CONTACTLESS SWITCfflNG SYSTEM

Field of invention The present invention relates to a contact less switching system, particularly, the present invention relates to a contact less electronic switching system.

Background of the Invention

Motor cycle come with a variety of electrical systems such as head light, passing beam, dipper, blinker, horn, self start etc. in all the above mentioned electrical systems, electrical power derived from the battery is supplied to the appropriate appliances via a switch. Currently, each of the electrical appliances is connected in series to the battery via a separate switch. Usually one or more switches are placed on the handle bar of the motor cycle for easy access to operation. Preferably, the switches are grouped to form a right hand switching module and a left hand switching module.

Generally the right hand switching module houses switches which perform following functions:

Lighting control To switch on the tail light, parking bulb and head lamps by connecting these appliances to the power source.

Engine start

To switch on the supply between battery and starter motor.

Engine kill or Engine running cut off To switch off the engine while running.

The left hand switching module houses switches which perform the following functions: Passing beam To switch on and off the supply momentarily between low beam and Hi beam Dipper

To toggle the switch mode from Hi beam to Low beam. It is in series with headlight switch on RH.

Blinker or Turn indicator

To switch on and off the battery supply to left blinker and right blinker.

Horn

To switch on and off battery supply and horn.

As mentioned above, each of the switches thus incorporated in the switching module is operated through mechanical movements of the components which actuate the moving contact to make or break contact with a fixed contact. The construction of the existing switching module does not have any provisions to control entry of water. Therefore, during washing of the motor cycle or during rain, water can seep into the switch and get stored at the contacting position. Due to the seeping of water to the contacting position/point, the contact gets corroded, which result in malfunctioning of the switch.

Similarly, in the construction of the existing switching module does not have any provision to control entry of dust particles. Therefore, during the life of the switching . module, substantial amount of dust gets collected near/at the contacting point. Due to the above, carbon deposits are formed at the contact points, which results in the reduction in the life and reliability of the switch.

In addition to the above, due to the normal wear and tear of the contact points, the life and the reliability of the switch are affected.

Thus, there is a need to provide an improved switching system which overcomes at least one of the problems mentioned above and increases the total operation cycle (life) of the switching system.

Objects of the invention:

The main object of the present invention is to provide a contact less switching system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved switching system having increased total operation cycle (life) of the switching system.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide contact less electronic switching system for use in motorcycle.

Summary of the invention:

Present invention overcomes existing problems with the switches used in the motor cycles (two wheelers) and increases the total operation cycles of the product by providing a contact less electronic switching system.

Description of the present invention:

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a contact-less switching system comprising: at least two switch elements, at least one of the said two switch elements being provided with a hall-effect sensor unit for producing a first signal indicative of

"ON-State" or a second signal indicative of "OFF-state"; a micro-controller configured to receive an input from the said at least two switch elements and being configured generate at least two signals for controlling operation of at least two accessories connected thereto; characterized in that: the said at least two switch elements comprises at least one first switch element and at least one second switch element and wherein the said first switch element is different from the said second switch element.

In another embodiment of the present invention if the number of switch elements is 'n'; said contact less switching system comprises 'm' number .of first switch elements, 'a' number of second switch elements and optionally 'n-(m+a)' number of x switch elements; wherein value of 'n' is greater than 2; value of 'm is greater than 0 but less than n; value of 'a' is greater than 0 but less than 'n-m'; value of 'x' is greater than 0 but lesser than n-(m+a).

In still another embodiment of the present invention the switch element comprises a fixed support element and a movable element traversable from a first position corresponding to an "OFF- State" to at least one another position that corresponds to an "ON-State".

In yet another embodiment of the present invention one of the at least two switch elements is a contact-type switch elements.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the hall-effect sensor unit comprises at least one first member for producing a magnetic field and at least one second member sensing the magnetic field and producing a corresponding electrical signal. In further more embodiment of the present invention wherein the first member of the Hall Effect sensor unit is mounted on the movable element and the second member of the Hall Effect sensor unit is mounted on the fixed support element or vice-versa.

In another embodiment of the present invention the switch elements are selected from a group comprising toggle switch, push-button type switch, selector switch, joystick switch, rotary switch, three-state switch.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the micro-controller is connected to the accessories through a driving circuit.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the first member of the Hall Effect sensor unit is a magnet and the second member of the Hall Effect sensor unit is a Hall Effect sensor mounted on a printed circuit board.

In one more embodiment of the present invention the flux linkage between the first member and second member of the Hall Effect sensor unit in one position is substantially larger than the flux linkage in the other position.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the microprocessor is configured to provide more than one functioning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherever possible like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where: Figures 1 (a) and l(b) illustrate the construction of a conventional contact switch.

Figure 2 illustrates the construction of the conventional left hand bar switch assembly.

Figure 3 construction of the conventional right hand bar switch assembly.

Figure 4 illustrates the circuit configuration of the contact less module of the present invention. Figure 5 (a) and (b) illustrate basic switching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c) illustrate the contact-less mechanism for left hand handle bar switch assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 7(a) and 7(b) illustrate the contact-less mechanism for right hand handle bar switch assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 8 is an exemplary illustration of contact- less mechanism for horn function.

Figure 9(a), 9(b) and 9(c) is an exemplary illustration of the construction of the contact- less switch for light function.

Figure 10 is an exemplary illustration of the contact-less mechanism for blinker module.

Figure 11 illustrates a detailed circuit diagram corresponding to the DC supply according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 illustrates a detailed circuit diagram corresponding to the AC supply according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The drawings have been created to enable a person skilled in the art to understand the invention. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and one or more parts of the article which is being illustrated may have been amplified to a large extent as compared to'other parts for the purpose of enhance understanding of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS:

Various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for better understanding of the invention in the following paragraphs.

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations

of various components of the contact-less switching system which enables to increase the operating life cycle of the entire contact-less switching system.

Accordingly, the components of the contact-less switching system have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, 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 system or a machine that comprises a list of parts does not include only those parts but may include other parts or components not expressly listed or inherent to such machine or system. An element proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the system or the machine.

In figure 1 (a) and (b), the construction of a conventional contact switch (10) is shown in the OFF state and in the ON state respectively. The switch (10) comprises a fixed support element (11) and a movable element (12) traversable from a first position corresponding to an OFF state to at least a second position that corresponds to an ON . state. Each of the fixed support element and the movable element are provided with contacts (13) which come in contact with each other in the ON state(s) and which essentially do not contact each other in the OFF state.

In figure 2 construction of the conventional left hand bar switch assembly (20) incorporating contact type switches is shown. The left hand bar switch assembly incorporates a push button type switch which provides the function of "PASS" (21), a toggle type switch which provides "DIPPER" ^' function (22), a push button type switch which provides "HORN" function (24) and a switch which provides "BLINKER" function (23).

In figure 3 construction of the conventional right hand bar switch assembly (30) incorporating contact type switches is shown. The right hand bar switch assembly incorporates a push button type switch which provides the function of "ENGINE

START" (31), a push button type switch which provides "ENGINE KILL" function (33) and a switch which provides "HEAD LIGHT AND PARKING LIGHT CONTROL" function (32).

Although the functions mentioned above would be well known to a person skilled in the art, still short brief description about the functions is provided below:

1. HEAD LIGHT AND PARKING LIGHT CONTROL: To switch on the tail light, parking bulb and head lamps by connecting these appliances to the power source.

2. Engine start: To switch on the supply between battery and starter motor.

3. Engine kill or Engine running cut off: To switch off the engine while running.

4. Passing beam: To switch on and off the supply between low beam and Hi beam

5. Dipper: To toggle the switch mode from Hi beam to Lo beam . 6. Blinker or Turn indicator: To switch on and off the battery supply to left blinker and right blinker. 7. Horn: To switch on and off battery supply and horn.

The simplified block diagram of the contact-less switching system of the present invention is shown in Figure 4. As shown in figure 4, the contact-less switching system (40) of the present invention comprises at least one first switch element (41) and at least one second switch element (42) connected to a micro-controller (44). Both the first switch element and the second switch element produce a first signal indicative of an ON-state or a second signal indicative of an OFF-state. Out of the first and the second switch element, at least one switch element is provided with a hall-effect sensor unit (43). The switches are arranged such that the output of the first switch element controls operation of a first accessory (45) and the output of the second switch element controls the operation of a second accessory (46). More particularly, based on the output received from the first switch element (41), the micro-controller (44) produces a first output signal for controlling the operation of the first accessory (45) and similarly, based on the output received from the second switch element (42), the micro-controller (44) produces a second output signal for controlling the operation of the second accessory (46).

Although in figure 4, the first switch element (41) is shown to comprise of the hall- effect sensor unit (43), in practice, the second switch element may be provided with the hall-effect sensor unit (43). The hall-effect sensor (43) comprises a magnet (48) for producing magnetic field and a hall-effect transducer (49) for sensing the magnetic field and producing a corresponding electrical signal. The magnet is located such that it is movable from a first position to a second position, wherein in one of the positions, the flux linkage between the magnet and the hall-effect transducer is substantially greater than the flux linkage in the other position. Alternatively, the hall-effect transducer can be made movable with respect to the magnet.

The output of the micro-controller is provided to the accessory, which in the present situation is either an electrical or an electronic or an electro-mechanical appliance of the motor cycle through a driving circuit (47).

The driving circuit (47) is used for the purpose of modifying the output of the microcontroller so as to make it suitable for driving the accessory. By way of example, the voltage and/or the current of the micro-controller's output may not be sufficient to the drive the appliance. Under such circumstance, the voltage and/or current level of the output of the micro-controller is either amplified or reduced to suit the end use.

In figure 5 (a) and (b), the construction of toggle type contact-less switch element (50) in accordance with a first embodiment is shown in the OFF state and in the ON state respectively. It can be noticed from figures 5 (a) and (b) that the switch element (50) comprises a fixed support element (51) and a movable element (52) traversable from a first position corresponding to an OFF state to at least second position that corresponds to an ON state. For the sake of simplicity of understanding, the external construction of the contact-less switch element (50) is shown to be substantially identical to that of the conventional contact switch (10) which is shown in Figure 1. The differences between the internal construction of the conventional switch (10) shown in figure 1 and the contact-less switch element shown in figures 5 (a) and (b) is that the contact-less switch uses a magnet (48), which is mounted on to the movable element (52) and a hall-effect transducer (49) which is mounted on to the fixed support element (51) for generating the signals indicative of the OFF state / the ON state.

In the present invention, the construction of at least one of the hand bar switch assemblies has been modified so as to include at least one contact-less switch (or in other words, a switch which is provided with a hall-effect sensor unit). Particularly, the construction of each of the hand bar switch assemblies has been modified so as to include at least one contact-less switch therein and more particularly, construction of each of the hand bar switch assemblies has been modified so as to replace substantially all the contact-based switches by contact-less switches.

In figure 6 (a) overall pictorial view of the left hand bar switch assembly (60) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention incorporating contact-less type switches is shown. As shown in figure 6 (b), which is a sectioned view, the left hand bar switch assembly incorporates a push button type switch providing the function of "PASS" (61), a toggle type switch providing the function of "DIPPER" (62), a switch providing the function of "BLINKER" (63) and a push button type switch providing the function of "HORN" (64). Figure 6 (c) is perspective view of the sectioned left hand bar switch assembly.

In figure 7 (a) overall construction of the right hand bar switch assembly (70) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention incorporating contact-less switches is shown. As shown in figure 7 (b), which is a sectioned view, the right hand bar switch assembly incorporates a push button type switch providing the function of "ELECTRONIC START" (71), a switch which provides "HEAD LIGHT AND . PARKING LIGHT CONTROL" function (72), and a push button type switch which provides "ENGINE STOP" function (73). Figure 7 (c) is a sectioned view of the right hand bar switch assembly.

The construction of the hand bar switch assemblies shown in figures 6 and 7 are merely shown by way of example. The hand bar switch assemblies are available in different constructions. The differences in the construction of the hand bar switch assemblies include differences in the special distribution of the switches, the differences in the number of switches provided on each of the hand bar switch assembly and differences in the type of switches which is disposed on a particular hand bar switch assembly.

Detailed construction of some of the specific switches contained in the hand bar switch assembly is described in the following paragraphs by way of example.

In figure 8 the construction of the contact-less push button type switch which can be mounted onto the left hand bar switch assembly for providing the HORN functioning is illustrated. However, it should be understood that the push button type switch shown in Figure 8 can be used for providing functioning other than that of HORN function. By way of example, the push button type switch shown in Figure 8 can be used for providing PASS function, ELECTRONIC START function or ENGINE STOP function. Figure 8 (a) represents the sectioned view of the contact-less push button type switch in a knob un-pressed (non-actuated) condition and figure 8 (b) represents the sectioned view of the contact-less push button type switch in a knob-pressed (actuated) condition.

With reference to Figures 8 (a) and (b), it can be noticed that the contact-less push button type switch (80) comprises a knob element (81) which ^' can be actuated by a finger. The knob element is mounted so as to rotate around a pivot (82). An inner portion of the knob element (81) is provided with a magnet (83). A fixed support element (not shown) is mounted with a hall-effect transducer (84). In the non-actuated condition the distance between the magnet and the hall-effect transducer is Xl while in the actuated condition, the distance between the magnet and the hall-effect transducer is X2, wherein Xl is substantially greater than X2. The knob element is provided with a spring (not shown) such that once the actuating force is released, the knob element comes back to its original state i.e. to its non-actuated state.

In figure 9 the construction of the contact-less switch which can be mounted onto the right hand bar switch assembly for providing the HEAD LIGHT AND PARKING LIGHT CONTROL functioning is illustrated. However, it should be understood that the switch shown in Figure 9 can be used for providing functioning other than that of HEAD LIGHT AND PARKING LIGHT CONTROL function. By way of example, the switch shown in Figure 9 can be modified suitably for providing BLINKER function. Figure 9 (a) represents the sectioned view of the switch in a first position which represents an OFF state, figure 9 (b) represents the sectioned view of the switch in a

second position which represents an ON state for a firsf function (more particularly for PARKING LIGHT ON state) and figure 9 (c) represents the sectioned view of the switch in a third position which represents an ON state for a second function (more particularly for HEAD LIGHT ON state). The switch shown in Figure 9 is of slidable type meaning thereby that to traverse from the first position to the second position and/or from the first position to the third position and/or from the second position to the third position or vice versa, the user must slide an actuating knob.

The contact less slidable switch (90) shown in figure 9 comprises one magnet (91) located at a bottom portion of a button element (92) and two Hall Effect sensors (93 and 94). The two Hall Effect sensors are mounted on a PCB (95). The button element is movable between a first position (an extreme right position corresponding to a lighting

OFF state shown in Figure 9 (a)), a second position (a central position corresponding to a PARKING LIGHT ON state shown in Figure 9 (b)) and a third position (an extreme left position corresponding to a LIGHT ON state shown in Figure 9 (c)). The location of the two Hall Effect sensors with respect to the magnet is such that:

(a) in the first position, the magnet is "off line" with both the first Hall Effect sensor and the second Hall Effect sensor;

(b) in the second position, the magnet comes "in line" with a first Hall Effect sensor; and

(c) in the third position, the magnet comes "in line" with a second Hall Effect sensor.

In figure 10 the construction of the contact-less switch which can be mounted onto the left hand bar switch assembly for providing the BLINKER functioning is illustrated. However, it should be understood that the switch shown in Figure 10 can be used for providing functioning other than that of BLINKER function. By way of example, the switch shown in Figure 10 can be modified suitably for providing HEAD LIGHT AND PARKING LIGHT CONTROL function. Figure 10 (a) represents the sectioned view of the switch in a first position which represents an OFF state, figure 10 (b) represents the sectioned view of the switch in a second position which represents LEFT BLINKER ON state and figure 10 (c) represents the sectioned view of the switch in a third position which represents RIGHT BLINKER ON state. The switch shown in Figure 10 is of

pivotable type meaning thereby that to traverse from the first position to the second position and/or from the first position to the third position and/or from the second position to the third position or vice versa, the user must impart angular force to the actuating knob.

As shown in figure 10, the contact less switch (100) used for providing the blinker and turn indicator functioning comprises one magnet (101) located at a bottom portion of a button element (102) and two Hall Effect sensors (103 and 104). The two Hall Effect sensors (103 and 104) are mounted on a PCB (105). The button element mounted on a pivot (106) is movable between a first position (a central position corresponding to a blinker and turn indicator OFF state shown in figure 10 (a)), a second position (a right position corresponding to a RIGHT turn indicator state shown in figure 10 (b)) and a third position (a left position corresponding to a LEFT turn indicator state shown in figure 10 (c)). The location of the two Hall Effect sensors with respect to the magnet is such that:

(a) in the second position, the magnet comes "in line" with a first Hall Effect sensor;

(b) in the third position, the magnet comes "in line" with a second Hall Effect sensor; and (c) in the first position, the magnet is "off line" with both the first Hall Effect sensor and the second Hall Effect sensor.

The contact less switch that provides the blinker and turn indicator (i.e. switch 100) is somewhat similar to the contact less switch that provides the lighting function (i.e. switch 90) in that both of them comprise two Hall Effect sensor and one magnet. However, their internal construction, and the interconnection are substantially different. However, it is still possible that without changing the internal construction and merely by changing the electrical connections, it is possible to operate the contact less switch that provides the blinker and turn indicator as a switch which provides the lighting function.

Figure 11 illustrates the detailed circuit diagram depicting various interconnections between the switches, micro-controller and different accessories when the DC supply is

used to energize circuit. The circuit shown in Figure 11 can be suitable modified for the AC supply as shown in figure 12 which depicts the interconnections between the switches, micro-controller and different accessories with AC supply.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the contact less switching system comprises more than one switch elements and a micro-controller. At least one switch element is contact less switch element having a Hall-Effect senor unit. Whereas, other switch elements can be contact type or contact less type (may or may not comprise Hall-Effect sensor unit). The Hall-Effect sensor unit is configured to produce at least one signal indicative of at least one "ON-State" and another signal indicative of an "OFF-State". Similarly, the other switch elements are configured to produce at least one signal indicative of at least one "ON-State" and another signal indicative of an "OFF-State". The input of the micro-controller is connected to the switch elements and the output of the micro-controller is connected to accessories. The micro-controller receives input signals from the at least two switch elements and generates at least two signals to control the operation of at least two accessories. As can be noticed the microcontroller is configured to process at least two signals to control at least two accessories at a time. In other words the micro-controller is shared by at least two switch elements and at least two accessories.

The switch elements comprising at least one first switch elements and at least one second switch elements, wherein said first switch element is different from the said second switch element. The switch elements can be different in construction, function, mode of actuation or principle of working. By way of example, the first switch may be a contact less switch and the second switch can be a contact based switch. In another example, the first switch can be a push button type contact-less switch and the second switch can be a toggle type contact-less switch. In yet another example, the first switch can be a push button type contact-less switch for providing HORN function and the second switch can be a push button type contact-less switch for providing PASS function.

If we consider the total number of switches as two, then under the circumstance, the system would comprise of a first switch element and a second switch element. If the

total number of switches present in the system is three, then the system can comprise of:

(a) 1 first switch element and 2 second switch elements;

(b) 2 first switch elements and 1 second switch element; and (c) 1 first switch element, 1 second switch element and 1 third switch element.

If we consider the total number of switches present in the system as four, then the system can comprise of:

(a) 1 first switch and 3 second switch elements; (b) 1 second switch and 3 first switch elements;

(c) 2 first switch elements and 2 second switch elements;

(d) 1 first switch element, 1 second switch element and 2 third switch elements;

(e) 1 first switch element, 2 second switch elements and 1 third switch element;

(f) 2 first switch elements, 1 second switch element and 1 third switch element; and (g) 1 first switch element, 1 second switch element, 1 third switch element and 1 fourth switch element.

Similarly, if we represent the total number of switches provided in the system of the present invention by 'n', the number of first switch elements is represented by 'm', the number of second switch elements is represented by 'a' and the number of other switch elements (which may or may not different from first switch elements and second switch elements) is represented by 'x' then the values of 'n', 'm', 'a' and 'x' is given as:

• the value of ^ς n' is greater than or equal to 2 (i.e. 'n' > 2);

• the value of 'm' is greater than 0 but lesser than n (i.e. 'n' > 'm' > 0); • the value of a is greater than 0 but lesser that 'n-m' (i.e. 'n-m' > a > 0 );

• x is greater than or equal to 0 but lesser than or equal to 'n- (m +a)' (i.e 'n- (m +a)' ≥ x > 0).

The switch elements can be selected from a group comprising but not limited to two positions switch, three positions switch, slidable switch, toggle switch, rotary switch, joy stick switch etc. which can be either contact type or contact-less type.

Following are some of the design considerations taken in contact less switching system:

a) High reliability up to 1 million operations b) No contact wear and tear c) No Contact arching d) Small in size

Advantages of the present invention: a) Increase of product reliability of vehicle from 2 years to 5 years minimum. b) Switch operations are smooth and easy to use. c) More features in vehicle due to use of electronics features d) Vehicle safety due to better controls e) Comfortable in use.

The foregoing detailed description has described only a few of the many possible implementations of the present invention. Thus, the detailed description is given only by way of illustration and nothing contained in this section should be construed to limit the scope of the invention. The claims are limited only by the following claims, including the equivalents thereof.