[001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a switch assembly for a vehicle that is capable to be operated in multiple directions to make electrical connections for functioning of multiple equipements in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[002] The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present disclosure.

[003] Switch assemblies for functioning the equipments in the vehicle are well known in the art. With the advent of semiconductor technology, electronic products are becoming smaller and lighter, and automotive products are the most reflecting this trend. Most of the products were large and heavy, thus these were unsuitable to fit in the small space in the vehicle. Nowadays, the products are smaller and lighter enough to fit in the space -constrained areas. This is possible because each component of product is integrated and miniaturized, and light weight material is used. For example, the switch module for operating switch elements is also miniaturized.

[004] Typically, the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of switches for functioning of different equiepments in the vehicle. The plurality of switches are secured by a plurality of housings separately which acquire large space in the vehicle. Also, these switch elements require separate wirring harness for electrical connections from the storage battery of the vehicle. To resolve such isuues, the existing switches have been modified to provide a multidirectional tact switches for performing different functions.

[005] The existing multidirectional tact switch is largely composed of a knob and a switch body. The switch body includes a case and a cover covering the upper portion of the case and supports the knob at the center thereof. Further, four fastening protrusions are formed on the upper part of the case to fix the cover to the case. The inner bottom of the case has fixed contacts at the front, rear, right and left sides, and a small cylindrical fastening protrusion formed at the outer edge of the case. In the upper portion of the fixed contact, a dome-shaped movable contact is configured for each fixed contact separately. A cross shaped piece extends in four directions at a lower portion of the knob, and a pressing protrusion is formed at the bottom of each piece. In addition, a pressing protrusion having a shape similar to that of the pressing protrusion is formed directly under the knob. When the knob is operated in five directions, the corresponding fixed contact can be turned on, thereby serving as a multidirectional tact switch.

[006] With the usage of the switch from a long time, there may be chances of track formation during continuous operation of the switch, as the dome shaped movable contact will be in direct contact with the fixed contact. This type of direct connection/butting between the contacts may also generate heat resulting in failure of the switch. This reduces the life cycle of the switch and further increases the chances of the electrical failures and conventional switch is not suitable for low amp switch.

[007] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[008] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the system/assembly as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the system/assembly/method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[009] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The switch assembly comprises a housing, a first knob, a plurality of plunger, a first movable contact and a plurality of first fixed contact. The housing is defined with a plurality of galleries positioned around center axis at periphery of the housing. Each gallery of the plurality of galleries is opened at both ends and extended between a top end and a bottom end of the housing. A main gallery is positioned coaxially to the housing and is defined with an opened top end and an opened bottom end. A groove is formed radially at a first side internal wall of the main gallery. The first knob is positioned coaxially to the housing at the top end. The first knob comprises a plurality of extended portions extending radially to be positioned above the plurality of the galleries. The plurality of plungers movably is secured within the plurality of galleries. A top end of each plunger is connected to each extended portion of the plurality of extended portions of the first knob. The first movable contact placed at each plunger of the plurality of plungers. The plurality of first fixed contacts configured at the bottom end of the housing, wherein each first fixed contact extends vertically from the bottom end towards the top end of housing. The first fixed contact is configured to selectively connect to the first movable contact to make an electrical connection upon operating at least one extended portion of the knob. A first carrier is positioned coaxially to the first knob and the housing and defined between the first knob and the top end of the housing. The first knob is pivotally mounted on the carrier to operate each extended portion of the first knob. A second carrier is slidably positioned within the main gallery and is defined with a first blind hole formed at a first side wall corresponding to the groove formed at the internal wall of the main gallery. A spring is positioned within the first blind hole and a ball is movably biased by the spring towards the groove.

[010] In an embodiment of the present application, each first fixed contact has a first end connected a base positioned at the bottom end of the housing and a second end biased towards the plunger to make or break electrical connection from the first movable contact.

[Oil] In an embodiment of the present application, each first fixed contact is a flexible strip made of a conductive material to make the electrical connection with the first movable contact.

[012] In an embodiment of the present application, wherein the second end of the first fixed contact is defined with a curved portion configured to be in contact with the first movable contact.

[013] In an embodiment of the present application, wherein the first movable contact is a ring shaped placed between the top end and the bottom end of the plunger, wherein the first movable contact encircles the plunger to make contact with two or more first fixed contacts at the same time. [014] a plunger spring positioned between the bottom end of the plunger and the base to bias the plunger towards the extended portion of the knob.

[015] In an embodiment of the present application, a plurality of plunger housings, wherein each plunger housing is positioned in each gallery to secure each plunger of the plurality of plungers within each gallery of the plurality of galleries.

[016] In an embodiment of the present application, a plurality of sealing members, wherein each sealing member is positioned between a top end of each plunger and each plunger housing to prevent ingress of foreign particles.

[017] In an embodiment of the present application, a first carrier positioned coaxially to the first knob and the housing between the first knob and the top end of the housing, wherein the first knob is pivotally mounted on the carrier to operate each extended portion of the first knob.

[018] In an embodiment of the present application, the housing has a main gallery positioned coaxially to the housing and defined with an opened top end and an opened bottom end, wherein a groove is formed radially at a first side internal wall of the main gallery.

[019] In an embodiment of the present application, a second carrier slidably positioned within the main gallery and defined with a first blind hole formed at a first side wall corresponding to the groove formed at the internal wall of the main gallery, wherein a spring is positioned within the first blind hole and a ball is movably biased by the spring towards the groove.

[020] In an embodiment of the present application, the second carrier is defined with a second blind hole formed at a second wall corresponding to a second fixed contact positioned at a second side internal wall of the main gallery.

[021] In an embodiment of the present application, a second movable contact secured within the second blind hole and biased by a spring towards the second side internal wall of the main gallery. [022] In an embodiment of the present application, a second knob positioned coaxially to the first knob and the housing, wherein the second knob is defined with a head portion positioned at a top end of the first knob and a plurality of legs extending from the head portion through the main gallery towards the second carrier.

[023] In an embodiment of the present application, the second knob is configured to be operated by a user to actuate the second carrier to engage the second movable contact with the second fixed contact to make the electrical connection.

[024] 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.

[025] 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 by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[026] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the 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 description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[027] Figure 1 illustrates a exploded view of a switch assembly for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[028] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a plunger assembly of the switch assembly for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [029] Figure 3 illustrates a cut-sectional view of the switch assembly for the vehicle in ‘OFF’ condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[030] Figure 4 illustrates a cut-sectional view of the switch assembly indicating a first knob in ‘ON’ condition and the second knob in ‘OFF’ condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[031] Figure 5 illustrates a cut-sectional view of the switch assembly indicating the first knob in ‘OFF’ condition and the second knob in ‘ON’ condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[032] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[033] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the Figures and are described in detail below. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[034] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure reside in a switch assembly for a vehicle. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated by the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the switch assembly. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show 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 the benefit of the description herein. [035] In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[036] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises. . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[037] The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.

[038] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a switch assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The switch assembly comprises a housing, a first knob, a plurality of plunger, a first movable contact and a plurality of first fixed contact. The housing is defined with a plurality of galleries positioned around center axis at periphery of the housing. Each gallery of the plurality of galleries is opened at both ends and extended between a top end and a bottom end of the housing. The first knob is positioned coaxially to the housing at the top end. The first knob comprises a plurality of extended portions extending radially to be positioned above the plurality of the galleries. The plurality of plungers movably is secured within the plurality of galleries. A top end of each plunger is connected to each extended portion of the plurality of extended portions of the first knob. The first movable contact placed at each plunger of the plurality of plungers. The plurality of first fixed contacts configured at the bottom end of the housing, wherein each first fixed contact extends vertically from the bottom end towards the top end of housing. The first fixed contact is configured to selectively connect to the first movable contact to make an electrical connection upon operating at least one extended portion of the knob. Accordingly, the switch assembly prevents track formation between the movable contact and fixed contact and prevents electrical failure. With this configuration, the switch assembly provides response quickly against pressing the first knob of the switch assembly. Also, the switch assembly prevents the wear and tear between the movable and fixed contacts and increases the overall life of the switch assembly. The switch assembly of the present disclosure is simple, economical, and easy to manufacture.

[039] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In Figures 1 to 5, the same element or elements which have the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[040] Referring to Figure 1, a switch assembly (500) for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is depicted. The switch assembly (500) is configured to be operated in multiple directions for making or braking electrical connections for functioning multiple equipments in the vehicle. The multiple directions may be a left direction, a right direction, a top direction and a bottom direction and a center. The switch assembly (500) may be configured to be utilized in the two-wheeled vehicle. Alternatively, the switch assembly (500) may be utilized in vehicles other than two-wheeled vehicles or any electronic devices, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The switch assembly (500) of the present disclosure is configured for low-ampere applications. Alternatively, the switch assembly (500) may be utilized for applications having different current capacities, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The switch assembly (500) comprises mupltiple switch elements which are operated through knobs provided in a single switch module.

[041] Referring back to Figure 1, the switch assembly (500) comprises a housing (10). The housing (10) is configured to include one or more components of the switch assembly (500). The housing (10) is defined with a top end (20) and a bottom end (30). The top end (20) and the bottom end (30) of the housing (10) are opened to receive other components of the switch assembly (500). The housing (10) is defined with a plurality of galleries (40) and a main gallery (70). The plurality of gallaries are positioned around center axis of the housing (10). The main gallery (70) is formed at the certer of the housing (10) such that the plurality of galleries (40) are positioned around the main gallery (70). The plurality of galleries (40) and the main gallery (70) are extedned between the top end (20) and the bottom end (30) of the housing (10). The plurality of galleries (40) and the main gallery (70) are opened at both ends to receive other components therein.

[042] The switch assembly (500) comprises a first knob (100) and a second knob (200). The first knob (100) is configured to be operated in at least four directions, which are the left direction, the right direction, the top direction and the bottom direction, to perform at least four different functions of the equipments in the vehicle. The second knob (200) is operated at center to perform at least one function of the equipment in the vehicle. The first knob (100) and the second knob (200), both are push type knobs that are operated by pressing thereof. The first knob (100) and the second knob (200) are positioned coaxially to the housing (10). The first knob (100) is mounted at the top end (20) of the housing (10) and the second knob (200) is mounted at a top end of the first knob (100).

[043] The first knob (100) comprises a plurality of extended portions (100a). Each extended portion (100a) extends radially at an extent in order to be positioned above each gallery of the plurality of the galleries (40). Each extedned portion (100a) has a surface at the top and a cavity at the bottom. The surface may be pressed by a user to make electrical connection and the cavity is formed to secure other component of the swith assembly. The second knob (200) has a head portion and a plurality of legs. The head portion is disposed at center of the top end of the first knob (100) and the plurality of legs extends from the head portion through the first knob (100) inside the main gallery (70). The second knob (200) may be biased by a spring (210) mounted between the head portion and the first knob (100). The spring (210) may be further mounted on a supporting member (220) to provide a biasing force to the head portion to keep the second knob (200) in ‘OFF’ condition.

[044] Referring to Figure 2, the switch assembly (500) comprises a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly is configured to be positioned within the plurality of galleries (40) of the housing (10). The plunger assembly is configured to be actuated based on the operation of the first knob (100) to make electrical connections. The plunger assembly comprises a plurality of plunger housings (120) and a plurality of plungers (130). The number of plunger housings (120) are corresponding to number of galleries (40) and number of plungers (130). Each plunger (130) may be secured to either to each gallery (40) or to each plunger housing (120). Each plunger housing (120) is configured to be secured within each gallery (40) of the plurality of galleries (40).

[045] The plurality of plungers (130) are movably secured within the plurality of galleries (40) or within the plurality of plunger housings (120). Each plunger has a top end (130a) connected to each extended portion of the plurality of extended portions of the first knob (100) and a bottom end (130b) biased by a plunger spring (140). Each Plunger spring (140) may be further supported by each base (160) provided at the bottom end (30) of the housing (10). Each plunger has a first movable contact (150). The first movable contact (150) is placed between the top end (130a) and the bottom end (130b) of each plunger. The first movable contact (150) encircles the plunger to make contact with other contacts at the same time. Alternatively, the first movable contact (150) may have different shapes, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[046] Figure 3 shows a cut-sectional view of the switch assembly (500) for the vehicle in ‘OFF’ condition. Referring to Figure 3, the switch assembly (500) comprises a plurality of first fixed contacts (170). The plurality of first fixed contacts (170) are positioned at the bottom end (30) of the housing (10). Each first fixed contact (170) extends vertically from the bottom end (30) of the housing (10) towards the top end (20) of housing (10). Each first fixed contact (170) may be connected to each base disposed at the bottom end of each gallery (40). The first fixed contact (170) is configured to selectively connect to the first movable contact (150) to make an electrical connection upon operating at least one extended portion of the knob. Each first fixed contact (170) has a first end connected a base positioned at the bottom end (30) of the housing (10) and a second end biased towards the plunger (130) to make or break electrical connection from the first movable contact (150). The second end of the first fixed contact (170) is defined with a curved portion (170a) configured to be in contact with the first movable contact (150). While pressing one extended portion of the knob, the respective plunger (130) is pushed down and the first movable contact (150) engages with the second end of the respective first fixed contact (170) to make the electrical contact, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is showing a cut-sectional view of the switch assembly (500) indicating a first knob in ‘ON’ condition and the second knob in ‘OFF’ condition. Upon removing the push force from the extedned portion of the knob, the respective plunger retains its original position through applying biasing force by the Plunger spring (140), as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is showing a cut-sectional view of the switch assembly (500) indicating a first knob in ‘OFF’ condition and the second knob in ‘ON’ condition.

[047] The switch assembly (500) comprises a plurality of sealing members (50). The plurality of sealing members (50) may be made of rubber. Each sealing member (50) is positioned between the top end (130a) of each plunger and each plunger housing (10) to prevent ingress of foreign particles such as dust, water etc. The sealing members (50) may be cup shaped that may be configured to cover a top portion of the plunger.

[048] The switch assembly (500) comprises a first carrier (110). The first carrier (110) is positioned coaxially to the housing (10). The first carrier (110) is placed between the first knob (100) and the top end (20) of the housing (10). The first knob (100) is pivotally mounted on the carrier to operate each extended portion of the first knob (100). The housing (10) is defined with a main gallery (70) that is positioned coaxially to the housing (10). The main gallery (70) is defined with an opened top end and an opened bottom end. The main gallery (70) is extedned between the top end (20) of the housing (10) and the bottom end (30) of the housing (10). The main gallery (70) is configurd to be scured a second carrier (230) therein. The main gallery (70) may be defined with a groove (232a). The groove (232a) is formed radially at a first side internal wall of the main gallery (70). The groove (232a) is configreud to accommodate a ball (232) therein.

[049] The second carrier (230) is slidably positioned within the main gallery (70). The second carrier (230) is defined with a first blind hole. The first blind hole is formed at a first side wall of the carrier. The position of the first blind hole may be corresponding to the position of the groove (232a) formed at the internal wall of the main gallery (70). The first blind hole is configured to secure a spring (234) therein. The spring (234) is configured to put biasing force to the ball (232) to be biased towards the groove (232a). Further, the the second carrier (230) is defined with a second blind hole. The second blind hole is formed at a second side wall of the second carrier (230). The position of the second blind hole is corresponding to the position of a second fixed contact (270) that is positioned at a second side internal wall of the main gallery (70). The second fixed contact (270) may be secured at a base member (260). The base member (260) is mounted at the second side internal wall of the main gallery (70). The second carrier (230) is biased by a spring (180) towards the top end (20) of the housing (10). The spring (180) is supported by a cover (60) disposed at the botton end of the housing (10).

[050] The switch assembly (500) comprises a second movable contact (250). The second movable contact (250) is secured in the second blind hole. The second movable contact (250) is biased through a spring disposed within the second blind hole. The second movable contact (250) is biased towards the second side internal wall of the main gallery (70). The second carrier (230) is connected to the legs of the second knob (200). The second knob (200) is configured to be operated by a user to actuate the second carrier (230) to engage the second movable contact (250) with the second fixed contact (270) to make the electrical connection. Upon pressing the second knob (200), the second carrier (230) slides downwardly towards the botton end of the housing (10). By the sliding movement of the second carrier (230) in downward direction, the second movable contact (250) engages with the second fixed contact (270) at one side of the second carrier (230) and the ball (232) comes out from the groove (232a) to provide a sound to indicate the movement of the second carrier (230) from ‘OFF’ condition to ‘ON’ condition.

[051] In accordance with the present disclosure, the switch assembly (500), as explained in the above paragraphs, prevents trank formation between the movable and fixed contact and reduces electrical failure. The switch assembly (500) reduces wear and tear between the contacts of the switch assembly (500). The switch assembly (500) prevents ingress of foreign particles inside the housing (10). The switch assembly (500) enhances the overall life of the switch assembly (500). The switch assembly (500) prevents corrosion/oxidation on electrical contacts. The switch assembly (500) is simple, easy to manufacture, and economical.

[052] The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.

[053] Herein, the terms “attached”, “connected”, “interconnected”, “contacting”, “mounted”, “coupled” and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise.

[054] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used herein, the expression “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[055] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, and/or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[056] 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.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[057] 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 skilled 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.

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.