FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
POWER WINDOW SWITCH ASSEMBLY
MINDARIKA PRIVATE LIMITED, an Indian company, of Gat No. 427/10 & 427/10,
Chakan - Talegaon Road, Village-Mahalunge, TAL-KHED, DIST-PUNE-410501, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in
which it is to be performed.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a regulating device for an automobile. Particularly,
the present disclosure relates to an electromechanically operated power window
switch which regulates windows up and down. More particularly, present disclosure
relates to a water resistant power window switch assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provide background information related to the
present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally automobiles such as cars are provided with electromechanically operated
power window switches for regulating the windows. The power window switches are
provided with a knob as a regulating means for regulating the push-up and pull-down
movement of the windows. Internally, the knob is configured with a PCB assembly
which regulates the power windows, by means of electric motors, in response to an
input signal by the user. Conventionally, the power window switches are mounted on
a panel on the doors of the vehicle for ease of access to the user. However, one major
drawback associated with such switches is that they are vulnerable to external
contaminants such as dust and water. In other words, during conditions such as
cleaning of the vehicle or rainy season, dust and water penetrate through the gaps
between the knob and external casing of the switch into the interior of the switch. This
results in problems such as corrosion of the PCB, accumulation of dust in the interior
of the switch thereby hampering the normal operation of the power window switch
resulting in decreased reliability and efficiency of the power window switch.
In other words, researchers have developed a user friendly and technically advance
electromechanically operated power window switch which regulates windows up and
down. More specifically, in light of foregoing discussion, it is necessary to develop an
improved power window switch to overcome one or more limitations stated above.
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SUMMARY
One or more drawbacks of conventional power window switches as described in the
prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the power
window switch assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional 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 power
window switch assembly comprising a plurality of knobs. A bezel cover comprises a
top face having a plurality of openings and peripheral sides having primary slots in
the longitudinal direction. A housing having an upper face, a lower face and
peripheral faces is provided. The upper face of the housing comprising a plurality of
longitudinally extending furrow portions; each of the furrow portions being defined
between side walls; the peripheral side of the housing comprises a plurality of sealing
domes; and a flange protruding laterally outwardly from the peripheral side. The
power window switch assembly further comprises a PCB sub assembly comprising a
rubber contact pad mounted on a PCB, and connector. A base is provided for
supporting the PCB assembly. A plurality of actuators movably configured with the
plurality of knobs is provided for actuating PCB sub assembly.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the knobs are accommodated in the slots
so as to emerge externally from the top face of the bezel cover and be accessible by a
user.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing is secured with the bezel
cover from the upper face; and the base from the lower face so as to form an
encapsulation in the assembled condition.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuators are accommodated in
the furrow portions.
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In one more embodiment of the disclosure, the actuators have a proximal end and a
distal end; the proximal end being disposed towards the upper side of the housing and
being movably configured with knobs; and the distal end being disposed towards the
lower side of the housing and configured with the PCB sub assembly.
In a still further embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper face of the housing
comprises primary slant faces sloping from a central portion of the upper face towards
the peripheral faces.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the rubber contact pad has a
plurality of rubber domes; the rubber domes being configured to be pressed by the
actuators.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuators are lifted and lowered
in the longitudinal direction, due to the oscillatory motion of the knobs during
actuation.
In one more embodiment of the present disclosure, the knob comprises a head portion
and a skirt portion; the head portion being accessible by the user for operating the
knob; and the skirt portion overlapping a plurality of ridge portions of the housing.
In a yet further embodiment of the present disclosure, each skirt portion flares
laterally downwardly from the head portion of the knob.
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.
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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 exploded view of the power window switch assembly.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the power window switch assembly.
Figures 3(a), (b) and (c) show perspective views of the bezel cover of the power
window switch assembly according to one more embodiment of present disclosure.
Figures 4(a), (b) and (c) illustrate isometric views of the knob of the power window
switch assembly according another embodiment of present disclosure.
Figures 5(a) and (b) depict perspective views of the housing of the power window
switch assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 6(a) and (b) depict an isometric view of the auxiliary knob and lens of the
power window switch assembly according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a perspective view of the PCB sub assembly comprising the
rubber contact pad and PCB according to one more embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the base of the power window switch
assembly according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.
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Figures 10 and 11 depict the direction of exit of water from the power window
switch assembly according to yet another 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.
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 power window switch assembly. 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
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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 a power window switch
assembly for regulating the power windows in vehicles. Another aim of the present
disclosure is to provide a electromechanical power window switch for vehicles that
overcomes or at least reduces the problem of entry of contaminants such as dust and
water to the PCB assembly through the gaps between the knob and housing, thereby
preventing corrosion of the PCB and enhancing the efficiency and work lifecycle of
the switch.
Reference will now be made to a power window switch assembly 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 present disclosure.
Wherever possible, referral numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.
Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a
perspective view the power window switch comprising a bezel cover (1), a plurality
of knobs (2), auxiliary knob (3), housing (4) having an upper face (4a) and a lower
face (4b), a plurality of actuators (5), lens (6), secondary actuator (7), rubber pad (8),
clip (9), PCB (10), connectors (11) and base (12).
As illustrated in figure 2, the bezel cover (1) of the said switch assembly has a top
face (1a). The top face (1a) of the bezel cover (1) has a plurality of openings (1b) for
accommodating the knobs (2) such that, in the assembled condition, the knobs (2)
emerge externally from the top face (1a) of the bezel cover (1) so as to be accessible
by a user. The housing (4) is provided with a plurality of slots for mounting the
various sub-parts/components of the power window switch assembly; the housing (4)
being adapted to be secured with a bezel cover (1) from the upper face (4a) and a base
(12) from the lower face (4b) so as to form an encapsulation in the assembled
condition.
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As shown in figures 1 and 3, the bezel cover (1) comprises a plurality of openings
(1b) on the top face (1a). The bezel cover (1) is further provided with a plurality of
side locks (SL) formed on the peripheral sides of the bezel cover (1); the said side
locks (SL) are adapted to receive a plurality of corresponding projections/snaps
formed on the housing (4) so as to secure the bezel cover (1) with the upper face (4a)
of the housing (4) in the assembled condition. As shown in figures 3(a), 3(b), 3(c) and
3(d), formed longitudinally on the peripheral sides of the bezel cover (1) are primary
slots (PS). The term longitudinal herein refers to a direction along the axis XX of the
power window switch. The shape and configuration of the primary slots (PS) is
adapted to drain out the water entering the interior of the switch through the bezel
cover in the downward direction. As shown in figure 2, knobs (2) are mounted in the
openings (1b) of the bezel cover (1).
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figures 4(a), (b)
and (c) the power window switch comprises four see saw knobs (2) comprising a head
portion (2a) and skirt portion (2b). The knobs are disposed in four openings (1b) in
the bezel cover (1), wherein the knobs (2) are pivoted about a pivot (2c) on the
housing (4) so as to define oscillatory motion during actuation by the user. The knobs
(2) are operationally coupled with a plurality of actuators (5). The actuators (5) are
rigid structures having a proximal end (5a) being configured with the knobs (2) and a
distal end (5b) being configured with the PCB sub assembly by means of a plurality
of rubber domes of the rubber pad (8).
As illustrated in figures 5(a) and (b), the housing (4) comprises an upper face (4a), a
lower face (4b) and peripheral faces (4c). The upper face (4a) of the housing (4)
further comprises pivot points (4d) for mounting the knobs (2). Formed in the
longitudinal direction, in the vicinity of the pivot points (4d), are through furrow
portions (4e) for accommodating the actuators (5). The furrow portions (4e) are
defined longitudinally between side walls (SF); the primary side walls (SF1) being
adapted to prevent entry of dust and water into the furrow portions (4e) by draining
out the unwanted water/moisture from the housing through secondary side walls
(SF2) as illustrated in figures 10 and 11. The furrow portions (4e) are formed such
that in the mounted condition, the proximal end (5a) of the actuators (5) is disposed
towards the upper face (4a) of the housing (4); and the distal end (5b) being disposed
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towards the lower face (4b) of the housing (4). During actuation of the knobs (2) by
the user, the actuators (5) are lifted and lowered in the longitudinal direction, due to
the oscillatory motion of the knobs (2) so as to actuate the corresponding rubber
domes of the rubber pad (8). As shown in figure 5(b), the peripheral faces (4c) of the
housing (4) comprises a plurality of snaps/locking means (S) for securing the bezel
cover (1) with the housing (4). The peripheral faces (4c) of the housing (4) is further
provided with sealing domes (SD) having predefined curvature and radii thereby
preventing entry of water droplets in the interior of the housing from the side of the
lower face (4b) of the housing (4). A flange (4f) is formed along the peripheral faces
(4c) of the housing (4). The flange (4f) protrudes laterally outwardly from the
peripheral faces (4c) by a distance of 3mm. It is to be noted that the dimensional
configuration and shape of the flange may depend on the requirement of the
manufacturer/user. The term laterally herein refers to a direction along axis YY and
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figure 5(a), the upper face
(4a) of the housing (4) also comprises primary slant faces (4g, 4h) and secondary slant
faces (4j, 4k); the primary slant faces (4g, 4h) sloping from a central portion of the
upper face (4a) towards the peripheral faces (4c). Duct (4i) is provided on the upper
face (4a) of the housing (4); the duct (4i) adapted to drain out the water/moisture from
the interior of the housing (4).
As shown in figures 6(a) and (b), the power window switch further comprises
auxiliary knob (3) for performing other functions of the vehicle such as window lock.
The auxiliary knob (3) comprises a groove (3a) for accommodating a lens (6) such
that the radius of the lens matches the groove (3a) so as to prevent entry of water. The
auxiliary knob (3) is configured with the PCB sub assembly by means of an auxiliary
actuator (7) (refer figure 1).
As shown in figures 7 to 9, disposed on the lower face (4b) of the housing (4) is the
PCB sub-assembly (refer fig.1). The PCB sub-assembly comprises a rubber contact
pad (8), a PCB (10), a connector (11) and a base (12). The outer profile of the rubber
contact pad (8) is same as PCB (10). Formed longitudinally on the rubber contact pad
(8) is a plurality of rubber domes (8a). The said rubber contact pad (8) is made of a
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flexible silicon type non-conductive material, with one rubber contact pad (8) having
a plurality of rubber domes (8a). Each rubber dome profile (8a) has a Contact Pill just
below the rubber domes (8a); the contact pill being made of a conductive material.
The rubber contact pad (8) is mounted over the PCB (10) such that the contact pill
always faces the PCB (10). When the rubber dome (8a) is pressed with some external
force from the actuator (5), the rubber dome (8a) collapses over PCB (10) and the
tracks printed over the PCB pad short with each other so as to actuate a signal. Upon
removal of actuation force, due to resilient action, the rubber domes are pushed
upwards, thereby breaking the contact with PCB (10). Secured with the lower face
(4b) of the housing (4) is a base (12) by means of snaps or other securing means
thereby supporting the PCB (10).
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in figures 10 and 11,
the knob (2) comprises the head portion (2a) and skirt portion (2b). The head portion
(2a), in the assembled condition, is accessible by the user for operating the knob (2)
about a central pivot. The skirt portion (2b) flares laterally downwardly from the head
portion (2a) of the knob so as to overlap with ridge portions (4l) formed longitudinally
on the upper face (4a) of the housing. During operation of the knobs (2), the skirt
portions (2b) direct the water entering through the gaps between the head portions (2)
and openings (1b) of the bezel cover (1), away from the furrow portions (4e).
List of reference numerals:
1 Bezel Cover
1a Top Face
1b Openings
2 Knob
2a Head Portion
2b Skirt Portion
2c Pivot
3 Auxiliary Knob
3a Groove
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4 Housing
4a Upper Face
4b Lower Face
4c Peripheral Faces
4d Pivot Point
4e Furrow Portion
4f Flange
4g, 4h Primary Slant Faces
4i Duct
4j, 4k Secondary Slant Faces
4l Ridge Portion
5 Actuator
5a Proximal End
5b Distal End
6 Lens
7 Auxiliary Actuator
8 Rubber Contact Pad
8a Rubber Dome
9 Clip
10 PCB
11 Connector
12 Base
PS Primary Slots
SD Sealing Domes
SF1 Primary Side Walls
SF2 Secondary Side Walls
SL Side Locks
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
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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
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.
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We claim:
1. A power window switch assembly comprising:
a plurality of knobs (2);
a bezel cover (1) comprising
a top face (1a) having a plurality of openings (1b); and
peripheral sides (1c) having primary slots (PS) in the
longitudinal direction;
a housing (4) comprising an upper face (4a), a lower face (4b) and
peripheral faces (4c);
the upper face (4a) of the housing (4) comprising a plurality of
longitudinally extending furrow portions (4e); each of the furrow
portions (4e) being defined between side walls (SF);
the peripheral side (4c) of the housing (4) comprising a
plurality of sealing domes (SD); and a flange (4f) protruding laterally
outwardly from the peripheral side (4c);
a PCB sub assembly comprising
a rubber contact pad (8) mounted on a PCB (10); and
connector (11);
a base (12) supporting the PCB assembly; and
a plurality of actuators (5) being movably configured with the plurality
of knobs (2) for actuating PCB sub assembly.
2. The power window switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knobs
(2) are accommodated in the slots (1b) so as to emerge externally from the top
face (1a) of the bezel cover (1) and be accessible by a user.
3. The power window switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
housing (4) is secured with the bezel cover (1) from the upper face (4a); and
the base (12) from the lower face (4b) so as to form an encapsulation in the
assembled condition.
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4. The power window switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
actuators (5) are accommodated in the furrow portions (4e).
5. The power window switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
actuators (5) have a proximal end (5a) and a distal end (5b);
the proximal end (5a) being disposed towards the upper face
(4a) of the housing (4) and being movably configured with
knobs (2); and
the distal end (5b) being disposed towards the lower face (4b)
of the housing (4) and configured with the PCB sub assembly.
6. The power window switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper
face (4a) of the housing (4) comprises primary slant faces (4g, 4h) sloping
from a central portion of the upper face (4a) towards the peripheral faces (4c).
7. The power window switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rubber
contact pad (8) has a plurality of rubber domes (8a); the rubber domes (8a)
being configured to be pressed by the actuators (5).
8. The power window switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
actuators (5) are lifted and lowered in the longitudinal direction, due to the
oscillatory motion of the knobs (2) during actuation of the power window
switch.
9. The power window switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob
comprises a head portion (2a) and a skirt portion (2b);
the head portion (2a) being accessible by the user for operating the
knob (2); and
the skirt portion (2b) overlapping a plurality of ridge portions (4l)
of the housing.
10. The power window switch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each skirt
portion (2b) flares laterally downwardly from the head portion (2a) of the
knob (2).