Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to an automobile switch. More particularly the present disclosure relates
to a high and low amperage brake and clutch push type switch in which butt with sliding type mechanism
is used.
Background
A push button is a switch which causes a temporary change in the state of an electrical circuit only
when the switch is physically actuated. An automatic mechanism such as a spring returns the
switch to its default position immediately afterwards, restoring the initial circuit condition. The
push button allows the circuit to complete in between its two contacts
(i.e. moving contact and fixed contact) when they are connected with each other. When the push
button is released, the circuit is broken.
A brake switch also known as brake light switch is connected to the brake pedal of a vehicle and
turns the brake lights on when the brake is depressed and off when the pedal is released. While
driving the brake, lights notify the people behind about the slowing down or stopping of the
vehicle.
Figure 1(a) — 1(e) illustrates the existing brake or clutch switch (100) present in the existing
switching technology. In the existing switch a spring (S) is loaded with round hollow moving
contact (M) and assembled in plunger (P) as shown is the exploded view of the existing switch
(100) in Figure 1 (c). Figure 1(d) and 1(e) illustrates the OFF and ON condition of the switch. As
shown in Figure 1 (d) there is no contact between the moving contact (M) and fixed contact (F)
and switch is in OFF condition. Figure 1 (e) shows the connection between the moving contact
(M) and fixed contact (F) when spring(S) loaded round hollow moving contact (M) slides over
fixed contact terminal (F) to make and break contact. Due to the sliding of moving contact over
the fixed contact, heat is generated in between the contacts and plunger is melted. There is also
permanent deformation of contact strip due to heat generation. The life of other components also
reduces due to hear generation.
2
The existing brake or cutch switch is not completely water proof as it is open type design. Also,
the existing switches do not meet low and high amperage current requirement. The existing switch
assembly is an open type design.
Hence, in these circumstances there is a need to develop a brake and clutch push type switch which
addresses to the above-mentioned problem and increases the life cycles of the switches so that they
can work continuously for longer period of time.
Summary
A switch assembly (1) for an automobile comprising: a housing body (2) having an open end (2a)
and a closed end (2b), the open end (2a) of the housing body (2) being covered by a rubber cap (3)
,and the closed end (2b) of the housing body (2) is provided with an opening for extending a
plunger (4)there through; the plunger (4)is disposed in the housing body (2) and is moveable in
longitudinal direction (A-A) in the housing body (2)the plunger (4)has a first end (4a)disposed
inside the housing body (2) and a second end (4b), the plunger (4)is provided with an opening in
lateral direction (B-B) for extending a moving contact (5) there through and the said moving
contact (5) is moveable with the movement of the plunger between the open end and the closed
end of the housing body (2),a spring is disposed inside the plunger having a first end and a second
end the base having an open end connected with the spring plunger and a close end; a pair of fixed
contact is disposed on the corner of the first end of the base and the second end of the plunger is
connected with the spring plunger.
Brief description of figures
Figure 1(a) — 1(e) illustrates the existing brake and clutch switch present in the conventional
switching technology.
Figure 2 (a) illustrates the switch assembly of showing all the components of the switch in
accordance with the present disclosure.
3
Figure 2 (b) illustrates the switch assembly of showing all the components of the switch in
accordance with the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 (a) and 3(b) illustrates exploded view of the present brake and clutch switch of the present
disclosure according to an embodiment and in accordance with the alternate embodiment of the
present disclosure.
Figure 4 shows the top, front view, side and back view of the switch assembly in accordance with
the present disclosure.
Figure 5 shows the top, front view, side and back view of the switch assembly in accordance with
the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 and 7 illustrates the base and plunger of the switch assembly in accordance with the
present disclosure.
Figure 8 illustrates the assembly of the plunger with base in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 9 and 10 illustrates the base and plunger of the switch assembly in accordance with the
alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 illustrates the assembly of the plunger with base in accordance with the alternate
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12 (b), 14 (a) illustrates the OFF condition of the switch assembly in accordance with the
present disclosure
Figure 12 (a), 15 (a) illustrates the ON condition of the switch assembly in accordance with the
present disclosure
4
Figure 13 (a), 14 (b) illustrates the OFF condition of the switch assembly in accordance with the
alternate embodiment of the present disclosure
Figure 13 (b), 15 (b) illustrates the ON condition of the switch assembly in accordance with the
alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 16 (a) and 17(a) shows the sectional view of the switch along the axis A-A at OFF and ON
condition in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure
Figure 16 (b) and 17(b) shows the sectional view of the switch along the axis A-A at OFF and ON
condition in accordance with the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure
Description of present disclosure
While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific
embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below.
It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the
particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the present disclosure.
It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and
can perform various modifications. However, such modifications should be construed within the
scope of the present disclosure.
Accordingly, the drawings are showing 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 benefit of the
description herein.
5
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system,
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 system or device or setup. In
other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or device proceeded by "comprises
a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional
elements in the assembly or system or apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present
disclosure. The disclosure in respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly the present disclosure discloses a switch assembly for an automobile comprising: a
housing body having an open end and a closed end, the open end of the housing body being
covered by a rubber cap, and the closed end of the housing body is provided with an opening for
extending a plunger there through; the plunger is disposed in the housing body and is moveable in
longitudinal direction (A-A) in the housing body ;the plunger has a first end disposed inside the
housing body and a second end , the plunger is provided with an opening in lateral direction (BB)
for extending a moving contact there through and the said moving contact is moveable with
the movement of the plunger between the open end and the closed end of the housing body ,a
spring is disposed inside the plunger having a first end and a second end the base having an open
end connected with the spring plunger and a close end; a pair of fixed contact is disposed on the
corner of the first end of the base and the second end of the plunger is connected with the spring
plunger.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure the switch assembly has the first end of the
housing body comprises a cavity wherein the rubber cap is positioned into it.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure the housing body comprises a cavity near the
second end of the housing body where in a protruded part of base is secured into thereby locking
the switch assembly.
6
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the first end of the plunger comprises a
cylindrical or any type of shape housing body having a rubber cap at the top, positioned into the
opening of the second end of the plunger.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure the moving contact is having a cylindrical
shape.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure the fixed contact is having a gap in between
though which the moving contact passes and touches the top portion of the fixed contact when the
connection is made.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the fixed contact is having a V groove forming
a surface wherein the moving contact is secured in the V groove when the connection is made.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure the first end of the base is having a protrusion.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure the spring is secured in between the moving
contact and the base wherein the first end of the spring is connected with the moving contact (5)
and the second end of the spring is connected with the protrusion present on the base.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the spring is secured in between the plunger and
the moving contact wherein the first end of the spring is connected with the plunger and the second
end of the spring is connected with the moving contact.
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure the housing body and the base is sealed
through ultrasonic welding or sealant or laser welding or snap lock or rubber seal or any other
method.
7
The present disclosure relates to low and high amperage brake and clutch push type switch which is
having a butt with sliding type mechanism. The present switch assembly is based on combination of
moving contact, spring and fixed contact for better quality, haptics and low cost. In the present disclosure
the moving contact area is flat and contact area is cylindrical shape. In the present switch assembly low
and high amperage brake and clutch switch is completely water proof, compact in size, and provides
same feeling as conventional switch. Haptics can also be customized as per customer requirement.
The following paragraphs describe the present switch assembly with reference to Figures 2- 17
Figure 2 (a) illustrates the switch assembly of showing all the components of the switch in
accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 2 (b) illustrates the switch assembly of showing all
the components of the switch in accordance with the alternate embodiment of the present
disclosure. Figure 3 (a) and 3(b) illustrates exploded view of the present brake and clutch switch
of the present disclosure according to an embodiment and in accordance with the alternate
embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows the top, front view, side and back view of
the switch assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 5 shows the top, front view,
side and back view of the switch assembly in accordance with the alternate embodiment of the
present disclosure. Figure 6 and 7 illustrates the base and plunger of the switch assembly in
accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 8 illustrates the assembly of the plunger with base
in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 9 and 10 illustrates the base and plunger of the
switch assembly in accordance with the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11
illustrates the assembly of the plunger with base in accordance with the alternate embodiment of
the present disclosure. Figure 12 (b), 14 (a) illustrates the OFF condition of the switch assembly
in accordance with the present disclosure Figure 12 (a), 15 (a) illustrates the ON condition of the
switch assembly in accordance with the present disclosure Figure 13 (a), 14 (b) illustrates the OFF
condition of the switch assembly in accordance with the alternate embodiment of the present
disclosure. Figure 13 (b), 15 (b) illustrates the ON condition of the switch assembly in accordance
with the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 (a) and 17(a) shows the
sectional view of the switch along the axis A-A at OFF and ON condition in accordance with the
embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 (b) and 17(b) shows the sectional view of the
switch along the axis A-A at OFF and ON condition in accordance with the alternate embodiment
of the present disclosure
8
As shown in Figures 2-17 the switch assembly for automobile (1) comprising a housing body(2),
a cap (3), a plunger(4), a moving contact (5), a spring(6), a base (7), a spring plunger(9), a fixed
contact(8).
The housing body (2) of the switch assembly for vehicle (1) acts as a housing for accommodating
components of the switch. The housing body (2) is of a generally cylindrical shape structure or
any other structure having an open end (2a) and a closed end (2b). The open end (2a) of the housing
body (2) being covered by a cap (3). The cap (3) is a protective cover which also restricts entry of
any dust or water in the switch that can hamper its function. In the embodiment of the present
disclosure the cap (3) is made up of rubber. Alternatively, the cap is made up of any suitable
material. The closed end (2b) of the housing body (2) is provided with an opening for extending a
plunger (4) there through. The housing body (2) also comprises of a cavity (10) in which a
protruded part of the base (7) in secured in and thereby locking the switch assembly (1). The
housing body (2) and the base (7) is sealed through ultrasonic welding or sealant or laser welding
or snap lock or rubber seal or any other method.
The plunger (4) is disposed in the housing body (2) and is moveable in longitudinal direction (AA)
in the housing body (2). The plunger (4) has a first end (4a) disposed inside the housing body
(2) and a second end (4b). The first end (4a) of the plunger (4) is having a cylindrical structure
with a knob (13) at the top of the first end of the plunger. The knob transmits the actuating force
applied on the switch to all the other components. The plunger (4) is also provided with an opening
in lateral direction (B-B) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (A-A) for extending a moving
contact (5) there through. The moving contact is secured inside the plunger is such a manner that
the ends of the moving contacts are extended outwards from the plunger (4). The moving contact
(5) is having a cylindrical shape and is moveable with the movement of the plunger between the
open end (2a) and the closed end (2b) of the housing body (2). The moving contact (5) is mounted
inside the plunger (4) under a force of a spring
A spring (6) is disposed inside the plunger (4) having a first end (6a) and a second end (6b). The
first end (6a) of the spring (6) is connected with the moving contact (5) and the second end (6b) is
9
connected with an extended protrusion present on the base(7). The moving contact (5) moves back
and forth parallel to the longitudinal axis (A-A) under the movement of the spring. In an alternate
embodiment of the present disclosure as disclosed in figure 3(b) ,10 and 16 (b) the first end (6a)
of the spring is connected with the plunger (4) and the second end (6b) of the spring is connected
with the moving contact.
The base (7) of the switch is assembled with the housing body (2) forming a complete assembly
of the switch. The base is having an open end (7a) and a close end (7b). The open end of the base
is connected with the spring plunger (9). The plunger moves back and forth parallel to the
longitudinal axis (A-A) under the movement of the spring plunger. The pair of fixed contact is
disposed on the corner of the first end of the base. The fixed contact is insert molded (press fit or
snap fit) in base. The close end of the base is closed and does not allow any foreign particle to
enter the switch assembly. The protruded part of the base is positioned near the close end of the
base and is secured in the cavity present in the housing body (2) . The first end of the base is
having the extended protrusion and the second end of the spring is connected with the extended
protrusion.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the fixed contact of the switch assembly is having a
rectangular shape with circular corners. As it is clearly understood that the circuit is completed
only when the moving contact touches the fixed contact A gap/cavity in present in the fixed contact
through which the moving contact passes through and touches the top end of the fixed contact
when the connection is made in between the moving contact and fixed contact. In an alternate
embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed contact is having a pair of V grooves (16) forming
a surface wherein the moving contact is secured in when the connection is made in between the
moving contact and fixed contact.
Figures 12 , 14 (a) ,15(a) 16 (a) and 17 (a) illustrates the movement of the plunger and the moving
contact at ON and OFF position.. Referring to figures the moving contact (6) is moveable between
ON and OFF positions. The movement of the moving contact (6) is effected by the plunger (5). As
explained in the previous paragraphs, the first end of the plunger (5) projects exterior to the housing
body (2) and available for the application of actuation force. When a lever of the vehicle is pressed,
10
an actuating force (F) is applied on the first end of the plunger (5) in the moves the first end of the
plunger towards the cap and away from the base. In this position, the moving-contact lies away
from the fixed contact) defining the OFF position of the switch. It can be clearly understood, the
switch remain in OFF position when there is no connection between the fixed contact (4) and the
moving contact (6).
When the lever is pressed , the actuation force is applied on the first end of the plunger (5) which
causes the spring to expand resulting in the releasing of the applied force and spring expands. The
expansion of spring (7) results in movement of the first end of the plunger (5) and the moving
contact (6) towards the fixed contact (4) from the OFF position (as shown in Figure 8(c)) resulting
in making of contact between the fixed contact (4) and the moving contact (6) (defining the ON
position) thereby closing the circuit to activate the tail lamp.
Initially the spring plunger and the spring is in compressed position and when an external actuation
force is applied the spring plunger and spring expands. The expansion of spring and spring plunger
moves the plunger and moving contact in vertical direction, parallel to the longitudinal direction
and away from the base. Due to the movement of the moving contact in upward direction, the
moving contact touches the top end portion of the fixed contact
Figures 13,14 (b),15(b),16(b) and 17(b) illustrates the movement of the plunger in accordance with
the alternate embodiment. In this alternate embodiment, initially the spring and spring plunger in
is expand position. When an actuation force is applied on the first end of the plunger, the spring
and spring plunger are compressed and due to which the moving contact is travels downwards,
parallel to the longitudinal axis, towards the base and away from the cap. At ON Condition the
moving contact touches the V groove of the fixed contact and the circuit is completed.
The advantage of the present disclosure is to reduce the heat generation due to butt with sliding
type of design. One more advantage of the present disclosure is to increase the life cycle of the
brake and clutch switch assembly. Another advantage of the present disclosure is to design
completely water proof switch. Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to meet Low
and high ampere switch requirement.
1 1
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 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.
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.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or
group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or
group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or
ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or
more of the desired objects or results.
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
12
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.
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.
REFERRAL NUMERALS
Reference Number Description
(100) Existing brake and clutch switch
(B) Body of existing brake and clutch switch
(P) Plunger of existing brake and clutch switch
(M) Moving contact of existing brake and clutch switch
(S) Spring of existing brake and clutch switch
(F) Fixed contact of existing brake and clutch switch
(BA) Base of existing brake and clutch switch
(1) Brake and clutch switch assembly
(2) Housing body
(2a) Open End of Housing body
(2b) Closed end of Housing body
13
(3 ) Cap
(4) Plunger
(4a) First End of Plunger
(4b) Second End of Plunger
(5 ) Moving Contact
(6) Spring
(6a) First End of Spring
(6b) Second End of Spring
(7) Base
(7a) Open end of Base
(7b) Close end of Base
(8 Fixed Contact
(9) Spring Plunger
(10) Cavity on Housing body
(11) Protruded Part on base
(12) Cylindrical shape of Plunger
(13) Knob
(14) Gap
(15) Top portion of fixed contact
(16) V groove of fixed contact
(17) A protrusion on base

We claim:
1. A switch assembly (1) for an automobile comprising:
a housing body (2) having an open end (2a) and a closed end (2b), the open end
(2a) of the housing body (2) being covered by a cap (3) , and the closed end (2b) of the
housing body (2) is provided with an opening for extending a plunger (4) there through;
the plunger (4) is disposed in the housing body (2) and is moveable in longitudinal
direction (A-A) in the housing body (2);
the plunger (4) has a first end (4a) disposed inside the housing body (2) and a second
end (4b), the plunger (4) is provided with an opening in lateral direction (B-B) for
extending a moving contact (5) there through and the said moving contact (5) is moveable
with the movement of the plunger between the open end and the closed end of the housing
body (2),
a spring (6) is disposed inside the plunger having a first end (6a) and a second end
(6b)
the base (7) having an open end (7a) connected with the spring plunger (9) and a
close end (7b) ; a pair of fixed contact (8) is disposed on the corner of the open end (7a) of
the base (7) and the second end (4b) of the plunger (4) is connected with the spring
plunger(9).
2. The switch assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the open end (2a) of the housing
body (2) comprises a cavity (10) wherein the cap (3) is positioned into it.
3. The switch assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing body (2) comprises a
cavity near the second end (2b) of the housing body (2) where in a protruded part (11) of
base (7) is secured into thereby locking the switch assembly (1).
4. The switch assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first end (4a) of the plunger (4)
is having a cylindrical shape (12) or any type of shape, having a knob (13) at the top,
positioned into the opening of the second end of the plunger.
15
5. The switch assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the moving contact (5) is having a
cylindrical shape.
6. The switch assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixed contact (8) is having a
gap (14) in between though which the moving contact (5) passes and touches the top
portion (15) of the fixed contact (8) when the connection is made.
7. The switch assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixed contact (8) is having a V
groove (16) forming a surface wherein the moving contact (5) is secured in the V groove
(16) when the connection is made.
8. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein open end (7a) of the base (7) is having
a protrusion (17).
9. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spring (6) is secured in between
the moving contact (5) and the base (7) wherein the first end of the spring (6a) is connected
with the moving contact (5) and the second end (6b) of the spring is connected with the
protrusion present (17) on the base(7).
10. The switch assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spring (6) is secured in between
the plunger (4) and the moving contact (5) wherein the first end (6a) of the spring is
connected with the plunger (4) and the second end of the spring (6b) is connected with the
moving contact (5).
11. The switch assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing body (2) and the base (7)
is sealed through ultrasonic welding or sealant or laser welding or snap lock or rubber seal
or any other method.