DESC:FILED OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a switch assembly for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) unit of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

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.

Today, hybrid vehicles or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-based vehicles are widely used due to their environmental and economic benefits including low emissions and less fuel costs. In such vehicles, proper handling of the fuel is crucial for safety, especially when the fuel such as CNG is stored under high pressure. Herein, it is important to ensure that a CNG inlet cap is properly sealed before starting an engine of the vehicle. If the inlet cap is not properly closed or is removed, it could result in dangerous leaks of the CNG. Thus, it is required to detect the position of the CNG inlet cap to ensure an overall CNG system is sealed and safe for operation. Further, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) detects that the CNG inlet cap is not in placed or properly sealed and accordingly, triggers a safety alert or disable the CNG system. This improves the safety and avoids the driving of the vehicle with an open or loose cap which could lead to gas leakage.

Currently, various existing switches are available to observe or monitor the position of the CNG inlet cap whether the CNG inlet cap is being open or improperly sealed. Further, the ECU prevents the engine from starting with the CNG as the fuel, which protects the engine of the vehicle from possible damage or failure. Herein, the existing switches includes one of a Hall Effect sensor, a reed switch, or a rotary position sensor for providing reliable position signals for the ECU based on the position of the CNG inlet cap. However, the implementation of such sensors causes mechanical wear, sensitivity to environmental factors, susceptibility to magnetic interference, which impacts the functionality and the performance in the existing switches. The reed switch based detection is a simple, cost-effective, and widely used for basic position detection, but their limitations make them less ideal for critical, high-reliability applications like those in CNG systems. Their mechanical wear, sensitivity to environmental factors, susceptibility to magnetic interference, and limited functionality can hinder their performance in the demanding conditions of modern vehicles.

Moreover, the existing electricswitch for detecting position of the CNG inlet cap is mounted at a base bracket, wherein the. rotatable cap is positioned on the base bracket and adapted to be rotated, downwardly, to press a plunger. During the activation of the exiting switch, the plunger forms a contact with the contact member disposed within the housing. In such designs the positioning of the plunger and the contact member may cause electrical contact therebetween . Further, the housing of the existing switch is coupled with a side of the base bracket via a tapered bracket, to accommodate the plunger and the contact member.

However, in some scenarios, the tapered bracket is moved downwardly, relative to the base bracket, based on the different design requirements. In such scenarios, the housing forms an interference with the tapered bracket coupled with the base bracket due to the co-axial mounting of the plunger and the contact member, which may restrict the co-axial downward movement of the plunger and the contact member. Thus, the existing switch having co-axially positioned the plunger and the contact member is not possible to provide at the base bracket.

Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is desirable to provide a switch assembly that eliminates the above-mentioned problems associated with the existing art.

The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purposes and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the disclosure and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to a switch assembly for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) unit of a vehicle. Herein, the switch assembly may be mounted on the vehicle via a bracket and a mounting member of the vehicle. The switch assembly may include a housing, a plunger and at least one contact member. The housing may be secured with the bracket by the mounting member. The plunger may be movably positioned in the housing and may be adapted to be pressed to linearly move along a first longitudinal axis P-P’ of the plunger. The at least one contact member may be positioned within the housing adjacent to the plunger and may be adapted to move linearly along a second longitudinal axis C-C’, upon pressing of the plunger, to establish an electrical connection to a plurality of terminals. Herein, the longitudinal plunger axis P-P’ is parallel to the second longitudinal axis C-C’, such that the at least one contact member is positioned adjacent to the plunger.

In the present disclosure, the plunger and the contact member are positioned in the body in such a way that the first longitudinal axis P-P’ of the plunger is parallel to the second longitudinal axis C-C’ of the contact member. Herein, the plunger may be adapted to be pressed to move linearly the contact member to establish the electrical connection to a plurality of terminals. Such positioning of the plunger and the contact member prevents any interference between the mounting member and a bottom portion of the body. This improves the functionality and performance of the switch assembly and the CNG unit.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an existing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) unit for a vehicle, according with a prior art;

Figure 2 illustrates a partial front view of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) unit for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3a illustrates a perspective view of the switch assembly of the CNG unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3b illustrates an exploded view of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate perspective and front views of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) illustrate sectional views of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7(a) illustrates a front view of the switch assembly depicting a free state of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7(b) illustrates a rear view of the switch assembly depicting the free state of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8(a) illustrates a front view of the switch assembly depicting a pressed state of the switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8(b) illustrates a rear view of the switch assembly depicting the pressed of the Switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 9 illustrates a pictorial representation of the switch assembly connected with an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments.

Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an existing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) unit 10 having a switch assembly 8 for a vehicle, according with a prior art. Referring to Figure 1, the switch assembly 8 includes a plunger 1, and a contact assembly 2 mounted on a tapered bracket 3. In this configuration, as shown in Figure 1, the plunger 1 and contact member of the contact assembly 2 are aligned along a common axis and housed within a same housing. As a CNG inlet cap 4 moves, it causes the plunger 1 to shift, which in turn pushes the contact member positioned coaxially beneath the plunger 1. This results in an undesirable contact between the plunger 1 and the contact member when the plunger 1 moves downward.

Additionally, the tapered bracket 3 is moved downward relative to the base bracket 5 to meet specific design requirements. In this case, the housing may interfere with the tapered bracket 3, which is coupled with the base bracket 5, due to the coaxial positioning of the plunger 1 and the contact member. This interference restricts the downward movement of the plunger 1 and the contact member. Consequently, the existing CNG unit with a coaxially positioned plunger 1 and contact member cannot be properly installed on the base bracket 5.

In the present disclosure, a switch assembly for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) unit of a vehicle is disclosed. Herein, the switch assembly is provided to overcome the above-mentioned problems of the existing switch. The switch assembly is mounted on the vehicle via a bracket and a mounting member to detect the ON/OFF position of the CNG supply. The switch assembly may include housing, a plunger and at least one contact member, and the housing may be secured with the bracket by the mounting member. Constructional and operational details are explained in the subsequent paragraphs.

Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a compressed natural gas (CNG) unit 100 for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The CNG unit 100 may be installed in the vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle or a CNG-based vehicle. The CNG unit 100 may be adapted to supply CNG as a fuel to an engine of the vehicle. The CNG unit 100 may include, but is not limited to, a bracket 102, a cap 104, a mounting member 106, and the switch assembly 108.

The bracket 102 may be mounted on a wall of the vehicle and adapted to support the switch assembly 108 and the cap 104. The mounting member 106 may be mounted on a side of the bracket 102 and adapted to support the switch assembly108. In an embodiment, the mounting member 106 may include a supporting member and a tapered member extending from the supporting member. The tapered member may be mounted on the side of the bracket 102. The supporting member may be adapted to support the switch assembly 108.

The switch assembly 108 for the CNG unit 100, may be installed in the vehicle. In an embodiment, the switch assembly 108 may be mounted on the vehicle via the bracket 102 and the mounting member 106.

The switch assembly 108 may be in communication with an electronic control unit (ECU) (not shown) of the vehicle. The switch assembly 108 may be adapted to transmit a signal to the ECU. In an embodiment, the signal may be indicative of the movement of the cap 104, which states that the cap 104 of the CNG unit 100 is kept open or tightly closed. Herein, the ECU may trigger an ignition of the vehicle based on the received signal from the switch assembly 108. Thus, the implementation of the switch assembly 108 may restrict the operation of the vehicle during the filing of the CNG, which improves the overall safety of the CNG unit and the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the switch assembly 108 may be adapted to be operated in a free state or a pressed state. In the free state, the cap 104 of the CNG unit 100 may be in an open condition and the ECU receives the signal that the cap 104 is in the open condition. Thus, the ECU may send the signal to not start the ignition of the vehicle when a driver inputs to start the vehicle. In the pressed state, the cap 104 of the CNG unit 100 may be tightened resulting in the downward movement of a plunger 112 (as shown in Figure 3) of the switch assembly 108 and transmitting the signal to the ECU that the cap 104 is in a closed condition. Thus, the ECU may send a command to start the ignition of the vehicle when a driver gives an input to start the vehicle.

The cap 104 may be rotatably coupled with the bracket 102. The cap 104 may include a base 104-1 and a holding member 104-2 orthogonally extending from the base 104-1. The holding member 104-2 may be adapted to be held and rotated by a user to tighten the cap 104. The rotation of the cap 104 may facilitate the downward movement of the cap 104, such that the base 104-1 of the cap 104 presses the plunger 112 to send the signal to ECU. Constructional and functional details of the switch assembly 108 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs with reference to Figures 2 to 4(b).

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the switch assembly 108, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the switch assembly108, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate perspective and front views of the switch assembly 108, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the switch assembly 108, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) illustrate sectional views of the switch assembly 108, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The switch assembly108 may include a housing 109, the plunger 112, at least one contact member 118, a plurality of moving contacts 122, a sealing ring 124, a pipe screw 114, a nut 116, a plurality of terminals 126,128, 130, a plurality of cords 132, and a sealing member 134.

The housing 109 may be secured with the bracket 102 by using the mounting member 106. The housing 109 may be adapted to accommodate one or more components of the switch assembly 108. The housing 109 may include, but is not limited to, a body 110, a cover member 120, a spring 138 and a guide pin 140. Herein, the body 110 may act as a bottom cover of the switch assembly 108.

The body 110 may define a hollow portion adapted to at least partially support the plunger 112, the spring, the at least one contact member 118, and a plurality of terminals 126,128, 130. The body 110 may include a plurality of guiding portions 111 formed on an inner peripheral surface of the opposite sides of the body 110. Herein, the plurality of guiding portions 111 may be adapted to receive the at least one contact member 118 to guide the movement of the at least one contact member 118 within the body 110.

In an embodiment, the body 110 may be insert moulded with the terminals 126, 128, 130. In another embodiment, the body 110 may be fitted with the terminals 126, 128, 130 by at least one attachment member. In an embodiment, the body 110 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The cover member 120 may be coupled with the body 110. In an embodiment, the cover member 120 may be coupled with the body 110 via a plurality of fasteners. In another embodiment, the cover member 120 may be snap-fitted with the body 110. Herein, the cover member 120 may be adapted to enclose the hollow portion of the body 110, such that the components such as the plunger 112, the at least one contact member 118, the plurality of moving contacts 122, the sealing ring 124, the terminals 126, 128, 130, the plurality of cords 132, and the sealing member 134 may be accommodated within the hollow portion.

The cover member 120 may be adapted to be supported on the mounting member 106. In an embodiment, the cover member 120 may include a rib 144 formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The rib 144 offers a space sufficient for the free movement of the plunger 112 without causing interference due to the bracket 102 and increases the stability and sturdiness of mounting member 106. Herein, the cover member 120 may be adapted to limit direct load transfer between the bracket 102 and the housing 109. In an embodiment, the cover member 120 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The hollow portion of the body 110 receives the spring 138 that engages with the at least one contact member 118. The spring 138 may be adapted to provide a resilient support that allows the at least one contact member 118 to be returned to an original position, in response to the movement of the plunger 112. The guide pin 140 may be adapted to guide compression of the spring 138 when the plunger 112 is pressed to move the at least one contact member 118 in the downward direction. Herein, the guide pin 140 may be adapted to prevent buckling of the spring 138 of the contact member 118 when the contact member 118 is moving in a downward direction.

The plunger 112 may be disposed in the cover member 120 and the at least one contact member 118 may be disposed in the body 110. In an embodiment, the plunger 112 may be movably positioned in the housing 109. Herein, the plunger 112 may be adapted to be pressed to linearly move along a first longitudinal axis P-P’ of the plunger 112.

In an embodiment, the plunger 112 may include a flat portion 112-1 and a cylindrical portion 112-2 orthogonally extending from the flat portion 112-1. The cylindrical portion 112-2 may be adapted to be pressed by the base 104-1 of the cap 104. The flat portion 112-1 may orthogonally extend from the cylindrical portion 112-2. Further, the flat portion 112-1 may be adapted to selectively abut the at least one contact member 118 based on the movement of the plunger 112. The force generated by the movement of the plunger 112 may be transferred to the at least one contact member 118 via the flat portion 112-1.

The plunger 112 may be adapted to move downwardly or upwardly to selectively push the at least one contact member 118. Herein, the plunger 112 may be adapted to move upward and downward direction in response to the movements of the cap 104 to selectively push the at least one contact member 118, such that the at least one contact member 118 selectively forms the electrical connection with the plurality of terminals 126,128, 130 to transmit the signal of the movement of the cap 104 to the ECU of the vehicle through the plunger 112. Thus, the signal of the movement of the plunger 112 may be transmitted to the ECU via the plurality of terminals 126,128, 130.

The plunger 112 may be adapted to move along the first longitudinal axis P-P’ of the plunger 112 upon pressing/releasing the plunger 112 by the base 104-1 of the cap 104. The at least one contact member 118 may be adapted to move along a second longitudinal axis C-C’ of the at least one contact member 118 upon pressing/releasing the plunger 112. In an embodiment, the first longitudinal axis P-P’ and the second longitudinal axis C-C’ may be parallel to each other.

The operational direction of the plunger 112 may be collinear with the operational direction of the contact member 118. For example, when the plunger 112 moves down, the plunger 112 evenly presses the contact member 118 in the same direction. The flat portion 112-1 of the plunger 112 may equally distribute the movement force on the contact member 118 and facilitate the collinear movement of the plunger 112 and the contact member 118. This makes the switch assembly 108 more flexible as the plunger 112 and the contact member 118 are positioned in a parallel axis. Thus, the alterations in the design of the switch assembly 108 may not impact the positioning and movement of the plunger 112 and the contact member 118.

Further, the flat portion 112-1 may ensure the uniform distribution of force on the surface of the contact member 118 which results in uniform contact movement. Due to the uniform motion of the contact member 118, the contact member 118 may move smoothly. Herein, the second longitudinal axis C-C’ may be away from the mounting member 106, such that any interference between the body 110 and the mounting member 106 may be prevented irrespective of the design alterations. This improves the adaptability of the switch assembly 108 mounted over the CNG unit 100.

Herein, an operating force may originate from the rotational motion of the cap 104 on threads, which results in the downward motion of the cap 104. The downward motion of the cap 104 may be transferred to the plunger 112 by abutting in between the base 104-1 and the plunger 112. The motion of the plunger 112 may be guided by the pipe screw 114.

The pipe screw 114 may be formed with the cover member 120 via insert moulding. In an embodiment, the pipe screw 114 may be formed separately and attached to the cover member 120 by means of attaching line nut and bolt arrangement. The pipe screw 114 may be supported on the cover member 120 of the housing 109. The pipe screw 114 may be adapted to guide the movement of the plunger 112 to restrict a direct load transfer to the housing 109 during the movement of the plunger 112. Herein, the plunger 112 may be at least partially supported in the body 110 and partially protrude through the pipe screw 114.

The sealing ring 124 may be fitted on the plunger 112. In an embodiment, the sealing ring may be disposed on a periphery of the cylindrical portion 112-2 of the plunger 112. The cylindrical portion 112-2 of the plunger (112) defines a groove formed on the periphery of the cylindrical portion (112-2). Herein, the groove may be adapted to accommodate the sealing ring 124. The sealing ring 124 may be adapted to form an interference between the plunger 112 and the pipe screw 114 to prevent the entry of contaminants, such as water and dust, between the plunger 112 and the pipe screw 114.

The at least one contact member 118 may be positioned within the housing 109 adjacent to the plunger 112. The at least one contact member 118 may be adapted to move linearly along the second longitudinal axis C-C’, upon pressing of the plunger 112 to establish the electrical connection to the plurality of terminals 126,128, 130. Herein, the first longitudinal axis P-P’ is parallel to the second longitudinal axis C-C’, such that the at least one contact member 118 is positioned adjacent to the plunger 112.

In an embodiment, the at least one contact member 118 may include a plurality of engaging portions 142 formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof and received plurality of guiding portions 111 formed on opposite sides of the body 110. In an embodiment, the plurality of engaging portions 142 may be embodied as the plurality of leaf contacts 142. When the contact member 118 moves in the downward direction, the plurality of leaf contacts 142 may slide on the fixed terminal surfaces of the body 110.

The sealing member 134 may be disposed between the body 110 and the cover member 120. The sealing member 134 may be adapted to restrict an ingress of contaminants within the hollow portion of the body 110. In an embodiment, the sealing member 134 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the plurality of terminals 126,128, 130 includes a first terminal 126, a second terminal 128, and a third terminal 130. Herein, the first terminal 126, the second terminal 128, and the third terminal 130 may be adapted to be selectively connected with the at least one contact member 118 via the plurality of moving contacts 122.

The plurality of terminals 126, 128, 130 may be connected with the plurality of cords 132, such as a plurality of wires 132, via a soldering process. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of cords 132 includes three cords 132 connected to the first terminal 126, the second terminal 128, and the third terminal 130, respectively, to complete circuits. A cavity of the body 110 may be filled with epoxy 136 once the terminals 126, 128, 130 are connected to the cords 132. Herein, the epoxy 136 may secure the position of the cords 132, strengthen a joint between the cords 132 and the terminals 126, 128, 130, and prevent the entry of the contaminates within the switch assembly 108.

Figure 7(a) illustrates a front view of the switch assembly108 depicting the free state of the switch assembly 108, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7(b) illustrates a rear view of the switch assembly 108 depicting the free state of the switch assembly 108, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the switch assembly 108 is in the free state as the plunger 112 is not pressed by the cap 104. In this free state, the one of the moving contacts 122 of the contact member 118 is in contact with the second terminal 128 and another moving contact 122 of the contact member 118 is in contact with the third terminal 130. But the remaining moving contacts 122 of the contact member 118 are not in contact with the third terminal 130. Herein, the contact member 118 forms an electrical contact with the second terminal 128 and the third terminal 130 indicates the cap 104 is in the open condition and the vehicle ignition may not be started as ECU sends the signal not to start the ignition.

Figure 8(a) illustrates a front view of the switch assembly 108 depicting the pressed state of the switch assembly 108, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8(b) illustrates a rear view of the switch assembly 108 depicting the pressed state of the switch assembly 108, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the cap 104 may be tightened and moved downwardly, such that the base 104-1 of the cap 104 presses the plunger 112 downwardly. Further, the flat portion 112-1 of the plunger 112 moves the contact member 118. The contact member 118 moves in the downward direction, upon receipt of a vertical force from the flat portion 112-1 of the plunger 112.

In this pressed state, the one of the moving contacts 122 of the contact member 118 is in contact with the first terminal 126 and another moving contact 122 of the contact member 118 is in contact with the third terminal 130. But the remaining moving contacts 122 of the contact member 118 are not in contact with the second terminal 128. Herein, the contact member 118 forms an electrical contact with the first terminal 126 and the third terminal 130 which further transfers the signal to the ECU. Herein, the ECU send the signal to start the ignition and enables the driver to start the vehicle.

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the switch assembly 108 connected with the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the switch assembly 108 is connected to the ECU that receives signals corresponding to open and close position of the cap 104.

The ECU may further give control signals to keep the engine ON/OFF position with respect to the signal value from the switch assembly 108. In an embodiment, the control signals may be transmitted to a dashboard of the vehicle. The switch assembly 108 is provided with a voltage supply of 12V and an operating current of 10mA ~ 100mA. When the cap 104 is in open position, the at least one contact member 118, the terminals 128, 130 may provide a respective indication at an output. When the CAP is in closed position, the moving contact 118 connects the terminals 126 and 130 and produces a second signal for the ECU.

In the present invention, the switch assembly 108 incorporates the plunger 112 and the contact member 118 mounted on the tapered bracket. The plunger 112 is movably positioned in the housing 109 and may be adapted to be pressed to linearly move along the first longitudinal axis P-P’. Further, the at least one contact member 118 may be positioned within the housing 109 adjacent to the plunger 112 and adapted to move linearly along the second longitudinal axis C-C’. Upon pressing the plunger 112, the at least one contact member 118 establishes the electrical connection to the plurality of terminals 126, 128, 130 disposed below. Herein, the first longitudinal axis P-P’is parallel to the second longitudinal axis C-C’, such that plunger electrical contact between the plunger 112 and the at least one contact member 118 is avoided. Additionally, such parallel movement of the plunger 112 and the contact member 118 prevents interference between the mounting member 106 and the bottom portion of the body 110. This results in the enablement of the application of the switch assembly 108 on the bracket 102 which improves the functionality and performance of the switch assembly 108. Further, the implementation of the sealing ring 124, Epoxy 136 and the sealing member 134 prevents the entry of the contaminates into the switch assembly 108.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
,CLAIMS:1. A switch assembly (108) for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) unit (100) of a vehicle, the switch assembly (108) mounted on the vehicle via a bracket (102) and a mounting member (106), the switch assembly (108) comprising:
a housing (109) secured with the bracket (102) by the mounting member (106);
a plunger (112) movably positioned in the housing (109) and adapted to be pressed to linearly move along a first longitudinal axis (P-P’) of the plunger (112); and
at least one contact member (118) positioned within the housing (109) adjacent to the plunger (112), and adapted to move linearly along a second longitudinal axis (C-C’), upon pressing of the plunger (112), to establish an electrical connection to a plurality of terminals (126,128, 130),
wherein the first longitudinal axis (P-P’) is parallel to the second longitudinal axis (C-C’), such that the at least one contact member (118) is positioned adjacent to the plunger (112).

2. The switch assembly (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger (112) comprises:
a cylindrical portion (112-2) adapted to be pressed by a cap (104) of the CNG unit (100); and
a flat portion (112-1) orthogonally extending from the cylindrical portion (112-2) and adapted to selectively abut the at least one contact member (118) based on a movement of the plunger (112), to transmit a force generated by the movement of the plunger (112),
wherein the plunger (112) is configured to move in an upward direction and a downward direction in response to the movements of the cap (104) to selectively push the at least one contact member (118), such that the at least one contact member (118) selectively forms an electrical connection with the plurality of terminals (126,128, 130) to transmit a signal of the movement of the cap (104) to an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle through the plunger (112).

3. The switch assembly (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (109) comprises:
a body (110) defining a hollow portion adapted to house the moving contact (118), a spring, the at least one contact member (118), and a plurality of terminals (126,128, 130);
a cover member (120) coupled with the body (110) and adapted to enclose the hollow portion of the body (110); and
a sealing member (134) disposed between the body (110) and the cover member (120) and adapted to restrict an ingress of contaminates within the hollow portion of the body (110).

4. The switch assembly (108) as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein:
the at least one contact member (118) includes a plurality of engaging portions (142) formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof and adapted to be received in a plurality of guiding portions (111) formed on opposite sides of the body (110).

5. The switch assembly (108) as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein the body (110) comprises the plurality of guiding portions (111) formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof and is adapted to receive the plurality of engaging portions (142) to guide the movement of the at least one contact member (118) within the body (110).

6. The switch assembly (108) as claimed in claim 3, comprising a pipe screw (114) supported on the cover member (120) of the housing (109) and adapted to guide the movement of the plunger (112) to restrict a direct load transfer to the housing (109) during the movement of the plunger (112).

7. The switch assembly (108) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a sealing ring disposed on a periphery of the cylindrical portion (112-2) of the plunger (112) and adapted to form an interference between the plunger (112) and the pipe screw (114) to prevent the entry of contaminates between the plunger (112) and the pipe screw (114).

8. The switch assembly (108) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cylindrical portion (112-2) defines a groove formed on the periphery of the cylindrical portion (112-2) and adapted to accommodate the sealing ring.

9. The switch assembly (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing includes a spring (138) engaged with the at least one contact member (118) and adapted to provide a resilient support that allows the at least one contact member (118) to be returned to an original position, in response to the movement of the plunger (112).

10. The switch assembly (108) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the housing (109) comprises a guide pin (140) adapted to guide compression of the spring (138) when the plunger (112) is pressed to move the at least one contact member (118) in the downward direction.

11. The switch assembly (108) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cover member (120) includes a rib (144) formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof and adapted to increase the stability and sturdiness of mounting of the switch assembly (108)

12. The switch assembly (108) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the plurality of terminals includes a first terminal (126), a second terminal (128), and a third terminal (130) that selectively connects with the at least one contact member (118) via the moving contacts (122).