FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicles and, more particularly, to a switch device of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a switch device is known to be mounted at the various locations to operate the electric devices such as bulbs, lights etc. The switches are needed at the buildings as well as for the automobiles. The switches are used to actuate the electrically operated components. An electric switch is primarily used to switch on or off the electric components such as headlights, winkers, horn, and starter motor in the automobiles. The electric switch is also used for an ignition of an engine in the automobiles. Thus, the electric switch is used inside as well as outside environment to relay current to electric devices based on the necessity of it.

[0003] In general, electric switch has a button, a first conducting member at the back side of the button and a second conducting member placed at a distal point on an opposite surface of the electric switch and facing exactly opposite to the first conducting member. When the button is pressed, the first conducting member makes a physical contact with the second conducting member. This physical contact between the first conducting member and the second conducting member allows current to flow to the connected electric devices. However, when the electric switch is placed in the outside environment, they usually become vulnerable to a leakage of an electric current because of formation of conducting film, let say of rain water, deposited between the first conducting member and the second conducting member. This leakage would amount to a continuous loss of power even in an off state of the electric switch. Switches are known with the waterproof properties to prevent the leakage of current and loss of power, however, these type of the water sealed switches tend to be difficult to manufacture and also the cost of these switches increases due to the waterproof seal provided over the switches.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect of the present invention a switch device is provided. The switch device includes a switch housing; a switch button movably connected to the switch housing; a movable conducting member disposed on the switch button; and a fixed conducting member disposed within the switch housing. The fixed conducting member and the movable conducting member, when in electrical contact, complete a circuit. The switch device further includes an insulating member positioned within the switch housing. The insulating member is adapted to move through a first position and a second position. In the first position, the insulating member is disposed between the fixed conducting member and the movable conducting member. Further, when the switch button is released, the insulating member is in the first position to disallow electrical contact between the fixed conducting member and the movable conducting member. When the switch button is actuated, the insulating member displaces from the first position to allow electrical contact between the fixed conducting member and the movable conducting member. Accordingly, when the switch button is released, the insulating member is in the first position, the electrical circuit between fixed and movable conducting members remains open, even under the effect of water ingress into the switch housing. Resultantly, any possibility of drainage of battery owing to such undesired closed circuit is precluded by the insulating member, and such positioning thereof.

[0005] In another embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a frame having a handle bar, a battery, a starter motor; and a switch device carried by the handle bar. The switch device includes a switch housing, a switch button provided on the switch housing, a movable conducting member disposed within the switch housing and connected to the switch button, the movable conducting member being in contact with one of the battery and the starter motor, a fixed conducting member disposed within the switch housing, the fixed conducting member being in contact with other of the battery and the starter motor, a first projection member extending from the movable conducting member, and, an insulating member positioned within the switch housing. The first projection member is adapted to move the insulating member through a first position and a second position thereof to selectively get positioned between the fixed conducting member and the movable conducting member to break an electrical circuit between the battery and the starter motor. The insulating member is disposed between the fixed conducting member and the movable conducting member such that when the insulating member is in the first position, electrical contact between the fixed conducting member and the movable conducting member is disallowed. Accordingly, any possibility of loss of power of battery owing to undesired contact of the battery is precluded. [0006] With this vehicle as disclosed in the present invention, the operating parameter of the vehicle are communicated to a rider of the vehicle, through the display device. The plurality of illumination modes of the light source of the display device effectively communicate the operating parameter of the vehicle, and resultantly a need of the rider to take the attention off the road to know the operating conditions of the vehicle is precluded. Further, changes in the operating parameter of the vehicle are also communicated to the rider of the vehicle through changes in the plurality of illumination modes, and accordingly a possibility of the rider remaining unaware of a change in the operating condition of the vehicle is also precluded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0008] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 illustrates an electrical circuit of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00010] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional side view of a switch device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00011] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the switch device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00012] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the switch device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [00013] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the switch device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00014] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the switch device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00015] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the switch device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[00016] Figures 9 illustrates a perspective view of the switch device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00017] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00018] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here 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 the scope of the invention.

[00019] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. 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. [00020] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

[00021] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, switch devices and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term“vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[00022] The terms“front / forward”,“rear / rearward / back / backward”,“up / upper / top”,“down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”,“left / leftward”,“right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[00023] Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a two wheeled vehicle (100) of a conventional construction employing the present invention, the vehicle (100) comprising one or more body parts, such as vehicle body frame (101), a front fork (123), a handle bar (3), a front wheel (4), a seat (5), a switch housing (6), a rear wheel (8), an engine (9), a headlight (7), a brake actuation means (11) such as a brake pedal, a fuel tank (13), an exhaust muffler (30), etc. It may be noted that the two wheeled vehicle (100) is shown to have include above stated parts; however, those ordinarily skilled in the art would appreciate that the two wheeled vehicle (100) includes other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described.

[00024] Figure. 2 shows a power supply circuit (21) which incorporates an electric switch device (25), also referred to as“switch device (25),” for the vehicle (100), according to the present invention. The power supply circuit (21) comprises a battery (22), a key switch (24) operable by the vehicle ignition key (not illustrated), the electric switch device (25) operable manually, a starter relay (28) and a starter motor (30). As shown in Figure 2 all these components i.e., the components of the power supply circuit (21), are connected in series by a supply line (20). When the key switch (24) is turned ON and the electric switch device (25) is manually switched ON, the stored electric energy of battery (22) is supplied to the started motor (30) via the starter relay (28) by means of the supply line (20).

[00025] Figure 3 illustrates the switch device (25), disposed on the switch housing (6). In an embodiment, the switch housing (6) is composed of plastic material and is carried by the handle bar (3). In alternative embodiments, the switch housing (6) is composed of any other durable material and is provided on another location on the vehicle (100), which is accessible to a rider of the vehicle (100). As shown in Figure. 4, Figure. 5, and Figure. 6, the switch device (25) includes a movable conducting member (50a), a fixed conducting member (50b), a switch button (10), an insulating member (60), a fixed member bracket (18), a switch button bracket (15), and a guide pin (62). In an embodiment, each of the movable conducting member (50a), the fixed conducting member (50b), the insulating member (60), the fixed member bracket (18), the switch button bracket (15), and the guide pin (62) are housed within the switch housing (6), while the switch button (10) is movably connected to the switch housing (6). Owing to movable connection with the switch housing (6), the switch button (10) is allowed to move with respect to the switch housing (6). In particular, when operated, i.e., when the rider actuates the switch button (10), the switch button (10) moves with respect to the switch housing (6). Such actuation of the switch button (10) may be between a first position and a second position thereof. In an example, the first position of the switch button (10) may be deemed to be a position when the switch button (10) is turned ON, whereas the second position of the switch button (10) may be deemed to be a position when the switch button (10) is turned OFF. In an embodiment, the switch button (10) is retractable button, such as a push type button. In alternative embodiments, the switch button (10) may be non-retractable button, such as a rotary type knob, a toggle type or any other type of button.

[00026] As shown in Figure. 6, the switch button (10) comprises of an outer surface (lOa) and an inner surface (lOb). In an embodiment, the inner surface (lOa) of the switch button (10) is positioned within the switch housing (6), whereas the outer surface (lOb) extends out of the switch housing (6). The outer surface (lOb) is for a user, for example a rider, to place his finger / thumb to operate the switch device (25). The movable conducting member (50a) is disposed on the switch button (10). In the disclosed embodiment, the movable conducting member (50a) is disposed on the inner surface (lOa) of the switch button (10). The switch button (10) further includes a first projection (11) and a second projection (12). In an embodiment, each of the first projection (11) and the second projection (12) are made integral part of the switch button (10). In alternative embodiments, the first projection (11) and the second projection (12) may be removably connected to the switch button (10). In particular, each of the first projection (11), also referred to as the first projection member (11), and the second projection (12), also referred to as the second projection member (11), are connected to the inner surface (lOa) of the switch button (10). Resultantly, each of the first projection (11) and the second projection (12) move with movement of the switch button (10). As such the first projection (11) and the second projection (12) move to their respective first positions and second positions, when the switch button (10) is actuated to the first position and the second position thereof.

[00027] As shown in Figure. 7, the first projection (11) is formed in a shape of wedge containing a slant surface or an inclined surface (l la). Further the second projection (12) of the switch button (10) is pivotably connected to the switch button bracket (15) by means of a pin (16) under the force of a retractable member (17). In an embodiment, the retractable member (17) is a torsion spring. The switch button (10) is pivotably movable about the pin (16) while pressed manually. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, illustrated in Figure. 8 and Figure. 9, the retractable member (17) is coiled helical spring. In such an embodiment, the retractable member (17) is disposed on the switch button (10). In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the retractable member (17) may be any elastic member, such as rubber (not illustrated). The retractable member (17) is engaged with the switch button (10), such that a force of the retractable member (17) is against movement of the switch button (10) through the first position and the second position. In an embodiment, when the switch button (10) is being actuated, i.e., when the switch button (10) is being moved to the second position, the force of the retractable member (17) opposes such movement. Further, when manual pressure on the switch button (10) is released, the force of the retractable member (17) cause the switch button (10) to retract to the first position.

[00028] The movable conducting member (50a) is disposed on the switch button (10). Specifically, the movable conducting member (50a) is disposed on the second projection (12) of the switch button (10). In an embodiment, the movable conducting member (50a) is insert molded on the second projection (12). In alternative examples, the movable conducting member (50a) may be removably connected to the second projection (12). As illustrated in Figure 3, the fixed member bracket (18) is fixed to the electric switch housing (6) by some fastening means (not numbered). In an embodiment, the movable conducting member (50a) is electrically connected to one of the battery (22) and the starter motor (30). For example, the movable conducting member (50a) is electrically connected to the battery (22).

[00029] Further, the fixed conducting member (50b) is disposed on the fixed member bracket (18). The fixed conducting member (50b) is electrically connected to other of the battery (22) and the starter motor (30). For example, fixed conducting member (50b) is electrically connected to the starter motor (30). As illustrated in Figure. 4, the fixed conducting member (50b) is disposed on the fixed member bracket (18) in such a way that a contact surface (not numbered) of the fixed conducting member (50b) in front of a contact surface (not numbered) of the movable conducting member (50a). Both the fixed and movable conducting members (50a & 50b) are made of conducting material.

[00030] When the switch button (10) is actuated, i.e., pressed manually, the movable conducting member (50a) attached to the switch button (10) is also pressed. The movable conducting member (50a) moves from its first position to second position, i.e., towards the fixed conducting member (50b) and makes contact with the fixed conducting member (50b). When the electrical contact is made between the fixed and movable conducting member (50a, 50b), a closed electrical circuit is formed thereby allowing the current to flow from the movable conducting member (50a) to the fixed conducting member (50b) and hence supplying the electric energy from the battery (22) to the starter motor (30).

[00031] In an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in Figure. 3 through Figure. 9, the insulating member (60) is positioned within the switch housing (6). In an embodiment, the insulating member (60) is movably mounted on the fixed member bracket (18). The insulating member (60) is adapted to move through a first position Pl (shown in Figure. 3) and a second position P2 (shown in Figure. 3). In an embodiment, the insulating member (60) is adapted to slidably move through the first position Pl and the second position P2, thereof. In another embodiment, the insulating member (60) is adapted to rotatably move through the first position Pl and the second position P2, thereof. In yet embodiment, the insulating member (60) is adapted to angularly move through the first position Pl and the second position P2, thereof.

[00032] Particularly, the insulating member (60) in the first position Pl, is positioned between the movable conducting member (50a) and the fixed conducting member (50b). Likewise, the insulating member (60), in the second position P2, is positioned distant from the position between the movable conducting member (50a) and the fixed conducting member (50b). Accordingly, the insulating member (60), in the first position Pl, being positioned between the movable conducting member (50a) and the fixed conducting member (50b) breaks the electrical circuit therebetween. On the other hand, the insulating member (60), in the second position P2, being positioned distant from the position between the movable conducting member (50a) and the fixed conducting member (50b), allows electrical contact between the fixed conducting member (50a) and the movable conducting member (50b).

[00033] The insulating member (60) includes a circular guide surface (60b), an arm (60a) extending from the circular guide surface (60b), and a guide pin (62). In an embodiment, the arm (60a) is integral to the circular guide surface (60b). The guide pin (62) is connected to circular guide surface (60b). Further, the guide pin (62) is movable with respect to the circular guide surface (60b). Owing to integral connection of the arm (60a) and the circular guide surface (60b), the arm (60a) is movable with respect to the circular guide surface (60b). The movement of the arm (60a) may be slidable, rotatable, or angular, with respect to the guide pin (62).

[00034] In an embodiment, the circular guide surface (60b) is adapted to guide over the guide pin (62) in a vertical direction. In an embodiment, the guide pin (62) extends in the vertically upward direction from the base of the switch housing (6). In an embodiment of the present invention, the guide pin (62) is fixed to the surface of the switch housing (6) where the switch button (10) is fixed.

[00035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the guide pin (62) is fixed to one of the side surfaces of the switch housing (6) which is adjacent to the surface of the switch housing (6) where the switch button (10) is fixed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the insulating member (60) is adapted to slide over the guide pin (62) in a direction parallel to the axis of the guide pin (62).

[00036] When the switch button (10) is not pressed, i.e., when the switch button (10) is free from any pressure applied by a user, the arm (60a) of the insulating member (60), remains in the first position Pl, i.e., the arm (60a) is positioned between the fixed and movable conducting members (50a, 50b). Therefore, in the first position Pl, the fixed and movable conducting members (50a, 50b) are separated by the insulating member (60), and the electric circuit is in open state as desired. By positioning the insulating member (60) in between the fixed and movable conducting members (50a, 50b) in open state of the electrical circuit, the conducting members (50a, 50b) are forced to remain out of contact. Accordingly, when the switch button (10) is released, the insulating member (60) is in the first position Pl, the electrical circuit between fixed and movable conducting members (50a, 50b) remains open, even under the effect of water ingress into the switch housing (6). A possibility of drainage of battery (22) owing to such undesired closed circuit is precluded by the insulating member (60), and such positioning thereof.

[00037] Further, when the switch button (10) is pressed or actuated, for example, when a user applies pressure on the switch button (10), the movable conducting member (50a) moves towards the fixed conducting member (50b). At the same time, the first projection (11) moves towards the insulating member (60) and the inclined surface (l la) of the first projection (11) comes in contact with the arm (60a) of the insulating member (60). As the first projection (11) moves further, the inclined surface of the first projection (11) lifts the arm (60a) of the insulating member (60), i.e. the insulating member (60) is displaced from the first position Pl to another position such as the second position P2. The arm (60a) moves upwards and the circular guide surface (60b) slides over the guide pin (62). Hence when the switch button (10) is pressed to close the electrical circuit, the insulating member (60) moves upwards to allow the contact between the fixed and movable conducting members (50a, 50b).

[00038] In an embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 5, the insulating member (60) is pivotably connected to the guide pin (62) by an insulating member pin (65). The insulating member (60) is adapted to have angular motion about the insulating member pin (65). When the switch button (10) is pressed the movable conducting member (50a) moves towards the fixed conducting member (50b), the first projection (11) also moves towards the insulating member (60) and the inclined surface of the first projection (11) touches the arm (60a) of the insulating member (60). As the first projection (11) moves further, the inclined surface of the first projection (11) uplifts the arm (60a) of the insulating member (60). The arm (60a) rotates upwards about the insulating member pin (65). Hence when the switch button (10) is pressed to close the electrical circuit, the insulating member (60) rotates upwards to allow the contact between the fixed and movable conducting members (50a, 50b).

[00039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the arm (60a) of the insulating member (60) is adapted to rotate in downwards direction when the switch button (10) is pressed. When the switch button (10) is not pressed the arm of the insulating member (60) moves back to its original position, i.e., in between the movable and fixed conducting members (50a, 50b) under the effect of a retractable member.

[00040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the arm (60a) of the insulating member (60) is adapted to be in between the movable and fixed conducting members (50a, 50b) in vertical configuration when the switch button (10) is not pressed. The arm (60a) of the insulating member (60) is adapted to rotate leftwards or rightwards from its vertical configuration when the switch button (10) is pressed.

[00041] In light of the foregoing, the switch device (25) of the present invention ensures that there is no loss of power of battery (22) owing to undesired contact of the battery (22) and the starter motor (30). More specifically, the insulating member (60) is disposed between the fixed conducting member (50b) and the movable conducting member (50a), such that when the insulating member (60) is in the first position (Pl), electrical contact between the fixed conducting member (50b) and the movable conducting member (50a) is disallowed. Accordingly, any possibility of loss of power of battery (22) owing to undesired contact of the battery (22) is precluded. Further, when the insulating member (60) is displaced from the first position (Pl), i.e., moved to the second position (P2), electrical contact between the fixed conducting member (50b) and the movable conducting member (50a) is allowed. [00042] Furthermore, the insulating member (60) is positioned with respect to the first projection member (11) extending from the switch button (10). Because of such relative portion of the insulating member (60) and the first projection member (11), when the switch button (10) is actuated, i.e., when the first projection member (11), the movement of the inclined surface (l la) of the first projection member (11) moves the arm (60a) of the insulating member (60) through the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2) thereof. Accordingly, when it is desired to make electrical contact between the fixed conducting member (50b) and the movable conducting member (50a), for example, while starting the vehicle (100), the switch button (10) is actuated. However, when it is desired that the electrical contact between the fixed conducting member (50b) and the movable conducting member (50a) ceases to exist, the switch button (10) is released.

[00043] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[00044] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, 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 invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention 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 invention and not as a limitation.