TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to an exterior switch assembly of a vehicle. More
specifically, the present disclosure relates to a switch assembly for a vehicle
mountable on exterior of the vehicle for unlocking the door of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
In the present times, unlocking of vehicles has been made easy by simply
switching/actuating the exterior mounted switch assembly on the doors without using
the key or remote of the vehicle. The required circuitry is designed in electronic
control unit of the vehicle. As this switch is required to be fitted over external body of
the vehicle, water and dust proof structure is essentially required. Existing switches
for this application made use of rubber knob which was double shot injection
moulded into the casing, making the switch water and dust resistant from the top.
The problem with the said existing switch was that it used a complex and costlier
double shot moulding manufacturing process for rubber knob over casing.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the sectional views of the existing switch. As shown, the
casing is insert moulded with the rubber button as shown in Figure 1. This was done
to achieve waterproofness of the switch. However this switch was not successful
achieving the waterproofness because no proper sealing was provided at the bottom of
the switch. As shown in Figure 2, the switch has two locks at the bottom which lock
the housing with the insert moulded casing sub assembly. Water can enter into the
switch through these locks. A similar case can be seen in Figure 1 where the U shape
structure marked by double arrows is not successful in preventing water from entering
the switch. Also the double arrows shown in Figure 1 show the areas through which
water can enter into the switch.
As shown in Figure 2, two through holes are provided for soldering of wires on the
PCB sub-assembly. Since water can enter through these holes, rubber sealing is
provided at these holes. When the wires are pulled and tie wrapped, gap is formed
between the rubber seals and the wires through which water can enter into the switch.
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SUMMARY
Accordingly the present disclosure relates to a switch assembly, comprising a housing
accommodating a tact switch and a spring loaded slider. The housing comprises a
base portion with a bore for receiving the tact switch and the spring loaded slider. The
bore is bordered by an inwardly tapered peripheral wall extending vertically from the
base portion A casing is securable with the housing by means of plurality of fasteners
wherein the casing comprises an outer face, a first annular face defining an opening
on the casing and a second annular face contiguous to the first annular face. A rubber
knob is interposed between the casing and the housing, configured to provide a
sealing there between. The rubber knob comprises of a top surface having a middle
region projecting through the opening formed on the outer face of the casing, a side
wall extending from the top surface forming an annular region for receiving the
tapered peripheral wall of the housing so that side wall is located between the
peripheral wall of the housing and the first annular face of the casing. A flange
portion extending from the side wall and is interposed between the base portion of the
housing and the second annular face of the casing.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rubber knob has a variable thickness.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tapered peripheral wall has a top end
portion and a bottom end portion.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom end portion of the tapered
wall provides support to the side wall of the rubber knob; and the top end portion of
the tapered peripheral wall is located defining a clearance between the top end portion
and the side wall of the rubber knob.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch assembly comprising a housing
accommodating a tact switch and a spring loaded slider. The housing comprises a
base portion with a bore for receiving the tact switch and the spring loaded slider. The
bore is bordered by a peripheral wall extending vertically from the base portion. A
casing is securable with the housing by means of plurality of fasteners wherein the
casing comprises an outer face, a first annular face defining an opening on the casing
and a second annular face contiguous to the first annular face. A rubber knob is
4
interposed between the casing and the housing, configured to provide a sealing there
between. The rubber knob comprises a top surface having a middle region projecting
through the opening formed on the outer face of the casing, a side wall extending
from the top surface forming an annular region and a flange portion extending from
the side wall and being interposed between an end face of the peripheral wall and the
second annular face of the casing.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an O-ring is disposed between the base
portion of the housing and the casing.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the casing (30) comprises a pair
projections (30f) extending perpendicularly from the outer face (30a) of the casing
(30) and located opposite to each other.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flange portion (40c) of the rubber
knob (40) is provided with a pair of extended portions (40f) extending longitudinally
and laterally to form a pair of U shaped portion for receiving the projections (30f)
formed in the casing (30)
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the casing (300) comprises a pair
projections (300f) extending perpendicularly from the second annular face (300b) of
the casing (300) being located opposite to each other.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flange portion (400c) of the rubber
knob (400) is provided with a pair of extended portions (400f) extending
longitudinally and laterally to form a pair of L shaped portion and in that the
longitudinally extended region of the said L shaped portion is located between the
tapered peripheral wall (200c) of the housing (200) and the first annular face (300b)
of the casing (300); and the laterally extended region of the said L shaped portion of is
located between the base portion (200a) of the housing (200) and the projection (300f)
of the casing (300).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the sectional views of the existing vehicular switches.
5
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the exterior switch assembly according to
the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the exterior switch assembly according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates the complete assembly of the exterior switch assembly according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6a-6c illustrates the bottom and top perspective view of casing of the exterior
switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 illustrates the perspective view of the rubber knob of the exterior switch
assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
Figure 8 illustrates the exploded view of casing and rubber knob of the switch
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates the exterior switch assembly along section B-B according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 illustrates the exterior switch assembly along section A-A in no switching
position according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 illustrates detailed sectional view of the switch assembly according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12 illustrates a sectional view of the exterior switch assembly in no switching
condition along section C-C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 13 illustrates a sectional view along section A-A of the exterior switch
assembly in OFF condition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 14 illustrates a sectional view along section A-A of the exterior switch
assembly in ON condition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 15a illustrates an exploded view of the exterior switch assembly according to
another embodiment of the present disclosure.
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Figures 15b illustrates an assembled view of the switch assembly according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of the casing of the switch assembly
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 17a-17b illustrates a perspective and sectional view of the rubber knob of the
switch assembly respectively according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Figure 18 illustrates the casing assembled with the rubber knob of the switch
assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 19 illustrates the sectional view of the switch assembly according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 20 illustrates a sectional view along section B-B according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 21 illustrates a sectional view along section A-A according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 22a-22b illustrates the top and bottom perspective view of casing of the
exterior switch assembly according to an alternate embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Figure 23 illustrates the perspective view of the rubber knob of the exterior switch
assembly according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 24 illustrates a sectional view along section A-A according to an alternate
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures
and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not
intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary,
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the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within
the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty
and inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention resides in switch
assembly for vehicles. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be
motivated from the present invention and modify the various constructions of
assembly, which are varying from vehicle to vehicle. However, such modification
should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the
drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding
the embodiments of the present invention 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 a setup, 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 setup or device. In other
words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a”
does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or
additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Accordingly, the main aim of the present invention is to provide an exterior switch
assembly which can be mounted on exterior of the vehicle such as on doors of the
vehicle and can be used to lock /unlock vehicle’s door without using a key or without
using remote switch of a passenger car or any other vehicle. The present disclosure
provides a switch assembly which is simple and cost effective.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 3-
24.
Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the exterior switch assembly (1) according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 3, the switch assembly (1) comprises of a housing (2), a casing (3)
and a rubber knob (4) interposed there between. The housing (2) is adapted to
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accommodate a tact switch (5) and a spring loaded slider (6). The casing (3) is
securable with the housing (2) by means of plurality of fasteners (7). A pair of
terminals (8) may be provided in connector portion (9) of housing (2) for extending
the electrical connections.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrates an assembled view of the switch assembly (1) shown in
Figure 3. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a portion of rubber knob (4) is visible from the
casing (3) which can be accessed by the user for actuating the switch assembly (1).
Locations shown by directions double arrows depict the locations at which water and
dust entry is prevented in the switch assembly (1) according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
Figures 6(a)-(c) illustrate the bottom and top perspective views of the casing (3) of the
switch assembly (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring Figures 6(a)-(c), the casing (3) comprises an outer face (3a), a first annular
face (3b) extending perpendicularly inwardly from the outer face (3a) thereby
defining an opening in the casing. The casing (3) has a second annular face (3c)
contiguous to the first annular face (3b) and located parallel to the outer face (3a). The
casing (3) comprises an inner annular wall (3d) extending perpendicularly from the
second annular face (3c) and away from the outer face (3a). The inner annular wall
(3d) has a peripheral edge located away from the second annular face (3c).
The casing (3) comprises an outer wall (3e) extending perpendicularly from the outer
face (3a) and surrounding the inner annular wall (3d). The outer wall (3e) is provided
with provisions for receiving the fasteners (7) for securing the casing (3) with the
housing (2).
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the rubber knob (4) of the switch assembly
(1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the
rubber knob (4) comprises a top surface (4a) having a middle region. The rubber knob
(4) comprises a side wall (4b) extending longitudinally from the top surface (4a)
forming an annular region and a flange portion (4c) extending laterally from the side
wall (4b) of the rubber knob (4). The term ‘longitudinally’ herein refers to a direction
along axis X-X as shown in Figure 4. The term ‘laterally’ herein refers to a direction
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perpendicular to the axis X-X. The rubber knob (4) is received in inner annular wall
(3d) of the casing (3) as depicted in Figures 8 and 9. As shown in Figure 9, when the
rubber knob (4) is received in the casing (3), the said wall (4b) of the rubber knob (4)
is received in the opening defined by the first annular face (3b) and the flange portion
(4c) is located abutting the second annular face (3c). The middle region of the rubber
knob (4) projects outwardly through the opening formed on the outer face (3a) of the
casing (3) as shown in Figure 4.
Referring to Figure 3, the housing (2) comprises a base portion (2a) having a bore
(2b) for accommodating the tact switch (5) and the spring loaded slider (6). The bore
(2b) is bordered by a peripheral wall (2c) extending outwardly and longitudinally
from the base portion (2a) of the housing (2). The peripheral wall (2c) provided in
housing (2) is receivable in the annular inner wall (3d) of the casing (3) (as shown in
Figure 10). The peripheral wall (2c) having an end face (2d) located opposite to and
away from the base portion (2a) i.e. the end face (2d) of the peripheral wall (2c) faces
towards second annular face (3c) of the casing (3) when the peripheral wall (2c) of the
housing (2) is receivable in the annular inner wall (3d) of the casing (3)(as shown in
Figure 11). In an embodiment, second annular face (3c) and the end (2d) of the
peripheral wall (2c) of the housing (2) are provided with one or more gripping ribs
(10) for tightly securing the flange portion (4c) of the rubber knob (4).
Referring Figures 3, 9 and 10, the peripheral wall (2c) of the housing (2) is received in
the inner annular wall (3d) of the casing (3) and the rubber knob (4) is interposed
between the housing (2) and the casing (3). The flange portion (4c) of the rubber knob
(4) is located between the end face (2d) of the peripheral wall (2c) of the housing (2)
and the second annular face (3c) of the casing (3). In an embodiment, the switch
assembly (1) comprises an O-ring (11) is disposed between the peripheral edge of the
inner annular wall (3d) of the casing (3) and the base portion (2a) of the housing (2).
Figure 12 shows a sectional view along section C-C of the exterior switch assembly
(1) shown in Figure 3. Figure 12 shows the position for the soldering of the tact
switch (5) with the terminals (8). The tact switch (5) is held firmly inside the bore
(2b) surrounded by the peripheral wall (2c) of the housing (2). The compression
spring (12) does not make contact with the terminals (8) of the housing (2) because it
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rests on a circular rib disposed in the bore (2b) of the housing (2). This prevents the
shorting of terminals (8) also provides a uniform platform where the compression
spring (12) can rest.
Figures 13 shows the switch assembly (1) in off condition i.e. when the rubber knob
(4) is in the un-pressed condition. The slider (6) inside the switch (1) presses the tact
switch (5) when the rubber knob (4) is actuated by a manual force applied by the user.
The compression spring (12) is inserted between the tact switch (5) and the slider (6).
This compression spring (12) provides the necessary return back force required for
quicker regaining of the switch position. The slider (6) is locked by a pair of locks on
either side of the housing (2). The clearance during sliding is such that the best
operational feel is experienced by the user. Figure 14 shows the switch assembly (1)
in switching condition i.e. in on condition.
Figure 15 exploded view of the exterior switch assembly (10) according another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 15 (a), the switch assembly (10) comprises of a housing (20), a
casing (30) and a rubber knob (40) interposed there between. The housing (20) is
adapted to accommodate a tact switch (5) and a spring loaded slider (6). The casing
(30) is securable with the housing (20) by means of plurality of fasteners (7) or by
means of snap locks. A pair of terminals (8) may be provided in connector portion (9)
of housing (20) for extending the electrical connections.
Figure 15(b) illustrates assembled view of the switch assembly (10) shown in Figure
15a. As shown in Figures 15(b), a portion of rubber knob (40) is visible from the
casing (30) which can be accessed by the user for actuating the switch assembly (10).
Figure 16 illustrates the bottom perspective view of the casing (30) of the switch
assembly (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring Figure 16, the casing (30) comprises an outer face (30a), a first annular face
(30b) extending perpendicularly inwardly from the outer face (30a) thereby defining
an opening in the casing (30). The casing (30) has a second annular face (30c)
contiguous to the first annular face (30b) and located parallel to the outer face (30a).
The casing (30) comprises an outer wall (30e) extending perpendicularly from
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periphery of the outer face (30a). The casing (30) comprises a pair projections (30f)
extending perpendicularly from the outer face (30a) of the casing (30) and located
opposite to each other. As shown in figure 16, each of the projections (30f) is located
in substantially same plane of the outer wall (30e).
Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of the rubber knob (40) of the switch
assembly (10) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown
in Figure 17, the rubber knob (40) comprises a top surface (40a) having a middle
region. The rubber knob (40) comprises a side wall (40b) extending longitudinally
from the top surface (40a) forming an annular region (40d) and a flange portion (40c)
extending laterally from the side wall (40b) of the rubber knob (40). The term
‘longitudinally’ herein refers to a direction along axis X-X as shown in Figure 15(b).
The term ‘laterally’ herein refers to a direction perpendicular to the axis X-X. The
rubber knob (40) has an annular bottom surface (40e) located opposite to the top
surface (40a) and surrounded by the side wall (40b). The rubber knob (40) is received
in the opening perimeter by the first annular face (30b) of the casing (30) as depicted
in Figures 18 and 19. As shown in Figure 19, when the rubber knob (40) is received in
the casing (30), the side wall (40b) of the rubber knob (40) is received in the opening
defined by the first annular face (30b) and the flange portion (40c) is located abutting
the second annular face (30c) of the casing (30). The middle region of the rubber knob
(40) projects outwardly through the opening formed on the outer face (30a) of the
casing (30) as shown in Figure 18.
The middle region of the rubber knob (40) forms an actuation region which is
available for the user to actuation of the switch assembly (10). In an embodiment,
thickness of the middle region of rubber knob (40) is large at corner areas and less at
centre area (as depicted in Figure 19). This provides a greater returning mechanism
when the rubber (40) is actuated by manual pressing by the user.
Referring to Figure 15(a), the housing (20) comprises a base portion (20a) having a
bore (20b) for accommodating the tact switch (5) and the spring loaded slider (6). The
bore (20b) is bordered by a peripheral wall (20c) extending outwardly and
longitudinally from the base portion (20a) of the housing (20). The peripheral wall
(20c) provided in housing (20) is receivable in the annular region (40d) defined by
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side wall (40b) of the rubber knob (40) (as shown in Figure 21). The peripheral wall
(20c) having an end face located opposite to and away from the base portion (20a).
The end face (20d) of the peripheral wall (20c) faces towards the bottom annular
surface (40e) of the rubber knob (40) when the peripheral wall (20c) is received in the
annular region (40d) of the rubber knob (40). In an embodiment, the peripheral wall
(20c) is inwardly tapered as shown Detail A of Figure 20.
As shown in Figure 20, the tapered peripheral wall (20c) has a top end portion (20ca)
and a bottom end portion (20cb). The bottom end portion (20cb) of the tapered wall
(20c) provides support to the side wall (40b) of the rubber knob (40); and the top end
portion (20ca) of the tapered peripheral wall (20c) is located defining a clearance
between the top end portion (20ca) and the side wall (40b) of the rubber knob (40).
The tapered peripheral wall (20c) prevents popping out of rubber knob (40) from the
switch assembly (10) due to friction. The tapered peripheral wall (20c) facilitates easy
assembly of the casing (30), rubber knob (40) and the housing (20). Since, the rubber
knob (40) is manually assembled in the present switch assembly (10); the rubber knob
(40) may leave the first annular face (30b) of the casing (30) which can lead to a gap
for entry of water in the switch assembly (10). Tapered peripheral wall (20c) supports
the rubber knob (40) preventing the rubber knob (40) to leave the wall of the first
annular face (30b) of the casing (30).
Referring Figures 15(a), 19, 20 and 21, the casing (30) is secured with the housing
(20) by means of snap locks or by means of fasteners (7). The rubber knob (40) is
interposed between the housing (20) and the casing (30). The tapered peripheral wall
(20c) of the housing (20) is received in the annular region (40d) of the rubber knob
(40). The flange portion (40c) of the rubber knob (40) is located between the base
portion (20a) of the housing (20) and the second annular face (30c) of the casing (30).
In an embodiment, the flange portion (40c) of the rubber knob (40) is provided with a
pair of extended portions (40f) extending longitudinally and laterally for form a pair
of U shaped portion for receiving the projections (30f) formed in the casing (30) (as
shown in Figure 17 and 21).
Figures 22(a)-(b), 23 illustrate a casing (300) and rubber knob (400) of the exterior
switch assembly (100) according an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.
13
Figure 22 illustrate a sectional view taken along plane A-A of the switch assembly
(100) with a casing (300) and rubber knob (400) according an alternate embodiment
of the present disclosure.
Referring Figures 22(a)-(b), the casing (300) comprises an outer face (300a), a first
annular face (300b) extending perpendicularly inwardly from the outer face (300a)
thereby defining an opening in the casing (300). The casing (300) has a second
annular face (300c) contiguous to the first annular face (300b) and located parallel to
the outer face (300a). The casing (300) comprises an outer wall (300e) extending
perpendicularly from periphery of the outer face (300a). The casing (300) comprises a
pair projections (300f) extending perpendicularly from the second annular face (300b)
of the casing (300) and located opposite to each other. As shown in Figures 22 (a)-(b),
each of the projections (300f) is located inwardly from the outer wall (300e).
Referring to Figure 23, the rubber knob (400) comprises a top surface (400a) having a
middle region. The rubber knob (400) comprises a side wall (400b) extending
longitudinally from the top surface (400a) forming an annular region (400d) and a
flange portion (400c) extending laterally from the side wall (400b) of the rubber knob
(400). The term ‘longitudinally’ herein refers to a direction along axis X-X as shown
in Figure 15(b). The term ‘laterally’ herein refers to a direction perpendicular to the
axis X-X. The rubber knob (400) has an annular bottom surface (400e) located
opposite to the top surface (400a) and surrounded by the side wall (400b). The rubber
knob (400) is received in the opening perimeter by the first annular face (300b) of the
casing (300) as depicted in Figures 24. As shown in Figure 24, when the rubber knob
(400) is received in the casing (300), the side wall (400b) of the rubber knob (400) is
received in the opening defined by the first annular face (300b) and the flange portion
(400c) is located abutting the second annular face (300c) of the casing (300). The
middle region of the rubber knob (400) projects outwardly through the opening
formed on the outer face (300a) of the casing (300) as shown in Figure 24.
Referring Figures 22(a)-(b), 23 and 24, the rubber knob (400) is interposed between
the housing (200) and the casing (300). The tapered peripheral wall (200c) of the
housing (200) is received in the annular region (400d) of the rubber knob (400). The
flange portion (400c) of the rubber knob (400) is located between the base portion
14
(200a) of the housing (200) and the second annular face (300c) of the casing (300). In
an embodiment, the flange portion (400c) the rubber knob (400) is provided with a
pair of extended portions (400f) extending longitudinally and laterally to form a pair
of L shaped portion (as shown in Figure 23 and 24). In each of the said L shaped
portion, longitudinally extended region is located between the tapered peripheral wall
(200c) of the housing (200) and the first annular face (300b) of the casing (300); and
laterally extended region of the said L shaped portion of rubber knob (400) is located
between the base portion (200a) of the housing (200) and the projection (300f) of the
casing (300).
Referring to Figure 22(b), a plurality of gripping ribs (10) are formed in the casing for
holding the rubber knob (400) firmly through interference fit provided by the gripping
ribs (10).
In an embodiment, the casing (3), rubber knob (4) and the housing (2) may be sized so
that rubber knob (4) is interposed between the casing (3) and the housing (2) by a
predetermined interference fit. In an embodiment, the rubber knob (4) may be fitted in
the casing (3), and the housing (2) is adapted to press the rubber knob (4) such that an
interference of around 0.05~0.4mm is obtained between the mating parts. It can be
understood that that the thickness of the rubber (4) at the mating area is more than that
at any other area. This is to ensure proper interference mating of components so that
no water or dust enters the switch. This fitment prevents the entry of water and dust
from the top side of the switch (1). This process is also more economical since it does
not require any expensive manufacturing technique like double shot moulding or
insert moulding. This fitment of components not only saves cost but also requires
minimum assembly time.
Some of the advantages of the present disclosure
 Water, dust & other contamination proof structure of the switch assembly.
 Complex manufacturing process like insert moulding or double shot moulding
eliminated.
 Cost effectiveness.
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EQUIVALENTS:
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are
explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description.
Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as
to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are
intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments
herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the
embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting
the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general
nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge,
readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments
without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and
modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and
range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the
phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not
of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms
of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments
herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the
embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises”
or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer
or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other
element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more
elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the
disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has
been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for
16
the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters
form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field
relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this
application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or
quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower
than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall
within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification
specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this
disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that
many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the
principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the
disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art
from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing
descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not
as a limitation.

CLAIMS:1. A switch assembly (10, 100), comprising
a housing (20, 200) accommodating a tact switch (5) and a spring loaded slider (6); the housing (20, 200) comprises a base portion (20a, 200a) with a bore for receiving the tact switch (5) and the spring loaded slider (6) and the bore (20b) bordered by an inwardly tapered peripheral wall (20c, 200c) extending vertically from the base portion (20a, 200a);
a casing (30, 300) securable with the housing (20, 200) by means of plurality of fasteners (7); wherein the casing (30, 300) comprises an outer face (30a, 300a), a first annular face (30b, 300b) defining an opening on the casing and a second annular face (30c, 300c) contiguous to the first annular face;
a rubber knob (40, 400) interposed between the casing and the housing, configured to provide a sealing there between; the rubber knob comprises
- a top surface (40a, 400a) having a middle region projecting through the opening formed on the outer face of the casing;
- a side wall (40b, 400b) extending from the top surface forming an annular region for receiving the tapered peripheral wall of the housing so that side wall is located between the peripheral wall of the housing and the first annular face of the casing;
- a flange portion (40c, 400c) extending from the side wall and being interposed between the base portion of the housing and the second annular face of the casing.

2. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the rubber knob (40, 400) has a variable thickness.

3. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the tapered peripheral wall (20c) has a top end portion (20ca) and a bottom end portion (20cb).

4. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, in the tapered peripheral wall,
the bottom end portion of the tapered wall provides support to the side wall of the rubber knob; and
the top end portion of the tapered peripheral wall is located defining a clearance between the top end portion and the side wall of the rubber knob.

5. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (30) comprises a pair projections (30f) extending perpendicularly from the outer face (30a) of the casing (30) and located opposite to each other.

6. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1-5, wherein the flange portion (40c) of the rubber knob (40) is provided with a pair of extended portions (40f) extending longitudinally and laterally to form a pair of U shaped portion for receiving the projections (30f) formed in the casing (30)

7. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (300) comprises a pair projections (300f) extending perpendicularly from the second annular face (300b) of the casing (300) being located opposite to each other.

8. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1-4 and 7, wherein the flange portion (400c) of the rubber knob (400) is provided with a pair of extended portions (400f) extending longitudinally and laterally to form a pair of L shaped portion and in that the longitudinally extended region of the said L shaped portion is located between the tapered peripheral wall (200c) of the housing (200) and the first annular face (300b) of the casing (300); and the laterally extended region of the said L shaped portion of is located between the base portion (200a) of the housing (200) and the projection (300f) of the casing (300).

9. A switch assembly, comprising
a housing (2) accommodating a tact switch (5) and a spring loaded slider (6); the housing (2) comprises a base portion (2a) with a bore for receiving the tact switch (5) and the spring loaded slider (6); the bore (2b) being bordered by a peripheral wall extending vertically from the base portion;
a casing (3) securable with the housing by means of plurality of fasteners (7); wherein the casing (3) comprises an outer face (3a), a first annular face (3b) defining an opening on the casing (3) and a second annular face (3c) contiguous to the first annular face (3b);
a rubber knob (4) interposed between the casing (3) and the housing (2), configured to provide a sealing there between; the rubber knob comprises
- a top surface (4a) having a middle region projecting through the opening formed on the outer face of the casing (3);
- side wall (4b) extending from the top surface forming an annular region;
- a flange portion (4c) extending from the side wall and being interposed between an end face of the peripheral wall and the second annular face of the casing.

10. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein an O-ring (11) is disposed between the base portion (2a) of the housing (2) and the casing (3).