FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present disclosure relates generally to switches; and more specifically, to a three-position switches for use in motor vehicles. The three position switch allows for actuation of two different electrical circuits and could be used for example, as a winker switch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Generally, switches are required in almost every electrical circuit to complete or interrupt electrical connections and corresponding flow of electricity between one or more components of the electrical circuit. Conventionally, vehicles are provided with plurality of switches for realizing various functions such as a horn function, a headlight ON-OFF function, a turn indicator (or a winker) function, a high-beam to low-beam transition (and vice versa) function), a pass function, a engine ON-OFF function, etc.
Generally a turn indicator switch is a three position switch that brings two different electrical circuits in conducting state in two positions while retaining both the electrical circuits in non-conducting state in the third position. Different varieties of three position switches are available in the market as well lot of documents describe different constructions of three position switches.
However, construction of each of the conventional three position switch is riddled with its own problems, which are well known to a person skilled in the art and hence, there exists a need to provide a three position switch whose construction is simple, which provides protection against water ingress, which provides protection against ingress of dust and other foreign contaminants, has extended life, which is operable at very low current levels, which is easy to manufacture, which has less number of components, and whose costing is reasonable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
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.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a three position switch. The three position switch comprises housing. The three position switch further comprises an axis defining element located in an interior portion of the housing. The three position switch

further comprises a lever element traversing partly into the interior portion of the housing. In an embodiment, the lever element defines a first end located in the interior portion of the housing, a second end located outside the housing, and a first aperture that co-operates with the axis defining element to allow a pivotal movement of the lever element. The three position switch further comprises a first encased switch located within the housing on a first side of the lever element and adapted to be actuated by the pivotal movement of the lever element. The three position switch furthermore comprises a second encased switch located within housing on a second side of the lever element and adapted to be actuated by the pivotal movement of the lever element.
To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be appreciated that these drawings depict only some 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:
In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference
will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the
accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally
similar elements throughout the separate views. 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 where:
Figure 1 illustrates an external shape of the three-position switch in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the three-position switch in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a top sectional view of the three-position switch in a non-actuated state
which corresponds to both electrical circuits bring in non-conducting state in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a top sectional view of the three-position switch in a first actuated state
which corresponds to a first electrical circuit being in conducting state in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a top sectional view of the three-position switch in a second actuated state
which corresponds to the second electrical circuit being in conducting state in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of encased switch in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
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 device, 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.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect", "another aspect" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,

appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
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 device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of a three position switch (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The three-position switch can be incorporated in a motor vehicle such as a two wheeler, or a three wheeler or an all-terrain vehicle and can provide the functionality of turn indicator (or winker). The three-position switch can form part of be actuated by a thumb portion of a user while riding the motor vehicle as mentioned above.
Referring to Figure 2, there is shown an exploded view of the three-position switch (100) of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The three-position switch (100) comprises a housing (202). The housing (202) is a structure that provides an enclosure for other components of the momentary switch (100). Optionally, the housing (202) is fabricated using a polymer, such as 30% glass fibre reinforced polyamide (or PA6 GF30).

The three-position switch (100) further comprises an axis defining element (204) located in an interior portion of the housing (202). The axis defining element (204) may be a cylindrical element located at about a central interior portion of the housing (202). The axis defining element may be a cylindrical shaft that can be configured to be hollow or solid.
The three-position switch (100) further comprises a lever element (206). The lever element may traverse partly into the interior portion of the housing (202). The lever element (206) may define a first end (208) located in the interior portion of the housing (202), a second end (210) located outside the housing (202). The first end (208) of the lever element (206) may be adapted to receive actuating force from a thumb portion of the user. The lever element (206) further comprises a first aperture (212) that co-operates with the axis defining element (204) to allow a pivotal movement of the lever element (206). The pivotal moment is exhibited by the lever element (206) in response to receiving the actuating force on the first end (208). In an embodiment, the lever element (206) may be fabricated using cold roller close annealed steel (or CRCA steel) or using polyoxymethylene (POM or acetal). In one embodiment, to the first end (208) of the lever element (206) a knob may be attached. The knob may be fabricated using polyamide (or Nylon-6).
The three-position switch (100) further comprises a first encased switch (214) located within the housing (202) on a first side of the lever element (206) such that in case the lever element exhibits pivotal movement (which results in the second end (210) of the lever element (206) moving towards the first side), the lever element (206) contacts the first encased switch (214) and actuates the same.
The three-position switch (100) further comprises a second encased switch (216) located within housing (202) on a second side of the lever element (206) such that in case the level element exhibits pivotal movement (which results in the second end (210) of the lever element (206) moving towards the second side), the lever element (206) contacts the second encased switch (216) and actuates the same.
It can be furthermore noticed that a toothed element (218) is located within the interior portion of the housing (202). The toothed element (218) comprises a first valley portion (220), a second valley portion (222), and a third valley portion (224). The second end (210) of the lever element (206) co-operates with a toothed element (218) located within the interior portion of the housing (202) to allow for the parking the lever element (206) in a first

parking position (which corresponds to the first valley portion (220)), or in a second parking position (which corresponds to the second valley portion (222)), or in a third parking position (which corresponds to the third valley portion (224)).
In particular, the second end (210) of the lever element (206) comprises a second aperture (226); a resilient member (228) located within the second aperture (226); and a ball/plunger element (230) located within the second aperture (226). As illustrated in Figure 3, in an embodiment of the invention, the ball/plunger element (230) and the resilient member (228) co-operate with the toothed element (218) and more particularly with the first valley portion (220) thereby allowing the lever element (206) to be parked in the first parking position.
In an embodiment, the resilient member (228) may be fabricated using stainless steel and the ball/plunger element (230) may be fabricated using alloys, such as, stainless steel, brass, etc.
When the lever element (206) is parked in the first parking position, it does not actuate either of the two encased switches (214 or 216) and hence, no current flow through the two electrical circuits (to which the three-position switch is connected).
On the other hand, when the first end (208) of the lever element (206) is actuated as shown in Figure 4 (i.e. the first end of the lever element is moved in a left direction), the second end (210) of the lever element (206), due to pivotal movement, moves from the first parking position to the second parking position. In case the actuating force is released, the ball/plunger element (230) and the resilient member (228) co-operate with the toothed element (218), and more particularly the second valley portion (222), thereby allowing the lever element (206) to be parked in the second parking position. When the lever element (206) is parked in the second parking position, the lever element (206) contacts the first encased switch (214) and actuates the same and hence, a current flow is established in an electrical circuit in which the first encased switch is connected.
On the other hand, when the first end (208) of the lever element (206) is actuated as shown in Figure 5 (i.e. the first end of the lever element is moved in a right direction), the second end (210) of the lever element (206), due to pivotal movement, moves from the first parking position to the third parking position. In case the actuating force is released, the ball/plunger element (230) and the resilient member (228) co-operate with the toothed element (218), and more particularly the third valley portion (224), thereby allowing the lever element (206) to

be parked in the third parking position. When the lever element (206) is parked in the third parking position, the lever element (206) contacts the second encased switch (216) and actuates the same and hence, a current flow is established in an electrical circuit in which the second encased switch is connected.
Now referring back to Figure 2, it can be seen that the housing (202) comprises a front wall (232); a rear wall (234); a pair of side walls (236, 238) joining the front and the rear wall; a bottom wall (240) joining the front, the rear and the side walls; and a top wall (242) joining the front, the rear and the side walls.
In one embodiment, the top wall (242) may be fabricated using a polymer, such as 30% glass fibre reinforced polyamide (or PA6 GF30).
In an embodiment of the invention, the front wall (232) includes an aperture (244) for allowing the lever element (206) to traverse into the interior portion of the housing.
In an embodiment of the invention, the rear wall (234) includes the toothed element (218). The toothed element (218) may be formed to have a planar or a curved shape, with the curved shape being preferred as shown in the diagrams.
In an embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall (240) or the top wall (242) includes the axis defining element (204). The axis defining element (204) can be fabricated integrally with the bottom wall (240) or with the top wall (242).
In an embodiment of the invention, the side walls (236 and 238) may include means (246, 248) for receiving the first and the second encased switches (214, 216). The means (246 and 248) for receiving the first and the second encased switches (214, 216) may in the form of tracks or click-fit mechanism or any other mechanism well known in the art.
Now referring to Figure 6, there is illustrated an exploded view of the first encased switch (214) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. It may be noted that the construction of the second encased switch (216) may be identical to the construction of the first encased switch (214) and hence, is not being separately discussed. As can be seen, the first encased switch (214) comprises a push button switch (250). The push button switch (250) defines a plunger (252) that can be actuated. The first encased switch (214) further comprises a substrate (254) for receiving the push button switch (250). The substrate may be

in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB). The first encased switch (214) further comprises a cover member (256). The cover member (256) co-operates with the substrate (254) to encase the push button switch (250). The cover member (256) defines an aperture (258) for allowing access to the plunger (252).
The first encased switch (214) further comprises a deformable member (260) placed between the substrate (254) and the cover member (256). The deformable member (260) is adapted to traverse through the aperture (258) provided in the cover member (256). The deformable member (260) is adapted to transfer force from the lever element (206) to the plunger (252). In an embodiment, the deformable member (260) is fabricated using silicon.
The first encased switch (214) further comprises a rear sealant (262) and the substrate (254) is located between the cover member (256) and the rear sealant (262). In an example, the rear sealant is fabricated using low pressure moulded structural foam.
It can be seen that the location of the first and the second encased switches (214 and 216) are such that the plunger (252) of the respective switches is disposed at a location between the axis defining element (204) and the rear wall (234) of the housing (202).
Without wishing to be limited, a three-position switch constructed in accordance with the embodiments of the invention provides significant advantages. The housing (202) acts as a first level protection, the cover member (256) forming part of the encased switches act as a second level protection, the deformable member (260) acts a third level protection. These three levels of protection are in addition to the inherent protection which is available in the push button switch (250). Thus, in terms of protection against water ingress, dust ingress and other foreign contaminants ingress, the three-position switch is sufficiently safeguarded. This results in substantially extending the life of the three-position switch.
Because of the use of the first and the second encased switches, the three-position switch is operable at very low current levels. It can be furthermore noticed that the number of components less and hence, the construction is simple, the three-position switch is easy to manufacture, and the costing of the three-position switch is reasonable.
While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same 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. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

WE CLAIM:
1.A three-position switch (100) for use in a motor vehicle, comprising:
a housing (202);
an axis defining element (204) located in an interior portion of the housing (202);
a lever element (206) traversing partly into the interior portion of the housing (202),
the lever element (206) defining a first end (208) located in the interior portion of the
housing (202), a second end (210) located outside the housing (202), and a first
aperture (212) that co-operates with the axis defining element (204) to allow a pivotal
movement of the lever element (206);
a first encased switch (214) located within the housing (202) on a first side of the
lever element (206) and adapted to be actuated by the pivotal movement of the lever
element (206); and
a second encased switch (216) located within housing (202) on a second side of the
lever element (206) and adapted to be actuated by the pivotal movement of the lever
element (206).
2.The three-position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end (210) of the lever element (206) co-operates with a toothed element (218) located within the interior portion of the housing (202) to define a first, a second, and a third parking positions.
3.The three-position switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the toothed element (218) comprises a first valley portion (220) corresponding to the first parking position, a second valley portion (222) corresponding to the second parking position, and a third valley portion (224) corresponding to the third parking position.
4.The three-position switch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second end (210) of the lever element (206) comprises a second aperture (226); a resilient member (228) located within the second aperture (226); and a ball/plunger element (230) located within the second aperture (226), the ball/plunger element (230) and the resilient member (228) co-operating with the toothed element (218) thereby allowing the lever element (206) to be parked in the first, the second, and the third parking positions.

5.The three-position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing comprises:
a front wall (232);
a rear wall (234);
a pair or side walls (236, 238) joining the front and the rear wall;
a bottom wall (240) joining the front, the rear and the side walls;
a top wall (242) joining the front, the rear and the side walls;
the front wall (232) including an aperture (244);
the rear wall (234) including the toothed element (218);
the bottom wall (240) or the top wall (242) including the axis defining element (204);
and
the side walls (236, 238) including means (246, 248) for receiving the first and the
second encased switches (214, 216).
6.The three-position switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first and the
second encased switches (214, 216) comprise:
a push button switch (250) defining a plunger (252);
a substrate (254) for receiving the push button switch (250);
a cover member (256) co-operating with the substrate (254) to encase the push button
switch (250), the cover member (256) defining an aperture (258) for allowing access
to the plunger (252); and
a deformable member (260) placed between the substrate (254) and the cover member
(256), the deformable member (260) being adapted to traverse through the aperture
(258) provided in the cover member (256), the deformable member (260) being
adapted to transfer force from the lever element (206) to the plunger (252).
7.The three-position switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plunger (252) is disposed at a location between the axis defining element (204) and the rear wall (234) of the housing (202).
8.The three-position switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein the substrate (254) is located between the cover member (256) and a rear sealant (262).