Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An assembly (200) for operating a mechanical switch (20) having a spring-loaded plunger (22) movable about a housing (24), the assembly (200) comprising:
a base plate (210);
a first movable plate (220) pivotally mounted on the base plate (210); and
a second movable plate (230) pivotally mounted on the base plate (210), the second movable plate (230) having the mechanical switch (20) mounted thereon with the spring loaded plunger (22) disposed between the first movable plate (220) and the second movable plate (230), the second movable plate (230) spaced apart from the first movable plate (220) such that the spring loaded plunger (22) depresses causing the mechanical switch (20) to activate, the first movable plate (220) or the second movable plate (230) movable via a lever (30) extending between the first movable plate (220) and the second movable plate (230) allowing the spring loaded plunger to extend from the housing causing the switch (20) to deactivate.

2. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein a tension spring (240) is provided between the first movable plate (220) and the second movable plate (230).

3. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein a fixed plate is provided on the base plate and positioned between the first movable plate (220) and the second movable plate (230).

4. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (200) is adapted to a lever (40) for operating a PTO unit of a vehicle.

5. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanical switch (20) is connected to an indicator.

, Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION
An assembly for operating a mechanical switch.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The invention generally relates to an assembly for operating a mechanical switch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Various types of levers are used to control operation of machines or engines. Typically, such levers are movable in different positions, and each position corresponds to a particular mode of operation of the machine or engine, which is pre-set.
[003] Figure 1 shows a lever 110 for operating a power take off (PTO) unit of a vehicle. As is known, PTO unit is provided on vehicles for transferring power from the engine to auxiliary implements. The PTO unit is typically operable in an economy mode, a standard mode and a neutral mode. The lever 110 enables an operator to set the PTO unit in any of aforementioned modes. However, it is critical for the operator to be aware of position of the lever 110 to understand mode of operation of the PTO unit. From a safety perspective, before engine is started, the PTO unit should be in disengaged position i.e. the lever 110 for operating the PTO unit should be in neutral position. This is because it is important to identify when the PTO unit is taking power from the engine and powering an implement, as the vehicle cannot be moved at such a time. Attempting to drive a vehicle while the PTO is engaged damages the engine, and there needs to be a signal to indicate to the driver/ operator of the vehicle whether the PTO is engaged or not.
[004] Accordingly, an assembly adapted to the lever 110 is shown in figure 1 to provide feedback regarding the PTO unit being in disengaged position. The assembly comprises two mechanical switches – a first mechanical switch 120A and a second mechanical switch 120B; two actuation plates – a first actuation plate 130A and a second actuation plate 130B; a control unit and an indicator. Each mechanical switch comprises a spring-loaded plunger which is movable about a housing. The spring-loaded plunger when depressed causes the mechanical switch to activate, and the spring-loaded plunger when released causes the mechanical switch to deactivate. As shown, the first switch 120A is mounted on a horizontally oriented plate, and the second switch 120B is mounted on a vertically oriented plate. Further, the first actuation plate 130A and the second actuation plate 130B is mounted on a pivot P of the lever whereby the first actuation plate 130A is parallel with the horizontally oriented plate and the second actuation plate 130B is parallel with the vertically oriented plate. Accordingly, when the lever 110 is moved, the actuation plate comes in contact with the switches 120A, 120B, mounted on the horizontally or vertically oriented plate, activating/deactivating the switches 120A, 120B by interacting with the respective spring-loaded plunger of the switches. The first mechanical switch 120A and the second mechanical switch 120B are further connected with the control unit which is configured to provide a control signal to the indicator. In this regard, when both the switches are deactivated, the control unit is configured to provide a control signal to switch ON the indicator. However, when one of the switches is activated, the control unit is configured to provide a control signal to switch OFF the indicator. The indicator thus remains ON when both the switches are deactivated i.e. when the lever of the PTO unit is in neutral position. The aforementioned assembly requires multiple switches and a control unit to indicate position of the lever. The assembly is complicated and expensive. Further, each switch is susceptible to wear and tear and needs to be replaced over time, and each switch requires servicing, and maintenance.
[005] In view of the above, there is a need in the art to address at least aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] Accordingly, the present invention provides an assembly for operating a mechanical switch having a spring-loaded plunger movable about a housing. The assembly comprises a base plate, a first movable plate, and a second movable plate. The first movable plate is pivotally mounted on the base plate. The second movable plate is pivotally mounted on the base plate. The second movable plate has the mechanical switch mounted thereon with the spring-loaded plunger disposed between the first movable plate and the second movable plate. The second movable plate is spaced apart from the first movable plate such that the spring-loaded plunger depresses causing the mechanical switch to activate. The first movable plate or the second movable plate is movable via a lever extending between the first movable plate and the second movable plate allowing the spring-loaded plunger to extend from the housing causing the switch to deactivate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[007] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 shows an illustrative representation of an assembly adapted to a lever for operating a PTO unit of a vehicle as per prior-art.
Figure 2 shows an assembly for operating a mechanical switch according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows the assembly adapted to a lever according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 shows an illustrative representation of the assembly adapted to a lever for operating a PTO unit of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[008] The present invention is directed to an assembly for operating a mechanical switch whereby the assembly activates or deactivates the mechanical switch depending upon position of a lever to which the assembly is adapted. The switch on being operated activates/deactivates an indicator so as to indicate position of the lever.
[009] Figure 2 shows an assembly 200 for operating a mechanical switch 20. The mechanical switch 20 comprises of a spring-loaded plunger 22 which is movable about a housing 24. The spring-loaded plunger 22 depresses or extends from the housing 24 depending upon external factors acting on the spring-loaded plunger 22. The spring-loaded plunger 22 when depressed causes the mechanical switch 20 to activate, and the spring-loaded plunger 22 when extended causes the mechanical switch 20 to deactivate.
[010] The assembly 200 comprises of a base plate 210, a first movable plate 220 and a second movable plate 230. The first movable plate 220 is pivotally mounted on the base plate 210 about a first pivot 222. The second movable plate 230 is pivotally mounted on the base plate 210 about a second pivot 232. As shown in the figure, the mechanical switch 20 is mounted on the second movable plate 230 with the spring-loaded plunger 22 disposed between the first movable plate 220 and the second movable plate 230. The mechanical switch 20 is mounted via a fastener to the second movable plate 230 and second movable plate 230 has an opening through which the spring-loaded plunger passes 22. In an embodiment, the second movable plate 230 is spaced apart from the first movable plate 220 such that the spring-loaded plunger 22 depresses causing the mechanical switch 20 to activate. As discussed hereinbefore, each of the first movable plate 220 and the second movable plate 230 is pivotally movable, and as either of the first movable plate 220 or the second movable plate 230 is moved, the spring-loaded plunger 22 extends out of the housing 24 causing the mechanical switch 20 to deactivate.
[011] Further, a tension spring 240 may be provided between the first movable plate 220 and the second movable plate 230 interconnecting the first movable plate 220 and the second movable plate 230. The tension spring 240 ensures the first movable plate 220 and the second movable plate 230 are in proximity to each other such that the switch 20 remains actuated until the first movable plate 220 or the second movable plate 230 is moved away. Further, a fixed plate is provided on the base plate 210 and positioned between the first movable plate 220 and the second movable plate 230, whereby the fixed plate acts as a stopper between the first movable plate 220 and second movable plate 230 preventing the first movable plate and the second movable plate from moving inwards.
[012] Figure 3 shows the assembly 200 adapted to a lever 30, whereby the first movable plate 220 and the second movable plate 230 is movable by the lever 30. The lever 30 is pivotally mounted about a pivot P. The base plate 210 is mounted on an adjacent surface such as a housing body via fasteners. The first movable plate 220 and the second movable plate 230 are pivotally mounted to the base plate via the first pivot 222 and the second pivot 232 such that the lever is positioned between the first movable plate 220 and the second movable plate 230 as shown in figure 3. Accordingly, by moving the lever 30 in a forward direction or a rearward direction, the movable plates 220, 230 can be moved away from each other causing the switch 20 to deactivate. The switch 20 can be electrically connected to an indicator such as a light to indicate position of the lever 30. In this regard, the indicator will turn ON/give a signal when the switch 20 is activated, and when the lever 30 is moved, the indicator will not give any signal.
[013] As an example, the assembly 200 for actuating the switch 20 can be adapted to a lever for operating a PTO unit of a vehicle. The PTO unit is generally configured to operate in at least three modes – a neutral mode, a standard mode and an economy mode. Figure 4 shows the assembly 200 of the present invention adapted to a lever 40 of the PTO unit. The lever 40 is movable about a pivot P to a forward position, a rearward position and a central position. For standard mode, the lever 40 is moved in a forward position, for normal mode, the lever 40 is moved in a rearward position, and for neutral mode the lever 40 is moved to central position. Accordingly, the lever 40 is movable in three positions.
[014] As shown in figure 4, the assembly 200 is provided adjacent to the pivot P of the lever 40, and the switch 20 is electrically connected to an indicator (not shown) provided on a vehicle dashboard. Accordingly, depending upon position of the lever 40, the assembly 200 will activate the switch 20. Activation of the switch 20 will cause the indicator to turn ON/give a signal which is indicative of the position of the lever 40. Movement of the lever 40 in the forward position or the rearward position will cause the first movable plate 220 or the second movable plate 230 to move allowing the spring-loaded plunger 22 of the switch 20 to move out of the housing. Accordingly, when the lever 40 is moved, the switch 20 is deactivated and the indicator will not give any signal. However, when the lever 40 is in central position, the second movable plate 230 is spaced apart from the first movable plate 220 such that the spring-loaded plunger 24 of the switch 20 depresses causing the switch 20 to activate. Activation of the switch 20 causes the indicator to give a signal/turn ON the indicator which is indicative of the lever 40 being in the neutral position. The assembly thus provides an indication to operators of vehicles that engine is not in PTO mode (whether standard or economy) by using only one switch 20. Advantageously, the assembly of the present invention thus requires only one switch to indicate position of the lever. The assembly is thus simple and economical in terms of cost and servicing and maintenance.
[015] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.