Claims:We claim,
1. A switch (100) to start/stop an engine of a vehicle, said switch (100) comprising:
a housing (104), said housing (104) having an upper end (104u), a lower end (104l) and defining an interior space (104i) therein;
a central moving block (111) comprising a substantially cylindrical body of varying diameters disposed within said housing (104), said central moving block (111) extending from said upper end (104u) to said lower end (104l) of said housing (104), said central moving block (111) defines an opening of predetermined shape at said upper end (104u) to receive a key (101);
a moving contact mechanism (M) disposed towards a mid-portion of said central moving block (111);
a fixed contact mechanism (F) disposed below said moving contact mechanism (M);
a first base (118) attached to a lower end of said fixed contact mechanism (F), said first base (118) having an integrated first cam;
a second base (120) disposed in a spaced relation to said first base (118);
a follower (121) engaged to said second base (120), said follower (121) is connected to a fuel- shut off lever by a connecting member; and
a second cam (122) rotatably disposed below said second base (120).

2. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel-shut off lever is configured to shift between a first position and a second position, said fuel-shut of lever at first position allows fuel to be supplied to said engine and said fuel shut of lever at said second position limits said flow of fuel to said engine, said follower (121) pulls said connecting means linearly to move (or shift) said fuel- shut off lever from said first position to said second position to stop operation of said engine, when said switch (100) is moved to an OFF position.

3. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said key (101) actuates rotation of the said central moving block (111) around a central axis, wherein said central moving block (111) rotates at predetermined angles corresponding to a plurality of predetermined positions of said switch, wherein switch (100) operated by said key (101) to move between a plurality of predetermined positions, said plurality of predetermined positions include said off position, an auxiliary/ignition position and a start position.

4. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switch (100) includes a torsion spring (110) which is disposed annularly at predetermined position of said body of said central moving block (111), said torsion spring (110) rotates when said central moving block (111) is turned from said auxiliary position to said start position, wherein the torsion spring (110) applies a torque to bring back the central moving block (111) from said start position to said auxiliary position, wherein said rotation of said torsion spring (110) is stopped/arrested by a stopper defined in said central moving block (111) at a predetermined position.

5. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said moving contact mechanism (M) comprises a plurality of detents (114) having a hollow structure, a plurality of detent springs (113), a moving contact (112), and a plurality of moving rivets (115) inserted into slots/holes defined in said moving contact (112) at predetermined positions, said detent springs (113) are guided into said hollow structure of the said detent (114) , wherein said plurality of detents (114) holding said detent springs (113) operate as a follower, wherein said moving mechanism (M) is operatively connected to the central moving block (111) such that the rotation of the central moving block (111) causes the moving contact mechanism to rotate at predetermined angle.

6. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fixed contact mechanism (F) comprises a plurality of fixed rivets (116), a plurality of terminals (119) attached to said fixed rivets by means of rivets through riveting, wherein said terminals (119) are electronically connected to specific parts of said engine, wherein said fixed contact mechanism is configured to make electrical contact with the said moving contact mechanism.

7. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first base (118) comprises a plurality of slots defined in a body of said first base (118) to hold/guide said plurality of fixed rivets, wherein said first cam integrated to said first base (118) is operatively connected to said central moving block (111) such that said first cam is rotated by the rotation of said central moving block (111), wherein said first cam guides movement of said follower detents (114), said first base (118) is adapted to receive said central moving block (111) there through at a predetermined position.

8. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switch (100) includes a lock nut (102) having internal threads is fitted into said housing (104), said housing (104) defines a plurality of external threads to engage with said internal threads of said lock nut (102), said lock nut (102) affixes said switch (100) to a panel in said vehicle.
9. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switch (100) includes:
a cap (103) attached to said housing (104) towards said upper end of said housing (104);
a first washer (105) inserted adjacently below said cap (103) in said body of the central moving block (111);
a ball (106) inserted adjacently below said washer (105) in said body of the central moving block (111);
a bush (107) inserted adjacently below said ball (106) in said body of said central moving block (111);
a first O-ring (108) inserted adjacently below said bush (107) in said body of the central moving block (111), said first O-ring (108) includes a shape matching to a periphery of said cap (103);
a second washer (109) inserted adjacently below said first O-ring (108) and above said torsion spring (110) in said body of said central moving block (111);
a second O-ring (117) disposed in said first base (118), the said second O-ring defines a profile corresponding to a periphery of said first base (118),
wherein
said varying diameter of said central moving block (111) is adapted to receive said second washer (109), said O-ring (108), said ball (106), said bush (107) and said first washer (105);
said O-rings seal said switch at predetermined positions and thereby prevents entry of moisture, dust and water.

10. The switch (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detents are composed of a material such as plastic, said detents (114) with said detent springs (113) act as follower for said first cam in said upper base (118), the said detents (114) move downwards when a torque is applied to said central moving block (111) when said key (101) is rotated, said moving contact (112) is composed of a conducting material such as a sheet metal, wherein plurality of slots are defined in said moving contact (112) at predetermined positions for receiving said moving rivets (115) there through.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure generally relates to a starter switch and more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a switch to start-stop engine of vehicles such as truck, passenger vehicle, and off road vehicles like constructional vehicles, tractors, and other type of agriculture vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[002] An ignition starter switch or ignition switch is used for turning on a power supply (or electric supply) to the electrical system of an automobile and for starting/cranking the engine. The ignition starter switch is operated to turn on the electrical system and the engine, by altering the electric supply to various components of the vehicle using switching effect.
[003] While in vehicles with petrol engine, the engine is turned off by turning off the ignition switch. As petrol engine have spark ignition, turning off petrol engine is easily achieved by cutting off the power supply to the spark plugs. Thus, the ignition switch used in petrol engine vehicles are functionally capable of switching off the power supply to the electrical system and turn off the engine at the same time by switching the ignition switch to OFF position.
[004] Heavy vehicles such as tractors, trucks, passenger vehicles, off-road vehicles, constructional vehicles and agricultural vehicles use diesel engines, as diesel engines provide higher torque at lower speeds which is an essential requirement in any heavy vehicle. Since diesel engines have compression ignition, to stop the engine, a fuel supply to the engine needs to be completely cut-off. To cut-off the fuel-supply to the engine, a fuel-shut off valve is used. To actuate the fuel-shut off valve, a fuel shut-off lever is separately provided in the heavy vehicles. To shut-off the engine, the fuel shut-off lever is pulled to actuate a cable which in-turn operates the fuel shut-off valve so that fuel supply is cut off to engine and thereby the engine stops operating.
[005] The ignition starter switch used in such heavy vehicles operates in three positions: off, auxiliary/ignition and start. When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, the engine as well as the electrical system of the vehicles is retained under off condition. When the ignition switch is turned to auxiliary position, the power is supplied to the electrical system and the electrical system turns on. When the ignition switch is turned to ignition, cranking of the engine takes place and the engine starts functioning. Once the cranking is done, the ignition switch returns to auxiliary position. In heavy vehicles having a separate fuel shut-off knob, even if the ignition switch is turned to OFF position, the engine still operates. To stop the engine the fuel shut-off knob/lever needs to be pulled. Apart from the drawback of having a separate fuel shut-off lever, if the vehicle operator forgets to switch off the engine, the electrical system will be under ON condition, and this may lead to draining of a battery system of the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle operator needs to remember to pull the fuel shut-off lever as well as turning off the ignition switch to completely shut down the vehicle.
[006] Therefore, there exists a need for a switch to start-stop an engine of a vehicle, which eliminates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[007] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a switch to start-stop an engine of vehicles such as truck, passenger vehicle, and off road vehicles like constructional vehicles, tractors, and other type of agriculture vehicles.
[008] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide the switch which includes integrated engine stop function in addition to engine start (or engine ON) function.
[009] Yet another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide the switch which includes additional cam and follower to turn off the engine of the vehicle.
[0010] Still another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide the switch which includes a follower engaged to the cam which is operationally connected to a fuel shut-off lever through a wire, such that when the switch is turned off, the cam displaces the follower linearly whereby the wire connected to the fuel shut-off lever is pulled and thus fuel supply to a diesel engine is cut-off to stop (or turn OFF) the engine.
[0011] Yet another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide the switch which eliminates a need for a separate fuel- shut off lever knob.
[0012] Still another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide the switch which completely shuts down of the diesel engine when the switch is turned to an off position, thereby minimizing the possibility of draining a battery system of the vehicle.
[0013] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of a starter switch, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a starter switch, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the starter switch, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0018] FIGS. 4a and 4b are exploded views of the starter switch, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0020] The embodiments herein achieve a switch to start-stop an engine of vehicles such as truck and passenger vehicle, and off road vehicles like constructional vehicles, tractors, and other type of agriculture vehicles. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the switch which includes integrated engine stop function in addition to engine start (or engine ON) function. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the switch which includes additional cam and follower to turn off the engine of the vehicle. Additionally, the embodiments herein achieve the switch which includes a follower engaged to the cam which is operationally connected to a fuel shut-off lever through a wire, such that when the switch is turned off, the cam displaces the follower linearly whereby the wire connected to the fuel shut-off lever is pulled and thus fuel supply to a diesel engine is cut-off to stop (or turn OFF) the engine. Moreover, the embodiments herein achieve the switch which eliminates the need for a separate fuel- shut off lever knob. Also, the embodiments herein achieve the switch which completely shuts down of the diesel engine when the switch is turned to an off position, thereby minimizing the possibility of draining a battery system of the vehicle. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front view of a starter switch, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a starter switch, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the switch (100) includes a key (101), a lock nut (102), a cap (103), a housing (104), a central moving block (111), a torsion spring (110), a moving contact mechanism (M) comprising of a moving contact (112), plurality of detents (114) holding plurality of detent springs (113), and plurality of moving rivets (115), a fixed contact mechanism (F) comprising of plurality of fixed rivets (116) and at least three terminals (119), a first base (118) with a first cam, a second base (120), a follower (121), a second cam (122), a plurality of washers (105, 109), a plurality of O-rings (108, 117), a bush (107) and a ball (106). In an embodiment, the switch (100) is a starter switch. The key (101) is inserted in the switch (100) to operate the switch to move from one position to another. The switch (100) operates in three positions which are off condition, auxiliary/ignition position and start position. The switch (100) defines a key hole through which the key (101) inserted into the switch (100) and a rotational motion provided manually to the key (101) actuates the central moving block (111) of the switch (100). When the key is in the OFF position, the switch (100) is in the OFF position/condition. In the OFF position the engine is not functioning/ is shut down and the power supply to the electrical system of the vehicle is cut-off. When the key (101) is rotated to the auxiliary position, the central moving block (111) rotates in a predetermined angle. In the auxiliary position, electrical power is supplied to the electrical system of the vehicle and the engine is still in off condition. When the key is further rotated to the start position, the central moving block (111) is rotated to a predetermined angle whereby cranking of the engine is initiated and the engine starts operating. Once the cranking of the engine is done, the switch (100) returns to the auxiliary position. Further, when the key (101) is turned from auxiliary position to OFF position, the power supply to electrical system is cut-off and engine is shut down. The shutting of the engine is achieved by pulling a fuel shut-off lever (not shown) through a connecting member (not shown). In an embodiment, the connecting member (not shown) is at least a wire/cable.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the starter switch, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The switch (100) includes the housing (104) which covers/houses the entire parts of the switch (100) and protects the switch (100) from dust, moisture, and water. In an embodiment, the housing (104) extends from an upper end (104u) to a lower end (104l) of the switch (100) i.e., from the cap (103) to the second cam (122) and defines an interior space (104i) for housing the parts of the switch (100). The housing (104) covers the central moving block (111), the moving contact mechanism (M), the fixed contact mechanism (F), the first base (118), the second base (120), the follower (121) and the second cam (122). The housing (104) has a fitment/step defined in its body internally for facilitating resting/retaining of the second base (122). Further, the cap (103) is inserted through an upper opening of the housing (104) and guided into an upper end of the central moving block (111).
[0023] The switch (100) includes the lock nut (102) which is fitted towards the upper end (104u) of the housing (104) and below the cap (103). The lock nut (102) defines plurality of internal threads which are engaged to a plurality of external threads defined in the upper end (104u) of the housing (104). The lock nut (102) enables/facilitates the fitment of the switch (100) to a panel (not shown) of the vehicle. The cap (103) is guided into a circular opening defined in the housing (111).
[0024] Further, the switch (100) includes the central moving block (111) having a substantially varying diameter cylindrical body (hereafter referred to as body in this description) extending vertically from the upper end (104u) to the lower end (104l) of the housing (104). The central moving block (111) has an opening at its upper end which is adapted to revive the key (101). The key (101) actuates the rotation of the central moving block (111), whereby the central moving block (111) rotates around a central axis (not shown).
[0025] Furthermore, the switch (100) includes the torsion spring (110) inserted in the body of the central moving block (111) at a predetermined position. The body of the central moving block (111) is adapted to hold/retain the torsion spring (110) as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b. The torsion spring (110) applies a torque on the central moving block (111) to facilitate the reverse movement (or automatic rotation) of the central moving block (111) from the start position to the auxiliary position. Further, a stopper means (not shown) is defined at a predetermined position in the central moving block (111) to arrest the movement of the torsion spring (110).
[0026] The switch (100) further includes the moving contact mechanism (M) and the fixed contact mechanism (F) which facilitates in providing switching effect in the switch (100). In the embodiment according to Figs 2 and 3, the moving contact mechanism (M) includes at least two detents (114), corresponding detent springs (113), a moving contact (112), and at least four moving rivets (115). The detents (114) have a hollow structure to hold the detent springs (113) in predetermined position. The detents (114) are guided into slots defined in the moving contact (112) at predetermined positions. The detents (114) holding the detent springs (113) act as follower for the first cam which is molded into the first base (118). In an embodiment, the detents (114) are composed of material such as plastic. Further, the spring-loaded moving rivets (115) are attached to the moving contact (112) at predetermined positions. The moving rivets (115) are spring-loaded to facilitate better contact with the fixed contact mechanism (F). The moving contact (112) comprises of a sheet composed of a conducting material. The moving contact (112) is inserted in the body of the central moving block (111) and guided into a slot defined into the central moving block (111) at predetermined positions. The moving contact (112) preferably has a rectangular hole defined to guide the moving contact (112) into the central moving block (111). The moving contact mechanism (M) is operatively connected to the central moving block (111) such that when the central moving block (111) rotates, the moving contact mechanism (M) also rotates to a predetermined angle. In the embodiment according to Fig 2, the fixed contact mechanism (F) includes five fixed rivets (116) attached to the first base (118) through riveting means. At least three terminals (119) are housed in the first base. The terminals (119) facilitate the supply of power to the targeted components of the vehicle when the moving rivets and fixed rivets make contact (or electrical contact).
[0027] The switch (100) includes the first base (118) which is inserted in the body of the central moving block at a predetermined position and rests in one of the varying diametric portion in the central moving block (111). The first base (118) rotates when the central moving block (111) is rotated. The first cam is integrally molded to the first base (118). The first cam actuates/guides the detent follower. Thus, the first base (118) guides the movement of the detent followers. Further, plurality of slots are defined in the first base (118) at predetermined positions, wherein the fixed rivets (116) are inserted into the slots and fixed to the first base (118) through riveting means. The first base (118) is designed to house the terminals (119).
[0028] The central moving block (111) extends downward beyond the first base (118) as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b. The second cam (122) is inserted in the central moving block (111) and guided into a slot (not shown) defined in the second cam (122). The second base (120) is inserted in the body of the central moving block (111) at a predetermined position. The second base (120) is affixed to the housing (104) and does not rotate with the central moving block. Further, the follower (121) is guided by the second cam (122) whereby the follower (121) moves a connecting means to pull a fuel- shut off lever (not shown) to shut off (or stop) the engine of the vehicle. The second cam (122) is operatively connected to the central moving block (111) such that when the central moving block (111) rotates, the second cam (122) rotates. The second cam (122) actuates the movement of the follower (121). The follower (121) is configured to linearly displace the connecting means (not shown) when the central moving block (111) is rotated from the auxiliary position to OFF position i.e., the follower (121) facilitates pulling of the wire attached to the follower (121) and shuts-off the engine of the vehicle.
[0029] The switch (100) further includes the first washer (105), the ball (106), the bush (107), the first O-ring (108), the second washer (109), and the second O-ring (117) which are disposed in the body of the central moving block (111) at predetermined positions. The first washer (105) is inserted adjacently below the cap (103). Further, the ball (106) is inserted adjacently below the washer (105). The bush (107) is inserted adjacently below the ball (106). Further, the first O-ring (108) is inserted adjacently below the bush (107). The second washer (109) is inserted adjacently below the O-ring (108) and adjacently above the torsion spring (110). The second O-ring (117) is inserted adjacently below the fixed rivets (116) and disposed within the first base (118). The first base (118) has a slot (not shown) defined in its body to hold the second O-ring (117). The O-rings (108 and 117) are inserted as sealing means to prevent the entry of moisture, dust, and water into the switch (100). The washers (105 and 109), the ball (106) and the bush (107) are provided to protect the switch (100) from frictional damages/ wear and tear and facilitate in holding the parts in their respective positions.
[0030] Working of the switch is explained herein below.
[0031] The switch (100) achieves the switching function of turning on and turning off the electrical system, cranking of the engine, and cutting-off the fuel supply to the engine. In an embodiment, when the key (101) is turned from OFF position to the auxiliary position, a torque is applied to the central moving block (111) and the central moving block (111) rotates in the predetermined position/angle. The torque is transferred from the central moving block (111) to the detents (114) through the detent springs (113). The moving contact mechanism (M) and the first base (118) are operatively connected with the central moving block (111). The first base (118) rotates when the moving block (111) is rotated. Thus, the first cam molded into the first base (118) also rotates. The moving contact (112) with the attached spring-loaded moving rivets (115) rotates when the central moving block (111) is rotated. A rectangular slot in the moving contact (112) aids in the providing predetermined movement to the moving contact (112). The detents (114) further guides/directs the movement of the moving contact (112) such that the moving rivets (115) contact the fixed rivets (116) at predetermined position/contact point, the contact of the moving rivets (115) with the fixed rivets (116) at the position/contact point results in the supply of power to the electrical system through the terminals (119).
[0032] Further, when the key (101) is turned/ rotated from auxiliary position to start position, the central moving block (111) is further rotated at a predetermined angle. In the start position, the moving contact mechanism (M) makes contacts with the fixed contact mechanism (F) such that power is supplied for cranking the engine through the terminals (119). A momentary power supply is required for cranking of the engine after which the engine starts operating. The torsion spring (110) returns the central moving block (111) to the auxiliary position by applying the torque.
[0033] When the key (101) is turned from auxiliary position to OFF position, the central moving block (111) rotates in a predetermined angle. The second cam (122) is operationally connected to the central moving block (111) such that when the central moving block (111) rotates, the second cam (122) also rotates. The second cam (122) is designed such that when central moving block (111) rotates from the auxiliary position to the OFF position, the second cam (122) displaces the follower (121) to a predetermined position such that it causes a linear displacement of the follower (121) results in the pulling of the connecting member (or wire) attached to the follower (121). When the wire is pulled, the fuel shut-off lever is pulled resulting in the cutting-off of the fuel supply to the engine. Thereby turning off the electrical system and the shutting of the engine.
[0034] The technical advantages achieved by the embodiments disclosed herein includes easy assembly, avoids draining of battery, one switch for turning on and turning off an engine of a vehicle, reliable and inexpensive.
[0035] 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.