Technical Field
The present subject matter relates to a three-way switch for low ampere switch applications.
Background
Figure 1a illustrates an exploded view of a conventional three-way switch 100 in relation to the present subject matter. The conventional three-way switch 100 utilizes fixed and moving contacts to make or break a circuit. As shown, the conventional three-way switch 100 comprises a push knob 102, a blinker knob 104, cases 106, a push cam 108, a carrier 110, a moving contact 112, fixed contacts 114, a base 116, a helical spring 118 and another helical spring 120. To make a contact, a user needs to move the blinker knob 104 either right side or left side depending on the requirement. After that, the blinker knob 104 automatically comes to its centre position upon relieving push force from it. However, the carrier 110 remains in contact making position. Now to break or cancel the circuit, the push knob 102 is required to be pushed from the centre position. This forces the carrier 110 to come back at the centre position and hence the circuit no longer to makes the contact. The centre position is usually fixed by a v-groove (Detent Profile) position.
In continuation, Figure 1b illustrates the blinker knob 104 being pressed left side for contact making in the conventional three-way switch 100. Figure 1c illustrates the contact-making in the conventional three-way switch 100 by left movement of blinker knob 104. Similarly, Figure 1d illustrates the push knob 102 being pushed for contact breaking in the conventional three-way switch 100. Figure 1e illustrates the contact breaking in the conventional three-way switch 100 by pushing the push knob 102.
While this type of conventional three-way switch does not require sealing in order to function, is easy to manufacture, and does not require curing time; it is actually ideal for high ampere ratings, i.e., greater than 100 milliamperes. Accordingly, this type of conventional three-way switch cannot be used for low ampere switch applications, particularly wherein the current rating is less than 100 milliamperes because such low ampere switch applications basically require a sealed design to achieve the required life cycle.
Moreover, any attempt of using the afore-described conventional three-way switch in the low ampere applications fails due to one or more of the following reasons: (1) the conventional three-way switch cannot qualify IP test requirements due to lack of seal, (2) the conventional three-way switch is not meant for low ampere current rating, i.e., less than 100 milliamperes, (3) the conventional three-way switch has a high number of child parts, (4) the conventional three-way switch has a short lifespan, and (5) the conventional three-way switch has a high wear and tear.
Accordingly, despite the existence of the conventional three-way switch, there is a need for an improved three-way switch that is especially adapted for low ampere switch applications.

Summary
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified version that is further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the present subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the present subject matter.
The present subject matter provides a unique three-way switch having microswitch-based designs to fulfil the specific requirements of low ampere switch applications. These designs require no fixed and moving contacts as compared to the conventional three-way switch, which otherwise degrades contact making over a period of time under environmental effect, especially in low ampere conditions.
In an embodiment, a three-way switch is disclosed. The three-way switch comprises a knob assembly and a micro-switch subassembly. The knob assembly comprises a push knob and a blinker knob, where the blinker knob is adapted to receive the push knob. The micro-switch subassembly comprises a first micro-switch, a second micro-switch, and a third micro-switch. The knob assembly is positioned relative to the micro-switch subassembly, such that: a movement of the blinker knob in a first direction causes actuation of the first micro-switch to produce a first current having a current rating below a threshold current rating, a movement of the blinker knob in a second direction causes actuation of the second micro-switch to produce a second current having a current rating below the threshold current rating, and a movement of the push knob in a third direction causes actuation of the third micro-switch to produce a third current having a current rating below the threshold current rating.
In an embodiment, a micro-switch sub-assembly for three-way switches is disclosed. The micro-switch assembly comprises a first micro-switch to produce a first current having a current rating below a threshold current rating, when actuated, a second micro-switch to produce a second current having a current rating below a threshold current rating, when actuated, a third micro-switch to produce a third current having a current rating below a threshold current rating, when actuated. The micro-switch assembly further comprises a bracket comprising a first cavity, a second cavity, and a third cavity to receive the first micro-switch, the second micro-switch, and the third micro-switch, respectively. The micro-switch assembly further comprises a cover disposed on a surface of the bracket to interlock the first micro-switch, the second micro-switch, and the third micro-switch in the first cavity, the second cavity, and third cavity, respectively, where the bracket is adapted to be disposed on a case of the three-way switch, such that the first micro-switch, the second micro-switch, and the third micro-switch get operably coupled to a knob assembly of the three-way switch.
The further advantages and other details of the present subject matter will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are explanatory only and is not restrictive of the present subject matter.

Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present subject matter, a more particular description of the present subject matter 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 present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The present subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1a illustrates an exploded view of a conventional three-way switch in relation to the present subject matter.
Figure 1b illustrates left press operation in the conventional three-way switch for contact making.
Figure 1c illustrates the contact-making in the conventional three-way switch.
Figure 1d illustrates push operation in the conventional three-way switch for contact breaking.
Figure 1e illustrates the contact breaking in the conventional three-way switch.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a three-way switch according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 3 illustrates the assembly sequence of the three-way switch according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 4a illustrates an operation of the three-way switch according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 4b illustrates the detailed working of the operation of the three-way switch according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 5a illustrates a plurality of operations of the three-way switch according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 5b illustrates the detailed working of the operations of the three-way switch according to an embodiment of the present subject matter
Figure 6a illustrates a front view and a rear view of a three-way switch according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 6b illustrates the detailed working of a plurality of operations of the three-way switch according to said another embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 6c illustrates the detailed working of an push operation of the three-way switch according to said alternative embodiment of the present subject matter.
It may be noted that to the extent possible like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present subject matter. Furthermore, the one or more elements 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 subject matter so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefits of the description herein.

Detailed Description
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present subject matter, 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 present subject matter is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present subject matter as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present subject matter relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the present subject matter and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. Throughout the patent specification, a convention employed is that in the appended drawings, like numerals denote like components.
Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment”, “another embodiment” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the present subject matter. Thus, the 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 process or method 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 proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems.
Various embodiments of the present subject matter will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Aspects of the present subject matter relate to a three-way switch for vehicles, such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and the like. According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the three-way switch includes a plurality of micro-switches, where each micro-switch is configured to produce a current having a current rating less than 100 milliamperes, upon actuation. Thus, the three-way switch can be implemented for low ampere current applications. Furthermore, the micro-switches form part of a micro-switch sub-assembly. According to an aspect of the present subject matter, components of the micro-switch sub assembly are arranged in a manner so as to produce a sealing effect. Thus, the three-way switch, disclosed herein, is suitable for low ampere current applications. Furthermore, a plurality of components of the three-way switch is arranged co-axially, thus, minimizing the space requirements associated with the three-way switches. Furthermore, the design of the three-way switch, as disclosed herein, has been validated in a laboratory with endurance test conducted for more than100,000 cycles.
Referring to Figure 2, an exploded view of a three-way switch 200, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter, is illustrated. In said embodiment, the three-way switch 200 comprises a push knob 202, a blinker/mode knob 204, a locking clip 206, and a case 208. The three-way switch 200 further includes a carrier 210, a push cam 212, a bracket 214, three micro-switches, 216-1, 216-2, and 216-3, and a cover 218. The three-way switch 200 further includes a helical spring 220 and another helical spring 222. The micro-switches 216-1, 216-2, and 216-3 are, hereinafter, collectively referred to as the micro-switches 216 and individually referred to as the micro-switch 216. In an example, the bracket 214, the micro-switches 216, and the cover 218 may form a micro-switch subassembly. The bracket 214, in one example, includes a first cavity, a second cavity, and a third cavity to receive the first micro-switch 216-1, the second micro-switch 216-2, and the third micro-switch 216-3, respectively. Furthermore, the cover 218, in one example, is disposed on a surface of the bracket 214 to interlock the first micro-switch 216-1, the second micro-switch 216-2, and the third micro-switch 216-3 in the first cavity, the second cavity, and third cavity, respectively.
In an implementation, the push knob 202, a helical spring 220, the blinker/mode knob 204, and a helical spring 222 to form a knob assembly, where the blinker/mode knob 204 is adapted to receive the push knob 202, a helical spring 220, and a helical spring 224. In said implementation, an individual may perform a plurality of operations by applying a push force relative to the knob assembly. For instance, a first operation may be performed by pushing the blinker/mode knob 204 in a first direction, a second operation may be performed by pushing the blinker/mode knob 204 in a second direction, and a third operation may be performed by pushing the push knob 202 in a third direction. Furthermore, each of the aforementioned movements of the knob assembly causes actuation of a corresponding micro-switch. For example, a movement of the blinker/mode knob 204 in the first direction causes actuation of the micro-switch 216-1, a movement of the blinker/mode knob 204 in the second direction causes actuation of the micro-switch 216-2, and a movement of the push knob 202 in the third direction causes actuation of the third micro-switch 216-3. Upon the actuation of the micro-switch 216, a current having a current rating below a threshold current rating is produced to support the corresponding operation. In an example, the actuation of the micro-switch 216 may be a momentary actuation and the threshold current rating may have a low amperage, for example, 100 milliamperes

In an example, upon relieving the push force from the blinker/mode knob 204 or the push knob 202, the respective knob automatically comes to its idle position due to the helical spring 220. In an example, the carrier 210 is adapted to move along with the blinker/mode knob 204 and the push cam 212 is adapted to move along with the push knob 202 to control the actuation of the micro-switches 216, the respective knob & push cam 212 automatically comes to its idle position due to the helical spring 224.
Figure 3 illustrates an assembly sequence 300 of the three-way switch 200, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The assembly sequence 300 is explained below with reference to assembly steps 302 to 316. At step 302, the micro-switches 216 are inserted into the bracket 214. At step 304, the micro-switches 216 are covered by the cover 218 to form a micro-switch subassembly. In parallel, at step 306, the blinker/mode knob 204 is inserted into the case 208. At step 308, the blinker/mode knob 204 is locked with the locking clip 206. After that, at step 310, the push knob 202 is inserted into the blinker/mode knob 204. After that, at step 312, the carrier 210 is mounted on the blinker/mode knob 204 and the push cam 212 is mounted onto the push knob 202, such that the push cam 212 remains coaxial with the carrier 210 and is also guided by the carrier 210 during operation. The components mentioned in steps 306 to 312 form a switch subassembly. At step 314, the micro-switch subassembly and the switch subassembly are assembled together with help of screws to form a final assembly, i.e., the three-way switch 200, as shown in step 316.
Figure 4a illustrates an operation 400 of the three-way switch 200, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The operation 400 is a push operation and is performed by pushing the push knob 202 in the third direction. Shown in the figure 4a is the three-way switch 200 and its cross-section along the cross-section line A-A. Figure 4b illustrates detailed working of the push operation 400 in the three-way switch 200, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The detailed working of the push operation 400 has been explained with reference to the cross section along the cross-section line A-A, as shown in figure 4a.
Shown in the figure 4b are the three operating positions, namely an idle position 402, an operating position 404, and the return position 406. In the idle position 402, no force is applied on the push knob 202 and hence the push cam 212 does not press the corresponding micro-switch, say 216-3. In the operating position 404, a force 408 is applied on the push knob 202 against a spring 410, so that the push cam 212 presses the micro-switch 216-3 through a wedge shaped cam (having an acute angle) mechanism. And when the force 408 is taken off, then the push knob 202 automatically comes to the return position 406, due to the back force 412 by the spring 410.
Figure 5a illustrates a cross-section 500 of the three-way switch 200, along a cross-section line B-B. Furthermore, the figure 5a illustrates a further cross-section 502 of the three-way switch 200, along a cross-section line C-C. Figure 5b illustrates detailed working of an operation 504 and 506 of the three-way switch 200, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The operation 504 may be a left push/up push operation performed by pushing the blinker/mode knob 204 in the first direction. The operation 506 may be a right/down push operation performed by pushing the blinker/mode knob 204 in a second direction.
Referring to the operation 504, the micro-switch 216-1 is compressed by the left side of the carrier 210, when the blinker/mode knob 204 is pushed in the first direction using a push force. Upon release of the push force, the blinker/mode knob 204 returns to its idle position, illustrated by 508. In the idle position, none of the micro-switches 216 is compressed and the auto-return to the idle position is achieved by the actuation of a spring 510. Referring to the operation 506, the micro-switch 216-2 is compressed by the right side of the carrier 210, when the blinker/mode knob 204 is moved towards its right.
Figure 6a illustrates a three-way switch 600, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter. Shown in the figure 6a are a front view 602 and a rear view 604 of the three-way switch 600. While the concept of micro-switches 216 is the same in this alternative embodiment as well, it is only that the mechanism for left and right (or up and down) operations and the push operation is slightly different which is explained in with reference to subsequent drawings. In said another embodiment, the three-way switch 600 may include a rocker arm and a push carrier to perform the aforementioned operations, as explained below.
Figure 6b illustrates the detailed working of an operation 606 and 608 of the three-way switch 600, according to said another embodiment of the present subject matter. The operation 606 may be a left push/up push operation performed by pushing the blinker/mode knob 204 in the first direction. The operation 608 may be a right/down push operation performed by pushing the blinker/mode knob 204 in a second direction.
In said another embodiment, the three-way switch 600 comprises a rocker arm 610 in place of the carrier 210. In operation, when the blinker/ mode knob 204 is moved towards the first direction, the rocker arm 610 turns anti-clockwise thereby actuating the micro-switch 216-1. This is a momentary actuation only and after that, the rocker arm 210 is adapted to automatically returns to idle position. Similarly, when the blinker/ mode knob 204 is moved towards the second direction, the rocker arm 210 turns clockwise thereby actuating the micro-switch 216-2. As may be gathered, in said alternative embodiment, the linear movement of blinker/mode knob 204 is converted into the rotary movement of the rocker arm 210 for actuating the respective micro-switches 216.
Figure 6c illustrates the detailed working of an operation 612 of the three-way switch 600, according to said another embodiment. The operation 612 is a push operation and is performed by pushing the push knob 202 in the third direction. As shown in the figure 6c, the push operation 612 may be easily understood from with reference to the cross-section along cross-section line A-A. During operation, a push 614 against a spring 616 is applied on the push knob 202. The applied force pushes the push knob 202 and hence the push cam 212, such that a push carrier 618 (cam shaped) with back spring actuates the corresponding micro-switch, the micro-switch 216-3, situated at approximate of right angle. And when the push 614 is taken off, the push knob 202 comes back to its idle position due to back force by the spring as well as by the push carrier 618.
Embodiments of the present subject matter have been described in detail for the purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practised within the scope of the present subject matter. Thus, although the present subject matter is described with reference to specific embodiments and drawings thereof, the embodiments and drawings are merely illustrative, and not limiting of the present subject matter.

CLAIMS:
1. A three-way switch for vehicles, comprising:
a knob assembly comprising a push knob and a blinker knob, wherein the blinker knob is adapted to receive the push knob; and
a micro-switch subassembly comprising:
a first micro-switch;
a second micro-switch; and
a third micro-switch,
wherein the knob assembly is positioned relative to the micro-switch subassembly, such that:
a movement of the blinker knob in a first direction causes actuation of the first micro-switch to produce a first current having a current rating below a threshold current rating;
a movement of the blinker knob in a second direction causes actuation of the second micro-switch to produce a second current having a current rating below the threshold current rating; and
a movement of the push knob in a third direction causes actuation of the third micro-switch to produce a third current having a current rating below the threshold current rating.
2. The three-way switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threshold current rating is hundred milliamperes.
3. The three-way switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the micro-switch assembly further comprises:
a bracket comprising a first cavity, a second cavity, and a third cavity to receive the first micro-switch, the second micro-switch, and the third micro-switch, respectively; and
a cover disposed on a surface of the bracket to interlock the first micro-switch, the second micro-switch, and the third micro-switch in the first cavity, the second cavity, and third cavity, respectively.
4. The three-way switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blinker knob is operably coupled to a first element, wherein the first element is adapted to actuate the first micro-switch when the blinker knob is moved in the first direction, and wherein the first element is adapted to actuate the second micro-switch when the blinker knob is moved in the second direction.
5. The three-way switch as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first element is one of a carrier and a rocker arm.
6. The three-way switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the push knob is operably coupled to a push cam, wherein the push cam is adapted to actuate the third micro-switch when the push knob is moved in the third direction.
7. The three-way switch as claimed in claim 6, wherein the push cam is further operably coupled to a push carrier to actuate the third micro-switch when the push knob is moved in the third direction.
8. A micro-switch sub-assembly for three-way switches for vehicles, wherein the micro-switch assembly comprises:
a first micro-switch to produce a first current having a current rating below a threshold current rating, when actuated;
a second micro-switch to produce a second current having a current rating below a threshold current rating, when actuated;
a third micro-switch to produce a third current having a current rating below a threshold current rating, when actuated;
a bracket comprising a first cavity, a second cavity, and a third cavity to receive the first micro-switch, the second micro-switch, and the third micro-switch, respectively; and
a cover disposed on a surface of the bracket to interlock the first micro-switch, the second micro-switch, and the third micro-switch in the first cavity, the second cavity, and third cavity, respectively, wherein the bracket is adapted to be disposed on a case of the three-way switch, such that the first micro-switch, the second micro-switch, and the third micro-switch get operably coupled to a knob assembly of the three-way switch.