Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a modular switch assembly (100) for a vehicle having
a combination of turn signal and hazard function More particularly in the present
disclosure there is integration of hazard, winker module and flasher unit with the help
of electronic circuits in a single integrated switch body.
Background
Conventionally, in a two wheeler either there is no hazard function on low end
vehicles other than high end vehicles. In the high end vehicles, also there are three
different case parts required for blinker, hazard and relay (to achieve pulsating dc
voltage for blinking lamp) function and three different knobs are required to deliver
the output. Due to three different knobs, there are more number of parts which
increases the cost and the chances of failure of the switch. In the conventional switch
assembly the terminals are present in a cover as well in a housing and the assembly
time for the production of switch is high. Also, insert molding is required for placing
the terminals in the cover. In the conventional switches a knob is combination of two
parts and thus two separate tool are required for production of the knob thus increasing
the cost.
Hence, in these circumstances there is a need to develop a modular switch which
addresses to the above-mentioned problem and reduces the cost of production of the
switch assembly.
In other words, researchers are constantly trying to develop a user friendly and
technically advance modular switch. More specifically, a modular assembly that is
user friendly, economical, can be operated with minimal effort and has minimum air
resistance/reaction force.
3
Summary
A modular switch assembly (100) for a vehicle having a combination of turn signal
and hazard function comprising: a housing body (1), having an open end (1A) and a
close end (1B); the open end (1A) of the housing body (1) is configured with a flasher
unit (2); a carrier assembly (3) configured inside the housing body (1) ;a knob
assembly (4) with a knob (5) wherein one end of the knob assembly (4) secured inside
the housing body (1) and other end having the knob (5) is positioned outside the close
end (1B) of the housing body (1); a torsion spring (6) secured within the knob
assembly (4), a return plate (7) having a first end (7A) and a second end (7B) wherein
the second end (7B) is placed over the knob assembly (4) thereby covering the torsion
spring (6) and the knob assembly (4)a return spring (8) mounted over the first end
(7A) of the return plate (7), a lock plate (9) having an opening (9A) wherein the return
spring (8) with the return plate (7) is secured in it and a cover (10) is positioned over
the housing (1) forming a compete modular assembly assembly (100).
Brief description of Figures
Figure 1 illustrates assembly of modular switch showing all the components of the
modular switch.
Figure 2 illustrates exploded view of modular switch of the present disclosure
according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 illustrates exploded view of carrier assembly of the modular switch.
4
Figure 4 shows terminals of modular switch in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
Figure 5 shows circuit diagram of the modular switch explaining combination of three
functions i.e. winker switch, hazard switch and flasher unit.
Figure 6 illustrates working of switch at (a) Neutral (b) Right turn and (c) Left turn
position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 shows position of terminals at (a) No circuit (b) Right turn and (c) Left turn
position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 shows sectional view of modular switch displaying steel ball with detained
profile (V-groove).
Figure 9 illustrates the knob travel distance and working of hazard function.
Figure 10 illustrates the exploded view of knob and moving contacts.
Figure 11(a) shows the position of terminals when hazard function is not actuated.
Figure 11(b)-11 (c) illustrates the position of terminals when hazard function is
actuated.
Figure 12 shows cover of modular switch with flexible rib design in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 13 illustrates top view of modular switch with sectional view along BB.
Description of Present Disclosure
While the present disclosure 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 present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the
present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling
within the scope of the present disclosure.
5
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 present disclosure.
Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to
understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system,
device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components
but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system or
device or setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or
device proceeded by “comprises a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or
apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present disclosure. The invention in
respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly the present disclosure relates to a modular switch assembly (100) for a
vehicle having a combination of turn signal and hazard function comprising: a housing
body (1), having an open end (1A) and a close end (1B); the open end (1A) of the
housing body (1) is configured with a flasher unit (2); a carrier assembly (3)
configured inside the housing body (1) ;a knob assembly (4) with a knob (5) wherein
one end of the knob assembly (4) secured inside the housing body (1) and other end
having the knob (5) is positioned outside the close end (1B) of the housing body (1); a
torsion spring (6) secured within the knob assembly (4), a return plate (7) having a
first end (7A) and a second end (7B) wherein the second end (7B) is placed over the
knob assembly (4) thereby covering the torsion spring (6) and the knob assembly (4) a
6
return spring (8) mounted over the first end (7A) of the return plate (7), a lock plate
(9) having an opening (9A) wherein the return spring (8) with the return plate (7) is
secured in it and a cover (10) is positioned over the housing (1) forming a compete
modular assembly assembly (100).
In another embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly (100)
having the housing body (1) is insert molded with Terminal A (13), Terminal B (14),
Terminal C (15) and Terminal D (16).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly
having a battery (18) is connected with Terminal A (13) thereby supplying direct
current to the modular switch assembly (100).
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly having
Terminal A (13) which is connected with the flasher unit (2) thereby providing
pulsating input to Terminal B (14) which is used for winking left blinker, right blinker
or both during hazard function.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly
(100) having the carrier assembly (3) comprises a carrier body (11), a moving contact
(12), a spring moving contact(12A) and a steel ball (12B) wherein the moving contact
(12) is movable with the carrier assembly (3) in between Terminal D (16) and
Terminal C (15) thereby making connection in between Terminal D (16) or Terminal
C (15) with Terminal B (14) when the knob assembly is actuated for left turn or right
turn.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly (100)
having the carrier assembly (3) which is having a cavity (12C) in the carrier body (11)
wherein the steel ball (12B) in secured inside the cavity (12C).
7
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly
(100) having the spring moving contact (12A) is positioned between the moving
contact (12) and the steel ball (12B).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly
(100) wherein the steel ball (12B) travels over the V- groove of the return plate to
retain left, right or neutral position.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly the
modular switch assembly (100) wherein the knob assembly (4) is a one single part.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly
(100) wherein the return plate (7) moves with the knob assembly (4) when the when
hazard function is actuated.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly (100)
wherein the torsion spring (6) auto return the knob assembly (4) to neutral position.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly
(100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover (10) has two ribs (23) which is in
contact with the return plate V grooves.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly The
modular switch assembly (100) wherein the cover (10) is locked in the housing body
(1) using snap locks.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure the modular switch assembly
(100) wherein epoxy is filled over flasher unit (2) to seal the modular switch assembly
(100) from water and dust.
The present disclosure deals with integration of hazard and winker module with
winker flasher as well as hazard flasher by the help of electronic circuits in a single
8
integrated switch Body . The present disclosure relates to a mechanism incorporated
inside a modular switch i.e. a combination of two separate functions in an automobile,
a blinker in which either of the two winker blinks while taking a turn and a hazard
function in which both the winker blinks together at the same time along with the
electronics circuit which is used to make the blinker & hazard light blinks thereby
eliminating the relay, making all this mechanism in a single modular switch body.
Figure 1-13 illustrated an integrated modular switch (100) of the present case. Figure
1 and 2 illustrates the exploded view of modular switch in accordance with the present
disclosure. A modular switch assembly (100) comprising: a housing body (1), having
an open end (1A) and a close end (1B); the open end (1A) of the housing body (1) is
configured with a flasher unit (2); a carrier assembly (3) configured inside the housing
body (1) ;a knob assembly (4) with a knob (5) wherein one end of the knob assembly
(4) secured inside the housing body (1) and other end having the knob (5) is positioned
outside the close end (1B) of the housing body (1); a torsion spring (6) secured within
the knob assembly (4), a return plate (7) having a first end (7A) and a second end (7B)
wherein the second end (7B) is placed over the knob assembly (4) thereby covering
the torsion spring (6) and the knob assembly (4) a return spring (8) mounted over the
first end (7A) of the return plate (7), a lock plate (9) having an opening (9A) wherein
the return spring (8) with the return plate (7) is secured in it and a cover (10) is
positioned over the housing (1) forming a compete modular assembly (100).
The modular switch assembly comprises of a housing (1) which is insert molded with
four terminals. The terminals of the modular switch Terminal A ( 13), Terminal B
(14), Terminal C (15) and Terminal D (16) are shown in Figure 4. In the conventional
switches three terminals were present in the cover whereas in the present disclosure
the integrated modular switch comprises of only three terminals in housing and
removing there terminals from a cover thereby reducing cost and assembly time. Since
terminals are removed from cover, insert molding has been eliminated from the cover.
The flasher unit (2) is soldered with a terminal A (13) and a terminal B (14) as shown
9
in Figure 2 (b). The function of flasher unit (2) is to provide pulsating input to lamp
which is used for winking left blinker, right blinker or both during hazard function. In
the modular switch assembly (100) a battery is connected with Terminal A (13)
thereby supplying direct current to the modular switch assembly (100).
Figure 3 shows the exploded view of the carrier assembly (3) which is placed inside
the housing (1) as shown in Figure 2 (b). The carrier assembly (3) comprises a carrier
body (11), a moving contact (12), a spring moving contact (12A) and a steel ball
(12B). The moving contact (12) is movable with the carrier assembly (3) in between
Terminal D (16) and Terminal C (15) thereby making connection in between Terminal
D (16) or Terminal C (15) with Terminal B (14) when the knob assembly (4) is
actuated for left turn or right turn. The carrier assembly (3) is responsible for making
circuit between terminal D (16) and terminal B (14) when a knob assembly (5) is
actuated for a right turn and for making circuit between terminal C (15) and terminal B
(14) when the knob Assembly (5) is actuated for left turn. The carrier assembly (3) is
having a cavity in the carrier body wherein the steel ball in secured inside the cavity
The spring moving contact (12A) is positioned between the moving contact (12) and
the steel ball (12B).
Figure 8 shows the moving contact (12) which is spring loaded with steel ball (12A)
so as to maintain a continuous contact pressure. The steel ball (12B) with detained
profile (V-groove) helps carrier assembly (3) to retain to either left or right or neutral
position. It also gives a feeling to rider for the actuation of the switch
The Knob assembly (4) and a torsion spring (6) as shown in Figure 1, is placed in the
housing (1) as shown in Figure 2 (b). The knob assembly (4) used in the present
disclosure is unique as it is not a combination of two different parts but a single
unit/part. This embodiment of the present disclosure reduces cost and assembly time
10
of manufacturing the integrated modular switch. A single tool is required to
manufacture the single knob unit.
The torsion spring (6) is used in the knob assembly (5) for auto return mechanism. In
the conventional switch, for knob auto return mechanism, a spring loaded steel ball
and a return plate is used. The use of torsion spring (6) eliminates spring, steel and
return plate from the modular switch thereby reducing the cost and number of tools
required to manufacture the modular switch assembly. It is one of the embodiments of
the present application which leads to ease in assembly of the parts.
A return plate (7), a return spring (8) and a lock plate (9) together are placed over
knob assembly (4) as shown in figure 2 (b) and figure 2 (c) . The cover (10) is locked
using snap locks in the housing (1) as shown in figure 2 (d). Finally epoxy is filled
over PCB to provide sealing from water & dust.
Figure 5 illustrates the circuit diagram of the present disclosure which shows the
combination of three different functions i.e. winker switch, hazard switch and flasher
unit for winking turn indicator bulbs of an automobile vehicle, in a single modular
switch. In the present embodiment, the flasher unit is replaced with electronic flasher
(2). A 12V DC voltage battery (18) connects directly to the electronic circuit which
gives a pulsating DC output voltage at a constant frequency to the lamp through
switch. As shown in Figure 5, after getting 12V DC input (18), a IC (U1) will provide
a pulsating DC voltage at a constant frequency through the output port 19 and this port
will feed into the common pin of switch. This common pin will work as an input for
winker switch as well as hazard switch.
With reference to Figure 4 and 5, a 12V DC voltage is supplied from battery to
Terminal A (13) which is further connected to an electronic flasher unit (2). The
electronic flasher unit (2) gives pulsating input to Terminal B (14) which is used for
11
winking either left blinker or right blinker or both simultaneously during hazard
function.
When a user will press the knob towards left then common pin (19) as shown in
Figure 5, will make contact with pin 20, so as a result in blinking of left side front and
rear bulb. When user will press towards right then common pin (19) will make contact
with pin (21) so as a result in blinking of right side front and rear bulb and when user
will pull up the hazard switch then common pin (19) will make contact with both pin
20 and pin 21 results in blinking of both side front and rear bulb. All this three
function is controlled by a common electronic circuit.
Figure 6 and 7 illustrates the working of the integrated modular switch. Figure 6 (a) –
5 (c) and Figure 7 (a) – 6 (c) shows the position of different parts of modular switch
and connection of terminals at neutral, right and left turn position. As shown in Figure
6 (a) and 7 (a), the modular switch is at neutral or no circuit position as there is no
connection between the terminals and the moving contact.
As seen in Figure 6 (b) when knob assembly (4) is actuated to the right suing the knob
(5), it pushes the carrier assembly (3) towards right and the torsion spring (6) comes
into tension which is responsible making the knob assembly (4) auto return to neutral
position. There is connection beweeen the terminal D (16) and terminal B (14) with
the moving contact (12) as shown in Figure 7 (b) which results in blinking of right
side front and rear bulb. Similarly when knob assembly (5) is actuated to the left it
pushes the carrier assembly (6) towards left as shown in Figure 6 (c) and there is
connection between the terminal C (15) and terminal B(14) resulting in blinking of left
side front and rear bulb. To cancel the working of left or right blinker, operator/rider
has to press the knob assembly (5) which will further pushes the carrier assembly(6)
towards neutral position as shown in Figure 9.
12
Figure 10 to 11 illustrates the working of hazard function. In any position either left
right or neutral position, if rider/operator pulls the knob assembly (4), the moving
contact (12) makes circuit between terminal B (14) , terminal C (15) and terminal D
(16) simultaneously, actuating the hazard function i.e. blinking both blinkers (left and
right) simultaneously. Figure 11(a) shows the connection of terminals when there is no
circuit between terminal C (15) and terminal D (16). It shows the modular switch
assembly at neutral position. Figure 11 (b) and 11 (c) shows the circuit of terminals
during hazard functions. It is seen from the figures that there is connection between
terminal B, terminal C and terminal D. Since both the terminals C and D are in contact
with the moving contact, which initiate the hazard function thereby blinking left and
right bulbs simultaneously
Figure 12 and 13 shows the flexible rib design in cover (10) for positioning the knob
assembly (4) in hazard function and also to give a click feeling to rider/operator for
actuation of switch. When knob assembly (5) is pulled to actuate hazard function,
return plate (3) being hinged to knob assembly (5) also moves with knob assembly (5).
The Cover (10) has two ribs (23) extruded which is in contact with the return plate’s
(7) detained profile (V-groove) as shown in Figure 13, which allows to provide knob
assembly (5) to retain to either neutral position or hazard position.
The advantage of the present invention is to reduce to the terminals to three as no
terminals are present in the cover which reduces the assembly time and cost of the
switch. One more advantage of the present disclosure to eliminate the insert moulding
in the cover of the switch. Another advantage of the present disclosure is to increase
the operating life of the switch. Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to
provide a single part knob. One more advantage of the present disclosure is to use a
torsion spring for knob auto return mechanism which provides easy assembly and
reduces cost. Also, number of cost is reduced.
13
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.
14
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
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.

We Claim: -
1. A modular switch assembly (100) for a vehicle having a combination of turn
signal and hazard function comprising:
a housing body (1), having an open end (1A) and a close end (1B); the open
end (1A) of the housing body (1) is configured with a flasher unit (2);
a carrier assembly (3) configured inside the housing body (1) ;
a knob assembly (4) with a knob (5) wherein one end of the knob assembly (4)
secured inside the housing body (1) and other end having the knob (5) is
positioned outside the close end (1B) of the housing body (1);
a torsion spring (6) secured within the knob assembly (4),
a return plate (7) having a first end (7A) and a second end (7B) wherein the
second end (7B) is placed over the knob assembly (4) thereby covering the
torsion spring (6) and the knob assembly (4)
a return spring (8) mounted over the first end (7A) of the return plate (7),
a lock plate (9) having an opening (9A) wherein the return spring (8) with the
return plate (7) is secured in it and a cover (10) is positioned over the housing
(1) forming a compete modular assembly assembly (100).
2. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing
body (1) is insert molded with Terminal A (13), Terminal B (14), Terminal C
(15) and Terminal D (16).
3. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein a battery
(18) is connected with Terminal A (13) thereby supplying direct current to the
modular switch assembly (100).
4. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein Terminal A
(13) is connected with the flasher unit (2) thereby providing pulsating input to
16
Terminal B (14) which is used for winking left blinker, right blinker or both
during hazard function.
5. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the carrier
assembly (3) comprises a carrier body (11),
a moving contact (12),
a spring moving contact(12A) and a steel ball (12B)
wherein the moving contact (12) is movable with the carrier assembly (3) in
between Terminal D (16) and Terminal C (15) thereby making connection in
between Terminal D (16) or Terminal C (15) with Terminal B (14) when the
knob assembly is actuated for left turn or right turn.
6. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the carrier
assembly (3) is having a cavity (12C) in the carrier body (11) wherein the steel
ball (12B) in secured inside the cavity (12C).
7. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spring
moving contact (12A) is positioned between the moving contact (12) and the
steel ball (12B).
8. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the steel
ball (12B) travels over the V- groove of the return plate to retain left, right or
neutral position.
9. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the knob
assembly (4) is a one single part.
17
10. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the return
plate (7) moves with the knob assembly (4) when the when hazard function is
actuated.
11. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the torsion
spring (6) auto return the knob assembly (4) to neutral position.
12. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover
(10) has two ribs (23) which is in contact with the return plate V grooves.
13. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover
(10) is locked in the housing body (1) using snap locks.
14. The modular switch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein epoxy is
filled over flasher unit (2) to seal the modular switch assembly (100) from
water and dust.