad mounted on a PCB; wherein the rubber contact pad is configured
with a first plunger and a second plunger for actuating the PCB sub-assembly. The
three-directional control switch comprises a connector; and a housing having upper
face and a lower face; wherein the upper face being configured to movably support
the knob sub-assembly; and the lower face being adapted to mount the PCB subassembly.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob passes through a trough on the
carrier to get secured with the knob lever.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier is supported pivotally on
the upper face of the housing through pivot projections; the pivot projections being
formed oppositely on the periphery of the carrier.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob is movable laterally about
pivot projections of the carrier.
In one more embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of flanged portions is adapted
to actuate the PCB sub assembly through first and second plungers during lateral
movement of the knob.
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In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob lever is supported
longitudinally on a primary groove on the upper face of the housing through a
resiliently loaded ball plunger.
In one more embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob is movable longitudinally
in the trough of the carrier by sliding movement on guiding channels.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob lever is configured with the
actuator; the actuator comprises an activating face for activating the rubber dome of
the PCB sub-assembly during longitudinal movement of the knob sub-assembly.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described
above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and
embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the
disclosure.
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.
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 shows an isometric view of the three directional control switch.
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Figure 2 depicts an exploded view of the three directional control switch with respect
to the knob sub assembly, housing sub assembly and the PCB sub assembly.
Figure 3(a), (b) and (c) illustrate isometric views of the knob sub assembly according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4(a) and (b) illustrate isometric views of the housing sub assembly according
to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5(a), (b) and (c) illustrate isometric views of the PCB sub assembly according
to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 depicts an exploded view of the three directional control switch according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 depicts the various positions of the control knob with respect to the actuation
of the said three directional control switch according to one more embodiment of the
present disclosure.
Figures 8 illustrates multiple views of the control knob with respect to the actuation
of the said three directional control switch according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the working mechanism of the three directional
control switch according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 depicts an isometric view of the three directional control switch wherein
the arm of the knob is elongated to overcome limitation of space on the handle bar of
the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
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.
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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 the present
disclosure resides in a low amperage three directional control switch 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
apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present disclosure. The invention in
respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly, it is an aim of the present disclosure to provide an improved switching
device for vehicles whereby a singular switching device provides multiple operations,
simplifying the usage for the driver.
7
One more aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved switching device
for operating multiple functions wherein the over pressing of the switching area can
be avoided.
Yet another aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved switching device
for cruise control systems that is compact in size and is water proof.
One more aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved switching device
which can support low amperage switching.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a three directional control switch for
vehicles, comprising a knob sub-assembly. The knob sub-assembly comprises a knob
being movable in three directions; and a carrier comprising a plurality of flanged
portions; wherein the carrier is movably configured with the knob in the lateral
direction. The term ‘lateral direction’ herein refers to a direction along axis X-X of
the said three directional control switch. The three-directional control switch further
comprises an actuator for supporting the knob; wherein the knob is adapted to move
in the longitudinal direction through the carrier. A PCB sub-assembly comprises a
rubber contact pad mounted on a PCB; wherein the rubber contact pad is configured
with a first plunger and a second plunger for actuating the PCB sub-assembly. The
three-directional control switch comprises a connector; and a housing having upper
face and a lower face; wherein the upper face being configured to movably support
the knob sub-assembly; and the lower face being adapted to mount the PCB subassembly.
With respect to the mounting of the said switching device in vehicles, as disclosed in
the present disclosure, it is to be noted that the switching device can be mounted onto
the front panel of a vehicle in the horizontal or vertical position or any other position
as per the suitability of the manufacturer/user.
Reference will now be made to a three directional control switch 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
8
present disclosure. Wherever possible, referral numerals will be used to refer to the
same or like parts.
As per the present disclosure, the present switching device comprises a knob that is
capable of moving in three directions. An extreme left position of the knob along the
horizontal axis about a central neutral position is termed as 1st position. An extreme
right position of the knob along the horizontal axis about a central neutral position is
termed as 2nd position. A 3rd position of the knob is defined by the extreme position of
the knob in the downward direction along the vertical axis.
Referring to figures 1 to 6, the said switching device comprises a knob sub assembly
(A), a housing (5) and a PCB sub assembly (B). The knob sub-assembly comprises a
knob (1) being movable in three directions. A carrier (2) comprising a plurality of
flanged portions (F).
The PCB sub-assembly (B) comprises a rubber contact pad being mounted on a PCB;
wherein the rubber contact pad is configured with a first plunger (9a) and a second
plunger (9b) for actuating the PCB sub-assembly.
The housing (5) having upper face (5a) and a lower face (5b); wherein the upper face
(5a) is configured to movably support the knob sub-assembly (1); and the lower face
(5b) being adapted to mount the PCB sub-assembly.
As shown in figure 3 (a), (b) and (c) the knob sub assembly (A) comprises the knob
(1), carrier (2) and knob lever (3). The carrier (2) is a solid structure of a
predetermined shape and configuration and having an upper side (2a) and a lower side
(2b). A trough (4) extending from the upper side (2a) to the lower side (2b) is formed
at the center of the said carrier (2). The shape and dimensional configuration of the
trough (4) is predetermined so as to allow the knob (1) to partly pass through the
carrier (2) from the upper side (2a) allowing it to be coupled with the knob lever (3);
the knob lever being disposed on the lower side (2b) of the carrier (2). In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob lever is provided with guiding arms
(J) so as to engage with the guiding channels (G) when the knob lever (3) passes
9
through the trough (4) so as to restrict play in the lateral direction between the carrier
and the knob. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob (1) and is
snap fitted with the knob lever (3). A plurality of guiding channels (G) are formed
oppositely in the longitudinal direction in the trough (4). The said guiding channels
(G) are to guide the knob along axis Y-Y during activation of the said control switch.
The term ‘longitudinal direction’ herein refers to a direction along axis Y-Y of the
said three directional control switch. In the assembled position, the carrier (2) is
supported pivotally an upper face of housing (5) though pivot projections (P). The
pivot projections (P) are formed oppositely on the periphery of the carrier (2) along
the axis Z-Z so as to support knob sub assembly (A) on the upper face of the housing
(5). A plurality of flanged portions (F) are formed oppositely along axis X-X on the
carrier (2). The said flanged portions (F) are adapted to be operatively engaged with
the PCB sub assembly (C) during actuation of the said three directional control
switch. The knob lever (3) is adapted to be snap fitted with the knob (1) in the
mounted condition. The knob lever (3) comprises a second resting face (3a)
corresponding to a second supporting face (2d) on the lower side (2b) of the carrier.
The knob lever (3) is configured with an actuator (6) for movably supporting the knob
sub assembly (A) in the housing. The actuator comprises an activating face (6a) for
activating a rubber dome of the rubber contact pad (10) of the PCB sub assembly (B)
during longitudinal movement of the knob. A first resting face (1a) is provided on the
knob (1) corresponding to first supporting face (2c) on the upper side (2a) of the
carrier (2). During longitudinal movement of the knob (1) in the trough (4), the first
resting face (1a) is adapted to abut with the first supporting face (2c) on the carrier (2)
to prevent the knob (1) from passing through the trough (4). Further, the first resting
face (1a) abuts with the first supporting face (2c) to prevent relative movement of the
knob (1) with respect to the carrier (2) and guide the carrier (2) in left/right direction.
As shown in figure 3, a slot (6b) is formed at the lower end of the actuator along the
Y-Y axis so as to accommodate a resiliently loaded plunger. According to an
embodiment of the present disclosure, a steel ball (7) loaded by a spring (8) is
accommodated in the slot (6b).
As depicted in figure 4 (a) and (b), the housing comprises an upper face (5a) and a
lower face (5b). The shape and configuration of the housing corresponds to the PCB
sub assembly and may vary as per the suitability of the user/manufacturer.
10
Accordingly, formed oppositely on the housing are secondary grooves (5d)
corresponding to pivot projections (P) of the carrier (4). Primary holes (H) are formed
longitudinally on the housing so as to receive a plurality of plungers. In the mounted
condition of the housing (5), the plungers protrude from the holes (H) from the upper
face (5a). The said plungers, in the mounted condition, are adapted to travel
longitudinally in the hole (H) upon being actuated by the flanged portions (F) of the
carrier (2). A secondary hole (H’) is formed on the housing and is adapted to receive a
rubber dome of the rubber contact pad (10). A ‘V’ shaped primary groove (5c) is
formed on the upper face (5a) of the housing (5). The said primary groove (5c) is
adapted to receive the spring (8) loaded steel ball (7). During operation of the three
directional control switch, the said steel ball (7) is guided in the primary groove so as
to facilitate smooth actuation of the PCB sub assembly.
As shown in figures 5(a), (b) and (c), the PCB sub-assembly (B) comprises a rubber
contact pad (10), a PCB (11) and a connector (12) with wires. The shape and
dimensional configuration of the rubber contact pad (10) is same as PCB (10).
Formed longitudinally on the rubber contact pad (10) is a plurality of rubber dome
profiles. The said rubber contact pad (10) is made of a flexible silicon type nonconductive
material, with one rubber contact pad having at least one rubber dome
profile. Each rubber dome profile having a Contact Pill just below the Rubber Dome;
the contact pill being made of a conductive material. The contact pill always faces the
PCB (11). When the Rubber Dome Structure is pressed with some external force it
collapses over PCB & the tracks printed over the PCB pad short with each other so as
to actuate a signal.
Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the said switching device depicting the assembly
sequence of the various sub parts.
As shown in figures 7 and 8, when a user applies an actuating force on the knob in
the left direction (shown in fig. 7a and 8a), the knob moves in the lateral direction
about pivot projection (P). This results in movement of the carrier (2) and the knob
sub assembly moves pivotally about pivot projections (P) seated in the secondary
grooves (5d) of the housing. This lateral movement of the housing sub assembly (A)
results in the spring (8) loaded steel ball (7) in turn moving in the V-shaped profile of
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the primary groove (5c) in the right direction and tilting of the knob assembly in the
left direction takes place. In this position, the left flanged portion (F) of the carrier (2),
presses the corresponding first plunger (9a). The first plunger (9a) in turn moves
longitudinally in primary hole (H) to press the rubber dome of rubber contact pad (10)
of the PCB sub-assembly (B) to actuate an electric signal. This is said to be the 1st
position of the three directional control switch. Upon releasing the actuating force, the
energized spring (8) guides the steel ball (7) in the V-profile so as to reach back to the
neutral/unactuated position.
Similarly, when the user applies an actuating force on the knob in the right direction
(shown in fig. 7b and 8b), the knob moves in the lateral direction about pivot
projection (P). This results in movement of the carrier (2) and the knob sub assembly
moves pivotally about pivot projections (P) seated in the secondary grooves (5d) of
the housing (5). The spring (8) loaded steel ball (7) in turn travels on the V-groove in
the left direction and tilting of the knob assembly in the right direction takes place. In
this position, the right flanged portion (F) of the carrier, presses the corresponding
second plunger (9b) which in turn moves longitudinally in primary hole (H) to press
the rubber dome of rubber contact pad (10) of the PCB sub-assembly (B) to actuate an
electric signal. This is said to be the 2st position of the three directional control switch.
Upon releasing the actuating force, the energized spring (8) expands and guides the
steel ball (7) in the V shaped profile of the primary groove (5c) so as to reach back to
the neutral/unactuated position.
When the user presses the knob in the downward direction, as shown in figures 7(c)
and 8(c) and (d), the knob (1) travels longitudinally downwards in the trough (4) of
the carrier (2). The downward movement of the knob (1) is restricted by the first
resting face (1a) abutting with the first supporting face (2c) on the carrier (2) to
prevent the knob (1) from passing through the trough (4). Under this condition of the
knob (1), the spring (8) gets compressed the steel ball (7) moves inwards in the slot
(6b) of the actuator (6) sub assembly so as to accommodate the longitudinal
movement. Under this condition, the activating face (6a) of the actuator (6) moves
downwards and directly presses the rubber dome of the rubber contact pad (10)
emerging from the secondary hole (H’). In turn, the PCB (11) is activated by the
contact pill and a desired signal is actuated. This is said to be the 3rd position of the
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three directional control switch. Upon releasing the actuating force, due to expansion
of the spring (7), the knob sub assembly (A) is pushed in the upward direction. This
upward movement of the knob sub-assembly (A) is restricted by the second resting
face (3a) abutting with the second supporting face (2d) on the lower side (2b) of the
carrier (2), thereby preventing the knob (1) from passing through the trough (4). In
this position, the said knob is said to have reached its neutral position.
In another embodiment of the current invention, as shown in figure 9(a), the rubber
contact pad of the PCB sub assembly has an inward flange. Such a structure prevents
entry of water into the PCB assembly providing water proofing. In one other
embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figure 9(b), the rubber contact pad
of the PCB sub assembly has an outward flange thereby preventing entry of water into
the PCB assembly providing water proofing.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, figure 10 illustrates a similar
three directional control switch wherein the arm of the knob for actuating the PCB
assembly is elongated to overcome the limitation of space on the handle bar of the
vehicle. In applications where the said three directional control switch has to be
mounted below the handle bar of the vehicle, the knob for actuating the PCB
assembly is elongated to form an L-shaped structure for convenience of the user. In
order to overcome the loss of mechanical force due to the elongated arm of the knob,
two additional springs below the carrier so as to facilitate smooth activation of the
control switch.
List of reference numerals:
1 Knob
1a First Resting Face
2 Carrier
2a Upper Side of Carrier
2b Lower Side of Carrier
2c First Supporting Face of Carrier
2d Second Supporting Face of Carrier
3 Knob Lever
3a Second Resting Face
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4 Trough
5 Housing
5a Upper Face of Housing
5b Lower Face of Housing
5c Primary Groove of Housing
5d Secondary Grooves of Housing
6 Actuator
6a Activating Face of Actuator
6b Slot
7 Steel Ball
8 Spring
9a First Plunger
9b Second Plunger
10 Rubber Contact Pad
11 PCB
12 Connector with wires
A Knob sub-assembly
B PCB sub-assembly
F Flanged Portions
G Guiding Channels of Trough
H Primary Holes of Housing
H’ Secondary Hole of Housing
J Guiding Arms of Knob Lever
P Pivot Projection
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
14
example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
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. A three directional control switch for vehicles, comprising:
a knob sub-assembly (A) comprising,
a knob (1) being movable in three directions;
a carrier (2) comprising a plurality of flanged portions (F);
wherein the carrier (2) is movably configured with the knob (1) in the
lateral direction; and
an actuator (6) for supporting the knob (1); wherein the knob
(1) is adapted to move in the longitudinal direction through the carrier
(2);
a PCB sub-assembly (B) comprising
a rubber contact pad (10) being mounted on a PCB (11);
wherein the rubber contact pad (10) is configured with a first plunger
(9a) and a second plunger (9b) for actuating the PCB sub-assembly
(B); and
a connector (12); and
a housing (5) having upper face (5a) and a lower face (5b); wherein
the upper face (5a) is configured to movably support the knob
sub-assembly (1); and
the lower face (5b) is adapted to mount the PCB sub-assembly
(B).
2. The three directional control switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the knob (1) passes through a trough (4) on the carrier (2) to get
secured with the knob lever (3).
3. The three directional control switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the carrier (2) is supported pivotally on the upper face (5a) of the
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housing (5) through pivot projections (P); the pivot projections (P) being
formed oppositely on the periphery of the carrier (2).
4. The three directional control switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the knob sub assembly (A) is movable laterally about pivot
projections (P) of the carrier.
5. The three directional control switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the plurality of flanged portions (F) is adapted to actuate the PCB
sub-assembly (B) through first and second plungers (9a, 9b) during lateral
movement of the knob (1).
6. The three directional control switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the knob sub-assembly (A) is supported longitudinally on a primary
groove (5c) on the upper face (5a) of the housing (5) through a resiliently
loaded ball plunger (7).
7. The three directional control switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the knob (1) is movable longitudinally in the trough (4) of the carrier
(1) by sliding movement on guiding channels (G).
8. The three directional control switch for vehicles as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the knob lever (3) is configured with the actuator (6); the actuator (6)
comprising an activating face (6a) for activating a rubber dome of the PCB
sub-assembly (B) during longitudinal movement of the knob sub- assembly.